Reactivity Control of Oxidative CL-20@PVDF Composite Microspheres by Using Carbon Nanomaterials as Catalysts.

2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) is one of the high-energy oxidants, but has limited application due to its high sensitivity. In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was used as a co-oxidizer, which is expected to increase the safety of CL-20. One kind of novel graphene-based carbohydrazide complex (GCCo and GCNi) was employed to modify the properties of dual-oxidant CL-20@PVDF composites by the spray drying method and compared with traditional nanocarbon materials (CNTs and GO). The properties of these composites were investigated using the TGA/DSC technique and impact test. The results show that GCCo and GCNi could increase the activation energy (Ea) of CL-20@PVDF composites, and change the physical model of CL-20@PVDF, which followed the random chain scission model and then the first-order reaction model. In addition, these nanocarbon materials could reduce the impact sensitivity of CL-20@PVDF by their unique structure. Besides that, a dual-oxidant CL-20@PVDF system was used to improve the combustion property of Boron. GCCo and GCNi with the synergetic effect could increase the flame temperature and control the burn rate of CL-20@PVDF@B compared with CNTs and GO. The energetic nanocarbon catalyst-modified oxidant provides a facile method for stabilizing high-energy but sensitive materials to broaden their application.

Screening Strategy Identifies an Overlooked Deep-Ultraviolet Transparent Nonlinear Optical Crystal.

In the deep-ultraviolet (DUV) region, nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals must meet stringent requirements, including a large optical band gap and sufficient second harmonic generation (SHG) response. Typically, these criteria are fulfilled by borates, carbonates and nitrates containing π-conjugated groups. In contrast, sulfates and phosphates, with polarizabilities significantly smaller than those of π-conjugated groups, struggle to achieve similar performance. Here, we present the discovery of Mg2PO4Cl, a magnesium-based phosphate, identified from over 10,000 phosphates based on a polar-axial-symmetry screening strategy, which exhibits the highest SHG response (5.2 × KH2PO4 (KDP)) with phase-matching ability among non-π-conjugated DUV transparent NLO crystals. This compound belongs to the Pna21 space group, with [PO4] units consistently aligned along the 21 screw axis and glide planes throughout its crystal structure. Theoretical calculations attribute its remarkable SHG effect to the orderly arrangement of heteroanionic [MgO5Cl] and [MgO4Cl2] polyhedra alongside isolated [PO4] tetrahedra, supported by Berry phase analysis. Furthermore, a crystallographic structure analysis of phosphates and sulfates with significant SHG effects validates the effectiveness of our screening strategy. These findings offer valuable insights into the origins of NLO effects in non-π-conjugated compounds from both a material design and structural chemistry perspective, inspiring future efforts to revitalize DUV phosphates.

Decontamination promotes the release of incorporated organic contaminants in hair: Novel insights into non-invasive biomonitoring.

Human hair is increasingly employed as a non-invasive biomonitoring matrix for exposure to organic contaminants (OCs). Decontamination procedures are generally needed to remove external contamination from hair prior to analysis of OCs. Despite various existing decontamination protocols, their impacts on internally incorporated (endogenous) OCs in hair remain poorly understood. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of decontamination procedures on endogenous OCs in hair, and investigate optimal decontamination processes and factors influencing the removal of endogenous OCs. In this study, guinea pig was exposed to 6 OCs (triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP), bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and phenanthrene (PHE)), and 6 decontamination procedures with different solvents (methanol, n-hexane, acetone, ultrapure water, Triton X-100, and sodium dodecyl sulfate) were used to rinse exposed guinea pig hair. All OCs and three metabolites (diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), dibutyl phosphate (DBP), and bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP)) were detected in the majority of washing solutions. The decontamination procedures apparently resulted in the release of endogenous OCs from hair. The percentages of residual OCs in hair exhibited a linear or exponential decrease with more washing cycles. Furthermore, the residuals of OCs in hair washed with organic and aqueous solvents showed negative correlations with molecular weight, polarizability, and their initial concentrations. Although these findings need to be validated with a broader range of OCs, the results obtained in this study provide compelling evidence that current hair decontamination procedures have significant impacts on the analysis of endogenous OCs in hair. Therefore, it is important to interpret quantitative data on hair OC concentrations with caution and to thoroughly consider each decontamination procedure during analysis.

Bifunctional Oxygen-Defect Bismuth Catalyst toward Concerted Production of H2O2 with over 150% Cell Faradaic Efficiency in Continuously Flowing Paired-Electrosynthesis System.

The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from O2 or H2O via the two-electron (2e-) oxygen reduction (2e- ORR) or water oxidation (2e- WOR) reaction provides a green and sustainable alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process. Herein, a paired-electrosynthesis tactic is reported for concerted H2O2 production at a high rate by coupling the 2e- ORR and 2e- WOR, in which the bifunctional oxygen-vacancy-enriched Bi2O3 nanorods (Ov-Bi2O3-EO), obtained through electrochemically oxidative reconstruction of Bi-based metal-organic framework (Bi-MOF) nanorod precursor, are used as both efficient anodic and cathodic electrocatalysts, achieving concurrent H2O2 production at both electrodes with high Faradaic efficiencies. Specifically, the coupled 2e- ORR//2e- WOR electrolysis system based on such distinctive oxygen-defect Bi catalyst displays excellent performance for the paired-electrosynthesis of H2O2, delivering a remarkable cell Faradaic efficiency of 154.8% and an ultrahigh H2O2 production rate of 4.3 mmol h-1 cm-2. Experiments combined with theoretical analysis reveal the crucial role of oxygen vacancies in optimizing the adsorption of intermediates associated with the selective two-electron reaction pathways, thereby improving the activity and selectivity of the 2e- reaction processes at both electrodes. This work establishes a new paradigm for developing advanced electrocatalysts and designing novel paired-electrolysis systems for scalable and sustainable H2O2 electrosynthesis.

From Methane to Methanol: Pd-iC-CeO2 Catalysts Engineered for High Selectivity via Mechanochemical Synthesis.

In the pursuit of selective conversion of methane directly to methanol in the liquid-phase, a common challenge is the concurrent formation of undesirable liquid oxygenates or combustion byproducts. However, we demonstrate that monometallic Pd-CeO2 catalysts, modified by carbon, created by a simple mechanochemical synthesis method exhibit 100% selectivity toward methanol at 75 °C, using hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. The solvent free synthesis yields a distinctive Pd-iC-CeO2 interface, where interfacial carbon (iC) modulates metal-oxide interactions and facilitates tandem methane activation and peroxide decomposition, thus resulting in an exclusive methanol selectivity of 100% with a yield of 117 µmol/gcat at 75 °C. Notably, solvent interactions of H2O2 (aq) were found to be critical for methanol selectivity through a density functional theory (DFT)-simulated Eley-Rideal-like mechanism. This mechanism uniquely enables the direct conversion of methane into methanol via a solid-liquid-gas process.

A novel chemical genetic approach reveals paralog-specific role of ERK1/2 in mouse embryonic stem cell fate control.

Introduction: Mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal can be maintained through dual inhibition of GSK3 and MEK kinases. MEK has two highly homologous downstream kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). However, the exact roles of ERK1/2 in mouse ESC self-renewal and differentiation remain unclear. Methods: We selectively deleted or inhibited ERK1, ERK2, or both using genetic and chemical genetic approaches combined with small molecule inhibitors. The effects of ERK paralog-specific inhibition on mouse ESC self-renewal and differentiation were then assessed. Results: ERK1/2 were found to be dispensable for mouse ESC survival and self-renewal. The inhibition of both ERK paralogs, in conjunction with GSK3 inhibition, was sufficient to maintain mouse ESC self-renewal. In contrast, selective deletion or inhibition of only one ERK paralog did not mimic the effect of MEK inhibition in promoting mouse ESC self-renewal. Regarding ESC differentiation, inhibition of ERK1/2 prevented mesendoderm differentiation. Additionally, selective inhibition of ERK1, but not ERK2, promoted mesendoderm differentiation. Discussion: These findings suggest that ERK1 and ERK2 have both overlapping and distinct roles in regulating ESC self-renewal and differentiation. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ERK1/2 in governing ESC maintenance and lineage commitment, potentially informing future strategies for controlling stem cell fate in research and therapeutic applications.

Impact of acupuncture on ischemia/reperfusion injury: Unraveling the role of miR-34c-5p and autophagy activation.

We have previously reported that the expression of miR-34c-5p was up-regulated during acupuncture treatment in the setting of a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI), indicating that miR-34c-5p plays an important role in healing from a CIRI-induced brain injury. This study sought to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on miR-34c-5p expression and autophagy in the forward and reverse directions using a rat focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model. After 120 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, rats were treated with acupuncture at the "Dazhui" (DU20), "Baihui" (DU26) and "Renzhong" (DU14) points. Neurologic function deficit score, cerebral infarct area ratio, neuronal apoptosis and miR-34c-5p expression were evaluated 72 hr after treatment. The autophagy agonist RAPA and the antagonist 3MA were used to evaluate the neuro protective effects of autophagy-mediated acupuncture. We found that acupuncture treatment improved autophagy in the brain tissue of CIRI rats. Acupuncture reversed the negative effects of 3MA on CIRI, and acupuncture combined with RAPA further enhanced autophagy. We also found that acupuncture could increase miR-34c-5p expression in hippocampal neurons after ischemia/reperfusion. Acupuncture and a miR-34c agomir were able to enhance autophagy, improve neurologic deficits, and reduce the cerebral infarct area ratio and apoptosis rate by promoting the expression of miR-34c-5p. Silencing miR-34c resulted in a significantly reduced activating effect of acupuncture on autophagy and increased apoptosis, neurologic deficit symptoms, and cerebral infarct area ratio. This confirms that acupuncture can upregulate miR-34c-5p expression, which is beneficial in the treatment of CIRI.

Molecular insights into the catalytic mechanism of a phthalate ester hydrolase.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are emerging hazardous and toxic chemicals that are extensively used as plasticizers or additives. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dimethyl phthalate (DMP), two kinds of PAEs, have been listed as the priority pollutants by many countries. PAE hydrolases are the most effective enzymes in PAE degradation, among which family IV esterases are predominate. However, only a few PAE hydrolases have been characterized, and as far as we know, no crystal structure of any PAE hydrolases of the family IV esterases is available to date. HylD1 is a PAE hydrolase of the family IV esterases, which can degrade DMP and DEP. Here, the recombinant HylD1 was characterized. HylD1 maintained a dimer in solution, and functioned under a relatively wide pH range. The crystal structures of HylD1 and its complex with monoethyl phthalate were solved. Residues involved in substrate binding were identified. The catalytic mechanism of HylD1 mediated by the catalytic triad Ser140-Asp231-His261 was further proposed. The hylD1 gene is widely distributed in different environments, suggesting its important role in PAEs degradation. This study provides a better understanding of PAEs hydrolysis, and lays out favorable bases for the rational design of highly-efficient PAEs degradation enzymes for industrial applications in future.

Deep Blue CsPbBr3 Quantum Wires with Tailored Shapes.

Low-dimension metal halide perovskites are attractive for bandgap tunable optoelectronic materials. Among them, 1-D CsPbBr3 quantum wires (QWs) are emerging as promising deep-blue luminescent material. However, the growth dynamics of 1-D perovskite QWs are intricate, making the study and control of 1-D QWs highly challenging. In this study, a strategy for controlling both the length and width of the CsPbBr3 QWs was realized. The temperature-dependent isotropic growth mechanism was revealed and employed as the main tool for the oriented growth of 1-D CsPbBr3 QWs for various aspect ratios. Our results pave the way for the controlled synthesis of ultrasmall perovskite nanocrystals.

Preparation and Decomposition of Spherical CL-20 Composites with Enhanced Laser Absorbance and Decreased Mechanical Sensitivity.

Direct initiation of secondary explosives by a semiconductor laser is highly demanded, but it is challenging to exclude the use of sensitive primers. Most laser-sensitive energetic materials are usually mechanically sensitive. In order to reduce the mechanical sensitivity (MS) of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) while improving laser absorbance in the near-infrared band, spherical CL-20 composites (SCCs) embedded with nano aluminum (Al) powder and graphene-based catalyst (GO-CHZ-Co) were prepared by a spray drying method. These SCCs have been characterized comprehensively in terms of their morphologies, particle size distribution, laser absorbance, thermal decomposition behaviors, MS, and laser ignition properties. Results show that the maximum critical impact energy of SCCs was 3.8 J, which is 2.8 J higher than that of pristine ε-CL-20. The critical friction load was increased by at most 108 N compared to pristine CL-20. The absorbance has also been significantly increased up to almost 70% in the wavelength between 400 and 1400 nm, where the peak absorption is located in the region of 800-900 nm. In addition, the initial decomposition temperature (Ti) of SCCs is lower than that of pure CL-20, especially in the presence of GO-CHZ-Co. The apparent activation energy (Ea) for the decomposition of SCCs was largely dependent on the particle size of Al. Preliminary ignition tests indicate that the SCCs can be ignited successfully by a small-power laser.

A robust ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of 10 components in glutathione cycle.

Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant that is generated and degraded via the GSH cycle. Quantification of the main components in the GSH cycle is necessary to evaluate the process of GSH. In this study, a robust ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of 10 components (GSH; γ-glutamylcysteine; cysteinyl-glycine; n-acetylcysteine; homocysteine; cysteine; cystine; methionine; glutamate; pyroglutamic acid) in GSH cycle was developed. The approach was optimized in terms of derivative, chromatographic, and spectrometric conditions as well as sample preparation. The unstable thiol groups of GSH, γ-glutamylcysteine, cysteinyl-glycine, n-acetylcysteine, cysteine, and homocysteine were derivatized by n-ethylmaleimide. The derivatized and underivatized analytes were separated on an amino column with gradient elution. The method was further validated in terms of selectivity (no interference), linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (% relative standard deviation [RSD%] range from 0.57 to 10.33), accuracy (% relative error [RE%] range from -3.42 to 10.92), stability (RSD% < 5.68, RE% range from -2.54 to 4.40), recovery (RSD% range from 1.87 to 7.87) and matrix effect (RSD% < 5.42). The validated method was applied to compare the components in the GSH cycle between normal and oxidative stress cells, which would be helpful in clarifying the effect of oxidative stress on the GSH cycle.

Meta-omics analysis reveals the marine arsenic cycle driven by bacteria.

Arsenic is a toxic element widely distributed in the Earth's crust and ranked as a class I human carcinogen. Microbial metabolism makes significant contributions to arsenic detoxification, migration and transformation. Nowadays, research on arsenic is primarily in areas affected by arsenic pollution associated with human health activities. However, the biogeochemical traits of arsenic in the global marine ecosystem remain to be explicated. In this study, we revealed that seawater environments were primarily governed by the process of arsenate reduction to arsenite, while arsenite methylation was predominant in marine sediments which may serve as significant sources of arsenic emission into the atmosphere. Significant disparities existed in the distribution patterns of the arsenic cycle between surface and deep seawaters at middle and low latitudes, whereas these situations tend to be similar in the Arctic and Antarctic oceans. Significant variations were also observed in the taxonomic diversity and core microbial community of arsenic cycling across different marine environments. Specifically, γ-proteobacteria played a pivotal role in the arsenic cycle in the whole marine environment. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and phosphate were the crucial factors that related to these differentiations in seawater environments. Overall, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the marine arsenic cycle.

The complete genome sequence of the planctomycetotal bacterium Bremerella sp. P1 with abundant genes involved in polysaccharide degradation.

Isolated from intertidal sediment of the Yellow Sea, China, Bremerella sp. P1 putatively represents a novel species within the genus Bremerella of the family Pirellulaceae in the phylum Planctomycetota. The complete genome of strain P1 comprises a single circular chromosome with a size of 6,955,728 bp and a GC content of 55.26%. The genome contains 5772 protein-coding genes, 80 tRNA and 6 rRNA genes. A total of 147 CAZymes and 128 sulfatases have been identified from the genome of strain P1, indicating that the strain has the capability to degrade a wide range of polysaccharides. Moreover, a gene cluster related to bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) formation containing genes encoding the shell proteins and related enzymes to metabolize fucose or rhamnose is also found in the genome of strain P1. The genome of strain P1 represents the second complete one in the genus Bremerella, expanding the understanding of the physiological and metabolic characteristics, interspecies diversity, and ecological functions of the genus.

Neuroprotective effects of Gypenosides: A review on preclinical studies in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is a perennial creeping herb belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family that has a long history of usage in traditional oriental medicine. Gypenosides are the primary bioactive compounds in Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Because of the medicinal value of gypenosides, functional food and supplements containing gypenosides have been promoted and consumed with popularity, especially among Asian communities. This review presented the progress made in the research of pharmacological properties of gypenosides on diseases of the nervous system and their possible mechanism of action. To date, preclinical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of gypenosides in alleviating neuropsychiatric disorders like depression, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, secondary dementia, stroke, optic neuritis, etc. Pharmacological studies have discovered that gypenosides can modulate various major signaling pathways like NF-κB, Nrf2, AKT, ERK1/2, contributing to the neuroprotective properties. However, there is a dearth of clinical research on gypenosides, with current investigations on the compounds being mainly conducted in vitro and on animals. Future studies focusing on isolating and purifying novel gypenosides and investigations on exploring the potential molecular mechanism underlying their biological activities are warranted, which may serve as a foundation for further clinical trials for the betterment of human health.

Two Mn(II)-Bridged Silverton-Type [UMo12O42]8- Polyoxometalates with Catalytic Activity for the Synthesis of Pyrazoles.

Two Mn(II)-bridged Silverton-type {UMo12O42}-based polyoxomolybdates with different three-dimensional structures, Na6(H2O)12[Mn(UMo12O42)] (NaMn) and (NH4)2[K2Na6(µ4-O)2(H2O)1.2Mn(UMo12O42)]·4.6H2O (KMn), were hydrothermally synthesized and further characterized, demonstrating a feasible strategy for the assembly of Silverton-type polyoxomolybdates. Additionally, NaMn is demonstrated to be a good heterogeneous catalyst in the condensation cyclization reaction of hydrazines and 1,3-diketones, and a range of valuable pyrazoles were produced in up to 99% yield.

Enhancing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function in porcine oocyte maturation and embryonic development through notoginsenoside R1 supplementation.

This study examines the impact of Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a compound from Panax notoginseng, on the maturation of porcine oocytes and their embryonic development, focusing on its effects on antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function. This study demonstrates that supplementing in vitro maturation (IVM) medium with NGR1 significantly enhances several biochemical parameters. These include elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and mRNA expression of catalase (CAT) and GPX. Concurrently, we observed a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and an increase in JC-1 immunofluorescence, mitochondrial distribution, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) and nuclear NRF2 mRNA levels. Additionally, there was an increase in ATP production and lipid droplets (LDs) immunofluorescence. These biochemical improvements correlate with enhanced embryonic outcomes, including a higher blastocyst rate, increased total cell count, enhanced proliferative capacity and elevated octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) gene expression. Furthermore, NGR1 supplementation resulted in decreased apoptosis, reduced caspase 3 (Cas3) and BCL2-Associated X (Bax) mRNA levels and decreased glucose-regulated protein 78 kD (GRP78) immunofluorescence in porcine oocytes undergoing in vitro maturation. These findings suggest that NGR1 plays a crucial role in promoting porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development by providing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial protection.

Self-supported bimetallic array superstructures for high-performance coupling electrosynthesis of formate and adipate.

The coupling electrosynthesis involving CO2 upgrade conversion is of great significance for the sustainable development of the environment and energy but is challenging. Herein, we exquisitely constructed the self-supported bimetallic array superstructures from the Cu(OH)2 array architecture precursor, which can enable high-performance coupling electrosynthesis of formate and adipate at the anode and the cathode, respectively. Concretely, the faradaic efficiencies (FEs) of CO2-to-formate and cyclohexanone-to-adipate conversion simultaneously exceed 90% at both electrodes with excellent stabilities. Such high-performance coupling electrosynthesis is highly correlated with the porous nanosheet array superstructure of CuBi alloy as the cathode and the nanosheet-on-nanowire array superstructure of CuNi hydroxide as the anode. Moreover, compared to the conventional electrolysis process, the cell voltage is substantially reduced while maintaining the electrocatalytic performance for coupling electrosynthesis in the two-electrode electrolyzer with the maximal FEformate and FEadipate up to 94.2% and 93.1%, respectively. The experimental results further demonstrate that the bimetal composition modulates the local electronic structures, promoting the reactions toward the target products. Prospectively, our work proposes an instructive strategy for constructing adaptive self-supported superstructures to achieve efficient coupling electrosynthesis.

New evidence: Metformin unsuitable as routine adjuvant for breast cancer: a drug-target mendelian randomization analysis.

PURPOSE: The potential efficacy of metformin in breast cancer (BC) has been hotly discussed but never conclusive. This genetics-based study aimed to evaluate the relationships between metformin targets and BC risk. METHODS: Metformin targets from DrugBank and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from IEU OpenGWAS and FinnGen were used to investigate the breast cancer (BC)-metformin causal link with various Mendelian Randomization (MR) methods (e.g., inverse-variance-weighting). The genetic association between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the drug target of metformin was also analyzed as a positive control. Sensitivity and pleiotropic tests ensured reliability. RESULTS: The primary targets of metformin are PRKAB1, ETFDH and GPD1L. We found a causal association between PRKAB1 and T2D (odds ratio [OR] 0.959, P = 0.002), but no causal relationship was observed between metformin targets and overall BC risk (PRKAB1: OR 0.990, P = 0.530; ETFDH: OR 0.986, P = 0.592; GPD1L: OR 1.002, P = 0.806). A noteworthy causal relationship was observed between ETFDH and estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC (OR 0.867, P = 0.018), and between GPD1L and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative BC (OR 0.966, P = 0.040). Other group analyses did not yield positive results. CONCLUSION: The star target of metformin, PRKAB1, does not exhibit a substantial causal association with the risk of BC. Conversely, metformin, acting as an inhibitor of ETFDH and GPD1L, may potentially elevate the likelihood of developing ER-positive BC and HER2-negative BC. Consequently, it is not advisable to employ metformin as a standard supplementary therapy for BC patients without T2D.

Measurement of lead, mercury, and cadmium in blood donors in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Fetal and neonatal exposure to lead is associated with irreversible adverse effects on neural development. There is no reliable threshold for lead effect, so limiting exposure is recommended. A significant correlation has been reported between post-transfusion blood lead level (BLL) in infants and lead levels in transfused RBC units. We measured levels of lead, mercury, and cadmium, in Canadian donor blood to investigate if concerning levels for neonatal transfusion exist. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood samples from blood donors (n = 2529) were shipped cold within 7 days of donation. All permanent blood donation clinics across Canada were sampled. Twelve of these permanent clinics and 8 mobile clinics with a greater potential for having higher lead or mercury levels were oversampled. Heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Of all donations, 2.2% (lead) and 0.4% (mercury) had levels higher than the recommended thresholds for safe neonatal transfusion. BLLs were higher in males but there was no significant difference in the blood mercury levels of males versus females. Cadmium levels were higher in females. There was a positive correlation between donor age and levels of heavy metals, with lead having the strongest correlation (r = 0.47, p < .0001). Three clinics in close proximity to two lead-producing mines were among the clinics with the highest BLLs. Significantly higher blood mercury levels were observed in coastal clinics. CONCLUSION: Our data on donor blood heavy metal levels supports considering blood transfusion as an exposure source to heavy metals and encourages informed selection of blood units for transfusion to vulnerable groups.

Successful Treatment of Severe Case of Lipid Overload Syndrome with Pancreatitis and Pneumonia: A Case Report.

Background: Fat overload syndrome is a rare and severe adverse reaction triggered by the infusion of a single source of lipid emulsion, resulting in elevated blood triacylglycerol (TG) levels. The majority of literature reports focus on cases of fat overload syndrome in patients with mild symptoms. This case is significant because it demonstrates the diagnostic and therapeutic experience and provide valuable insights for the management for severe fat overload syndrome. Case Presentation: We present a case report of a female patient who developed fat overload syndrome following prolonged and excessive infusion of lipid emulsion after colon resection surgery. In the setting of compromised immune function and malnutrition, the patient's pulmonary infection and respiratory distress symptoms have further exacerbated. Hence, in addition to severe pancreatitis, the patient has also contracted severe pneumonia. Upon admission, tracheal intubation, plasma exchange and blood perfusion were performed. Subsequently, comprehensive treatment was provided, including anti-infection, antispasmodic, acid suppression, enzyme inhibition, as well as targeted supportive measures to stabilize electrolytes and nutritional status. After treatment, there was a progressive reduction in blood lipid levels. After assessing the relevant risks, it was deemed necessary to perform an emergency computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage tube placement procedure targeting the necrotic area of the pancreas while the patient was still intubated. Finally, the patient was discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: The case highlights the association between fat overload syndrome and pancreatitis as well as the use of lipid emulsions and suggests the treatment strategies for severe fat overload syndrome.