Ethylene Glycol-Choline Chloride Based Hydrated Deep Eutectic Electrolytes Enabled High-Performance Zinc-Ion Battery

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ARZIBs) are considered as an emerging energy storage technology owing to their low cost, inherent safety, and reasonable energy density. However, significant challenges associated with electrodes, and aqueous electrolytes restrict their rapid development. Herein, ethylene glycol-choline chloride (Eg-ChCl) based hydrated deep-eutectic electrolytes (HDEEs) are proposed for RZIBs. Also, a novel V10O24·nH2O@rGO composite is prepared and investigated in combination with HDEEs. The formulated HDEEs, particularly the composition of 1 ml of EG, 0.5 g of ChCl, 4 ml of H2O, and 2 M ZnTFS (1-0.5-4-2 HDEE), not only exhibit the lowest viscosity, highest Zn2+ conductivity (20.38 mS cm-1), and the highest zinc (Zn) transference number (t+ = 0.937), but also provide a wide electrochemical stability window (>3.2 V vs ZnǁZn2+) and enabledendrite-free Zn stripping/plating cycling over 1000 hours. The resulting ZnǁV10O24·nH2O@rGO cell with 1-0.5-4-2 HDEE manifests high reversible capacity of ≈365 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, high rate-performance (delivered ≈365/223 mAh g-1 at 0.1/10 mA g-1) and enhanced cycling performance (≈63.10% capacity retention in the 4000th cycle at 10 A g-1). Furthermore, 1-0.5-4-2 HDEE support feasible Zn-ion storage performance across a wide temperature range (0-80 °C) FInally, a ZnǁV10O24·nH2O@rGO pouch-cell prototype fabricated with 1-0.5-4-2 HDEE demonstrates good flexibility, safety, and durability.

Successful vitrification of equine embryos >300 microns without puncture or aspiration

BACKGROUND

Equine embryos >300 μm require puncture before vitrification. Protocols that do not require pre-puncture would make vitrification easier and allow for its widespread use.

OBJECTIVES

To design a successful vitrification protocol for embryos >300 μm without puncture as a pre-treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental in vivo study.

METHODS

Thirty-eight embryos were divided into 3 groups (G1: ≤300 μm, n = 11; G2: >300-500 μm, n = 20; G3: >500 μm, n = 7). Embryos were vitrified using a human vitrification kit. Following a 15 min exposure to equilibration solution (ES; 7.5% DMSO +7.5% ethylene glycol [EG] in a base medium [BM] of M199 HEPES-buffered medium [H199] + hydroxypropyl cellulose + gentamycin), embryos were exposed for ≤90 s to a vitrification solution (15% DMSO +15% EG + 0.5 M trelahose in BM), loaded onto a Cryolock and plunged into LN2. Warming was undertaken by plunging the Cryolock tip into 1 mL of H199 + 20% FBS + pen/strep +1 M sucrose at 42°C for 1 min. The embryos were then moved to a 0.5 M sucrose solution for 4 min, then placed in Vigro Hold for 4 min prior to transfer to a recipient.

RESULTS

Pregnancy rates were 81.8% (9/11) for G1, 80% (16/20) for G2, and 0% (0/7) for G3. The largest embryo to survive was 480 μm.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Limited numbers and only one pregnancy was followed to term.

CONCLUSIONS

Equine embryos ≤480 μm can be successfully vitrified using a protocol with a longer exposure time to the ES. This does not appear to have a negative effect on early embryonic development.

Disposition of glycolic acid into the embryo following oral administration of ethylene glycol during placentation in the rat and rabbit

In order to evaluate the role of the placenta in the etiology of ethylene glycol (EG) developmental toxicity, the distribution of EG and its main metabolites, glycolic acid (GA) and oxalic acid (OX), into the conceptus was determined at the beginning and completion of placentation in the rat and rabbit. Two groups (n = 28) of timed-pregnant Wistar rats were administered EG (1000 mg/kg bw/day, oral gavage) from gestation day (GD) 6 to either GD 11 or GD 16; similarly, two groups (n = 28) of timed-pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were administered EG from GD 6 to either GD 10 or GD 19. Four animals from each group were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 h after the final administration, and maternal blood, extraembryonic fluid, and embryonic tissue were removed for analysis of EG, GA, and OX. The three analytes were predominantly cleared from all compartments in both species within 24 h. Neither EG nor OX preferentially accumulated into the conceptus compartments, compared with the maternal blood, in either species. Critically, GA was preferentially accumulated from the maternal blood only into the rat embryo at GD 11, but not at GD 16 and not into the rabbit embryo at either GD 10 or GD 19. The accumulation of GA into the rat embryo, and its decline over the course of placentation, is discussed in relation to the expression of monocarboxylate transporter isoforms across the syncytiotrophoblast.

Performance and Solution Structures of Side-Chain-Bridged Oligo (Ethylene Glycol) Polymer Photocatalysts for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution under Natural Light Illumination

Converting solar energy into hydrogen energy using conjugated polymers (CP) is a promising solution to the energy crisis. Improving water solubility plays one of the critical factors in enhancing the hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of CP photocatalysts. In this study, a novel concept of incorporating hydrophilic side chains to connect the backbones of CPs to improve their HER is proposed. This concept is realized through the polymerization of carbazole units bridged with octane, ethylene glycol, and penta-(ethylene glycol) to form three new side-chain-braided (SCB) CPs: PCz2S-OCt, PCz2S-EG, and PCz2S-PEG. Verified through transient absorption spectra, the enhanced capability of PCz2S-PEG for ultrafast electron transfer and reduced recombination effects has been demonstrated. Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) analyses reveal that these three SCB-CPs form cross-linking networks with different mass fractal dimensions (f) in aqueous solution. With the lowest f value of 2.64 and improved water/polymer interfaces, PCz2S-PEG demonstrates the best HER, reaching up to 126.9 µmol h-1 in pure water-based photocatalytic solution. Moreover, PCz2S-PEG exhibits comparable performance in seawater-based photocatalytic solution under natural sunlight. In situ SAXS analysis further reveals nucleation-dominated generation of hydrogen nanoclusters with a size of ≈1.5 nm in the HER of PCz2S-PEG under light illumination.

Minding the osmol gap: a sentinel event and subsequent laboratory investigation

INTRODUCTION

Many hospitals are unable to determine toxic alcohol concentrations in a clinically meaningful time frame. Thus, clinicians use surrogate markers when evaluating potentially poisoned patients.

INDEX CASE

A patient presented after an intentional antifreeze (ethylene glycol) ingestion with an osmol gap of -10.6 that remained stable one hour later. Further investigation revealed that the serum osmolality was calculated and not measured. The true osmol gap was 16.4, which correlated to a measured ethylene glycol concentration of 808 mg/L (80.8 mg/dL, 13.0 mmol/L).

SURVEY

A telephone survey of hospital laboratories in our catchment area was performed to investigate the potential for similar events.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight (47 percent) hospitals responded. No laboratories were able to test for toxic alcohols. One hospital (2.6 percent) reported routinely calculating osmolality based on chemistries, while two hospitals (5.3 percent) reported scenarios in which this might occur. Thirty-five (92.1 percent) hospitals could directly measure osmolality. Two hospitals (5.3 percent) were reliant on outside laboratories for osmolality measurement.

LIMITATIONS

The 47 percent response rate and one geographic area are significant limitations.

DISCUSSION

Over 10 percent of hospitals that responded could have significant difficulty assessing patients with toxic alcohol ingestion.

CONCLUSIONS

Until the standard of rapidly obtaining toxic alcohol concentrations is broadly implemented, we recommend that policies and procedures be put in place to minimize errors associated with the determination of the osmol gap.

Antiurolithiasis activities of Zea mays extract and its mechanism as antiurolithiasis remedy

This study aimed to demonstrate the role of Zea mays or corn silk (CS) in the treatment of kidney stones after its proven effectiveness in folk medicine. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, the first represented the control group (negative control), and the second (positive control), was treated with 75% of ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% of ammonium chloride (AC) to induce stones in the kidneys of experimental animals. The animals of the third and fourth groups were treated with the same proportions of EG and AC, with the addition of extract of CS at a ratio of 200 and 400 mg/kg. After the 28th day, the blood samples were taken from rats. All kidneys of rats from all groups were taken to histological examination. Another ten rats were divided into two groups and took the same time as the original experiment. Group E took a normal diet and served as negative control group whereas the group F took a normal diet with 500 mg/kg of CS to investigate the mechanism of CS as antiurolithiatic treatment. Blood samples were collected on the last day of the experiment to perform the required analyses. The rats were dissected and liver and kidney samples were taken to complete the histological study. The results showed a significant decrease in the CS group in plasma MDA, serum urea, and creatinine. Moreover, the histological study, in the CS rats group appeared to be fewer CaOx crystals. On the other hand, we observed a significant increase in urinary pH, urine volume urinary Mg, and citrate in-group E when compared with the F group. In conclusion, we infer that CS works as an antiurolithiatic drug by increasing urinary pH, diuresis, and its nephroprotective vims. So, we advise its use as an antiurolithiasis treatment but in its pharmaceutical forms.

Sperm cryopreservation in Windsnyer boars; principles, technique, and updated outcomes

The domestic pig breeds are in danger of extinction whereas the erosion of their gene pool is a serious concern because they significantly contribute to the rich biodiversity. Overall aim of this study was to determine the protocol for preserving the semen of the Windsnyer boars for conservation. A total of 18 ejaculates (6 replications/boar) were collected from three Windsnyer boars of proven fertility with the use of hand-gloved approach method, twice per week. Boars semen were pooled and extended with Beltsville Thawing Solution [(BTS) IMV Technologies, France], held at 18°C for 3 hours and centrifuged. The sperm pellet was re-suspended with Fraction A (20% egg yolk + BTS) and cooled at 5°C for 1 hour. Following cooling, semen was divided and diluted into different cryoprotectants (ethylene glycol, glycerol, propanediol, ethylene glycol + glycerol + propanediol) at equal contribution to make the total concentrations [4, 8, 12 and 16% and the 0% (control; without cryoprotectant)] and loaded into 0.25 mL straws. Two cryopreservation methods (liquid nitrogen vapour and controlled rated) were used to cryopreserve the semen straws. Semen straws were thawed at different temperatures (5, 18, 37 and 40°C) and evaluated for sperm motility, viability, and morphology traits. Post-thawed sperm total motility (36.0±5.3) and live normal sperm (49.5±8.3) percentages were recorded to be higher in the treatment supplemented with 16% glycerol (P<0.05). The highest sperm total motility percentage was recorded at 40°C (26.8±3.2) thawing temperature for liquid nitrogen vapour treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, 16% glycerol was found to be the suitable cryoprotectant concentration for semen cryopreserved with liquid nitrogen vapour method and thawed at 40°C.

Photoelectrocatalytic Activity of ZnO-Modified Hematite Films in the Reaction of Alcohol Degradation

Thin-film nanocrystalline hematite electrodes were fabricated by electrochemical deposition and loaded with electrodeposited zinc oxide in various amounts. Under visible light illumination, these electrodes demonstrate high activity in the photoelectrochemical degradation of methanol, ethylene glycol and, in particular, glycerol. Results of intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy show that the photoelectrocatalysis efficiency is explained by the suppression of the electron-hole pair recombination and an increase in the rate of photo-induced charge transfer. Thus, zinc oxide can be considered an effective modifying additive for hematite photoanodes.

Deep eutectic solvent assisted recovery of high molecular weight levan from an isolated Neobacillus pocheonensis BPSCM4

The present study demonstrates the usage of deep eutectic solvent to recover microbial levan from the clarified fermented broth. The classic ethanol precipitation method for levan recovery is expensive because ethanol can be utilized as a biofuel. Production of ethanol consumes more energy and is not easily recycled. As a result, the current work concentrates on using environmentally friendly solvents for levan recovery. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) are greener and can replace ethanol from the microbial polysaccharides precipitation. Thus the proposed approach is environment friendly, technically feasible, reliable and economically viable. The levan was produced from a microbial isolate of aged sugarcane molasses, recovered using traditional ethanol and proposed DES (Choline Chloride and Ethylene Glycol) assisted precipitation. The levan-producing strain was characterized and identified as Neobacillus pocheonensis BPSCM4. The DES-precipitated levan has a high molecular weight of levan, 1.54 × 106 KDa, compared with the ethanol-precipitated levan, 4.246 KDa. The high molecular weight of DES-precipitated levan is due to the low viscosity and hydrogen interaction of ChCl:EG with the levan present in the fermented broth. Further, the optimization enhanced the levan yield to 32.56 g/L when the sucrose concentration was 250 g/L.

Ethylene Glycol-Manipulated Syntheses of Calcium Carbonate Particles and DNA Capsules toward Efficient ATP-Responsive Cargo Release

Cargo molecule-encapsulated DNA capsules synthesized with a solid sacrificial template have elicited significant interest in the last decade and have been used for active materials in applications ranging from biosensors to drug delivery. However, the correlation between template properties and the subsequent assembly and triggered release behavior of the resultant carriers remain uninvestigated. In this study, ethylene glycol (EG) was added during the CaCO3 precipitation synthesis to yield particles of various sizes and surface properties, and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-responsive release characteristics of the fabricated DNA capsules affected by these particle properties were investigated. The geometry, crystallization, and surface morphology of the CaCO3 particles co-precipitated at various EG concentrations were characterized. We discuss the integrity of cross-linking hybridization, fluorescent molecule internalization, degree of leakage, and release efficiency of the resulting DNA capsules and their relevance brought by particle properties. To achieve efficient encapsulation and cargo release, the surface roughness of the CaCO3 particles was explored and was deemed a key determinant of the compactness of the DNA shell after template removal. This effect was particularly strong in CaCO3 particles in connection with high EG concentrations. The DNA capsules fabricated using 83% EG exhibited low leakage, high loading, and moderate release efficiencies as well as a greater apparent association constant with ATP due to their small particle size and the high-integrity DNA shells.

Adsorption of anionic dye from aqueous environment using surface-engineered Zn/Cu hydroxy double salt-based material: mechanistic, equilibrium and kinetic studies

Herein, ethylene glycol (EG)-modified Zn/Cu hydroxy double salts (HDS) were synthesized using a facile synthetic approach. The formation of layered structure and presence of EG in the interlayer region were confirmed using PXRD and FTIR techniques. Furthermore, XPS analysis was used to confirm presence of metal ions in synthesized HDS. The surface area and pore size diameter of the HDS was found to be 32.30 m2 g-1 and 2.22 nm, respectively, using BET. The role of HDS was evaluated for its potential application as a sorbent for Congo red (CR) dye uptake. Batch studies were conducted to examine the impact of key variables, i.e., pH, time, adsorbent dosage and dye concentration on adsorption efficiency of HDS. Linear-nonlinear isotherm and kinetic models were employed for detailed analysis of experimental data. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were subsequently utilized to fit equilibrium data, among which Langmuir demonstrated to be most accurate. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity estimated using Langmuir model was computed to be 181.81 mg g-1. The kinetic data follows pseudo-second-order model having good R2 value (0.999). Additionally, thermodynamic study suggested spontaneous and endothermic nature of adsorption process having reusability up to 5 cycles with removal efficiency more than 85%.

Modeling of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Homogeneous Glycolysis Kinetics

Polymer composites with various recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)-based (PET-based) polyester matrices (poly(ethylene terephthalate), copolyesters, and unsaturated polyester resins), similar in properties to the primary ones, can be obtained based on PET glycolysis products after purification. PET glycolysis allows one to obtain bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and oligo(ethylene terephthalates) with various molecular weights. A kinetic model of poly(ethylene terephthalate) homogeneous glycolysis under the combined or separate action of oligo(ethylene terephthalates), bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, and ethylene glycol is proposed. The model takes into account the interaction of bound, terminal, and free ethylene glycol molecules in the PET feedstock and the glycolysis agent. Experimental data were obtained on the molecular weight distribution of poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycolysis products and the content of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate monomer in them to verify the model. Homogeneous glycolysis of PET was carried out at atmospheric pressure in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvents with catalyst based on antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) under the action of different agents: ethylene glycol at temperatures of 165 and 180 °C; bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate at 250 °C; and oligoethylene terephthalate with polycondensation degree 3 at 250 °C. Homogeneous step-by-step glycolysis under the successive action of the oligo(ethylene terephthalate) trimer, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, and ethylene glycol at temperatures of 250, 220, and 190 °C, respectively, was also studied. The composition of products was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. Molecular weight characteristics were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the content of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate was determined via extraction with water at 60 °C. The developed kinetic model was found to be in agreement with the experimental data and it could be used further to predict the optimal conditions for homogeneous PET glycolysis and to obtain polymer-based composite materials with desired properties.

Mutual Solubilities between Ethylene Glycol and Organic Diluents: Gas Chromatography and NMR

In this work, the mutual solubilities of sets of organic diluents (CHCl₃, C₆H₆, C₂H₄Cl₂, CCl₄, C₆H₁₂, and n-hexane) with the organic compound ethylene glycol are investigated via gas chromatography (GC). The experimental data measured for these binary organic systems are used to adjust the future nonaqueous systems for the solvent extraction of various metals with ligands. The obtained results showed that the solubility of ethylene glycol decreased in the order CHCl₃ > C₆H₆ > C₂H₄Cl₂ > CCl₄(0%) ≈ C₆H₁₂ ≈ n-hexane. On the other hand, the solubility of the tested traditional organic diluents in ethylene glycol decreased in the following order: C₆H₆ > CHCl₃ > C₂H₄Cl₂ > n-hexane > C₆H₁₂ > CCl₄. ¹H NMR was also used as an analytic method in order to compare the obtained results for the samples showing significant solubility only, including an additional study with 1,2- or 1,3-propanediol. The enhanced solubility of the C₆H₆ compound in ethylene glycol was identified here as critical due to the GC technique, which will be without future consequences in chemical technology. Therefore, it was found that the best molecular diluent for the recovery of metals among the tested ones is C₆H₁₂, with a green protocol as the new paradigm, replacing the aqueous phase with another nonaqueous phase, i.e., a second organic diluent.

Catalytic degradation of carbamazepine by surface modified zerovalent copper via activation of peroxymonosulfate: Mechanism, degradation pathways and ecotoxicity

ABSTRACTIn this research work, surface modified nano zerovalent copper (nZVC) was prepared using simple borohydride reduction method. The spectroscopic and crystallographic results revealed the successful synthesis of surface modified nano zerovalent copper (nZVC) using solvents i.e., ethanol (ETOH), ethylene glycol (EG) and tween80 (T80). The as-synthesized material was fully characterized for morphological surface and crystal structural properties. The results indicated that EG provides excellent synthesis environment to nZVC compared to ETOH and T80 in terms of good dispersion, high surface area and excellent catalytic properties. The catalytic efficiency of nZVC/EG was investigated alone as well as with the addition of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in the absence of light. The degradation results demonstrated that the involvement of PMS synergistically boosted the catalytic efficiency of synthesized nZVC/EG material. Furthermore, the degradation products (DPs) of CBZ were determined by GC-MS and subsequently the degradation pathways were proposed. The ecotoxicity analysis of the DPs was also explored. The proposed (nZVC/EG/PMS) system is economical and efficient and thus could be applied for the degradation of CBZ from aquatic system after altering the degradation pathways in such a way that results in harmless products formation.

Kidney outcomes after methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Ingestions with methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and isopropanol are rare yet exceedingly dangerous conditions that may require emergent management with kidney replacement therapy. Little is known regarding short- and long-term kidney outcomes post-ingestion.

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively synthesize existing evidence regarding short- and long-term kidney and other outcomes of adult patients following these poisonings.

METHODS

We developed a search strategy in MEDLINE via OVID and then translated it into other databases including EMBASE (via OVID), PubMed, CENTRAL (via OVID). The databases were searched from their dates of inception to 29 July 2021. A grey literature search was conducted in the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov. All interventional and observational studies and case series with ≥ five participants that reported on the outcomes of toxic alcohol (methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and isopropanol) poisonings in adult patients ≥18 years old were included. Studies that reported mortality, kidney outcomes and/or complications attributed to toxic alcohol poisoning were eligible.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 1,221 citations. Sixty-seven studies (13 retrospective observational studies, one prospective observational study, 53 case series) met inclusion criteria (total N = 2,327 participants). No randomized controlled trials were identified per our prespecified criteria. Generally, included studies had small sample sizes (median of 27 participants) and were of low quality. Methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning made up 94.1% of included studies, whereas one study reported on isopropanol and none reported on propylene glycol. Results of the 13 observational studies of methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning were pooled for meta-analyses. The pooled in-hospital mortality estimates amongst patients with methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning were 24 and 11%, respectively. A more recent year of publication, female sex and mean age were associated with lower in-hospital mortality amongst individuals with ethylene glycol poisoning. Although hemodialysis was the most frequently employed kidney replacement therapy, the indications for initiation of this therapy were not reported in the majority of studies. At hospital discharge, kidney recovery occurred in 64.7-96.3% of patients with ethylene glycol poisoning. In studies of methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning, 2-3.7% of individuals required ongoing dialysis. Only one study reported post-discharge mortality. Furthermore, long-term toxic alcohol-mediated sequelae, such as visual and neurologic outcomes, were scarcely reported.

DISCUSSION

Ingestions of methanol and ethylene glycol were associated with a significant short-term risk of mortality. Although a wealth of literature in the form of case reports and case series exists, high-quality evidence regarding kidney outcomes after these poisonings is lacking. We identified a paucity of standardized reporting in clinical presentations, therapeutics and outcomes amongst adults with toxic alcohol poisoning. Amongst the included studies, there was substantial heterogeneity encompassing study type, outcomes, duration of follow-up and treatment modalities. These sources of heterogeneity restricted our ability to perform comprehensive meta-analyses of all outcomes of interest. An additional limitation is the lack of studies pertaining to propylene glycol and the paucity of data on isopropanol.

CONCLUSIONS

The indications for hemodialysis, long-term kidney recovery and long-term mortality risk vary widely in these poisonings and are inconsistently reported in the literature. This highlights the need for further research with standardized reporting of baseline kidney function, indications for initiation of kidney replacement therapy and short-term and long-term kidney outcomes.

REGISTRATION

This systematic review protocol is registered at PROSPERO, CRD42018101955.

Biotransformation of ethylene glycol to glycolic acid by Yarrowia lipolytica: a route for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) upcycling

Biological recycling of PET waste has been extensively investigated recently to tackle plastic waste pollution, and ethylene glycol (EG) is one of the main building blocks recovered from this process. Wild-type Yarrowia lipolytica IMUFRJ 50682 can be used as biocatalyst for this purpose. Herein, we report its ability to perform oxidative biotransformation of EG into glycolic acid (GA): a higher value-added chemical with varied industrial applications. Maximum non-inhibitory concentration assay for EG cytotoxicity revealed that this yeast tolerates high concentrations (up to 2 M). Whole-cell biotransformation assays using resting yeast cells showed GA production uncoupled to cell growth metabolism, and ¹³ C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed GA production. Moreover, higher agitation speed (450 versus 350 rpm) resulted in a 1.12-fold GA production improvement (from 352 to 429.5 mM) during Y. lipolytica cultivation in bioreactors after 72 h. GA was constantly accumulated in the medium, suggesting that this yeast may also share an incomplete oxidation pathway (i.e., it is not metabolized to carbon dioxide) as seen in acetic acid bacterial group. Additional assays using higher chain-length diols (1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol) revealed that C4 and C6 diols were more cytotoxic, suggesting that they underwent different pathways in the cells. We found that this yeast consumed extensively all these diols, however, ¹³ C NMR analysis from supernatant identified solely the presence of 4-hydroxybutanoic acid from 1,4-butanediol, along with GA from EG oxidation. Findings reported herein reveal a potential route for PET upcycling to a higher value-added product. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Interchangeable Biomass Fuels for Paper-Based Microfluidic Fuel Cells: Finding Their Power Density Limits

Paper batteries are self-pumping emerging tools for powering portable analytical systems. These disposable energy converters must be low-cost and must achieve enough energy to power electronic devices. The challenge is reaching high energy while keeping the low cost. Here, for the first time, we report a paper-based microfluidic fuel cell (PμFC) equipped with Pt/C on a carbon paper (CP) anode and a metal-free CP cathode fed by biomass-derived fuels to deliver high power. The cells were engineered in a mixed-media configuration, where methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, or glycerol is electro-oxidized in an alkaline medium, while Na2S2O8 is reduced in an acidic medium. This strategy allows for optimizing each half-cell reaction independently. The colaminar channel of the cellulose paper was chemically investigated by mapping the composition, which reveals a majority of elements from the catholyte and anolyte on each respective side and a mixture of both at the interface, assuring the existing colaminar system. Moreover, the colaminar flow was studied by investigating the flow rate by considering recorded videos for the first time. All PμFCs show 150-200 s to build a stable colaminar flow, which matches the time to reach a stable open circuit voltage. The flow rate is similar for different concentrations of methanol and ethanol, but it decreases with the increase in ethylene glycol and glycerol concentrations, suggesting a longer residence time for the reactants. The cells perform differently for the different concentrations, and their limiting power densities are composed of a balance among anode poisoning, residence time, and viscosity of the liquids. The sustainable PμFCs can be interchangeably fed by the four biomass-derived fuels to deliver ∼2.2-3.9 mW cm-2. This allows choosing the proper fuel due to their availability. The unprecedented PμFC fed by ethylene glycol delivered 6.76 mW cm-2, which is the benchmark output power for a paper battery fed by alcohol.

In vivo implementation of a synthetic metabolic pathway for the carbon-conserving conversion of glycolaldehyde to acetyl-CoA

Ethylene glycol (EG) derived from plastic waste or CO₂ can serve as a substrate for microbial production of value-added chemicals. Assimilation of EG proceeds though the characteristic intermediate glycolaldehyde (GA). However, natural metabolic pathways for GA assimilation have low carbon efficiency when producing the metabolic precursor acetyl-CoA. In alternative, the reaction sequence catalyzed by EG dehydrogenase, d-arabinose 5-phosphate aldolase, d-arabinose 5-phosphate isomerase, d-ribulose 5-phosphate 3-epimerase (Rpe), d-xylulose 5-phosphate phosphoketolase, and phosphate acetyltransferase may enable the conversion of EG into acetyl-CoA without carbon loss. We investigated the metabolic requirements for in vivo function of this pathway in Escherichia coli by (over)expressing constituting enzymes in different combinations. Using ¹³C-tracer experiments, we first examined the conversion of EG to acetate via the synthetic reaction sequence and showed that, in addition to heterologous phosphoketolase, overexpression of all native enzymes except Rpe was required for the pathway to function. Since acetyl-CoA could not be reliably quantified by our LC/MS-method, the distribution of isotopologues in mevalonate, a stable metabolite that is exclusively derived from this intermediate, was used to probe the contribution of the synthetic pathway to biosynthesis of acetyl-CoA. We detected strong incorporation of ¹³C carbon derived from labeled GA in all intermediates of the synthetic pathway. In presence of unlabeled co-substrate glycerol, 12.4% of the mevalonate (and therefore acetyl-CoA) was derived from GA. The contribution of the synthetic pathway to acetyl-CoA production was further increased to 16.1% by the additional expression of the native phosphate acyltransferase enzyme. Finally, we demonstrated that conversion of EG to mevalonate was feasible albeit at currently extremely small yields.

Exploration of ethylene glycol linked nitrofurantoin derivatives against Leishmania: Synthesis and in vitro activity

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that is caused by the Leishmania parasite. It is estimated that there are more than 350 million people at risk of infection annually. Current treatments that are in clinical use are expensive, have toxic side effects, and are facing parasitic resistance. Therefore, new drugs are urgently required. In the quest for new, safe, and cost-effective drugs, a series of novel ethylene glycol derivatives of nitrofurantoin was synthesised and the in vitro antileishmanial efficacy of the compounds tested against Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major strains. Arylated ethylene glycol derivatives were found to be the most potent, with submicromolar activity up to 294-fold greater than the parent compound nitrofurantoin. Analogues 2j and 2k had the best antipromastigote activities with submicromolar IC₅₀ values against L. major IR-173 and antimonial-resistant L. donovani 9515 strains.

Synthesis and Behavior of Hexamethylenetetramine-Based Ionic Liquids as an Active Ingredient in Latent Curing Formulations with Ethylene Glycol for DGEBA

The paper presents the preparation of new ionic liquids based on hexamethylenetetramine with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and dicyanamide anion, which were characterized in detail in terms of their purity (Ion Chromatography) and thermal properties (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), as well as stability. The obtained substances were used to develop curing systems with ethylene glycol, which were successfully tested for their application with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether molecule. In addition, the curing process and its relationship to the structure of the ionic liquid are characterized in detail. The research showed that hexamethylenetetramine-based new ionic liquids can be successfully designed using well-known and simple synthetic methods-the Delepine reaction. Moreover, attention was paid to their stability, related limitations, and the application of hexamethylenetetramine-based ionic liquids in epoxy-curing systems.

Tunable Aryl Alkyl Ionic Liquid Supported Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Activity in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and in Hydrosilylation

Tunable aryl alkyl ionic liquids (TAAILs) are ionic liquids (ILs) with a 1-aryl-3-alkylimidazolium cation having differently substituted aryl groups. Herein, nine TAAILs with the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion are utilized in combination with and without ethylene glycol (EG) as reaction media for the rapid microwave synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs). TAAILs allow the synthesis of small NPs and are efficient solvents for microwave absorption. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that small primary NPs with sizes of 2 nm to 5 nm are obtained in TAAILs and EG/TAAIL mixtures. The Pt-NPs feature excellent activity as electrocatalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under acidic conditions, with an overpotential at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 as low as 32 mV vs the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), which is significantly lower than the standard Pt/C 20% with 42 mV. Pt-NPs obtained in TAAILs also achieved quantitative conversion in the hydrosilylation reaction of phenylacetylene with triethylsilane after just 5 min at 200 °C.

Polyols, increasing global stability of cytochrome c, destabilize the thermal unfolding intermediate

Studies on the intermediate states of proteins provide essential information on folding pathway and energy landscape of proteins. Osmolytes, known to alter the stability of proteins, might also affect the structure and energy states of folding intermediates. This was examined using cytochrome c (Cyt) as a model protein which forms a spectroscopically detectable intermediate during thermal denaturation transition. Most of the secondary structure and the native heme-ligation were intact in the intermediate state of the protein. Denaturants, urea and guanidinium hydrochloride, and ionic salt destabilizes the intermediate and drive the protein to follow two-state transition. The effect of polyol class of osmolytes, glycol, glycerol, erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol (with OH-groups two to six), on the intermediate was studied using Soret absorbance and far-UV circular dichroism. With the increasing concentration of any of the polyols, the transition-midpoint temperature (T_m) and the enthalpy change (ΔH) for native to intermediate transition were decreased. This indicated that the intermediate was destabilized by the polyols. However, the polyols increased the overall stability of the protein by increasing T_m and ΔH for intermediate to unfolded transition, except for glycol which destabilized the protein. These results show that the polyols could alter the energy state of the intermediate, and the effect of lower and higher polyols might be different on the stability and folding pathway of the protein.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Dimethylformamide Preserves the Integrity of Cryopreserved Goat Semen in a Soybean Lecithin-Based Extender

This study investigated the cryoprotectant effects of dimethylformamide (DMF), ethylene glycol (EG), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as substitutes for glycerol (GLY) in a soybean lecithin (SL)-based extender in the cryopreservation of buck sperm. In this study, the semen of three Saanen bucks was individually extended in SL supplemented with 5% GLY (control), DMF, EG, or DMSO. After this, the extended semen was cryopreserved and two straws from each group were thawed (37°C for 30 seconds), pooled, and analyzed for sperm motion parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), acrosomal integrity (ACI), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP). Samples were analyzed after 15 minutes (T0) and after 2 hours of incubation at 37°C (T2). The results revealed higher values of motility (total and progressive) and sperm motion parameters for DMF than the other cryoprotectants (p < 0.0001). PMI and HMMP did not differ (p > 0.05) between GLY and DMF, but ACI was higher (p < 0.01) for DMF compared with GLY. Based on these results, DMF and GLY samples were used in heterologous in vitro fertilization assays by using bovine oocytes (n = 337) obtained from a slaughterhouse. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed between GLY and DMF for unfertilized (GLY: 38.8%; DMF: 25.33%), pronucleus (GLY: 25.68%; DMF: 27.92%), and cleavage rates (GLY: 35.52%; DMF: 46.75%). Based on these results, it is concluded that DMF preserves sperm motion characteristics and ACI better than GLY, EG, and DMSO, and it is the penetrating cryoprotectant of choice for the cryopreservation of buck sperm in SL extender.

Design, Analysis, and Implementation of a Novel Biochemical Pathway for Ethylene Glycol Production in Clostridium autoethanogenum

The platform chemical ethylene glycol (EG) is used to manufacture various commodity chemicals of industrial importance, but largely remains synthesized from fossil fuels. Although several novel metabolic pathways have been reported for its bioproduction in model organisms, none has been reported for gas-fermenting, non-model acetogenic chassis organisms. Here, we describe a novel, synthetic biochemical pathway to convert acetate into EG in the industrially important gas-fermenting acetogen,Clostridium autoethanogenum. We not only developed a computational workflow to design and analyze hundreds of novel biochemical pathways for EG production but also demonstrated a successful pathway construction in the chosen host. The EG production was achieved using a two-plasmid system to bypass unfeasible expression levels and potential toxic enzymatic interactions. Although only a yield of 0.029 g EG/g fructose was achieved and therefore requiring further strain engineering efforts to optimize the designed strain, this work demonstrates an important proof-of-concept approach to computationally design and experimentally implement fully synthetic metabolic pathways in a metabolically highly specific, non-model host organism.

Bioconversion of Terephthalic Acid and Ethylene Glycol Into Bacterial Cellulose by Komagataeibacter xylinus DSM 2004 and DSM 46604

Komagataeibacter xylinus strains DSM 2004 and DSM 46604 were evaluated for their ability to grow and produce bacterial cellulose (BC) upon cultivation on terephthalic acid (TA) and ethylene glycol (EG), which are monomers of the petrochemical-derived plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Both strains were able to utilize TA, EG, and their mixtures for BC synthesis, with different performances. K. xylinus DSM 2004 achieved higher BC production from TA (0.81 ± 0.01 g/L), EG (0.64 ± 0.02 g/L), and TA + EG mixtures (0.6 ± 0.1 g/L) than strain DSM 46604. The latter was unable to utilize EG as the sole carbon source and reached a BC production of 0.16 ± 0.01 g/L and 0.23 ± 0.1 g/L from TA alone or TA + EG mixtures, respectively. Further supplementing the media with glucose enhanced BC production by both strains. During cultivation on media containing TA and EG, rapid pH drop due to metabolization of EG into acidic compounds led to some precipitation of TA that was impregnated into the BC pellicles. An adaptation of the downstream procedure involving BC dissolution in NaOH was used for the recovery of pure BC. The different medium composition tested, as well as the downstream procedure, impacted the BC pellicles’ physical properties. Although no variation in terms of the chemical structure were observed, differences in crystallinity degree and microstructure of the produced BC were observed. The BC produced by K. xylinus DSM 2004 had a higher crystallinity (19–64%) than that of the strain DSM 46604 (17–53%). Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy analysis showed a higher fiber diameter for K. xylinus DSM 2004 BC (46–56 nm) than for K. xylinus DSM 46604 (37–49 nm). Dissolution of BC in NaOH did not influence the chemical structure; however, it led to BC conversion from type I to type II, as well as a decrease in crystallinity. These results demonstrate that PET monomers, TA and EG, can be upcycled into a value-added product, BC, presenting an approach that will contribute to lessening the environmental burden caused by plastic disposal in the environment.

Redox-mediated C-C bond scission in alcohols adsorbed on CeO2-xthin films

The decomposition mechanisms of ethanol and ethylene glycol on well-ordered stoichiometric CeO₂(111) and partially reduced CeO_2-x(111) films were investigated by means of synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy, resonant photoemission spectroscopy, and temperature programmed desorption. Both alcohols partially deprotonate upon adsorption at 150 K and subsequent annealing yielding stable ethoxy and ethylenedioxy species. The C-C bond scission in both ethoxy and ethylenedioxy species on stoichiometric CeO₂(111) involves formation of acetaldehyde-like intermediates and yields CO and CO₂accompanied by desorption of acetaldehyde, H₂O, and H₂. This decomposition pathway leads to the formation of oxygen vacancies. In the presence of oxygen vacancies, C-O bond scission in ethoxy species yields C₂H₄. In contrast, C-C bond scission in ethylenedioxy species on the partially reduced CeO_2-x(111) is favored with respect to C-O bond scission and yields methanol, formaldehyde, and CO accompanied by the desorption of H₂O and H₂. Still, scission of C-O bonds on both sides of the ethylenedioxy species yields minor amounts of accompanying C₂H₄and C₂H₂. C-O bond scission is coupled with a partial recovery of the lattice oxygen in competition with its removal in the form of water.

Mortality and associated risk factors in patients with severe methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning treated with dialysis: a retrospective cohort study

Objective

To compare the initial clinical course and data on 90-day mortality in adults with methanol (MET) or ethylene glycol (EG) poisoning treated with dialysis.

Methods

Data on patient demographics and clinical parameters at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and for the first 24 hours after dialysis initiation were collected, and 90-day outcome data were collected for patients with MET (n = 15) or EG (n = 13) poisoning treated with dialysis in this retrospective cohort study.

Results

In univariate analysis, patients with EG poisoning were older and they had lower hourly urine output during the first 24 hours after the initiation of dialysis. Six (46%) patients with MET poisoning and three (20%) patients with EG poisoning died within 90 days of ICU admission. A larger anion gap and lower pH, bicarbonate levels, base excess, and Glasgow Coma Scale scores on admission, as well as the need for mechanical ventilation, were associated with 90-day mortality.

Conclusions

Metabolic acidosis, a large anion gap, and an altered mental status on admission appear to be associated with mortality in MET or EG poisoning, and EG poisoning may be linked to lower urine output.

Oxidative stress and biochemical indicators in blood of patients addicted to alcohol treated for acute ethylene glycol poisoning

Ethylene glycol (EG), in addition to its neurotoxic and nephrotoxic effects, evokes oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the ethylene glycol on the biochemical indicators and oxidoreductive balance of patients treated for acute poisoning. The total study group consisted of 56 persons including 26 alcoholics who took EG as a substitute for ethyl alcohol in the course of alcohol dependence syndrome and 30 controls. Severity of poisoning, results of acid-base parameters, biochemical, and toxicological tests as well as biomarkers of the oxidative stress in blood were analyzed during the patients' hospitalization. The key issue was to assess the oxidative stress and biochemical disturbances caused by EG and the type of treatment applied in the course of poisoning. Significant changes in some parameters were found both at time of diagnosis and after treatment initiation (ethanol as an antidote and hemodialysis). The most important differences included the activity of hepatic parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and oxidative stress markers like catalase (CAT); correlation of the lipid peroxidation products level (TBARS) with urea concentration has been shown. On the last day of the hospitalization, in some cases, the mutual correlation between the evaluated markers were observed, for example, between alanine transaminase (ALT) and glutathione reductase (GR), and urea concentration and glutathione level (GSH/GSSG). The concentration of ions (H⁺) had a major impact on the oxidoreductive balance, correlating with the elevated GR and GSH/GSSG levels.

The Effect of Various Grinding Aids on the Properties of Cement and Its Compatibility with Acrylate-Based Superplasticizer

The influence of grinding aids (pure triethanolamine and ethylene glycol) on the properties of cements, their compatibility with an acrylate-based superplasticizer and the rheological parameters of mortars were investigated. The presence of surfactants influences the standard properties of cements and the effectiveness of the superplasticizer. The results of the heat of hydration and setting time measurements indicate a delay in the hydration process and an increase in the induction period duration of the surfactant-doped pastes, in relation to the reference sample without grinding aids. Triethanolamine increases early-age compressive strength; the effect was observed for both standard and superplasticizer-containing mortars. The presence of grinding aids decreases the slump flow of mortars and increases rheological parameters such as yield stress (τ0) and viscosity (η).

Spectral Fingerprint Investigation in the near Infra-Red to Distinguish Harmful Ethylene Glycol from Isopropanol in a Microchannel

Ethylene glycol (EG) and isopropanol (ISO) are among the major toxic alcohols that pose a risk to human health. However, it is important to distinguish them, since EG is more prone to cause renal failure, and can thus be more dangerous when ingested than ISO. Analysis of alcohols such as isopropanol and ethylene glycol generally can be performed with a complex chromatographic method. Here, we present an optical method based on absorption spectroscopy, performed remotely on EG-ISO mixtures filling a microchannel. Mixtures of ethylene glycol in isopropanol at different volume concentrations were analyzed in a contactless manner in a rectangular-section glass micro-capillary provided with integrated reflectors. Fiber-coupled broadband light in the wavelength range 1.3–1.7 µm crossed the microchannel multiple times before being directed towards an optical spectrum analyzer. The induced zig-zag path increased the fluid–light interaction length and enhanced the effect of optical absorption. A sophisticated theoretical model was developed and the results of our simulations were in very good agreement with the results of the experimental spectral measurements. Moreover, from the acquired data, we retrieved a responsivity parameter, defined as power ratio at two wavelengths, that is linearly related to the EG concentration in the alcoholic mixtures.

Anion gap-opening metabolic acidosis and urinary findings in the early diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning: A case report

Causative agent identification is important in the treatment of poisoning. We report the case of a patient who presented with an altered level of consciousness after drinking a fluorescent pink liquid. Upon measuring the anion gap and urinary calcium oxalate level, the patient was diagnosed with early ethylene glycol poisoning.

Calcium sensitive receptor and claudin-14 expression in kidney tissues of two kidney stone models

INTODUCTION

The differences in protein expression of calcium sensitive receptor (CaSR) and claudin-14 in a kidney stone model established by nanobacteria (NB) and ethylene glycol (EG) were compared.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety Wistar male rats were randomly divided into the NB group, the EG group, and the blank control group (NC group), with 30 rats in each group. Three rats of each group were sacrificed every week after injection. Histopathology was used to evaluate the stone formation of each group. The expression of CaSR and claudin-14 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry every week.

RESULTS

There was formation of bright crystals in the kidneys of the EG group and the NB group, but not the NC group. At the 3rd week, the expression of CaSR and claudin-14 in the kidney tissue of the EG group began to increase while that in the NB group increased at the 4^th week. The expression of CaSR and claudin-14 protein in the EG group was stronger than that in the NB group. Meanwhile, CaSR was expressed in the NC group but did not change significantly. Claudin-14 was not expressed in the NC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the traditional EG kidney stone modeling method is more rapid than the NB kidney stone modeling method, with a high stone formation rate, and the CaSR and claudin-14 protein expression levels are higher. Meanwhile, the NB used to establish the kidney stone model was isolated from patients with kidney stones, which may imitate the process of natural formation of kidney stones of patients. Therefore, the results of our research are more conducive to related research on the etiology of stones.

Evaluation of PET Degradation Using Artificial Microbial Consortia

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) biodegradation is regarded as an environmentally friendly degradation method. In this study, an artificial microbial consortium composed of Rhodococcus jostii, Pseudomonas putida and two metabolically engineered Bacillus subtilis was constructed to degrade PET. First, a two-species microbial consortium was constructed with two engineered B. subtilis that could secrete PET hydrolase (PETase) and monohydroxyethyl terephthalate hydrolase (MHETase), respectively; it could degrade 13.6% (weight loss) of the PET film within 7 days. A three-species microbial consortium was further obtained by adding R. jostii to reduce the inhibition caused by terephthalic acid (TPA), a breakdown product of PET. The weight of PET film was reduced by 31.2% within 3 days, achieving about 17.6% improvement compared with the two-species microbial consortium. Finally, P. putida was introduced to reduce the inhibition caused by ethylene glycol (EG), another breakdown product of PET, obtaining a four-species microbial consortium. With the four-species consortium, the weight loss of PET film reached 23.2% under ambient temperature. This study constructed and evaluated the artificial microbial consortia in PET degradation, which demonstrated the great potential of artificial microbial consortia in the utilization of complex substrates, providing new insights for biodegradation of complex polymers.

Boron Modified Bifunctional Cu/SiO2 Catalysts with Enhanced Metal Dispersion and Surface Acid Sites for Selective Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Oxalate to Ethylene Glycol and Ethanol

Boron (B) promoter modified Cu/SiO2 bifunctional catalysts were synthesized by sol-gel method and used to produce ethylene glycol (EG) and ethanol (EtOH) through efficient hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate (DMO). Experimental results showed that boron promoter could significantly improve the catalytic performance by improving the structural characteristics of the Cu/SiO2 catalysts. The optimized 2B-Cu/SiO2 catalyst exhibited excellent low temperature catalytic activity and long-term stability, maintaining the average EG selectivity (Sel.EG) of 95% at 190 °C, and maintaining the average EtOH selectivity (Sel.EtOH) of 88% at 260 °C, with no decrease even after reaction of 150 h, respectively. Characterization results revealed that doping with boron promoter could significantly increase the copper dispersion, enhance the metal-support interaction, maintain suitable Cu+/(Cu+ + Cu0) ratio, and diminish metallic copper particles during the hydrogenation of DMO. Thus, this work introduced a bifunctional boron promoter, which could not only improve the copper dispersion, reduce the formation of bulk copper oxide, but also properly enhance the acidity of the sample surface, so that the Cu/SiO2 sample could exhibit superior EG selectivity at low temperature, as well as improving the EtOH selectivity at high temperature.

Mass spectrometry of the soot left after ethylene oxide explosion answers some questions on the crash of Polish Air Force Flight 101

The Polish TU 154M plane, Polish Air Force Flight 101, had crashed near Smolensk on 10th of April 2010. The crash was investigated by The Interstate Aviation Committee, whose conclusions were questioned by a number of Polish scientists. The cause of the crash still appears to be incompletely documented and requires additional evidence. In this paper, investigations of a solid material eluted from a piece of cloth of one of the victims of the crash are described. High resolution mass spectrometry was applied to analyze the soot left after controlled ethylene oxide (EO) explosions, performed under different conditions. These included electric ignition of EO vapors in a large volume steel container, and explosions of glass tubes filled with liquid EO, stimulated by thermally initiated explosions of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). One of these explosions was conducted in the vessel used for the electric ignition of EO and the other in a hermetically locked, small volume container. It was shown that the soot comprises a set of C₂ H₄ O homopolymers and copolymers whose characteristic MS patterns are condition-dependent. The MS spectrum of the postcrash sample referred to above reveals a number of polymers that are also present in the soot obtained in PETN-initiated ethylene oxide explosions. It can be concluded that the piece of cloth was subjected to an EO explosion initiated by an explosion of energetic material, possibly PETN. Similar control experiments with ethylene glycol (EG) showed that the polymers identified in the investigated postcrash sample could not originate from exploding EG.

Lignin Biopolymer for the Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles and the Composite Applied for the Removal of Methylene Blue

In the current study, lignin, an abundant natural polymer, was dissolved in ethylene glycol and acidic H2O to form nanoscale lignin. Then, zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles were synthesized in nanoscale lignin, producing a nZVI/n-lignin composite, via the borohydride reduction method. The use of nZVI/n-lignin for environmental remediation was tested by the removal of methylene blue in aqueous solutions at room temperature. The nZVI/n-lignin composite achieved a higher methylene blue removal ratio than that achieved by traditional nZVIs. Moreover, its excellent dispersibility in water and stability against oxidation in the air were observed. The functions of the nanoscale lignin in the composite material are (1) prevention of further growth and aggregation of the nZVI nanoparticles, (2) protection of nZVI from serious oxidation by H2O/O2, and (3) allowing better dispersibility of nZVI in aqueous solutions. These three functions are important for the field applications of nZVI/n-lignin, namely, to travel long distances before making contact with environmental pollutants. The present method for producing nZVI/n-lignin is straightforward, and the combination of nZVI and lignin is an efficient and environmentally friendly material for environmental applications.

Improved Sample Preparation for Untargeted Metabolomics Profiling of Escherichia coli

Metabolomics is a powerful tool that can systematically describe global changes in the metabolome of microbes, thus improving our understanding of the mechanisms of action of antibiotics and facilitating the development of next-generation antibacterial therapies. However, current sample preparation methods are not efficient or reliable for studying the effects of antibiotics on microbes. In the present study, we reported a novel sample preparation approach using cold methanol/ethylene glycol for quenching Escherichia coli, thus overcoming the loss of intracellular metabolites caused by cell membrane damage. After evaluating the extraction efficiency of several extraction methods, we employed the optimized workflow to profile the metabolome of E. coli exposed to cephalexin. In doing so, we proved the utility of the proposed approach and provided insights into the comprehensive metabolic alterations associated with antibiotic treatment.

IMPORTANCE The emergence and global spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and genes are a global problem. It is critical to understand the interactions between antibiotics and bacteria and find alternative treatments for infections when we are moving closer to a postantibiotic era. It has been demonstrated that the bacterial metabolic environment plays an important role in the modulation of antibiotic susceptibility and efficacy. In the present study, we proposed a novel metabolomic approach for intracellular metabolite profiling of E. coli, which can be used to investigate the metabolite alterations of bacteria caused by antibiotic treatment. Further understanding of antibiotic-induced perturbations of bacterial metabolism would facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic targets and pathways.

Carbon Nanotube PtSn Nanoparticles for Enhanced Complete Biocatalytic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol in Biofuel Cells

We report a hybrid catalytic system containing metallic PtSn nanoparticles deposited on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs), prepared by the microwave-assisted method, coupled to the enzyme oxalate oxidase (OxOx) for complete ethylene glycol (EG) electrooxidation. Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs, without OxOx, showed good electrochemical activity toward EG oxidation and all the byproducts. Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs cleaved the glyoxilic acid C-C bond, producing CO₂ and formic acid, which was further oxidized at the electrode. Concerning EG oxidation, the catalytic activity of the hybrid system (Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs+OxOx) was twice the catalytic activity of Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs. Long-term electrolysis revealed that Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs+OxOx was much more active for EG oxidation than Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs: the charge increased by 65%. The chromatographic results proved that Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs+OxOx collected all of the 10 electrons per molecule of the fuel and was able to catalyze EG oxidation to CO₂ due to the associative oxidation between the metallic nanoparticles and the enzymatic pathway. Overall, Pt₆₅Sn₃₅/MWCNTs+OxOx proved to be a promising system to enhance the development of enzymatic biofuel cells for further application in the bioelectrochemistry field.

Fomepizole dosing during continuous renal replacement therapy - an observational study

BACKGROUND

Fomepizole is the preferred antidote for treatment of methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning, acting by inhibiting the formation of the toxic metabolites. Although very effective, the price is high and the availability is limited. Its availability is further challenged in situations with mass poisonings. Therefore, a 50% reduced maintenance dose for fomepizole during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was suggested in 2016, based on pharmacokinetic data only. Our aim was to study whether this new dosing for fomepizole during CRRT gave plasma concentrations above the required 10 µmol/L. Secondly, we wanted to study the elimination kinetics of fomepizole during CRRT, which has never been studied before.

METHODS

Prospective observational study of adult patients treated with fomepizole and CRRT. We collected samples from arterial line (pre-filter) = plasma concentration, post-filter and dialysate for fomepizole measurements. Fomepizole was measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography with a reverse phase column.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included in the study. Seven were treated with continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) and three with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Ninety-eight percent of the plasma samples were above the minimum plasma concentration of 10 µmol/L. Fomepizole was removed during CRRT with a median saturation/sieving coefficient of 0.85 and dialysis clearance of 28 mL/min.

CONCLUSION

Fomepizole was eliminated during CCRT. The new dosing recommendations for fomepizole and CRRT appeared safe, by maintaining the plasma concentration above the minimum value of 10 µmol/L. Based on these data, the fomepizole maintenance dose during CRRT could be reduced to half as compared to intermittent hemodialysis.

Preparation of Polyurethane Adhesives from Crude and Purified Liquefied Wood Sawdust

Polyurethane (PU) adhesives were prepared with bio-polyols obtained via acid-catalyzed polyhydric alcohol liquefaction of wood sawdust and polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI). Two polyols, i.e., crude and purified liquefied wood (CLW and PLW), were obtained from the liquefaction process with a high yield of 99.7%. PU adhesives, namely CLWPU and PLWPU, were then prepared by reaction of CLW or PLW with pMDI at various isocyanate to hydroxyl group (NCO:OH) molar ratios of 0.5:1, 1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1. The chemical structure and thermal behavior of the bio-polyols and the cured PU adhesives were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Performance of the adhesives was evaluated by single-lap joint shear tests according to EN 302-1:2003, and by adhesive penetration. The highest shear strength was found at the NCO:OH molar ratio of 1.5:1 as 4.82 ± 1.01 N/mm² and 4.80 ± 0.49 N/mm² for CLWPU and PLWPU, respectively. The chemical structure and thermal properties of the cured CLWPU and PLWPU adhesives were considerably influenced by the NCO:OH molar ratio.

Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Selective Detection of Glycols and Glycerol in the Liquids and Aerosols of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products

The long-term health effects of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs; also known as e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and vape pens) remain largely unknown. The inhalation of excipients, such as propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (GLY), may have long-term health effects. In addition to the direct health effects of PG and GLY, glycerin-containing products can be contaminated with toxic ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG). To assess this issue, we developed a simple, versatile, high-throughput isotope dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantifying these common excipients and contaminants. The method is applicable to both the liquid contents and machine-generated aerosols of EVPs. Our rigorous method validation demonstrates that the new method is specific, precise, accurate, and rugged/robust. The calibration range is linear from 0.1–7 mg for the excipients and 2.5–1,000 µg for the contaminants. These ranges encompass expected excipients levels in EVP e-liquids and their machine-generated aerosols and the relevant maximum residue safety limit of 1 mg/g, or 0.1% (w/w), for the contaminants. The calculated limits of detection for PG, GLY, EG, and DEG were determined as 0.0109 mg, 0.0132 mg, 0.250 µg, and 0.100 µg, respectively. The method was applied to the aerosol emissions analysis of 141 EVPs associated with the 2019 lung injury outbreak, and found typical levels of PG (120.28–689.35 mg/g of aerosol) and GLY (116.83–845.96 mg/g of aerosol) in all nicotine-containing products; PG (81.58–491.92 mg/g of aerosol) and GLY (303.86–823.47 mg/g of aerosol) in 13% of cannabidiol (CBD) products; PG (74.02–220.18 mg/g of aerosol) and GLY (596.43–859.81 mg/g of aerosol) in products with neither nicotine nor CBD; and none detected in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. No products contained glycol contaminants above the recommended maximum residue safety limit.

Terephthalic Acid Copolyesters Containing Tetramethylcyclobutanediol for High-Performance Plastics

There is a need for high-performance applications for terephthalic acid (TPA) polyesters with high heat resistance, impact toughness, and optical clarity. Bisphenol A (BPA) based polycarbonates and polyarylates have such properties, but BPA is an endocrine disruptor. Therefore, new TPA polyesters that are less hazardous to health and the environment are becoming popular. Tetramethylcyclobutanediol (TMCD) is a difunctional monomer that can be polymerized with TPA and other diols to yield copolyesters with superior properties to conventional TPA polyesters. It has a cyclobutyl ring that makes it more rigid than cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and EG. Thus, TMCD containing TPA copolyesters can have high heat resistance and impact strength. TPA can be made from abundantly available upcycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Therefore, this review discusses the synthesis of monomers and copolyesters, the impact of diol composition on material properties, molecular weight, effects of photodegradation, health safety, and substitution of cyclobutane diols for future polyesters.

Reference Correlation for the Viscosity of Ethane-1,2-diol (Ethylene Glycol) from the Triple Point to 465 K and up to 100 MPa

We present a new wide-ranging correlation for the viscosity of ethane-1,2-diol (ethylene glycol) based on critically evaluated experimental data. The correlation is designed to be used with an existing equation of state, and it is valid from the triple point to 465 K, at pressures up to 100 MPa. The estimated uncertainty is 4.9 % (at the 95 % confidence level), except in the dilute-gas region which is estimated to be 15 %, as there are no measurements in this region for comparison. The correlation behaves in a physically reasonable manner when extrapolated to 750 K and 250 MPa, however care should be taken when using the correlations outside of the validated range.

Presumed Choline Chloride Toxicosis in Cats With Positive Ethylene Glycol Tests After Consuming a Recalled Cat Food

Four previously healthy adult domestic shorthair cats (2 male, 2 female) from one household developed acute vomiting and ataxia less than 12 hours after consuming a commercial canned cat food. Blood work abnormalities included mild hyperglycemia with increased alanine aminotransferase (n = 1) and decreased blood urea nitrogen (n = 2). The veterinarian conducted whole blood ethylene glycol (EG) tests, which were positive for all cats. There were no known EG exposures. All cats were treated for suspected EG toxicosis and fully recovered after 48 hours. Separately from the cats' case, the same food was voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer 5 days later due to a higher-than-formulated amount of choline chloride added to the food. The 4 cats' canned cat food was tested for choline, choline chloride, EG, diethylene glycol, and propylene glycol to look for causes of the positive whole blood EG test. The cat food contained an average of 165,300 ppm (165,300 mg/kg) choline and 221,600 ppm (221,600 mg/kg) choline chloride on a dry matter basis, which is at least 65 times the recommended choline amount for adult cats. No glycols were detected. This case documents suspected choline toxicosis in cats after consuming a commercial canned cat food with a higher-than-formulated amount of choline chloride, and it suggests that choline toxicosis may cause a positive result on some EG whole blood tests. Choline toxicosis could be a possible differential diagnosis when a cat has a positive EG test and no known exposure to antifreeze.

Product Control and Insight into Conversion of C6 Aldose Toward C2, C4 and C6 Alditols in One-Pot Retro-Aldol Condensation and Hydrogenation Processes

Alcohols have a wide range of applicability, and their functions vary with the carbon numbers. C6 and C4 alditols are alternative of sweetener, as well as significant pharmaceutical and chemical intermediates, which are mainly obtained through the fermentation of microorganism currently. Similarly, as a bulk chemical, C2 alditol plays a decisive role in chemical synthesis. However, among them, few works have been focused on the chemical production of C4 alditol yet due to its difficult accumulation. In this paper, under a static and semi-flowing procedure, we have achieved the product control during the conversion of C6 aldose toward C6 alditol, C4 alditol and C2 alditol, respectively. About C4 alditol yield of 20 % and C4 plus C6 alditols yield of 60 % are acquired in the one-pot conversion via a cascade retro-aldol condensation and hydrogenation process. Furthermore, in the semi-flowing condition, the yield of ethylene glycol is up to 73 % thanks to its low instantaneous concentration.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Safoof-e-Pathar Phori- A Polyherbal Unani Formulation for Urolithiasis

Safoof-e-Pathar phori (SPP) is an Unani poly-herbomineral formulation, which has for a long time been used as a medicine due to its antiurolithiatic activity, as per the Unani Pharmacopoeia. This powder formulation is prepared using six different plant/mineral constituents. In this study, we explored the antiurolithiatic and antioxidant potentials of SPP (at 700 and 1,000 mg/kg) in albino Wistar rats with urolithiasis induced by 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% ammonium chloride (AC). Long-term oral toxicity studies were performed according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines for 90 days at an oral dose of 700 mg/kg of SPP. The EG urolithiatic toxicant group had significantly higher levels of urinary calcium, serum creatinine, blood urea, and tissue lipid peroxidation and significantly (p < 0.001 vs control) lower levels of urinary sodium and potassium than the normal control group. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of refractile crystals in the tubular epithelial cell and damage to proximal tubular epithelium in the toxicant group but not in the SPP treatment groups. Treatment of SPP at 700 and 1,000 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.001 vs toxicant) lowered urinary calcium, serum creatinine, blood urea, and lipid peroxidation in urolithiatic rats, 21 days after induction of urolithiasis compared to the toxicant group. A long-term oral toxicity study revealed the normal growth of animals without any significant change in hematological, hepatic, and renal parameters; there was no evidence of abnormal histology of the heart, kidney, liver, spleen, or stomach tissues. These results suggest the usefulness of SPP as an antiurolithiatic and an antioxidant agent, and long-term daily oral consumption of SPP was found to be safe in albino Wistar rats for up to 3 months. Thus, SPP may be safe for clinical use as an antiurolithiatic formulation.

Effect of Anode Material on Electrochemical Oxidation of Low Molecular Weight Alcohols-A Review

The growing climate crisis inspires one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century-developing novel power sources. One of the concepts that offer clean, non-fossil electricity production is fuel cells, especially when the role of fuel is played by simple organic molecules, such as low molecular weight alcohols. The greatest drawback of this technology is the lack of electrocatalytic materials that would enhance reaction kinetics and good stability under process conditions. Currently, electrodes for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are mainly based on platinum, which not only provides a poor reaction rate but also readily deactivates because of poisoning by reaction products. Because of these disadvantages, many researchers have focused on developing novel electrode materials with electrocatalytic properties towards the oxidation of simple alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol or propanol. This paper presents the development of electrode materials and addresses future challenges that still need to be overcome before direct alcohol fuel cells can be commercialized.

Chronic exposure of industrial grade calcium carbide and ethylene glycol alter histological architecture of systemic organs by disrupting redox balance in rat

OBJECTIVES

The threat to human health or the surroundings by the use of artificial fruit ripening agents has become a global concern. Calcium carbide (CaC₂) and ethylene glycol (EG) are the two widely using ripening agents. The present study evaluates the toxic effect of chronic exposures of CaC₂ and EG in rats.

METHODS

CaC₂ and EG were administered to the rats for 180 days orally. The alterations in oxido-reduction status, haematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were analysed. Arsenic content in CaC₂ and animal samples were detected by atomic absorption spectrometer and phosphorus by molybdate-UV method.

RESULTS

At chronic doses, there were no significant alterations in haematological and biochemical parameters except in creatinine level especially by EG. However, histological details revealed microvesicular fatty change in liver, corpuscles degeneration in kidney and lymphocytes infiltration in various tissues. In intestine, the mucosal lesion scoring was found high (p<0.01). SOD and CAT activities and GSH level was reduced significantly by CaC₂ administration (p<0.01). Arsenic and phosphorus detected is above the toxic level: 7.222 and 13.91 mg/dL in CaC₂, 1.634 and 6.22 mg/dL in blood and 0.563 and 6.99 mg/dL in liver, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that the industrial grade CaC₂ and EG induce systemic toxicity to rats and the liver is the most susceptible organ. The CaC₂ and EG toxicity is mediated through the upset of redox balance and subsequent inflammatory responses. This could be due to the presence of arsenic and phosphorus contents that detected above the normal level in the industrial grade CaC₂.

Prevents Urolithiasis in an Ethylene Glycol Experimental Model in Rats

Treatment of kidney stones is based on symptomatic medications which are associated with side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting) and hepatotoxicity. The search for effective plant extracts without the above side effects has demonstrated the involvement of antioxidants in the treatment of kidney stones. A local survey in Morocco has previously revealed the frequent use of Rubia tinctorum L. (RT) for the treatment of kidney stones. In this study, we first explored whether RT ethanolic (E-RT) and ethyl acetate (EA-RT) extracts of Rubia tinctorum L. could prevent the occurrence of urolithiasis in an experimental 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 2% ammonium chloride (AC)-induced rat model. Secondly, we determined the potential antioxidant potency as well as the polyphenol composition of these extracts. An EG/AC regimen for 10 days induced the formation of bipyramid-shaped calcium oxalate crystals in the urine. Concomitantly, serum and urinary creatinine, urea, uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride were altered. The co-administration of both RT extracts prevented alterations in all these parameters. In the EG/AC-induced rat model, the antioxidants- and polyphenols-rich E-RT and EA-RT extracts significantly reduced the presence of calcium oxalate in the urine, and prevented serum and urinary biochemical alterations together with kidney tissue damage associated with urolithiasis. Moreover, we demonstrated that the beneficial preventive effects of E-RT co-administration were more pronounced than those obtained with EA-RT. The superiority of E-RT was associated with its more potent antioxidant effect, due to its high content in polyphenols.