Vertically aligned montmorillonite aerogel-encapsulated polyethylene glycol with directional heat transfer paths for efficient solar thermal energy harvesting and storage

The conversion and storage of photothermal energy using phase change materials(PCMs)represent an optimal approach for harnessing clean and sustainable solar energy.Herein,we encapsulated polyethylene glycol(PEG)in montmorillonite aerogels(3D-Mt)through vacuum impregnation to prepare 3D-Mt/PEG composite PCMs.When used as a support matrix,3D-Mt can effectively prevent PEG leakage and act as a flame-retardant barrier to reduce the flammability of PEG.Simultaneously,3D-Mt/PEG demonstrates outstanding shape retention,increased thermal energy storage density,and commendable thermal and chemical stability.The phase transition enthalpy of 3D-Mt/PEG can reach 167.53 J/g and remains stable even after 50 heating-cooling cycles.Furthermore,the vertical sheet-like structure of 3D-Mt establishes directional heat transport channels,facilitating efficient phonon transfer.This configuration results in highly anisotropic thermal conductivities that ensure swift thermal responses and efficient heat conduction.This study addresses the shortcomings of PCMs,including the issues of leakage and inadequate flame retardancy.It achieves the development and design of 3D-Mt/PEG with ultrahigh strength,superior flame retardancy,and directional heat transfer.Therefore,this work offers a design strategy for the preparation of high-performance composite PCMs.The 3D-Mt/PEG with vertically aligned and well-ordered array structure developed in this research shows great potential for thermal management and photothermal conversion applications.

Polyethylene glycol has immunoprotective effects on sciatic allografts, but behavioral recovery and graft tolerance require neurorrhaphy and axonal fusion

Behavioral recovery using(viable)peripheral nerve allografts to repair ablation-type(segmental-loss)peripheral nerve injuries is delayed or poor due to slow and inaccurate axonal regeneration.Furthermore,such peripheral nerve allografts undergo immunological rejection by the host immune system.In contrast,peripheral nerve injuries repaired by polyethylene glycol fusion of peripheral nerve allografts exhibit excellent behavioral recovery within weeks,reduced immune responses,and many axons do not undergo Wallerian degeneration.The relative contribution of neurorrhaphy and polyethylene glycol-fusion of axons versus the effects of polyethylene glycol per se was unknown prior to this study.We hypothesized that polyethylene glycol might have some immune-protective effects,but polyethylene glycol-fusion was necessary to prevent Wallerian degeneration and functional/behavioral recovery.We examined how polyethylene glycol solutions per se affect functional and behavioral recovery and peripheral nerve allograft morphological and immunological responses in the absence of polyethylene glycol-induced axonal fusion.Ablation-type sciatic nerve injuries in outbred Sprague–Dawley rats were repaired according to a modified protocol using the same solutions as polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts,but peripheral nerve allografts were loose-sutured(loose-sutured polyethylene glycol)with an intentional gap of 1–2 mm to prevent fusion by polyethylene glycol of peripheral nerve allograft axons with host axons.Similar to negative control peripheral nerve allografts not treated by polyethylene glycol and in contrast to polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts,animals with loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts exhibited Wallerian degeneration for all axons and myelin degeneration by 7 days postoperatively and did not recover sciatic-mediated behavioral functions by 42 days postoperatively.Other morphological signs of rejection,such as collapsed Schwann cell basal lamina tubes,were absent in polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts but commonly observed in negative control and loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts at 21 days postoperatively.Loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts had more pro-inflammatory and less anti-inflammatory macrophages than negative control peripheral nerve allografts.While T cell counts were similarly high in loose-sutured-polyethylene glycol and negative control peripheral nerve allografts,loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts expressed some cytokines/chemokines important for T cell activation at much lower levels at 14 days postoperatively.MHCI expression was elevated in loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts,but MHCII expression was modestly lower compared to negative control at 21 days postoperatively.We conclude that,while polyethylene glycol per se reduces some immune responses of peripheral nerve allografts,successful polyethylene glycol-fusion repair of some axons is necessary to prevent Wallerian degeneration of those axons and immune rejection of peripheral nerve allografts,and produce recovery of sensory/motor functions and voluntary behaviors.Translation of polyethylene glycol-fusion technologies would produce a paradigm shift from the current clinical practice of waiting days to months to repair ablation peripheral nerve injuries.

Polyethylene glycol fusion repair of severed rat sciatic nerves reestablishes axonal continuity and reorganizes sensory terminal fields in the spinal cord

Peripheral nerve injuries result in the rapid degeneration of distal nerve segments and immediate loss of motor and sensory functions;behavioral recovery is typically poor.We used a plasmalemmal fusogen,polyethylene glycol(PEG),to immediately fuse closely apposed open ends of severed proximal and distal axons in rat sciatic nerves.We have previously reported that sciatic nerve axons repaired by PEG-fusion do not undergo Wallerian degeneration,and PEG-fused animals exhibit rapid(within 2–6 weeks)and extensive locomotor recovery.Furthermore,our previous report showed that PEG-fusion of severed sciatic motor axons was non-specific,i.e.,spinal motoneurons in PEG-fused animals were found to project to appropriate as well as inappropriate target muscles.In this study,we examined the consequences of PEG-fusion for sensory axons of the sciatic nerve.Young adult male and female rats(Sprague–Dawley)received either a unilateral single cut or ablation injury to the sciatic nerve and subsequent repair with or without(Negative Control)the application of PEG.Compound action potentials recorded immediately after PEG-fusion repair confirmed conduction across the injury site.The success of PEG-fusion was confirmed through Sciatic Functional Index testing with PEG-fused animals showing improvement in locomotor function beginning at 35 days postoperatively.At 2–42 days postoperatively,we anterogradely labeled sensory afferents from the dorsal aspect of the hindpaw following bilateral intradermal injection of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase.PEG-fusion repair reestablished axonal continuity.Compared to unoperated animals,labeled sensory afferents ipsilateral to the injury in PEG-fused animals were found in the appropriate area of the dorsal horn,as well as inappropriate mediolateral and rostrocaudal areas.Unexpectedly,despite having intact peripheral nerves,similar reorganizations of labeled sensory afferents were also observed contralateral to the injury and repair.This central reorganization may contribute to the improved behavioral recovery seen after PEG-fusion repair,supporting the use of this novel repair methodology over currently available treatments.

Hyponatremic encephalopathy due to polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation for colonoscopy:A case report

BACKGROUND Adequate bowel preparation is critical for colonoscopy screening.At present,the most widely used intestinal cleaner recommended at home and abroad is Polyethylene glycol(PEG).Intestinal cleansers can cause electrolyte disturbances and hyponatremia.However,hyponatremic encephalopathy due to hyponatremia induced by PEG solution,although rare,can lead to serious irreversible sequelae and even death.CASE SUMMARY In this report,we discuss a case of neurological dysfunction due to hyponatremia,also known as hyponatremic encephalopathy,observed in a 63-year-old woman who underwent PEG-based bowel preparation for colonoscopy.She was eventually transferred to our intensive care unit for treatment due to her Glasgow Coma Scale score of 9/15(Eye opening 2;Verbal response 1;Motor response 6)and abnormal laboratory tests.CONCLUSION Physicians should be thoroughly familiarized with the patient’s history before prescribing PEG for bowel preparation,and timely identification of patients with hyponatremic encephalopathy is essential as delayed treatment is associated with poor neurological outcomes.An intravenous infusion of 3%sodium chloride is recommended at the onset of early symptoms.The goal of treatment is to adequately treat cerebral edema while avoiding serum sodium correction beyond 15 to 20 m Eq/L within 48 h of treatment to prevent osmotic demyelination syndrome.

Polyethylene glycol crosslinked decellularized single liver lobe scaffolds with vascular endothelial growth factor promotes angiogenesis in vivo

Background: Improving the mechanical properties and angiogenesis of acellular scaffolds before transplantation is an important challenge facing the development of acellular liver grafts. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and angiogenesis of polyethylene glycol(PEG) crosslinked decellularized single liver lobe scaffolds(DLSs), and establish its suitability as a graft for long-term liver tissue engineering. Methods: Using mercaptoacrylate produced by the Michael addition reaction, DLSs were first modified using N-succinimidyl S-acetylthioacetate(SATA), followed by cross-linking with PEG as well as vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). The optimal concentration of agents and time of the individual steps were identified in this procedure through biomechanical testing and morphological analysis. Subsequently, human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were seeded on the PEG crosslinked scaffolds to detect the proliferation and viability of cells. The scaffolds were then transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate angiogenesis. In addition, the average number of blood vessels was evaluated in the grafts with or without PEG at days 7, 14, and 21 after implantation. Results: The PEG crosslinked DLS maintained their three-dimensional structure and were more translucent after decellularization than native DLS, which presented a denser and more porous network structure. The results for Young’s modulus proved that the mechanical properties of 0.5 PEG crosslinked DLS were the best and close to that of native livers. The PEG-VEGF-DLS could better promote cell proliferation and differentiation of HUVECs compared with the groups without PEG cross-linking. Importantly, the average density of blood vessels was higher in the PEG-VEGF-DLS than that in other groups at days 7, 14, and 21 after implantation in vivo. Conclusions: The PEG crosslinked DLS with VEGF could improve the biomechanical properties of native DLS, and most importantly, their lack of cytotoxicity provides a new route to promote the proliferation of cells in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo in liver tissue engineering.

Anaphylactic shock induced by polyethylene glycol after bowel preparation for the colorectal cancer surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Polyethylene glycol(PEG)is widely used as an additive because of its hydrophilic and chemically inert properties.However,there are been increasing reports of PEG allergies,including anaphylaxis,although they are still rare.This case report aims to raise awareness,that the commonly used bowel cleansing agent containing PEG can cause serious allergic reactions.CASE SUMMARY Prior to surgery for sigmoid colon cancer,a 63-year-old man was prescribed a bowel cleansing agent containing PEG.Within 30 min of ingestion,he developed symptoms of anaphylactic shock and did not respond to initial intramuscular epinephrine injection.Under diagnosis of anaphylaxis to PEG,he was stabilized with fluid hydration and continuous norepinephrine infusion.CONCLUSION While allergic reactions to PEG are rare,they can be life-threatening.Therefore,it is crucial for clinicians to be aware of this possibility and to diagnose and resuscitate patients immediately.

Bisacodyl plus split 2-L polyethylene glycol-citrate-simethicone improves quality of bowel preparation before screening colonoscopy

AIM:To compare the bowel cleansing efficacy,tolerability and acceptability of split 2-L polyethylene glycol(PEG)-citrate-simethicone(PEG-CS)plus bisacodyl(BIS)vs 4-L PEG for fecal occult blood test-positive screening colonoscopy.METHODS:This was a randomised,observer-blind comparative study.Two hundred and sixty-four subjects underwent screening colonoscopy(mean age 62.5±7.4years,male 61.7%).The primary objective of the study was to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy of the two preparations.Interventions:BIS plus PEG-CS:3 tablets of 5-mg BIS at 16:00,PEG-CS 1-L at 19:00 and 1-L at7:00,4-L PEG:3-L at 17:00,and 1-L at 7:00.Colonoscopy was carried out after 11:00,at least 3 h after the completion of bowel preparation.Bowel cleansing was evaluated using the Harefield Cleansing Scale.RESULTS:Bowel preparation was successful for 92.8%of subjects in the PEG-CS group and for 92.1%of subjects in the 4-L PEG(RR=1.01;95%CI:0.94-1.08).BIS+PEG-CS was better tolerated than 4-L PEG.A greater rate of patients in the BIS+PEG-CS group had no difficulty and/or were willing to repeat the same preparation compared to split-dose 4-L PEG group.Subjects in the BIS+PEG-CS group rated the prep as good or satisfactory in 90.6%as compared to 77%in the 4-L PEG(P=0.003).Subjects receiving BIS+PEGCS stated they fully adhered to instructions drinking all the 2-L solution in 97.1%compared with 87.3%in the4-L PEG(P=0.003).CONCLUSION:BIS plus split 2-L PEG-CS was as effective as but better tolerated and accepted than split4-L PEG for screening colonoscopy.This new procedure may increase the positive attitude and participation to colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy.

Randomized controlled trial of sodium phosphate tablets vs polyethylene glycol solution for colonoscopy bowel cleansing

AIM: To compare efficacy, patient compliance, acceptability, satisfaction, safety, and adenoma detection rate of sodium phosphate tablets (NaP, CLICOLONTM) to a standard 4 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution for bowel cleansing for adults undergoing colonoscopy.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a benign solvent for Knoevenagel condensation

The Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes with active methylene compound proceeded efficiently in polyethylene glycol at room temperature with L-proline as catalyst. The yield is high and the products had E-isomer dominantly. Polyethylene glycol containing L-proline could be recycled and reused for several times without noticeably decreasing in productivity.

Lubiprostone used with polyethylene glycol in diabetic patients enhances colonoscopy preparation quality

AIM: To assess the additive effect of lubiprostone on the quality of colon preparation in diabetics given single-dosed polyethylene glycol electrolyte(PEG)for colonoscopy.METHODS:This was an investigator-initiated,singlecenter,single-blinded prospective trial comparing the efficacy of L+PEG to PEG alone on colon preparation quality in diabetics undergoing screening colonoscopy.The study was approved by our institution’s IRB.The PEG was given as a single-dose to address patientcompliance concerns voiced by our IRB with splitdosing.All patients received only clear liquids the day prior to colonoscopy.Experimental group(Grp L)received PEG+1 dose L 2 h prior to and 2 h after PEG completion.Control group(Grp C)received only PEG the evening prior to the colonoscopy.Patients were randomly assigned to one of the 2 groups.The endoscopist was blinded to which colon prep was given and all colonoscopies were complete.Upon colonoscopy completion,the endoscopist rated the colon prep-quality by a validated 5-point Likert scale(1-excellent to 5-inadequate).RESULTS:Sixty patients were enrolled in the study;30 Grp L and 30 Grp C.Overall,patients were excluded due to study non-completion in 12(41%)Grp L and 5(17%) Grp C,P=0.04.Average colon preparation score Grp L =2.47 and Grp C=3.00,P=0.09.Although this was not statistically significant,there was a trend towards improved colon prep in Grp L.Statistical significance may have been achieved if completion rates had been similar between both study groups.CONCLUSION:Use of 2-L capsules with PEG resulted in a trend towards improved colon prep over PEG alone in diabetic patients when given as a single-dose regimen.

Conundrums and confusions regarding how polyethylene glycol-fusion produces excellent behavioral recovery after peripheral nerve injuries

Current Neuroscience dogma holds that transections or ablations of a segment of peripheral nerves produce： （1） Immediate loss of axonal continuity, sensory signaling, and motor control; （2） Wallerian rapid （1-3 days） degeneration of severed distal axons, muscle atrophy, and poor behavioral recovery after many months （if ever, after ablations） by slowly-regenerating （1 mm/d）, proximal-stump outgrowths that must specifically reinnervate denervated targets; （3） Poor acceptance of microsutured nerve allografts, even if tissue-matched and immune-suppressed. Repair of transections/ablations by neurorrhaphy and well-specified-sequences of PEG-fusion solutions （one containing polyethylene glycol, PEG） successfully address these problems. However, conundrums and confusions regarding unorthodox and dramatic results of PEG-fusion repair in animal model systems often lead to misunderstandings. For example, （1） Axonal continuity and signaling is re-established within minutes by non-specifically PEG-fusing （connecting） severed motor and sensory axons across each lesion site, but remarkable behavioral recovery to near-unoperated levels takes several weeks; （2） Many distal stumps of inappropriately-reconnected, PEG-fused axons do not ever （Wallerian） degenerate and continuously innervate muscle fibers that undergo much less atrophy than otherwise-denervated muscle fibers; （3） Host rats do not reject PEG-fused donor nerve allografts in a non-immuno-privileged environment with no tissue matching or immunosuppression; （4） PEG fuses apposed open axonal ends or seals each shut （thereby preventing PEG-fusion）, depending on the experimental protocol; （5） PEG-fusion protocols produce similar results in animal model systems and early human case studies. Hence, iconoclastic PEG-fusion data appropriately understood might provoke a re-thinking of some Neuroscience dogma and a paradigm shift in clinical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.

Effect of exogenous spastin combined with polyethylene glycol on sciatic nerve injury

Polyethylene glycol can connect the distal and proximal ends of an injured nerve at the cellular level through axonal fusion to avoid Wallerian degeneration of the injured distal nerve and promote peripheral nerve regeneration.However,this method can only prevent Wallerian degeneration in 10% of axons because the cytoskeleton is not repaired in a timely fashion.Reconstruction of the cytoskeletal trunk and microtubule network has been suggested to be the key for improving the efficiency of axonal fusion.As a microtubule-severing protein,spastin has been used to enhance cytoskeletal reconstruction.Therefore,we hypothesized that spastin combined with polyethylene glycol can more effectively promote peripheral nerve regeneration.A total of 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham,suture,polyethylene glycol,and polyethylene glycol + spastin groups.In suture group rats,only traditional nerve anastomosis of the end-to-end suture was performed after transection of the sciatic nerve.In polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol + spastin groups,50 μL of polyethylene glycol or 25 μL of polyethylene glycol + 25 μL of spastin,respectively,were injected immediately under the epineurium of the distal suture.Sensory fiber regeneration distance,which was used to assess early nerve regeneration at 1 week after surgery,was shortest in the suture group,followed by polyethylene glycol group and greatest in the polyethylene glycol + spastin group.Behavioral assessment of motor function recovery in rats showed that limb function was restored in polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol + spastin groups at 8 weeks after surgery.At 1,2,4 and 8 weeks after surgery,sciatic functional index values and percentages of gastrocnemius muscle wet weight were highest in the sham group,followed by polyethylene glycol + spastin and polyethylene glycol groups,and lowest in the suture group.Masson staining was utilized to assess the morphology of muscle tissue.Morphological changes in skeletal muscle were detectable in suture,polyethylene glycol,and polyethylene glycol + spastin groups at 1,2,4,and 8 weeks after surgery.Among them,muscular atrophy of the suture group was most serious,followed by polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol + spastin groups.Ultrastructure of distal sciatic nerve tissue,as detected by transmission electron microscopy,showed a pattern of initial destruction,subsequent disintegration,and gradual repair in suture,polyethylene glycol,and polyethylene glycol + spastin groups at 1,2,4,and8 weeks after surgery.As time proceeded,axonal ultrastructure gradually recovered.Indeed,the polyethylene glycol + spastin group was similar to the sham group at 8 weeks after surgery.Our findings indicate that the combination of polyethylene glycol and spastin can promote peripheral nerve regeneration.Moreover,the effect of this combination was better than that of polyethylene glycol alone,and both were superior to the traditional neurorrhaphy.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Second Military Medical University,China(approval No.CZ20170216) on March 16,2017.

Polyethylene glycol microspheres loaded with irinotecan for arterially directed embolic therapy of metastatic liver cancer

AIM To study tumor response, and tolerability of arterially directed embolic therapy(ADET) with polyethylene glycol embolics loaded with irinotecan for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRC-LM). Secondary objectives were to monitor quality of life, time to progression and survival of patients.METHODS Patients were included in the study if they were affected by CRC-LM, refractory to systemic chemotherapy, treated with ADET using polyethylene glycol embolics, and had liver involvement < 50%. Tumor response, performance status(PS), tumor marker antigens, and quality of life(QoL) were monitored at 1, 3 and 6 mo after ADET. QoL was assessed with the Palliative Performance Scale(PPS).RESULTS We treated 50 consecutive CRC-LM patients with ADET using polyethylene glycol embolics. Their tumor response one month after ADET was: 28% of complete response(CR), 48% of partial response(PR), 8% stable disease(SD), and 16% of progression. Tumor response 3 mo after ADET was CR 24%, PR 38%, SD 19% and progression disease(PD) 19%. Tumor response 6 mo after ADET was CR 18%, PR 44%, SD 21% and PD 18%. QoL was 90% PPS at each time point. Median time to progression for patients who progressed was 2.5 mo(range 0.8-6). Median follow-up was 14 mo(0.8-25 range). ADETs were performed with no complications. Observed side effects(mild or moderate intensity) were: Pain in 32% of patients, increase of transaminase levels in 20% and fever in 14%, whereas 30% of patients did not complain any adverse event. CONCLUSION The treatment of unresectable CRC-LM with ADET using polyethylene glycol microspheres loaded with irinotecan was effective in tumor response and resulted in mild toxicity, and good QoL.

Pilot study on efficacy of reduced cathartic bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of reduced cathartic bowel preparation with 2 L polyethylene glycol(PEG)-4000 electrolyte solution and 10 mg bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets for computed tomographic colonography(CTC).METHODS:Sixty subjects who gave informed consent were randomly assigned to study group A,study group B or the control group.On the day prior to CTC,subjects in study group A were given 20 mL 40% wt/vol barium sulfate suspension before 3 mealtimes,60 mL 60% diatrizoate meglumine diluted in 250 mL water after supper,and 10 mg bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets 1 h before oral administration of 2 L PEG-4000 electrolyte solution.Subjects in study group B were treated identically to those in study group A,with the exception of bisacodyl which was given 1 h after oral PEG-4000.Subjects in the control group were managed using the same strategy as the subjects in study group A,but without administration of bisacodyl.Residual stool and fluid scores,the attenuation value of residual fluid,and discomfort during bowel preparation in the three groups were analyzed statistically.RESULTS:The mean scores for residual stool and fluid in study group A were lower than those in study group B,but the differences were not statistically significant.Subjects in study group A showed greater stool and fluid cleansing ability than the subjects in study group B.The mean scores for residual stool and fluid in study groups A and B were lower than those in the control group,and were significantly different.There was no significant difference in the mean attenuation value of residual fluid between study group A,study group B and the control group.The total discomfort index during bowel preparation was 46,45 and 45 in the three groups,respectively,with no significant difference.CONCLUSION:Administration of 10 mg bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets prior to or after oral administration of 2 L PEG-4000 electrolyte solution enhances stool and fluid cleansing ability,and has no impact on the attenuation value of residual fluid or the discomfort index.The former is an excellent alternative for CTC colorectum

Efficacy of 1.2L polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid for bowel preparations

BACKGROUND A low-volume polyethylene glycol(PEG) solution that combines ascorbic acid with PEG-based electrolyte solution(PEG-ASC) is gaining mainstream acceptance for bowel preparation due to reduced volume and improved taste.Although several reports showed that bowel preparation with PEG-ASC volume lower than 2.0 L with laxative agents could be an alternative to traditional preparation regimen, the cleansing protocols have not been fully investigated.AIM To evaluate the cleansing efficacy of 1.2 L PEG-ASC solution comparing with 2.0 L PEG electrolyte(PEG-ELS) for bowel preparations.METHODS A randomized, single-blinded, open-label, single-center, non-inferiority study was conducted. In total, 312 Japanese adult patients(aged > 18 years) who underwent colonoscopy were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to bowel lavage with either 1.2 L of PEG-ASC solution with at least 0.6 L of an additional clear fluid(1.2 L PEG-ASC group) or 2.0 L of PEG-ELS(PEG-ELS group). Then, 48 mg of sennoside was administered at bedtime on the day before colonoscopy, and the designated drug solution was administered at the hospital on the day of colonoscopy. Bowel cleansing was evaluated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale(BBPS). The volume of fluid intake and required time for bowel preparation were evaluated. Furthermore, compliance, patient tolerance,and overall acceptability were evaluated using a patient questionnaire, which was assessed using a visual analog scale.RESULTS In total, 291 patients(1.2 L PEG-ASC group, 148; PEG-ELS group, 143) completed the study. There was no significant difference in successful cleansing, defined as a BBPS score ≥ 2 in each segment, between the two groups(1.2 L PEG-ASC group, 91.9%; PEG-ELS group, 90.2%; 95%CI:-0.03-0.09). The required time for bowel preparation was significantly shorter(164.95 min ± 68.95 min vs 202.16 min± 68.69 min, P < 0.001) and the total fluid intake volume was significantly lower(2.23 L ± 0.55 L vs 2.47 L ± 0.56 L, P < 0.001) in the 1.2 L PEG-ASC group than in the PEG-ELS group. Palatability, acceptability of the volume of solution, and overall acceptability evaluated using a patient questionnaire, which was assessed by the visual analog scale, were significantly better in the 1.2 L PEG-ASC group than in the PEG-ELS group(7.70 cm ± 2.57 cm vs 5.80 cm ± 3.24 cm, P < 0.001). No severe adverse event was observed in each group.CONCLUSION The 1.2 L PEG-ASC solution was non-inferior to the 2.0 L PEG-ELS solution in terms of cleansing efficacy and had better acceptability among Japanese patients.

Synthesis and Characterization of Storage Energy Materials Prepared from Nano-crystalline Cellulose/Polyethylene Glycol

This paper gives a brief report of the synthesis of a new kind of solid-solid phase change materials （SSPCMs）, nano-crystalline cellulose/polyethylene glycol （NCC/PEG）. These PCMs have very high ability for energy storage, and their enthalpies reach 103.8 J/g. They are composed of two parts, PEG as functional branches for energy storage, and NCC as skeleton. The flexible polymer PEG was grafted onto the surface of rigid powder of NCC by covalent bonds. The results of DSC, FT-IR were briefly introduced, and some comments were also given.

Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxyl-terminated Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Colloidal mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with carboxy-terminated polyethylene glycol(CMS-PEG-COOH) were successfully synthesized by covalently grafting dicarboxy-terminated polyethylene glycol(HOOC-PEG-COOH) on the surface of the amino functionalized CMS nanoparticles with amide bond as a cross linker. Moreover, the structural and particle properties of CMS-PEG-COOH were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1 H-NMR), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), dynamic light scattering(DLS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, X-ray diffraction(XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR). The nanomaterials presented a relatively uniform spherical shape morphology with diameters of about 120 nm,and favorable dispersibility in weak acid solution. The CMSPEG-COOH exhibited no changes in the state of amorphous, while the mesopores sizes of 5.25 nm might provide the nanomaterials with large capacity for the loading and releasing of drugs. So the results indicated that CMSPEG-COOH might be a critical nanomaterial for drug delivery system in the future.

Prospective controlled study on the effects of polyethylene glycol in capsule endoscopy

AIM:To prospectively confirm whether a small amount of polyethylene glycol(PEG)ingested after swallowing endoscopy capsule improves image quality and completion rate.METHODS:Forty-four consecutive patients referred to us for capsule endoscopy(CE)were randomized to two groups.All patients were restricted to clear fluids for 12 h before the examination.Patients in group A(22 cases)received no additional preparation,while those in group B(20 cases)ingested 500 mL of PEG within a 2 h period starting 30 min after swallowing the capsule.Clear fluids and meals were allowed 2 h and 4 h after capsule ingestion,respectively.Image quality was assessed as the percentage of visualized bowel surface area as follows:1:<25%;2:25%-49%;3:50%-74%;4:75%-89%;5:>90%.The small bowel record was divided into five segments by time,and the score for each segment was evaluated.All CE examinations were performed with the Pillcam SB capsule endoscopy sys-tem(Given Imaging Co.Ltd.,Yoqnem).RESULTS:This study ended in December 2009,because sample size was considered large enough.A total of 44 patients were enrolled.Two patients in group B were excluded from the analysis because small bowel images could not be obtained from these patients;one had a full stomach,while the other presented with a massive gastric bleed.Thus,22 patients from group A and 20 patients from group B completed the study.There was no significant difference in age(P=0.22),sex(P=0.31),and indication for CE.No significant adverse events occurred in any of the study patients.In group A,image quality deteriorated as the capsule progressed distally.However,in group B,image quality was maintained to the distal small bowel.In each of the five segments,the visibility score was significantly higher in group B than in group A(segment 1:4.3± 0.7vs 4.7±0.5,P=0.03;segment 2:4.2±0.9vs 4.8 ±0.4,P=0.01;segment 3:4.0±1.0 vs 4.6±0.7,P =0.04;segment 4:3.6±1.1 vs 4.5±0.6,P=0.003;segment 5:2.7±1.0vs 4.4±0.8,P=0.00004).Thus,the use of PEG during CE examination significantly improved image quality in all time segments,and this effect was more pronounced in the distal ileum.The completion rate to the cecum was not significantly different between groups A and B(81.8%vs 85.0%,P =0.89).There was no difference in the gastric transit time between groups(36.2±35.0 min vs 54.0±56.6 min,P=0.23),but the small bowel transit time was significantly longer in group A than in group B(246.0± 107.0 minvs 171.0±104.0 min,P=0.04).CONCLUSION:The ingestion of a small amount of PEG after the swallowing of an endoscopy capsule significantly improved CE image quality,but did not enhance the completion rate to the cecum.

Preparation and Hydrophilicity of Copolymerization of Chitosan Selectively Grafted by Polyethylene Glycol

Copolymerization of chitosan selectively grafted by polyethylene glycol was prepared. Chitosan was selectively grafted by monomethoxy polyethylene glycol（mPEG-OH）, which contained a hydroxyl group combining with hexamethylene diisocyanate（HDI） to form a novel macromonomer namely monomethoxy polyethylene glycol isocyanate（mPEG-NCO） containing a isocyanate group with higher chemical activity in ethyl glyoxalate solution absolutely without water. The selective grafted copolymerization of Chitosan with mPEG-NCO was conducted under heterogeneous conditions as suspension in dimethylformamide. The hydrophilic copolymers of chitosan were prepared by condensation reaction of isocyanate group on mPEG- NCO with hydroxy groups on chitosan chains because amino groups on chitosan chains were protected by complexion formation with copper ions. The effect of reaction condition on the grafting extents was discussed. Swelling properties of mPEG-g-CS were researched. The graft copolymer mPEG-g-CS was characterized by the infrared spectra. The experimental result showed that the copper ions were very effective to protect amino groups from condensation reaction. The swelling degree in water increases with adding of grafting ratio. The maximum swelling degree was up to above 132% when the grafting ratio was about 270%. The graft copolymer can be soluble partially in pure water.

Prospective randomized comparison of oral sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol lavage for colonoscopy preparation

AIM: To compare the effectiveness, patient acceptability, and physical tolerability of two oral lavage solutions prior to colonoscopy in a Taiwan Residents population. METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients were randomized to receive either standard 4 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or 90 mL of sodium phosphate (NaP) in a split regimen of two 45 mL doses separated by 12 h, prior to colonoscopic evaluation. The primary endpoint was the percent of subjects who had completed the preparation. Secondary endpoints included colonic cleansing evaluated with an overall assessment and segmental evaluation, the tolerance and acceptability assessed by a selfadministered structured questionnaire, and a safety profile such as any unexpected adverse events, electrolyte tests, physical exams, vital signs, and body weights. RESULTS: A significantly higher completion rate was found in the NaP group compared to the PEG group(84.2% vs 27.5%, P＜0.001). The amount of fluid suctioned was significantly less in patients taking NaP vs PEG (50.13±54.8 cc vs 121.13±115.4 cc, P＜0.001),even after controlling for completion of the oral solution(P = 0.031). The two groups showed a comparable overall assessment of bowel preparation with a rate of 'good' or 'excellent' in 78.9% of patients in the NaPgroup and 82.5% in PEG group (P = 0.778). Patients taking NaP tended to have significantly better colonic segmental cleansing relative to stool amount observedin the descending (94.7% vs 70%, P = 0.007) andtransverse (94.6% vs 74.4%, P = 0.025) colon. Slightly more patients graded the taste of NaP as 'good' or 'very good' compared to the PEG patients (32.5% vs 12.5%;P = 0.059). Patients' willingness to take the same preparation in the future was 68.4% in the NaP compared to 75% in the PEG group (P = 0.617). There was a significant increase in serum sodium and a significant decrease in phosphate and chloride levels in NaP group on the day following the colonoscopy without any clinical sequelae. Prolonged (＞24 h) hemodynamic changes were also observed in 20-35% subjects of either group.CONCLUSION: Both bowel cleansing agents proved to be similar in safety and effectiveness, while NaP appeared to be more cost-effective. After identifying and excluding patients with potential risk factors, sodium phosphate should become an alternative preparation for patients undergoing elective colonoscopy in the Taiwan Residents population.