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Polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDs) are a class of toxic organic compounds released by a number of industrial processes. Sediments of the Passaic River in New Jersey are contaminated by these compounds. To explore the ability of native organohalide respiring bacteria to dechlorinate PCDDs, we first enriched bacteria from sediments of the Passaic River on two organohalides, trichloroethene (TCE) and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB). We then used these enriched sediment cultures and original, unamended sediment as the inocula in a secondary experiment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (2,3,7,8-TeCDD), 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (1,2,3,4-TeCDD), and 2,7-dichlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (2,7-DiCDD) as target organohalides. We observed dechlorination of 1,2,3,4-TeCDD by all inocula, although to different extents. We observed progressive dechlorination of 2,3,7,8-TeCDD only in bottles inoculated with the DCB enrichment culture, and dechlorination of 2,7-DiCDD almost exclusively in bottles inoculated with the original, unamended river sediment. Dechlorination of 1,2,3,4-TeCDD was more rapid than that of the other amended congeners. Phylotypes within the class Dehalococcoidia associated with organohalide dechlorination were differentially enriched in DCB versus TCE enrichment cultures, indicating that they may play a role in dechlorination of the PCDDs.

Background: Low tissue oxygenation (StO2) is associated with poor outcomes in obese trauma patients. A novel treatment could be the transfusion of cryopreserved packed red blood cells (CPRBCs), which the in vitro biochemical profile favors red blood cell (RBC) function. We hypothesized that CPRBC transfusion improves StO2 in obese trauma patients., Methods: Two hundred forty-three trauma patients at five Level I trauma centers who required RBC transfusion were randomized to receive one to two units of liquid packed RBCs (LPRBCs) or CPRBCs. Demographics, injury severity, StO2, outcomes, and biomarkers of RBC function were compared in nonobese (body mass index [BMI] < 30) and obese (BMI ≥ 30) patients. StO2 was also compared between obese patients with BMI of 30 to 34.9 and BMI ≥ 35. StO2 was normalized and expressed as % change after RBC transfusion. A p value less than 0.05 indicated significance., Results: Patients with BMI less than 30 (n = 141) and BMI of 30 or greater (n = 102) had similar Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, and baseline StO2. Plasma levels of free hemoglobin, an index of RBC lysis, were lower in obese patients after CPRBC (125 [72-259] μg/mL) versus LPRBC transfusion (230 [178-388] μg/mL; p < 0.05). StO2 was similar in nonobese patients regardless of transfusion type, but improved in obese patients who received CPRBCs (104 ± 1%) versus LPRPCs (99 ± 1%, p < 0.05; 8 hours after transfusion). Subanalysis showed improved StO2 after CPRBC transfusion was specific to BMI of 35 or greater, starting 5 hours after transfusion (p < 0.05 vs. LPRBCs). CPRBCs did not improve clinical outcomes in either group., Conclusion: CPRBC transfusion is associated with increased StO2 and lower free hemoglobin levels in obese trauma patients, but did not improve clinical outcomes. Future studies are needed to determine if CPRBC transfusion in obese patients attenuates hemolysis to improve StO2., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, level IV.

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening, type I hypersensitivity reaction which can occur within seconds to minutes after exposure to an allergen. Sulfites have been implicated in causing such reactions with symptoms ranging from mild to potentially life threatening. Here we present a patient who had an anaphylactic reaction secondary to exposure to sulfites found in sparkling water., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Lactic acidosis is a common metabolic acidosis characterized by increased serum lactate and is usually associated with a decreased blood pH. Lactic acidosis has many different causes but has been differentiated into type A, hypoxic causes, and type B, non-hypoxic causes. Tissue hypoxia, type A, is the most common cause, usually secondary to processes such as sepsis and multi-organ failure. Type A must be differentiated from type B in the correct clinical setting as treatments are vastly different. Type B causes may include drug side-effects, toxins, enzymatic defects, inherited or acquired, any of which may lead to overproduction or underutilization of lactate. However, as most clinicians are more familiar, and likely more initially concerned with hypoxic etiologies, evaluation is directed toward finding the source of hypoperfusion or hypoxia, and thus generally leading to a delay in discovering a type B cause (or mixed type A and type B). Here we describe a case of lactic acidosis in the setting of thiamine deficiency thought to be secondary to advanced lung cancer. The purpose of this paper is to bring awareness to the clinician to consider other causes of lactic acidosis when evaluating a patient., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report here an enhancement in photovoltage for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) where halogen-bonding interactions exist between a nucleophilic electrolyte species (I(-)) and a photo-oxidized dye immobilized on a TiO2 surface. The triarylamine-based dyes under investigation showed larger rate constants for dye regeneration (kreg) by the nucleophilic electrolyte species when heavier halogen substituents were positioned on the dye. The open-circuit voltages (VOC) tracked these kreg values. This analysis of a homologous series of dyes that differ only in the identity of two halogen substituents provides compelling evidence that the DSSC photovoltage is sensitive to kreg. This study also provides the first direct evidence that halogen-bonding interactions between the dye and the electrolyte can bolster DSSC performance.

A homologous series of donor-π-acceptor dyes was synthesized, differing only in the identity of the halogen substituents about the triphenylamine (TPA; donor) portion of each molecule. Each Dye-X (X=F, Cl, Br, and I) was immobilized on a TiO2 surface to investigate how the halogen substituents affect the reaction between the light-induced charge-separated state, TiO2 (e(-) )/Dye-X(+) , with iodide in solution. Transient absorption spectroscopy showed progressively faster reactivity towards nucleophilic iodide with more polarizable halogen substituents: Dye-F < Dye-Cl < Dye-Br < Dye-I. Given that all other structural and electronic properties for the series are held at parity, with the exception of an increasingly larger electropositive σ-hole on the heavier halogens, the differences in dye regeneration kinetics for Dye-Cl, Dye-Br, and Dye-I are ascribed to the extent of halogen bonding with the nucleophilic solution species., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of cryopreserved packed red blood cell (CPRBC) transfusion in trauma patients., Background: Liquid packed red blood cells (LPRBCs) have an abbreviated shelf-life and worsening storage lesion with age. CPRBCs are frozen 2 to 6 days after donation, stored up to 10 years, and are available for 14 days after thawing and washing. CPRBCs can be utilized in diverse settings, but the effect on clinical outcomes is unknown., Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind study at 5 level 1 trauma centers. Stable trauma patients requiring transfusion were randomized to young LPRBCs (≤14 storage days), old LPRBCs (>14 storage days), or CPRBCs. Tissue oxygenation (StO2), biochemical and inflammatory mediators were measured, and clinical outcomes were determined., Results: Two hundred fifty-six patients with well-matched injury severity and demographics (P > 0.2) were randomized (84 young, 86 old, and 86 CPRBCs). Pretransfusion and final hematocrits were similar (P > 0.68). Patients in all groups received the same number of units postrandomization (2 [1-4]; P > 0.05). There was no difference in the change in tissue oxygenation between groups. CPRBCs contained less α2-macrogobulin, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid P (P < 0.001). Organ failure, infection rate, and mortality did not differ between groups (P > 0.2)., Conclusions: Transfusion of CPRBCs is as safe and effective as transfusion of young and old LPRBCs and provides a mechanism to deliver PRBCs in a wide variety of settings.

Background: Compared with lyophilized plasma (LP) buffered with other acids, LP with ascorbic acid (AA) attenuates systemic inflammation and DNA damage in a combat relevant polytrauma swine model. We hypothesize that increasing concentrations of AA in transfused LP will be safe, will be hemodynamically well tolerated, and will attenuate systemic inflammation following polytraumatic injury and hemorrhage in swine., Methods: This prospective, randomized, blinded study involved 52 female swine. Forty animals were subjected to our validated polytrauma model and resuscitated with LP. Baseline control sham (n = 6), operative control sham (n = 6), low-AA (n = 10), medium-AA (n = 10), high-AA (n = 10) groups, and a hydrochloric acid control (HCL, n = 10) were randomized. Hemodynamics, thrombelastography, and blood chemistries were assessed. Inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein, and IL-10) and DNA damage were measured at baseline, 2 hours, and 4 hours after liver injury. Significance was set at p < 0.05, with a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons., Results: Hemodynamics, shock, and blood loss were similar between groups. All animals had robust procoagulant activity 2 hours following liver injury. Inflammation was similar between groups at baseline, and AA groups remained similar to HCL following liver injury. IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were increased at 2 hours and 4 hours compared with baseline within all groups (p < 0.008). DNA damage increased at 2 hours compared with baseline in all groups (p < 0.017) and further increased at 4 hours compared with baseline in HCL, low-, and high-AA groups (p < 0.005). C-reactive protein was similar between and within groups. IL-10 increased at 2 hours compared with baseline in low- and high-AA groups and remained elevated at 4 hours compared with baseline in the low-AA group (all, p < 0.017)., Conclusion: Concentrations of AA were well tolerated and did not diminish the procoagulant activity of LP. Within our tested range of concentrations, AA can safely be used to buffer LP.

Background: Dysfunctional inflammation following traumatic hemorrhage can lead to multiple-organ failure and death. In our polytrauma swine model, lyophilized plasma (LP) reconstituted with sterile water and ascorbic acid suppressed systemic inflammation and attenuated DNA damage. However, it remains unknown whether the inflammatory response is affected by the type of fluid used to reconstitute LP. We hypothesized that common resuscitation fluids such as normal saline (LP-NS), lactated Ringer's solution (LP-LR), Hextend (LP-HX), or sterile water (LP-SW) would yield similar inflammation profiles and DNA damage following LP reconstitution and transfusion., Methods: This was a randomized, prospective, blinded animal study. LP was reconstituted to 50% of original volume with NS, LR, HX, or SW buffered with 15-mM ascorbic acid. Forty swine were subjected to a validated model of polytrauma, hemorrhagic shock, and Grade V liver injury and resuscitated with LP. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, plasma C-reactive protein, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine concentrations were assessed for systemic inflammation and DNA damage at baseline, 2 hours, and 4 hours following liver injury. Lung inflammation was evaluated by Real Time Polymerize Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)., Results: Reconstituted LP pH was similar between groups before resuscitation. IL-6 and IL-10 increased at 2 hours and 4 hours compared with baseline in all groups (p < 0.017). DNA damage increased at 2 hours and 4 hours compared with baseline and from 2 hours to 4 hours in the LP-NS, LP-LR, and LP-SW groups (all p < 0.017). Animals resuscitated with LP-HX not only demonstrated increased DNA damage at 4 hours versus baseline but also had the lowest C-reactive protein level at 2 hours and 4-hours (p < 0.017). Overall, differences between groups were similar for DNA damage and lung inflammation., Conclusion: Reconstitution fluid type does not affect inflammatory cytokine profiles or DNA damage following LP transfusion in this swine polytrauma model. Based on universal availability, these data suggest that sterile water is the most logical choice for LP reconstitution in humans., Level of Evidence: Prognostic, level II.

Background: Obesity and hemorrhagic shock following trauma are predictors of mortality but have conflicting effects on coagulation. Following hemorrhage, tissue injury and hypoperfusion lead to acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC), producing a hypocoagulable state. Inversely, obesity promotes clotting and impairs fibrinolysis to yield a hypercoagulable state. High rates of venous thromboembolism, organ failure, and early mortality may be caused by hypercoagulability in obese patients. We hypothesize that obesity prevents the development of ATC following injury-induced hemorrhagic shock., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-275 g) were fed a high-fat diet (32%kcal from fat) for 4 weeks to 6 weeks and diverged into obesity-resistant (OR, n = 9) and obesity-prone (OP, n = 9) groups. Age-matched control (CON) rats were fed normal diet (10% kcal from fat, n = 9). Anesthetized rats were subjected to an uncontrolled hemorrhage by a Grade V splenic injury to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg. Hypotension (MAP, 30-40 mm Hg) was maintained for 30 minutes to induce shock. MAP, heart rate, lactate, base excess, cytokines, blood loss, and thrombelastography (TEG) parameters were measured before and after hemorrhagic shock., Results: At baseline, OP rats exhibited a shorter time to 20-mm clot (K), and higher rate of clot formation (α angle), clot strength (maximal amplitude), and coagulation index, compared with the CON rats (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced coagulation. Physiologic parameters following shock were similar between groups. In the CON and OR rats, shock prolonged the time to clot initiation (R) and K and decreased α angle and coagulation index (all p < 0.05 vs. baseline). In contrast, shock had no effect on these TEG parameters in the OP rats. Maximal amplitude was the only TEG parameter affected by shock in the OP rats, which was decreased in all groups., Conclusion: Obesity prevents the development of ATC following hemorrhage shock. Complications associated with obesity following hemorrhagic shock may be attributed to the preserved hypercoagulable state.

A diamine-bis(phenolate) chromium(III) complex, {CrCl[O2NN'](BuBu)}2 catalyzes the copolymerization of propylene oxide with carbon dioxide. The synthesis of this metal complex is straightforward and it can be obtained in high yields. This catalyst incorporates a tripodal amine-bis(phenolate) ligand, which differs from the salen or salan ligands typically used with Cr and Co complexes that have been employed as catalysts for the synthesis of such polycarbonates. The catalyst reported herein yields low molecular weight polymers with narrow polydispersities when the reaction is performed at room temperature. Performing the reaction at elevated temperatures causes the selective synthesis of propylene carbonate. The copolymerization activity for propylene oxide and carbon dioxide, as well as the coupling of carbon dioxide and styrene oxide to give styrene carbonate are presented.

Lithium compounds of tetradentate amino-bis(phenolato)-tetrahydrofuranyl ligands, Li(2)[L1] (1) and Li(2)[L2] (2) (where [L1] = 2-tetrahydrofuranyl-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenolate), and [L2] = 2-tetrahydrofuranyl-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-tert-butylphenolate)) were characterized by multinuclear solution NMR and solid-state (6)Li and (7)Li NMR spectroscopy. The proligands, n-propylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), (H(2)[L3]) and benzylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-di-tert-amylphenol), H(2)[L4] were reacted with n-butyllithium in THF to give the related dilithium compounds Li(2)[L3] (4) and Li(2)[L4] (5), respectively. The pyridine adduct of 1, (py)(2)Li(2)[L1] (3) and complexes 4 and 5 have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. The reactivity of these complexes for the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide, as well as the influences of monomer concentration, monomer/Li molar ratio, polymerization temperature and time, were studied.

A diamine-bis(phenolate) chromium(III) complex, {CrCl[O(2)NN'](BuBu)}(2) catalyzes the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide with carbon dioxide. The synthesis of this metal complex is straightforward, and it can be obtained in high yields. This catalyst incorporates a tripodal amine-bis(phenolate) ligand, which differs from the salen or salan ligands typically used with Cr and Co complexes that have been employed as catalysts for the synthesis of such polycarbonates. The catalyst reported herein yields low molecular weight polymers with narrow polydispersities. Structural and spectroscopic details of this complex along with its copolymerization activity for cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide are presented.

Eight new iron(III) amine-bis(phenolate) complexes are reported. The reaction of anhydrous FeX(3) salts (where X = Cl or Br) with the diprotonated tripodal tetradentate ligands 2-tetrahydrofurfurylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), H(2)L1, 2-tetrahydrofurfurylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), H(2)L2, and 2-methoxyethylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), H(2)L3, 2-methoxyethylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), H(2)L4 produces the trigonal bipyramidal iron(III) complexes, L1FeCl (1a), L1FeBr (1b), L2FeCl (2a), L2FeBr (2b), L3FeCl (3a), L3FeBr (3b), L4FeCl (4a), and L4FeBr (4b). All complexes have been characterized using electronic absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and room temperature magnetic measurements. Variable temperature magnetic data were acquired for complexes 2b, 3a and 4b. Variable temperature Mössbauer spectra were obtained for 2b, 3a and 4b. Single crystal X-ray molecular structures have been determined for proligand H(2)L4 and complexes 1b, 2b, and 4b., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012)

Two lithium amine-bis(phenolate) and four chromium(III) amine-bis(phenolate) complexes have been prepared. The diprotonated tripodal tetradentate ligand precursors 2-tetrahydrofurfuryl-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), H(2)[O(2)NO](BuMe); 2-tetrahydrofurfuryl-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-tert-butylphenol), H(2)[O(2)NO](BuBu); 2-pyridylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-methylphenol), H(2)[O(2)NN'](MeMe); and 2-pyridylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-tert-butylphenol), H(2)[O(2)NN'](BuBu); can be lithiated using n-butyllithium. Isolation of the Li(2)[O(2)NO](RR') compounds generates dimeric {Li(2)[O(2)NO](RR')}(2) (R = t-Bu, R' = Me in 1 and R = R' = t-Bu in 2) in the solid state as shown by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The lithiated ligands were used to prepare a series of Cr(III) complexes. Monometallic complexes are obtained when prepared and purified under strictly anhydrous conditions, giving CrCl(THF)[O(2)NO](RR') (R = t-Bu, R' = Me in 3 and R = R' = t-Bu in 4). However, bimetallic Cr complexes are obtained upon recrystallization in air, where adventitious water reacts with the complex resulting in protonation of one of the phenolate groups of the ligand and generating hydroxide, which bridges two Cr(III) centres. Solid-state single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of {CrCl[O(2)NN'](MeMe)}(mu-HO){CrCl[HO(2)NN'](MeMe)}, 5, and {CrCl[O(2)NN'](BuBu)}(mu-HO){CrCl[HO(2)NN'](BuBu)}, 6, were performed. The paramagnetic Cr(III) complexes were also characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and magnetic measurements.

Problem: The deaf population is an often-overlooked limited English proficiency (LEP) group at risk for health disparities associated with low health literacy. Lack of access to health information conveyed via radio, television, or ambient auditory sources such as public conversation further aggravates this population's low health literacy. Methods of adapting health education material for hearing LEP populations do not reach deaf audiences with equal effectiveness., Method: We adapt health education material for deaf audiences by first determining the "learning points" contained in vetted source material. A dialog-based film script covering those learning points is created. Supplemental content addressing common deaf population knowledge gaps and sociocultural experiences is added. Deaf actors are filmed following the adapted American Sign Language (ASL) script. Their ASL is back-translated into English to yield vocal track and subtitle scripts. The source material author(s) are consulted throughout the process to assure the film's adherence to the learning point list., Results: Users report that the adapted product is more relevant, engaging, and effective for deaf audiences., Conclusion: This adaptation approach may aid in reducing deaf population health disparities., ((PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).)

The translation work of sign language interpreters involves much more than language. The characteristics and goings-on in the physical environment, the dynamics and interactions between the people who are present, and even the "inner noise" of the interpreter contribute to the accuracy, or lack thereof, of the resulting translation. The competent interpreter must understand and respond appropriately to the language and nonlanguage aspects of each interpreting assignment. We use the framework of demand-control theory (Karasek, 1979) to examine the complex occupation of sign language interpreting. Demand-control theory is a job analysis method useful in studies of occupational stress and reduction of stress-related illness, injury, and burnout. We describe sources of demand in the interpreting profession, including demands that arise from factors other than those associated with languages (linguistic demands). These include environmental, interpersonal, and intrapersonal demands. Karasek's concept of control, or decision latitude, is also explored in relation to the interpreting profession. We discuss the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD), turnover, and burnout in the interpreting profession in light of demand-control theory and data from interpreter surveys, including a new survey study described herein. We conclude that nonlinguistic demand factors in particular and perceived restrictions in decision latitude likely contribute to stress, CTD, burnout, and the resulting shortage of sign language interpreters. We make suggestions for improvements in interpreter education and professional development, including the institution of an advanced, supervised professional training period, modeled after internships common in other high demand professional occupations.