Methanol Levels Research Articles

RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ACUTE POISONING IN ELDERLY CASES ADMITTED TO MENOUFIA POISONING CONTROL CENTER (MPCC), MENOUFIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS FROM 2012 TO 2014

Introduction: Elderly people are exposed to poisons more than younger patients and they metabolize many drugs differently. Aim of the study: to evaluate poisoning in elderly patients. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective study was done on 255 elderly poisoned cases (≥ 60 years old) admitted to MPCC within the period from January 2012 to December 2014.The cases were evaluated and they were further statistically analyzed. Results: Out of 6556 acutely poisoned cases throughout the period of study, 3.9% elderly cases were included. 83.5% of cases were in the age group 60-<65 years. Males outnumbered females (62.4%). More than half of the cases (57.6%) were from urban areas. Housewives were the commonest (32.9%) followed by farmers (28.2%). Suicidal attempts were more in retired and free laborers groups 60% and 100% respectively, accidental exposures were 79.2% in farmers while 6.7% of manual workers and 4.2% of farmers were exposed to homicide. Organophosphate was the commonest poisoning substance among farmers (87.5%), while retired, drivers and unemployed were commonly intoxicated by drugs (40%, 40% and 50%respectively). Cases with metabolic acidosis were intoxicated by corrosives & organophosphate 33.3% for each one. Low cholinesterase level was found in 39 cases of organophosphate poisoning. Methanol level was elevated in three cases of alcohol poisoning and Toxi-lab was positive in three cases of drug poisoning. ECG was done for 25 cases, 24% of them showed bradycardia and 16% showed tachycardia. Thirty six cases underwent X-ray, 11.2% & 8.3% showed increased broncho-vascular marking and alveolar opacities respectively. Mortality rate constituted 9.4% of cases. Logistic regression analysis cleared that PH was the most predictor affecting the outcome followed by hypoxia. Conclusion and recommendation: PH, hypoxia and coma were the risk factors in the outcome. Proper evaluation and continuous monitoring of elderly poisoned cases are required to decrease the mortality rates among these patients.

Putaminal Diffusion Restriction in a Case of Methanol Toxicity with Clinical Recovery.

A 32-year-old male presented to the emergency department for confusion, dyspnea, and a "white out" of his central vision over the preceding 24 hours. The patient had recently consumed a bottle of alcohol purchased overseas. Bloodwork revealed a severe metabolic acidosis (pH 6.90) and a critically high methanol level of 28.9mmol/l. Shortly after presentation, the patient went into respiratory failure and became comatose. He was intubated and admitted to the ICU.

Characteristics of ice juices and ciders made by cryo-extraction with different cider apple varieties and yeast strains

Two sets of nine ciders were made by cryo-extraction for two consecutive harvests combining three types of ice cider apple juices (mono-varietal, bi-varietal and multi-varietal) and three autochthonous Saccharomyces bayanus yeast strains. The type of juice significantly influenced the pH values and the contents of sorbitol and shikimic acid in the ice juices. The strains used as starters did develop the fermentation producing ciders with alcoholic degrees between 8.75 and 11.52 (% v/v) and volatile acidities lower than 0.55 g acetic acid/L. Regarding the ice ciders, the apple mixture significantly influenced the levels of methanol (higher in mono-varietal ciders), 2-phenylethanol, and some minor acetate esters (higher in the bi-varietal ciders). The last ciders were also more floral, buttery, acidic and bitter than those made from mono- and multi-varietal juices. In the first harvest, the ciders obtained from the bi-varietal apple mixture scored lower for overall sensory quality.

Methanol Poisoning as a Trigger for the Presentation of Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report

Background : The clinical and laboratory manifestations of methanol poisoning and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) might be very similar. Case Presentation : A 15-year-old male, who lived in Mashhad, Iran, was referred to a medical toxicology center because of the loss of consciousness following the consumption of home-made alcohol. Laboratory tests revealed metabolic acidosis, the high blood levels of methanol, and ketonuria and glucosuria in urine analysis. The treatment of DKA and methanol poisoning was started simultaneously. Conclusion : Methanol poisoning, as physical stress or because of pancreatitis as a complication, could be a trigger for diabetes in susceptible individuals, and physicians should be aware of the similarity of presentation of these situations.

Reversible Acute Blindness in Suspected Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis

Metformin is commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Renal insufficiency is one of the contraindications for its use. Inadvertent prescription in patients with renal insufficiency may lead to metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA), which is associated with a high risk of mortality. Consequently, the early recognition and management of MALA is essential. We present the case of a 68-year-old man who had reversible blindness resulting from severe lactic acidosis. On presentation, he was alert, oriented, and had no complaints except mild abdominal discomfort and blindness. He denied any history of trauma or drug abuse. The results of the laboratory studies showed severe metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap and increased levels of serum creatinine. There were no predisposing ocular or neurologic lesions that could have induced the blindness. Although the blood levels of methanol, ethanol, and metformin were not estimated, correction of acidosis and hemodialysis led to a complete recovery. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Rarely, transient blindness may occur in patients with fatal severe metabolic acidosis. Evaluation for the presence of metabolic acidosis and a detailed medical history are essential in the management of acute blindness in such patients.

Diverse Catalytic Systems and Mechanistic Pathways for Hydrosilylative Reduction of CO2.

Catalytic hydrosilylation of carbon dioxide has emerged as a promising approach for carbon dioxide utilization. It allows the reductive transformation of carbon dioxide into value-added products at the levels of formate, formaldehyde, methanol, and methane. Tremendous progress has been made in the area of carbon dioxide hydrosilylation since the first reports in 1981. This focus review describes recent advances in the design and catalytic performance of leading catalyst systems, including transition-metal, main-group, and transition-metal/main-group and main-group/main-group tandem catalysts. Emphasis is placed on discussions of key mechanistic features of these systems and efforts towards the development of more selective, efficient, and sustainable carbon dioxide hydrosilylation processes.

Methanol content in homemade alcohol from a province in North Vietnam.

Methanol poisonings pose a major risk especially where illegal alcohol is consumed. The source of the methanol in the drinks are debated. We aimed to evaluate whether home distillation of alcohol made from rice was capable of producing toxic amounts of methanol. Twenty households with homemade alcohol production in Phu Tho province in Vietnam were included in this pilot study. We followed the whole production process and an alcohol sample from each household was analysed for methanol content. 17 (85%) of the samples contained detectable levels of methanol. The median concentration was 9 mg/L (range 2-37 mg/L). To develop clinical symptoms of methanol poisoning from the sample with the highest concentration would require drinking more than 424 L. Homemade alcohol from rice did not contain sufficient amount of methanol to cause toxicity in our study. This supports the theory of methanol being added to ethanol post production for economical purposes as the main source of mass poisonings.

SUN-175 Severe Lactic Acidosis Due to Intentional Suicide Attempt with Metformin and Its ICU Management

Background: Metformin is a biguanide used in treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Deliberate suicide attempt with Metformin is rare and manifests as severe lactic acidosis with mortality rate of 30%. Clinical Case: A 58-year old male with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was brought to the Emergency Department (ED) after intentional overdose with 30 grams of Metformin. Upon arrival to the ED, he was semiconscious and confused. His BP: 99/54 mmHg, HR: 88 bpm, RR: 18, Temp: 98.2°F, and saturating 100% on ambient air. Blood chemistry panel revealed Creatinine of 3.14 mg/dL (n: 0.6-1.30 mg/dL), anion gap of 26 mEq/L (n: 8-12 mEq/L), lactic acid of 19.8 mmol/L (n: 0.8-2.1 mmol/L), and blood glucose of 198 mg/dL (n: 74-106 mg/dL). Urine drug screen, serum salicylate, acetaminophen, alcohol, Methanol, and Ethelyn Glycol levels were negative. Metformin concentration was later found to be 41 mcg/ml (n: 0.10 mcg/ml). He received activated charcoal in the ED and ICU was urgently consulted. Patient ultimately developed acute respiratory failure due to severe acidosis (ABG; pH: 6.97 (n: 7.35-7.45), pCO2: 27 mmHg (n: 35-48 mmHg), and HCO3: 6.2 mEq/L (n: 18-23 mEq/L)). He was intubated for airway support and was placed on mechanical ventilation. Due to persistent hypotension, he was started on pressor support with Phenylephrine as well as continuous infusion of sodium bicarbonate 8.4% at 200 ml/hr. Patient’s blood glucose dropped to as low as 22 mg/dL (n: 74-106 mg/dL) and thus he was started on intravenous infusion of Dextrose 5% Normal Saline at 100 ml/hr to avoid life threatening hypoglycemic coma. Nephrology was consulted for emergent dialysis. Patient’s condition quickly deteriorated due to severe lactic acidosis thus requiring two additional pressor support with infusion of Norepinephrine and Vasopressin as well as addition of Hydrocortisone and oral Midodrine. His renal function worsened, and he became oliguric. Patient subsequently received intermittent hemofiltration for 2 consecutive days for duration of 3 hours and 8 hours, respectively. After initiation of hemofiltration, patient’s condition gradually improved, his blood pressure stabilized, his creatinine & lactic acid levels normalized, and he was successfully extubated. He made a full recovery and was safely discharged home after 13 days of hospitalization. His Metformin level on discharge was 0.10 mcg/ml (n: 0.10 mcg/ml). Patient has been followed closely at our out-patient clinic since discharge and remains in good health. Conclusion: Metformin overdose/toxicity is a serious condition associated with significant mortality and should be considered in diabetic patients presenting with severe lactic and metabolic acidosis. Our recommendations for management of Metformin associated lactic acidosis includes; timely recognition, decontamination, ICU admission and emergent hemodialysis for correction of severe metabolic abnormalities.

Characteristics of Laboratory Confirmed Ethylene Glycol and Methanol Exposures Reported to a Regional Poison Control Center

Ethylene glycol (EG) and methanol (MET) exposures are rare but can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Though frequently treated similarly, EG and MET exposures have characteristics that are not well differentiated in the literature. We sought to describe the clinical characteristics of EG and MET exposures, confirmed with quantitative serum levels. An IRB-approved retrospective review of the University of Kansas Health System Poison Control Center database from July 2005 to July 2015 identified all EG/MET exposures evaluated at a health care facility. Initial measurements were EG/MET levels, serum pH, serum creatinine, anion gap, serum ethanol level, max anion gap, max osmolar gap, therapy performed (hemodialysis, fomepizole, ethanol) and death. The search identified 75 cases, with 59 cases having only detectable EG levels and 15 cases having only detectable MET levels. The average EG level was 126 mg/dL (range 5 - 834). The average detectable methanol level was 78 mg/dL (range 5 - 396). The average maximum anion gap of the EG positive group was 20 mEq/L (range 8 - 35). The average maximum anion gap of the MET positive group was 14 mEq/L (range 6 - 34). One death was reported in the EG positive group, with an initial level of 266 mg/dL. In this study of EG/MET exposures, EG exposures were more common than MET exposures, but they had similar demographics, laboratory findings, and interventions. Continued studies are warranted to characterize these uncommon exposures further.

Rapid Determination of Methanol In Herbaceous Distillates For Their Safety Evaluation by A New Modified Chromotropic Acid Method.

All sophisticated methods for direct determination of methanol require advanced instruments and high technical knowledge whose preparing them is very expensive in none developed and developing countries. This work reports a simple and efficient qualitative technique for semi determination of methanol content in herbal distillates by a new modified chromotropic acid method. The technique is based on the indirect detection of methanol after its oxidation and transforming to formaldehyde by chromotropic acid (formaldehyde specific color indicator). To measure methanol level in herbal distillates, a water diluted sample was mixed with 50 µL of sulfuric acid and potassium permanganate and after 5 min, followed by addition sodium bi-sulfite, chromotropic acid, and concentrated sulfuric acid in two separated steps and finally, eye comparing with four color standard tubes which gives a range of amount of methanol in the sample. The method has a good precision and accuracy and its Limit of Detection is 25 mgL-1. It is particularly suitable for semi quantitative measurement of methanol in herbal distillates not only in the production process quality control of workshops or small companies with no laboratory equipment and adequate financial properties but also the quality check of point of-sale samples from commercial markets. To the best of our knowledge, there isn’t any report about such method.

Correlation between clinical diagnoses with qualitative levels of serum methanol and correlation between indirect laboratory examination with quantitative levels of serum methanol in methanol intoxication patients

Correlation between clinical diagnoses with qualitative levels of serum methanol and correlation between indirect laboratory examination with quantitative levels of serum methanol in methanol intoxication patients

13C-1H coupling constants as a conformational tool for structural assignment of quinic and octulosonic acid

A complete set of NMR coupling constants (1JC-H, 2JC-H, 3JC-H, and 3JH-H) were calculated for the eight stereoisomers of quinic acid, at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)/PCM(methanol) level of theory. The Fermi contact term of the coupling constants was computed with a modified, uncontracted, version of the 6-311G(d,p) basis set, with additional tight polarization functions. 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts were determined at the same level using the gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) method. The magnitude of the spin-spin coupling constants was found to be affected by the orientation (axial or equatorial) of the coupling proton and the orientation of the hydroxy group on the coupling carbon, whereas the chemical shifts depend on the presence or absence of electron-withdrawing hydroxy groups attached to the carbon atoms involved.Graphical Nuclear magnetic resonance coupling constants, computed with density functional theory, can be used to differentiate and identify the different stereoisomers of quinic acid.

Nutritional and alcoholic contents of cheka: A traditional fermented beverage in Southwestern Ethiopia.

Cheka is a cereal and vegetable‐based beverage which is consumed in Southwestern parts of Ethiopia particularly in Dirashe and Konso. In this study, nine cheka samples were collected from vending houses in Konso and Dirashe districts for the laboratory analysis of the nutritional profile and chemical properties of cheka. The pH and titratable acidity of the samples ranged from 3.53–3.99 and 0.80%–1.11%, respectively. The total solids, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, total ash, carbohydrate, and gross energy contents of the samples ranged from 21.05%–26.87%, 3.12–4.44 g/100 g, 1.17–1.81 g/100 g, 0.94–1.27, 0.65–0.93 g/100 g, 14.16–19.03 g/100 g, and 82.04–107.17 Kcal, respectively. The dietary Ca, Fe, and Zn content of the samples were ranged from 8.31–19.60 mg/100 g, 13.94–27.59 mg/100 g and 0.82–1.07 mg/100 g, respectively. The methanol and ethanol contents of the cheka samples ranged from 163.1–2,380 ppm and 3.04%–8.96% v/v, respectively. The findings of this study indicated that cheka has low nutrient content and thus, suggests that people in Konso and Dirashe should not rely on it without eating solid foods as it is almost always diluted with a significant amount of water. In conclusion, the longer fermentation time of cheka resulted in high methanol levels that can present adverse health effects to consumers.

PENETAPAN KADAR METANOL HASIL DESTILASI PENGUAP VAKUM PUTAR EKSTRAK METANOL DAUN UBI UNGU MENGGUNAKAN RAMAN SPEKTROFOTOMETER

Solvent extracted results are often not utilized for re-extraction. Methanol is a universal solvent which is often used as an extract of simplicia. The result of a rotary vacuum evaporator distillation is not known purity and level. Raman spectrosphotometer is a non destructive method of analysis that can be applied to determine the levels and purity of distilled methanol. The objective of this research is to know the change of vacuum pressure to the level and purity of methanol, so that methanol from rotary vacuum distillation can be reused for re-extraction. Purple sweet potato leaves are macerated using 95% methanol : 3% citric acid. The extract was evaporated using a rotary vacuum evaporator at 100 mbar, 150 mbar, and 200 mbar vacuum pressure with a range of 5 to 180 min. Purity and methanol levels were determined using a Raman Handheld 1064 nm spectrophotometer.&#x0D; Validation of methanol assay method with Raman spectrophotometer was obtained: precision: KV 0.19% -1.70%, accuracy: 94.4-103.8%, limit of detection: 1.77% (v/v), limit of quantification: 5.89% (v/v), the range of linearity of 1.77% -99.9% (v/v), with a calibration curve equation: y = 216,88x + 1437.1 and the value of R2 = 0.9997. Methanol content of distillation product with pressure variation 100 - 200 mbar in the span of 5 to 180 minutes obtained methanol level 59.8-81.2% (v/v). All distilled methanol yields a spectrum similarity of 86-99% when compared with absolute methanol.

Numerical on-the-fly implementation of the action of the kinetic energy operator on a vibrational wave function: application to methanol

ABSTRACTIn quantum dynamics, physically well-adapted curvilinear coordinates are coordinates that lead to a Hamiltonian operator as separable as possible, in order to simplify the resolution of the corresponding time-independent or time-dependent Schrödinger equations. Various equivalent curvilinear expressions of the kinetic energy operator (KEO) are well known. They can be used in either an analytical or a numerical approach. The latter has the feature of allowing to straightforwardly compute the KEO in terms of sophisticated (yet easy to define) physically well-adapted curvilinear coordinates. Nevertheless, the number of terms to be computed on a full grid, scales as n2/2 (n being the number of degrees of freedom), so that, for systems with n > 10, the memory storage of the KEO's becomes extremely demanding and therefore often unrealistic. We show here that it is possible, starting from the basic quantum expression of the KEO as a curvilinear Laplacian operator, to reduce the memory storage bottleneck by numerically computing the KEO on-the-fly, i.e. each time it is required, without computing the extrapotential term. This new approach opens the way to rigorous quantum studies of systems with many degrees of freedom. The comparison of torsional levels of methanol obtained by the present on-the-fly method with our previous results shows excellent agreement.

P163: Methanol poisoning by inhalation: a case series

Introduction: Methanol intoxication is a well-recognized toxicological emergency. While most cases of significant methanol poisoning occur via ingestion, there are reports in the literature of poisoning resulting from the inhalational route. We report a series of methanol intoxications secondary to inhalational abuse of a methanol containing lacquer thinner presenting to an inner city Emergency Department. Methods: A laboratory database was searched for methanol levels &gt; 5 mmol/L. (16mg/dL). from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2015. A chart review was completed to determine mode of poisoning, clinical presentation, treatment, and disposition. Results: We found 35 patients who made a total of 83 emergency department (ED) visits with a methanol level &gt; 5mmol/L. (16mg/dL). The methanol levels ranged from 5.3-39.6 mmol/L. (16.96 -126.72 mg/dL) . 73% of poisonings were secondary to inhalation of a methanol-containing lacquer thinner. The median age of these patients was 43 years, and 49% were male. The majority of patients (96%) resided in the core area. The most frequent chief complaints were substance abuse/intoxication, gastrointestinal complaints, and chest pain. 18% of patients described visual symptoms. Treatments were fomepizole only (59%), fomepizole plus hemodialysis (26%), and hemodialysis alone (2%). 49% of patients were discharged from the ED, while 28% and 23% were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and an internal medicine ward respectively. There were no cases of blindness. We describe a cohort of patients who developed methanol poisoning from inhalation of a methanol containing lacquer thinner that required treatment with fomepizole and hemodialysis. While almost 1/3 of these patients were admitted to ICU, 49% were discharged from the emergency department after a course of fomepizole. The etiology of this outbreak was found to be a change in the formulation of the lacquer thinner, substituting a higher concentration of methanol for toluene. The manufacturer and a number of local retail outlets were contacted. This resulted in the product being taken off the shelves by the retail outlets, and eventually, a change in the product formulation by the manufacturer, with a resultant decrease in the methanol content. After these actions, we have not seen any additional presentations of inhalational methanol intoxication. Conclusion: We report the largest case series to date of patients who presented with methanol intoxication, requiring fomepizole and/or hemodialysis, secondary to inhalation of a methanol containing lacquer thinner. Physician advocacy regarding the etiology of this outbreak resulted in collaboration with retail outlets and subsequent action by the manufacturer. This ended the outbreak.

Side draw control design for a high purity multi-component distillation column

Industrial methanol production involves a multi component feed containing methanol, water and trace levels of ethanol being refined to produce AA grade methanol at high product recovery. Due to practical constraints, the bottoms discharge of the column is primarily water with only trace of methanol impurities. As a result of these constraints, ethanol, which is a non-key middle boiling component gets “trapped” near the side draw of the column forming an ethanol bulge, which in turn results in non-linear, inverse, time and state varying behaviour of the side draw ethanol composition. In this work, we established that the existence of the ethanol bulge creates the complex process behaviour of the side draw ethanol composition and that this bulge needs to be explicitly controlled. This type of explicit composition bulge analysis and subsequent control has not been attempted on methanol distillation columns before. For this purpose a novel, robust and practical side draw control scheme to detect and remedy the excess ethanol bulge movement using override control is presented. The side draw controller, together with other regulatory controllers is shown to maintain on-specification operations of the column. Disturbance rejection tests carried out illustrate that the side draw control scheme will keep the column operating within commercial specification. It is also shown that a traditional DV control structure is unable to achieve this objective.

Reversal of Severe Methanol Induced Visual Impairment Due to Prompt Hemodialysis

We report a case series of recovery from severe visual impairment due to methanol intoxication following treatment with fomepizol and prompt hemodialysis. Three adult males presented to our hospital few hours after unintended methanol intoxication. All patients reported weakness and dizziness, two of them suffered visual impairment with visual acuity loss and one of them presented complete blindness and unresponsive dilated pupils. Fundoscopy examination revealed edema of the disk margin. Their laboratory findings included severe high anion gap metabolic acidosis with elevated osmolar gap and methanol levels. All three patients were treated with fomepizole, folic acid IV, and 2-3 sessions of hemodialysis four hours each. The first session of dialysis was performed about 16 h after the methanol ingestion. They all exhibited a full recovery including the patient with the blindness who reported normal vision 20/20 with normal fundoscopic examination on discharge at the fifth day of hospitalization. This case report confirms the effectiveness of the combined treatment based on early dialysis with fomepizol in reversing the retinal impairment in methanol intoxication. The reversibility of retinal end organ damage demonstrated here raises doubts about the common thought regarding the poor outcome of methanol induced retinal end organ damage.

Integrating metabolic modeling and population heterogeneity analysis into optimizing recombinant protein production by Komagataella (Pichia) pastoris.

The methylotrophic yeast Komagataella (Pichia) pastoris has become one of the most utilized cell factories for the production of recombinant proteins over the last three decades. This success story is linked to its specific physiological traits, i.e., the ability to grow at high cell density in inexpensive culture medium and to secrete proteins at high yield. Exploiting methanol metabolism is at the core of most P. pastoris-based processes but comes with its own challenges. Co-feeding cultures with glycerol/sorbitol and methanol is a promising approach, which can benefit from improved understanding and prediction of metabolic response. The development of profitable processes relies on the construction and selection of efficient producing strains from less efficient ones but also depends on the ability to master the bioreactor process itself. More specifically, how a bioreactor processes could be monitored and controlled to obtain high yield of production. In this review, new perspectives are detailed regarding a multi-faceted approach to recombinant protein production processes by P. pastoris; including gaining improved understanding of the metabolic pathways involved, accounting for variations in transcriptional and translational efficiency at the single cell level and efficient monitoring and control of methanol levels at the bioreactor level.

Determination of methanol and ethanol concentrations in local and foreign alcoholic drinks and food products (Banku, Ga kenkey, Fante kenkey and Hausa koko) in Ghana

BackgroundIt is believed that higher methanol content may be present in some alcoholic drinks produced by traditional distilleries or some alcohol brewing companies. As a result of this, there could be a higher risk of methanol concentration in products. Therefore, this research focused on quantifying the amount of methanol in some fermented foods and alcoholic drinks by Gas Chromatography. The method was validated for limit of detection, limit of quantification, and recovery.ResultsThe results showed some level of methanol in some of the studied local and foreign alcoholic drinks between the ranges of 0.003-0.161% Vol. whereas no methanol was observed in any of the analyzed food products.ConclusionsThe results showed that the levels of methanol observed in the analyzed drinks do not pose any health threat to the human body when consumed, contrary to the general assumptions that it does. However, the normal alcohol health risk associated with high consumption still remains a problem.