Ph Group Research Articles

Biochars and Engineered Biochars for Water and Soil Remediation: A Review

Biochars (BCs) are considered as ecofriendly and multifunctional materials with significant potential for remediation of contaminated water and soils, while engineered biochars (E-BCs) with enlarged surface areas and abundant surface functional groups can perform even better in environmental remediation. This review systematically summarizes the key physical and chemical properties of BCs that affect their pollutant sorption capacities, major methods employed for modification of E-BCs, the performance of BCs/E-BCs in removing major types of organic (e.g., antibiotics and pesticides) and inorganic pollutants (e.g., heavy metals), and the corresponding removal mechanisms. The physical and chemical properties of BCs—such as ash or mineral contents, aromaticity, surface structures, pH, and surface functional groups (e.g., C=O, -COOH, -OH, and -NH2)—depend primarily on their feedstock sources (i.e., plant, sludge, or fecal) and the pyrolysis temperature. Ion exchange, precipitation, electrostatic attraction, and complexation are the main mechanisms involved in the adsorption of inorganic pollutants on BCs/E-BCs, whereas hydrogen bonding, pore filling, electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interaction, and van der Waals forces are the major driving forces for the uptake of organic pollutants. Despite their significant promises, more pilot and field scale investigations are necessary to demonstrate the practical applicability and viability of BCs/E-BCs in water and soil remediation.

Y-006. Predicting algorithm for risk of pre-eclampsia using 1st trimester circulating microRNAs

In potential liver transplant candidates, pulmonary vascular diseases, including portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) and pulmonary venous hypertension (PVH), can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although there are clear guidelines regarding management and transplant listing criteria for patients with PoPH, the listing criteria for PVH are not well defined.The aim of this study was to describe and compare the perioperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with PoPH and PVH in patients undergoing liver transplantation.We conducted a retrospective observational study of all patients referred for liver transplantation to our center between 2005 and 2015 who underwent a right heart catheterization (RHC) for screening for pulmonary hypertension as suggested by initial echocardiography. Based on the RHC data, the patients were grouped into no pulmonary hypertension (No PH), PoPH, and PVH categories. In patients who underwent liver transplantation, we recorded vital status intraoperatively and at 30 days and 1-year post-transplant, and we recorded the incidence of postoperative cardiopulmonary and renal complications.Of the 134 patients who underwent RHC as part of the initial transplant evaluation, 50 patients were successfully transplanted. There was 1 intraoperative death in the PoPH group. No significant difference in mortality was noted between the No PH, PoPH, and PVH groups intraoperatively and 30 days after liver transplantation. At 1 year, the survival rates were 100%, 69.2%, and 94.1% in the No PH, PoPH, and PVH groups, respectively. With respect to cardiopulmonary and renal complications, no statistically significant difference was noted among the groups, though there was a trend toward increased post-transplant reversible pulmonary complications in the PVH group.Our findings suggest that the post-transplant outcomes of patients with PoPH and PVH are similar. In light of the growing recognition of diastolic dysfunction and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in decompensated cirrhotic patients at the time of transplant, the issue of pulmonary hypertension related to PVH will gain increasing importance as we assess these patients for transplantation. Therefore, future studies are needed to define evidence based guidelines to determine candidacy for liver transplantation in the context of PVH.

Acute acidification stress weakens the head kidney immune function of juvenile Lates calcarifer

Acidized water environment can impact many physiological processes of aquatic animals. The response of the head kidney to acidification, especially the immune response, is of great significance to health. This study analyzed the histological and transcriptional changes under different acidification levels (C group, pH 8.1; P group, pH 7.4; E group, pH 3.5) in the short term (12 h, 36 h and 60 h) in the head kidney of juvenile L. calcarifer. The results showed that the acidification of the water environment caused tissue damage to the head kidney of L. calcarifer, and the damage appeared earlier and was stronger in the extreme pH group. The transcriptional response of L. calcarifer head kidney increased with the increase of acidification level. The two treatments transcriptional responses showed different trends in terms of time. After KEGG function enrichment, with the increase of stimulation time, the proportion of down-regulated pathways was increasing, and the types of pathway enrichment at different acidification levels were quite different at the initial stage. At 12 h, the first category in the P group with the most significant number of pathways was ‘Metabolism’, and the first category in the E group with the largest number of pathways was ‘Human Diseases’. At 60 h, the enrichment pathways of the two groups were highly overlapping in immune-related pathways, which contained 26 common DEGs. They had a dominant expression pattern. In the P group, the expression level decreased with time. In the E group, the down-regulation degree of expression level at 12 h reached the level of the P group at 60 h, and the expression level remained low until 60 h. Through the correlation network, interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), Tripartite motif containing-21 (TRIM21), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were found to have the most correlation with other genes. In this study, juvenile L. calcarifer showed different coping strategies to different levels of acute acidification stress, but all of them resulted in the extensive weakening of head kidney immune function.

Laryngopharyngeal pH Monitoring in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Background: Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) often have irritating persistent dry cough. Possible correlations between dry cough and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) remain unclear.Methods: 44 patients with IPF and 30 healthy individuals underwent 24 h laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring. Ryan index score was calculated. Patients’ demographic and clinical data were collected.Results: 44 patients with IPF and 30 healthy individuals were included. The proportions of men and smokers were significantly higher in IPF group than control group (All p < 0.01). The average laryngopharyngeal pH value for 24 h was similar in the IPF (7.11 ± 0.08) group and control group (7.09 ± 0.06). According to the percentage duration of pH < 6.5, pH6.5–7.5, and pH > 7.5 in the overall measure duration, the patients were classified into three pH groups. In entire pH monitoring duration, the proportion of pH > 7.5 group in IPF patients was higher than control group; at upright position, the proportion of pH > 7.5 group in IPF patients was higher than control group; at supine position, the proportion of pH < 6.5 group in IPF patients was higher than control group (All p < 0.01). Seven patients had Ryan index score>9.41 at upright position. All patients had Ryan index score<6.79 at supine position. Four patients showed significantly higher and one patient had significantly lower average pH at coughing than the overall average pH (All p < 0.05).Conclusions: Patients with IPF may have LPR. Basic and acidic LPR may likely occur at upright and supine position, respectively. Ryan index may not accurately reflect LPR in patients with IPF.

Small-molecule inhibitor LF3 restrains the development of pulmonary hypertension through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with congenital heart disease is a progressive hemodynamic disease that can lead to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, vascular remodeling, and even right heart failure and death. LF3 is a novel inhibitor of the reporter gene activity of β-catenin/TCF4 interaction in the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. However, whether this action of LF3 can prevent PH development remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of LF3 in rat primary pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of the PH model. We found that LF3 inhibited the decrease in pulmonary artery acceleration time and ejection time by ultra-high-resolution ultrasound imaging and blocked the increase of pulmonary artery systolic pressure by using the BL420 biological function experimental system and right ventricular hypertrophy index by the electronic scales. Simultaneously, it prevented the increase of α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin and the decrease of elastin in pulmonary arteries of rats in the PH group, as revealed by an immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, cell proliferation and migration assays showed that LF3 significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that LF3 suppressed the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigens and Bcl-2 and increased the expression of Bax but did not alter the expressions of β-catenin and TCF4. Taken together, LF3 can reduce the migration and proliferation of PASMCs and induce their apoptosis to prevent the development of PH. It would be worthwhile to explore the potential use of LF3 in the treatment of PH.

Category II non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern and risk of admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: The relationship between non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern, acidemia at birth and neonatal morbidity remains unclear. Our aim was to compare low versus high pH cord blood infants of women detected with a Category II FHR pattern for which the impact is unclear. Methods: A prospective study of 185 low-risk pregnant women in labor at > 370/7 weeks of gestation with a singleton fetus was conducted at a single center. Category II trace was defined by the presence of tachycardia or bradycardia, variable and late decelerations, marked variability at least 30 minutes in the 120 minutes prior to delivery. The primary outcome included the need for resuscitation and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission. The cohort was also stratified into three categories according to admission to NICU and pH threshold ([i] umbilical artery blood pH 7.15 and admitted; [iii] not admitted). Results: 23% (43/185) of infants of women detected with Category II FHR pattern needed NICU admission. Category II FHR pattern was associated with low pH at birth, and the need for resuscitation was more frequent among infants in the lower pH group (73% vs. 10%, p < 0.05). Indices of right (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]: 7.3 ± 0.9 mm) and left ventricular performance (fractional shortening: 31% ± 8.9%, transmitral E’/A’ 0.9 ± 0.3) were low compared to normative data for healthy infants. CK, CK-MB, and left-to-right/bidirectional shunts at PFO and PDA were higher overall at 72 hours of age. Conclusions: Category II FHR is associated with resuscitation at birth, NICU admission, and length of hospitalization.

Endocrine disruption caused by the aquatic exposure to aluminum and manganese in Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characidae) females during the final ovarian maturation

Aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) can be toxic to aquatic biota and cause endocrine disruption in fish, affecting reproduction. This study evaluates the physiological responses of the ray-finned teleost fish Astyanax altiparanae vitellogenic females after acute exposure (96 h) to Al and Mn (alone and combined) in acid pH followed by the same period of exposure to metal-free water in neutral pH. The aim of this second period of exposure was to assess the recovery capacity from the toxic effects these metals. Five experimental groups were established: a control in neutral pH (Ctrl), and acidic pH (Ac), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and Al + Mn groups, maintaining the acidic pH in the groups to which metals were added. The following biological parameters were evaluated: metal tissue concentration, relative fecundity (RF: absolute fecundity/body mass). Plasma levels of cortisol (proxy for stress) and 17α hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP), and gene expression of pituitary lhβ mRNA (proxies for final maturation) were measured to evaluate endocrine disruption. In the synchronic exposure, the presence of Mn potentiated the accumulation of Al in gills. The females from acidic pH and Al groups showed a reduced RF. Exposure to Al and Mn triggered an endocrine disruption response, evidenced by a decrease in the plasma concentration of 17α-OHP and cortisol. Despite this anti-steroidogenic effect, no changes occurred in the pituitary gene expression of lhβ. The endocrine changes and the metal accumulation were temporary, while the impacts on RF under the experimental conditions suggest permanent impairment in the reproduction of this species.

Study of soil management in rice fields in Bantimurung District Maros Regency

Rice productivity in Bantimurung District is unstable every year. Farmers tend not to attend to environmental and soil protection but are racing to increase yields rapidly using excessive chemical fertilizers and pesticides, tilling the soil too frequently, and burning postharvest straw. This study aims to study rice fields’ management in Bantimurung District, Maros Regency, based on the soil’s physical and chemical characteristics, which are expected to be a source of information in managing rice fields in Bantimurung District, Maros Regency. Data were collected using a field survey method in irrigated and rainfed rice fields and farmer interviews. Laboratory analysis included soil texture, bulk density, N-total, C-organic, pH, and organic functional group analysis. The result showed that both irrigated and rainfed rice fields have the low category of N-total (0.1-0.23%), low to a moderate category of c-organic (1.87-3.16%), and slightly acid to neutral pH (5.98-6.67). Based on farmers’ information, we know that the rice fields in Bantimurung District are still suitable for rice production but must have a proper good management principle. The best management includes not using an-organic fertilizer excessively, adding organic matter, crop rotation, and attending to water needs.

PH, CRP as Prognostic Indicators for the Success of Treatment with Non-invasive Ventilation in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure Type II

Background: Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) provides an alternative option to the initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory failure, avoiding the associated adverse events.&#x0D; Objective: the present study aimed to assess the outcome of the patients who were initially treated with NIMV and identify the prognostic predictive value of PH and CRP for NIMV failure.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This was observational analytical study conducted in the Department of Pulmonology in Tishreen University Hospital –Lattakia- Syria from January 2019 to January 2020. Adult patients with the diagnosis of acute on chronic respiratory failure type 2 were enrolled in the study.&#x0D; Results: A total of 67 patients with acute on chronic respiratory failure type 2 were included in the study. The median age was 63 years and 62.7% were male. The patients in the PH group (7.20-7.25) presented higher rates of mortality and admission to intensive care unit (ICU) which represented 25% and 50% respectively. The NIMV failure rate was 22.4%. Frequency of patients with PH≤ 7.31, ΔPH ≤ 0.04, or CRP ≥53.5 were higher in NIMV failure group; (33.3% vs. 3.8%, p: 0.001), (46.7% vs. 23.1% -, p: 0.03), and (53.3% vs. 32.7%, p: 0.04) respectively. Independent predictors for NIMV failure were: PH≤ 7.31(OR 3.3[0.6-7.8], p:0.01) and ΔPH ≤ 0.04(OR&#x0D; 2.1[1.1-3.9], p: 0.02).&#x0D; Conclusion: NIMV is an effective treatment for hypercapnic respiratory failure. Identification independent predictors for NIMV failure may be useful to avoid the possible complications.

Histopathological changes of pulmonary vascular remodeling in dogs affected with pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease

Introduction/objectivesPulmonary hypertension (PH) can cause pulmonary arterial remodeling. Medial remodeling is a structural change of the pulmonary artery seen with PH. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are suggested as causes of medial remodeling. To demonstrate the histopathological changes of the pulmonary artery in dogs affected with PH secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) compared with DMVD without PH and control dogs. AnimalsLung samples obtained from the carcasses of 19 older small-breed dogs (Control, n = 5; DMVD, n = 7; DMVD + PH, n = 7). Materials and methodsLung tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry. ResultsThe internal diameters of the pulmonary artery in the three groups were not different. Masson's trichrome staining revealed no collagen deposition in the intimal layer of the pulmonary artery in all dogs. The external diameter, percentage of medial thickness (%MT), percentage of SMC layer and collagen deposition areas, average number of SMCs, and the percentage of PCNA positive cells (%PCNA) of the pulmonary artery were increased in the DMVD and DMVD + PH groups compared with the control group. The %PCNA in the DMVD + PH group was significantly decreased when compared with the DMVD group. ConclusionsMedial remodeling was found in left-sided heart failure DMVD dogs with and without PH. The medial remodeling in DMVD dogs with and without PH is related to SMC hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and collagen deposition, leading to an increased medial layer thickness of the pulmonary artery.

Microstructure and Physicochemical Properties of Light Ice Cream: Effects of Extruded Microparticulated Whey Proteins and Process Design.

This study aimed to understand the influence of extruded microparticulated whey proteins (eMWPs) and process design in light ice cream processing by evaluating the microstructure and physicochemical properties. The inulin (T1), a commercial microparticulated whey protein (MWP) called simplesse (T2), a combination (T3), as well as eMWPs (as 50% volume of total particles): d50 < 3 µm (T4), and d50 > 5 µm (T5) were used as fat replacers. The first process design was pasteurization with subsequent homogenization (PH). The second process was homogenization with subsequent pasteurization (HP) for the production of ice cream (control, 12% fat, w/w; T1 to T5, 6% fat, w/w). The overrun of light ice cream treatments of PH was around 50%, except for T4 (61.82%), which was significantly higher (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the overrun of HP was around 40% for all treatments except T1. In both the PH and HP groups, the color intensities of treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The melting behavior of light ice cream was also significantly different. The viscosity of all treatments was significant (p < 0.05) at a shear rate of 64.54 (1/s) for both cases of process design. A similar firmness in both the PH and HP groups was observed; however, the products with eMWPs were firmer compared to other light ice creams.

Can we improve our ability to interpret category II fetal heart rate tracings using additional clinical parameters?

This study examined predictive factors, in addition to Category II Fetal Herat Rate (FHR) monitoring that might imply fetal acidosis and risk of asphyxia. This retrospective cohort study compared three groups of patients with Category II FHR monitoring indicating need for imminent delivery. Groups were divided based on fetal cord blood pH: pH≤7.0, 7.0<pH<7.2 and pH≥7.2. Demographics, medical history, delivery data and early neonatal outcomes were reviewed. The cohort included 417 women. Nine (2.2%) had cord pH≤7.0, 105 (25.2%) pH 7.0 to 7.2 and 303 (72.6%) ad pH≥7.2. Background characteristics, pregnancy follow-up and intrauterine fetal evaluation prior to delivery were similar in all groups. As expected, more patients in the low pH group had cesarean section (55.6%), than vaginal delivery or vacuum extraction (p=0.02). Five-minute Apgar scores were similar in all groups. This retrospective study did not detect a specific parameter that could help predict the prognosis of fetal acidosis and risk of asphyxia. As we only included patients with a Category II tracing that was worrisome enough to lead to imminent delivery, it is reasonable to believe that this is due to patient selection, meaning that when the Category II FHR results in decision for prompt delivery, there is no added value in additional clinical characteristics. The evaluation should be expanded to all patients with Category II tracing for better interpretation tools for Category II FHR monitors, as well as a larger study population.

Investigation of the Use of Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) As Aquarium Filtration Material for Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis ahli)

In this study, the effects of using zeolite, both inside and outside the filter, on water quality and the growth of electric blue hap (Sciaenochromis ahli) were investigated. The 3-month study consisted of 7 groups in triplicate. One of the groups was designated as the control, and zeolite was not used in this group. For the remaining 6 groups, zeolite was placed in tulle bags and used both inside and outside the filter in 3 various ratios (0.35, 0.70, 1.05 g l-1). The statistical differences between groups for certain water quality parameters pH, NH3) were significant (P&amp;lt;0.05), while the statistical differences between groups for other parameters (water temperature, dissolved oxygen) were found to be insignificant (P&amp;gt;0.05). Furthermore, the growth parameters, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate of the electric blue hap were determined. At the end of the study, the differences between weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were determined as statistically insignificant (P&amp;gt;0.05). At the end of the study, when the data were evaluated, no negative effects on the growth parameters and water parameters of the ahli cichlid fish were determined. Therefore, it is advisable to place zeolite in mesh bags at the bottom of the aquarium and in the aquarium filter to prevent ammonia from reaching high concentrations. Thus, when the findings on pH and NH3 of the present study were evaluated, it can be suggested that low ratios as 0.35 g l-1 of zeolite may be used in tulle bags on floor or inside the filter to prevent ammonia rising to high concentrations.

Eco-friendly control of licorice aqueous extract to increase quality and resistance to postharvest decay in apple and tangerine fruits.

Postharvest diseases in fruits and vegetables are one of the major problems in storing them as a fresh agri-product. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) aqueous extract against the Penicillium expansum and the Penicillium digitatum in apple and tangerine fruits as well as their postharvest decay during storage time. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the molds, and the decay inhibition percentage (%DI) with the P.expansum for apple and P.digitatum for tangerine after treatment with licorice aqueous extract were measured. Additionally, the lesion diameter, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and organoleptic properties were determined. The growth of molds was almost inhibited at the concentration of 62.5mg/mL. The ability of licorice aqueous extract to significantly control and reduce the growth of P. expansum in apple by 60 and 20 % after 7 days and 21 days of storage time was proved, respectively. Furthermore, significant differences in pH and TSS (p < 0.05) were observed in apples. Also, the growth of P. digitatum in the tangerine reduced by 33.3 % after 7 days, while there was no significant difference between the control and treatment groups in pH and TSS for apples, and similarly, there was no significant difference in TA for tangerine samples. Therefore, the licorice aqueous extract treatment could postpone the blue mold decay in apple fruits and green mold decay in tangerine without any significant effect on fruit quality characteristics. It can be considered as a new eco-friendly control in fruit preservation, while it did not result in any significant adverse effect on the quality.

Adhesion prevention after endometriosis surgery \u2014 results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial with second-look laparoscopy

PurposeAdhesion formation after endometriosis surgery is a severe problem affecting up to 90% of patients. Possible complications include chronic pain, ileus, and secondary infertility. Therefore, effective adhesion prophylaxis is desirable, for which the adhesion barrier 4DryField® PH is evaluated in the present clinical study. It is a starch-based powder that forms a gel after irrigation with saline solution and thus separates surgical sites as physical barrier for adhesion prevention.MethodsFifty patients with extensive and deep infiltrating endometriosis were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with two-staged laparoscopic approach. The patients were randomized into two groups, one receiving 4DryField® PH and the other irrigation with saline solution for adhesion prevention. Adhesion formation was directly scored during second-look interventions considering incidence, extent, and severity. Adhesion prevention treatment in the second surgery was performed corresponding to the first intervention to evaluate the long-term outcome in the later course.ResultsBoth groups were comparable with respect to relevant patient parameters. Severity and extent of adhesions were significantly reduced by 85% in the 4DryField® PH group compared to the control group (mean total adhesion score 2.2 vs. 14.2; p = 0.004). Incidence of adhesion formation based on the number of affected sites was significantly reduced by 53% in the intervention vs. control group (mean 1.1 vs. 2.3 sites; p = 0.004). Follow-up of secondary endpoints is not yet completed; results will become available at a later stage.ConclusionAdhesion formation could be reduced significantly by 85% by application of the adhesion barrier 4DryField® PH.Trial registrationTrial registration main ID: DRKS00014720, secondary ID: U1111-1213-4142; date of registration 09th May 2018.

Intermolecular interactions between sol–gel-derived random-structure oligomeric silsesquioxanes and a diazonaphthoquinone derivative

Oligomeric silsesquioxanes (Oligo-SQs) with random structures featuring phenyl (Ph) groups or both Ph and methyl (Me) groups as their substituents were synthesized by the sol–gel method. The ratio of Ph and Me groups controlled the molecular weights and branching in the Oligo-SQs. Branching increased as the molecular weight increased (when the alkaline dissolution rates of all Oligo-SQs adjusted to ∼40 nm s−1). A diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ) derivative was added to the Oligo-SQs to impart positive photosensitivity. A Ph content ratio of over 50 mol% was found to be necessary for the Oligo-SQs to exhibit DNQ compatibility and good patterning performance. Infrared absorption spectroscopy analysis and density functional theory calculations indicated the formation of novel aromatic siloxane DNQ aggregates upon hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl group domains in the Oligo-SQ (formed by hydroxyl groups bonded to Si on adjacent Ph moieties) and the DNQ derivative, which adopts only one of its possible resonance structures.

Cobalt‐Catalyzed C—H Allylation of Arenes with Allylic Amines

Main observation and conclusion[Cp*Co(CO)I2] effectively catalyzes pyridyl‐directed C—H allylation of arenes with allylic amines in the presence of AgOAc and CF3COOAg. The reaction features ortho‐position monoallylation of 2‐pyridylarenes, giving the allylated arenes in moderate to high yields. A range of functional groups including OMe, Me, Ph, F, Cl, Br, CF3, C(O)Me, COOEt, and COOH groups are tolerated. Pyrimidyl‐directed C—H allylation of arenes were also performed under the same conditions. Reaction of 2‐phenylpyrimidine, 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine, and 2‐(3‐fluorophenyl)pyrimidine leads to a mixture of ortho‐position mono‐ and bisallylation products. Reaction of other 2‐(substituted aryl)pyrimidines resulted in ortho‐position monoallylation products.

Short-term effects of mobilization on oxygenation in patients after open surgery for pancreatic cancer: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDespite the unequivocal role of progressive mobilization in post-surgical patient management, its specific effects and timing, particularly after abdominal surgery, remain debated. This study’s aim was to examine the short-term effects of mobilization on oxygenation in hemodynamically stable patients after open surgery for pancreatic cancer.MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in which patients (n = 83) after open pancreatic surgery were randomized to either the same-day mobilization group (mobilized when hemodynamically stable within four hours after surgery) or the next-day mobilization group (mobilized first time in the morning of the first post-operative day). Mobilization was prescribed and modified based on hemodynamic and subjective responses with the goal of achieving maximal benefit with minimal risk. Blood gas samples were taken three times the evening after surgery; and before and after mobilization on the first post-operative day. Spirometry was conducted pre-operatively and on the first post-operative day. Adverse events and length of stay in postoperative intensive care were also recorded.ResultsWith three dropouts, 80 patients participated (40 per group). All patients in the same-day mobilization group, minimally sat over the edge of the bed on the day of surgery and all patients (both groups) minimally sat over the edge of the bed the day after surgery. Compared with patients in the next-day mobilization group, patients in the same-day mobilization group required lower FiO2 and had higher SaO2/FiO2 at 1800 h on the day of surgery (p < .05). On the day after surgery, FiO2, SaO2/FiO2, PaO2/FiO2, and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, before and after mobilization, were superior in the same-day mobilization group (p < 0.05). No differences were observed between groups in PCO2, pH, spirometry or length stay in postoperative intensive care.ConclusionsCompared with patients after open pancreatic surgery in the next-day mobilization group, those in the same-day mobilization group, once hemodynamically stable, improved oxygenation to a greater extent after mobilization. Our findings support prescribed progressive mobilization in patients after pancreatic surgery (when hemodynamically stable and titrated to their individual responses and safety considerations), on the same day of surgery to augment oxygenation, potentially helping to reduce complications and hasten functional recovery.Trial registration: This prospective RCT was carried out at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden. The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Gothenburg (Registration number: 437-17). Trial registration: “FoU in Sweden” (Research and Development in Sweden, URL: https://www.researchweb.org/is/vgr) id: 238701 Registered 13 December 2017 and Clinical Trials (URL:clinicaltrials.gov) NCT03466593. Registered 15 March 2018.

Temporal Patterns of Pulmonary Vascular Loading during Exercise in Patients with Pre versus Post Capillary Pulmonary Hypertension

<h3>Purpose</h3> In healthy humans, pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) increase modestly and equilibrate rapidly in response to constant intensity exercise. PAP increase markedly in pre- or post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (pre-cap or post-cap PH), but the time course is unclear. We studied pulse (PP) and diastolic (PADP) PAP as indices of pulsatile load and pulmonary vascular outflow pressure, respectively, and explored whether the magnitude and time course of their response to exercise differs in pre-cap or post-cap PH. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients underwent right heart catheterization with cycle-ergometry (25/40W, F/M), and were classified by their exercise hemodynamic responses: 1) Normal 2) pre-cap PH and 3) post-cap PH. PAP were recorded continuously and analyzed offline. Changes from Control, 2 min, and 7 min were examined. <h3>Results</h3> We studied 76 patients (47% F; 59±15 years); groups comprised 32 Normal, 22 pre-cap PH, and 22 post-cap PH. After exercise onset in the Normal group, PADP increased at 2 min (∆5±3mmHg). This increase was less than both pre-cap PH (∆9±4mmHg, p<0.01) and post-cap PH (∆8±6mmHg, p=0.1), which did not differ (p=0.99). While PADP did not increase further at 7 min in Normal and post-cap PH groups, it did in the pre-cap PH group (∆3±5mmHg, p=0.04, Fig. 1). In the Normal group, PP increased at 2 min (∆5±4mmHg). PP increases at 2 min were greater in pre-cap PH (∆13±8mmHg) than post-cap PH (∆7±4mmHg, p<0.01) and Normal (p<0.01). Although PP increased further at 7 min in the Normal group (∆2±3mmHg, p<0.01), the increases in pre-cap PH (∆6±5mmHg, p<0.01) and post-cap PH (∆6±6mmHg, p<0.01) were both greater compared to Normal (pre-cap PH: p<0.01 post-cap PH: p=0.02, Fig. 1). <h3>Conclusion</h3> During exercise, patients with pre-cap or post-cap PH demonstrate differences in both the magnitude and temporality of change in PAP. Despite constant work-rate, the pulmonary vascular load continues to increase in both pre-cap and post-cap PH.

Control of Molecular Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction by Variation of pH and Functional Groups.

In the search for replacement of the platinum-based catalysts for fuel cells, MN4 molecular catalysts based on abundant transition metals play a crucial role in modeling and investigation of the influence of the environment near the active site in platinum-group metal-free (PGM-free) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. To understand how the ORR activity of molecular catalysts can be controlled by the active site structure through modification by the pH and substituent functional groups, the change of the ORR onset potential and the electron number in a broad pH range was examined for three different metallocorroles. Experiments revealed a switch between two different ORR mechanisms and a change from 2e- to 4e- pathway in the pH range of 3.5-6. This phenomenon was shown by density functional theory (DFT) calculations to be related to the protonation of the nitrogen atoms and carboxylic acid groups on the corroles indicated by the pKa values of the protonation sites in the vicinity of the ORR active sites. Control of the electron-withdrawing nature of these groups characterized by the pKa values could switch the ORR from the H+ to e- rate-determining step mechanisms and from 2e- to 4e- ORR pathways and also controlled the durability of the corrole catalysts. The results suggest that protonation of the nitrogen atoms plays a vital role in both the ORR activity and durability for these materials and that pKa of the N atoms at the active sites can be used as a descriptor for the design of high-performance, durable PGM-free catalysts.