Bicarbonate Consumption Research Articles

Pre-Exercise Caffeine and Sodium Bicarbonate: Their Effects on Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance in a Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Caffeine and sodium bicarbonate are extensively researched ergogenic aids known for their potential to enhance exercise performance. The stimulant properties of caffeine on the central nervous system, coupled with the buffering capacity of sodium bicarbonate, have been associated with improved athletic performance. This has led to investigations of their combined effects on strength. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of isolated and combined caffeine and sodium bicarbonate consumption on strength using the isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP). Nineteen male college students (age 23.6 ± 1.6 years) participated in this crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They were exposed to the following conditions: control (no supplement), placebo (20 g maltodextrin), caffeine (6 mg/kg), sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg), and a combination of caffeine and sodium bicarbonate. Supplements and placebo were diluted in water and consumed 60 min prior to the IMTP tests. Two 5 s IMTP trials were performed at 40-60% and 60-80% of One Repetition of Maximum (1RM) with a 60 s rest between. Consumption of caffeine or Caf + NaHCO3 did not significantly change peak IMTP strength values at any intensity (p = 0.110). The peak IMTP values did not show significant differences between conditions or from control condition values (1091 ± 100 N) to Caf (1224 ± 92 N), NaHCO3 (1222 ± 74 N), and Caf ± NaHCO3 (1152 ± 109 N). However, the test of the results of the ANOVA analysis of repeated measures of effect within the caffeine condition was significant for the increase in IMTP relative strength compared to control (p < 0.05). Thus, the IMTP force values increased significantly from control to Caf (p = 0.016) and from Pla to Caf (p = 0.008), but not for other comparisons (p > 0.05). In summary, caffeine supplementation alone, taken 60 min before exercise, positively affects submaximal strength performance. In contrast, sodium bicarbonate, whether taken alone or in combination with caffeine, does not enhance submaximal strength in the IMTP tests.

High potential in synergizing the reduction of dissolved organic carbon concentration and carbon dioxide emissions for submerged-vegetation-covered river networks

Various technologies and projects have been explored and developed for the synergetic control of environmental pollution and carbon emissions in aquatic ecosystems. Planting submerged vegetation in shallow waters was also expected to achieve this purpose. However, the magnitude and mechanism of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission affected by submerged vegetation is not clear enough in complex aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the influences of submerged plants on CO2 emission, ecosystem metabolism features, and microbial community traits based on observations in river networks on the Changjiang River Delta. The results showed that CO2 emission from planted waters accounted for 73% of unplanted waters. Meanwhile, planted waters had higher dissolved organic carbon removal capacity in overlying water and higher potential of carbon sequestration in sediment at the same time. These distinctions between the two habitats were attributed to (1) improved CO2 and bicarbonate consumption in water columns via enhancing photosynthesis and (2) inhibited CO2 production by reconstructing the benthic microbial community. Additional eco-advantages were found in planted sediments, such as a high potential of methane oxidation and xenobiotics biodegradation and a low risk of becoming black and odorous. In brief, submerged vegetation is beneficial in promoting pollution removal and carbon retention synchronously. This study advances our understanding of the feedback between aquatic metabolism and CO2 emission.

Supplementing Low-Sodium Bicarbonate-Calcic (Lete)® Water: Effects in Women on Bone and Systemic Metabolism.

Calcium (Ca) represents about 40% of the total mineral mass, mainly in the bone, providing mechanical strength to the skeleton and teeth. An adequate Ca intake is necessary for bone growth and development in children and adolescents and for maintaining bone mineral loss in elderly age. Ca deficiency predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Healthy nutrition, including an adequate intake of Ca-rich food, is paramount to prevent and cure osteoporosis. Recently, several clinical studies have demonstrated that, in conditions of Ca dysmetabolism, Ca-rich mineral water is beneficial as a valuable source of Ca to be used as an alternative to caloric Ca-rich dairy products. Although promising, these data have been collected from small groups of participants. Moreover, they mainly regard the effect of Ca-rich mineral water on bone metabolism. In contrast, an investigation of the effect of Ca supplementation on systemic metabolism is needed to address the spreading of systemic metabolic dysfunction often associated with Ca dysmetabolism. In the present study, we analyzed urine and blood sera of 120 women in perimenopausal condition who were subjected for six months to 2l daily consumption of bicarbonate-calcium mineral water marketed under ®Lete. Remarkably, this water, in addition to being rich in calcium and bicarbonate, is also low in sodium. A complete set of laboratory tests was carried out to investigate whether the specific water composition was such to confirm the known therapeutic effects on bone metabolism. Second, but not least, urine and blood sera were analyzed using NMR-based metabolomic procedures to investigate, other than the action on Ca metabolism, potential system-wide metabolic effects. Our data show that Lete water is a valid supplement for compensating for Ca dysmetabolism and preserving bone health and integrity.

Evidence-based nutritional approaches to enhance exercise adaptations.

The purpose of this opinion paper is to provide current-day and evidence-based information regarding dietary supplements that support resistance training adaptations or acutely enhance strength-power or endurance performance. Several independent lines of evidence support that higher protein diets, which can be readily achieved through animal-based protein supplements, optimize muscle mass during periods of resistance training, and this likely facilitates strength increases. Creatine monohydrate supplementation and peri-exercise caffeine consumption also enhance strength and power through distinct mechanisms. Supplements that favorably affect aspects of endurance performance include peri-exercise caffeine, nitrate-containing supplements (e.g., beet root juice), and sodium bicarbonate consumption. Further, beta-alanine supplementation can enhance high-intensity endurance exercise efforts. Select dietary supplements can enhance strength and endurance outcomes, and take-home recommendations will be provided for athletes and practitioners aiming to adopt these strategies.

Microbial hydrogen consumption leads to a significant pH increase under high-saline-conditions: implications for hydrogen storage in salt caverns

Salt caverns have been successfully used for natural gas storage globally since the 1940s and are now under consideration for hydrogen (H2) storage, which is needed in large quantities to decarbonize the economy to finally reach a net zero by 2050. Salt caverns are not sterile and H2 is a ubiquitous electron donor for microorganisms. This could entail that the injected H2 will be microbially consumed, leading to a volumetric loss and potential production of toxic H2S. However, the extent and rates of this microbial H2 consumption under high-saline cavern conditions are not yet understood. To investigate microbial consumption rates, we cultured the halophilic sulphate-reducing bacteria Desulfohalobium retbaense and the halophilic methanogen Methanocalculus halotolerans under different H2 partial pressures. Both strains consumed H2, but consumption rates slowed down significantly over time. The activity loss correlated with a significant pH increase (up to pH 9) in the media due to intense proton- and bicarbonate consumption. In the case of sulphate reduction, this pH increase led to dissolution of all produced H2S in the liquid phase. We compared these observations to a brine retrieved from a salt cavern located in Northern Germany, which was then incubated with 100% H2 over several months. We again observed a H2 loss (up to 12%) with a concurrent increase in pH of up to 8.5 especially when additional nutrients were added to the brine. Our results clearly show that sulphate-reducing microbes present in salt caverns consume H2, which will be accompanied by a significant pH increase, resulting in reduced activity over time. This potentially self-limiting process of pH increase during sulphate-reduction will be advantageous for H2 storage in low-buffering environments like salt caverns.

N-C27 Predominance and 13C enrichment by bicarbonate assimilation of race A of Botryococcus braunii in Chinese Maoming oilshales

In Maoming oilshales, the presence of races B and L of Botryococcus braunii (B. braunii) was confirmed by the detection of botryococcanes and C40 lycopanes and their derivatives. However, there were no specific biomarkers for race A of B. braunii. The contribution of race A of B. braunii has been implied by the distribution of non-specific n-alkanes with an odd carbon-number preference and a predominance of n-C27. However, confirmation of its contribution to oilshales has been lacking until now. We found that n-C27 is a dominant n-alkane in most Maoming samples which exhibits a positive δ13C excursion (approximately 2–3‰) compared to other homologues. In addition, the extremely heavy δ13C values of botryococcanes (−6.0‰ to −8.5‰) are rationalized to reflect bicarbonate assimilation in race B of B. braunii. The positive excursion of the δ13C values of n-C27 extracted from the same samples could be attributed to bicarbonate assimilation by race A in a similar manner. Bicarbonate assimilation by race A would also explain the isotopic enrichment of n-C14 ~ n-C33 alkanes in the range of −20.1‰ to −26.1‰. They are close to the values of some higher plant sources (C4 plant) and largely different than that of the reported algal n-alkanes (<−30.6‰). The bicarbonate consumption mechanism utilized by both races A and B of B. braunii in Maoming oilshales was triggered by the sharp decrease in pCO2 during the Late Eocene period, recorded globally at the Eocene-Oligocene transition. The presence of race A of B. braunii in most of Maoming sediments indicates that it was wide spread and populated in Maoming Basin over a long period of time, serving as the main biological source material of oilshales on a large scale.

NUTRITION ERGOGENIC SUPPLEMENTS REGULATE BLOOD PH. - AN UPDATE

Ergogenic nutritional supplements are a type of sports food. Sodium bicarbonate and b-alanine are two of the most popular and legally permitted ergogenic dietary supplements. These two chemicals have a comparable ergogenic effect because they help to neutralize hydrogen cations created during anaerobic glycolysis during exercise. The hydrogen ions will exit the trained muscles faster if the extracellular regulatory capacity of the organism is increased by strengthening the stores of bicarbonate ions. And before the acidification within the muscle cells becomes a limiting factor of athletic performance, more hydrogen ions and lactic acid will be produced. The goal of this review is to go over the two most common dietary supplements, sodium bicarbonate and b-alanine, that have been shown to improve athletic performance by neutralizing hydrogen cations created during anaerobic glycolysis during exercise. Sodium bicarbonate and b-alanine are legal ergogenic aids that are inexpensive and simple to make, and they have been used by athletes for decades. The extracellular mechanism of "neutralization" of hydrogen ions that build in the exercised muscle is aided by sodium bicarbonate consumption, which increases bicarbonate concentrations in the blood. The ideal dose is between 0.3 and 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, and it should be consumed 150-180 minutes before exercise to minimize or lessen gastrointestinal problems. B-alanine supplementation can also improve anaerobic exercise performance, with a more apparent effect in trials lasting 1 to 4 minutes at high intensity, whereas its ergogenic effect appears to be minimal to moderate in exercises lasting up to 25 minutes. Furthermore, it improves the volume of resistance training; yet, increasing strength has no added advantage. Carnosine reserves in muscle are greatly increased after 4 weeks of administration (4-6 gr/day), operating as an intramuscular mechanism for controlling H+ concentration. Furthermore, a loading dose of 4-6 grams per day in doses of 2 grams or fewer is necessary for a least of 2 weeks, with a larger benefit after 4 weeks. Paraesthesia is the sole negative effect at the prescribed levels (tingling).&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0915/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Syngas biomethanation: effect of biomass-gas ratio, syngas composition and pH buffer

The concept of syngas biomethanation is attractive, however, it still needs improvement in optimizing the operational conditions. In the present study, syngas fermentations under different carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) compositions were conducted under two different biomass-gas ratio (BGR) systems. The results showed that high BGR enhanced the CO consumption rate, achieving a 60% enhancement with CO as the sole substrate. Stoichiometric H2 addition could successfully convert all the CO and CO2 to pure methane, however, higher H2 partial pressure might decline the CO consumption due to pH inhibition from consumption of bicarbonate. Microbial analysis showed different syngas composition could affect the bacteria community, while, archaea community was only slightly affected with Methanothermobacter as the dominant methanogen. This study provided strategy for efficient syngas biomethanation and deeper insight into effect of H2 addition on CO conversion under different BGR systems.

The Paleoclimate Significance of the δ13C Composition of Individual Hydrocarbon Compounds in the Maoming Oil Shales, China

Maoming oil shales are typical low-altitude lacustrine sediments that were deposited during the late Paleogene. The hydrocarbon composition and compound-specific stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of organic matter in the profile samples of the oil shales have been analyzed. The results show that algae and aquatic plants are major parent sources of the organic matter in the oil shales associated with a small portion of terrestrial higher plant input. The δ13C composition of the bulk organic matter and the n-alkanes varies greatly on the profile from −26.9 to −15.8‰ and −31.7 to −16.2‰, respectively. While a good positive correlation among the δ13C composition of individual n-alkanes implies that these n-alkanes were originated from the similar source input. The δ13C composition of n-alkanes on the profile displays a positive excursion trend from the bottom to the top, and this excursion was likely related to the general decreasing trend of the partial pressure of atmospheric CO2 (pCO2) during the late Paleogene. The δ13C composition of the C30-4-methyl steranes ranges from −11.9 to −6.3‰, which is suggestive of Dinoflagellates-related source input. Coincidently, the high abundance C33-botryococcanes were detected in the samples on the top section of the profile and display an extremely positive carbon isotopic composition of −4.5 to −8.4‰, suggesting that the lower partial pressure of atmospheric CO2 had triggered a bicarbonate consumption mechanism for Botryococcus braunii B. Therefore, the δ13C composition of n-alkanes and C33-botryococcanes and their profile variation suggest that a general declining process associated with fluctuation in the partial pressure of atmospheric CO2 is likely the major reason for the rapid climatic changes toward the end of the late Paleogene.

Nutrient and pathogen removal from anaerobically treated black water by microalgae

The demand for systems that efficiently and sustainably recover value-added compounds and materials from waste streams is a major challenge. The use of wastewater as a source for recovery of carbon and nutrients is an attractive and sustainable alternative. In this study, anaerobically treated black water was treated in photobioreactors (PBRs) inoculated with Chlorella sorokiniana, and the process was investigated in terms of phosphorus and nitrogen removal, biomass growth, and the removal of pathogens. The consumption of bicarbonate (alkalinity) and acetate (volatile fatty acids) as carbon sources by microalgae was investigated. The average nutrient removal achieved was 66% for N and 74% for P. A high consumption of alkalinity (83%) and volatile organic acids (76%) was observed, which suggests that these compounds were used as a source of carbon. The biomass production was 73 mg L−1 day−1, with a mean biomass of 0.7 g L−1 at the end of the batch treatment. At the end of the experiments, a log removal/inactivation of 0.51 log for total coliforms and 2.73 log for Escherichia coli (E. coli) was observed. The configuration used, a flat-panel PBR operated in batch mode without CO2 supplementation, is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable method for recovering of nutrients and production of algal biomass.

Seawater supplemented with bicarbonate for efficient marine microalgae production in floating photobioreactor on ocean: A case study of Chlorella sp.

Cultivation of microalgae on ocean provides a promising way to produce massive biomass without utilizing limited land space, and using seawater as culture medium can avoid consumption of valuable fresh water. Bicarbonate is proved as a better approach for carbon supply in microalgae cultivation, but Ca2+ and Mg2+ in seawater is subjected to precipitate with carbonate derived from it. In this study, cultivation with this medium for a marine Chlorella sp. resulted in productivity of 0.470 g L−1 day−1, despite of continual precipitation caused by increased pH due to bicarbonate consumption. Actually, this precipitation is favorable, since it can work as a flocculation harvesting method for microalgae. The highest flocculation efficiency of 98.9 ± 0.0% was observed in cultures with 7.0 g L−1 NaHCO3, which was higher than that of cultures without bicarbonate (44.1 ± 0.2%). Additionally, the spent medium after flocculation supported better growth (1.60 ± 0.0 g L−1) than the fresh medium (1.26 ± 0.0 g L−1). Outdoor cultivation with floating photobioreactor on ocean resulted in the productivity of 0.190 g L−1 day−1, which was higher than that in land-based culture systems. The floating system also benefited from better temperature control with range from 20.6 to 37.2 °C, due to solar heating and surrounding water cooling. These results showed feasibility of efficient microalgae biomass production with fully utilizing of ocean resources, including culture medium preparation and temperature control with seawater, as well as wave energy for mixing, holding great potential to produce massive biomass to support sustainable development of human society.

Limnospira indica PCC8005 growth in photobioreactor: model and simulation of the ISS and ground experiments

The Arthrospira-B experiment is the first experiment in space ever allowing the online measurements of both oxygen production rate and growth rate of Limnospira indica PCC8005 in batch photobioreactors running on-board ISS. Four bioreactors were integrated in the ISS Biolab facility. Each reactor was composed of two chambers (gas and liquid) separated by a PTFE membrane and was run in batch conditions. Oxygen production was monitored by online measurement of the total pressure increase in the gas chamber. The experiments are composed of several successive batch cultures for each reactor, performed in parallel on ISS and on ground. In this work, a model for the growth of the cyanobacterium Limnospira indica PCC8005 (also known as Arthrospira or spirulina) in these space membrane photobioreactors was proposed and the simulation results obtained are compared to the experimental results gathered in space and on ground.The photobioreactor model was based on a light transfer limitation model, already used to describe and predict the growth and oxygen production in small to large scale ground photobioreactors. It was completed by a model for pH prediction in the liquid phase allowing assessment of the pH increase associated to the bicarbonate consumption for the biomass growth. A membrane gas-liquid transfer model is used to predict the gas pressure increase in the gas chamber. Substrate limitation is considered in the biological model.A quite satisfactory fit was achieved between experimental and simulation results when a suitable mixing of the liquid phase was maintained. The data showed that microgravity has no first order effect on the oxygen production rate of Limnospira indica PCC8005 in a photobioreactor operating in space in zero gravity conditions.

Performance of Field-Scale Phosphorus Removal Structures Utilizing Steel Slag for Treatment of Subsurface Drainage

Reducing dissolved phosphorus (P) losses from legacy P soils to surface waters is necessary for preventing algal blooms. Phosphorus removal structures containing steel slag have shown success in treating surface runoff for dissolved P, but little is known about treating subsurface (tile) drainage. A ditch-style and subsurface P removal structure were constructed using steel slag in a bottom-up flow design for treating tile drainage. Nearly 97% of P was delivered during precipitation-induced flow events (as opposed to baseflow) with inflow P concentrations increasing with flow rate. Structures handled flow rates approximately 12 L s−1, and the subsurface and ditch structures removed 19.2 (55%) and 0.9 kg (37%) of the cumulative dissolved P load, respectively. Both structures underperformed relative to laboratory flow-through experiments and exhibited signs of flow inhibition with time. Dissolved P removal decreased dramatically when treated water pH decreased &lt;8.5. Although slag has proven successful for treating surface runoff, we hypothesize that underperformance in this case was due to tile drainage bicarbonate consumption of slag calcium through the precipitation of calcium carbonate, thereby filling pore space, decreasing flow and pH, and preventing calcium phosphate precipitation. We do not recommend non-treated steel slag for removing dissolved P from tile drainage unless slag is replaced every 4–6 months.

An external magnetic field for efficient acetate production from inorganic carbon in Serratia marcescens catalyzed cathode of microbial electrosynthesis system

External magnetic field with simple, rapid, standardized and controllable characters can improve electricity harvesting in bioelectrochemical systems. Herein, the fabrication of external magnetic field with microbial electrosynthesis system (MES), in which electrotrophic Serratia marcescens Q1 catalyzed acetate production from bicarbonate, is attempted for improved system performance. An acetate production of 550 ± 22 mg/L with a coulombic efficiency (CEacetate) of 57 ± 2 % and an acetate conversion efficiency (βacetate) of 84 ± 2 % at bicarbonate consumption of 1832 ± 24 mg/L was achieved, 2.2 (acetate production), 1.8 (bicarbonate consumption), 1.2 (CEacetate) and 1.2 (βacetate) times as those in the absence of magnetic field. This was ascribed to the decrease in charge transfer resistance, confirming the magnetic field in developing the electrotrophic catalysis activity for reduction of bicarbonate. While the external magnetic field and the circuital current had synergistic stimulating effects on the release of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and additive effects on the electrotrophic growth, the circuital current was more influential than the magnetic field on the amount of EPS with a compositional diversity. This study provides the first experimental indication for an alternative approach to rapidly fabricate controllable MES for efficient acetate production from inorganic carbon.

The effect of a novel intravenous fluid (Oxsealife®) on recovery from haemorrhagic shock in pigs.

Blood transfusion is given according to haemoglobin thresholds aimed at restoration of arterial oxygen-carrying capacity. Patient survival after severe haemorrhagic shock depends on restoration of microvascular perfusion, tissue oxygen delivery, endothelial function and organ integrity. We investigated a novel crystalloid fluid designed for tissue oxygen delivery, Oxsealife® , with components that generate microvascular nitric oxide and scavenge reactive oxygen species generated during ischaemia-reperfusion injury. The amount of dissolved oxygen in blood progressively increased during step-wise invitro haemodilution with this fluid, suggesting that the oxygen solubility coefficient of blood is dynamic, not static. We performed a pilot safety and efficacy study to compare resuscitation with this novel crystalloid vs. whole blood transfusion in a swine haemorrhagic shock model with animals bled to an arterial lactate oxygen debt target. Despite contributing no haemoglobin, viscosity nor oncotic potential, resuscitation with Oxsealife after severe haemorrhagic shock restored central haemodynamic parameters comparable to stored allogeneic blood transfusion. Tissue perfusion, oxygenation and metabolic outcomes were equivalent between treatment groups. Increased consumption of bicarbonate in animals given Oxsealife suggested greater capillary recruitment and enhanced clearance of acidic tissue metabolites. Serum markers of organ function, animal activity during recovery and histological analysis of tissue morphology and endothelial glycocalyx integrity confirmed functional recovery from haemorrhagic shock. We conclude that recovery of tissue oxygen delivery and organ function after haemorrhagic shock may not be dependent on treatments that increase haemoglobin levels. Oxsealife shows promise for treatment of severe haemorrhagic shock and may reduce the requirement for allogeneic blood products.

A recycling culture of Neochloris oleoabundans in a bicarbonate-based integrated carbon capture and algae production system with harvesting by auto-flocculation

BackgroundA bicarbonate-based integrated carbon capture and algae production system (BICCAPS) uses carbonate to capture CO2 and produce bicarbonate for alkalihalophilic microalgal cultivation. In this process, carbonate is regenerated and re-used for CO2 capture. However, a practical example of a recycling culture to prove its feasibility is still absent.ResultsTo reach this goal, a recycling culture of Neochloris oleoabundans was created in this study. The effect of bicarbonate concentration on N. oleoabundans growth showed that the highest productivity was obtained at 0.3 mol L−1, but the highest apparent carbon utilization efficiency was obtained at 0.1 mol L−1. The harvest of algal biomass was tested with alkaline flocculation, which is induced by high pH due to bicarbonate consumption. The result showed that the maximum recovery rate of 97.7 ± 0.29% was reached with a supplement of 20 mM Ca2+. Compared with this, alkaline flocculation without Ca2+ also resulted in a high recovery rate of up to 9 7.4± 0.21% in culture with 0.7 mol L−1 bicarbonate. In recycling culture, the spent medium was bubbled with CO2 and re-used for algal culture. After eight times of recycling, biomass productivity in recycling culture with 0.1 and 0.3 mol L−1 bicarbonate was 0.24 and 0.39 g L−1 day−1, respectively, higher than the 0.20 and 0.30 g L−1 day−1 in the control. The apparent carbon utilization efficiencies achieved in these semi-continuous cultures with 0.1 mol L−1 bicarbonate were 242 ± 3.1 and 266 ± 11% for recycling and control culture, respectively, while those with 0.3 mol L−1 bicarbonate were 98 ± 0.78 and 87 ± 3.6%, respectively.ConclusionsThis study proved the feasibility of BICCAPS recycling culture with the first practical example. More importantly, the produced algal biomass can be harvested without any flocculant supplement. Thus, this process can reduce both culturing and harvesting costs in algal biomass production.

An Unusual Case of Intoxication: High Blood Alcohol Levels without Alcohol Ingestion

We describe an unusual case of intentional intoxication through inhalational abuse of hairspray. On the scene, paramedics found a haemodynamically stable but unconscious female surrounded by more than 100 cans of hairspray. On arrival to the emergency department the patient had recovered consciousness, and was only mildly confused. Blood samples showed severe metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap and, deranged Urea, Creatinine and Creatine phosphoKinase (CpK). The patient was then admitted to the high-dependency unit, while simultaneously receiving intravenous hydration. The metabolic features improved over the next few hours, and renal replacement therapy was not initiated. However the patient remained confused for a 24-hours period, in a “hangover-like” state, despite the metabolic parameters returning to normal. Interestingly the toxicology screen on admission subsequently showed high alcohol levels (206 mg/dl), despite no history of oral alcohol intake. The lady was known to chronically abuse and inhale hairspray. The patient was discharged 4 days later with full recovery. We explain the prolonged confusional state by the presence of relatively high alcohol levels, induced by the inhaled hairspray. Polyanions (such as the acrylates contained in the hairspray) are well known to increase tissue permeability, and are used as drug-carriers. In this case polyanion activity on airways mucosa favoured the absorption of denatured alcohol, the main compound in the hairspray. Initially, the metabolism of polyanions produces acids causing bicarbonate consumption and increased anion gap. However the short half-life of these anions is typically associated with a fast recovery, with normal bicarbonate levels at 24-hours post-admission.

Clinical consequences of Tityus bahiensis and Tityus serrulatus scorpion stings in the region of Campinas, southeastern Brazil

Scorpion stings account for most envenomations by venomous animals in Brazil. A retrospective study (1994–2011) of the clinical consequences of Tityus scorpion stings in 1327 patients treated at a university hospital in Campinas, southeastern Brazil, is reported. The clinical classification, based on outcome, was: dry sting (no envenoming), class I (only local manifestations), class II (systemic manifestations), class III (life-threatening manifestations, such as shock and/or cardiac failure requiring inotropic/vasopressor agents, and/or respiratory failure), and fatal. The median patient age was 27 years (interquartile interval = 15–42 years). Scorpions were brought for identification in 47.2% of cases (Tityus bahiensis 27.7%; Tityus serrulatus 19.5%). Sting severity was classified and each accounted for the following percentage of cases: dry stings – 3.4%, class I – 79.6%, class II – 15.1%, class III – 1.8% and fatal – 0.1%. Pain was the primary local manifestation (95.5%). Systemic manifestations such as vomiting, agitation, sweating, dyspnea, bradycardia, tachycardia, tachypnea, somnolence/lethargy, cutaneous paleness, hypothermia and hypotension were detected in class II or class III + fatal groups, but were significantly more frequent in the latter group. Class III and fatal cases occurred only in children <15 years old, with scorpions being identified in 13/25 cases (T. serrulatus, n = 12; T. bahiensis, n = 1). Laboratory blood abnormalities (hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, leukocytosis, elevations in serum total CK, CK-MB and troponin T, bicarbonate consumption and an increase in base deficit and blood lactate), electrocardiographic changes (ST segment) and echocardiographic alterations (ventricular ejected fraction <54%) were frequently detected in class III patients. Seventeen patients developed pulmonary edema, 16 had cardiac failure and seven had cardiogenic shock. These results indicate that most scorpion stings involved only local manifestations, mainly pain; the greatest severity was associated with stings by T. serrulatus and in children <15 years old.

Safety and Tolerability of Long-Term Sodium Bicarbonate Consumption in Cancer Care

Objective: Pre-clinical studies have shown that chronic systemic buffering may have a beneficial impact in cancer care. This is a Phase 0/I clinical trial to determine if a sodium bicarbonate dose concentration of 0.5 g/kg/day is feasible and well tolerated as measured by the proportion of subjects with first evidence of adherence failure. The secondary objective was to determine if the dose concentration of 0.5 g/kg/day sodium bicarbonate is safe for long term consumption (90 days) as measured by vital signs and basic metabolic blood panels (BMP). Methods: Healthy volunteers were recruited to consume 2-3 times per day a total maximum dose of 0.5 g/kg/ day sodium bicarbonate. Volunteers were permitted to downward dose to find a tolerable dose they were willing to consume daily for 90 days. Volunteers returned to the clinic on day 10, 30, 60, and 90 to monitor vital signs, BMP, and urine pH. In between visits, the volunteers recorded their urine pH before and after sodium bicarbonate consumption. Volunteer journals and routine communication between clinical personnel and volunteers was maintained to monitor adherence and adverse events (AEs). Results: The trial accrued 15 volunteers, 11 women and 4 men. The average age of volunteer was 55 years. The average daily dose was 0.17 ± 0.03 g/kg. Most adverse events were Grade 1. Two AEs were Grade 2. Most symptoms were gastrointestinal in nature. Two subjects withdrew from the study before the 90 day time point. One incidence of metabolic alkalosis occurred and was resolved by downward dose adjustment. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that voluntary long-term consumption of sodium bicarbonate is feasible and safe, but the predicted upward tolerable dose was too high for healthy volunteers.

Hollow fiber membrane based H2 diffusion for efficient in situ biogas upgrading in an anaerobic reactor

Bubbleless gas transfer through a hollow fiber membrane (HFM) module was used to supply H2 to an anaerobic reactor for in situ biogas upgrading, and it creates a novel system that could achieve a CH4 content higher than 90 % in the biogas. The increase of CH4 content and pH, and the decrease of bicarbonate concentration were related with the increase of the H2 flow rate. The CH4 content increased from 78.4 % to 90.2 % with the increase of the H2 flow rate from 930 to 1,440 ml/(l day), while the pH in the reactor remained below 8.0. An even higher CH4 content (96.1 %) was achieved when the H2 flow rate was increased to 1,760 ml/(l day); however, the pH increased to around 8.3 due to bicarbonate consumption which hampered the anaerobic process. The biofilm formed on the HFM was found not to be beneficial for the process since it increased the resistance of H2 diffusion to the liquid. The study also demonstrated that the biofilm formed on the membrane only contributed 22-36 % to the H2 consumption, while most of the H2 was consumed by the microorganisms in the liquid phase.