Does PM 2.5 and PM 10-associated heavy metals affect short-term and long-term survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? Four-year study based on regional registry.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the effect of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) suspended on particulate matters (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 taking into account clinical factors on 30-day and one-year survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: A retrospective 4-year study that involved patients hospitalized after OHCA. Patients' data were obtained from Emergency Medical Services dispatch cards and the National Health Fund. The concentration of air pollutants was measured by the Environmental Protection Inspectorate in Poland. RESULTS: Among the 948 patients after OHCA, only 225 (23.7%) survived for 30 days, and 153 (16.1%) survived for 1 year. Survivors were more commonly affected by OHCA in urban areas (85 [55.6%] vs. 355 [44.7%]; P=0.013) and had slightly higher one-year mean concentration of As (0.78 vs. 0.77; P=0.01), Cd (0.34 vs. 0.34; P=0.012), and Pb (11.13 vs. 10.20; P=0.015) with no differences in daily mean concentration. Significant differences in mean concentrations of heavy metals and PM 2.5 and PM 10 were observed among different quarters. However, survival analysis revealed no differences in long-term survival between quarters. Heavy metals, PM 2.5, and PM 10 did not affect short-term and long-term survival in multivariable logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: The group of survivors showed slightly higher mean one-year concentrations of As, Cd and Pb, but they also experienced a higher incidence of OHCA in urban areas. There were no differences in long-term survival between patients who suffer OHCA in different quarters. Heavy metals did not independently affect survival.

Thermodynamic and Thermal Analyze of N,N-Dimethylformamide + 1-Butanol Mixture Properties Based on Density, Sound Velocity and Heat Capacity Data.

The present paper contains data on the density (ρ), sound velocity (u), and specific heat capacity cp of the mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide + 1-butanol (DMF + BuOH) determined in the entire concentration range of solution and in the temperature range (293.15-318.15) K. The analysis of thermodynamic functions such as isobaric molar expansion, isentropic and isothermal molar compression, isobaric and isochoric molar heat capacity, as well as their excess functions (Ep,mE,KS,mE,KT,mE,Cp, mE,CV, mE) and also VmE was undertaken. The analysis of changes in the physicochemical quantities was based on consideration of the system in terms of intermolecular interactions and resulting changes in the mixture structure. The results available in the literature were confusing during the analysis and became the reason for our decision to thoroughly examine the system. What is more, for a system whose components are widely used, there is very scarce information in the literature regarding the heat capacity of the tested mixture, which was also achieved and presented in this publication. The conclusions drawn from so many data points allow us to approximate and understand the changes that occur in the structure of the system due to the repeatability and consistency of the obtained results.

Effect of the Temperature on the Process of Preferential Solvation of 1,4-Dioxane, 12-Crown-4, 15-Crown-5 and 18-Crown-6 Ethers in the Mixture of N-Methylformamide with Water: Composition of the Solvation Shell of the Cyclic Ethers.

The aim of the work was to analyze the preferential solvation process, and determine the composition of the solvation shell of cyclic ethers using the calorimetric method. The heat of solution of 1,4-dioxane, 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 ethers in the mixture of N-methylformamide with water was measured at four temperatures, 293.15 K, 298.15 K, 303.15 K, and 308.15 K, and the standard partial molar heat capacity of cyclic ethers has been discussed. 18-crown-6 (18C6) molecules can form complexes with NMF molecules through the hydrogen bonds between -CH3 group of NMF and the oxygen atoms of 18C6. Using the model of preferential solvation, the cyclic ethers were observed to be preferentially solvated by NMF molecules. It has been proved that the molar fraction of NMF in the solvation shell of cyclic ethers is higher than that in the mixed solvent. The exothermic, enthalpic effect of preferential solvation of cyclic ethers increases with increasing ring size and temperature. The increase in the negative effect of the structural properties of the mixed solvent with increase in the ring size in the process of preferential solvation of the cyclic ethers indicates an increasing disturbance of the mixed solvent structure, which is reflected in the influence of the energetic properties of the mixed solvent.

Composition of the Solvation Shell of the Selected Cyclic Ethers (1,4-Dioxane, 12-Crown-4, 15-Crown-5 and 18-Crown-6) in a Mixture of Formamide with Water at Four Temperatures.

The solution enthalpy of 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 ethers in the mixture of formamide (F) and water (W) was measured at four temperatures: 293.15 K, 298.15 K, 303.15 K, 308.15 K. The standard molar enthalpy of solution, ΔsolHo, depends on the size of cyclic ethers molecules and the temperature. With increasing temperature, the values of ΔsolHo become less negative. The values of the standard partial molar heat capacity Cp,2o of cyclic ethers at 298.15 K have been calculated. The Cp,2o=f(xW) curve shape indicates the hydrophobic hydration process of cyclic ethers in the range of a high-water content in the mixture with formamide. The enthalpic effect of preferential solvation of cyclic ethers was calculated and the effect of temperature on the preferential solvation process was discussed. The process of complex formation between 18C6 molecules and formamide molecules is observed. The cyclic ethers molecules are preferentially solvated by formamide molecules. The mole fraction of formamide in the solvation sphere of cyclic ethers has been calculated.

The Group Contribution to the Function Derived from Density and Speed-of-Sound Measurements for Glymes in N,N-Dimethylformamide + Water Mixtures.

The density and speed of sound of pentaglyme and hexaglyme in the N,N-dimethylformamide + water mixture at four temperatures are presented. The limiting apparent molar volumes (VΦ,m0=Vm0), the isobaric molar thermal expansion (Ep,m0), the isentropic compressibility (κS), and the limiting partial molar isentropic compression (KS,Φ,m0 = KS,m0) were calculated. Changes in the values obtained from the physicochemical parameters, as functions of composition and temperature, were analyzed in terms of the molecular interactions and structural differentiation of the investigated systems. The hydrophobic hydration process of the studied glymes was visible in the area of high water content in the mixture. The hydration number of glymes in water at four temperatures was calculated and analyzed. The contribution of the -CH2- and -O- group to the functions describing the volume and acoustic properties of the investigated system was calculated. The calculated values of the functions analyzed using the group contribution are in agreement with the values obtained from the experimental data. Thus, such contributions are valuable for wide ranges of data, which can be used to analyze the hydrophobic hydration and preferential solvation processes, as well as to calculate the values of these functions for other similar compounds.

Impact of Air Pollution and COVID-19 Infection on Periprocedural Death in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Air pollution and COVID-19 infection affect the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The impact of these factors on the course of ACS treatment is not well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of air pollution, COVID-19 infection, and selected clinical factors on the occurrence of perioperative death in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by developing a neural network model. This retrospective study included 53,076 patients with ACS from the ORPKI registry (National Registry of Invasive Cardiology Procedures) including 2395 COVID-19 (+) patients and 34,547 COVID-19 (-) patients. The neural network model developed included 57 variables, had high performance in predicting perioperative patient death, and had an error risk of 0.03%. Based on the analysis of the effect of permutation on the variable, the variables with the greatest impact on the prediction of perioperative death were identified to be vascular access, critical stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) or left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Air pollutants and COVID-19 had weaker effects on end-point prediction. The neural network model developed has high performance in predicting the occurrence of perioperative death. Although COVID-19 and air pollutants affect the prediction of perioperative death, the key predictors remain vascular access and critical LMCA or LAD stenosis.

The influence of air pollution by PM2.5, PM10 and associated heavy metals on the parameters of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), defined as abrupt cessation of mechanical activity of the heart, is one of the most common causes of death in high-income countries. Cardiac arrest is most often a result of severe cardiovascular disease. New evidence shows that air pollutants such as heavy metals and atmospheric particulate matter have an impact on the pathophysiology of many cardiovascular diseases as well on incidences of OHCA. This retrospective analysis includes all OHCA cases that occurred in central Poland covering the area of 11.711 km2 with the population density of 108 people per square kilometer. Among 2878 EMS-treated OHCA cases between 2013 and 2016, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was attempted in 2076 (72%) patients. Concentrations of air pollutants were compared with temperature, humidity and clinical factors affecting the CPR. The study shows seasonal variation of PM 2.5 (p < 0.001), PM 10 (p < 0.001), As (p < 0.001) and Cd (p < 0.001) over the years. Air pollution has a significant effect on the parameters of pre-hospital evaluation in OHCA patients, especially with respect to the content of PM2.5/PM10 and heavy metals. Nickel exposure affects the incidence of initial shockable rhythm (IRR 0.92; p = 0.01) and effectiveness of CPR (IRR 0.94; p = 0.003). Arsenic has an impact on overall mortality (IRR 1.07; p = 0.01) and death upon the arrival of EMS team (IRR 1.15; p < 0.001). Overall mortality was also related to ambient levels of PM10 (IRR 1.004; p < 0.047).

Can the Isothermal Calorimetric Curve Shapes Suggest the Structural Changes in Micellar Aggregates?

Inspired by the unusual shapes of the titration curve observed for many surfactants and mixed colloidal systems, we decided to extend the analysis to isothermal titration calorimetric curves (ITC) by paying special attention to potential structural changes in micellar aggregates. In this paper, we used isothermal titration calorimetry in conjunction with Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and X-ray Scattering (SAXS) methods support by Monte Carlo and semiempirical quantum chemistry simulations to confirm if the isothermal calorimetric curve shape can reflect micelle transition phenomena. For that purpose, we analysed, from the thermodynamic point of view, a group of cationic gemini surfactants, alkanediyl-α,ω-bis(dimethylalkylammonium) bromides. We proposed the shape of aggregates created by surfactant molecules in aqueous solutions and changes thereof within a wide temperature range. The results provide evidence for the reorganization processes and the relationship (dependence) between the morphology of the created aggregates and the conditions such as temperature, surfactant concentration and spacer chain length which affect the processes.

Zooremediation of leachates from municipal waste using Eisenia fetida (SAV.).

Leachates from municipal landfills are formed as infiltration waters flowing through the landfill. They contain toxic, dissolved products of biochemical reactions taking place in the deposit. They cause soil and groundwater pollution. It is necessary to take them out of the landfill cover and utilize toxins contained therein, in particular heavy metals. Such processes are conducted with the use of microorganisms. Due to the content of toxic compounds, introducing leachates into the process of biological purification poses a threat to the microorganisms used in these processes. An alternative to microbial co-treatment of sludge and leachate as well as soil contaminated with communal leachate is to use red hybrid of California (Eisenia fetida Sav.), an earthworm resistant to environmental toxins, in particular heavy metals. The aim of the conducted research is to demonstrate the possibility of using red hybrid of California in leachate bioutilization as a complementary or alternative method to the process of leachate utilization with the use of microorganisms. The obtained results led to the conclusion that Eisenia fetida accumulates environmental toxins well. By collecting and processing them in the tissues, it remedies the substrate and retains long life and fertility, and the ability to reproduce. The research demonstrated high dynamics of population growth (from 25 individuals in the initial deposit to 298 individuals after six months of research). These properties are related to the presence of enzyme proteins from the metallothionein group in the gastrointestinal tract cells. Packing heavy metals found in leachates into the metallothionein coat limits their toxic effect on earthworm tissues, which confirms the possibility of using earthworms in the processes of detoxification of municipal leachate.

Effect of Base-Acid Properties of Mixtures of Ethanol with Water on the Enthalpy of Solution of Cyclic Ethers in these Mixtures at T = 298.15 K.

The enthalpies of solution of the cyclic ethers 1,4-dioxane, 12-crown-4 and 18-crown-6 in mixtures of ethanol and water have been measured within the whole mole fraction range at T = 298.15 K. The enthalpy of solvation has been calculated. In pure ethanol and pure water, the solvation enthalpy of the investigated cyclic ethers depends linearity on the number of -CH2CH2- groups in the cyclic ether molecules. Based on the analysis of the preferential solvation model proposed by Waghorne, it can be concluded that the 1,4-dioxane, 15C5 and 18C6 molecules are preferentially solvated by water molecules in the range of low water content in these mixtures. The effect of base-acid properties of ethanol-water mixtures on the enthalpy of solution of cyclic ethers in these mixtures has been analyzed. The enthalpy of solution of cyclic ethers correlates with the acidic properties of ethanol-water mixtures in the range of high and medium water content. The results presented are compared with analogous data obtained for the methanol-water and propan-1-ol-water mixtures.

Partial Molar Volumes of 15-Crown-5 Ether in Mixtures of N,N-Dimethylformamide with Water.

The density of 15-crown-5 ether (15C5) solutions in the mixtures of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and water (H2O) was measured within the temperature range 293.15-308.15 K using an Anton Paar oscillatory U-tube densimeter. The results were used to calculate the apparent molar volumes (VΦ ) of 15C5 in the mixtures of DMF + H2O over the whole concentration range. Using the apparent molar volumes and Redlich and Mayer equation, the standard partial molar volumes of 15-crown-5 were calculated at infinite dilution ([Formula: see text]). The limiting apparent molar expansibilities (α) were also calculated. The data are discussed from the point of view of the effect of concentration changes on interactions in solution.

Sorption of cadmium and zinc in selected species of epigeic mosses.

The sorption abilities of seven moss species growing on the area of Bory Stobrawskie forest (southern Poland) were tested in laboratory. Sorption was carried out in solutions of Zn and Cd chlorides. It has been shown that the sorption properties depend on the moss species and increases in the series as follows: Polytrichum commune < Leucobryum glaucum < Eurhynchium praelongum < Thuidium tamtariscifolium ≤ Dicranum scoparium ≤ Pleurozium schreberi < Sphagnum sp. With help of microscope images, it was also demonstrated that one of the factors affecting the sorption properties of mosses was the level of their surface development. The determined sorption capacity of Zn varies according to species of mosses from 0.0491 to 0.1287 mmol g(-1), and in relation to Cd from 0.0319 to 0.1335 mmol g(-1). The described results may be important in the process of biomonitoring research design and in the test results interpretation.