Concentrations Of Glycol Research Articles

Drought Stress Screening in Backcross Inbred Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Germination and Seedling Stage

Drought is a key stress factor that limits rice production globally. The present study was carried out to identify drought tolerant rice lines at the germination and seedling stages using polyethylene glycol (PEG) induced stress. Twenty promising high yielding BC2F4 lines, stacked with drought yield QTLs qDTY₁⸳₁ and qDTY₁₂.₁, derived from the cross between Manu Ratna X Improved White Ponni, were subjected to drought stress. Drought was imposed during germination using three levels (0, 10 and 15%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) concentrations. The experiment was conducted in factorial completely randomized block design with three replications and the observations on number of seeds germinated, root length, shoot length, germination index, germination stress tolerance index, fresh weight stress tolerance index, dry weight stress tolerance index and seedling vigour index were evaluated after stress treatment. A significant difference was noted among lines for characters under drought stress. Among the lines, MIB-29-2-3-1, MIB-29-8-5-35, MIB-43-5-3-66 and MIB-119-5-7-33 were selected which showed higher germination percentage, root length, shoot length, germination stress tolerance index and and seeding vigour index. The selected lines can be further evaluated in the field to develop drought tolerant rice varieties.

Optimized partial freezing protocol enables 10-day storage of rat livers

Preserving organs at subzero temperatures with halted metabolic activity holds the potential to prolong preservation and expand the donor organ pool for transplant. Our group recently introduced partial freezing, a novel approach in high-subzero storage at -15 °C, enabling 5-day storage of rodent livers through precise control over ice nucleation and unfrozen fraction. However, increased vascular resistance and tissue edema suggested a need for improvements to extend viable preservation. Here, we describe an optimized partial freezing protocol with key optimizations, including an increased concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to enhance membrane stability while minimizing shear stress during cryoprotectant unloading with an acclimation period and a maintained osmotic balance through an increase in bovine serum albumin (BSA). These approaches ensured the viability during preservation and recovery processes, promoting liver function and ensuring optimal preservation. This was evidenced by increased oxygen consumption, decreased vascular resistance, and edema. Ultimately, we show that using the optimized protocol, livers can be stored for 10 days with comparable vascular resistance and lactate levels to 5 days, outperforming the viability of time-matched static cold stored (SCS) livers as the current gold standard. This study represents a significant advancement in expanding organ availability through prolonged preservation, thereby revolutionizing transplant medicine.

Assessment of the influence of glycol and alcohol on the morphology and protective properties of iron carbonate in carbon dioxide corrosion of gas pipelines

The potential effect of hydrate formation inhibitors (glycols, alcohols) — components of the liquid phase of gas pipeline operating media — on carbon dioxide corrosion during the transport of aggressive gas has not been sufficiently studied. The paper presents the results of a study of the corrosive effect of glycol (alcohol) present in the liquid phase on the composition and properties of corrosion products on steel when modeling the main aggressive factors under conditions of transport of CO2-containing gas. On a corrosion stand, the aggressive conditions of alternating wetting of gas pipeline walls with water were reproduced. The fluid circulation characteristic of a partially filled pipeline can have an effect on preventing the formation or destruction of films of corrosion products (iron carbonate, siderite) on the steel surface. In places of cracking and peeling of siderite formed in the presence of CO2, conditions will be created for the formation of general and local corrosion damage. During simulation tests, monoethylene glycol and isopropanol, as well as their aqueous solutions of different concentrations, were used. For the first time, data on the formation and composition of non-stoichiometric siderite in water-glycol and water-alcohol media at CO2 partial pressures and temperature were obtained. By processing diffraction patterns obtained by X-ray diffraction, the degree of substitution of iron ions in non-stoichiometric siderites by other cations was determined. The dependence of the degree of substitution on the concentration of alcohol (glycol) in their aqueous solutions was analyzed. It was revealed that with an increase in glycol concentration, a decrease in the rate of local corrosion is observed. With a high glycol content, internal corrosion is completely suppressed in the presence of CO2. It has been established that in aqueous-alcoholic media at elevated temperatures, local carbon dioxide corrosion does not occur. This is apparently due to the uneven distribution of water and alcohol in the mixture. The results obtained can be used in assessing internal carbon dioxide corrosion in the presence of glycol (alcohol), used at gas facilities as an inhibitor of hydrate formation.

Mechanism and growth kinetics of hexagonal TiO2 nanotubes with an influence of anodizing parameters on morphology and physical properties

Hexagonal TiO2 nanotubes (hTNTs) mimic a honeycomb structure, indicating their high potential as implantable materials due to their superior mechanical, chemical, and biological properties. However, the fabrication of hTNTs with a hexagonal base and six rectangular sides poses significant challenges, underscoring the importance of this research. This study developed a novel sonoelectrochemical method for synthesizing uniform hTNTs and evaluated the influence of anodizing parameters on their morphology. The effects of electrolyte concentration (ethylene glycol 90–97.5% and ammonium fluoride 0.1–0.5 wt%) and anodizing parameters (time 5–90 min, potential 10–80 V) on the morphology (diameter and length) and physical properties (porosity, specific surface area, growth factor) of hTNTs were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and anodization analysis. The methodology enabled the synthesis of hTNTs with diameters ranging from 33 ± 3 nm to 203 ± 33 nm and lengths from 1.16 ± 0.04 μm to 20.93 ± 2.37 μm. The study demonstrated that the concentrations of ethylene glycol and ammonium fluoride influenced the diameter and length of hTNTs depending on the anodizing potential. Moreover, the anodizing potential significantly affected the diameter, while both potential and time impacted the length of hTNTs. The proposed method can modify material surfaces for diverse applications.

Effect of Polyethylene Glycol Concentration on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Polysulfone-Based Membranes

Water pollution in Indonesia is a growing concern, necessitating the development of advanced treatment technologies. Membrane-based filtration, a promising approach due to its low energy consumption and ability to preserve material properties, has been explored. Polysulfone (PSf), a commonly used membrane material, is known for its thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. However, its hydrophobic nature limits its filtration performance. To enhance hydrophilicity and porosity, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is introduced as a hydrophilic additive. This study investigated the synthesis of PSf/PEG composite membranes with varying PEG concentrations (0%, 9%, and 14%) using the phase inversion method. Characterization of the membranes revealed that increasing PEG content led to thinner membranes with higher porosity, density, and swelling capacity. While Membrane-A (100% PSf) exhibited the highest tensile strength, Membrane-B (9% PEG) demonstrated the greatest elongation. SEM analysis confirmed that higher PEG concentrations resulted in larger and more numerous pores, forming asymmetric structures suitable for filtration. FTIR analysis verified the successful integration of PEG into the PSf matrix. The findings highlight the potential of PEG-modified PSf membranes for industrial wastewater treatment. The M-C membrane, containing 14% PEG, exhibited the highest swelling degree, indicating improved hydrophilicity and permeability. However, increased PEG content also led to decreased tensile strength. The optimized M-C membrane, with a density of 0.9906 g/cm³, a mass of 1.9249 g, and a thickness of 102 µm, meets the requirements for effective water treatment applications. This research contributes to the development of sustainable membrane technologies for environmental management in Indonesia. By addressing the limitations of PSf membranes, PSf/PEG composite membranes offer a promising solution to water pollution challenges in the region.

Kinetic study on bimolecular photochemical quenching of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) complex in water-ethylene glycol binary media.

The bimolecular photochemical quenching of the tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II) complex by ferricyanide ions in water-ethylene glycol binary media was investigated using a spectrophotometric approach, as previously reported by our research group. Time-resolved spectroscopy revealed that dynamic photochemical quenching occurred via a diffusion-dominated pathway. The static quenching process was found to occur significantly when the concentration of ethylene glycol was greater than 40 wt%. The analysis of the Stern-Volmer plots revealed that the emitters and quenchers tended to show ionic associations in water-ethylene glycol compared to our previous results with a water-glycerol binary solvent system. This is attributed to hydrophobicity, which is consistent with pioneering works that report that the addition of ethylene glycol to pure water forms hydrophobic regions, leading to dehydration of the complex ions.

Soil Bacteria from the Namib Desert: Insights into Plant Growth Promotion and Osmotolerance in a Hyper-Arid Environment

The Namib Desert is characterized by a number of abiotic stresses, including high temperature, high salinity, osmotic pressure, alkaline pH, and limited water availability. In such environments, dry soils typically exhibit a low water potential, scarce nutrients, and high concentrations of dissolved ions, collectively creating a challenging habitat for microbial life. In this study, 89 bacterial isolates belonging to 20 genera were identified. Bacteria demonstrated significant osmotolerance, with some strains thriving at polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations exceeding 20%. Furthermore, these bacteria demonstrated halotolerance, high pH tolerance, and capacity to produce plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits under conditions of osmotic stress. Osmotolerant bacteria exhibited higher proficiency in siderophore production, potassium solubilization, and phosphorus solubilization, all of which are critical for supporting plant growth in nutrient-scarce and stressful environments, such as deserts. However, alginate production was higher in isolates that were less osmotolerant, indicating the potential for a compensatory mechanism in strains that were more sensitive. These findings highlight the complex strategies employed by desert bacteria to survive and support host plants in extreme environments. The present study not only enhances our understanding of microbial adaptations in arid ecosystems, but also provides important information for the development of potential applications for these bacteria in the reclamation of arid land and agricultural practices aimed at improving crop resilience to abiotic stress.

Can endogenous ethylene glycol production occur in humans? A detailed investigation of adult monozygotic twin sisters

Introduction To the best of our knowledge, clinically significant endogenous ethylene glycol production has never been reported in humans, very seldom reported in other animals or microorganisms, and then only under rare and specific conditions. We describe the detailed investigations we undertook in two adult monozygotic twin sisters to ascertain whether they were producing endogenous ethylene glycol. Methods Two previously healthy monozygotic adult twin sisters presented with recurrent episodes of apparent ethylene glycol poisoning beginning at age 35, requiring chronic hemodialysis to remove ethylene glycol and its metabolites as well as to restore metabolic homeostasis. The sisters denied ingestion or exposure to ethylene glycol. At their request, they were admitted to hospital under strict supervision to exclude surreptitious ingestion of ethylene glycol and to evaluate the need for treatment. Hemodialysis was withheld during this prospective study. Twin A was admitted for 14 days and twin B for 11 days. Serial biochemical analyses were performed in blood and urine. Clinical exome sequencing and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing were also completed. Results In both twins, ethylene glycol was detected in urine, along with intermittent increases in concentrations of lactate, glycolate, and glycine in blood and/or urine. Blood ethylene glycol concentrations, however, remained <62 mg/L (<1 mmol/L) but became positive soon after discharge. The oxalate concentration remained normal in blood and urine. Plasma and urine amino acid profiles showed intermittent small increases in glycine, serine, taurine, proline, and/or alanine concentrations. Exome sequencing and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing were non-diagnostic. Neither twin has been admitted with metabolic acidosis nor ethylene glycol poisoning since chronic hemodialysis was started. Twin A developed a calcium oxalate dihydrate lithiasis. Discussion Mitochondrial disease, methylmalonic/propionic/isovaleric aciduria, primary hyperoxaluria, and analyte error were all excluded in these twins, as were obvious common environmental exposures. Conclusion Detailed investigations were performed in adult monozygotic twin sisters to ascertain whether they were producing endogenous ethylene glycol. Alternative explanations were excluded to the very best of our efforts and knowledge. Global metabolomics, gut microbiome analyses, and whole genome sequencing are pending.

Genotype-specific responses to in vitro drought stress in myrtle (Myrtus communis L.): integrating machine learning techniques.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), native to the Mediterranean region of Türkiye, is a valuable plant with applications in traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, and culinary practices. Understanding how myrtle responds to water stress is essential for sustainable cultivation as climate change exacerbates drought conditions. This study investigated the performance of selected myrtle genotypes under in vitro drought stress by employing tissue culture techniques, rooting trials, and acclimatization processes. Genotypes were tested under varying polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (1%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). Machine learning (ML) algorithms, including Gaussian process (GP), support vector machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were utilized to model and predict micropropagation and rooting efficiency. The research revealed a genotype-dependent response to drought stress. Black-fruited genotypes exhibited higher micropropagation rates compared to white-fruited ones under stress conditions. The application of ML models successfully predicted micropropagation and rooting efficiency, providing insights into genotype performance. The findings suggest that selecting drought-tolerant genotypes is crucial for enhancing myrtle cultivation. The results underscore the importance of genotype selection and optimization of cultivation practices to address climate change impacts. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms of stress responses to refine breeding strategies and improve resilience in myrtle and similar economically important crops.

Suggested guide to using lactate gap as a surrogate marker in the diagnosis of ethylene glycol overdose.

Ethylene glycol (EG) poisoning, if not diagnosed rapidly, can lead to poor patient outcomes. Gas Chromatography (GC) is primarily used for EG quantitation which is rarely available, and the turn-around time may be prolonged. Most lactate results from point-of care (POCT) methods are falsely elevated in EG poisoning compared with automated chemistry analyser results. In combination the lactate gap (POCT-Automated chemistry) can be used as surrogate marker in just about all laboratories to indicate likely EG toxicity and guide treatment. A male presented by ambulance to hospital with severe agitation requiring mechanical ventilation to facilitate ongoing management. Venous blood gas analysis confirmed a high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA) with an elevated lactate. The lactate and osmolarity measured in the laboratory showed a normal lactate and high osmolarity, giving a large osmolar gap. The patient was immediately commenced on renal replacement therapy for presumed EG poisoning to minimize kidney injury, and the treatment continued for 19 hours. A very high EG concentration was confirmed by GC the next day. An elevated lactate gap along with a HAGMA and osmolar gap can provide rapid surrogate laboratory data indicating EG poisoning enabling timely treatment and better patient outcomes.

Balancing PEDOT:PSS conductivity for optimal power output of p-n junction based ZnO piezoelectric nanogenerator

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS), has been employed in a wide range of applications owing to its good film-forming properties, high transparency, tunable conductivity, and good thermal and environmental stability. In piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), p-type PEDOT:PSS has been used to form a p-n junction with n-type ZnO nanorods, which slows down the screening of the piezoelectric polarisation to increase the generated output voltage. Optimizing the conductive property of PEDOT:PSS is therefore a potential way to improve the performance of a PENG by controlling the screening effect and internal resistance of the device. In this work, ethylene glycol (EG) is added to the PEDOT:PSS layer in a ZnO PENG to modify its conductivity. Doping with EG, induces a change in conformation of the PEDOT which transform from a coil shape to expanded-coil or linear shapes as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS layer is enhanced and the internal resistance of the PENG device is reduced, producing a higher current output. However, at the same time, devices using higher EG doping levels produce reduced voltage output, which is related to the rapid screening of the developed polarisation. Specifically, the optimal EG content was identified at 2.5%; although this resulted in a slight 4.0% reduction in voltage output compared to undoped devices, the current output increased by 41.6%, ultimately leading to a 33.1% improvement in peak power output. Therefore, we find that a balance between reducing the device resistance, which increases current output, and supressing the screening effect, which increases voltage output, is required to produce an optimum power output from the devices.

Topography and structural regulation-induced enhanced recovery of lithium from shale gas produced water via polyethylene glycol functionalized layered double hydroxide

Recovering lithium from wastewater generated during shale gas operations is essential for promoting sustainable resource utilization and safeguarding the environment. This study aimed to develop a lithium adsorbent by modifying lithium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (Li/Al-LDH) using varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) of two distinct molecular weights. Remarkably, the application of a 10 % solution of PEG400 at 293 K and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 20 mL/g yielded a substantial enhancement in the lithium adsorption capacity, increasing from 2.50 mg/g to 3.61 mg/g. Characterization studies revealed positive alterations in the physicochemical attributes of Li/Al-LDH after the integration of PEG long chains, particularly in its surface and structural properties. Moreover, DFT calculations demonstrated an increase in Li+ binding energy from −1.05 eV to −3.24 eV. The lithium adsorption process in produced water using the modified material reached equilibrium within 15 min through a spontaneous chemical reaction. Its capability to release Li+ under neutral conditions offers an environmentally friendly advantage. With a stable cyclic adsorption capacity of around 4.00 mg/g over eight rounds, the material demonstrated remarkable recyclability. This research presents a pioneering advanced lithium adsorbent for the sustainable extraction of lithium from shale gas produced water, thereby advancing the new energy sector.

Synthesis and Characterisation of Cellulose Acetate/Polyethylene Glycol Membrane from Pineapple Hump by Phase Inversion Method

Cellulose is a natural polymer contained in growing fibres, such as pineapple fibres. Cellulose can be modified into cellulose acetate, a modified polymer that can be used in the synthesis of a cellulose acetate/polyethylene glycol (CA/PEG) membrane. The phase inversion method was used in this study to produce CA/PEG membranes. Variations in polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration with a ratio of 1:1 to cellulose acetate, where variations in PEG concentrations used are 2%, 5% and 8%. Acetone and dimethylformamide are used as organic solvents. Membrane morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and functional group analysis using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer were performed for membrane characterisation. The result of the synthesis of the CA/PEG membrane is in the form of a thin white layer. The characterisation results of the FTIR spectrometer showed the vibration of the carbonyl bond at wavenumber 1729 cm−1 and the vibration of the hydroxyl bond torque at the wave number 648 cm−1, where the vibration intensity decreased with each addition to the concentration. The results of SEM characterisation show that the increase in PEG concentration increases the percentage porosity of the membrane. The membranes with 2%, 5% and 8% PEG have porosity percentages of 51.54%, 68.70% and 73.50%, respectively. As the membrane with 2% PEG has the lowest percent porosity, it has more potential in removing or filtering solutes from a fluid.

Poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-glycolate) copolyesters with good degradation and barrier properties

In this work, poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-glycolate) (PBTFGA) copolyesters were synthesized from 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-butanediol and glycolic acid. The influence of the glycolic acid content on thermal properties, mechanical properties and degradation capacity of copolyesters was systematically investigated. The glass transition temperature of copolyesters closely matched that of poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate) (PBTF). While also demonstrating good thermal stability. When the glycolic acid content was low, the copolyesters exhibited some crystallization capability, but they gradually became fully amorphous as the glycolic acid content increased. The tensile tests revealed that the young's modulus of the PBTFGA copolyesters ranged from 69.2 MPa to 221.4 MPa. With elongation at break exceeding 659%, outperforming most biodegradable packaging materials. Copolyesters exhibited excellent gas barrier properties to both oxygen (PO2 = 0.024 barrer) and carbon dioxide (PCO2 = 0.029 barrer), both of which are superior to poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate). The incorporation of glycolic acid significantly reduced the crystalline content of the copolyesters, facilitating the interaction of water molecules with ester bonds in the polymer backbone. The weight of poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-glycolate) was decreased significantly during enzymatic hydrolysis, indicating excellent degradation performance

Effect of Halide Anions on Electrochemical CO2 Reduction in Non-Aqueous Choline Solutions using Ag and Au Electrodes.

In this study, the effect of halide anions on the selectivity of the CO2 reduction reaction to CO was investigated in choline-based ethylene glycol solutions containing different halides (ChCl : EG, ChBr : EG, ChI : EG). The CO2RR was studied using silver (Ag) and gold (Au) electrodes in a compact H-cell. Our findings reveal that chloride effectively suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction and enhances the selectivity of carbon monoxide production on both Ag and Au electrodes, with relatively high selectivity values of 84 % and 62 %, respectively. Additionally, the effect of varying ethylene glycol content in the choline chloride-containing electrolyte (ChCl : EG 1 : X, X=2, 3, 4) was investigated to improve the current density during CO2RR on the Ag electrode. We observed that a mole ratio of 1 : 4 exhibited the highest current density with a comparable faradaic efficiency toward CO. Notably, an evident surface reconstruction process took place on the Ag surface in the presence of Cl- ions, whereas on Au, this phenomenon was less pronounced. Overall, this study provides new insights into anion-induced surface restructuring of Ag and Au electrodes during CO2RR, and its consequences on the reduction performance on such surfaces in non-aqueous electrolytes.

Hemoglobin-PEG Interactions Probed by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering: Insights for Crystallization and Diagnostics Applications.

Protein-protein interactions, controlling protein aggregation in the solution phase, are crucial for the formulation of protein therapeutics and the use of proteins in diagnostic applications. Additives in the solution phase are factors that may enhance the protein's conformational stability or induce crystallization. Protein-PEG interactions do not always stabilize the native protein structure. Structural information is needed to validate excipients for protein stabilization in the development of protein therapeutics or use proteins in diagnostic assays. The present study investigates the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular weight and concentration on the spatial structure of human hemoglobin (Hb) at neutral pH. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in combination with size-exclusion chromatography is employed to characterize the Hb structure in solution without and with the addition of PEG. Our results evidence that human hemoglobin maintains a tetrameric conformation at neutral pH. The dummy atom model, reconstructed from the SAXS data, aligns closely with the known crystallographic structure of methemoglobin (metHb) from the Protein Data Bank. We established that the addition of short-chain PEG600, at concentrations of up to 10% (w/v), acts as a stabilizer for hemoglobin, preserving its spatial structure without significant alterations. By contrast, 5% (w/v) PEG with higher molecular weights of 2000 and 4000 leads to a slight reduction in the maximum particle dimension (Dmax), while the radius of gyration (Rg) remains essentially unchanged. This implies a reduced hydration shell around the protein due to the dehydrating effect of longer PEG chains. At a concentration of 10% (w/v), PEG2000 interacts with Hb to form a complex that does not distort the protein's spatial configuration. The obtained results provide a deeper understanding of PEG's influence on the Hb structure in solution and broader knowledge regarding protein-PEG interactions.

Morphology and photocurrent response of TiO2 nanotubes prepared in electrolytes containing different content of polyethylene glycol

In order to investigate the effect of organic electrolytes on the photocurrent performance of TiO2 nanotubes, four kinds of fluoride containing electrolyte were prepared. This work focuses on the effect of electrolyte on the photocurrent response of TiO2 nanotubes. The results show that the electrolyte is an important influence on the photocurrent response. Appropriate proportion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) organic solvent can improve the performance of photocurrent response. The addition of excessive organic solvent will make TiO2 nanotubes lose the ability of photocurrent response. Suitable surface porosity is a necessary condition for the sample to have photocurrent response. Too low porosity hinders the photoelectric property. The reason for the better photoelectric properties of the sample prepared in 50 wt% PEG electrolyte is explained by the ionic current and electronic current theory. The results show that a more stable ratio of accumulated charge by ionic and electronic currents per unit area creates a more stable photocurrent response when the voltage is increased from 40 V to 60 V.

Propylene Glycol from Biodiesel By-product

The enormous production of glycerol, a waste stream from biodiesel industries, as a low-value product has been causing a threat to both the environment and the economy. Therefore, it needs to be transformed effectively into valued products for contributing positively towards towards the biodiesel economy. In this study, propylene glycol was produced by hydrogenating glycerol with a highly selective hydrogenolysis catalyst. The effect of various reaction parameters on the product yield was evaluated. A two-step reaction process where, first, glycerol was dehydrated to form acetol, and then this acetol was hydrogenated in a further reaction step to produce propylene glycol gave higher conversion as compared to a one-step reaction process. The effects of reaction temperature and pressure on the product yield were also evaluated. Higher yields of propylene glycol were observed at higher pressures. At temperatures above 200 °C, more by-products may be formed as the selectivity on converting glycerol to propylene glycol dramatically decreased, eventhough the glycol content increased.

Ethylene Glycol Poisoning with Acute Liver Injury Due to Delayed Diagnosis: An Autopsy Case Report and Literature Review

Ethylene glycol (EG), commonly used as antifreeze, is frequently ingested accidentally or in suicides, and causes acute renal failure. We report an unusual case of EG poisoning with acute liver injury. After vomiting and loss of consciousness, a 48-year-old male was admitted to the emergency room. Despite prompt conservative treatment for metabolic acidosis, kidney function deteriorated, necessitating the continuous renal replacement therapy. Blood toxicology results, showing EG levels of 510 mg/L, arrived 10 hours after admission. Oral ethyl alcohol therapy commenced 16 hours post-admission. By 36 hours, liver function tests indicated significant liver damage, and the patient died 45 hours upon admission. On autopsy, histological findings were hepatic centrilobular necrosis, cerebral perivascular neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration with calcium oxalate deposition, and renal tubular necrosis with calcium oxalate deposition. EG concentrations in the blood and gastric contents were 18.7 mg/L and 45.0 mg/L, respectively. Glycolic acid and oxalic acid, metabolites of EG produced by alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver, cause metabolic acidosis, renal tubular calcium oxalate deposition, and acute renal failure, leading to death. Generally, because fomepizole or ethyl alcohol block alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver, acute liver injury by EG poisoning is rare. To the best of authors’ knowledge, only one relevant report was found in the literature described a case in which EG caused centrilobular necrosis in liver. In the current case, delays in diagnosis and antidote therapy without gastric lavage allowed continued metabolism of EG which led to acute liver injury and acute renal failure.

Preparation of Aprepitant nanoparticles using subcritical water anti-solvent technology

The low oral bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients in aqueous media causes to partial absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. Increasing surface area by particle size reduction has been accomplished to overcome these challenges. In this study, Aprepitant (APT) nanoparticles were prepared using a green solvent anti-solvent precipitation method based on subcritical water (SW) technology. Effects of three different parameters such as SW temperature (368.15–388.15 K), anti-solvent temperature (273.15–293.15 K), and polyethylene glycol concentration (0.02–0.04 wt%) were studied on the size and morphology of the produced nanoparticles. As the next step, optimization of the process was performed using the response surface Box-Behnken design (BBD), and optimum operational conditions were obtained as follows: SW temperature (388.15 K), anti-solvent temperature (283.15 K), and polyethylene glycol concentration (0.04 wt%). The results revealed a significant decline in the size of the precipitated particle by subcritical water-based technologies (5.0 nm, on average), as compared to the unprocessed drug particles (30 μm, on average). Green SW-based technologies are proposed for the preparation of APT nanoparticles with no requirement for organic solvents and post-processing purification stages.