Lead removal by ThioOctolig.

Octolig, a commercially available (a polyethylene diamine covalently attached to silica gel), was subjected to modifications to incorporate sulfur for enhanced removal of lead ion from aqueous solutions. The basic approach was attempted formation of "ThioOctolig" by the reaction of Octolig with thioacetamide in toluene using a shaker bath for 24 or 48 h or in the presence of 10% HCl (1 h). Our experience was that conversion was limited to about 20% based on sulfur analysis for 24 or 48 h reaction time, or in the presence of 10% HCl. In fact, with acidification, the results were poorer. Duplicate runs indicated consistent results. Literature reported that SbCl3 was an effective catalyst with a reaction time of 1 h. Use of this reagent (1-h reaction time) produced a bright orange red product, in contrast with previous yellow-colored products. A control run indicated that this reagent reacted with Octolig in toluene (in the dark) to produce a red-colored sample; thioacetamide reacted to produce a yellow sample. Use of SbCl3 (∼5 mole %) did not enhance the sulfur content of Octolig. A sample of Octolig removed 68% lead ion from a 120 ppm aqueous lead while a sample of ThioOctolig (10% S) removed 99.4% lead ions. We also investigated enhancing the sulfur incorporation upon raising the reaction temperature with thioacetamide.

Protocol for a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized controlled trial of the LifeSpan suicide prevention trial in four communities in New South Wales, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing investment in suicide prevention, Australian suicide rates have increased steadily in the past decade. In response to growing evidence for multicomponent intervention models for reducing suicide, the LifeSpan model has been developed as the first multicomponent, evidence-based, system-wide approach to suicide prevention in Australia. The LifeSpan model consists of nine evidence-based strategies. These include indicated, selective and universal interventions which are delivered simultaneously to community and healthcare systems over a 2-year implementation period. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the LifeSpan model in reducing suicide attempts and suicide deaths in four geographically defined regions in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS: We outline the protocol for a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized controlled trial. Following a 6-month transition phase, the trial sites will move to the 2-year active implementation phase in 4-monthly intervals with evaluation extending a minimum of 24 months after establishment of the full active period. Analysis will be undertaken of the change attributable to the invention across the four sites. The primary outcome for the study is the rate of attempted suicide in the regions involved. Rate of suicide deaths within each site is a secondary outcome. DISCUSSION: If proven effective, the LifeSpan model for suicide prevention could be more widely delivered in Australian communities, providing a valuable new approach to tackle rising suicide rates. LifeSpan has the potential to significantly contribute to the mental health of Australians by improving help-seeking for suicide, facilitating early detection, and improving aftercare to reduce re-attempts. The findings from this research should also contribute to the evidence base for multilevel suicide prevention programs internationally. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Register, ID: ACTRN12617000457347. Prospectively registered on 28 March 2017. https://www.anzctr.org.au/TrialSearch.aspx#&&conditionCode=&dateOfRegistrationFrom=&interventionDescription=&interventionCodeOperator=OR&primarySponsorType=&gender=&distance=&postcode=&pageSize=20&ageGroup=&recruitmentCountryOperator=OR Protocol Version: 1.0, 31 May 2019.

Interaction and innovation: practical strategies for inclusive consumer-driven research in health services.

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in the co-creation of clinical research involving consumers in the last few decades, consumer engagement in health services research generally remains inconsistent and is too often treated as a perfunctory exercise. OBJECTIVE: Drawing on a health services study on diagnostic test result management, communication and follow-up, we: (1) outline practical strategies used to enhance the contribution of health consumer representatives across all stages of health services research, including active involvement in prioritising objectives for data analysis and participating in data analysis and the dissemination of findings; and (2) describe the impact of continued engagement of consumers on the programme of research, the interpretation of findings and their translational potential. KEY INNOVATIONS: Key enabling innovations for engagement included: (1) planned opportunities for long-term consumer involvement across all stages of the research process from conception to dissemination; (2) enhanced consumer engagement capacity; (3) purposeful recruitment of appropriately trained consumers; (4) provision of support structures for active consumer involvement in research design, analysis and write-up; and (5) financial support for consumer involvement. IMPACT/CONCLUSION: Enhancing consumer contribution and establishing inclusive research design requires a negotiated, interactive, meaningful and transparent process. As a collaborative approach, consumer-driven research involvement offers opportunities for new, often unexpected or unexplored perspectives to feature across the whole research process. In a move away from tokenistic consumer involvement, consumers and researchers who participated in this novel and immersive research project identified inclusive research as a powerful tool to enhance health services research and its translation into effective policy.

Efficacy of Octolig chromatography as a means of removal of aqueous antibiotics given to premature babies.

Reliable information indicated that a half-million prematurely born babies are routinely given antibiotics without evidence of infection. This study is based on a concern that such antibiotics might go into hospital waste systems and lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We tested the removal of selected antibiotics by Octolig, a commercially available supported chelating agent using column chromatography. Five (Caffeine, Ampicillin, Furosemide, Dopamine, and Vancomycin) were selected for study. Ampicillin and Furosemide were quantitatively removed by column chromatography. Dopamine, Caffeine, and Vancomycin were failures. Failures are ascribed to inadequate pKa values (<5) for these three antibiotics.

Efficacy of removal of a popular NSAID from aqueous solutions with metalloligs.

Acetaminophen, a popular NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), was studied for efficacy of removal from aqueous solutions. While Octolig® (a polyethylenediimine covalently attached to silica gel) is able to remove many simple anions and some acidic pharmaceuticals having a pKa value less than 4.5, it lacked efficacy with acetaminophen. Accordingly different transition- metal derivatives of Octolig® were tested by column chromatography using as substrates Octolig® derivatives of copper(II), cobalt(II), iron(III), manganese(II), nickel(II), and zinc(II).

Efforts to remove aqueous lithium ion using Octolig® and methylated derivatives.

Aqueous Li+ - containing samples (in DI water or well water) were eluted over Octolig®, a polyethylenediimine covalently attached to a high- surface-area silica gel, and only slight removal, if any, could be claimed. However, when using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent we quantitatively removed lithium ion with Octolig® or with alkylated Octolig®, demonstrating the efficacy of Octolig® and lack of advantage of a N, N'-dialkylated Octolig®. In addition, the removal of alkali metal ions (lithium, sodium, and potassium) in THF by Octolig® was partially selective: While being quantitative for lithium it was only about 40% for potassium. The study has potential implications for using geothermal brines not only as a heat source, but as a source of lithium as well.

Removal of phosphate from electrocoagulation post-treatment phosphate reduction using Octolig®.

The present study examined the removal of phosphorus following electrocoagulation post-treatment using a sample from a commercial firm. Samples were subjected to column chromatography using Octolig® a polyethylenediimine covalently attached to high-surface-area silica. Two commercial samples with significantly different phosphorus concentrations were evaluated: 10.2 ppm from polyphosphates and raw sample of 983 ppm P. After passing over Octolig®, the sample phosphate concentration was reduced to values of <0.05 ppm P.

Removal of a common antibiotic (Amoxicillin) from different aqueous systems using Octolig®.

Amoxicillin, used to manage bacterial infection, is among the top five popular pharmaceuticals in the United States, based on the number of prescriptions. Problems with environmentally available drugs can arise chiefly; biological resistance in excess amounts becomes available in wastewater samples. Previously, we observed that Amoxicillin could be removed quantitatively from deionized water by passage over Octolig®, a polythylenediimine covalently attached to high-surface-area silica gel. This study was concerned with testing the potential removal of Amoxicillin in different solutions (tap water, well water, river water, and the weakly saline water). These solutions were passed over chromatography columns at a rate of 10 mL per minute; 50-mL fractions were collected and analyzed for total dissolved solids and pH as well as concentration. As noted in our previous work, the percentage removal was related to the length of the column, and this aspect was evaluated again. Consistent results were obtained for DI water, tap water, well water, and river water, indicating quantitative removal, and but not artificial bay water, presumably because of ion competition.

Removal of selected NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in aqueous samples by Octolig®.

The possibility of removing representative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from water was tested using Octolig®, a commercially available material with polyethylenediimine moieties covalently attached to high-surface area silica gel. The effectiveness of removal should depend on selected NSAIDs having appropriate anionic functional groups. NSAIDs selected had aromatic carboxylic groups: diclofenac, fenoprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, and sulindac. These substances in deionized (DI) water were removed by passage over Octolig columns with removal values approaching 90% at environmental pH values, e.g., ca pH 6. Fenoprofen, however, was only removed to an extent of 80% in DI water and 62% in well water, presumably a result of competition with bicarbonate ions.

Removal of pain-relieving drugs from aqueous solutions using Octolig and selected metalloligs.

The possibility of removing certain pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen and naproxen) from water was tested using Octolig, a commercially available material with polyethylenediimine moieties covalently attached to high-surface area silica gel. In addition, the efficacy of two transition metals (cupric and ferric) derivatives of Octolig was tested. Previously amoxicillin had been successfully subjected to column chromatography for removal by means of ion encapsulation, the effectiveness of which would depend upon having appropriate anionic functional groups. Both pharmaceuticals were removed by passage over Octolig columns, though with less effectiveness than was achieved previously with xanthenylbenzenes or selected food dyes. Somewhat greater removal, ca 90%, was achieved using Cuprilig, the copper(II) derivative, but not with Ferrilig the iron(III) derivative, perhaps because the hydroxide counter ion was more closely associated with the transition metal ion and was not available to assist in proton removal.

Gastrointestinal distress is common during a 161-km ultramarathon.

This study examined the incidence, severity, and timing of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in finishers and non-finishers of the 161-km Western States Endurance Run. A total of 272 runners (71.0% of starters) completed a post-race questionnaire that assessed the incidence and severity (none = 0, mild = 1, moderate = 2, severe = 3, very severe = 4) of 12 upper (reflux/heartburn, belching, stomach bloating, stomach cramps/pain, nausea, vomiting) and lower (intestinal cramps/pain, flatulence, side ache/stitch, urge to defecate, loose stool/diarrhoea, intestinal bleeding/bloody faeces) GI symptoms experienced during each of four race segments. GI symptoms were experienced by most runners (96.0%). Flatulence (65.9% frequency, mean value 1.0, s = 0.6 severity), belching (61.3% frequency, mean value 1.0, s = 0.6 severity), and nausea (60.3% frequency, mean value 1.0, s = 0.7 severity) were the most common symptoms. Among race finishers, 43.9% reported that GI symptoms affected their race performance, with nausea being the most common symptom (86.0%). Among race non-finishers, 35.6% reported that GI symptoms were a reason for dropping out of the race, with nausea being the most common symptom (90.5%). For both finishers and non-finishers, nausea was greatest during the most challenging and hottest part of the race. GI symptoms are very common during ultramarathon running, and in particular, nausea is the most common complaint for finishers and non-finishers.

Formation of bare UO2(2+) and NUO(+) by fragmentation of gas-phase uranyl-acetonitrile complexes.

In a prior study [Van Stipdonk; et al. J. Phys. Chem. A 2006, 110, 959-970], electrospray ionization (ESI) was used to generate doubly charged complex ions composed of the uranyl ion and acetonitrile (acn) ligands. The complexes, general formula [UO2(acn)n](2+), n = 0-5, were isolated in an 3-D quadrupole ion-trap mass spectrometer to probe intrinsic reactions with H2O. Two general reaction pathways were observed: (a) the direct addition of one or more H2O ligands to the doubly charged complexes and (b) charge-exchange reactions. For the former, the intrinsic tendency to add H2O was dependent on the number and type of nitrile ligand. For the latter, charge exchange involved primarily the formation of uranyl hydroxide, [UO2OH](+), presumably via a collision with gas-phase H2O and the elimination of a protonated nitrile ligand. Examination of general ion fragmentation patterns by collision-induced dissociation, however, was hindered by the pronounced tendency to generate hydrated species. In an update to this story, we have revisited the fragmentation of uranyl-acetonitrile complexes in a linear ion-trap (LIT) mass spectrometer. Lower partial pressures of adventitious H2O in the LIT (compared to the 3-D ion trap used in our previous study) minimized adduct formation and allowed access to lower uranyl coordination numbers than previously possible. We have now been able to investigate the fragmentation behavior of these complex ions completely, with a focus on tendency to undergo ligand elimination versus charge reduction reactions. CID can be used to drive ligand elimination to completion to furnish the bare uranyl dication, UO2(2+). In addition, fragmentation of [UO2(acn)](2+) generated [UO2(NC)](+), which subsequently fragmented to furnish NUO(+). Formation of the nitrido by transfer of N from cyanide was confirmed using precursors labeled with (15)N. The observed formation of [UO2(NC)](+) and NUO(+) was modeled by density functional theory.

Enhanced removal of aqueous BPA model compounds using Metalloligs.

A model compound, 4-(t-butyl)phenol, was used as a substitute for BPA (bisphenol acetone or Bisphenol A) a material used for the production of a large volume of common plastics. Unfortunately, BPA is suspected to have estrogenic properties, and there is a suspicion that even small amounts can have a deleterious effect against humans, especially female infants. The model compound has some similarities to BPA, but lacks some of the serious properties of BPA dust. Since other workers have demonstrated the capability of removing BPA from plastics by extraction with saline or alcohol, we studied whether Octolig, a polyethylenediimine supported on silica gel, or transition metal derivatives of Octolig could be used to remove concentrations for model compounds from aqueous solution. Octolig gave modest results 20%, the manganese (II) and iron (III) derivatives gave poor results, Cuprilig was an improvement over those two Metalloligs, but the cobalt(II) derivative was able to remove up to 56% of the model compound. Two methods were studied, batch and column chromatography. Under the conditions used in this study, the batch method was superior.

Removal of synthetic food dyes in aqueous solution by Octolig.

We studied six of the seven food dyes commonly used, e.g., FD&C Blue No. 1 and No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3 and No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and No. 6. Quantitative removal was achieved by passage of dyes in aqueous solutions over chromatography columns packed with Octolig, a polyethylenediimine covalently attached to high-surface-area silica. A structural feature most of the dyes have in common are the presence of sulfonate groups attached to aromatic molecules. Prior studies and the current one indicated that the seventh food dye (Green No. 3) should also be quantitatively removed. Matrix effects were considered, but none were observed.

Removal of BPA model compounds and related substances by means of column chromatography using Octolig®.

Octolig®, a polyethylenediimine ligand covalently attached to high-surface area silica gel, was used to study the removal of phenolic compounds from aqueous samples by column chromatography. Model phenolic compounds of Bisphenol A (BPA), 4-isopropylphenol and 4-(t-butyl) phenol, were selected for this study due to their similarities in pKa and log P values. The percent removal of these compounds by Octolig® was 26 ± 2 and 22 ± 2, respectively. Furthermore, the three isomers of nitrophenol were investigated as well as additional phenolic compounds, such as amoxicillin and five phenolic dyes. These compounds have a pKa range of 2-10.2. The compounds that have pKa values less than 8.3 were able to be completely removed by Octolig®, yet compounds with pKa values of 8.3 and higher resulted in approximately 20-26% removal.

Studies on the removal of Lissamine Green B from clays and soil in comparison with contemporary approaches.

A combination of Fenton's reagent with electrochemistry has been demonstrated to be a efficient method for removing a dye (Lissamine Green B) from clays (kaolin, montmorillonite) and soil. The two-step approach described here involved quantitative extraction with hot water, followed by quantitative removal of the Lissamine Green dye by column chromatography using Octolig®. The advantage of this procedure is success without the need for Fenton reagents or electricity. A disadvantage is the process would not work with polycyclic hydrocarbons such as phenanthrene, though the electro-Fenton degradation does.

Comparison of anion removal capacities of Octolig and Cuprilig.

Mixtures of sodium salts of phosphate, arsenate, and fluoride were used in chromatography and batch experiments to compare the capacity of two immobilized ligands (IMLIGs) to remove these anions: Octolig and its copper (II)-based metallolig, Cuprilig. The focus of this study was twofold. First, to find out which material, Octolig or Cuprilig, would remove these anions most effectively; and secondly to determine the optimal capacity for removal of representative anions. Removal capacity was evaluated by two methods: by chromatography and by a batch method. The methods gave identical results, but the batch method was more convenient. Cuprilig had a lower capacity for removal of phosphate than Octolig. The capability of Octolig for removing anions was: phosphate > arsenate > fluoride >>> chloride >>>> bromide. Replication of phosphate removal was good for a given batch of Octolig. Of three different samples of Octolig, two seemed to be alike based on the phosphate- removal capacity; the third was different on the basis of a Student's t-test. This distinction indicates the batch procedure could serve as a quality control/assurance technique.

Removal of selected nuisance anions by Octolig.

Octolig, a commercially available immobilized ligand (IMLIG), has been studied for its effectiveness in removing nuisance anions. The material consists of polyethylenediamines covalently linked to high surface-area silica, and has a high affinity for transition metal ions. Previous research indicated that anions could be removed quantitatively from aqueous solutions using the metal derivatives of Octolig as packing in column chromatography. The present study focused on the results with Octolig alone. Quantitative removals (> 99%) were obtained for arsenate, chromate, paramolybdate, selenious acid, and fluoride. Boric acid was not removed by under similar conditions, but previously the copper(II) derivative of Octolig had been partially successful. A mechanism of removal is proposed.

Effectiveness of removal of aqueous perchlorate by Cuprilig, a copper(II) derivative of Octolig.

The present study describes the effectiveness of removal of perchlorate ion by Octolig a commercially available immobilized ligand, IMLIG, and by Cuprilig, the cupric ion derivative of this material. Octolig consists of polyethylenediamine moieties covalently bound to a high-surface area silica gel (CAS Registry number = 404899-06-5). Perchlorate in drinking water is a nuisance anion that escapes from firms that produce rocket fuel, batteries, and fireworks and becomes a contaminant of groundwater. It may also be a natural component of the environment. Perchlorate ion can interfere with thyroid function and may also cause birth defects. Perchlorate contamination of water supplies is serious because of the difficulty in removing it, especially in the western United States where a combination of drought and water shortages exacerbate the problems of supplying safe drinking water to an increasing population. In this study, aqueous solutions were passed over a chromatography column containing samples of Cuprilig. Test water contained 70 microg perchlorate/L and effluent was below detection level (< 1 microg/L. Equally good results were obtained for Octolig in deionized water and in well water. Analyses were performed by a commercial laboratory. Mechanisms of interaction are proposed.

Comparative ease of separation of mixtures of selected nuisance anions (nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, phosphate) using Octolig.

Mixtures of sodium salts of nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, and phosphate were prepared in relative amounts present in atomic waste containers with a view to effect removal by chromatography over Octolig, commercially available material with polyethylenediamine moieties covalently attached to high-surface area silica gel. Separation was attempted using aqueous solutions and column chromatography with Octolig. It is presumed that this material is capable of removing the anions by means of encapsulation. Matrix effects were tested by varying the relative concentrations. Rates of elution were varied 5-fold without adverse effect. The order of selectivity was found to be phosphate > sulfate > nitrite > nitrate through experiments altering the volume and relative concentrations. Quantitative removal of all anions (375 ppm of each) could be achieved given reasonable volumes of Octolig. An effort at regeneration by altering the pH of the eluant indicated the stability of the encapsulated anions.