Different interfaces for stabilizing liquid-liquid, liquid-gel and gel-gel emulsions: Design, comparison, and challenges

Interfaces play essential roles in the stability and functions of emulsion systems. The quick development of novel emulsion systems (e.g., water-water emulsions, water-oleogel emulsions, hydrogel-oleogel emulsions) has brought great progress in interfacial engineering. These new interfaces, which are different from the traditional water-oil interfaces, and are also different from each other, have widened the applications of food emulsions, and also brought in challenges to stabilize the emulsions. We presented a comprehensive summary of various structured interfaces (stabilized by mixed-layers, multilayers, particles, nanodroplets, microgels etc.), and their characteristics, and designing strategies. We also discussed the applicability of these interfaces in stabilizing liquid-liquid (water-oil, water-water, oil-oil, alcohol-oil, etc.), liquid-gel, and gel-gel emulsion systems. Challenges and future research aspects were also proposed regarding interfacial engineering for different emulsions. Emulsions are interface-dominated materials, and the interfaces have dynamic natures, as the compositions and structures are not constant. Biopolymers, particles, nanodroplets, and microgels differed in their capacity to get absorbed onto the interface, to adjust their structures at the interface, to lower interfacial tension, and to stabilize different emulsions. The interactions between the interface and the bulk phases not only affected the properties of the interface, but also the two phases, leading to different functions of the emulsions. These structured interfaces have been used individually or cooperatively to achieve effective stabilization or better applications of different emulsion systems. However, dynamic changes of the interface during digestion are only poorly understood, and it is still challenging to fully characterize the interfaces.

Computationally assisted vibrational spectroscopy of nucleic acid bases. 2. Thymine

As in the case of cytosine [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2023, 25, 24121-24128], Raman and infrared (IR) spectra of aqueous thymine and its N-deuterated derivative, thymine-d2 have been computationally reproduced and interpreted with the use of the recently developed efficient protocol to explicit quantum mechanical modeling of structure and IR spectra of liquids and solutions [J. Phys. Chem. B, 2020, 124, 6664-6670]. A cluster model of a solute surrounded by 30 water molecules is shown to be sufficient to reproduce experimental vibrational frequencies and relative Raman intensities with the use of B3LYP-D3/def2-TZVP or B3LYP-D3/aug-cc-pVDZ simulations. Analogous PBE-D3 computations provided a less good, but still reasonably accurate, modeling of Raman spectra. It is shown that strong changes of frequencies and relative intensities of the Raman bands of thymine, caused by its hydration, can be interpreted mainly as a result of hydrogen bonding with 6 nearest water molecules. Non-negligible improvement of the quality of simulations for larger clusters comprising water molecules that do not have direct contacts with the solute, suggests that spectroscopic effects of hydration should be ascribed to the joined action of solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions. Nevertheless, the moderate number of water molecules required for successful simulations of the Raman spectra of aqueous thymine, suggests that the vibrational modes and derivatives of the polarizability of the solute are mainly locally influenced, while the effect of bulk water is rather modest.

Blood Liquid Biopsy in an Advanced Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Study with Rearranged during Transfection Heterogeneity

INTRODUCTION

Liquid biopsy is an innovative and efficient method for studying circulating tumor DNA. In conjunction with innovative techniques such as next-generation sequencing, it can provide real-time information on prognostic and predictive factors.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of advanced, unresectable medullary thyroid carcinoma with various rearranged during transfection (RET) and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral (KRAS) mutations in both blood liquid and tissue biopsies. After the initial failure of treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), a liquid biopsy analyzed by next-generation sequencing showed the presence of six different RET mutations and KRAS. Tissue biopsy also revealed two RET mutations. Due to these biopsy findings, the treatment was changed to another TKI, and the patient is now clinically stable.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Liquid biopsy makes it possible to analyze different genetic alterations that may have implications as predictive factors. It also reveals tumor heterogeneity and its implications for prognostic factors.

Predictors of electronic cigarette dependence among non-smoking electronic cigarette users: User behavior and device characteristics

INTRODUCTION

ECIGs differ in their ability to deliver nicotine to the user and, consequently, they may differ in their ability to produce dependence. This study examined individual device characteristics, device type, and user behaviors as predictors of ECIG dependence in a sample of never-smoking ECIG users.

METHODS

Participants (N = 134) completed an online survey that assessed demographics, ECIG use behavior, and ECIG dependence as measured via the Penn State Electronic Nicotine Dependence Index (PSECDI) and E-cigarette Dependence Scale (EDS-4). Participants uploaded a picture of their personal ECIG device/liquid, which was coded by raters to identify product features. Multivariable linear regressions examined device characteristics (e.g., adjustable power, nicotine concentration) and device type (e.g., vape pen, mod, pod, modern disposable) as predictors of dependence controlling for demographics and user behaviors (e.g., ECIG use duration and frequency, other tobacco use).

RESULTS

Longer durations of ECIG use and more use days/week were associated significantly with higher PSECDI (β's = 0.91 and 1.90, respectively; p's < 0.01) and EDS-4 scores (β's = 0.16 and 0.28, respectively; p's < 0.01). Higher nicotine concentrations were associated with higher PSECDI scores only (β = 0.07, p =.011). Dependence scores did not differ as a function of ECIG device types after controlling for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

ECIG dependence was observed among the never-smoking ECIG users in this sample, regardless of their ECIG device/liquid features. Findings suggest that regulatory efforts aimed at reducing the dependence potential of ECIGs in never smokers should focus on overall nicotine emissions rather than product features.

Molecular testing opportunities on cytology effusion specimens: the pre-analytic effects of various body fluid cytology preparation methods on RNA extraction quality and targeted sequencing

INTRODUCTION

RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis is emerging as a clinical research or diagnostic approach for cytologic samples, but there is need for formal comparison of different sample preparation methods in the cytology laboratory to identify which pre-analytic methods could provide alternatives to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prepared 13 malignant effusions (metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) in the cytology laboratory using 6 routine cytologic methods: FFPE cell block, Carnoy's solution, 95% ethanol (EtOH), air-dried and Diff-Quik, ThinPrep, and SurePath preparations. Measurements of RNA quality, expression of 2 multigene expression signatures, molecular subtype, and 4 common activating mutation sites in each preparation were compared with fresh frozen (FF) cell pellet in RNA preservative using distribution of fragment length and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).

RESULTS

The fraction of RNA fragments measuring 200 bases or more (DV200) were 24% higher from cytospins fixed in Carnoy's solution or 95% EtOH than DV200 from FFPE cell blocks. SurePath samples failed RNAseq quality control. There was high concordance of gene expression measurements with FF samples using cytospins fixed in Carnoy's solution, 95% EtOH, Diff-Quik (CCC = 0.829, 0.812, 0.760, respectively), or ThinPrep (CCC = 0.736), but lower using FFPE cell block (CCC = 0.564). The proportion of mutant transcripts was concordant between FF and any cytologic preparation methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytospin preparations fixed with Carnoy's or 95% ETOH then Papanicolaou stained produced RNAseq results that were equivalent to FF samples and superior to FFPE cell block sections.

Transitioning of protein substitutes in patients with phenylketonuria: evaluation of current practice

Background

In children with phenylketonuria (PKU), transitioning protein substitutes at the appropriate developmental age is essential to help with their long-term acceptance and ease of administration. We assessed the parental experiences in transitioning from a second stage to third stage liquid or powdered protein substitute in patients with PKU.

Results

Sixteen interviews (23 open-ended questions) were carried out with parents/caregivers of children with PKU (8 females, 50%) with a median age of 8 years (range 5–11 years), continuously treated with diet, and on a third stage protein substitute. Parents/caregivers identified common facilitators and barriers during the third stage protein substitute transition process. The main facilitators were: child and parent motivation, parent knowledge of the transition process, a role model with PKU, low volume and easy preparation of the third stage protein substitute (liquid/powder), anticipation of increasing child independence, lower parent workload, attractive packaging, better taste and smell, school and teacher support, dietetic plans and guidance, PKU social events, child educational materials and written resources. The main barriers were child aversion to new protein substitutes, poor child behaviour, child aged > 5 years, parental fear of change, the necessity for  parental time and persistence, loss of parental control, high product volume, different taste, smell, and texture of new protein substitutes, and peer bullying.

Conclusion

A stepwise, supportive approach is necessary when transitioning from second to third stage protein substitutes in PKU. Future studies are needed to develop guidance to assist parents/caregivers, health professionals, and teachers during the transition process.

Plastic bottle feeding produces changes in biochemical parameters in human infants - A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Plastic bottles are widely used by people to feed their infants when breastfeeding is not possible. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor is widely used in the manufacturing of plastic wares and is leached out from these plastic wares on exposure to high temperature, changed pH, or cleaning the plastic wares by harsh detergents.

PURPOSE

Feeding through plastic bottles over prolong duration is expected to expose the infants to leached BPA. Hence the present study was taken up to compare the effects of breastfeeding and plastic bottle feeding on biochemical parameters in infants and also detect for the presence of free BPA or its metabolite in the infants.

METHODS

Biochemical tests like lipid profile, liver function tests, creatine-kinase-MB (CK-MB), serum urea, serum electrolytes were performed on blood samples obtained from infants who were breastfed and plastic bottle fed. Further, plasma and urine samples of the infants were subjected to Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis for detecting free BPA and BPA glucuronide.

RESULTS

Biochemical changes in form of raised triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins and increase in CK-MB, serum urea were observed in plastic bottle fed infants. BPA glucuronide was also detected in the urine of these infants. Free BPA was not detected in plasma or urine samples of the infants except in one plasma sample from bottle-fed group.

CONCLUSION

Plastic bottle feeding may lead to toxic changes in the functioning of organs which manifest as altered biochemical parameters.

Near-infrared spectra of liquid and gas samples by diffuse reflectance employing benchtop and handheld spectrophotometers

This paper describes a new method to obtain NIR spectra of liquid and gas samples by diffuse reflectance, which is especially suitable for handheld spectrophotometers, since most of these instruments are designed to acquire spectrum using this geometry. The core of the method is a diffuse reflectance cell, which consists of a vial containing a mixture of the liquid or gas sample (rare medium) and a powder (dense medium). Using this strategy, no adaptation is required to measure spectra with most portable NIR spectrometers. This new method was used to obtain NIR spectra of several liquids and gases, which were compared with traditional transmittance spectra. As a proof of concept, measurements of biodiesel/vegetable oil/diesel blends were used to build multivariate calibrations to predict the contents of biodiesel and vegetable oil in diesel blends using benchtop and handheld FT-NIR spectrophotometers. This low-cost method was demonstrated to be suitable for overcoming problems related to the handling of viscous samples and expand the applications with portable NIR instruments.

Experimental push and pull force data utilizing self-developed automatic liquid dispensers

Dataset mechanical properties of an automated liquid dispenser are essential to study for proper design. Therefore, this article includes a push and pull force dataset collected via a load cell sensor on an automatic liquid dispenser self-developed. During one test, nineteen push and pull data were acquired. Measured data is transmitted and saved using internet networks on data cloud servers. The dataset is composed of three types of fluid (i.e., water, soap, and hand sanitizer), three levels of fluid volume (i.e., 50, 150, and 250 ml), and six levels of servo motor rotation angle (i.e., 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°). The raw dataset consists of 60 treatments from the 1857 test. This data also provides push and pull force testing of an empty automatic liquid dispenser. The raw data files have been provided. For researchers involved in designing automated liquid dispensers, the dataset may be used to be more reliable in its development. It is possible to prevent over and under design in deciding the energy consumption of an automated liquid dispenser by researching this push and pull force data more deeply. The dataset will be shown as Excel files.

New modification of the acoustic Lamb waves and its application for liquid and ice sensing

Using quartz plates as an example existance of the new modification of the Lamb waves is demonstrated. The waves have small vertical displacement, large shear-horizontal and longitudinal components, and elliptic polarization which is oriented parallel to the plate faces. Numerical calculations of the surface displacements and depth profiles show the particular polarization is maintained at any depth from free faces and for all plate thickness in the range h/λ = 0-1.7 (h - thickness, λ - wave length). Results of the measurements accomplished for four new modes and three plate thickness h/λ confirm that radiation of the waves into adjucent liquid (which is proportional to vertical displacement) is small, while viscoelestic loss of the same the waves (which is proportional to in-plane components) is large. This property makes the modified waves suitable for sensing liquids and ices. In particular, responses of the waves towards liquid viscosity and water-to-ice transformation are larger than those are for common Lamb waves approaching 27 and 50 dB, respectively, at about 30 MHz, 1500 cP, and 10 mm propagation path.

Fine-Scale Temporal Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Abundance in Wastewater during A COVID-19 Lockdown

Wastewater is a pooled sampling instrument that may provide rapid and even early disease signals in the surveillance of COVID-19 disease at the community level, yet the fine-scale temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater remains poorly understood. This study tracked the daily dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the wastewater from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Honolulu during a rapidly expanding COVID-19 outbreak and a responding four-week lockdown that resulted in a rapid decrease of daily clinical COVID-19 new cases. The wastewater SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration from both WWTPs, as measured by three quantification assays (N1, N2, and E), exhibited both significant inter-day fluctuations (10^1.2-10^5.1 gene copies or GC/L in wastewater liquid fractions, or 10^1.4-10^6.2 GC/g in solid fractions) and an overall downward trend over the lockdown period. Strong and significant correlation was observed in measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations between the solid and liquid wastewater fractions, with the solid fraction containing majority (82.5%-92.5%) of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA mass and the solid-liquid SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration ratios ranging from 10^3.6 to 10^4.3 mL/g. The measured wastewater SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration was normalized by three endogenous fecal RNA viruses (F⁺ RNA coliphages Group II and III, and pepper mild mottle virus) to account for variations that may occur during the multi-step wastewater processing and molecular quantification, and the normalized abundance also exhibited similar daily fluctuations and overall downward trend over the sampling period.

RNA-seeded membraneless bodies: Role of tandemly repeated RNA

Membraneless organelles (bodies, granules, etc.) are spatially distinct sub-nuclear and cytoplasmic foci involved in all the processes in a living cell, such as development, cell death, carcinogenesis, proliferation, and differentiation. Today the list of the membraneless organelles includes a wide spectrum of intranuclear and cytoplasmic bodies. Proteins with intrinsically disordered regions are the key players in the membraneless body assembly. However, recent data assume an important role of RNA molecules in the process of the liquid-liquid phase separation. High-level expression of RNA above a critical concentration threshold is mandatory to nucleate interactions with specific proteins and for seeding membraneless organelles. RNA components are considered by many authors as the principal determinants of organelle identity. Tandemly repeated (TR) DNA of big satellites (a TR family that includes centromeric and pericentromeric DNA sequences) was believed to be transcriptionally silent for a long period. Now we know about the TR transcription upregulation during gameto- and embryogenesis, carcinogenesis, stress response. In the review, we summarize the recent data about the involvement of TR RNA in the formation of nuclear membraneless granules, bodies, etc., with different functions being in some cases an initiator of the structures assembly. These RNP structures sequestrate and inactivate different proteins and transcripts. The TR induced sequestration is one of the key principles of nuclear architecture and genome functioning. Studying the role of the TR-based membraneless organelles in stress and disease will bring some new ideas for translational medicine.

A coherent set of model equations for various surface and interface energies in systems with liquid and solid metals and alloys

In this paper first a generally valid model is derived from the two fundamental equations of Gibbs for temperature and composition dependences of all types of interfacial energies. This general model is applied here to develop a coherent set of particular model equations for surface tension of liquid metals and alloys, for surface energy of solid metals and alloys, for high-angle grain boundary energy in metals and alloys, for solid/liquid interfacial energy in metals and alloys, for liquid/liquid interfacial energy in alloys and for solid/solid interfacial energy in metals and alloys. The latter case is sub-divided into models on coherent, incoherent and semi-coherent interfaces with the same phases and with different phases on the two sides of the interface. Model parameters are given here as an example for the 111 plane of fcc metals and alloys. For other crystal planes or other crystal structures the model parameters should be adjusted, while the model equations remain the same. The method is demonstrated on various surface and interfacial energies of pure Au, on solid/liquid interfacial energy in the AlCu system, on different types of solid/solid interfacial energies in the AuNi system, on solid/solid, solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfacial energies in the AlPb system and on the coherent, incoherent and semi-coherent interfacial energies between ordered and disordered fcc phases in the Ni-rich part of the NiAl system. The ability of this method is demonstrated to predict surface and interface transition along free surfaces and grain boundaries and also negative interfacial energies in nano-systems.

Letter to the Editor in Reference to the Article Entitled "Effects of Carbonated Liquids on Oropharyngeal Swallowing Measures in People with Neurogenic Dysphagia"

This letter is written according to stoichiometric calculation doubt about the article entitled "effects of carbonated liquids on oropharyngeal swallowing measures in people with neurogenic dysphagia" by Sdravou et al.

Association of Tubular Solute Clearance with Symptom Burden in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Residual kidney function is important to the health and wellbeing of patients with ESKD. We tested whether the kidney clearances of proximal tubular secretory solutes are associated with burden of uremic and heart failure symptoms among patients on peritoneal dialysis with residual kidney function.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We enrolled 29 patients on incident peritoneal dialysis with residual urine output >250 ml daily. We used targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify plasma, 24-hour urine, and peritoneal dialysate concentrations of ten tubular secretory solutes. We calculated the kidney and peritoneal dialysis clearances of each secretory solute, creatinine, and urea, and we estimated a composite kidney and peritoneal secretion score. We assessed for uremic symptoms using the Dialysis Symptom Index and heart failure-related symptoms using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. We used linear regression to determine associations of composite secretory solute clearances and GFR_urea+Cr with Dialysis Symptom Index symptom score and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary score.

RESULTS

Mean residual kidney clearances of creatinine and urea were 8±5 and 9±6 ml/min per 1.73 m², respectively, and mean GFR_urea+Cr was 8±5 ml/min per 1.73 m². The residual kidney clearances of most secretory solutes were considerably higher than creatinine and urea clearance, and also, they were higher than their respective peritoneal dialysis clearances. After adjustments for age and sex, each SD higher composite kidney secretion score was associated with an 11-point lower Dialysis Symptom Index score (95% confidence interval, -20 to -1; P=0.03) and a 12-point higher Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (95% confidence interval, 0.5- to 23-point higher score; P=0.04). Composite peritoneal dialysis secretion score was not associated with either symptom assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Residual kidney clearances of secretory solutes are higher than peritoneal dialysis clearances. Kidney clearances of secretory solutes are associated with patient-reported uremic and heart failure-related symptoms.

Liquid biopsies for diagnosing and monitoring primary tumors of the central nervous system

Obtaining diagnostic specimens, notably to monitor disease course in cancer patients undergoing therapy, is an emerging area of research, however, with few clinical implications so far in the field of Neuro-oncology. Specifically for patients with primary brain tumors where repeat biosampling from the tumor and clinical decision making based on neuroimaging alone remain challenging, this area may assume a central role. In principle, sampling could focus on blood, cerebrospinal fluid or urine with differential sensitivities and specificities of findings that differ between specific parameters and target molecules. These include protein, mRNA, miRNA, cell-free DNA, either freely circulating or as cargo of extracellular vesicles, as well circulating tumor cells. The most solid biomarkers are those directly reflecting neoplastic disease, e.g., in the case of primary brain tumors isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation or epidermal growth factor receptor variant III. Importantly, the main goals of liquid biopsy marker development are to better understand response to therapy, natural evolution and emergence of resistant clones, rather than obviating the need for surgical interventions which remain to be a mainstay of therapy for the vast majority of primary brain tumors.

Experimental study of the intrinsic permeability of municipal solid waste

Changing patterns of municipal solid waste (MSW) management, for example sorting for recycling and mechanical-biological treatment (MBT), will change the nature of the residual material going to landfill and in particular its intrinsic permeability. This is an important parameter, not least because of its influence on gas and leachate flows and the ramifications for gas and leachate management. This paper reports the results of laboratory permeability tests on specimens of MSW recovered from boreholes drilled in a Chinese landfill, under both liquid and gas flow. The test results are used to assess the intrinsic permeability of the waste, and are compared with corresponding data from raw and MBT municipal solid wastes from developed countries in the context of differences in waste composition, porosity and particle size. For the Chinese waste, the intrinsic permeability decreased with depth, while at a given depth the permeability determined with gas flow was consistently larger than that determined with liquid flow. Intrinsic permeabilities determined in liquid flow showed no clear trend of variation with effective particle diameter d₁₀, but reduced with drainable porosity (the drainable porosity, n_e, being a more appropriate and useful measure than the total porosity, n). Conversely, intrinsic permeabilities determined in gas flow showed a clear decrease with decreasing d₁₀, but no consistent variation with porosity. These differences are potentially significant in assessing the impacts and interactions between gas and liquid flows; some reasons for them are suggested.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders having an impact on tablet levothyroxine absorption: should this formulation still be considered as the first-line therapy?

PURPOSE

In patients with hypothyroidism, levothyroxine (LT4) is the treatment of choice, and tablets are the most commonly prescribed formulation. Despite multiple scenarios being reported in the literature with impaired tablet absorption and likely missed TSH targets, it is yet unclear what the implications are for clinical practice and the role of liquid solution (LS) and soft gel (SG) formulations. We have thus conducted a narrative review evaluating the prevalence within the general population of gastrointestinal disorders impacting tablet LT4 absorption.

METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched until December 2019 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the topic. If they could not be retrieved, other types of manuscripts were searched.

RESULTS

Lactose malabsorption and Helicobacter pylori infection represented the most common disorders, with a global prevalence of 68% and 48%, respectively. The prevalence of other conditions, including autoimmune gastritis, bariatric surgery, celiac disease, gastroparesis, giardiasis, liver cirrhosis, or ulcerative colitis, was lower than 20%. Data at regional and country levels were found to be heterogeneous, but at least one in five patients was diagnosed with one disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

The worldwide prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders associated with tablet LT4 malabsorption, including lactose malabsorption and Helicobacter pylori infection, is high. Interactions with drugs or food can further increase this risk. Considering that all studies investigating the impact of switching patients from tablet to LS or SG found an improved thyroid balance, the latter formulations should be considered as first-line therapy for managing hypothyroidism.

Semi-empirical method for determining the density of liquids using a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector

In this study, we developed a new method for determining the density of liquids using the Compton backscattering technique. The principle of this method is based on the change in the area under a single scattering peak versus the liquid density. The linear calibration curve of the ratio R versus the density is required to determine the density of an unknown liquid (R is the ratio of the area under a single scattering peak for a liquid relative to that for water). In the proposed method, the calibration curve is completely constructed based on a simulation using the MCNP5 code. The method involves combining a simulation with an experiment as a semi-empirical method. Using this method, we determined the density of four liquids comprising acetonitrile, glycerol, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid, and the maximum deviations between the reference densities and measured values were less than 1.4%, except in the case of sulfuric acid, which was approximately 4.5%. The results obtained in this study strongly suggest that the proposed method is suitable and feasible for application.

Content analysis of internet marketing strategies used to promote flavored electronic cigarettes

INTRODUCTION

Flavored e-cigarette (ECIG) use and Internet marketing have increased in the U.S. This study examined the content used to promote flavored ECIG liquids on retailer websites.

METHODS

Four ECIG liquid retailers from four U.S. geographic regions (n = 16) were randomly selected. Menthol, apple, and tobacco flavored liquids were purchased in April of 2016 (n = 144, 48 unique flavors). Staff analyzed the text and image descriptors displayed on liquid bottles and retailer websites and coded content for presence of specific flavor, taste/smell, chemesthesis (i.e., touch), America/patriotic, and product quality/potentially modified risk content. A follow-up of retailer websites was conducted in March 2018.

RESULTS

Nearly all (97.9%) ECIG liquids included a description that promoted flavor. Most descriptions including images of something other than an ECIG liquid bottle (e.g., 62% of tobacco ECIG liquid images included dried tobacco leaves, 43% of menthol ECIG liquid images included mint leaves or ice, 62% of apple ECIG liquid images included an apple). Images often promoted product sensations (e.g., cool, ice), sweet tastes of other products (e.g., chocolate, apple pie), or other appeals (e.g., America). Menthol and apple descriptions/images were more likely than tobacco descriptions/images to promote appeals related to chemesthesis (e.g., cool, warm, moist; p < .05). Most flavors were still available in 2018 and included the same flavor descriptions from 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

Flavored ECIG liquid marketing often includes text descriptions and images that appeal to consumer sensations. Studies are needed to examine how access to point-of-sale Internet advertisements influences attitudes, perceptions, and purchasing of ECIG products, especially among at-risk populations such as youth.

Fixed-Dose Subcutaneous C1-Inhibitor Liquid for Prophylactic Treatment of C1-INH-HAE: SAHARA Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH) is characterized by swelling of subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissues.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy/safety of fixed-dose subcutaneous plasma-derived C1-INH (pdC1-INH) liquid for HAE attack prevention (NCT02584959).

METHODS

Eligible patients were ≥12 years with ≥2 monthly attacks prescreening or pre-long-term prophylaxis. In a partial crossover design, 80% of patients were randomized to placebo or pdC1-INH liquid for 14 weeks and crossed over from active to placebo or vice versa for another 14 weeks. The remainder were randomized to pdC1-INH liquid for 28 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was normalized number of attacks (NNA) versus placebo. Key additional endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving NNA reduction ≥50%, attack severity, number of attack-free days, and safety.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were randomized and 58 (77%) completed the study. Mean age 41 years; 88% HAE type I. Least-squares means of NNA were reduced from 3.9 with placebo to 1.6 with pdC1-INH (from day 1; P < .0001). Most patients had ≥50% NNA reduction with pdC1-INH (from day 1, 78%). A total of 8.8% of placebo-treated patients were attack-free and 5.3%, 22.8%, and 63.2% had mild, moderate, and severe attacks, respectively; 37.5% of pdC1-INH-treated patients were attack-free and 8.9%, 26.8%, and 26.8% had mild, moderate, and severe attacks, respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse event rates were similar between groups (52% vs 56% for pdC1-INH crossover vs placebo, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Fixed-dose subcutaneous pdC1-INH liquid was superior to placebo in preventing HAE attacks and demonstrated a favorable safety profile.

Covalent functionalization of MoS2 nanosheets synthesized by liquid phase exfoliation to construct electrochemical sensors for Cd (II) detection

Surface functionalization is an effective strategy in the precise control of electronic surface states of two-dimensional materials for promoting their applications. In this study, based on the strong coordination interaction between the transition-metal centers and N atoms, the surface functionalization of few-layer MoS₂ nanosheets was successfully prepared by liquid phase exfoliation method in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, and formamide. The cytotoxicity of surface-functionalized MoS₂ nanosheets was for the first time evaluated by the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide assays. An electrochemical sensor was constructed based on glass carbon electrode (GCE) modified by MoS₂ nanosheets obtained in DMF, which exhibits relatively higher sensitivity to Cd²⁺ detection and lower cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells. The mechanisms of surface functionalization and selectively detecting Cd²⁺ were investigated by density functional theory calculations together with various spectroscopic measurements. It was found that surface-functionalized MoS₂ nanosheets could be generated through Mo-N covalent bonds due to the orbital hybridization between the 5 s orbitals of Mo atoms and the 2p orbitals of N atoms of the solvent molecules. The high selectivity of the sensor is attributed to the coordination reaction between Cd²⁺ and O donor atoms of DMF adsorbed on MoS₂ nanosheets. The robust anti-interference is ascribed to the strong binding energy of Cd²⁺ and O atoms of DMF. Under the optimum conditions, the electrochemical sensor exhibits highly sensitive and selective assaying of Cd²⁺ with a measured detection limit of 0.2 nM and a linear range from 2 nM to 20 μM.

Alpha-zearalenol negatively influences ram sperm parameters during liquid storage

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of 17 𝛽-estradiol (E2) and 𝛼-zearalenol (α-ZOL) on motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, levels of produced nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity of Ghezel ram sperm during the liquid storage at 4 ˚C, for various periods of time. Semen samples were collected from four rams and diluted with Tris-egg yolk extender and supplemented with E2 (100 µmol) or different concentrations of α-ZOL (100 pmol, 100 nmol and 100 µmol) at a final concentration of 200 × 10⁶ sperm per mL. We failed to show any significant effect of E2 at 100 µmol concentration on ram's sperm parameters while α-ZOL resulted in a significant decrease of plasma membrane integrity at 100 µmol concentration (55.40% for α-ZOL vs 62.20% for control) after 96 hr incubation. Alpha-ZOL had decreasing effect on sperm motility parameters including curvilinear velocity and average path velocity at 100 µmol concentration after 96 hr storage. Although remarkable reduction of total antioxidant capacity at high concentration of α-ZOL and long incubation time was found, however no significant changes were recorded in NO level during storage time. It was concluded that the detrimental effect of α-ZOL on ram sperm might be attributed to its induced oxidative stress and damage to the plasma membrane.

Vibration response of piezoelectric microcantilever as ultrasmall mass sensor in liquid environment

The present study aims to analyze the vibrating behavior of a piezoelectric microcantilever (MC) as a mass nanosensor. The vibrating behavior of the MC as well as its sensitivity as a mass nanosensor are investigated and compared in both air and liquid environments. To this end, Euler-Bernoulli theory was used to model the vibrating behavior of piezoelectric MC with added mass at its free end. Frequency analysis was conducted by considering geometric discontinuities and taking added mass into account. The effect of liquid environment applied to the MC (as hydrodynamic forces) was based on a string of spheres model. Since changes in resonance frequency are used as the measurement parameter in mass sensors, changes in resonance frequency during absorption of nanoparticles was selected as the main parameter to be investigated in this study. Ultimately, with the aim to achieve optimal geometric dimensions for the piezoelectric MC, sensitivity analysis was additionally performed in order to increase the frequency sensitivity. According to the results, frequency sensitivity of the piezoelectric MC decreased in liquid environment compared to air environments. Moreover, increases in fluid density and viscosity caused a decreased frequency sensitivity. Simulation results indicate that the second vibrating mode in air and liquid environments is the appropriate operating mode for this type of MC.

Liquid levodopa-carbidopa in advanced Parkinson's disease with motor complications

While levodopa, carbidopa, ascorbic acid solution (LCAS) therapy has been used in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) for many years, long-term follow-up data is scarce. The present study aimed to determine the long-term retention rate for LCAS therapy, and to identify the causes of LCAS therapy withdrawal. Our study included a series of 38 patients with PD (14 men and 24 women) who underwent LCAS treatment between 2011 and 2013 to alleviate motor complications that were not satisfactorily controlled by optimized conventional anti-parkinsonian treatment at the Seoul National University Hospital. All patients were admitted to educate them about and initiate LCAS treatment for 2-5days, and were then followed up as outpatients. The mean follow-up duration was 12.8months, and three main reasons for LCAS treatment discontinuation were worsening of wearing-off symptoms (8 patients), persistent dyskinesia (4 patients), and poor drug adherence (4 patients). Fourteen patients (36.8%) maintained the LCAS treatment after 12months, and were categorized as the treatment-retention group. The mean percentage of on time without dyskinesia significantly increased from 33.6±17.6% to 57.0±27.7% after LCAS initiation (p=0.016) in the treatment-retention group. Twelve patients (31.6%) were still receiving LCAS treatment after 30months. LCAS treatment can be a non-device assisted therapeutic option for patients who have no access to advanced therapies such as deep brain stimulation and infusional treatments.

Glycaemic responses to liquid food supplements among three Asian ethnic groups

PURPOSE

A limited number of studies have compared the glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic responses (GR) to solid foods between Caucasians and Asians. These studies have demonstrated that Asians have greater GI and GR values for solid foods than Caucasians. However, no study has compared the GI and GR to liquids among various Asian ethnic groups.

METHODS

A total of forty-eight males and females (16 Chinese, 16 Indians, and 16 Malay) took part in this randomised, crossover study. Glycaemic response to the reference food (glucose beverage) was measured on three occasions, and GR to three liquids were measured on one occasion each. Liquids with different macronutrient ratio's and carbohydrate types were chosen to be able to evaluate the response to products with different GIs. Blood glucose concentrations were measured in duplicate at baseline (-5 and 0 min) and once at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after the commencement of beverage consumption.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in GI and GR between the three liquids (P < 0.01 in all cases). However, there were no statistically significant differences in GI and GR for the liquids between the ethnic groups (Chinese vs. Indian vs. Malay).

CONCLUSION

The GR for three different types of liquid nutritional supplements did not differ between the three main ethnic groups in Asia. It appears that the GI of liquid food derived from one Asian ethnicity can be applicable to other Asian populations.

Fabrication of thin TEM sample of ionic liquid for high-resolution ELNES measurements

Investigation of the local structure, ionic and molecular behavior, and chemical reactions at high spatial resolutions in liquids has become increasingly important. Improvements in these areas help to develop efficient batteries and improve organic syntheses. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning-TEM (STEM) have excellent spatial resolution, and the electron energy-loss near edge structure (ELNES) measured by the accompanied electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) is effective to analyze the liquid local structure owing to reflecting the electronic density of states. In this study, we fabricate a liquid-layer-only sample with thickness of single to tens nanometers using an ionic liquid. Because the liquid film has a thickness much less than the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) of the electron beam, the fine structure of the C-K edge electron energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) can be measured with sufficient resolution to allow meaningful analysis. The ELNES spectrum from the thin liquid film has been interpreted using first principles ELNES calculations.

Liquid and softgel levothyroxine use in clinical practice: state of the art

Levothyroxine is recognized as the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism. So far, the tablet levothyroxine has been the formulation almost exclusively used, even though an optimal daily dose of levothyroxine has been unsuccessfully sought and a consensus not achieved. Due to progressive use of a more individually tailored levothyroxine dose, increasing evidence has instead displayed that many gastrointestinal disorders, polypharmacy, and food interference may raise the daily levothyroxine requirement. In recent years, alternative levothyroxine formulations have become available and have rapidly gained attention because of their pharmacokinetic properties. This study aims to provide an overview regarding the use of softgel capsule and/or liquid levothyroxine solution while performing a review of published studies about such topic. A comprehensive computer literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases has been conducted to find published articles on this topic. The search algorithm was based on the combinations of the following terms: "oral solution" or "soft gel" or "liquid", and "levothyroxine". The computer search resulted in 75 articles; through a critical review of such titles and abstracts and a screening of their references lists, the review included 18 original articles relating to 800 patients treated with alternative formulations. Despite some limits, the results obtained using softgel and liquid levothyroxine were consistent with each other. In selected categories of levothyroxine-treated patients (pediatric, suffering from hypo-achlorhydria, polypharmacy, undergone bariatric surgery, fed through enteric tube) these new formulations have shown promising attributes in improving a treatment that needs to be individually tailored.

Migration limits for children's toys are nothing to play with

The European Commission and its independent Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) published their final Opinion on estimates of the amount of toy materials ingested by children. The SCHER was asked to review available data on the ingestion of the following three types of toy material by children, and evaluate whether the ingestion amounts which formed the basis for the migration limits of 19 elements in the Toy Safety Directive are still appropriate or whether they should be changed. In the final Opinion the SCHER considers the ingestion amounts mentioned above to be appropriate, and that these ingestion amounts should remain classified as daily amounts rather than weekly.

Liquid spreading on solid surfaces and penetration into porous matrices: Coated and uncoated papers

Liquid spreading on solid surfaces and penetration into porous matrices (powders and coated papers) are investigated. The influence of chemical and structural heterogeneity on equilibrium and dynamic surface wetting is evaluated both experimentally and theoretically. Single capillary systems are used to identify the predominating mechanisms for acceleration, momentum, inertial and viscous liquid penetration. Different stages of vertical and horizontal penetration of liquids from non-limited, restricted (sessile drop) and cut-off sources into powders and papers are evaluated with reference to a range of frequently used models. For all types of liquid transport power-law exponents are used to relate all observations. The applicability of models from which the exponents are derived is discussed. Results are compared to theoretical predictions for liquid penetration. Models are of general validity, but the focus is placed on probe liquid spreading on and penetrating into coated and uncoated papers. This sets a particular challenge, since papers are heterogeneous layered composites of powder compacts on fibrous network. For the evaluation of models published results are supported by extended original results.

Effect of tip mass on frequency response and sensitivity of AFM cantilever in liquid

The effect of tip mass on the frequency response and sensitivity of atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever in the liquid environment is investigated. For this purpose, using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and considering tip mass and hydrodynamic functions in a liquid environment, an expression for the resonance frequencies of AFM cantilever in liquid is derived. Then, based on this expression, the effect of the surface contact stiffness on the flexural mode of a rectangular AFM cantilever in fluid is investigated and compared with the case where the AFM cantilever operates in the air. The results show that in contrast with an air environment, the tip mass has no significant impact on the resonance frequency and sensitivity of the AFM cantilever in the liquid. Hence, analysis of AFM behaviour in liquid environment by neglecting the tip mass is logical.

Randomized, Double-Blind Study of the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Palivizumab Liquid Formulation Compared with Lyophilized Formulation

Objective

To assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of liquid palivizumab compared with lyophilized palivizumab.

Methods

This phase 2, randomized, double-blind crossover study included premature infants aged ≤6 months born ≤35 weeks gestational age. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single 15 mg/kg intramuscular dose of liquid (sequence A group) or lyophilized (sequence B group) palivizumab on Day 0. Patients crossed over to receive the alternate formulation on Day 30. Serum palivizumab and antidrug antibody (ADA) levels were measured on Day 0 (predose), Day 30 (before the dose of alternate formulation), and Day 60 (30 days after the dose of alternate formulation). Patients were followed for safety through Day 60 (30 days after the dose of alternate formulation).

Results

A total of 153 infants were randomized into the study (sequence A 75; sequence B 78). Sequence A and sequence B trough serum palivizumab levels were similar on Day 30 (51.7 and 49.1 µg/mL, respectively) and Day 60 (84.8 and 87.2 µg/mL, respectively). The ratio of the geometric means using both Day 30 and Day 60 serum concentrations was 1.040 (90% CI 0.998–1.083), which was within the prespecified bioequivalence range of 0.8–1.25. Adverse events (AEs) were similar between the palivizumab liquid and lyophilized groups and within each treatment sequence. Serious AEs (SAEs) were experienced by 3% of infants in both liquid palivizumab and lyophilized palivizumab groups. None of the SAEs were determined to be related to study drug. Among the 124 infants (81% of total) evaluated for ADA, 2 (1.6%) tested positive for ADA at Day 60 (1 in each of sequence A and B).

Conclusion

Liquid and lyophilized formulations of palivizumab were bioequivalent with similar safety profiles in infants.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40121-014-0042-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Randomized, Double-Blind Study of the Safety of the Liquid Versus Lyophilized Formulation of Palivizumab in Premature Infants and Children with Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity

Introduction

To avoid the need for reconstitution required by lyophilized palivizumab, a liquid formulation was developed. This study assessed the safety and antidrug antibodies (ADA) of the liquid formulation of palivizumab compared with the lyophilized formulation.

Methods

This phase 4, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study included children with chronic lung disease of prematurity who were ≤24 months of age and children born prematurely with a gestational age of ≤35 weeks who were ≤6 months of age at randomization. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to 15 mg/kg of either liquid or lyophilized palivizumab administered via intramuscular injection every 30 days for a total of 5 injections. Safety was assessed based on serious adverse events (SAEs). ADA to palivizumab was assessed using blood collected at baseline and at a time point between study days 240 and 300.

Results

A total of 413 subjects were included in the analyses. The incidence of SAEs reported was 8.5% with liquid palivizumab and 5.9% with lyophilized palivizumab; none were deemed drug-related. The reported SAEs were consistent with expected conditions in this pediatric age group; there was no increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease with liquid palivizumab. At study days 240–300, antipalivizumab antibodies were detected in none of the subjects in the liquid palivizumab group and in 1 subject in the lyophilized group. The true ADA percent positive, based on the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI), was <1.5% for both treatments combined.

Conclusion

The frequency of detection of ADAs was low. The true ADA percent positive for both treatment groups combined based on the upper limit of the 95% CI was <1.5%. The type and frequency of SAEs reported were as expected, and there was no evidence of an increase in RSV disease with liquid palivizumab.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40121-014-0033-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Control of the higher eigenmodes of a microcantilever: applications in atomic force microscopy

While conventional techniques in dynamic mode atomic force microscopy typically involve the excitation of the first flexural mode of a microcantilever, situations arise where the excitation of higher modes may result in image artefacts. Strong nonlinear coupling between the cantilever modes in liquid environments may result in image artefacts, limiting the accuracy of the image. Similar observations have been made in high-speed contact mode AFM. To address this issue, we propose the application of the modulated-demodulated control technique to attenuate problematic modes to eliminate the image artefacts. The modulated-demodulated control technique is a high-bandwidth technique, which is well suited to the control of next generation of high-speed cantilevers. In addition to potential improvements in image quality, a high-bandwidth controller may also find application in multifrequency AFM experiments. To demonstrate the high-bandwidth nature of the control technique, we construct an amplitude modulation AFM experiment in air utilizing low amplitude setpoints, which ensures that harmonic generation and nonlinear coupling of the modes result in image artefacts. We then utilize feedback control to highlight the improvement in image quality. Such a control technique appears extremely promising in high-speed atomic force microscopy and is likely to have direct application in AFM in liquids.

Sensitivity of flexural vibration mode of the rectangular atomic force microscope micro cantilevers in liquid to the surface stiffness variations

In this paper, the resonance frequencies and modal sensitivity of flexural vibration modes of a rectangular atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever immersed in a liquid to surface stiffness variations have been analyzed and a closed-form expression is derived. For this purpose, the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is used to develop the AFM cantilever model in liquid. Then, an expression for the resonance frequencies of AFM cantilever in liquid is derived and the results of the derived expression are compared with the experimental measurements. Based on this expression, the effect of the surface contact stiffness on flexural mode of a rectangular AFM cantilever in a fluid is investigated and compared with the case that AFM cantilever operates in the air. The results show that in the low surface stiffness, the first mode is the most sensitive mode and the best image contrast is obtained by excitation this mode, but by increasing the sample surface stiffness the higher modes have better image contrast. In addition, comparison between modal sensitivities in air and liquid shows that the resonance frequency shifts in the air are greater than the shifts in the fluid, which means that for the similar surface stiffness the image contrast in air, is better than liquid.

A test of the substitution hypothesis: an analysis of urban and rural trends in solid/liquid poisoning suicides in Taiwan

Taiwan experienced both a significant decrease and a significant increase in the suicide rate during the period 1986-1999, which provides a unique opportunity to examine the substitution hypothesis in suicide research: that is, whether a reduction in the use of a certain method of suicide would be offset by a parallel increase in the use of other methods. We also explored whether such method substitution, if it existed, differed across urban and rural settings. Data on age-, sex-, method-, and urban-/rural-specific suicide rates for the period 1986-1999 in Taiwan were obtained and the year of 1993 is found to be the inflection point. We analyzed using Poisson regression to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) for periods of decline (1986-1993) and increase (1993-1999) in suicides. The rapid decline in suicide by solid/liquid poisoning (mostly using pesticides) during a period of accelerated economic development (1986-1999) in Taiwan was found to be associated with the increased use of alternative methods. An interaction model found a marked decrease in solid/liquid poisoning suicide in both urban and rural Taiwan over the period of decline (1986-1993). The extent of the decrease was greater in rural areas but was accompanied by a rise in the use of several other suicide methods. However, the net effect was still a marked reduction in the suicide rate. A general increase in suicide among all age groups, for all methods, in both rural and urban settings, and for both sexes was found during the period when the suicide rate increased (1993-1999). We conclude that restricting access to the means of pesticide suicides reduces not only the method-specific suicide rate but also the overall suicide rate; nonetheless, suicide method substitution is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon. Stratified analyses by geographical (i.e. urban/rural) area can help to disentangle the patterns in each subgroup, which will improve our understanding of the phenomenon and make suicide prevention efforts more focused and effective.