Concentrations Of Lithium Chloride Research Articles

PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF CHITIN HYDROGEL APPLIED AS MOISTURE-SUPPORTER FOR SEED GERMINATION

In this study, chitin was chemically extracted from shrimp shell, and then used for the development of a chitin hydrogel-based moisture supporter for hydroponic systems. Here, the chitin hydrogel was prepared at different concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl), varying from 5 to 9%, in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) at room temperature. The results revealed that, while most characteristic functional groups of the chitin segment remained intact in all chitin hydrogels, higher levels of LiCl in DMAc led to a reduction in both crystalline index and equilibrium water content in the resulting chitin hydrogel. In a seed germination experiment, it was observed that the chitin hydrogel containing 5% LiCl concentration exhibited superior results in terms of root, stem, and leaf length, compared to other concentrations. Therefore, the chitin hydrogel was an effective moisture-supporter for seed germination and early plant development, compared conventional soil used as control. Moreover, SEM images illustrated that the chitin hydrogel possessed a pliable structure, indicating improved degradation when subjected to composting over a 15-day period.

Optimizing Operational Parameters for Lithium Hydroxide Production via Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis

Traditional lithium hydroxide production techniques, like lithium sulfate and lithium carbonate causticizing methods, suffer from drawbacks including high specific energy consumption, time-consuming processes, and low recovery rates. The conversion of lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide using bipolar membrane electrodialysis is straightforward; however, the influence of operational parameters on bipolar membrane electrodialysis performance have not been investigated. Herein, the impact of the current density (20 mA/cm2~80 mA/cm2), feed concentration (0.5 M~2.5 M), initial feed pH (2.5, 3.5 and 4.5), and the volume ratio of the feed and base solution (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1) on the current efficiency and specific energy consumption in the bipolar membrane electrodialysis was systematically investigated. The bipolar membrane electrodialysis process showed promising results under optimal conditions with a current density of 50 mA/cm2 and an initial lithium chloride concentration of 1.5 M. This process achieved a current efficiency of 75.86% with a specific energy consumption of 3.65 kwh/kg lithium hydroxide while also demonstrating a lithium hydroxide recovery rate exceeding 90% with a purity of about 95%. This work will provide valuable guidance for hands on implementation of bipolar membrane electrodialysis technology in the production of LiOH.

Development of Gelatin Methacryloyl/Sodium Alginate Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels for Bone Regeneration by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway via Lithium Release.

Hydrogels have gained significant attention as biomaterials due to their remarkable properties resembling those of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In the present investigation, we successfully synthesized interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and sodium alginate (SA), incorporating various concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl; 0, 5, and 10 mM), aiming to develop a hydrogel scaffold for bone regeneration. Notably, the compressive modulus of the IPN hydrogels remained largely unaffected upon the inclusion of LiCl. However, the hydrogel with the high concentration of LiCl exhibited reduced fragmentation after compression testing. Intriguingly, we observed a significant improvement in cellular biocompatibility, primarily attributed to activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway induced by LiCl. Subsequently, we evaluated the efficacy of the newly developed IPN-Li hydrogels in a rat cranial defect model and found that they substantially enhanced bone regeneration. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the introduction of high concentrations of LiCl did not significantly promote osteogenesis. This outcome can be attributed to the excessive release of Li+ ions into the extracellular matrix, hindering the desired effect. Overall, the IPN-Li hydrogel developed in this study holds great promise as a biodegradable material for bone regeneration applications.

Flexible Actuator Based on Conductive PAM Hydrogel Electrodes with Enhanced Water Retention Capacity and Conductivity

Conductive polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels with salts that act as electrolytes have been used as transparent electrodes with high elasticity in flexible electronic devices. Different types and contents of raw materials will affect their performance in all aspects. We tried to introduce highly hydratable salts into PAM hydrogels to improve their water retention capacity. Different salts can improve the water retention capacity of PAM hydrogels to a certain extent. In particular, PAM hydrogels containing higher concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) showed an extremely strong water retention capacity and could retain about 90% and more than 98% of the initial water in the experimental environment at a temperature of 25 °C and a relative humidity of 60% RH, respectively. In addition, we conducted electrical conductivity tests on these PAM hydrogels with different salts. The PAM hydrogels containing LiCl also show outstanding conductivity, and the highest conductivity value can reach up to about 8 S/m. However, the PAM hydrogels containing CaCl2, which also performed well in terms of their water retention capacity, were relatively common in terms of their electrical conductivity. On this basis, we attempted to introduce single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and graphene (GO) electronic conductors to enhance the electrical conductivity of the PAM hydrogels containing LiCl. The conductivity of the PAM hydrogels containing LiCl was improved to a certain extent after the addition of these electronic conductors. The highest electrical conductivity was about 10 S/m after we added the SWCNTs. This experimental result indicates that these electronic conductors can indeed enhance the electrical conductivity of PAM hydrogels to a certain extent. After a maximum of 5000 repeated tensile tests, the conductive hydrogel samples could still maintain their original morphological characteristics and conductivity. This means that these conductive hydrogel samples have a certain degree of system reliability. We made the PAM conductive hydrogels with high water retention and good conductivity properties into thin electrodes and applied them to an electric response flexible actuator with dielectric elastomer as the functional material. This flexible actuator can achieve a maximum area strain of 18% under an external voltage of 10 kV. This new composite hydrogels with high water retention and excellent conductivity properties will enable more possibilities for the application of hydrogels.

Electrodeposition and superconductivity of rhenium-iron alloy films from water-in-salt electrolytes

Electrochemical deposition of rhenium-iron alloy from water-in-salt electrolytes containing a super-high concentration of lithium chloride is investigated. Different techniques, including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscope, X-Ray diffraction, and electrical measurements at cryogenic temperature are used to characterize the alloy electrochemical system and the deposited films. The catalytic effect of iron on rhenium deposition is observed, where the deposition rate of rhenium significantly increases in the presence of iron. Alloying rhenium with iron significantly inhibits the recrystallization of the as-deposited amorphous films. At the same time, it also greatly suppresses the superconductivity of rhenium.

Preparation, characterization, and application of hydrogel derived from chitin with lithium chloride for growth and development of rosemary plants

AbstractIn this study, the N,N‐dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) solution with different lithium chloride concentrations of 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 7 wt% by phase inversion in ethanol vapor to produce chitin hydrogels for plant growth. The chitin hydrogel prepared with a higher concentration of lithium chloride showed improvements in elastic and mechanical properties. The tensile strength was enhanced from 275.8 to 434 kPa for the chitin hydrogel with 3% and 7% of LiCl. While the reduction in water content suggested forming a denser hydrogel structure at higher LiCl concentrations; the water contact angle (WCA) value indicated that chitin‐derived hydrogels are hydrophilic. Moreover, the bio‐degradation experiment indicated the degradable percent of the chitin hydrogel placed in 10 mg/L of aqueous lysozyme solutions at 37°C increases during 7 to 28 days from 4.72 wt% to 5.45 wt%. The obtained hydrogel was suitable for the growth and development on rosemary plants. The condition CE15 with the hydrogel of 85 wt% chitin‐derived hydrogel and 15 wt% cellulose as best medium planting with the largest effect on the height, the crown's diameters and the number of level‐one branches of the rosemary plants.

Effect of Lithium Chloride Concentration on Its Neuroprotective Properties in Ischemic Stroke in Rats

Currently, a number of experimental studies have demonstrated compelling evidence of neuro-, cardio-, and nephroprotective properties of medications containing lithium chloride.Aim of the study. To evaluate the effect of various concentrations of lithium chloride on ischemic stroke volume and perifocal edema in rats after cerebral ischemia.Material and methods. Male mongrel rats weighing 315±13.5 g were used in the study. The focal ischemia model according to Longa et al. was employed. The animals (n=35) were divided into 5 groups: sham-operated, control group (ischemic stroke model with NaCl 0.9% administration) and three groups who received lithium chloride in different concentrations (4.2 mg/kg, 21 mg/kg and 63 mg/kg). Lithium chloride was administered immediately after cessation of middle cerebral artery occlusion and then every 24 h until euthanasia. To assess the degree of brain damage, the animals underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 2, and brain sections stained with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride were evaluated after euthanasia on day 7. Intergroup differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney criterion.Results. According to MRI data, lithium chloride at a dose of 4.2 mg/kg had no significant effect on ischemic stroke volume and perifocal edema versus the control group on day 2 (P=0.9). With lithium chloride at 21 mg/kg, stroke volume and perifocal edema were significantly lower than in the control group (by 25%, P=0.04 and 18%, P=0.03, respectively). Lithium chloride at a dose of 63 mg/kg was more likely to reduce stroke volume (by 45%, P=0.004) and perifocal edema (by 35%, P=0.007). When determining lesion volume on day 7, the data were comparable to those obtained on day 2. With the 21 mg/kg dose, stroke volume was 20% lower than in the control group (P=0.04). Lithium chloride, 63 mg/kg, reduced stroke volume by 40% (P=0.004).Conclusion. Lithium chloride dose affects necrotic focus formation and manifestations of perifocal cerebral edema after middle cerebral artery occlusion. The maximum reduction in the volume of ischemic stroke and perifocal edema was observed when the 63 mg/kg dose was used.

Genomic characterization and proteomic analysis of the halotolerant Micrococcus luteus SA211 in response to the presence of lithium

Micrococcus luteus SA211, isolated from the Salar del Hombre Muerto in Argentina, developed responses that allowed its survival and growth in presence of high concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl). In this research, analysis of total genome sequencing and a comparative proteomic approach were performed to investigate the responses of this bacterium to the presence of Li. Through proteomic analysis, we found differentially synthesized proteins in growth media without LiCl (DM) and with 10 (D10) and 30 g/L LiCl (D30). Bi-dimensional separation of total protein extracts allowed the identification of 17 over-synthesized spots when growth occurred in D30, five in D10, and six in both media with added LiCl. The results obtained showed different metabolic pathways involved in the ability of M. luteus SA211 to interact with Li. These pathways include defense against oxidative stress, pigment and protein synthesis, energy production, and osmolytes biosynthesis and uptake. Furthermore, mono-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed differential protein synthesis at equivalent NaCl and LiCl concentrations, suggesting that this strain would be able to develop different responses depending on the nature of the ion. Moreover, the percentage of proteins with acidic pI predicted and observed was highlighted, indicating an adaptation to saline environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing the relationship between protein synthesis and genome sequence analysis in response to Li, showing the great biotechnological potential that native microorganisms present, especially those isolated from extreme environments.

The preconditioning of lithium promotes mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for the degenerated intervertebral disc via upregulating cellular ROS

Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) is one of the most widely used candidate cell for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration-related disease. However, the poor survival and low differentiation efficacy in stressed host microenvironment limit the therapeutic effects of ADSC-based therapy. The preconditioning has been found effective to boost the proliferation and the functioning of stem cells in varying pathological condition. Lithium is a common anti-depression drug and has been proved effective to enhance stem cell functioning. In this study, the effects of preconditioning using LiCl on the cellular behavior of ADSC was investigated, and specially in a degenerative IVD-like condition.MethodThe cellular toxicity on rat ADSC was assessed by detecting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production after treatment with a varying concentration of lithium chloride (LiCl). The proliferative capacity of ADSC was determined by detecting Ki67 expression and the relative cell number of ADSC. Then, the preconditioned ADSC was challenged by a degenerative IVD-like condition. And the cell viability as well as the nucleus pulpous (NP) cell differentiation efficacy of preconditioned ADSC was evaluated by detecting the major marker expression and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposit. The therapeutic effects of preconditioned ADSC were evaluated using an IVD degeneration rat model, and the NP morphology and ECM content were assessed.ResultsA concentration range of 1–10 mmol/L of LiCl was applied in the following study, since a higher concentration of LiCl causes a major cell death (about 40%). The relative cell number was similar between preconditioned groups and the control group after preconditioning. The Ki67 expression was elevated after preconditioning. Consistently, the preconditioned ADSC showed stronger proliferation capacity. Besides, the preconditioned groups exhibit higher expression of NP markers than the control group after NP cell induction. Moreover, the preconditioning of LiCl reduced the cell death and promoted ECM deposits, when challenged with a degenerative IVD-like culture. Mechanically, the preconditioning of LiCl induced an increased cellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) level and activation of ERK1/2, which was found closely related to the enhanced cell survival and ECM deposits after preconditioning. The treatment with preconditioned ADSC showed better therapeutic effects than control ADSC transplantation, with better NP preservation and ECM deposits.ConclusionThese results suggest that the preconditioning with a medium level of LiCl boosts the cell proliferation and differentiation efficacy under a normal or hostile culture condition via the activation of cellular ROS/ERK axis. It is a promising pre-treatment of ADSC to promote the cell functioning and the following regenerative capacity, with superior therapeutic effects than untreated ADSC transplantation.

Repair of segmental bone defect using tissue engineered heterogeneous deproteinized bone doped with lithium

Lithium have been shown to play an important role in improving the osteogenic properties of biomaterials. This study aims to explore the osteogenic improvement effect of tissue engineered heterogeneous deproteinized bone (HDPB) doped with lithium, and evaluate their effectiveness in the healing of bone defects. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were co-cultured with different concentration of lithium chloride. Cell proliferation in each group was analyzed by 3-(4, 5-dimetyl-2-thiazoly-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. BMSCs were then co-cultured in osteogenic induction medium with different concentration of lithium chloride, and the expression of related mRNA was detected. The role of lithium in promoting BMSCs osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting BMSCs lipogenic differentiation was also investigated. Biomechanical properties of the tibia were evaluated at 8 weeks after operation. The tibial specimens of each group were collected at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery for histological examination and histological analysis. Micro-computed tomography (CT) scanning and 3D reconstruction were performed at 8 weeks. The results demonstrate that lithium can induce the osteogenic differentiation inhibit of adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway. The histological evaluation further certified that average bone formation area in the group of tissue engineered HDPB doped with lithium was also significantly better than that of HDPB alone group. Based on the above evaluation, tissue engineered HDPB doped with lithium can effectively promote the regeneration of segmental bone defect, which can be used as a tissue engineering scaffold for clinical trials.

Electrodeposition of superconducting rhenium-cobalt alloys from water-in-salt electrolytes

Electrodeposition of rhenium-cobalt (Re-Co) alloys is investigated in water-in-salt electrolyte with a superhigh concentration of lithium chloride. Cyclic and linear sweep voltammetries, potentiostatic deposition, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy are used to characterize the electrochemical deposition behavior of electrolytes and determine the deposition rates of each elements. Re deposition rate is enhanced in the presence of Co and a constant alloy composition is observed within a wide range of potential, both of which are explained with a partial ionic stabilization effect of Co on Re. A substitutional solid solution with hexagonal close pack structure is observed for ReCo alloys after annealing, where the lattice parameters linearly scale with the alloy compositions. The effect of Co alloying on the superconductivity of electrodeposited alloy films is also characterized down to 2 K.

Lithium and Not Acetoacetate Influences the Growth of Cells Treated with Lithium Acetoacetate

The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat/low-carbohydrate/adequate-protein diet, has been proposed as a treatment for a variety of diseases, including cancer. KD leads to generation of ketone bodies (KBs), predominantly acetoacetate (AcAc) and 3-hydroxy-butyrate, as a result of fatty acid oxidation. Several studies investigated the antiproliferative effects of lithium acetoacetate (LiAcAc) and sodium 3-hydroxybutyrate on cancer cells in vitro. However, a critical point missed in some studies using LiAcAc is that Li ions have pleiotropic effects on cell growth and cell signaling. Thus, we tested whether Li ions per se contribute to the antiproliferative effects of LiAcAc in vitro. Cell proliferation was analyzed on neuroblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, and human embryonic kidney cell lines. Cells were treated for 5 days with 2.5, 5, and 10 mM LiAcAc and with equimolar concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl) or sodium chloride (NaCl). LiAcAc affected the growth of all cell lines, either negatively or positively. However, the effects of LiAcAc were always similar to those of LiCl. In contrast, NaCl showed no effects, indicating that the Li ion impacts cell proliferation. As Li ions have significant effects on cell growth, it is important for future studies to include sources of Li ions as a control.

Lithium chloride promotes proliferation of neural stem cells in vitro, possibly by triggering the Wnt signaling pathway

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between the effect and associated mechanisms of lithium chloride on neural stem cells (NSCs) and the Wnt signaling pathway. The expression of key molecules proteins related to the Wnt signaling pathway in the proliferation and differentiation of control NSCs and lithium chloride-treated NSCs was detected by Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry analysis was applied to study the cell cycle dynamics of control NSCs and NSCs treated with lithium chloride. The therapeutic concentrations of lithium chloride stimulated NSC proliferation. β-catenin expression gradually decreased, while Gsk-3β expression gradually increased (P < 0.01). Furthermore, NSCs treated with lithium chloride showed significantly enhanced β-catenin expression and inhibited Gsk-3β expression in a dose-dependent manner. NSCs in the G0/G1-phases were activated with an increased therapeutic concentration of lithium chloride, while NSCs in the S-phase, as well as G2/M-phases, were arrested (P < 0.01). These data confirm that the proliferation of NSCs is remarkably promoted through changes of cell dynamics after treatment with lithium chloride. Our results provide insight into the effects of lithium chloride in promoting the proliferation abilities of NSCs in vitro and preventing the cells from differentiating, which is potentially mediated by activation of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Electrodeposition of rhenium with suppressed hydrogen evolution from water-in-salt electrolyte

The electrodeposition of rhenium was studied using a “water-in-salt” type of electrolyte with a superhigh concentration of lithium chloride to suppress the proton activity. Cyclic voltammetry and DC plating were carried out on rotating disc electrodes to characterize the electrolyte and to prepare thin films. Electrolytes without metal cations were also studied, where the cathodic reduction of proton was significantly suppressed when the concentration of supporting salt approached the solubility limit. Film cracks were eliminated for rhenium films deposited from this superhigh ionic strength electrolyte.

Tamarind seed polysaccharide biopolymer membrane for lithium-ion conducting battery

Solid biopolymers have gained much attention in the development of polymer electrolytes due to its biocompatibility, film-forming nature, and non-toxicity. In the present work, biopolymer membrane has been prepared using tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) as host polymer and various concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl) salt as dopant by solution casting technique. The prepared biopolymer electrolyte has been characterized by XRD, FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, AC impedance spectroscopy analysis, and transference number measurement. XRD analysis has been done to investigate the amorphous/crystalline nature of the polymer membrane. The highest amorphous nature has been found for 1 g of TSP with 0.4 g LiCl. FTIR spectrum analysis confirms the complex formation between TSP biopolymer with LiCl. From AC impedance conductivity analysis, the maximum ionic conductivity is of the order of 6.7 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature for 1 g TSP with 0.4 g LiCl, whereas for pure TSP biopolymer membrane, the ionic conductivity is of the order of 5.48 × 10−7 S cm−1. The glass transition temperature for the highest conducting biopolymer membrane for the composition of 1 g TSP: 0.4 g LiCl has been found to be 44.25 °C using the DSC technique. Employing the maximum conducting biopolymer membrane, a lithium-ion conducting battery has been fabricated and its discharge characteristics have been studied.

Slowed Down Double-Stranded DNA Transport through Solid-State Nanopores by using a Lithium Chloride Concentration Gradient

Nanopore biosensors represent the future of diagnostic devices as they are low-cost, high-throughput engines for single molecule detection. Solid-state nanopores are particularly attractive since their size can be controlled to detect a wide range of analytes in solution. However, progress in the field is impeded by inadequate sensitivity of data acquisition systems in detection of fast DNA translocations through the pore. One way to overcome this is by slowing translocation of DNA through the nanopore by use of various media or by altering experimental parameters. Applying a concentration gradient of KCl in the experimental buffer has been shown to effectively prolong dwell times by creating a free-energy barrier that DNA molecules have to overcome. In addition to this, the concentration gradient enhances the magnitude of the local potential, Vr, increasing the capture rate of DNA and thereby increasing event frequency. Our previous work has demonstrated the ability of LiCl buffer to slow down the transport of dsDNA through the nanopore by up to 10-fold through cation/DNA interactions. However, this drastically reduced the event frequency, which can affect the efficacy of this system as a reliable biosensor downstream. Here, we present the use of a concentration gradient of Lithium Chloride buffer to increase the event frequency of dsDNA translocation and further increase dwell time to enhance detection of single molecules through a solid state nanopore. By using 0.5M/3M LiCl on the cis/trans chambers respectively, average dwell times experienced up to a 3-fold increase when compared to experiments run in symmetric 1M LiCl. Additionally, experiments using the 0.5M/3M displayed a greater than 10-fold increase in event frequency, confirming the capture propensity of the asymmetric conditions.

Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may contribute to cervical cancer pathogenesis via upregulation of Twist.

The Wnt signaling pathway regulates a number of biological processes. In the present study, the association between the Wnt signaling pathway and the pathogenesis of cervical cancer was investigated in the human cervical cancer CaSki cell line. An MTT assay was used to screen various concentrations of lithium chloride for use in subsequent experiments. Following incubation of CaSki cells with 0.05 and 0.1 mol/l lithium chloride, Twist and β-catenin were markedly upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, compared with the untreated group, as measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The results of the present study indicate that Wnt activation (which was induced by lithium chloride) and the subsequent upregulation of Twist may represent one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of cervical cancer.

Long-Term Lithium Treatment Increases cPLA₂ and iPLA₂ Activity in Cultured Cortical and Hippocampal Neurons.

Background: Experimental evidence supports the neuroprotective properties of lithium, with implications for the treatment and prevention of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Lithium modulates critical intracellular pathways related to neurotrophic support, inflammatory response, autophagy and apoptosis. There is additional evidence indicating that lithium may also affect membrane homeostasis. Objective: To investigate the effect of lithium on cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, a key player on membrane phospholipid turnover which has been found to be reduced in blood and brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Primary cultures of cortical and hippocampal neurons were treated for 7 days with different concentrations of lithium chloride (0.02 mM, 0.2 mM and 2 mM). A radio-enzymatic assay was used to determine the total activity of PLA2 and two PLA2 subtypes: cytosolic calcium-dependent (cPLA2); and calcium-independent (iPLA2). Results: cPLA2 activity increased by 82% (0.02 mM; p = 0.05) and 26% (0.2 mM; p = 0.04) in cortical neurons and by 61% (0.2 mM; p = 0.03) and 57% (2 mM; p = 0.04) in hippocampal neurons. iPLA2 activity was increased by 7% (0.2 mM; p = 0.04) and 13% (2 mM; p = 0.05) in cortical neurons and by 141% (0.02 mM; p = 0.0198) in hippocampal neurons. Conclusion: long-term lithium treatment increases membrane phospholipid metabolism in neurons through the activation of total, c- and iPLA2. This effect is more prominent at sub-therapeutic concentrations of lithium, and the activation of distinct cytosolic PLA2 subtypes is tissue specific, i.e., iPLA2 in hippocampal neurons, and cPLA2 in cortical neurons. Because PLA2 activities are reported to be reduced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and bipolar disorder (BD), the present findings provide a possible mechanism by which long-term lithium treatment may be useful in the prevention of the disease.

Electrochemical way of molybdenum extraction from the Bimetallic systems of Mo-W

Electrochemical dissolution of molybdenum and tungsten was investigated in water- dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) media at different concentrations of lithium chloride and magnesium perchlorate. The terms of efficient extraction of molybdenum from bimetallic systems of Mo-W have been determined. The polarization curves of the electrooxidation of molybdenum in the solution of 0.25 M LiCl in the DMSO at the different rates of rotations and the scan rate equal to 50 mV/s were obtained. In the presence of the addition of water at the potential of 0.1-0.75 V the small area of polarizability occurs, then with increasing potentials above 1.5 V there is a sharp increase of the oxidation current. Comparison of the current values of anodic dissolution of molybdenum and tungsten showed that the rate of anodic dissolution of molybdenum significantly exceeds the rate of anodic dissolution of tungsten. In the case of molybdenum, the dissolution process is limited by diffusion, in the case of tungsten - by the passive film formation on the electrode surface.

Lithium and boron isotope effects in extraction systems

Extraction characteristics of chloroform-water system were studied using lithium chloride and tetrafluoroborate as extracted salts and benzo-15-crown-5 as an extractant. Single-stage isotope separation factors (α) for lithium isotopes at different concentrations of lithium chloride in water were measured and multiplication of isotope effect was made by extraction chromatography. The magnitude of α for Li6-Li7 pair was 1.036 for chloride and 1.030 for tetrafluoroborate. Light lithium isotope is concentrated in organic phase. Extraction chromatography experiments were conducted in 1,1,7-trihydrododecafluoroheptanol-water extraction system for boron isotope separation using boric acid as extracted compound and trioctylamine as an extractant as well as in chloroform-water system with lithium tetrafluoroborate as extracted compound and benzo-15-crown-5 as an extractant. The upper assessment of α values for B10-B11 boron isotopes was found to be not larger than 1.005 for both systems.