Search

Bacteriostatic water for injection (bWFI) is a common diluent for parenteral pharmaceutical products. bWFI is sterile water for injection containing one or more suitable antimicrobial agents to suppress the growth of microbial contaminants. United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph describes bWFI with pH ranging from pH 4.5 to 7.0. Lacking buffering reagents, bWFI has very low ionic strength, no buffering capacity and is prone to sample contamination. These characteristics pose a challenge for accurate bWFI pH measurements which are characterized by long response times and noisy signals, resulting in inconsistent results. The challenging nature of bWFI pH measurement, however, is not fully recognized as pH is generally considered a routine analytical technique. Even with the addition of KCl to increase ionic strength as recommended by the USP bWFI monograph, variability in pH results is still observed without careful consideration of other critical measurement factors. To bring awareness to the challenges associated with bWFI pH measurement, we present a comprehensive characterization of the bWFI pH measurement process that includes an evaluation of probe suitability, measurement stabilization time, and pH meter settings. While these factors may be non-critical and sometimes overlooked when developing pH methods for buffered samples, they can have a significant impact on bWFI pH measurement. We present recommendations that can help reliable bWFI pH measurements for routine execution in a controlled environment. These recommendations also apply to other pharmaceutical solutions or water samples with low ionic strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has become a global problem that poses a serious threat to human health. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective long-term treatment. However, the weight loss of some patients after LSG is still insufficient. It is necessary to investigate the factors associated with inadequate weight loss after LSG. The objective of this study was to explore whether preoperative insulin secretion could be associated with weight loss after LSG in patients with obesity. This is a single-center prospective cohort study conducted in a university hospital. Patients from a prospective database who underwent LSG were analyzed. All 178 participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to assess preoperative insulin and c-peptide secretion before LSG. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for glucose, insulin, and c-peptide were determined in the OGTT. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were used to estimate the effect of weight loss after LSG. Regression models were used to assess the correlation between preoperative insulin and c-peptide secretion with %EWL ≥75% and TWL ≥35% at 12 months after LSG. The AUCs of insulin and c-peptide were significantly lower in the %EWL ≥75% and %TWL ≥35% groups at 0–30 minutes, 0–60 minutes, and 0–120 minutes during the OGTT. At 30, 60, and 120 minutes during the OGTT, c-peptide levels were significantly lower in the %EWL ≥75% group and %TWL ≥35% group. The preoperative c-peptide level at 30 minutes during the OGTT (C 30) was significantly negatively correlated with %EWL (β = −.37, P <.001) and %TWL (β = −.28, P =.011). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative C 30 was associated with %EWL ≥75% and %TWL ≥35% after LSG. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, patients with a low preoperative C 30 had an 8-fold higher %TWL ≥35% after LSG than those with a high C 30 (odds ratio: 8.41 [95% confidence interval: 1.46–48.58], P =.017). Similarly, patients with a low preoperative C 30 had a 7-fold higher EWL% ≥75% after LSG than patients with a high C 30 (odds ratio: 7.25 [95% confidence interval: 1.11–47.50], P =.039). The rate of weight loss after LSG is low among patients with preoperative hyperinsulinemia. The preoperative c-peptide level at 30 minutes during the OGTT is associated with weight loss after LSG. • Early-phase insulin levels are associated with unrelieved obesity. • Hyperinsulinemia might predict inadequate weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). • Preoperative C-peptide at 30 minutes after OGTT could be used as an independent predictor of weight loss outcome after LSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renin-independent aldosteronism (RIA) describes the spectrum of autonomous aldosterone secretion from mild to overt. We aimed to explore whether RIA is causally associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes. We cross-sectionally included 1027, 402 and 39,709 patients with any type of diabetes from cohorts of EIMDS, CONPASS and UK Biobank, respectively. In EIMDS, we defined RIA and renin-dependent aldosteronism based on plasma aldosterone and renin concentrations. We performed captopril challenge test to confirm renin-dependent or independent aldosteronism in CONPASS. In UK Biobank, we generated genetic instruments for RIA based on the genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We extracted the corresponding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) information from the GWAS data of CKD in diabetes. We harmonized the SNP-RIA and SNP-CKD data to conduct the two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. In EIMDS and CONPASS, when compared to subjects with normal aldosterone concentration or renin-dependent aldosteronism, participants with RIA had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, a higher prevalence of CKD, and a higher multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of CKD (OR 2.62 [95%CI 1.09–6.32] in EIMDS, and 4.31 [1.39–13.35] in CONPASS). The two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that RIA was significantly associated with a higher risk of CKD (inverse variance weighted OR 1.10 [95 % CI 1.05–1.14]), with no evidence of significant heterogeneity or substantial directional pleiotropy. Among patients with diabetes, renin-independent aldosteronism is causally associated with a higher risk of CKD. Targeted treatment of autonomous aldosterone secretion may benefit renal function in diabetes. • Diabetic patients with RIA had a higher risk of CKD compared to normal aldosterone or renin-dependent aldosteronism. • Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that RIA was causally associated with CKD in diabetic patients. • Targeted treatment of autonomous aldosterone secretion may benefit renal function in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate whether serum Bisphenol A (BPA) is a risk factor for hyperuricemia. Methods In this prospective study, a total of 482 participants without hyperuricemia were enrolled at baseline and followed up for 6 years. Clinical characteristics were recorded, and serum levels of uric acid and BPA were measured. Participants were stratified into tertiles according to low, median, and high baseline serum BPA levels. Regression models were used to analyze associations of serum BPA with the change in uric acid and the risk of developing hyperuricemia. Results At baseline, serum concentrations of BPA was 0.51 (0.24–2.37) ng/mL. After 6 years of follow-up, the change in serum uric acid concentration from baseline to the 6-year mark was significantly higher in subjects with higher baseline BPA concentration (0.03 ± 0.19, 0.07 ± 0.21, and 0.11 ± 0.25 mg/dL for low, median, and high tertiles, respectively, P = 0.006). When adjusted for potential confounders, such as age, renal function, and history of diabetes and hypertension, multivariable logistic analyses showed that subjects in the median or high baseline BPA tertiles exhibited a twofold higher risk of 6-year hyperuricemia incidence compared to subjects in the low baseline BPA tertile [odds ratio (OR) = 2.28 (95% CI: 1.05–4.95) for the median tertile; 2.42 (1.07–5.48) for the high tertile, P for Trend = 0.043]. Conclusion In conclusion, serum BPA is an independent risk factor for hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karrikins (KARs) were first identified as a class of small-molecule chemicals derived from smoke that promote seed germination. However, the implied mechanism is still not well understood. Here, we find that KAR signaling mutants have a lower germination percentage than that of wild type under weak light conditions, and KARs promote seed germination through transcriptional activation of gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis via SMAX1. SMAX1 interacts with the DELLA proteins REPRESSOR of ga1-3 -LIKE 1 (RGL1) and RGL3. The interaction enhances the transcriptional activity of SMAX1 and inhibits GIBBERELLIN 3-oxidase 2 (GA3ox2) gene expression. The KAR signaling mutant seed germination defect under weak light is partially rescued by exogenous application of GA 3 or by GA3ox2 overexpression, and the rgl1 rgl3 smax1 triple mutant exhibits higher germination rates under weak light than the smax1 mutant. Thus, we show a crosstalk between KAR and GA signaling pathways via a SMAX1-DELLA module in regulating seed germination in Arabidopsis. [Display omitted] • KAR signaling mutants have lower germination percentage under weak light • SMAX1 functions as an auto-regulated transcription factor • The interactions of SMAX1 with DELLA proteins regulate SMAX1 transcriptional activity • SMAX1 can inhibit the GA3ox2 gene expression, which is a key enzyme in GA biosynthesis Xu et al. show that KAR signaling protein SMAX1 inhibits seed germination under weak light conditions by regulating gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis. SMAX1 inhibits GA3ox2 gene expression and DELLA proteins interact with SMAX1 to regulate its transcriptional activity, indicating a crosstalk between KAR and GA signaling in regulating Arabidopsis seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between fat mass and mortality has been equivocally shown to be linear, J-shaped, and U-shaped. We aimed to clarify this relationship based on Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and lifestyle modification. This prospective analysis included 449,831 participants from UK Biobank. Linear MR analysis was used to estimate the linear relationship between fat mass and mortality. We assessed whole body fat mass by bioimpedance analysis at baseline and categorized subjects into five equal groups based on fat mass index (FMI). The association between FMI and mortality were investigated among whole population and in subgroups stratified by individual lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, sleep and psychological health. Linear MR analyses indicated a positive association between genetically predicted fat mass and all-cause mortality (HR 1.10, 95 % CI 1.08–1.12, P < 0.001). The association between FMI and all-cause mortality was manifested as J-shaped (HRs across FMI categories: 1.04, 1.00, 1.07, 1.21, 1.54), which was significantly modified by the number of low-risk lifestyle factors (P for interaction<0.001). When evaluating individual lifestyle factors, we observed a nonlinear relationship between FMI and all-cause mortality among participants who had high-risk lifestyle factors, while a linear relationship was observed among participants who had low-risk lifestyle factors, especially for those with adequate physical activity (HRs across FMI categories: 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.17, 1.44) and who never smoked (0.96, 1.00, 1.03, 1.14, 1.51). Genetically determined fat mass is causally and linearly associated with mortality. The J-shape association between anthropometric FMI and mortality is caused by high-risk lifestyle factors. [Display omitted] • Mendelian randomization analyses indicated a causal association between genetically determined fat mass and mortality. • The association between anthropometric fat mass and all-cause mortality was manifested as J-shaped. • The elevated risk of mortality observed in people with low fat mass was modified by a high-risk lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Down-conversion structure white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs), in which white light is generated by a blue emission organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in combination with a color conversion layer (CCL) outside the substrate, has attracted extensive interest due to its significant advantages in low cost and stabilized white-light emissions. However, low color-conversion efficiency of CCL is still a bottleneck for the performance improvement of down-conversion WOLEDs. Here, we demonstrate an approach to enhance the color-conversion efficiency of CCL-WOLEDs by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. In this approach, a blend of Ag nanoparticles and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is solution-deposited between the blue organic light emitting diodes and color-conversion layer. Based on the LSPR effect of this modified structure, the color conversion efficiency has improved 32%, from 45.4% to 60%, resulting a 14.4% enhancement of the current efficiency, from 9.73 cd/A to 11.14 cd/A. Our work provides a simple and low-cost way to enhance the performance of down-conversion WOLEDs, which highlights its potential in illumination applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentiometric sensing, which requires the use of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) and reference electrodes, is used to determine electrochemically the concentration of target ions in a variety of chemical environments. In view of the need for more affordable and portable analytical devices with small sample volumes, all-solid-state ISEs and reference electrodes, in which a solid contact is used as ion-to-electron transducer, are highly desirable. This review describes how all-solid-state ISEs and reference electrodes function and presents important aspects that should be considered when designing such sensors for specific applications. Approaches to improving reproducibility, the stability of the emf response, lowering detection limits, and novel sensor designs are discussed along with specific examples from the recent literature. Emphasis is placed on the ion-to-electron transduction mechanism and the development of new solid contact materials, with a particular view to miniaturized ion-sensing devices with low cost and calibration-free sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the resistance of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell's probe to fungi and termites. The degree of decay of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shells inoculated with Coriolus versicolor , Pycnoporus sanguineus , Coniophora puteana and Antrodia spp . in temperate or tropical environment was assessed. The resistance of the shells to subterranean termites in a tropical chamber was also assessed. It was found that there is an overall difference between the resistance to fungi decay and to termite attack. It was found that: the degree of degradation of the shell colonized by white-rot fungi is more severe than the fragmentation of the shell by brown-rot fungi. It was also found that the white-rot decay of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell is greater than to beech wood, and then brown-rot decay of Scots pine sapwood is severer than to C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell. The resistance of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell to attack by the subterranean termites was found to be high. It was concluded that the fungal species was an important controlling factor to the decomposition of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell; and that termite infestation of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell did take place but termite mortality (100%) occurred. Based on these results, further investigations are being made in order to solve the use of massive by-product from edible tea-seed oil industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A facile palladium-catalyzed fluoroalkylation of alkynes with monofluorinated sulfones in the presence of acetic acid has been achieved. By using different α-substituted fluoro(phenylsulfonyl)methane derivatives, a variety of allylated monofluoromethyl compounds were obtained with high regio- and stereoselectivity. Substrate scope and limitation were also examined, and it was found that the reaction was amenable to both 1-aryl-substituted propynes and 3-aryl-substituted propynyl ethers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A facile and highly efficient nucleophilic (phenylthio)difluoromethylation of alkyl halides has been achieved via fluoride ion-mediated substitution reaction using [difluoro(phenylthio)methyl]trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2SPh). The reaction proceeds well with primary alkyl bromides (or alkyl iodides) in DME solvent when CsF/15-crown-5 was used as the fluoride source/additive. The PhSCF2-containing products can be readily transformed into CF2H-containing compounds via a free-radical desulfurization method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new nucleophilic difluoromethylation chemistry using fluoride-induced (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation with TMSCF2SO2Ph followed by the magnesium-metal-mediated desulfonylation has been achieved. This methodology is compatible with both enolizable and non-enolizable aldehydes and ketones and has special advantage in the case of enolizable aldehydes. The new efficient desulfonylation method is considered to be environmentally benign due to the absence of mercury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A fluoride-induced nucleophilic (phenylthio)difluoromethylation method using TMS–CF2SPh has been achieved. This new methodology efficiently transfers “PhSCF2” group into both enolizable and non-enolizable aldehydes and ketones to give corresponding (phenylthio)difluoromethylated alcohols in good to excellent yields. Diphenyldisulfide can also be (phenylthio)difluoromethylated into PhSCF2SPh in high yield. The reaction with methyl benzoate, however, gives only low yield of (phenylthio)difluoromethyl phenyl ketone. The above-obtained PhSCF2-containing alcohols can be further transformed into difluoromethyl alcohols using an oxidation–desulfonylation procedure. This new type of nucleophilic (phenylthio)difluoromethylation methodology may have other potential applications in the medicinal and agrochemical fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Ladybird beetles showed a propensity to touch the ground with the costal edge of the elytra during falling. • Theoretical models uncovered the mechanism of reducing impact damage. • The morphology of elytra facilitates converting translational to rotational energy. • The hollow microstructure of the costal edge can absorb the residual impact energy. Beetle elytra act as natural protective covers and effectively shield their flexible abdomens and fragile hindwings from damage. The existing studies have attributed this contribution of the elytra to its honeycomb structures. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we used the seven-spotted ladybird beetle to demonstrate that both biological morphology and the hollow structure of the dome-like elytra combined to reduce damage during falling. The falling ladybird beetles had a high probability (59.52%) of hitting the ground with the costal edge of the elytra. This strategy could assist with converting the translational energy into rotational kinetic energy, resulting in the reduction of the impulse during falling. In addition, the hollow structures on the elytra could further absorb the residual impact energy. In the future, this biological paradigm could be used as a basis for the development of falling/landing techniques for advanced robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) is extremely rare in the spine. We present a 52-year-old patient diagnosed with BFH in the thoracic spine and treated with total en bloc spondylectomy. The related literature was also reviewed. A total of 19 spinal BFHs have been reported, all involving the posterior elements of spine. Here we present the first BFH with total vertebral involvement. To our knowledge, this is the first case of total vertebral BFH. Spinal BFH is a considered a non-aggressive benign lesion. Surgical intervention is usually sufficient for managing BFH with both recurrence and metastasis uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A total of 44.7% adults in China have hypertension, but the prevalence of primary aldosteronism (PA) in Chinese hypertensive patients is unknown.Objectives: This study prospectively investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of PA in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.Methods: In a large community health center, consecutive hypertensive patients with an aldosterone-renin ratio >20 ng/mIU and plasma aldosterone concentration >10 ng/dl underwent captopril challenge test and/or saline infusion test for confirmation of PA. Adrenal computed tomography scan and adrenal vein sampling were used for subtyping. PA patients treated with surgery or medication were followed up for 1 year, and outcomes after treatment were evaluated.Results: In total, 1,020 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients were screened over 16 months, of whom 40 were diagnosed with PA, 948 with non-PA, 32 with probable PA, resulting in a prevalence of more than 4.0%. Compared with non-PA, PA patients more frequently displayed microalbuminuria (p = 0.031), but the incidence of cardiovascular events was not different (p = 0.927). For surgically treated patients (n = 7), a complete biochemical success rate was 100% and a complete clinical success rate was 85.7%. For medically treated patients (n = 29), the proportion with optimal blood pressure control was 79%, and among them, 91% (21 of 23) only needed 1 antihypertensive drug: the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist.Conclusions: The prevalence of PA in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension in China was at least 4%. PA screening in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients leads to good clinical outcomes. (Primary Aldosteronism In Hypertensive Patients in China [PA-China]; NCT03155139). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduced a novel cuttlebone-inspired structure for vibration isolation. • Demonstrated exceptional vibration isolation performance within 5 to 36 Hz range. • Achieved comprehensive full-band isolation. • Enhanced multifunctionality with adjustable curved beams, offering flexible solutions. In diverse engineering disciplines, vibration isolation technology is indispensable for ensuring stability, accuracy, and safety. Traditional vibration isolation methods often compromise structural rigidity, particularly at ultra-low frequencies, presenting a significant challenge. To solve this issue, this study introduces cuttlebone-inspired lattice structures (CILS), which are fabricated using selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing and have an excellent energy absorption capacity as well as enhanced vibration isolation. This innovation enables effective low-frequency, full-band vibration isolation while preserving structural stiffness. CILS have an excellent energy absorption capacity of 1.411 J/mm3, which is due to the maintenance of a zero Poisson's ratio even under significant deformation (a strain of 0.5). Vibration isolation tests revealed that CILS provide comprehensive isolation across the frequency spectrum of 5–36.77 Hz. Furthermore, CILS effectively extends full-band vibration isolation to medium and high-frequency bands encompassing 56.01 Hz to 2000 Hz. The proposed design strategy offers a novel approach by integrating high energy absorption with extensive isolation capabilities, effectively overcoming traditional limitations to enhance engineering stability and safety. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of one or two fluorine atoms into a carbon-carbon double bond often brings about profound changes of physical, chemical and/or biological properties of the target molecule. Fluorinated alkenes are a class of important compounds and widely used in medicinal chemistry and materials science. Julia and Julia-Kocienski reactions could be used in the synthesis of fluorinated alkenes by employing α-fluorinated sulfones. In this review, the synthesis of fluorinated alkenes through Julia and Julia-Kocienski reactions are summarized, and the contents are categorized by target molecules and sulfone reagents. The difference between the reaction conditions for monofluoromethyl sulfones and difluoromethyl sulfones reflects the unique effect of fluorine substituents. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of monofluoroalkenes and gem -difluoroalkenes via Julia or Julia-Kocienski reaction is summarized. • Monofluoromethyl or difluoromethyl sulfones are used as the olefination reagents. • gem -Difluoroolefination reaction proceeds at low temperature. • Low Z/E selectivities are obtained in monofluoroolefination reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stereoselective free radical (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of terminal alkynes with iododifluoromethyl phenyl sulfone (PhSO2CF2I) has been accomplished by using Et3B/air as an initiator. The obtained PhSO2CF2-substituted vinyl iodides, which can be further subjected to Suzuki coupling and Sonogashira coupling reactions, are useful precursors for the preparation of many structurally diverse PhSO2CF2- and CF2H-substituted alkenes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: CH2ClF has been found to be a useful electrophilic monofluoromethylating agent for a variety of O-, S-, and N-nucleophiles. The reaction is not sensitive to the radical scavenger such as nitrobenzene, which strongly supports an SN2 mechanism rather than an SET mechanism. Although most of these products (fluoromethyl ethers, sulfides, and amines) can be isolated with good purity, some of these compounds do intend to decompose (via defluorination) during storage. The electrophilic monofluoromethylation of carbon-nucleophiles was attempted with CH2ClF, CH2FI, or FCH2OTs as monofluoromethylating agents, but with no success. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 1,1-Difluoroethysilanes (R3SiCF2CH3, R=Me or Et) were synthesized from 1,1-difluoroethyl phenyl sulfone and chlorosilanes using magnesium metal via reductive 1,1-difluoroethylation. It was confirmed that 1,1-difluoroethylsilanes were effective 1,1-difluoroethylating reagents for carbonyl compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 1-Aryl-2,2-difluoro enol benzoates 4 has been prepared from α-(phenylsulfonyl)-difluoromethylated benzoates 3, which can be readily obtained from the reactions between simple aldehydes and PhSO2CF2H (or TMSCF2SO2Ph). 2,2-Difluoro enol esters 4 are relatively more stable compounds than 2,2-difluoro enol sily ethers, and they promise to act as interesting fluorinated building blocks for further elaborations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE) was found to be an effective electron-transfer agent that promoted the reactions of bromodifluoromethyl phenyl sulfone with aldehydes to give structurally diverse (benzenesulfonyl)difluoromethylated alcohols in good yield, which can be further transformed into difluoromethyl alcohols and 1,1-difluoro-1-alkenes via reductive desulfonylation and Julia olefination, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]