Slight Weight Loss Research Articles

Weight changes during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners versus fixed appliances: a pilot prospective cohort study.

The aim was to assess adult patients' weight changes during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment (OT) with clear aligner therapy (CAT) versus fixed bracket systems (FBS). This pilot prospective cohort study included systemically-healthy adults who were treated with CAT or FBS. Participants with eating disorders and/or undergoing dietary programs were excluded. Weight was assessed using a calibrated digital scale at the start of OT (T1), 6-8 weeks (T2), and 12-16 weeks (T3) after starting OT. A questionnaire was used to record demographic variables, diet and exercise habits, self-reported compliance and discomfort during OT, and use of analgesics. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the association between treatment type (FBS versus CT) and time-period (T1, T2, T3) on participants' weight while adjusting for baseline covariates such as age, gender, height, and weight. Forty-two participants (CAT group: 22 and FBS group: 20) were analysed. In the CAT group, there was a slight initial mean weight gain of 0.2 Kg (~ 0.4 pounds) (T2-T1), and 0.8 Kg (~ 1.7 pounds) overall mean weight loss between T1 and T3. For the FBS group, there was a slight initial weight loss of 0.3 Kg (~ 0.7 pounds) (T2-T1) and no overall change between T1 and T3. Treatment type (CAT versus FBS) was not significantly associated with weight changes during the initial phase of OT. There were no significant differences in the weight changes during the initial phase of OT with CAT compared with FBS. Clear aligner therapy should not be advertised as a weight loss strategy.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment Improves Fasting and Postprandial Lipidomic Profiles Independently of Diabetes and Weight Loss.

Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) reduces liver steatosis and cardiometabolic risk (CMR). Only few data are available on lipid metabolism and no information on the postprandial lipidomic profile. Thus, we investigated how exenatide treatment changes lipid metabolism and composition during fasting and after a meal tolerance test (MTT) in adults with severe obesity without diabetes. Thirty individuals (26F/4M, 30-60 years old, BMI>40 kg/m2, HbA1c=5.76%) were assigned (1:1) to diet with exenatide treatment (EXE, n=15, 10 μg twice-daily) or without treatment as control (CT, n=15) for 3 months. Fasting and postprandial lipidomic profile (by LC/MS-QTOF) and fatty acid metabolism (following a 6-hour MTT/tracer study) and composition (by GC/MS) were evaluated before and after treatment. Both groups had slight weight loss (EXE: -5.5% vs CT: -1.9%, p=0.052). During fasting, exenatide, compared to CT, reduced some ceramides (CER) and lysophosphocholines (LPC) previously associated with CMR, while relatively increasing unsaturated phospholipid species (PC, LPC) with protective effects on CMR, although concentrations of total lipid species were unchanged. During MTT, both groups suppressed lipolysis equally to baseline, but EXE exenatide significantly lowered free fatty acid clearance and postprandial triacyclglycerols (TAG) concentrations, particularly saturated TAGs with 44-54 carbons. Exenatide also reduced some postprandial CERs, PCs, LPCs previously linked to cardiometabolic risk. These changes in lipidomic profile remained statistically significant after adjusting for weight loss. Exenatide improved fasting and postprandial lipidomic profile associated with CMR mainly by reducing saturated postprandial TAGs and CERs, independently of weight loss and diabetes.

Oxidation protection of tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC‐coated Cf/SiC composites at high temperature

AbstractYtterbium silicate (Yb2Si2O7) and lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7) ceramic powders were synthesized by the sol–gel method. A novel tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC environmental barrier coating was prepared on the surface of C/SiC composites to improve the service temperature of the coating (above the Si melting point, 1683 K). Results show that both Yb2Si2O7 and La2Zr2O7 ceramic powders had extremely high purity and were accompanied by a large number of nanoparticles. The tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC coating can efficiently prevent the oxidation failure of C/SiC composites in 1773 K air environment for more than 100 h with slight weight loss of 5.71 × 10−3 g·cm−2 and the matching weight loss rate of 5.71 × 10−5 g·cm−2·h−1. No significant chemical reaction was observed between Yb2Si2O7 middle and La2Zr2O7 outer coatings during the oxidation process at 1773 K, indicating that the tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC coating had better oxidation stability in 1773 K air environment.

Radioiodine therapy with individualized dose protocol in a feline patient with hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in felines, especially in elderly cats. It consists of a multisystemic condition resulting from increased production of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. The etiology of the disease is due, in most cases, to adenomatous hyperplasia or glandular adenoma that leads to increased hormone production. The pathogenesis and risk factors of the disease are not yet well defined. Factors such as the consumption of endocrine disruptors have already been associated with the disease. The most common clinical manifestations are polyphagia associated with weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea, polyuria, polydipsia, hyperactivity and palpable nodules in the thyroid’s topography. Diagnosis is made based on anamnesis, clinical signs, results of laboratory and imaging tests, and measurement of thyroid and pituitary hormones. There are several therapeutic protocols such as the use of oral drugs, surgery, iodine-restricted diets and radioiodine therapy. This report aimed to describe the case of a feline, female, mixed breed, 11 years old, with a history of slight weight loss and sporadic episodes of emesis. Based on history and anamnesis, physical evaluation and findings from laboratory and imaging tests, including thyroid scintigraphy, the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made. The treatment carried out was the application of radioactive iodine with an individual dose based on the protocol proposed by Peterson and Rishniw (2021). Three months after the procedure, the values found for the hormonal tests (total T4 and TSH) were within the reference range and, currently, the patient is in a state of euthyroidism.

Zinpentraxin Alfa Reduces Myelofibrosis in a JAK2-V617F Mouse Model of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal disorders of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), caused by somatic mutations in JAK2, MPL or CALR . Myelofibrosis, characterized by increased deposition of reticulin and/or collagen fibers, is found in advanced stages of MPN. Pentraxin-2 (PTX2, serum amyloid P component/SAP) belongs to the family of short pentraxins and acts as an inhibitor of fibrocyte differentiation and modulator of macrophage polarization. Zinpentraxin alfa (PRM-151, ZPN), a recombinant form of human PTX2, was reported to reduce myelofibrosis in a retroviral model of MPN driven by MPL-W515L (Verstovsek S et al, J Exp Med 2016). ZPN has also been investigated as monotherapy and in combination with ruxolitinib (RUX) in a phase 2 clinical study in patients with myelofibrosis (NCT01981850; Verstovsek S et al, Haematologica 2023). Evidence of clinical activity and tolerable safety as monotherapy and in combination with RUX was shown in that open-label, non-randomized trial. Here, we examined the effects of ZPN alone or in combination with RUX in a mouse model of MPN driven by Cre-inducible expression of human JAK2-V617F (Tiedt R et al, Blood 2008). Methods: To obtain sufficient numbers of mice for drug testing, bone marrow cells from JAK2-V617F mice were transplanted into lethally irradiated C57BL/6 recipients (Kubovcakova L et al., Blood 2013), and groups of 6 mice were sacrificed at 16, 20, and 24 weeks to determine the histological grade of reticulin fibrosis. 24 weeks post transplantation, grade 1-2 fibrosis was confirmed in these satellite mice and treatment was initiated. During treatment, weight and complete blood counts were monitored (n=8 mice per group). At terminal work-up, spleen weight and fibrosis grade were determined, along with flow cytometry of bone marrow and peripheral blood, single cell RNA sequencing of bulk bone marrow, and proteomics analysis by mass spectrometry of bone marrow and plasma. Additionally, we characterized the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) in these mice following single IP (10 mg/kg) administration of ZPN. Results: Systemic exposure after IP administration was confirmed in each animal (T max at 4 h, C max 27.9 ug/mL,AUC 0-48 381 h*ug/mL). No weight loss or mortality were observed in ZPN monotherapy cohorts, and the slight weight loss observed in RUX treated animals was not potentiated by the addition of ZPN. A trend towards lower platelet, monocyte and total leukocyte counts was observed for ZPN treatment groups compared to vehicle controls (Figure 1A). RUX alone largely normalized hemoglobin values, while ZPN alone or in combination with RUX had less effect on hemoglobin. Terminal work-up showed grade 1-2 fibrosis in the vehicle group, whereas reticulin fibrosis decreased in the majority of mice with ZPN monotherapy or in combination with RUX (Figure 1B). ZPN monotherapy did not reduce spleen weight. Single cell RNA sequencing and proteomics analyses are currently being analyzed and data will be shown. Conclusion: ZPN treatment in a JAK2-V617F mouse model of MPN with myelofibrosis was well tolerated as monotherapy and in combination with RUX. A reduction in the grade of myelofibrosis was observed in all ZPN treatment groups. ZPN showed promising trends in reducing platelet and monocyte counts, while the decrease in hemoglobin by RUX was in part prevented in combination with ZPN.

Laboratory evaluation of different bio-oil recycled aged asphalts: Conventional performances and microscopic characteristics

The performance of diverse types of bio-oils varies greatly from each other, which makes it arduous to apply different bio-oils directly in engineering practice. This study is based on physical and microscopic properties, studying different types of bio-oil recycled asphalt and analyzing their differences. Five bio-oils (castor oil, straw oil, soybean oil, gutter oil, and vegetable oil) were used to regenerate asphalts after short-term and long-term aging to prepare recycled asphalts. The physical performances of recycled asphalts with different bio-oils were assessed, including penetration, softening point, and ductility tests. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the microscopic morphologies of recycled asphalts. Simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to determine the thermal stabilities of recycled asphalts. Finally, Gel permeation chromatography was employed to analyze the asphalt's relative molecular masses. The results revealed that vegetable and gutter oil have apparent adverse effects on temperature sensitivity and high-temperature performance of aged asphalt. In contrast, they have positive effects on low-temperature performance. All five bio-oils can repair cracks on the surface of aged asphalt. However, the surface wrinkles of vegetable oil-recycled asphalt and castor oil-recycled asphalt are relatively less and have an outstanding recycling effect. The slight thermal weight loss of recycled asphalts corresponding to castor oil, straw oil, and soybean oil at high temperatures positively impacted the high-temperature stability of aged asphalt. The castor oil and soybean oil recycled asphalts have significantly larger relative molecular masses and have advantages in high-temperature performance. This paper reveals the impact of different bio-oils on asphalt regeneration, which contributes a theoretical basis for promoting the practical implementation of bio-oil in road projects, with obvious economic and social benefits.

AbobotulinumtoxinA improves skin properties and sebum quality in the rhino mouse

Besides neuronal cells, botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) can also affect other cell types such as fibroblasts or keratinocytes. These cells play a key role in skin conditions. Maintaining a high-quality sebum secretion is essential to avoid premature aging. This study explored the effect of abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) in the rhino mouse. Briefly, anaesthetized animals were injected via the intra-dermal route (ID; four sites of injection) by either vehicle or 0.1, 0.3 and 1 Unit aboBoNT-A per mouse. A reference group was administered with adapalene gel 0.1% (daily local application) for 15 days. Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid and is used as first-line treatment of moderate acne. The body weight and the thickness of the dorsal skin were measured on days 1, 5, 10 and 15; erythema and scaling were recorded at the same time. On day 15, animals were ethically euthanized and skin samples were collected for histology, ELISA and lipidomic assays. AboBoNT-A administered ID at the doses 0.1 U and 0.3 U per mouse was well tolerated. 1 U aboBoNT-A (per mouse) induced a transient loss of muscle tone associated with a slight body weight loss after which mice recovered a good health status. AboBoNT-A did not show any significant effect on utricles surface area but induced a significant anti-inflammatory effect on dermis at the two highest doses. Moreover, aboBoNT-A showed neither side effects commonly observed with local retinoids, nor hyperplasia or dermis inflammation. No change in skin Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1α) cytokine levels was evidenced with aboBoNT-A, whereas a dose-dependent increase of substance P (SP) concentration in the skin was recorded, suggesting that aboBoNT-A induces neuropeptide accumulation in tissue by inhibiting exocytosis mechanisms. Lipidomic analysis showed that aboBoNT-A significantly increased the sebum concentration of several lipid species, presenting skin protecting properties. Overall, these data suggest that ID aboBoNT-A has skin rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory and moisture-boosting properties.

Controlling filtration loss of water-based drilling fluids by anionic copolymers with cyclic side groups: High temperature and salt contamination conditions

Water-based drilling fluids (WDFs) as a thermally unstable colloidal system play an essential role in the drilling operation. The filtration loss control of WDFs under high temperature and salt contamination has been a research hotspot. In this study, the copolymer (named DSA) containing different cyclic side groups was synthesized to control the filtration loss of WDFs. The chemical structure and thermal stability of the DSA were analyzed. The result showed that DSA exhibited only a slight weight loss (6.0 wt%) until 300 °C. The effect of DSA concentration on the rheological performance of WDFs was investigated with a HAAKE rheometer. The filtration loss control ability of DSA was evaluated according to the American Petroleum Institute standards. The filtration loss volume of WDFs with 15 wt% NaCl could be controlled to 9.6 ml with 2.0 wt% DSA after aging at 190 ℃. To study the mechanism, the absorption behavior of DSA on bentonite with concentration was studied. The saturated absorption capacity of 2.0 wt% DSA on bentonite was 94.7 mg/g. The effect of DSA on the dispersion of WDFs was analyzed by measuring the zeta potential and particles size distribution. Then, the micromorphology and permeability of the filter cakes for WDFs were analyzed. According to the results, DSA effectively absorbed on the bentonite surface, reducing the zeta potential and particles size of the bentonite to form filter cakes with low permeability. The filtration loss of WDFs was then controlled by DSA. The research results were instructive for the development of polymer with high temperature and salt resistance for WDFs.

Lifestyle Modification Therapy and its Effect on Weight Status of Non-Alcoholic Male Liver Disease Patients

This study examines the impact of lifestyle modification counselling on the weight status of non-alcoholic liver disease patients. To conduct the study 300 newly diagnosed male liver disease patients were selected as samples and randomly placed into experimental and control group. The study area of this study was the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. The standard anthropometric test was used for the assessment of height and weight and BMI was calculated using a formula. Three months counselling program was prepared based on the Fantastic Lifestyle Assessment Checklist. Results reveal that in the pre-test assessment, 22.7% of male liver disease patients lie in the normal weight category whereas after three months of lifestyle counselling the percentage increased to 26.7%. In the pre-test assessment of male liver disease patients in the control group, 12.7% were normal weight and this percentage remained unchanged in the post-test assessment. It has been reported that even slight weight loss due to positive lifestyle changes improves the condition of non-alcoholic liver disease patients hence the results of this study have magnanimous importance towards the management of non-alcoholic liver disease patients.

Corrosion characteristics of monolithic SiC materials in beryllium-bearing molten fluoride salt

Chemical vapor deposited SiC single crystal and polycrystals were exposed to a static beryllium-bearing molten fluoride salt, 2LiF–BeF2 for 500 and 1000 h at 750 °C. Overall, the single crystal and polycrystalline SiC materials experienced slight weight loss and nominal surface etching regardless of the material type. Localized pitting and nonuniform Si removal from surface regions were associated with trace metal impurities and oxygen. Cross-sectional observation revealed minimal subsurface changes in the microstructure. The corrosion damage processes were similar to those reported for molten LiF–KF–NaF salt with trace impurities, indicating that the impurities significantly affect SiC corrosion.

Improving the properties of nickel/graphene oxide coated copper plate by changing the electroplating process conditions

One of the attractive ways to improve the mechanical properties and prevent damage to the surface of the copper plate is to create a nickel/graphene coating on it. In this work, the effect of bath type and process conditions on mechanical and wettability properties of nickel/graphene oxide coated copper plate via electroplating, has been investigated. Ultrasonic stirring of the bath with a power of 200 W increased the hardness of the coating to 747 Vickers and the wetting angle with molten steel to 125° by uniformly distributing the graphene oxide layers among the nickel grains and preventing the growth of the grains. By using a chloride bath instead of a Watts bath, due to the adhesion and delamination mechanism, a slight weight loss occurred in the pin-on-disk wear test. The coating obtained by electroplating in a chloride bath containing 20 cc of colloidal graphene oxide had a structure with a thickness of 12–15 μm consisting of large and compact masses of cauliflower with a uniform distribution of graphene layers. This sample shown a contact angle of 130° with the surface tension of 25 × 10−6 N/m to the aluminum melt drop and a 135° and 120 × 10−6 N/m to the steel melt drop.

Study of the kinetics of the process of intramolecular moisture removal from wheat grain by DSC thermal analysis

The article presents the results of a DSC study of the kinetics of the process of removing intramolecular moisture from wheat grains. For the experiments, four samples of wheat of the 3rd class of the 2021 harvest diff ering in technological indicators, including the “Mass of 1,000 grains” indicator, were selected. The studies were carried out on a DSC 204 F1 Phoenix diff erential scanning calorimeter. The data on the change in the mass of wheat samples when they are heated to critical temperatures of +200 and 250 °С are presented. It has been shown that a slight weight loss at 200 °С generally corresponds to a larger weight loss at 250 °С. This led to the assumption that the degree of intramolecular water retention depends on the individual characteristics of the variety. The kinetics of the process of dehumidifi cation of four samples of wheat, determined by the method of diff erential scanning calorimetry, is presented.

Pyrolysis behavior of the nanoporous phenolic matrix and the resultant microstructure and property evolution in the composites

Phenolic pyrolysis greatly affects the thermal protection performance and structural strength of phenolic ablatives, but understanding the complex process remains a challenge. In this study, fast pyrolysis in a specially designed fixed reactor and an in situ TG-FTIR-MS experiment are proposed to elucidate the pyrolysis behavior of a nanoporous phenolic matrix (NPM). Furthermore, the resultant evolution of microstructures and properties in composites are illustrated. The fast pyrolysis experiments show that H2, CH4 and CO are the main components of the gas phase, while aromatic compounds are the main components of the condensed liquid phase. The analysis of in situ TG-FTIR-MS experiments reveals the slight weight loss of NPM at low temperature is mainly due to the escape of H2O and CO2, while the main weight loss of NPM at high temperature is caused by the escape of aromatic compounds. Moreover, the corresponding variations in the mechanical and thermal insulative performances of nanoporous phenolic composites (NPCs) are analyzed. This work would promote the development and application of porous phenolic composites in thermal protection system fields.

Chemical bath deposition synthesis of Dy2(CO3)3, and their evolution to Dy2O3 transition

Dy2(CO3)3 (dysprosium carbonate) nanocrystals, are successfully prepared at 60 °C, applying Chemical Bath Deposition technique. The powders are thermal annealing temperature (TAT) of 300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C in air atmosphere. By XRD patterns, Dy2(CO3)3 where identified in the orthorhombic-phase. Structural evolution is observed for Dy2(CO3)3→Dy2O3 transition by correlating interplanar distance and grain size and Urbach energy tails, is applied to extract information on crystalline defects. The DSC experimental curve, shows a weight loss and a slight weight loss before ∼450 ◦C, indicating the absence of absorbed water or other polutants. The optical study in the %T, %R, Absorbance and d(D.O)/dE are investigated, the following optical responses are recorded: The non-hypersensitive 4F9/2→6H15/2 electronic intra-transitions (4fs→4fs) in Dy3+ cation being a magnetic dipole transition is insensitive to environment. Intense absorption band: 6H15/2, 6H11/2→6H9/2 is recorded at UV-region. Dy2O3(s) show absorption bands located at ∼457 nm (∼2.71 eV), assigned to Dy3+ cation of 4F9/2⟶6H15/2 electronic intra-transition. The dOD/dE vs. Energy (eV) spectra shows absorption bands situated at ∼324 nm (∼3.82 eV), ∼348 nm (∼3.56 eV), ∼363 nm (∼3.41 eV), ∼386 nm (∼3.21 eV) and ∼399 nm (∼3.10 eV) to 6H15/2→4M17/2, 6H15/2→6P7/2, 6H15/2→6P5/2, 6H15/2→4K17/2 to 4fs→4fs electronic intra-transitions of Dy3+ cation. The PL emission band located at UV-Vis region, are overlapped with the 4fs→4fs electronic intratransitions, typical of the Dy3+ cation, which are deconvoluted and associated with intrinsic crystalline defects.

Can domestic dogs be considered a good reservoir of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi in an endemic area of nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis in Southern Honduras?

Dogs are considered to be the main domestic reservoir associated with the transmission of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi to humans in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in America. However, little is known about the role of canines as a source of infection in endemic areas of nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the role of dogs as a possible reservoir of the parasite in Southern Honduras. Dogs (n = 107) living with individuals affected by NUCL were clinically examined and biological material was collected for parasitological and immunological diagnosis. Most animals showed a healthy appearance and a few presented slight weight loss (64%), alopecia (7%), onychogryphosis (5%) and skin lesions (1%). The overall seroprevalence of Leishmania infection based on the DDP ® quick test and/or in-house ELISA serological test was 41%. The presence of the parasite's DNA was confirmed in 94% of the dogs; however, the average parasite load in the buffy coat was low at 6.09 parasites/µL, ranging between 0.221 and 50.2. The skin of seropositive dogs examined by histopathology using paraffin sections stained by hematoxylin and immunohistochemistry did not show cutaneous lesions or parasite amastigotes. Based on the absence of parasites in the skin and the low parasite load detected in the buffy coat, it seems that the dog does not represent a good source of infection for the vector in the endemic area of NUCL transmission in Southern Honduras. Other domestic and/or wild animals should be investigated.

Exploring women's preferences for attributes of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods: A discrete choice experiment

There is low LARC uptake in Nigeria and not much is documented about Nigerian women's preferences for these products and how these preferences affect women's choices. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence on the decision-making behavior of Nigerian women regarding LARCs. Three hypothetical LARCs were presented. Informed by results obtained from the review of relevant literature and focus group discussion held with selected family planning services providers, the identified attributes were effect on weight, cost, LARC effectiveness and effect on bleeding patterns, each at three levels. A d-optimal design was used to construct nine choice sets. An additional choice set was included to conduct the test-retest stability test. The choice sets and other socio-demographic questions formed the discrete choice experiment questionnaire. A random sample of 150 eligible women was selected from women who enrolled and attended family planning clinics in public healthcare facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria through a three-stage sampling technique. Mixed logit modeling was used to obtain estimates of the parameters and willingness to pay (WTP) for each attribute was calculated. The test-retest stability result showed that 76.7% of the respondents responded in a consistent and rational manner. The women preferred LARCs that have no effect on their weights compared to LARCs that cause either slight weight loss or gain. Also, they preferred LARCs that offer 1/1000 level of effectiveness in a year. The most preferred attribute level, ‘women experience infrequent bleeding’, increases WTP by NGN 13,984.584 (USD 33.68) while the least preferred level, ‘women experience frequent/prolonged bleeding’, has a negative mean WTP (-NGN 19,598.378 (-USD 47.20)) indicating dispreference for the level. Furthermore, women derived higher utilities from very cheap LARCs. Evidence-based information on women's preferences regarding LARC usage would help policymakers in the deployment of strategies that would ensure that preferred LARCs are procured and made readily available to women.

Insights into the degradation of microplastics by Fenton oxidation: From surface modification to mineralization

This work aims at evaluating the fate of microplastics (MPs) along Fenton oxidation. For such goal, realistic MPs (150–250 μm) of five representative polymer types (PET, PE, PVC, PP and EPS) were obtained from commercial plastic products by cryogenic milling. Experiments (7.5 h) were performed under relatively severe operating conditions: T = 80 °C; pH0 = 3; [H2O2]0 = 1000 mgL−1 (15 doses, 1 every 0.5 h); [Fe3+]0 = 10 mgL−1 (5 doses, 1 every 1.5 h). Slight MPs weight losses (∼10%) were achieved after Fenton oxidation regardless the MP nature. Nevertheless, oxidation yield clearly increased with decreasing the particle size given their higher exposed surface area (up to 20% weight loss with 20–50 μm EPS MPs). Clearly, MPs suffered important changes in their surface due to the introduction of oxygenated groups, which made them more acidic and hydrophilic. Furthermore, MPs progressively reduced their size. In fact, they can be completely oxidized to CO2, as demonstrated in the oxidation of PS nanoplastics (140 nm), where 70% mineralization was achieved. The nature of the plastic particles had a relevant impact on its overall oxidation, being more prone to be oxidized those polymers which contain aromatic rings in their structures (EPS and PET) compared to those formed by alkane chains (PE, PP and PVC). In the latter, the presence of substituents also reduced their oxidation potential. Remarkably, possible leachates released along reaction were more quickly oxidized than the MPs/NPs, so it can be assumed that these dissolved compounds would be completely removed once the solid particles are eliminated. Notably, the leachates obtained upon MPs oxidation were more biodegradable than the released from the fresh solids. All this knowledge is crucial for the understanding of MPs oxidation by the Fenton process and opens the door for the design and optimization of this technology either for water treatment or for analytical purposes (MPs isolation).

DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS WITH DACARBAZINE OF MEDICAL USING BASED ON POLYURETHANE FOAM UREAS

Developed a new composite material with Dacarbazine based on polyurethane foam (PPUS) The content of the drug substance Dacarbazine (DAC) in the composition was 0.5 wt. % and 1.0 wt.%. PPUS was obtained on the basis of a mixture of oligourethane diisocyanates (OUDIC) synthesized on the basis of 2,4-;2,6-toluene diisocyanate and polyoxypropylene glycols (POPG) MM 1002 and MM 2002 in a ratio of 1:1. Comparative physical and mechanical tests were performed. According to the obtained results, PPUS with DAC in the amount of 1 wt.% have physical and mechanical parameters (σ = 7.8, MPa, ε = 100% and σadhesion = 4.5 MPa), that will meet the requirements for replacement implants for ophthalmology. According to the results of IR spectroscopy, the possibility of chemical immobilization of Dacarbazine on the selected polymeric carrier was established. The thermophysical properties of the synthesized PPUS with Dacarbazine by DSC and TGA methods were studied. It was found that the glass transition temperature (Tg) is practically independent of the content of DAC. Tg PPUS with 0.5 wt.% DAC - (minus) 49.70 °C, Tg PPUS with 1.0 wt.% DAC - (minus) 50.09 °C. According to TGA, the obtained materials are characterized by the same heat resistance characteristics and practically do not depend on the content of DAC. The onset temperature of thermal decomposition (To) is in the range (290,96–298,61) °C and is accompanied by a slight weight loss (0.02–0.04 %). The temperature of maximum decomposition rate (Tmax ) is in the range (331.93–333.95) °C. According to the results of the dynamics of Dacarbazine release study from PPUS samples with a DAC content in the composition of 0.5 and 1.0 wt. % found that the composition of PPUS with a content of DAC 1 wt. % have a higher percentage of medicine, which on day 14 is ~ 64 %. The developed PPUS with Dacarbazine are promising materials for use as implants for ophthalmological surgery.

Characterization of anti-CD79b/CD3 bispecific antibody, a potential therapy for B cell malignancies.

High rates of relapse and poor prognosis confer an urgent need for novel therapeutic agents for B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs). Herein, we describe a human IgG-like anti-CD79b/CD3 bispecific antibody (IBI38D9-L) that selectively depletes antigen-positive malignant B cells as an alternative treatment option for relapsed or refractory NHL patients. The antitumor activity and mechanism of action of IBI38D9-L were investigated in vitro using B-NHL cell lines and human primary effector cells and in vivo using xenograft models reconstituted with human PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and preclinical toxicology were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys and HSC-NPG mice. IBI38D9-L exerted potent B cell killing as well as T cell activation and proliferation in a tumor cell-dependent manner in vitro and was active against B-NHL cell lines with various CD79b expression levels. Subcutaneous xenograft tumors in NOG mice engrafted with human PBMCs were eradicated by IBI38D9-L treatment. Moreover, IBI38D9-L-treated mice showed a strong infiltration of activated T cells. In HSC-NPG mice, IBI38D9-L resulted in potent B cell depletion in peripheral blood and induced only slight body weight loss and cytokine release syndrome without significant toxicological findings. In cynomolgus monkeys, IBI38D9-L was well tolerated with good pharmacokinetic profiles. Collectively, these preclinical efficacy and safety data provide strong scientific rationales for using anti-CD79b/CD3 bispecific antibody as a promising therapeutic agent for B cell malignancies.

Association between long-term weight-change trajectory and cardiovascular disease risk by physical activity level

Using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, we identified weight-change patterns during midlife using a group-based trajectory model, and evaluated their associations with the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). At baseline, there were 8774 CVD-free participants. Group-based modeling was used to analyze patterns of weight change over about 16 years. Using multiple model, we evaluated the association between weight-change patterns and CVD risk. During the follow-up period, 741 new CVD cases were identified. The weight-change patterns were characterized as ‘gradual weight gain’, ‘stable weight’, ‘slight weight loss’, and ‘gradual weight loss’. The association between weight-change patterns and CVD risk differed depending on the level of physical activity (PA) at baseline (pinteraction < 0.05). Compared with the stable-weight group, the risk of all CVD (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.3) and non-fatal CVD (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6–4.9) among the gradual-weight-loss group was apparent in the lowest PA quartile. In addition, on average, a decrease in skeletal-muscle-mass (SMM) levels was observed during the follow-up period, but the decrease in SMM in the gradual-weight-loss group was greater than in the gradual-weight-gain group. Our findings show that gradual weight loss was associated with CVD risk, which was dependent on PA levels.