H2O Group Research Articles

C/H isotope fractionation of hydrocarbon gases from hydrogenation of organic matter: Insights from hydrothermal experiments

It is widely accepted that organic–inorganic interactions involving hydrogen-rich fluids (H2O and H2) play a significant role in hydrocarbon (HC) generation in sedimentary basins, and the effects of hydrogenation of organic matter (OM) by H2O/H2 on C/H isotope fractionation remain poorly understood. This study investigates these effects through a series of pyrolysis experiments conducted at 330–420 °C and 50 MPa, encompassing three groups: (1) anhydrous pyrolysis with kerogen only (Group 1), (2) kerogen and H2O (Group 2), and (3) kerogen, H2O, and Fe1-xS (Group 3). Groups 2 and 3 were designed to simulate hydrogenation of OM by H2O and H2, respectively. Results show that HC gas yields in Group 3 experiments are 1.8 to 3.2 times of those in Group 1, while yields in Group 2 are lower than Group 1. Moreover, hydrogenation by H2 produces HC gases with smaller 13C fractionation and more negative δ2H values compared to hydrogenation by H2O. These findings suggest distinct mechanisms for HC gas generation during H2-OM and H2O-OM reactions. Further analysis demonstrates that the equilibrium isotope effect (EIE) governs 13C and 2H isotope fractionation during hydrogenation of OM by H2. Importantly, the EIE for 2H isotope fractionation of H2O-H2, CH4-H2, and OM-H2 is evaluated under both experimental and geological conditions. This study provides crucial insights into the significant influence of hydrogenation of OM by H2 on the generation and C/H isotopic fractionation of HC gases, as well as the evolution and preservation of H2 in organic-rich shales.

Pyrolysis characteristics, kinetics and products of flexible polyurethane foam in luxury cruise ship via TG, FTIR, GC-MS and Shuffled Complex Evolution

Flexible polyurethane foam is widely used in furniture upholstery, car seats, and other products. Its safety has attracted increasing attention, especially fire safety in luxury cruise ship. Thermogravimetry-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TG-FTIR-GC-MS) is used to explore the pyrolysis characteristics of flexible polyurethane foam. The experimental results show that three weight loss peaks can be observed in the pyrolysis of flexible polyurethane foam under nitrogen atmosphere, which implies that the pyrolysis behaviors of isocyanate, polyol and catalyst are responsible for the peaks. The pyrolysis process of flexible polyurethane foam can be divided into two regions: the fifth-order reaction (F5) model and the one-dimensional diffusion (D1) model corresponding to regions I and II, respectively. The main pyrolysis intermediate function groups includes CO2, gaseous H2O, C-O, CO, C-H and other functional group stretching products. The amount of intermediate function groups generated in order of most to least is C-O > C-H > CO2 > CO > H2O. Six main products are generated under the N2 atmosphere, including Ethane, 2-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-isobutyrate, Diisopropyl ether, 1-Propoxypropan-2-yl acetate, Z-8-Methyl-9-tetradecenoic acid, Methyl 7,9-tridecadienyl ether and N-(2-Methylbutyl) undeca-(2E,4E)-diene-8,10-diynamide. The Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE) algorithm is used to optimize the experimental pyrolysis kinetic parameters, and the optimized data show good agreement with the experimental data.

New Minerals from the Redmond Mine, North Carolina, USA: IV. Haywoodite and Hanahanite, Two New Minerals Containing Gordaite-Like Sheets

Abstract The new minerals haywoodite, [Pb(H2O)10)][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3] (IMA2021-115), and hanahanite, [Zn8(OH)14(SO4)]·3H2O (IMA2022-012), were found in the Redmond mine, Haywood County, North Carolina, USA, where they occur in a highly unusual secondary assemblage that comprises a variety of rare Pb-Zn-Cu sulfates, thiosulfates, and carbonates. Haywoodite has the following properties: colorless to pale pink pseudohexagonal tablets and barrel-like prisms up to about 0.5 mm in diameter; white streak; vitreous luster; brittle; Mohs hardness 2½; curved and stepped fracture; one perfect cleavage on {011}; 3.27(2) g/cm3 measured density; biaxial (−) with 1.588(2), β = 1.600(2), γ = 1.607(2), and 2V (meas.) = 76(2)°. Hanahanite has the following properties: light blue prisms up to 0.3 mm in length; white streak; vitreous luster; brittle; Mohs hardness 3; curved fracture; one very good cleavage on {001}; 3.28(2) g/cm3 measured density; uniaxial (−) with ω = 1.636(3) and ε = 1.620(3). Electron probe microanalyses provided the empirical formulae Pb1.36Zn11.97S3.00O43H41.33 and (Zn6.69Cu1.27Co0.01)Σ7.97S1.00O21H20.04 for haywoodite and hanahanite, respectively. Haywoodite is triclinic, P1¯, a = 8.35298(19), b = 13.2769(7), c = 18.2744(13) Å, α = 92.427(8), β = 90.419(6), γ = 108.214(4)°, V = 1922.94(18) Å3, and Z = 2. Hanahanite is hexagonal, P63, a = 8.312(2), c = 15.295(2) Å, V = 915.2(5) Å3, and Z = 2. The structures of haywoodite (R1 = 0.037 for 6876 I > 2σI) and hanahanite (R1 = 0.065 for 772 I > 2σI) both contain gordaite-like sheets. In the haywoodite structure, a disordered interlayer region contains approximately one Pb and ten H2O pfu. In the hanahanite structure, ZnO4 tetrahedra in adjacent sheets are linked by sharing corners and the interlayer region only contains an H2O group.

Effect of different titration methods on right heart function and prognosis in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

BackgroundAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common disease in intensive critical care(ICU), and the use of positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP) during mechanical ventilation can increase the right heart afterload and eventually cause right heart dysfunction. For these factors causing acute cor pulmonale(ACP), especially inappropriate mechanical ventilation settings, it is important to explore the effect of PEEP on right heart function. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of three titration methods on right heart function and prognosis in patients with ARDS. MethodsObservational, prospective study in which ARDS patients were enrolled into three distinct PEEP-titration strategies groups: guide, transpulmonary pressure-oriented and driving pressure-oriented. Prognostic indicators, right heart systolic and diastolic echocardiographic function indices, ventilatory parameters, blood gas analysis results, and respiratory mechanics Monitoring indices were collated and analyzed statistically by STATA 15 software. ResultsA total of 62 ARDS patients were enrolled into guide (G) group (n=40) for whom titrated PEEP values were 9±2cm H2O, driving pressure-oriented (DPO) group (n=12) with titrated PEEP values of 10±2cm H2O and transpulmonary pressure-oriented (TPO) group (n=10) with titrated PEEP values of 12±3cm H2O. Values were significantly higher for TPO than for G (p=0.616) or DPO (p=0.011). Compliance was significantly increased after 72 h in the TPO and DPO groups compared with the G group (p<0.001). Mean airway pressure at end-inspiratory obstruction (p=0.047), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, p<0.001) and right ventricular area change fraction (RVFAC, p=0.049) were all higher in the TPO and DPO groups than in the G group. E/A indices were significantly better in the TPO group than in the G or DPO groups (p=0.046). No significant differences in 28 day mortality were found among the three groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lung compliance and transpulmonary pressure-oriented PEEP titration method was negatively correlated to the increase in right ventricular systolic dysfunction. ConclusionTranspulmonary pressure-oriented PEEP titration improves oxygenation and pulmonary function and causes less right heart strain when compared to other PEEP-titration methods during mechanical ventilation of ARDS patients.

Does tidal volume challenge improve the feasibility of pulse pressure variation in patients mechanically ventilated at low tidal volumes? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPulse pressure variation (PPV) has been widely used in hemodynamic assessment. Nevertheless, PPV is limited in low tidal volume ventilation. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether the tidal volume challenge (TVC) could improve the feasibility of PPV in patients ventilated at low tidal volumes.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library inception to October 2022 were screened for diagnostic researches relevant to the predictability of PPV change after TVC in low tidal volume ventilatory patients. Summary receiving operating characteristic curve (SROC), pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Subgroup analyses were conducted for possible influential factors of TVC.ResultsTen studies with a total of 429 patients and 457 measurements were included for analysis. The predictive performance of PPV was significantly lower than PPV change after TVC in low tidal volume, with mean area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.69 ± 0.13 versus 0.89 ± 0.10. The SROC of PPV change yielded an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% CI 0.94, 0.97), with overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.92 (95% CI 0.83, 0.96) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.76, 0.94). Mean and median cutoff value of the absolute change of PPV (△PPV) were 2.4% and 2%, and that of the percentage change of PPV (△PPV%) were 25% and 22.5%. SROC of PPV change in ICU group, supine or semi-recumbent position group, lung compliance less than 30 cm H2O group, moderate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) group and measurements devices without transpulmonary thermodilution group yielded 0.95 (95%0.93, 0.97), 0.95 (95% CI 0.92, 0.96), 0.96 (95% CI 0.94, 0.97), 0.95 (95% CI 0.93, 0.97) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.92, 0.96) separately. The lowest AUROCs of PPV change were 0.59 (95% CI 0.31, 0.88) in prone position and 0.73 (95% CI 0.60, 0.84) in patients with spontaneous breathing activity.ConclusionsTVC is capable to help PPV overcome limitations in low tidal volume ventilation, wherever in ICU or surgery. The accuracy of TVC is not influenced by reduced lung compliance, moderate PEEP and measurement tools, but TVC should be cautious applied in prone position and patients with spontaneous breathing activity.Trial registration PROSPERO (CRD42022368496). Registered on 30 October 2022.

Effects of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress on the plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of ketorolac in chicks

The aim was to determine the impact of oxidative stress (OS), induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), on the ketorolac plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics in the chicks. A significant decrease was observed in the total antioxidant status (TAS) measured on day 7th, 10th, and 14th of chicks age by 39, 29, and 41%, respectively compared to the control (H2O) group. By measuring the analgesic median effective dose (ED50), ketorolac’s analgesia amplified 16% in the stressed (H2O2) group. Ketorolac concentration in plasma was investigated at measured multiple times at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours after the administration (14 mg/kg, IM) to 110.38, 181.46, 66.24, 13.08, 10.11, and 4.12 µg/ml at the H2O group and significantly elevated in all times measured except 0.25 and 24 h after ketorolac administration by 24, 38, 54, 199, 93, and 59 % to be 136.45, 250.88, 102.03, 39.13, 19.55, and 6.55 µg/ml in the H2O2 group, respectively. The values of AUC0-∞, AUMC0-∞, Cmax, and Kel in the stressed chickens that were administered ketorolac were elevated by 59, 19, 38, and 43%, respectively, whereas other parameters like MRT, t1/2β, Vss, and Cl were reduced by 25, 30, 56, and 37% respectively compared to H2O group. The results showed that the H2O2-inducedOS amplified the analgesic action of ketorolac in a chick model, besides its modification of the plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of ketorolac.

Oldsite, K2Fe2+[(UO2)(SO4)2]2(H2O)8, a new uranyl sulfate mineral from Utah, USA: its description and implications for the formation and occurrences of uranyl sulfate minerals

AbstractOldsite (IMA2021-075), ideally K2Fe2+[(UO2)(SO4)2]2(H2O)8, is a new uranyl sulfate mineral found on specimens from the North Mesa Mine group, Temple Mountain, San Rafael district, Emery County, Utah, USA. It is a secondary mineral occurring with alum-(K), halotrichite, metavoltine, quartz, römerite, stanleyite, sulphur, szomolnokite and mathesiusite. It forms rectangular blades flattened on {010} and elongated on [001], reaching ~0.3 mm in length. Crystals are yellow in colour, transparent with a vitreous lustre; the streak is very pale yellow. The mineral is non-fluorescent. Cleavage is excellent on {100} and perfect on {010}; the Mohs hardness is ~2. Crystals are brittle with irregular, splintery fracture. The density measured by flotation in a mixture of methylene iodide and toluene is 3.31 g⋅cm–3; the calculated density is 3.298 g⋅cm–3 for the empirical formula and 3.330 g⋅cm–3 for the ideal formula. Oldsite is biaxial (+), with α = 1.552(2), β = 1.556(2) and γ = 1.588(2) (measured in white light). The 2V measured directly on a spindle stage is 37(1)°; the calculated 2V is 39.6°. Dispersion is r &lt; v, moderate. The optical orientation is X = b, Y = a and Z = c. The mineral is non-pleochroic. The empirical formula of oldsite (on the basis of 28 O apfu) is K1.93(Fe2+0.53Zn0.31V3+0.09Mg0.08)Σ1.02[(U0.98O2)(S1.01O4)2]2(H2O)8. The Raman spectrum is dominated by the vibrations of SO42– and UO22+ units. Oldsite is orthorhombic, Pmn21, a = 12.893(3), b = 8.276(2), c = 11.239(2) Å, V = 1199.2(5) Å3 and Z = 2. The five strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs, Å (I, %) (hkl) ]: 8.29 (59) (010), 6.47 (82) (200), 5.10 (62) (210), 4.65 (100) (012, 211) and 3.332 (55) (022, 221). The crystal structure of oldsite was refined from single-crystal X-ray data to R = 0.0258 for 2676 independent observed reflections, with Iobs &gt; 3σ(I). Oldsite is an Fe2+ analogue of svornostite; its crystal structure is based upon infinite chains of uranyl-sulfate polyhedra, which comprises pentagonal UO7 bipyramids sharing four of their equatorial vertices with sulfate tetrahedra such that each tetrahedron is linked to two uranyl bipyramids to form an infinite chain (the free, non-linking equatorial vertex of the uranyl bipyramid is an H2O group). The broader discussion on the origin and composition of uranyl sulfate minerals is made. The new mineral name honours American mineralogist, Dr. Travis A. Olds for his contribution to uranium mineralogy.

Broiler responses to copper levels and sources: growth, tissue mineral content, antioxidant status and mRNA expression of genes involved in lipid and protein metabolism

BackgroundFive hundred 8-d old male broilers Cobb500 were randomly allotted into 10 treatments in factorial arrangement with 5 Cu levels (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 mg/kg), and 2 sources (Cu proteinate, CuPro and Cu sulphate, CuSO4.5H2O) for a 10-d-experiment.ResultsFeed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (P < 0.05) in CuPro fed chicks compared with CuSO4.5H2O group. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary Cu increased. A quadratic response (P < 0.05) to Cu levels was found for FCR, being optimized at 9.87 and 8.84 mg Cu/kg in CuPro and CuSO4.5H2O diets, respectively. Copper supplementation linearly increased liver Cu content (P < 0.05) and tended to linearly increase (P = 0.07) phosphorus (P) and copper in tibia. Manganese and zinc were higher (P < 0.05) in tibia of CuPro fed birds. Broilers fed CuPro exhibited lower liver iron (P < 0.05) content, lower activities of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) in breast muscle and liver, and glutathione peroxidase in liver. Glutathione peroxidase reduced linearly (P < 0.05) with CuPro levels and increased linearly (P < 0.05) with CuSO4.5H2O levels and were lower (P < 0.05) in all CuPro levels in breast muscle. Breast muscle malondialdehyde concentration tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in broilers fed CuSO4.5H2O. Copper levels linearly increased (P < 0.05) metallothionein (MT) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) expression in liver, and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate-1 (STEAP-1) in the intestine. Copper elicited a quadratic response (P < 0.050) in AKT-1 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in breast muscle, CuZnSOD in liver and antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (ATOX 1) in intestine. Broilers fed CuPro exhibited higher mRNA expression of mTOR in muscle breast and lower CuZnSOD in liver and ATOX 1 in intestine. Interaction (P < 0.05) between levels and sources was found in mRNA expression for GSK-3β, MT, and CuZnSOD in breast muscle, FAS and LPL in liver and MT and CTR1 in intestine.ConclusionsCuPro showed beneficial effects on feed conversion and bone mineralization. Organic and inorganic Cu requirements are 9.87 and 8.84 mg Cu/kg, respectively.

The expression of HSP70 in skeletal muscle is not associated with glycogen availability during recovery following prolonged exercise in elite endurance athletes.

The 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) is a ubiquitous molecular chaperone which is highly inducible by cellular stress such as exercise. To investigate the role of muscle glycogen content on the HSP70 expression, muscle glycogen was manipulated by consumption of either water (H2O) or a carbohydrate-enriched diet (CHO) during recovery from 4h of glycogen-depleting cycling exercise in fourteen elite endurance athletes. Muscle biopsies were obtained pre- and post-exercise, and after 4 and 24h of recovery, and analyzed for HSP70 mRNA expression, as well as HSP70 protein expression and muscle glycogen within the same skeletal muscle fibers using immunohistochemistry. Exercise reduced glycogen by 59 ± 10% (P < 0.0001). After 4h of recovery, glycogen approached resting levels in the CHO group (86% of pre, P = 0.28) but remained suppressed in the H2O group (41% of pre, P < 0.001) (group × time interaction: P = 0.002). Importantly, both the HSP70 mRNA (+ 1.6-fold (+ 0.28/- 0.24), P = 0.02) and protein expression (+ 147 ± 99%, P < 0.0001) was substantially increased after exercise and remained elevated in both groups after 4h of recovery, despite clear differences in muscle glycogen content. Thus, muscle glycogen content was not related to the variation in single fiber HSP70 expression at the 4-h time-point (r2 = 0.004). In conclusion, muscle HSP70 expression remained elevated during recovery from prolonged exercise in highly trained skeletal muscle, irrespective of muscle glycogen availability.

Evaluation Study on Extraction of Anthocyanins from Red Cabbage Using High Pressure CO2 + H2O: A Fuzzy Logic Model and Metabolomic Analysis

In this work, a fuzzy logic model was developed to elucidate the extraction performance of high-pressure CO2 + H2O compared with traditional H2O extraction and aqueous ethanol extraction. The high-pressure CO2 + H2O group acquired the highest comprehensive score considering yield, quality and stability. Both targeted and untargeted metabolomics results proved that the polarity of water was slightly modified; in particular, with the evidence from the untargeted metabolomics data, a higher proportion of water-insoluble compounds (2-methylindole, 3-formylindole, guanine, tyrosine and tryptophan) obtained by high-pressure CO2 + H2O extraction compared with traditional H2O extraction has been reported for the first time. Finally, the “3I” extraction mechanism of high-pressure CO2 + H2O is proposed, which offers an improvement in the solid–liquid mass transfer efficiency of phytochemicals, improving the polarity of solution and the isolation of O2.

Histopathological Study of Liver and Kidney Tissues in C57 Mice via Chronic Exposure to Cadmium and Zinc.

Heavy metals have a wide application in the industrial world, affecting the health and longevity of living organisms. The current study assessed the possible effects of Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) on the liver and kidney. Therefore, 150 male and female white mice C57BL were treated in three different groups with 0.685 mg/L CdCl2. 2.5H2O (group 1), and 0.567 mg/L ZnSO4.7H2O (group 2) in drinking water, while the control group only received water for 90 days to investigate how these elements accumulated in the liver/kidney and evaluate the possible histological changes in the liver and kidney. During 90 days, the histopathological consequences of Cd and Zn on the liver and kidneys were recorded. The results pointed out that exposure to heavy metals, such as Cd and Zn, led to organ accumulation of these elements. The histological evaluations demonstrated significant detrimental effects on the liver and kidney. Under the influence of Cd, light microscopic examination revealed significant histological alterations in both organs. In the animals exposed to Cd and Zn, histopathological alterations were observed in the liver, including extensive degeneration, necrosis, depletion, and necrosis of hepatocytes with significant nuclear hypertrophy. When animals are exposed to Cd and Zn, histological alterations in the kidneys include severe vascular degeneration and renal tubule necrosis. In conclusion, heavy metal intoxication has been shown to cause histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys of experimental animal models.

Photothermocatalytic Removal of CO and Formaldehyde with Excellent Water Vapor Stability over Dual‐Functional Copper Loading on TiO2 Synthesized via Flame Spray Pyrolysis

Photothermocatalytic (PTC) oxidation is a high‐efficient, low‐temperature, and green approach to eliminate the air pollutant, but its application is drastically restricted by lack of low‐cost, active, and superior water‐resistance catalysts. Herein, the influence of bifunctional copper components on TiO2 is experimentally and theoretically investigated to optimize PTC efficiency for the CO and HCHO oxidation via flame spray pyrolysis. Both the abundant lattice doping and highly dispersed nanocluster modification of hybrid CuO x remarkably enhance charge separation, maintain a dynamic Cu+/Cu2+ balance, and decrease oxygen vacancy formation energy. The satisfactory PTC CO and HCHO oxidation on the CuO x −TiO2 samples is mainly attributed to higher lattice oxygen activity and less reaction intermediates under irradiation. In addition, the essential synthesis parameters, such as the increasing precursor flux, are assessed to further enhance the PTC performance. Interestingly, photocatalysis effectively removes the surface H2O or hydroxyl group of catalysts, which is responsible for the excellent water vapor stability in the lean CO PTC oxidation.

Zinc content (x) induced impact on crystallographic, optoelectronic, and photocatalytic parameters of Cd1-xZnxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) ternary nanopowder

We have synthesized Cd1-xZnxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanopowder by co-precipitation method for its comprehensive study. The Crystalline phase is changed from rocksalt CdO to wurtzite ZnO with an increase in ‘x’. The existence of H2O, COO–, CdO, and ZnO group are confirmed by FTIR. SEM analysis investigated the spherical structure for x = 0.0 & 0.2 and flakes morphology for x = 0.4 & 0.6 and hexagonal block structure for x = 0.8 & 1.0. UV–Vis spectroscopy insured the increasing trend in bandgap energy within the range 2.5 ≤ Eg ≤ 3.5 eV. PL results revealed a blue shift in excitonic and band edge emission. Methyl blue dye is being selected for decomposition using different samples of Cd1-xZnxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanopowder. It is found that sample with x = 0.8 has the highest catalytic efficiency under UV light. Moreover, higher efficiency of the ternary system is managed by its highly crystalline structure, less microstrain, large surface/volume ratio, and optical bandgap.

Prognostic classification based on P/F and PEEP in invasively ventilated ICU patients with hypoxemia\u2014insights from the MARS study

BackgroundOutcome prediction in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) greatly improves when patients are reclassified based on predefined arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratios (PaO2/FiO2) and positive end–expiratory pressure (PEEP) cutoffs 24 h after the initial ARDS diagnosis. The aim of this study was to test whether outcome prediction improves when patients are reclassified based on predefined PaO2/FiO2 and PEEP cutoffs 24 h after development of mild hypoxemia while not having ARDS.MethodsPost hoc analysis of a large prospective, multicenter, observational study that ran in the ICUs of two academic hospitals in the Netherlands between January 2011 and December 2013. Patients were classified into four groups using predefined cutoffs for PaO2/FiO2 (250 mmHg) and PEEP (5 cm H2O), both at onset of hypoxemia and after 24 h: PaO2/FiO2 ≥ 250 mmHg and PEEP < 6 cm H2O (group I), PaO2/FiO2 ≥ 250 mmHg and PEEP ≥ 6 cm H2O (group II), PaO2/FiO2 < 250 mmHg and PEEP < 6 cm H2O (group III), and PaO2/FiO2 < 250 mmHg and PEEP ≥ 6 cm H2O (group IV), to look for trend association with all-cause in-hospital mortality, the primary outcome. Secondary outcome were ICU- and 90-day mortality, and the number of ventilator-free days or ICU-free days and alive at day 28.ResultsThe analysis included 689 consecutive patients. All-cause in-hospital mortality was 35%. There was minimal variation in mortality between the four groups at onset of hypoxemia (33, 36, 38, and 34% in groups I to IV, respectively; P = 0.65). Reclassification after 24 h resulted in a strong trend with increasing mortality from group I to group IV (31, 31, 37, and 48% in groups I to IV, respectively; P < 0.01). Similar trends were found for the secondary endpoints.ConclusionsReclassification using PaO2/FiO2 and PEEP cutoffs after 24 h improved classification for outcome in invasively ventilated ICU patients with hypoxemia not explained by ARDS, compared to classification at onset of hypoxemia.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01905033. Registered on July 11, 2013. Retrospectively registered.

Isselite, Cu6(SO4)(OH)10(H2O)4⋅H2O, a new mineral species from Eastern Liguria, Italy

AbstractThe new mineral isselite, Cu6(SO4)(OH)10(H2O)4⋅H2O, has been discovered in the Lagoscuro mine, Monte Ramazzo mining complex, Genoa, Eastern Liguria, Italy. It occurs as sprays of blue acicular crystals, up to 0.1 mm long, associated with brochantite and posnjakite. Streak is light blue and the lustre is vitreous. Isselite is brittle, with irregular fracture and good cleavage on {001} and {100}. Measured density is 3.00(2) g/cm3. Isselite is optically biaxial (–), with α = 1.599(2), β = 1.633(2) and γ = 1.647(2) (determined in white light). The measured 2V is 63.6(5)°. Dispersion is moderate, withr&gt;v. The optical orientation isX=b,Y=candZ=a. Isselite is pleochroic, withX= light blue,Y= blue,Z= blue;X&lt;&lt;Z&lt;Y. Electron microprobe analyses give (wt.%): SO311.45(21), MgO 0.31(7), CoO 1.07(14), NiO 9.41(90), CuO 51.29(126), ZnO 1.10(20), H2Ocalc24.21, total 98.84. The empirical formula of isselite, based on Σ(Mg,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn) = 6 atoms per formula unit, is (Cu4.80Ni0.94Co0.11Zn0.10Mg0.06)Σ6.00(S1.06O4.19)(OH)10⋅5H2O. Isselite is orthorhombic, space groupPmn21, with unit-cell parametersa= 6.8070(14),b= 5.8970(12),c= 20.653(4) Å,V= 829.0(3) Å3andZ= 2. The crystal structure of isselite was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data toR1= 0.067 on the basis of 2964 reflections withFo&gt; 4σ(Fo). It shows a layered structure formed by zig-zag {001} layers of Cu-centred polyhedra. Sulfate groups occur in the interlayer along with one H2O group. Isselite is chemically related to redgillite and montetrisaite.

Antihyperlipidemic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Basidiomycete Pycnoporus sanguineus (Fr.) Murr. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

One of the consequences of diabetes mellitus is deregulation in lipid metabolism, resulting in an increase in triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. This study evaluated the effect of the Pycnoporus sanguineus hydroalcoholic extract on lipid metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats received P. sanguineus extract for 4 weeks in the drinking water at a dose of 10 mg/Kg/day. Lipid profile, glucose and hepatic damage in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were evaluated. Also, the chemical composition of P. sanguineus extract, cytotoxicity and HMG-CoA reductase activity in vitro were evaluated. The treatment significantly reduced triglyceride levels in the group of diabetic rats treated with the extract (DBT Pyc) compared to the group receiving water without extract (DBT H2O). For total cholesterol, reductions in the DBT Pyc group were also observed in relation to the DBT H2O group. The HMG-CoA reductase activity was not affected by P. sanguineus extract. Our findings demonstrated significant anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of P. sanguinues extract in diabetic rats. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of the P. sanguineus extract, which provides a new possibility for development of drugs to control hyperlipidaemia and provides impetus for further studies.

Heat shock transcription factor 2 inhibits intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway in ulcerative colitis

UC is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colonic mucosa and lacks effective treatments because of unclear pathogenesis. Excessive apoptosis of IECs damages the intestinal epithelial barrier and is involved in the progression of UC, but the mechanism is unknown. HSPs are important in maintaining homeostasis and regulate apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. In our previous studies, HSF2, an important regulator of HSPs, was highly expressed in UC patients and negatively correlated with inflammation in mice and IECs. Therefore, we hypothesized that HSF2 may protect against intestinal mucositis by regulating the apoptosis of IECs. In this study, a DSS-induced colitis model of hsf2−/− mice was used to explore the relationship between HSF2 and apoptosis in IECs for the first time. The expression of HSF2 increased in the WT + DSS group compared with that in the WT + H2O group. Moreover, the extent of apoptosis was more severe in the KO + DSS group than in the WT + DSS group. The results showed that HSF2 was negatively correlated with apoptosis in vivo. The expression of HSF2 in Caco-2 cells was changed by lentiviral transfection, and the expression of Bax, cytoplasmic Cyto-C, Cleaved Caspase-9 and Cleaved Caspase-3 were negatively correlated with the different levels of HSF2. These results suggest that HSF2 negatively regulates apoptosis of IECs through the mitochondrial pathway. This may be one of the potential mechanisms to explain the protective role of HSF2 in UC.

A comparison of the efficacy of three different peak airway pressures on intraoperative bleeding point detection in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a randomized, controlled, clinical trial

BackgroundVarious techniques are used to detect intraoperative bleeding points in thyroid surgery. We aimed to assess the effect of increasing peak airway pressure to 30, 40 and 50 cm H2O manually in detecting intraoperative bleeding points.MethodsOne hundred and 34 patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy were included to this prospective randomised controlled clinical study. We randomly assigned patients to increase peak airway pressure to 30, 40 and 50 cm H2O manually intraoperatively just before surgical closure during hemostasis control. The primary endpoint was the rate of bleeding points detected by the surgeon during peak airway pressure increase.ResultsThe rate of detection of the bleeding points was higher in 50 cm H2O Group than the other two groups (15.9 vs 25.5 vs 40%, P = 0.030), after pressure administration, the HR, SpO2, and P peak were similar between groups (P = 0.125, 0.196, 0.187, respectively). The median duration of the bleeding point detection after the pressure application was 21.82 s in 30 cm H2O, 25 s in 40 cm H2O, and 22.50 s in 50 cm H2O groups. Postoperative subcutaneous hematomas or hemorrhages requiring surgery were not seen in any patient.ConclusionsManually increasing peak airway pressure to 50 cm H2O during at least 22.50 s may be used as an alternative way to detect intraoperative bleeding points in thyroid surgery.Clinical trial registrationNCT03547648. Registered 6 June2018

Calculations of oxygen and humidity influence on properties of pernigraniline base polyaniline oligomers

In spite of extensive investigation and applications, influence of oxygen (O), and humidity on polyaniline (PANI) behaviour is not well understood. For this reason we have performed semi-empirical quantum mechanics, and ab-initio calculations of the pernigraniline base (PNB) PANI oligomers, of various lengths, before and after approach of H2O, O2, and hydroxyl (OH−) group, and attachment of OH− and O to various molecular positions. Structure, charge and electrostatic potential distribution, relevant energies and enthalpies, infrared and electronic spectra of the PNB tetramer equilibrium conformation, and their changes induced by specific OH−, and O attachments are determined. These results provide identification of the most probable positions for O2 and H2O approach to PNB_PANI, enthalpies of OH− and O attachments to them, changes of molecular properties induced by the attachments, and infrared and electronic modes that are most suitable for the attachments detection. The results are compared to the existing experimental data, and the results of similar calculations, and implications for the PNB_PANI applications are notified.

Mononuclear Lanthanide(III)-Salicylideneaniline Complexes: Synthetic, Structural, Spectroscopic, and Magnetic Studies

The reactions of hydrated lanthanide(III) [Ln(III)] nitrates and salicylideneaniline (salanH) have provided access to two families of mononuclear complexes depending on the reaction solvent used. In MeCN, the products are [Ln(NO3)3(salanH)2(H2O)]·MeCN, and, in MeOH, the products are [Ln(NO3)3(salanH)2(MeOH)]·(salanH). The complexes within each family are proven to be isomorphous. The structures of complexes [Ln(NO3)3(salanH)2(H2O)]·MeCN (Ln = Eu, 4·MeCN_Eu, Ln = Dy, 7·MeCN_Dy; Ln = Yb, 10·MeCN_Yb) and [Ln(NO3)3(salanH)2(MeOH)]·(salanH) (Ln = Tb, 17_Tb; Ln = Dy, 18_Dy) have been solved by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In the five complexes, the LnIII center is bound to six oxygen atoms from the three bidentate chelating nitrato groups, two oxygen atoms from the two monodentate zwitterionic salanH ligands, and one oxygen atom from the coordinated H2O or MeOH group. The salanH ligands are mutually “cis” in 4·MeCN_Eu, 7·MeCN_Dy and 10·MeCN_Yb while they are “trans” in 17_Tb and 18_Dy. The lattice salanH molecule in 17_Tb and 18_Dy is also in its zwitterionic form with the acidic H atom being clearly located on the imine nitrogen atom. The coordination polyhedra defined by the nine oxygen donor atoms can be described as spherical tricapped trigonal prisms in 4·MeCN_Eu, 7·MeCN_Dy, and 10·MeCN_Yb and as spherical capped square antiprisms in 17_Tb and 18_Dy. Various intermolecular interactions build the crystal structures, which are completely different in the members of the two families. Solid-state IR data of the complexes are discussed in terms of their structural features. 1H NMR data for the diamagnetic Y(III) complexes provide strong evidence that the compounds decompose in DMSO by releasing the coordinated salanH ligands. The solid complexes emit green light upon excitation at 360 nm (room temperature) or 405 nm (room temperature). The emission is ligand-based. The solid Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Er(III), and Yb(III) complexes of both families exhibit LnIII-centered emission in the near-IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum, but there is probably no efficient salanH→LnIII energy transfer responsible for this emission. Detailed magnetic studies reveal that complexes 7·MeCN_Dy, 17_Tb and 18_Dy show field-induced slow magnetic relaxation while complex [Tb(NO3)3(salanH)2(H2O)]·MeCN (6·MeCN_Tb) does not display such properties. The values of the effective energy barrier for magnetization reversal are 13.1 cm−1 for 7·MeCN_Dy, 14.8 cm−1 for 17_Tb, and 31.0 cm−1 for 18_Dy. The enhanced/improved properties of 17_Tb and 18_Dy, compared to those of 6_Tb and 7_Dy, have been correlated with the different supramolecular structural features of the two families. The molecules [Ln(NO3)3(salanH)2(MeOH)] of complexes 17_Tb and 18_Dy are by far better isolated (allowing for better slow magnetic relaxation properties) than the molecules [Ln(NO3)3(salanH)2(H2O)] in 6·MeCN_Tb and 7·MeCN_Dy. The perspectives of the present initial studies in the Ln(III)/salanH chemistry are discussed.