Quantitative analysis of naphthalene, 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol at nanomol levels in geothermal fluids using SPE with HPLC.

Naphthalene (NAP), 1-naphthol (1-NAP) and 2-naphthol (2-NAP) are the thermal decomposition products of naphthalene sulfonates making them potentially new geothermal reservoir permeability tracers, however, to date, no sensitive and fast detection method for these compounds has been developed. In order to facilitate sensitive and rapid analysis of these compounds in geothermal brines and associated steam condensates, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method combined with solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been developed.•A method for determination of naphthalene, 1- and 2-naphthol from brines has been developed.

Temperature and pH control on lipid composition of silica sinters from diverse hot springs in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand.

Microbial adaptations to environmental extremes, including high temperature and low pH conditions typical of geothermal settings, are of interest in astrobiology and origin of life investigations. The lipid biomarkers preserved in silica deposits associated with six geothermal areas in the Taupo Volcanic Zone were investigated and variations in lipid composition as a function of temperature and pH were assessed. Lipid analyses reveal highly variable abundances and distributions, reflecting community composition as well as adaptations to extremes of pH and temperature.

Dexmedetomidine as a pediatric anesthetic premedication to reduce anxiety and to deter emergence delirium.

Presurgery anxiety in children may result in preoperative and postoperative complications. Emergence delirium (ED) is a mental disturbance common in children during recovery from general anesthesia. This study investigated the role of preoperative dexmedetomidine on parental separation anxiety and acceptance of wearing an anesthesia mask, and its effectiveness in reducing the incidence and severity of ED.

Preservation of microbial lipids in geothermal sinters.

Lipid biomarkers are widely used to study the earliest life on Earth and have been invoked as potential astrobiological markers, but few studies have assessed their survival and persistence in geothermal settings. Here, we investigate lipid preservation in active and inactive geothermal silica sinters, with ages of up to 900 years, from Champagne Pool, Waiotapu, New Zealand. Analyses revealed a wide range of bacterial biomarkers, including free and bound fatty acids, 1,2-di-O-alkylglycerols (diethers), and various hopanoids.