Polyethylene Glycol Preparation Research Articles

Computer-Aided Site-Specific PEGylation of PET Hydrolases for Enhanced PET Degradation.

The enormous accumulation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste has posed a serious threat to the environment and human health, and biodegradation with PET hydrolase (PETase) can be a possible solution. Herein, we propose site-specifically modifying PETase with amphiphilic polymers to improve the enzyme performance at ambient temperature. For this purpose, we devise a computer-aided strategy to prioritize the conjugation site, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparations of 0.55 to 10 kDa are site-specifically conjugated to PETase. The most active conjugate PETase-PEG 5k (PETase-5K) shows an increase of melting temperature (3.88 °C) and significantly improves PET degradation performance (3.5- and 3.1-fold increases at 30 and 40 °C, respectively). Experimental investigation and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the site-specific PEGylation increases the hydrophobic solvent-accessible surface area and the binding capability to the PET surface, thickens the hydration layer, increases the intramolecular hydrogen bonding, reduces the interactions between water and the conjugated enzyme surface, and rigidifies the enzyme structure via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between the polymer and the enzyme, thus leading to improved enzymatic performance of PETase-5K. We further validate the versatility of the site-specific PEGylation in one of the most evolved variants of PETase, FAST-PETase, by 1.8-fold improvement in PET degradation at 30 °C. The presented computer-aided site-specific conjugation strategy has opened a new avenue to enhancing PETase performance at ambient temperature, and the contribution of PEGylation to PETase unraveled in this work laid a foundation for the rational engineering of PET hydrolases.

Sennoside A+B Is as Effective as Polyethylene Glycol in Preparation for Small Intestine Capsule Endoscopy.

We aimed to compare the effectiveness of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sennoside A+B regimens after clear fluid diet and fasting in bowel preperation of capsule endoscopy. In this retrospective single-center study, patients who were consecutively examined with small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) between May 2010 and March 2023 were evaluated. Patients who underwent PEG 4 L and sennoside A+B calcium 250 mL for small bowel preparation were assigned. The quality of the small bowel cleaning and the diagnostic yield in detecting of small bowel lesions were compared. Two hundred forty-two patients who underwent SBCE for various indications (PEG 74.4%, sennoside A+B 25.6%) were included in the study. The mean proximal small bowel cleaning scores was 1.97 ± 0.77 for PEG and 1.98 ± 0.04 (P = .83) for sennoside A+B; the mid small bowel cleaning scores was 1.76 ± 0.84 for PEG and 1.59 ± 0.05 (P = .108) for sennoside A+B; the mean distal small bowel cleaning scores was 1.27 ± 0.08 for PEG and 1.3 ± 0.54 (P = .805) for sennoside A+B; and the total small bowel cleaning scores was 1.66 ± 0.06 and 1.62 ± 0.04 (P = .622) for PEG and sennoside A+B, respectively. There were no significant differences regarding small bowel cleaning scores both segmentally and totally. At the same time, the diagnostic value of SBCE was similar in both groups. The effectiveness of sennoside A+B in SBCE preparation is similar to that of PEG and can be used in intestinal cleansing.

Efficacy and safety of a new low-volume PEG with citrate and simethicone bowel preparation for pediatric elective colonoscopy: Phase 3 RCT.

Background and study aims Currently available polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based preparations continue to represent a challenge in children. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a new low-volume PEG preparation with a conventional PEG-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) in children and adolescents. Patients and methods This was a multicenter, randomized, observer-blind, parallel-group, phase 3 clinical trial, where patients were randomized between PMF104 (Clensia) and a conventional PEG-ES (Klean-Prep), and stratified by age stratum (2 to <6; 6 to < 12;12 to <18 years). The primary endpoint was to test the non-inferiority of PMF104 versus PEG-ES, in terms of colon cleansing. Safety, tolerability, acceptability, palatability, and compliance were also assessed. Efficacy endpoints were analyzed in the per protocol set (PPS) and full analysis set (FAS) and safety and tolerability endpoints in the safety set (SAF). Results Of the 356 patients enrolled, 258 were included in the PPS, 346 in the FAS, and 351 in the SAF. Non-inferiority of PMF104 was confirmed for children aged > 6 years and for all age groups in PPS and FAS, respectively. Optimal compliance was reported more frequently in the PMF104 than in the PEG-ES group, in both PPS (86.1% vs. 68.4%) and FAS (82.9% vs. 65.3%). Both preparations were equally safe and tolerable. Palatability and acceptability were considered better in the PMF104 group than in the PEG-ES group (27.1% vs. 15.3% and 15.3% vs. 3.5%, respectively). Conclusions In children aged 6 to 17 years, the new low-volume product PMF104 is non-inferior to the reference PEG-ES in terms of bowel cleansing, safety, and tolerability, with slightly better results in compliance, palatability, and acceptability.

Black phosphorus nanosheets as therapeutic “garbage trucks” for the selective clearance of peripheral phosphorylated Tau proteins in Alzheimer’s disease

The onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely related to the accumulation of phosphorylated Tau proteins (P-Tau). However, due to the hindrance posed by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), current therapies targeting brain-derived P-Tau are largely ineffective. Interestingly, the clearance of peripheral P-Tau can eliminate P-Tau from the brain, enabling AD treatment and overcoming the challenges created by the BBB. Here, we prepared polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified black phosphorus nanosheets (BP-PEG), which showed extended systemic circulation and acted as efficient “garbage trucks” for the removal of peripheral P-Tau. BP-PEG exhibited an exceptional capacity to bind to P-Tau in vitro. Further, in vivo biodistribution analysis demonstrated that BP-PEG accumulated in the liver and kidneys, which are the same organs that metabolize P-Tau. In vivo studies revealed that in okadaic acid (OA)-induced mouse models of AD, BP-PEG significantly reduced the levels of P-Tau in both the peripheral blood and the brain. Moreover, by promoting the clearance of peripheral P-Tau, BP-PEG improved several health indicators in mice, including cognitive function, glucose metabolism in the brain, inflammatory markers in the plasma and hippocampus, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial and myelin morphology. In conclusion, this study provides a new strategy for AD treatment, demonstrating the therapeutic value of removing P-Tau from the peripheral blood, and it also represents a novel attempt for the application of BP-PEG in AD therapy.

Multifunctional, Degradable Wearable Sensors Prepared with an Initiator and Crosslinker-Free Method.

The present zwitterionic hydrogel-based wearable sensor exhibits various limitations, such as limited degradation capacity, unavoidable toxicity resulting from initiators, and poor mechanical properties that cannot satisfy practical demands. Herein, we present an initiator and crosslinker-free approach to prepare polyethylene glycol (PEG)@poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) (PSBMA) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels that are self-polymerized via sunlight-induced and non-covalent crosslinking through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding among polymer chains. The PEG@PSBMA IPN hydrogel possesses tissue-like softness, superior stretchability (∼2344.6% elongation), enhanced fracture strength (∼39.5 kPa), excellent biocompatibility, antibacterial property, reliable adhesion, and ionic conductivity. Furthermore, the sensor based on the IPN hydrogel demonstrates good sensitivity and cyclic stability, enabling effective real-time monitoring of human body activities. Moreover, it is worth noting that the excellent degradability in the saline solution within 8 h makes the prepared hydrogel-based wearable sensor free from the electronic device contamination. We believe that the proposed strategy for preparing physical zwitterionic hydrogels will pave the way for fabricating eco-friendly wearable devices.

Effectiveness and safety of a 1L polyethylene glycol and ascorbic acid preparation for colonoscopy in routine clinical practice in Spain.

Large clinical trials and small real-world studies show that a 1L polyethylene glycol and ascorbic acid solution (1L PEG-ASC) is an effective and safe bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Here, the effectiveness and safety of 1L PEG-ASC was evaluated in a large cohort of patients in routine clinical practice in Spain. A sub-analysis was performed in an observational, multicenter, retrospective study assessing the effectiveness and safety of 1L PEG-ASC in adult patients undergoing a colonoscopy at 10 centers in Spain. Cleansing quality was assessed with the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, scores ≥6 with all segmental scores ≥2 was considered adequate colon cleansing, high-quality was considered as cleansing ≥8 or =3 in the right colon. Polyp and adenoma detection rates, and adverse events were also assessed. Data was collected from 7160 patients: 48.3% males; mean age 58.0, 33.6% ≥65 years old. Adequate overall bowel cleansing was achieved in 95.6% of patients (95% CI 95.1%-96.0%), high quality cleansing in 74.4% (95% CI 73.4%-75.4%) and high-quality right colon cleansing in 66.0% (95% CI 64.9-67.1). The adequate overall cleansing rate was 97.0% with a split-dose and 94.0% with same-day regimen (P<0.0001), and high-quality right colon cleansing was 69.0% and 62.5% (P<0.0001), respectively. Colonoscopy was completed in 97.2% of cases. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that an overnight split-dose regimen and age <65 years were independent predictors of adequate bowel cleansing of the overall colon, age <65 years and female gender were independent predictors of HQ cleansing of the overall colon, and the three covariates were independent predictors of HQ cleansing of the right colon. At least one adverse event was experienced by 3.3% of participants, with nausea (1.5%) and vomiting (1.2%) being the most frequent. This sub-analysis confirmed 1L PEG-ASC to be an effective and safe bowel cleansing preparation in a real world setting in Spain.

Evaluation and treatment of constipation in pregnancy:Examination using the Japanese version of the constipation evaluation scale.

No study has examined the effects of new constipation treatment drugs released in recent years in pregnant women. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine and compare the perinatal prognosis, efficacy rate, and safety of drugs frequently used to treat constipation. The study included 211 perinatally managed individuals who answered a self-administered questionnaire during the second trimester and after delivery. The Japanese version of the constipation evaluation scale (Constipation Assessment Scale [CAS] long-term [LT] version) was used for the subjective evaluation of defecation status. Participants aware of constipation had significantly higher CAS scores than those who were unaware. Some participants with a CAS score of 5 points (treatment range) had no subjective symptoms of constipation, whereas some participants with a CAS score of ≤ 5 points were aware of constipation. Regarding the time of onset, 60% of those who had constipation before pregnancy had a high rate of constipation during pregnancy and after delivery. No significant difference was noted in conventional magnesium oxide and polyethylene glycol, a relatively new daily treatment drug, in perinatal prognosis or side effects. Polyethylene glycol preparations alleviate constipation without inducing diarrhea, making them an appropriate therapeutic option for pregnant women.

Effectiveness and safety of 1-L PEG-ASC versus other bowel preparations for colonoscopy: A meta-analysis of nine randomized clinical trials.

A 1-L polyethylene glycol plus ascorbate (PEG-ASC) preparation has been recently developed to improve patients' experience in colonoscopy. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 1-L PEG-ASC compared with those of other bowel preparations for colonoscopy. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials comparing 1-L PEG-ASC with other bowel preparations published through July 2022. A random-effects model was applied for pooling the results; heterogeneity was expressed as I2. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The analysis showed significantly higher cleansing success (CS) (OR=1.50; 95% CI=1.25-1.81; p<0.01, I2=0%) and right-colon high-quality cleansing (HQC) (OR=1.67; 95% CI=1.21-2.31; p<0.01, I2=43%) with 1-L PEG-ASC compared to the other preparations. The pooled estimate of the adenoma detection rate (ADR) did not significantly differ between the two groups either in the overall (OR=1.02; 95% CI=0.87-1.20; p=0.79, I2=0%) or split-dosing regimen subgroup analysis (OR=0.99; 95% CI=0.84-1.18; p=0.94, I2=0%). A significantly higher pooled estimate of the number of patients with adverse events (AEs) (OR=1.51; 95% CI=1.23-1.84; p<0.01, I2=0%) and incidence of AEs (IRR=1.33; 95% CI=1.11-1.58; p<0.01, I2=71%) was observed with 1-L PEG-ASC than with the other preparations. No serious AEs or deaths occurred. Compared to other preparations, 1-L PEG-ASC yielded higher overall CS, higher right-colon HQC rates, and similar ADR. The number of patients with AEs and incidence of the total AEs were significantly higher with 1-L PEG-ASC in the absence of serious AEs.

2L polyethylene glycol combined with castor oil versus 4L polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before colonoscopy among inpatients.

Inpatients are more likely to have inadequate bowel preparation compared to outpatients. Although experts recommend 4L split polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparation, bowel preparation with castor oil (CaO) was recently found to reduce the volume of solution required. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cleansing effect and safety of 2L-PEG with Cao in bowel preparation among inpatients. Our study retrospectively analyzed the medical records and colonoscopy reports of inpatients (n = 1251) who underwent colonoscopy in the Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and the inpatients were divided into 2L-PEG-CaO and 4L-PEG group according to different bowel preparation protocols. Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) is used to assess bowel preparation efficacy before colonoscopy. Furthermore, we also calculated other outcomes, such as polyp or adenoma detection rates and adverse events. A total of 1251 patients undergoing colonoscopy were included in this study, 738 were taken 4L-PEG and 513 2L-PEG-CaO. Both inpatients groups were matched for baseline characteristics. The 2L-PEG-CaO group was significantly higher than the 4L-PEG group on both BBPS (7.26 ± 1.75 vs 7.06 ± 1.58, P = .043) and adequate bowel cleansing rates (83.2% vs 77.4%, P = .011). Regarding adverse events, the 4L-PEG group was significantly higher than the 2L-PEG-CaO group on the incidence of abdominal fullness (6.4% vs 9.6%, P = .045) and adverse events (33.7% vs 28.5%, P = .048). The 2L split PEG with CaO preparation increased quality of bowel cleansing and improved tolerance in inpatients. Bowel preparation with 2L-PEG-CaO is suitable alternative to traditional 4L split PEG bowel preparation for colonoscopy of inpatients.

Factors affecting the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy in hard-to-prepare patients: Evidence from the literature

Adequate bowel cleansing is critical for a high-quality colonoscopy because it affects diagnostic accuracy and adenoma detection. Nevertheless, almost a quarter of procedures are still carried out with suboptimal preparation, resulting in longer procedure times, higher risk of complications, and higher likelihood of missing lesions. Current guidelines recommend high-volume or low-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG)/non-PEG-based split-dose regimens. In patients who have had insufficient bowel cleansing, the colonoscopy should be repeated the same day or the next day with additional bowel cleansing as a salvage option. A strategy that includes a prolonged low-fiber diet, a split preparation regimen, and a colonoscopy within 5 h of the end of preparation may increase cleansing success rates in the elderly. Furthermore, even though no specific product is specifically recommended in the other cases for difficult-to-prepare patients, clinical evidence suggests that 1-L PEG plus ascorbic acid preparation are associated with higher cleansing success in hospitalized and inflammatory bowel disease patients. Patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) should be prepared with isotonic high volume PEG solutions. Few data on cirrhotic patients are currently available, and no trials have been conducted in this population. An accurate characterization of procedural and patient variables may lead to a more personalized approach to bowel preparation, especially in patients undergoing resection of left colon lesions, where intestinal preparation has a poor outcome. The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence on the risk factors influencing the quality of bowel cleansing in difficult-to-prepare patients, as well as strategies to improve colonoscopy preparation in these patients.

Removal of various aqueous heavy metals by polyethylene glycol modified MgAl-LDH: Adsorption mechanisms and vital role of precipitation

The adsorption mechanisms of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for aqueous heavy metals have been studied extensively, but few prior quantitative investigations of each mechanism were conducted. In this work, we prepared polyethylene glycol modified MgAl-LDH with molecular weight of 200 and 4000 (LDH-200 and LDH-4000) to investigate the adsorption mechanisms for Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) qualitatively and quantitatively. The interaction mechanisms were conducted by a number of characterization methods and quantitatively analyzed by a series of extraction procedures. The results indicated that the leading mechanisms of LDH-200 and LDH-4000 for Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) were precipitation with contributions of 44.20%-72.12%. The percentages of complexation, isomorphous substitution, and electrostatic attraction to the total adsorption amounts were 12.43%-37.89%, 6.35%-18.81%, and < 3.5%, respectively. For MgAl-LDH, the precipitation and complexation mechanisms accounted for 28.68%-52.71% and 18.12%-66.13%. After polyethylene glycol modification, the contributions of precipitation increased and the complexation decreased. The material characterizations and quantitative analyses of adsorption mechanisms provide theoretical guidance and foundation to further understand the interfacial sorption process, which is conducive to a deeper understanding of the removal mechanism of heavy metals.

Abstract IA019: Clinical trials of GUCY2C (GCC) agonists for colorectal cancer prevention

Abstract Guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C), expressed on intestinal epithelial cells, is the receptor for heat-stable enterotoxins (STs) produced by diarrheagenic bacteria. Fluid secretion reflects ST activation of GUCY2C, which produces cyclic (c)GMP activating ion channels. Beyond toxins, GUCY2C binds uroguanylin in small intestine and guanylin in colorectum, which also stimulate secretion. This mechanism is the basis for the oral agonists linaclotide (ST analog) and plecanatide (uroguanylin analog) to treat constipation. Guanylin is the most commonly lost gene product, while GUCY2C expression is retained, in colorectal tumors. Eliminating GUCY2C promotes tumor formation, while oral GUCY2C agonists or transgenic guanylin reduce intestinal tumors, in mice. These data support a hypothesis in which loss of guanylin silencing GUCY2C is a key step in intestinal transformation which can be prevented by oral GUCY2C agonists. However, GUCY2C agonists are formulated for duodenal activity, without bioavailability in the colorectum. Here, we explored whether this pharmacokinetic (PK) barrier could be abrogated with high doses (HD) of linaclotide. Indeed, HD linaclotide induced a cGMP response in mucosal biopsies obtained by colonoscopy following oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparation. This cGMP response was validated by VASP phosphorylation and suppression of crypt proliferation. Similarly, HD linaclotide induced cGMP in colon biopsies obtained by sigmoidoscopy following oral PEG. However, HD linaclotide failed to induce cGMP in colon biopsies obtained by sigmoidoscopy i n the absence of oral PEG . Thus, oral PEG abrogated the PK barrier, delivering linaclotide to the colorectum. Unfortunately, dolcanatide, a proteolysis-resistant analog of plecanatide, also failed to overcome the colorectal PK barrier, although it produced duodenal secretion and diarrhea. Thus, guanylin loss silencing GUCY2C appears to be a key step in intestinal transformation. Preclinical models suggest that oral GUCY2C agonists stimulate GUCY2C signaling, opposing tumorigenesis. However, translation of these observations appears to be constrained by a PK barrier, reflecting agonists formulated for duodenal activity, without colorectal bioavailability. Exploiting GUCY2C for chemoprevention awaits agonists formulated for the colorectum. We are exploring the ability of GUCY2C agonists to activate cGMP in duodenum (within the PK barrier), as a prelude to trials in patients with FAP at risk for duodenal tumors. Citation Format: Scott A. Waldman. Clinical trials of GUCY2C (GCC) agonists for colorectal cancer prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second Biennial NCI Meeting: Translational Advances in Cancer Prevention Agent Development (TACPAD); 2022 Sep 7-9. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2022;15(12 Suppl_2): Abstract nr IA019.

Water-soluble trehalose glycolipids show superior Mincle binding and signaling but impaired phagocytosis and IL-1β production.

The tremendous potential of trehalose glycolipids as vaccine adjuvants has incentivized the study of how the structures of these ligands relate to their Mincle-mediated agonist activities. Despite this, structure-activity work in the field has been largely empirical, and less is known about how Mincle-independent pathways might be affected by different trehalose glycolipids, and whether Mincle binding by itself can serve as a proxy for adjuvanticity. There is also much demand for more water-soluble Mincle ligands. To address this need, we prepared polyethylene glycol modified trehalose glycolipids (PEG-TGLs) with enhanced water solubility and strong murine Mincle (mMincle) binding and signaling. However, only modest cytokine and chemokine responses were observed upon the treatment of GM-CSF treated bone-marrow cells with the PEG-TGLs. Notability, no IL-1β was observed. Using RNA-Seq analysis and a representative PEG-TGL, we determined that the more water-soluble adducts were less able to activate phagocytic pathways, and hence, failed to induce IL-1β production. Taken together, our data suggests that in addition to strong Mincle binding, which is a pre-requisite for Mincle-mediated cellular responses, the physical presentation of trehalose glycolipids in colloidal form is required for inflammasome activation, and hence, a strong inflammatory immune response.

Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of pinocembrin-loaded TPGS modified liposomes with enhanced bioavailability and antihyperglycemic activity

Purpose To prepare polyethylene glycol succinate-vitamin E modified pinocembrin (PCB)-loaded liposomes (PCBT-liposomes) and evaluate PCBT-liposomal pharmacokinetics and antihyperglycemic activity. Significance The novel PCBT-liposomes demonstrated a promising application prospect as a nano drug carrier for future research. Methods Thin film dispersion was used to prepare PCBT-liposomes. We measured a series of characterization, followed by in vitro cumulative release, in vivo pharmacokinetic study, and antihyperglycemic activity evaluation. Results PCBT-liposomes displayed spherical and bilayered nanoparticles with mean particle size (roughly 92 nm), negative zeta potential (about −26.650 mV), high drug encapsulation efficiency (87.32 ± 1.34%) and good storage (at 4 or 25 °C) stability during 48 h after hydration. The cumulative release rate of PCBT-liposomes was markedly higher than free PCB in four different pH media. In vivo investigation showed that PCBT-liposomes could obviously improve oral bioavailability of PCB by 1.96 times, whereas the C max, MRT0– t , and T 1/2 of PCBT-liposomes were roughly 1.700 ± 0.139 µg·mL−1, 12.695 ± 1.647 h, and 14.244 h, respectively. In terms of biochemical analysis, aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alanine amino-transferase (ALT), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations in serum of diabetic mice were respectively decreased 28.28%, 17.23%, 17.77%, and 8.08% after PCBT-liposomal treatment. Conclusion These results show PCBT-liposomal preparation as an excellent nano-carrier which has the potential to improve water solubility, bioavailability, and antihyperglycemic activity of PCB, amid broadening the application of PCB in the clinical settings.

Insight into the reactivity of aromatic-rich fractions co‑carbonized with polyethylene glycol for preparation of isotropic pitch with superior spinnability

Co‑carbonization of aromatic-rich distillate oil (HCTO-RF) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a reliable process to prepare isotropic pitch with superior spinnability for producing carbon fibers. In the study, HCTO-RF was fractioned into light fraction, middle fraction, and heavy fraction. The chemical structural features of each fraction and their co‑carbonization routes with PEG under the same reaction conditions were characterized and investigated. The results reveal that the light fraction was mainly composed of molecules containing one and two aromatic hexagonal rings with numerous longer alkyl side chains. The middle fraction was rich in less polycondensed two and three aromatic hexagonal ring compounds, which contained a certain number of naphthenic structures. The heavy fraction was mainly composed of four aromatic hexagonal ring compounds with higher condensation degrees and less short alkyl side chains. The co‑carbonization reaction of PEG and the three fractions proceed by the routes: the radicals produced from the homolysis of the CO and CC bonds of PEG molecules; the activation of the aromatic units triggered by abstracting hydrogen; the polycondensation of activated aromatic units. The heavy fraction exhibited the most availability for co‑carbonization reaction, followed by the middle fraction and the light fraction the worst.

Bowel Preparations for Colonoscopy: Current Medical Practices in Pakistani Hospital Settings

Aim: To evaluate the quality of bowel preparations concerning the Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS) and to analyze the administration, ease, palatability, and side effects of practices. Study design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration: this study was conducted in Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro from October 2021 to March 2022 Methodology: The present study incorporated 132 patients who visited the hospital for a colonoscopy. Patients above 18 years of age were included, whereas patients with surgical procedures were excluded from the study. Participants were evaluated through pre-designed proforma for demography, dietary recommendations, side effects, procedure indications, bowel preparations, and patient ease of the bowel preparations. BBPS was used to access the bowel preparation. A score ≥ 5 was regarded as satisfactory. Results: Out of 132 patients, 73 (55.3%) were males. Seventy-one (53.8%) patients received Polyethylene glycol-based bowl preparation, and sixty-one (46.2%) patients received sodium phosphate-based preparation. Chronic constipation was the most typical cause of colonoscopy. Common side effects were vomiting (12.1%), nausea (1.5%), and bloating (3%). More than half of them responded that the preparations were palatable. A satisfaction rate of 80.3% was observed in patients with both preparations. BBPS of above five was observed in 109 (82.6%) patients. Conclusion: Polyethylene glycol and sodium phosphate preparations have been widely used in clinical practices for cleansing the colon. Sodium phosphate-based preparation was found more effective. Keywords: Bowel cleansing agents, Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, Polyethylene Glycol, Sodium phosphate.

A retrospective, comparative study between Plenvu and Moviprep as bowel preparation agents for colonoscopy

Optimal bowel preparation is crucial for a successful colonoscopy. Plenvu is a low volume (1 litre) polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus ascorbate-based bowel preparation which has demonstrated a superior cleansing and equal safety and tolerability profile compared with standard agents.[1,2][1] The

Polyethylene Glycol Conjugation for Solubility Enhancement of Cefadroxil, a Poorly Soluble Antibiotic

Introduction: Cefadroxil is the most widely used antibiotic for many bacterial infections but has the drawback of poorly solubility. In an attempt to provide an easier technique which can be scaled up on large scale to provide a simple method to enhance its aqueous solubility, this present work has exploited polyethylene glycol conjugation to enhance its aqueous solubility of cefadroxil.&#x0D; Objective: The main aim of the work is preparation of Polyethylene glycol conjugates of cefadroxil by solvent evaporation technique and to evaluate its solubility enhancement by solubility analysis and to assess drug content uniformity, drug - excipient interaction studies by FTIR spectroscopy.&#x0D; Methodology: Polyethylene glycol conjugates of cefadroxil are prepared by solvent evaporation technique using PEG 6000. Five conjugates of Cefadroxil to PEG6000 taken in weight proportions of (1:0.5), (1:1), (1:2) (1:3) and (1:4) were prepared.&#x0D; Results: Reasonable enhancement of solubility of cefadroxil was evidenced from all the prepared polyethylene glycol conjugates of cefadroxil. Among all CFDL: PEG 6000 (1:4) evidenced high percentage solubility of 81±0.61. IR spectrum of CFDL: PEG6000 (1:4) evidenced disappearance of amide group of cefadroxil indicating conjugate formation which is reversible to release cefadroxil to exhibit its therapeutic effect&#x0D; Conclusion: Polyethylene glycol conjugates of cefadroxil can be prepared easily by solvent evaporation and the conjugate made by weight proportion of CFDL: PEG 6000 (1:4) enhances solubility of cefadroxil by 88% and is promising to be used in formulations cefadroxil with enhanced dissolution and bioavailability.

Tolerance of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with reported taxane reactions

Tolerance of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with reported taxane reactions

Inhibition of grass carp reovirus with PEGylated aptamers

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) causes a hemorrhagic disease in fingerlings and yearlings of grass carps and there is no effective preventive measure. Aptamers have the potential to inhibit viral infections. In this study, aptamers against GCRV were selected and modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG). First, the aptamers were reacted with PEG for different reaction times and at various ratios of aptamers to PEG to determine the optimal PEGylation conditions: aptamer to PEG molar ratio was 1:30 with 4 h. Then, various molecular weights PEG preparations were tested for modifying the aptamers. Cell cytotoxicity tests of the PEGylated indicated that the modified aptamers did not affect cell viability. In vitro virus inhibition assays, PEGylated aptamers with a concentration of 300 nM showed that they could reduced the virus titers at least 10 times either when the aptamers were added at the same time of GCRV infection or when they were pre-incubated with the host cells for 24 h before being infected with GCRV. However, unmodified aptamers reduced virus titers only when the aptamers were added at the samed time of GCRV infection. The results suggested that the PEGylated aptamers were more stable and could be used as therapeutic molecules against GCRV infection.