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Aims Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), a member of the Cruciferae family, is widely planted worldwide, especially in India, Europe, and the United States. One of the most common mosquito species that carries Plasmodium falciparum is the Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, which may be combated by sprinkling fields with Lepidium sativum seeds. This study aimed to test the Lepidium sativum Linn. seeds extract as an antimicrobial agent against food pathogens. Materials & Methods The active components were extracted from the powdered dry seeds using chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and dichloromethane. The antibacterial activity of various doses of the extracts was evaluated using agar well diffusion. The MIC and MBC for the most effective extract were estimated using tube dilution and subculturing methods. Findings Staphylococcus aureus had an MIC of 1.56mg/ml and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MBC) of 6.52mg/ml, while Salmonella typhi had an MIC of 25mg/ml. At a concentration of 10% L. sativum, the half-life (KDT50) was determined to be 7.34 minutes. Conversely, the half-life of L. sativum oil was only 10.05 minutes when used at the same concentration. Compared to the L. sativum concentrations that resulted in the KDT50 (50 and 10%, respectively), the bendiocarb 0.1% impregnated filter paper performed poorly. Conclusion L. sativum essential oil effectively kills Anopheles gambiae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for alcohol-based hand sanitizers. We aimed to describe the epidemiological trends in pediatric alcohol-based hand sanitizer cases reported to United States poison centers. We characterized clinically significant pediatric reports involving alcohol-based hand sanitizer products before and during the pandemic and methanol-containing hand sanitizers during the pandemic. We included all single-substance cases involving alcohol-based hand sanitizers reported to the National Poison Data System among children ≤ 19 years from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021, and methanol-containing hand sanitizers from 23 June 2020 to 31 December 2021. Multiple product exposures and non-human exposures were excluded. Clinically significant outcomes included moderate or major effects or death. There were 95,718 alcohol-based hand sanitizer pediatric cases during the study period. Most (n = 89,521; 94%) were unintentional, occurred by ingestion (n = 89,879; 93.9%), occurred at home, and were managed at the exposure site (n = 89,774; 93.8%). Common symptoms were vomiting (n = 2,969; 3.1%), coughing (n = 1,102; 1.2%), ocular irritation (n = 1,244; 1.3%), and drowsiness (n = 981; 1.0%). Most children (n = 3,937; 66.2%) managed at a health care facility were treated and released; a minority were admitted (n = 527; 9.0%). Few children (n = 81; 1.4%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. The prevalence of clinically significant cases increased in 2020 and 2021, compared to 2017. Population-adjusted rates, by state, of alcohol-based hand sanitizer cases ranged from 280 to 2,700 per million children. Of the 540 reported cases involving methanol-containing hand sanitizers, the majority (n = 255) occurred in July 2020. Thirteen cases (2.4%) had clinically significant outcomes. The prevalence of clinically significant cases remained similar in 2020 and 2021 and exhibited lower prevalence compared to alcohol-based products. Population-adjusted rates, by state, ranged from fewer than 0.9 to 40 per million children. Clinically significant pediatric cases involving alcohol-based hand sanitizers increased during the pandemic and remained elevated in 2021. Cases involving methanol-containing products were less frequent. Our findings may inform heightened product quality control and regulatory oversight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2020, an outbreak of methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers in the United States prompted our regional poison center to implement a more conservative triage guideline for hand sanitizer exposures. All pediatric hand sanitizer ingestions of more than a "taste" were referred to a healthcare facility for assessment. We then evaluated the effect of this change on identifying patients with methanol poisoning. This was a single-center, retrospective review of pediatric (<19 years) hand sanitizer ingestions reported to our poison center from May 1, 2020 through January 28, 2022. Methanol and ethanol concentrations were collected if available. During the study period, we received 801 calls regarding hand sanitizer exposure, of which 140 children were referred to a healthcare facility for hand sanitizer ingestions. Of those, 88 (63%) had methanol and/or ethanol concentrations measured. No child had a detectable methanol concentration, 78 had ethanol testing, and 12 had a detectable ethanol concentration. In this sample, no patient tested had a detectable methanol concentration. Children who consumed enough to have a detectable ethanol concentration were symptomatic or had an intentional ingestion. Asymptomatic children with unintentional ingestion of hand sanitizer were at low risk for methanol toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sectoral flue gases for CO 2 capture & conversion to chemicals production are analyzed. • Technology combinations & costs for CCU across implementation scenarios are compared. • Methanol synthesis is found economically attractive for CO 2 utilization & production. • Drivers & barriers to wide-scale CCU application are identified. • An inclusive approach is applied to analyze multiple decarbonization measures. Although CO 2 impacts the environment negatively, it can be a valuable resource due to its carbon content. The U.S. industry emits over 825 Mt of CO 2 annually, with an expected increase in the future. This article analyzes 27 different technology combinations for capturing and using CO 2 for industrial feedstocks, including the production of synthetic methane, methanol, and Fischer-Tropsch fuels. The study also estimates and compares the energy requirements for capturing and converting CO 2 from 16 different industrial sources, as well as the energy requirements for hydrogen production through state-of-the-art and emerging electrolyzer technologies. Additionally, the study develops a combined scenario that outlines a design for applying an inclusive approach to achieve net-zero CO 2 emissions in the industrial sector, incorporating multiple decarbonization measures. The results suggest that the use of CO 2 for methane production has the potential to replace all natural gas demands considered in the base case and combined scenarios. However, using CO 2 utilization-based Fischer-Tropsch products alone to replace naphtha feedstock and transportation fuels is not sufficient to achieve complete decarbonization in the studied end uses. CO 2 utilization-based methanol could potentially substitute for several times the current U.S. methanol production and meet the current global demand for methanol. Moreover, the study conducts an economic analysis to estimate the costs of CO 2 utilization, which vary for different industrial sectors and depend on the technologies employed. Overall, this study provides valuable information for policymakers and industry stakeholders who are striving to develop effective strategies to decarbonize the industrial sector. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of toxic alcohol poisoning is often based on clinical presentation and nonspecific surrogate laboratory studies due to limited testing availability. Fomepizole is the recommended antidote and often administered empirically. The objective of this study is to identify substances that mimic toxic alcohols and compare key clinical factors between toxic alcohol and non-toxic alcohol exposures when fomepizole was administered., Methods: This study was a retrospective evaluation using the National Poison Data System from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2021. Exposures were included if fomepizole was administered. Toxic alcohol exposures had ethylene glycol or methanol as a coded substance. For exposures not coded as a toxic alcohol, the first substance was described. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) exposures from 2020 and 2021 were excluded., Results: Fomepizole was reportedly used 25,110 times over 12 years. Use increased from 1,955 in 2010 to 2,710 in 2021. Most administrations were for reported toxic alcohol poisoning (60 percent) but use in reported non-toxic alcohol poisoning was greater starting in 2020. Toxic alcohol exposures were older (43.3 versus 39.8 years; P  < 0.001) and more likely male (65.7 percent versus 58.2 percent). Level of care was mostly a critical care unit (67.7 percent), which was less common in toxic alcohol (63.3 percent) than non-toxic alcohol exposures (74.2 percent). The most common non-toxic alcohol substances were ethanol (24.9 percent) or an unknown drug (17.5 percent). Acidosis, increased creatinine concentration, anion gap, and osmolal gap, and kidney failure were coded in a lower proportion of toxic alcohol exposures than non-toxic alcohol exposures ( P  < 0.001)., Discussion: The inability to provide rapid clinical confirmation of toxic alcohol poisoning results in the empiric administration of fomepizole to many patients who will ultimately have other diagnoses. Although fomepizole is relative well tolerated we estimated that this practice costs between $1.5 to $2.5 million. The major limitations of this work include the biases associated with retrospective record review, and the inability to confirm the exposures which may have resulted in allocation error., Conclusion: Most fomepizole use was for a presumed toxic alcohol. This recently shifted to greater use in likely non-toxic alcohol poisoning. Key difference between the groups suggest fomepizole administration was likely due to the difficulty in diagnosis of toxic alcohol poisoning along with the efficacy and safety of fomepizole. Increased toxic alcohol laboratory testing availability could improve timely diagnosis, reserving fomepizole use for toxic alcohol poisoning.

• Optimized design of new natural gas pyrolysis reactor using catalytic liquid metal. • Designed new methanol process using natural gas pyrolysis and CO2 utilization. • Negative cradle-to-gate CO 2 emissions are achievable with new process. • Low CO 2 emissions from supply chains of natural gas and captured CO 2 are critical. • Process is economically profitable if the carbon produced by pyrolysis is sold. Due to its abundance and relatively low cost, natural gas will continue to be a common feedstock for methanol production, at least in the near to medium term. The present work focuses on natural gas pyrolysis in a catalytic liquid metal bubble reactor, combined with CO 2 utilization, as an alternative to traditional steam reforming processes. The pyrolysis reactor consists of multiple vertical tubes filled with molten Cu 0.45 Bi 0.55 alloy and heated in the radiant zone of a fired heater. The reactor geometry and operating conditions are optimized by rigorously accounting for the coupling of bubble flow hydrodynamics with the catalytic and non-catalytic kinetics of methane pyrolysis in molten metals. Pyrolysis generates hydrogen and solid carbon, which rise first through the liquid metal and then through a layer of molten salt (e.g., NaBr) whose purpose is to minimize the loss of liquid metal entrained with the carbon. The carbon forms a recoverable layer above the salt, and the hydrogen reacts with captured CO 2 in a separate methanol synthesis reactor. The cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave CO 2 emissions are 0.074 and 1.45 t CO 2 -eq/t methanol, respectively, for median supply chain emissions of natural gas and captured CO 2. This is a lower carbon footprint than other practical pyrolysis and steam methane reforming processes. Negative cradle-to-gate CO 2 emissions are achievable if natural gas and captured CO 2 are sourced from supply chains with low emissions. The estimated carbon production cost of $0.27/kg is well below the recent market price of carbon black in the United States. The production cost of carbon is most sensitive to the fixed capital investment of the plant, the captured CO 2 cost, the natural gas and methanol costs, and the discount rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of disinfectants and alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) to prevent COVID-19 transmission increased in the first wave of the infection. To meet the increased demand, the Iranian Ministry of Health issued an emergency use authorization allowing new manufacturers to enter the market, despite the limited capacity for surveillance of these products during COVID-19. Methanol poisoning outbreaks spread rapidly, and more people died from methanol poisoning than COVID-19 in some cities. The aim of this study was to analyze some ABHRs in the Iranian market to see if (a) ABHRs are standard and suitable for hand antisepsis and (b) contained potentially dangerous toxic alcohols., Method: Between February and March 2020, 64 brands of ABHR were conveniently collected from pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops selling hygienic products and analyzed using Gas Chromatography. World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration guidelines were used to define minimum requirements for ABHR. For estimating the risk for acute methanol poisoning, we assumed a serum methanol concentration of 200 mg/L following ABHR ingestion was sufficient to cause intoxication. This threshold concentration would be achieved in an average 75-kg adult after consuming 8000 mg (or eight grams) methanol in 1-2 h., Results: The median [IQR] (range) concentration of ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol were 59% v/v [32.2, 68] (0, 99), 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 197,961), and 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 680,100), respectively. There was a strong negative correlation between methanol and ethanol contents of hand rubbers (r= -0.617, p < 0.001). Almost 47% of ABHRs complied with minimum standards. In 12.5% of ABHRs, high concentrations of methanol were observed, which have no antiseptic properties but could cause acute methanol poisoning if ingested., Conclusion: COVID-19 initiated a policy for distribution and use of ABHR with little control. As ABHR and masks are still accepted preventive measures of the disease, non-standard ABHR compositions may increase the population's risk to both COVID-19 infection and methanol poisoning., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The relationship between drug policy and HIV vulnerability is well documented. However, little research examines the links between racial/ethnic HIV disparities via the Drug War, sexual risk, and stigma. The Drug War HIV/AIDS Inequities Model has been developed to address this dearth. This model contends that inequitable policing and sentencing promotes sexual risks, resource deprivation, and ultimately greater HIV risk for African-Americans. The Drug War also socially marginalizes African Americans and compounds stigma for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons living with HIV/AIDS. This marginalization has implications for sexual risk-taking, access to health-promoting resources, and continuum of care participation. The Drug War HIV/AIDS Inequities Model may help illuminate mechanisms that promote increased HIV vulnerability as well as inform structural intervention development and targeting to address racial/ethnic disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs) such as hemodialysis (HD), enhance the elimination of a small number of toxins. Changes in overdose trends, prescribing practices, antidotes, and dialysis techniques may alter the indications and rates of ECTR use over time. This study analyzed trends in ECTR for poisonings in four countries. A retrospective study of national poison center databases from the United States, Denmark, United Kingdom, and five regional databases within Canada was performed. All cases of patients receiving an ECTR were included. ECTR cases were totalled annually and reported as annual rates per 100,000 exposures with stratification per types of ECTR and toxins. The data collection varied by countries. United States, 1985-2014; United Kingdom, 2011-2013; Denmark, 2005-2014, and regions of Canada as follows: Alberta, 1991-2015; Saskatchewan, 2001-2015; Nova Scotia-PEI, 2006-2015; Quebec, 2008-2014; Ontario-Manitoba, 2009-2015; British Columbia, 2012-2015. During the study period, the total number of ECTRs and rates per 100,000 exposures, respectively, were: United States, 40,258 and 65.7; United Kingdom, 343 and 232.6; Denmark, 616 and 305.5; Canada, 2709 and 177.5; case rates increased over time for the United States, Denmark, and Canada, but decreased in the United Kingdom. Across the United States and Denmark, HD was the preferred modality used. Toxins for which ECTR was most often used were: United States, ethylene glycol; Canada, methanol; United Kingdom, ethylene glycol; Denmark, salicylates. A high number of ECTRs were performed for atypical toxins such as acetaminophen and benzodiazepines. These data demonstrate a growing use of HD for poisoning with significant regional variations in the overall rates and indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limitations of silica-based sorbents boosted the development of new extraction phases. In this study, boron nitride nanotubes functionalized with octadecyl groups were used for the first time as sorbent for extraction of losartan and valsartan, the most used angiotensin receptor blockers in the clinical practice, from human plasma. The nanotubes were synthesized using the chemical vapor deposition technique, purified by acid treatment, functionalized with octadecylamine in a microwave reactor, and characterized by different techniques. The functionalized nanotubes were packed in solid phase extraction cartridges. Extraction conditions were optimized by means of a 2 3 factorial design with center points. The separation was performed on a biphenyl core-shell (100 × 4.6 mm; 2.6 µm) column, using 0.1 % (v/v) triethylamine solution and methanol (pH 3.2) as mobile phase, at 0.7 mL/min, in gradient elution. The injection volume was 10 µL and fluorescence detection was performed at excitation and emission wavelengths of 250 and 375 nm, respectively. The developed method was validated according to Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines and presented selectivity, precision, accuracy, and linearity in the concentration ranges of 50-1200 ng/mL for losartan and 20-1700 ng/mL for valsartan. Recoveries higher than 80 % were obtained. The method was fit for the quantification of losartan in plasma samples from patients under antihypertensive therapy, being useful in therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence studies., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Since 2001, U.S. military personnel and active duty, uniformed physicians providing medical support have been deployed to Afghanistan. Medical toxicologists are among the physicians deployed. There is a paucity of information present in the literature that has documented cases treated by toxicologists in theater. This prospective observational study describes 15 male patients treated in theater by a military medical toxicologist.Methods: We performed a prospective observational study in which a medical toxicologist consulted and reported on deployed toxicology cases occurring during a 5-month deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan.Results: Fifteen toxicology cases were collected during the 5-month period. The patients included three Afghan civilians, three U.S. civilians, and nine U.S. military personnel. Eight cases were attempts at recreational euphoria, two were self-harm attempts, two were from performance-enhancing supplements, two were accidental occupational exposures and one was alcohol withdrawal. Methanol was the most common exposure followed by dextromethorphan, supplements, opiates, and chlorine gas.Conclusion: In our study, we found that toxic alcohols and nonprescription medications were the most common exposures. In addition, this is the first study to describe bedside toxicology consults for U.S. combat forces in theater and the use of an observation unit for critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) served as a rapid, qualitative screening tool for the analysis of adulterated weight-loss products. We have previously shown that sibutramine extracted into methanol from dietary supplements can be detected at low levels (2ng) using a portable IMS spectrometer, and have adapted a similar method for the analysis of additional weight-loss product adulterants. An FDA collaborative study helped to define the limits for fluoxetine with a limit of detection of 2ng. We also evaluated more readily available, less toxic extraction solvents and found isopropanol and water were comparable to methanol. Isopropanol was favored over water for two reasons: (1) water increases the analysis time and (2) aqueous solutions were more susceptible to pH change, which affected the detection of sibutramine. In addition to sibutamine and fluoxetine, we surveyed 11 weight-loss adulterants; bumetanide, fenfluramine, furosemide, orlistat, phenolphthalein, phentermine, phenytoin, rimonabant, sertraline and two sibutramine analogs, desmethylsibutramine and didesmethylsibutramine, using portable and benchtop ion mobility spectrometers. Out of these 13 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), portable and benchtop ion mobility spectrometers were capable of screening products for 10 of these APIs. The developed procedure was applied to two weight-loss dietary supplements using both portable and benchtop instruments. One product contained didesmethylsibutramine while the other contained didesmethylsibutramine and phenolphthalein. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a study which investigated a capillary gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection method (FID) to determine volatile compounds in wine in terms of calculation of detection limits and calibration method. Results of the study showed an underestimation of LODs using a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approach. A recovery between 90 and 110% was also indicated in methanol contents compared with Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) average values.

Abstract: Fingolimod (Gilenya®; FTY720), has been recently approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in Europe and in the USA. In the present study, we have developed and validated a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method to simultaneously quantify FTY720 and FTY720-P in human blood. The sample preparation involves the sample dilution with a solution made of dimethylhexylamine (DMHA), ortho-phosphoric acid and methanol prior to the on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) on a C18 cartridge. The samples were then eluted on a C18 column with a gradient elution of DMHA solution and acetonitrile and analyzed by LC–MS/MS using electrospay ionization in positive mode. The analysis time between 2 samples was 7.5min. Standard curves were linear over the ranges of 0.0800ng/mL (LLOQ) to 16.0ng/mL for FTY720 and 0.100ng/mL (LLOQ) to 20.0ng/mL for FTY720-P with correlation coefficient (r2) greater than 0.997. The method selectivities for FTY720 and FTY720-P were demonstrated in six different batches of human blood. Intra-run and inter-run precision and accuracy within ±20% (at the LLOQ) and ±15% (other levels) were achieved during a 3-run validation for quality control samples (QCs). In addition, stability data obtained during freeze–thaw (3 cycles), at room temperature (24h), and in an auto-sampler were determined and reported. The method robustness was demonstrated by the consistent data obtained by reanalyzing human blood samples for several clinical studies. In addition comparative data for FTY720 and FTY720-P were obtained between our current method and those of two available separate LC–MS/MS assays. The results of the present work demonstrated that our bioanalytical LC–MS/MS method is rapid, sensitive, specific and reliable for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of FTY720 and FTY720-P in human blood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present over one year (January 2010-February 2011) of continuous atmospheric methanol measurements from the University of Minnesota tall tower Trace Gas Observatory (KCMP tall tower; 244m a.g.l.), and interpret the dataset in terms of constraints on regional methanol sources and seasonality. The seasonal cycle of methanol concentrations observed at the KCMP tall tower is generally similar to that simulated by a global 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem, driven with MEGANv2.0 biogenic emissions) except the seasonal peak occurs ~1 month earlier in the observations, apparently reflecting a model underestimate of emission rates for younger versus older leaves. Based on a source tracer approach, which we evaluate using GEOS-Chem and with multiple tracers, we estimate that anthropogenic emissions account for approximately 40% of ambient methanol abundance during winter and 10% during summer. During daytime in summer, methanol concentrations increase exponentially with temperature, reflecting the temperature sensitivity of the biogenic source, and the observed temperature dependence is statistically consistent with that in the model. Nevertheless, summertime concentrations are underestimated by on average 35% in the model for this region. The seasonal importance of methanol as a source of formaldehyde (HCHO) and carbon monoxide (CO) is highest in spring through early summer, when biogenic methanol emissions are high but isoprene emissions are still relatively low. During that time observed methanol concentrations account for on average 20% of the total CO and HCHO production rates as simulated by GEOS-Chem, compared to 12% later in the summer and 12% on an annual average basis. The biased seasonality in the model means that the photochemical role for methanol early in the growing season is presently underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw, skinless peanut kernels from US commercial production lines were dry- and oil-roasted according to standard industrial practices. Eighty percent ( v/ v) methanolic extracts from the peanut cultivars were prepared and characterized by RP-HPLC: five predominant compounds were found comprising free p-coumaric acid and potential p-coumaric acid derivatives, as elucidated by DAD-UV spectra with comparisons to those of commercial standards. A Spanish high-oleic peanut possessed the greatest naturally-occurring level of p-coumaric acid and its derivatives, followed by a high-oleic Runner, a normal Runner, and a Virginia peanut. Upon thermal processing, p-coumaric acid was liberated at the expense of its derivatives according to the relationship: oil roasting > dry roasting > raw. A high-oleic Runner exhibited the greatest increase (∼785%) in free p-coumaric acid levels after oil roasting. For many of the samples from the 2007 crop, processing increased the TPC and antioxidant capacities in the order of raw < dry roast < oil roast, but results were cultivar dependent. Oil-roasted peanuts were more effective at scavenging O than their dry-roasted counterparts, as determined by a photochemiluminescence assay. Overall findings indicate that although thermal processing altered the composition of peanut kernel antioxidants, TPC values and radical-scavenging activities are preserved. Depending on peanut type, cultivar, and harvest date, enhanced antioxidant capacities can result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, rapid, accurate and economic reverse phase HPLC method was developed and validated for determination of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in reconstituting diluents and reconstituted solutions of imipenem and cilastatin for injection The method was applied to detect any leaching enhancement in presence of imipenem and cilastatin in reconstituted injections. Imipenem and cilastatin for injection is a widely used broad spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic. As per requirements of various regulatory authorities of different countries, DEHP content needs to be monitored in the reconstituting diluents used to reconstitute injections. The proposed method is a unique method wherein DEHP can be determined directly without any sample pre-treatment before analysis. The method can be used as a good quality control tool to control the leaching of DEHP in the reconstituting diluents and reconstituted injections. The method utilizes C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5μ) and a mixture of methanol, propan-2-ol and water as mobile phase. DEHP was detected at 225 nm. The method has low limit of quantification (0.058 μg mL-1) which is much below the acceptance limit calculated as per USFDA tolerance criteria (3.5 μg mL-1 for adults and 0.3 μg mL-1 for neonates and infants). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three diverse middle distillate fuels from Mobile, Alabama, Jacksonville, Florida, and Kirachi, Pakistan were analyzed to quantify the organic nitrogen compound distribution in each. Organo-nitrogen compounds were isolated by a mild acid extraction followed by a silica-gel adsorption procedure. The extraction process yielded three extracts for each fuel: a basic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride, a nonbasic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride, and a nonbasic nitrogen extract in methanol. The major compounds in each extract were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facilities across North America are designing plants to meet stringent limit of technology (LOT) treatment for nitrogen removal. In the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, this is in response to the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, which limit effluent total nitrogen discharges from wastewater treatment plants to between 3-5 mg/L. Since denitrification is crucial for the removal of nitrogen, maximizing this process step will result in a decrease in nutrient load to the receiving waters. Of particular interest is the use of an alternate external carbon source to replace the most commonly used carbon, methanol. Three external carbon sources were evaluated in this study including: methanol, ethanol and acetate at 138C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative benefits and constraints for using these three carbon types. Laboratory scale Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs) were set up to grow and acclimate carbon free biomass to the specified substrate while in-situ Specific Denitrification Rates (SDNRs) were conducted concurrently. The results suggest that the SDNRs for acetate (31.0 ± 4.6mgNO3-N/gVSS/hr) and ethanol (29.6 ± 5.6mgNO3-N/gVSS/hr) are higher than that for methanol (10.1 ± 2.5mgNO3-N/ gVSS/hr). The yield coefficients in g COD/g COD were observed to follow a similar trend with values of 0.45 ± 0.05 for methanol, 0.53 ± 0.06 for ethanol and 0.66 ± 0.06 for acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the prevalence, pharmacokinetics, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, management and prevention of inhalational methanol toxicity. It says that methanol toxicity cases rose in the U.S. and other countries due to ingestion of tainted alcohol products. It adds that absorption of methanol is faster through ingestion and inhalation than dermal exposure. Clinical presentations include central nervous system (CNS) depression, inebriation and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Abstract: Elucidating the specific use and purpose of archaeological specimens such as stone axes and grinding stones can improve the understanding of an area''s ecosystem and civilization. Chemical analysis of residues preserved on these tools may provide key information in identifying how the tool was implemented. The arid US Great Basin provides an ideal environment for the preservation of fatty acid residues. We have successfully optimized methods for extraction, methylation, and analysis of fatty acids for use on archaeological specimens. These analyses implement techniques that do not alter artifact integrity, facilitate analyte modification through transesterification to enhance analyte volatility for identification by direct injection GC–MS methods. Method development focused on the use of fatty acids found within the Great Basin of the USA, and has been designed using chemical stewardship to avoid environmental contamination and to protect the health of the analyst. In evaluating analysis methods, five traditional methylation techniques were examined only to prove inadequate for this study. By combining attributes of these methods with extraction goals, a modified single step extraction derivatization method was developed. Using this method we have demonstrated solid relationships between fatty acid ratios and plant/animal types. We have focused on method development and optimization for the detection of these fatty acids. In addition to optimization of instrumental variables we have compared various methylation methods to achieve optimal yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the United States, a gasoline fuel blend with alcohol volume fractions of 85% or more is considered (among other fuels) an alternative fuel. As the popularity and usage of high-alcohol content gasoline fuel blends increase, subsurface contamination from these fuels will be of great environmental concern. An important parameter governing the movement of these contaminants in unsaturated porous media is the liquid viscosity. In this study, five sets of experiments are conducted to determine viscosity variations of (a) blends of 15% gasoline with various alcohol mixtures, and (b) mixtures of high-alcohol content gasoline fuel blends with various volume fractions of water. The three alcohols considered in this study are ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol. The viscosity of each liquid mixture is observed using a modified falling-ball viscometer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biodiesel production in the United States is anticipated to double by 2010. Biodiesel's characteristics and performance as a fuel vary depending on its composition, and the fuel composition has to be stringently monitored to avoid adverse impacts on the environment and engines. The final biodiesel composition depends on the initial feedstock, as well as on the reaction conversions and process separation efficiencies. The thermo-physical properties depend upon factors such as chain length, branching, and degree of saturation. Impurities in biodiesel, either due to side-reactions, unreacted feedstock, or non-fatty acid constituents, may increase pollutants. This paper focuses on chemical composition of commonly used feedstocks for biodiesel manufacturing and provides an overview of the process chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population dynamics of a mixed microbial culture dechlorinating trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), and vinyl chloride (VC) to ethene were studied. Quantitative PCR revealed that Dehalococcoides, Geobacter, Sporomusa, Spirochaetes, and Methanomicrobiales phylotypes grew in short-term experiments. Both Geobacter and Dehalococcoides populations grew during TCE dechlorination to cDCE, but only Dehalococcoides populations grew during further dechlorination to ethene. The cell yields for Dehalococcoides determined in this study were similar on an electron equivalent basis regardless of the chlorinated compound transformed: (0.9 ± 0.3) × 108 16S rRNA gene copies/micro-electron equivalent (μeeq) ethene produced during cDCE dechlorination, (1.5 ± 0.3) × 108 copies/μeeq ethene produced during VC dechlorination, and (1.6 ± 0.8) × 108 copies/μeeq ethene produced during 1,2-DCA dihaloelimination. The yield for the Geobacter population on TCE was estimated to be (1 ± 0.5) × 108 copies/μeeq cDCE produced. Calculations showed that the Geobacter population was likely responsible for approximately 80% of the TCE dechlorinated to cDCE in this experiment. Acetogenesis by a Sporomusa population was the main competition to dechlorination for reducing equivalents. Sporomusa did not transform any chlorinated substrates tested, but was capable of converting methanol to acetate and hydrogen for dechlorination. Understanding the functions of various populations in mixed communities may explain why Dehalococcoides spp. are active at some sites and not others, and may also assist in optimizing the growth of bioaugmentation cultures, both in the laboratory and in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facilities across North America are designing plants to meet stringent limits of technology (LOT) treatment for nitrogen removal (3-5 mg/L total effluent nitrogen). The anoxic capacity requirements for meeting LOT treatment are dependent on the growth rates of the denitrifying organisms The Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP) is one of many facilities in the Chesapeake Bay region that is evaluating its ability to meet LOT treatment capability. The plant uses methanol as an external carbon source in a post-denitrification process. The process is very sensitive to denitrification in the winter, One approach to improve anoxic capacity utilization is to use an alternative substrate for denitrification in the winter to promote the growth of organisms that denitrify at higher rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate denitrification maximum specific growth rates for three substrates, acetate, corn syrup and methanol, at two temperatures (13 °C and 19 °C), These temperatures approximately reflect the minimum monthly and average annual wastewater temperature at the Blue Plains AWTP. The results suggest that the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) for corn syrup (1.3 °) and acetate (1.2 d-1) are higher than that for methanol (0.5 d-1) at low temperature of 13 °C. A similar trend was observed at 19 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For nearly 30 years, it has been known that methanol may be converted to a mixture of hydrocarbons and water over protonated zeolites. During this time, a large amount of work has been carried out to obtain an understanding of the reaction mechanism involved [C.D. Chang, Catal. Rev. 25 (1983) 1; M. Stöcker, Micropor. Mesopor. Mater. 29 (1999) 3; C.D. Chang, Shape-selective catalysis: chemicals synthesis and hydrocarbon processing, in: C. Song, J.M. Garcés, Y. Sugi, (Eds.), ACS Symposium Series, vol. 738, Washington, DC, 2000; J.F. Haw, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 4 (2002) 5431; J.F. Haw, W. Song, D.M. Marcus, J.B. Nicholas, Acc. Chem. Res. 36 (5) (2003) 317]. We here aim at presenting some major contributions to today''s rather unified view on the MTH reaction mechanism, and, based on this detailed knowledge, to point at possible options for optimizing the performance of MTH catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies determining the association between hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) and bone metabolism are mixed. We conducted a systematic review to assess the potential impact of statins on fractures, bone mineral density and bone markers. We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Federal Research in Progress (FEDRIP). Inclusion criteria consisted of human studies with measurable outcomes, which were rated as good or fair according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. The effects of statins on bone mineral density (BMD), bone markers and fracture risk were independently extracted by two reviewers and were combined by use of a random-effects model. The 31 analyzed studies included 24 observational studies and seven randomized controlled trials. Overall, statin use was associated with fewer hip fractures (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45–0.78) and improved hip BMD (Z score 0.12, 95% CI 0.05–0.19), with a non-significant reduction in vertebral fractures and no effect on vertebral BMD. In subgroup analysis of studies that involved only women there was a reduction in hip fractures (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.95) and improvement in hip BMD (Z score 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.18). Vertebral BMD was unchanged, and only one study reported on vertebral fractures, finding improvement. Statins had only small effects on bone markers, with a decrease in alkaline phosphatase [standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.18, 95% CI −0.34 to −0.01], an increase in NTX (SMD 0.39, 95% CI 0.07–0.71), with no effect on osteocalcin or CTX. The statistically significant improvement in hip fracture risk was seen only in case–control trials, not in either the eight prospective trials or the two randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Statins may have a beneficial impact on bone metabolism and fracture risk; randomized controlled trials are needed to explore this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most analyses of turbulent mixing in rivers assume constant hydraulic geometry (width, depth, and velocity), despite the fact that in natural rivers these variables typically increase downstream. A comprehensive set of data for the rivers and streams in the United States is used to derive generalized equations for variations in hydraulic geometry. As a preliminary investigation of the importance of these variations, an approximate analytical solution to the one-dimensional advective-dispersion equation is derived for rivers with variable velocity, cross-sectional area, and dispersion coefficient. The solution compares well with previous analyses, and is used to assess the potential environmental impacts of methanol releases into a hypothetical river. The resulting downstream concentrations of methanol are considerably lower than those calculated assuming constant hydraulic geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the economic return and societal values added to forest owners by the linkage between bioenergy production and forests in the U.S. Sustainable development opportunities; Bioenergy systems that transform wood using sustainable chemical practices; Implications on forestry.

Examines human methanol exposures reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System from 1993 to 1998. Mean number of cases per year; Increase in symptomatic cases for infants and children and for adolescents and adults; Minimum legal dose of methanol for humans; Number of cases of methanol categories by age group and outcome.

In 1991, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to require the addition of an aversive agent to ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and methanol-containing windshield wiper fluid. This new law, entitled "Toxic Household Products (THP) Act," was designed to reduce pediatric and animal poisonings from accidental ingestion of these two potentially lethal consumer automotive products. While not the stated intention of the law, addition of aversive agents to consumer automotive products could also reduce adult poisonings associated with intentional (suicides or alcoholics ingesting methanol-containing windshield wiper fluid) or accidental exposures. This law went into effect April 30, 1995, following settlement of a lawsuit brought by the Chemical Manufacturing Specialties Association (CSMA), a trade group representing the five largest manufacturers of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze in the U.S. This paper discusses the major policy issues that arose following the passage of Oregon's THP Act. Major provisions of the law are provided along with a discussion of CSMA's opposition to the Act's implementation. A description of the eventual settlement that was reached with CSMA as well as the major components of Oregon Health Division's (OHD) enforcement program are also highlighted. Data are presented for 1987 through 1998 on the number of exposures and severity of effects for pediatric cases (children < 6 years old) following exposure to both of these potentially lethal automotive products. However, because of the low incidence of exposures each year, these data are insufficient to draw any conclusions on the impact of the THP Act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxic alcohol exposures are an ongoing concern in the United States. In the US, few studies characterize the local epidemiology of toxic alcohols over time., Objectives: The objective was to examine the incidence of toxic alcohol ingestions and changes in management over time., Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluates toxic alcohol ingestion phone calls to a regional poison center in the United States covering four states. Data were queried for this poison center from the National Poison Data System (NPDS) using generic codes for each toxic alcohol. Inclusion criteria were ingestion of toxic alcohol, age ≥ 13 years, from January 1, 2000 to Dec 31, 2017. Exclusion criteria were unrelated effects coded in the medical outcome, duplicate data, or incomplete demographic data., Results: Of 926 subjects (adults and teenagers), 71.5% were male, and the mean age was 34.5 years. Toxic alcohol ingestion was more common in individuals younger than 40 years, with a significant relationship between age and intentional abuse or misuse (p = 0.001). There was also a significant relationship between age and reason for ingestion, with younger patients more likely to be suicidal (p < 0.001). Ethyleneglycol was the most common toxic alcohol. There was no change in the incidence of toxic alcohol ingestions over the study period. The mortality rate was 1.7%, and 31.2%of patients were hospitalized in a critical care unit. Major effects and death were more common in younger patients (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in medical outcomes based on the type of toxic alcohol(p = 0.03). Fomepizole was the most common treatment. A Poisson regression model found no change in fomepizole use during the study period (p = 0.1). Ethanol administration over the study period increased (p = 0.02), while hemodialysis decreased (p = 0.02)., Conclusion: Data obtained from a single regional United States poison center showed low mortality related to toxic alcohol ingestions. The most prevalent toxic alcohol was Ethylene glycol. In all cases, toxic alcohol ingestion was higher in the 20-29-year-old age group. Reasons for ingestion, in most cases, were suicidal. Fomepizole was the most common treatment, ethanol administration as an antidote is rising, and hemodialysis utilization is decreasing. Data may not be nationally representative., (© 2021. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS), creating shortages leading to additional production by new, non-traditional manufacturers. In June 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings about methanol or 1-propanol contaminated brands of hand sanitizer. Exposure to methanol, including dermally, can cause kidney damage, blindness and death. Exposure to 1-propanol can cause severe acidosis and death. Chronic exposure may be more likely due to increased hand sanitizer use in 2020., Methods: We used generic codes for ABHS to characterize exposures reported to the Texas Poison Control Network in 2019 and 2020. For 2020 cases, we also used case narratives to identify cases considered COVID-19 -related and cases where the caller reported exposure to unknown ABHS with safety concerns, specifically identified brands on the FDA warning list or before that warning was made in June 2020., Results: Reported exposures to ABHS increased 72.5% between 2019 and 2020. In 2020, 10% of the cases were COVID-19 -related. COVID-19 -related cases in 2020 were likely to be older, to have a lower portion of young children exposed and to report chronic use of hand sanitizer. Similar trends were reported among cases who reported possible exposures to potentially unsafe ABHS products, including products on the FDA list. Most exposures were not referred for medical attention, and no deaths were reported among the Texas cases., Discussion: Callers reporting exposures to ABHS related to use prompted by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) and specific exposure to unsafe products differ from the traditional callers in being older, reporting chronic use and in healthcare facility (HCF) referral. The 72.5% increase in 2020 calls compared to 2019 cases differ from typical exposures, which often involve young children. Changes in manufacturing processes by additional manufacturers have produced potential exposure to toxic alcohol-containing products and others in Texas.

The article offers news briefs concerning textiles industry and the environment in the United States. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) held the meeting on Presumptive Maximum Achievable Control Technology (PMACT) for the textile printing. The 1996 emission data revealed that a total of 7882 tons of methanol has been emitted by industries in North Carolina.

Captured CO 2 is a potential feedstock to produce fuel/chemicals using renewable electricity as the energy source. We explored resource availability and synergies by region in the United States and conducted cost and environmental analysis to identify unique opportunities in each region to inform possible regional and national actions for carbon capture and utilization development. This study estimated production cost of synthetic methanol and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels by using CO 2 captured from the waste streams emitted from six industrial [ethanol, ammonia, natural gas (NG) processing, hydrogen, cement, and iron/steel production plants] and two power generation (coal and NG) processes across the United States. The results showed that a total of 1594 million metric ton per year of waste CO 2 can be captured and converted into 85 and 319 billion gallons of FT fuels and methanol, respectively. FT fuels can potentially substitute for 36% of the total petroleum fuels used in the transportation sector in 2018. Technoeconomic analysis shows that the minimum selling prices for synthetic FT fuels and methanol are 1.8-2.8 times the price of petroleum fuel/chemicals, but the total CO 2 reduction potential is 935-1777 MMT/year.

Background: This study aimed to assess inpatient prevalence, characteristics, outcomes, and resource utilization of hospitalization for methanol intoxication in the United States., Materials and Methods: A total of 603 hospitalized patients with a primary diagnosis of methanol intoxication from 2003 to 2014 were identified in the National Inpatient Sample database. The inpatient prevalence, clinical characteristics, treatments, outcomes, resource utilization, were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality., Results: The overall inpatient prevalence of methanol intoxication among hospitalized patients was 6.4 cases per 1,000,000 admissions in the United States. The mean age was 38±18 (range 0-86) years. 44% used methanol for suicidal attempts. 20% of admissions required mechanical ventilation, and 40% required renal replacement therapy. The three most common complications were metabolic acidosis (44%), hypokalemia (18%), and visual impairment or optic neuritis (8%). The three most common end-organ failures were renal failure (22%), respiratory failure (21%), and neurological failure (17%). 6.5% died in the hospital. Factors associated with increased in-hospital mortality included alcohol drinking, hypernatremia, renal failure, respiratory failure, circulatory failure, and neurological failure. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.0 days. The mean hospitalization cost per patient was $43,222 CONCLUSION: The inpatient prevalence of methanol intoxication in the United States was 6.4 cases per 1,000,000 admissions. The risk of in-hospital mortality mainly depended on the number of end-organ failures., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The author has no financial or other conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)