Chloride Concentration Research Articles

Diffusion coefficients of Al<sub>2</sub>Cl<sub>7</sub><sup>–</sup> in low temperature chloroaluminate melt based on triethylamine hydrochloride

With the growing demand for renewable energy sources, much of the research in the battery industry is focused on creating safe and high-capacity energy storage systems that can handle high current loads using inexpensive and readily available materials. The aluminum-ion batteries (AIB) are considered as one of the most promising systems. Such materials as aluminum metal, carbon materials and chloroaluminate ionic liquids are used as anode, cathode and electrolyte, respectively. A low-temperature chloroaluminate melt based on triethylamine hydrochloride (Et3NHCl) is promising and inexpensive electrolytes for AIBs. This melt has the ability to reversibly precipitate/dissolve aluminum metal due to the presence of the Al2Cl7– ion in it. However, the diffusion of Al2Cl7– ions in the Et3NHCl–AlCl3 system has not been studied previously. In the presented work, the concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficients of the Al2Cl7– anion was studied using chronopotentiometry in the concentration range N = 1.3–1.95 (where N is the molar ratio of aluminum chloride to organic salt). It was shown that diffusion coefficients increase with aluminum chloride content growth in the studied melt: from 1.71·10–7 (N = 1.3) to 4.50·10–7 cm2·s–1 (N = 1.95). This behavior can be caused by the viscosity decrease of the melts with Al2Cl7– concentration growth. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that Et3NHCl–AlCl3 with N = 1.95 is the most suitable electrolyte for AIB. Moreover, it was established that the electrochemical reduction of the Al2Cl7– on the surface of the aluminum electrode is complicated by the nucleation process, which has the lowest overvoltage at N = 1.95.

Investigation of submarine groundwater discharge into the Baltic Sea through varved glacial clays

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an important process responsible for transporting terrestrial dissolved chemical substances into the coastal ocean, thereby impacting the marine ecosystem. Despites its significance, there are few studies addressing SGD in the northern Baltic Sea. Here we investigate the potential occurrence of SGD in an area characterized by seafloor terraces formed in varved glacial clay located around Fifång Island, Southern Stockholm Archipelago. We analyzed 222Rn activity and porewater geochemistry in both marine and terrestrial sediment cores retrieved from Fifång Island and its surrounding offshore areas. Results from 222Rn mass-balance calculations, water isotopes, salinity, chloride concentration, and dating (including 14C and helium-tritium dating) indicate that modern groundwater flows through varved glacial clay layers and fractured rocks on Fifång Island and discharges into Fifång Bay. Additionally, the offshore cores reveal a saline groundwater source that, dating of the dissolved inorganic carbon, appears systematically younger than the hosting clay varves dated using the Swedish clay varve chronology. Acoustic blanking in our acquired sub-bottom profiles may be related to this fluid migration. The occurrence of this saline groundwater seems to be independent from the distance to the submarine terraces. Collectively, our study confirms the occurrence of submarine groundwater in the varved glacial clay close to Fifång Island and further offshore. Our findings help establish the significance of submarine groundwater discharge in influencing the past and present coastal environment in the Baltic Sea region.

Standardization of Protocol for Production of Synthetic Seed of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Assessment of their Longevity under Differential Storage Condition

Brahmi [Bacopa monnieri (L) Pennel] is an important medicinal small succulent, medicinal herb belongs to the family ‘Scrophulariaceae’ which is commonly known as Jala Brahmi or Nira-Brahmi. National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), estimated an annual demand of Bacopa in 2004-2005 was 6621.8 tonnes, with a 7% annual growth rate. Micropropagation techniques and production of synthetic seeds can be a breakthrough to overcome the low availability of Brahmi propagating materials. So, the present study was conducted to standardize the protocol for preparation of synthetic seeds of Brahmi using nodal segment. The experiment was conducted with five treatments by using combinations of different concentrations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride and preparing two types of synthetic seeds (single layer and double layer). Further the longevity of both single layer and double layered synthetic seeds was studied under two different storage temperatures at 25°C (ambient condition) and 4°C (refrigerator) up to 40 days by inoculating them in two different types of media. The result showed no significant effect of concentrations of gelling agent and complexing agent on the germination percentage of synthetic seeds. The number of shoots per synthetic seed varied from 22.00 to 29.35 with 100% germination and maximum shoots/synthetic seed and shoot length was obtained by using T5 (single layered with MS media, 3% sodium alginate and 2.5% calcium chloride). Maximum number of days of storage can be observed in the single layer synthetic seeds when stored at 4°C along with media followed by double layer synthetic seeds when stored at 4°C along with media. However, seeds stored on vermiculite got dried up in the initial days of storage. Germination was found to be higher in seeds stored at 4°C when compared to seeds stored at 25°C. The study as a whole elucidated the opportunity for the use of synthetic seed as an alternative to traditional propagation system for Brahmi.

The combined leaching of copper, gold and uranium in chloride solutions. II. Concentrate leach tests

This study of the simultaneous leaching of copper, gold and uranium from a flotation concentrate is aimed at establishing the conditions that could be applied in a possible heap leach process that would recover all three metals (plus silver, if present) in a single step. The results obtained in this study confirm the results obtained in Part I (Nicol et al., 2024) that enhanced rates for leaching of chalcopyrite from flotation concentrates from two different sources can be obtained in acidic chloride solutions in the presence of chlorate ions. The measurements of the solution potentials during leaching with chlorate are similar to those obtained previously and confirm that chlorine generated by the chlorate-chloride reaction is the active oxidant.Uranium is dissolved even in the absence of chlorate by iron(III) as the oxidant. The latter is re-generated by reaction of iron(II) with chlorate. The dissolution of gold requires higher potentials, and it is only leached when the potential approaches 1.0 V in concentrated chloride solutions. At low chloride concentrations (1 M), gold is not dissolved because of apparent passivation.An electrochemical study of the behaviour of gold in chloride solutions in the presence of sulfide ions has shown that the passivation is probably the result of the formation of a layer of Au2S on the gold surface at low potentials before the addition of chlorate to the leach solutions i.e., before the generation of sufficient chlorine concentrations. At potentials above about 0.95 V Au2S is unstable being oxidised to AuCl2− and elemental sulfur thereby eliminating passivation.

Lubiprostone Improves Distal Segment-Specific Colonic Contractions through TRPC4 Activation Stimulated by EP3 Prostanoid Receptor

Background: Prokinetic agents are effective in increasing gastrointestinal (GI) contractility and alleviating constipation, often caused by slow intestinal motility. Lubiprostone (LUB), known for activating CLC-2 chloride channels, increases the chloride ion concentration in the GI tract, supporting water retention and stool movement. Despite its therapeutic efficacy, the exact mechanisms underlying its pharmacological action are poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether LUB activates the canonical transient receptor potential cation channel type 4 (TRPC4) through stimulation with E-type prostaglandin receptor (EP) type 3. Methods: Using isotonic tension recordings on mouse colon strips, we examined LUB-induced contractility in both proximal and distal colon segments. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine mRNA levels of EP1-4 receptor subtypes in distal colonic muscular strips and isolated myocytes. The effects of a TRPC4 blocker and EP3 antagonist on LUB-stimulated contractions were also evaluated. Results: LUB showed significant contraction in the distal segment compared to the proximal segment. EP3 receptor mRNA levels were highly expressed in the distal colon tissue, which correlated with the observed enhanced contraction. Furthermore, LUB-induced spontaneous contractions in distal colon muscles were reduced by a TRPC4 blocker or EP3 antagonist, indicating that LUB-stimulated EP3 receptor activation may lead to TRPC4 activation and increased intracellular calcium in colonic smooth muscle. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LUB improves mass movement through indirect activation of the TRPC4 channel in the distal colon. The segment-specific action of prokinetic agents like LUB provides compelling evidence for a personalized approach to symptom management, supporting the defecation reflex.

Efficient removal of ammonia from aqueous solution using coal-based carbon membrane via electrochemical oxidation in the present of chloride ion

To tackle the escalating issue of ammonia nitrogen water pollution, developing efficient removal technologies holds paramount significance. In this work, an electrochemical membrane reactor (EMR) was constructed for the decontamination of ammonia nitrogen wastewater using the coal-based carbon membrane (CCM) as the flow-through anode. The removal efficiency and degradation mechanism of ammonia nitrogen by EMR during the treatment were investigated. It was found that, under applied voltage and in the presence of chloride ions, the CCM exhibited excellent chlorine evolution performance, and as a result, the EMR had excellent ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency. The removal of ammonia nitrogen by the flow-through EMR was following the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Analysis revealed that various operating parameters, including applied voltage, chloride ion concentration, flow rate, pH value, and initial ammonia concentration, all significantly influenced the ammonia nitrogen treatment performance of EMR. At optimal operation conditions (feed concentration of 30 mg/L, applied voltage of 2.8 V, NaCl concentration of 0.1 mol/L and flow rate of 2 ml/min), the EMR achieved a removal rate of 100 % for ammonia nitrogen with a low energy consumption (EC) of 0.0380 kW•h/g-NH4-N. The degradation mechanism analysis revealed that the primary means of ammonia removal relied on indirect oxidation mediated by OCl·, which was generated by the oxidation of Cl- on the surface of CCM within the solution under the influence of the electric field. Furthermore, the EMR demonstrated good applicability across various water matrices. In conclusion, the EMR holds considerable potential for the decontamination of ammonia nitrogen-containing wastewater.

Acupuncture improves neuroendocrine defects in a preclinical rat model of reproductive aging

AimsClinical data supports electroacupuncture (EA) as an effective treatment for female reproductive disorders especially gonadotropin abnormalities. This study aims to detect the mechanism of EA that improves the neuroendocrine defects particularly the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge failure in early reproductive aging females. Materials and methodsMiddle-aged ovariectomized rats primed with hormone were treated by EA at acupoints CV4 and SP6 and undergone LH assay. Morphological experiments detected the activation of Kiss1 cells in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Using targeted liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and RNA-sequencing, we determined the concentrations of neurotransmitter metabolites and transcriptomics in AVPV. Key findingsEA significantly increased c-Fos and c-Fos-positive Kiss1 cells in the middle-aged AVPV as well as the total and peak LH release. Targeted LC-MS/MS and RNA-sequencing of AVPV identified differential neurotransmitters in the middle-aged females including Acetylcholine chloride, 5-Hydroxyindole-3-aceticacid, Kynurenine, Histamine, L-Histidine and L-Glycine, while EA decreased the concentration of Acetylcholine chloride. Totally 1255 differentially expressed genes modulated by EA were strongly implicated in neurotransmitter transport and KEGG pathways involved neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated synapse. Specifically, the mRNAs associated with the LH surge such as hormone receptor Pgr, adrenoceptor Adra1a, neurotransmitter transporters Slc17a6 and Slc32a1, glutamate decarboxylase Gad2 and Kiss1 were markedly altered by EA. SignificanceThese findings showed that the age-related reduction of LH surge occurred via differential neurotransmitter metabolisms and altered transcriptions in AVPV, which proposed EA-based therapy for improving responsiveness of the hypothalamus to hormone in women with advanced age.

Chemically recyclable polyvinyl chloride-like plastics

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the world’s third-most widely manufactured thermoplastic, but has the lowest recycling rate. The development of PVC-like plastics that can be depolymerized back to monomer contributes to a circular plastic economy, but has not been accessed. Here, we develop a series of chemically recyclable plastics from the reversible copolymerization of cyclic anhydride with chloral. The copolymerization is highly efficient through the anionic or cationic mechanism under mild conditions, yielding polyesters with tunable structure and properties from multiple commercial monomers. Notably, these polyesters manifest mechanical properties comparable to PVC and polystyrene. Meanwhile, such polyesters are flame-retardant like PVC due to high chloride content. Of significance, these polyesters can be depolymerized back to starting monomers at high temperatures owing to the reversibility of the copolymerization, leading to a circular economy. Overall, the readily available monomers, simple synthesis, advantageous performance, and practical recyclability make the polymers promising for applications.

Experimental Investigation of Chloride Ion Monitoring in Concrete Considering the Coupling Effect of Temperature and Humidity

Ag/AgCl electrodes have acquired significant research attention due to their crucial role in the electrochemical monitoring of chloride ion concentration. However, the electrode potential is susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, and comprehensive investigations regarding the influence of moisture are lacking. Existing studies on Ag/AgCl electrodes have been qualitative, primarily focusing on analyzing the trend of electrode potential to detect variations in Cl- concentration. This study proposes an experimental method that enables precise control of temperature and humidity within concrete. The effects of temperature and humidity coupling on Ag/AgCl electrode potential in a concrete environment and a fundamental model were established correlating Ag/AgCl electrode potential with temperature, humidity, and chloride ion concentration, thereby enhancing the sensing accuracy. The developed model corrected errors from temperature and humidity coupling effects on the Ag/AgCl electrode potential. A quantitative investigation on using Ag/AgCl electrodes for monitoring Cl- concentration was conducted, facilitating their application in engineering and the development of non-destructive monitoring systems for chloride ions in concrete structures.

The hygric properties of cement mortar with salt spray deposition

Many buildings along the coast are exposed to the salt spray climate, but the hygric behavior of porous building materials under the influence of salt crystallization are unclear. In this study, an accelerated salt spray test was conducted on cement mortar. For samples with different salt spray cycles, chloride ion content was measured and saturated moisture content (wsat), open porosity (po) and apparent density (ρb) were obtained by a vacuum saturation test, while capillary absorption coefficient (Acap) and capillary moisture content (wcap) were determined from capillary absorption tests using innovative methods. Additionally, the pore characteristics and micromorphology of the samples were examined and analyzed using a mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that a large amount of deposited salt crystals mainly clogs pores with a diameter of 0.02 to 0.12 μm, resulting in a 18.7 % decrease in po as well as a 30 % decrease in Acap and a 17.4 % decrease in wcap subjected to 35 salt spray cycles. This finding supports a deeper understanding of fluid moisture absorption and transfer in building envelope materials in coastal areas.

Analysis of the effectiveness of organic compounds from the amine group in precipitating ions from soda production wastewater

Treating wastewater from the soda industry is a complicated and lengthy process, requiring a great deal of labor and financial resources. No method has yet been developed to eliminate the environmental damage caused by the soda industry entirely. The work focused on the removal of chloride, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium from soda production wastewater by precipitation using organic solvents such as isopropylamine (IPA), diisopropylamine (DIIPA), propylamine (PA) and ethylamine (EA) in various proportions. Statistical modeling through Bayesian beta regression was used to select the amine most effectively removing the tested ions in precipitate form. The effect of precipitating agent dosage on the pH and conductivity of the solution was also investigated. Samples of wastewater obtained from the soda industry were characterized by high values of pH (up to 11.9), specific electrolytic conductivity (up to 128 mS cm-1), and high concentrations of sodium (up to 13 g L-1), chloride (up to 60 g L-1) and calcium (up to 24 g L-1) ions. Solvent-based precipitation showed that organic solvents are effective in precipitating salts from wastewater from the soda industry. Sulfate and chloride removal efficiencies of 85.1 and 34%, respectively, were observed. Statistical analysis showed that isopropylamine was the most effective amine for removal.

Capsicum annuum NAC4 (CaNAC4) Is a Transcription Factor with Roles in Biotic and Abiotic Stresses.

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to DNA. The NAC gene family in plants consists of crucial TFs that influence plant development and stress responses. The whole genome of Capsicum annuum shows over 100 NAC genes (CaNAC). Functional characteristics of the most CaNAC TFs are unknown. In this study, we identified CaNAC4, a novel NAC TF in C. annuum. CaNAC4 expression increased after inoculation with the pathogens, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria race 3 and X. axonopodis pv. glycines 8ra, and following treatment with the plant hormones, salicylic acid and abscisic acid. We investigated the functional characteristics of the CaNAC4 gene and its roles in salt tolerance and anti-pathogen defense in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana. For salt stress analysis, the leaf discs of wild-type and CaNAC4-transgenic N. benthamiana plants were exposed to different concentrations of sodium chloride. Chlorophyll loss was more severe in salt stress-treated wild-type plants than in CaNAC4-transgenic plants. To analyze the role of CaNAC4 in anti-pathogen defense, a spore suspension of Botrytis cinerea was used to infect the leaves. The disease caused by B. cinerea gradually increased in severity, and the symptoms were clearer in the CaNAC4-transgenic lines. We also investigated hypersensitive response (HR) in CaNAC4-transgenic plants. The results showed a stronger HR in wild-type plants after infiltration with the apoptosis regulator, BAX. In conclusion, our results suggest that CaNAC4 may enhance salt tolerance and act as a negative regulator of biotic stress in plants.

Effect of Temperature and Salinity on Survival of Protoscoleces of Hydatid Cyst in Liver In Vitro.

Hydatid cyst is the metacestode stage of Echinococcus granulosus that occurs in herbivores and humans as intermediate hosts by consuming parasite eggs through forage and vegetables. Carnivores, as definitive hosts, become infected by consuming infected vesicles of herbivores. The most effective treatment for a hydatid cyst is surgical operation. Inactivating E. granulosus protoscoleces through heating, cooling, or chemicals such as sodium chloride can be considered an effective method for controlling hydatidosis in both humans and animals. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different temperatures and salinity conditions on the survival of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. For this purpose, 50 g of infected liver (in triplicate) was separately treated with different temperatures (+10°C, +50°C, +60°C, +72°C, and -20°C) and concentrations of sodium chloride (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Additionally, 50 g of infected liver was stored separately in the refrigerator (+4°C) as a control group. The survival rate of the protoscoleces was evaluated by staining with 1% eosin under a light microscope. The results showed that the protoscoleces were significantly affected, with 100% mortality at -20°C after 0.5 h, and complete death at +72°C, +60°C, +50°C, and +10°C after 1, 1.5, 3, and 24 h, respectively (p < 0.005). Similarly, the protoscoleces in the liver mass survived at 5% NaCl after 3 h but died at 10% after 24 h, at 15% after 12 h, and at 20% after 6 h. It is concluded that exposing the liver infected with protoscoleces hydatid cyst to a temperature of -20°C and a sodium chloride concentration of 10% for 24 h is suitable for inactivating the protoscoleces.

Monoammonium Glutamate: What Is Its Potential in the Reduction of Sodium Content in Different Food Matrices?

ABSTRACTThe objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of monoammonium glutamate (MAG) in reducing the sodium chloride (NaCl) content (CCRD) of food matrices, including shoestring potatoes, requeijão cheese, and beef burgers. To this end, a time intensity (TI) analysis, temporal dominance of sensations (TDSs), and acceptance tests were employed to evaluate the NaCl reduction in various food items. The TI analysis showed that all experimental units had a mean salty taste intensity that equaled or exceeded the control. The TDS profiles of shoestring potatoes and requeijão cheese and the control were similar. However, the requeijão cheese exhibited significantly lower acceptance than the controls. The food matrices influenced the potential use of MAG and the CCRD. The addition of 2% MAG to the formulation reduced the NaCl content by up to 50% in shoestring potatoes and 65% in beef burgers without compromising the temporal perception of a salty taste and sensory acceptance.

Effect of chloride ions on the reactive species change pathway and removal performance in the MW/Co2+/PMS process

Efficient removal of refractory organic matter is the focus of research in the treatment of actual wastewater with Peroxymonosulfate-based advanced oxidation processes(PMS-AOPs). However, the high concentration of chloride ions (Cl−) ubiquitously present in wastewater changes the reactive species (RS) present in the process, and the mechanism of this change is still not clear. This study investigated the effects of Cl− on the transformation behavior of RS and treatment performance under microwave (MW) combined with cobalt ions (Co2+)-activated PMS. The results showed that increasing the Cl− concentration can enhance the removal performance of the MW/Co2+/PMS process for ammonia (NH4+-N), accompanied by the production of nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), monochloramine (NH2Cl) and dichloramine (NHCl2), which was related to the transformation of existing reactive oxygen species (ROS, •OH and SO4•−) into reactive chlorine species (RCS), with hypochlorous acid (HClO) as an important intermediate. Cl− can generate HClO through free radical oxidation (•OH and SO4•−) dominance and non-free radical oxidation (PMS and Co3+) promotion, and the heat transferred by MW can further trigger conversion between HClO and PMS, thereby changing the distribution of RS. Increasing the dosage of PMS and the dosage of Co2+ promoted the transformation of Cl− to reactive species in the MW/Co2+/PMS process. At MW power=160W, [Co2+]=17.5μM,[PMS]=10mM, and [Cl−]=17mM, the maximum cumulative [HClO] reached 1910.97μM, and the decay rate was 0.1815 min-1.The macromolecular organic matter in aqueous environment competes with ammonia for the RCS. Through regulating [Cl−] in mature leachate, RCS has a certain oxidation effect to organic matter, but its limited oxidation ability leads to a decrease in the mineralization effect.

Combined electrochemical in-situ activated chlorine production and photocatalytic for degradation of dimethyl phthalate using membrane filtration recycle TiO2

The ultraviolet (UV)/chlorine advanced oxidation process (AOP), involving addition of activated chlorine to the UV irradiation system to generate hydroxyl radicals (HO·) and chlorine radicals (Cl·), is promising in addressing refractory organic matters. Herein, activated chlorine was electrochemically in-situ generated under low concentrations of chloride ions (Cl−), serving as the chlorine source. A UV/electrochemistry/titanium dioxide (UV/E/TiO2) system was established by coupled membrane filtration. TiO2 was separated and circulated to remove dimethyl phthalate (DMP). Impacts of catalyst (TiO2), Cl− concentrations, and initial pH on DMP degradation were investigated under different conditions. The results revealed that compared with E and UV/TiO2 systems, the UV/E/TiO2 system substantially enhanced the DMP degradation (from 5.11 % and 22.54 % to 78.33 %), with a synergistic factor of 1.16. Radical quenching experiments confirmed that HO·and Cl·were the primary reactive substances for DMP degradation in the UV/E/TiO2 system. Fluorescence probe experiments, coupled with HPLC and LC–MS analysis, revealed a continuous decrease in Cl− in the UV/E/TiO2 system due to ongoing photolysis, generating more HO·for DMP degradation in contrast to the E/TiO2 system. In conclusion, the coupled UV/E/TiO2 system can promote the degradation of refractory organic pollutants in water environments, showcasing significant potential.

Influence of water scouring on chloride ion diffusion in rice husk ash recycled aggregates concrete

This study investigates the chloride ion diffusion behavior in concrete incorporating rice husk ash (RHA) and recycled aggregates (RA) under water scouring conditions. The research results indicate that both free and total chloride ion concentrations in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) exhibit an initial increase, followed by a subsequent decrease, as the distance from the concrete surface increases. The incorporation of RHA reduces both free and total chloride ion concentrations while increasing bound chloride ion content. However, an excessive amount of RHA can weaken the resistance of RAC to chloride ion penetration. Water erosion deteriorates the internal microstructure of RAC, accelerating the transport of free and total chloride ions. However, it does not compromise the chloride ion binding mechanism conferred by RHA. The fine particulate of RHA provides additional nucleation sites for cement hydration, while the reservoir effect ensures a steady supply of free water to these sites. This synergistic interaction enhances the pozzolanic reaction between cement hydration products and RHA, resulting in reduced Ca(OH)₂ content and increased formation of C-S-H gel.

Mangrove fungi in action: Novel bioremediation strategy for high-chloride wastewater

Bioremediation of extremely high-chloride wastewater poses significant challenges due to the adverse effects of elevated salt concentrations on most microorganisms, where chloride levels can be as high as 7% (w/v). Mangrove wetlands derived fungus, Aspergillus aculeatus, emerged as a promising candidate, capable of removing approximately 40% of chloride ions in environments with concentration of 15% (w/v), representative of industrial wastewater conditions. Transcriptomics and biochemical assays conducted under increasing salt conditions revealed that elevated chloride concentrations induce the expression and activity of S-adenosyl methionine-dependent methyltransferase, which facilitates the conversion of chloride into chloromethane. This is the first report characterizing the biological mechanism behind high salt tolerance and chloride removal capacity of Aspergillus aculeatus. This salt remediation mechanism may work as a starter for developing future bioremediation strategies to treat high-chloride wastewater using fungi, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional physical or chemical methods.

Calibrating sweat chloride levels to CFTR activity via ETI effects on CF subjects with one or two F508DEL mutations

BackgroundIt is difficult to determine CFTR activity following highly effective CFTR modulator therapies (HEMT). The sweat gland provides two biomarkers of CFTR activity: a linear readout via the β-sweat rate and a logarithmic readout via sweat chloride concentration (SCC). In prior work, different logarithmic functions were generated to calibrate SCC with the percent of healthy control CFTR activity (HCCFTR). Two functions, A and B, were fit to SCC means from healthy controls set = 100 % and CF carriers measured as 50 % HCCFTR. A and B differ in the % HCCFTR activity assigned to SCC for minimal function mutations = 0.01 % for A and 1 % for B. MethodsHere, the functions are evaluated based on retrospective analysis of three multi-center studies of CF subjects with one or two F508del mutations treated with Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI). Predictions of the percent HCCFTR activity for one vs two mutations were compared for the two functions. The expectation is that after ETI treatment, subjects with two responsive mutations will have 2-fold higher HCCFTR activity than subjects with only one. The hypothesis is that the SCCHCCFTR function that most closely fits that expectation provides the more accurate prediction of CFTR activity. ResultsIn two separate comparisons, function B most accurately predicted a 2-fold (1.9, 2.3-fold) higher level of HCCFTR activity in subjects on ETI with two vs. one responsive mutation. Function A predicted a 4, 5.5-fold higher level. ConclusionsFunction B predicts that 60 mmol/L SCC, the cutoff for a CF diagnosis, is associated with 10 % HCCFTR activity. Comparing HEMT effects on subjects with one or two mutations provides an additional tool for calibrating SCC to CFTR activity.

GABA-Induced Seizure-Like Events Caused by Multi-ionic Interactive Dynamics.

Experimental evidence showed that an increase in intracellular chloride concentration [Formula: see text] caused by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) input can promote epileptic firing activity, but the actual mechanisms remain elusive. Here in this theoretical work, we show that influx of chloride and concomitant bicarbonate ion [Formula: see text] efflux upon GABA receptor activation can induce epileptic firing activity by transition of GABA from inhibition to excitation. We analyzed the intrinsic property of neuron firing states as a function of [Formula: see text] We found that as [Formula: see text] increases, the system exhibits a saddle-node bifurcation, above which the neuron exhibits a spectrum of intensive firing, periodic bursting interrupted by depolarization block (DB) state, and eventually a stable DB through a Hopf bifurcation. We demonstrate that only GABA stimuli together with [Formula: see text] efflux can switch GABA's effect to excitation which leads to a series of seizure-like events (SLEs). Exposure to a low [Formula: see text] can drive neurons with high concentrations of [Formula: see text] downward to lower levels of [Formula: see text], during which it could also trigger SLEs depending on the exchange rate with the bath. Our analysis and simulation results show how the competition between GABA stimuli-induced accumulation of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] application-induced decrease of [Formula: see text] regulates the neuron firing activity, which helps to understand the fundamental ionic dynamics of SLE.