Determination Of Sedimentation Rate Research Articles

Floodplain sedimentation rates, soil properties and recent flood history in southern Québec

This study examines the depositional and pedogenic processes observed in reaches affected by periodic flooding in river basins of southern Québec and presents a reconstruction of flood events in this area from 1865 to 2005. This record shows a significant increase in flooding over the last 100 years, and successive overbank flood deposits show evidence for a recent increase in flood frequency in this region. The frequency of flooding leads to fine sediments being regularly deposited on floodplains producing weakly developed alluvial soils. Sedimentological and pedological analyses combined with radiocarbon and 210Pb dating has allowed the determination of floodplain sedimentation rates. The radiocarbon data obtained from organic layers buried in floodplain soils show variable ages over the last 2210 radiocarbon years. Sedimentation rates obtained from radiocarbon dating and both CRS and CF:CS models for 210Pb show average values ranging from 1.0 to 7.6 mm yr − 1 , 2.1 to 10.7 mm yr − 1 and 2.6 to 6.0 mm yr − 1 respectively. This variability can be explained by the models used and depends to a large extent on the geomorphological context and local fluvial dynamics specific to each study area.

A bulk cloud parameterization in a Venus General Circulation Model

A condensing cloud parameterization is included in a super-rotating Venus General Circulation Model. A parameterization including condensation, evaporation and sedimentation of mono-modal sulfuric acid cloud particles is described. Saturation vapor pressure of sulfuric acid vapor is used to determine cloud formation through instantaneous condensation and destruction through evaporation, while pressure dependent viscosity of a carbon dioxide atmosphere is used to determine sedimentation rates assuming particles fall at their terminal Stokes velocity. Modifications are described to account for the large range of the Reynolds number seen in the Venus atmosphere. Two GCM experiments initialized with 10 ppm-equivalent of sulfuric acid are integrated for 30 Earth years and the results are discussed with reference to “Y” shaped cloud structures observed on Venus. The GCM is able to produce an analog of the “Y” shaped cloud structure through dynamical processes alone, with contributions from the mean westward wind, the equatorial Kelvin wave, and the mid-latitude/polar Mixed Rossby/Gravity waves. The cloud top height in the GCM decreases from equator to pole and latitudinal gradients of cloud top height are comparable to those observed by Pioneer Venus and Venus Express, and those produced in more complex microphysical models of the sulfur cycle on Venus. Differences between the modeled cloud structures and observations are described and dynamical explanations are suggested for the most prominent differences.

Reply to the comments on our article “Total hip arthroplasty for active tuberculosis of the hip”

Dear Dr. Singh, We thank you for your letter and your interest in our article. Our response to your queries is as follows: We did not measure C-reactive protein (CRP) in our series. Although both erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and CRP could be used to detect the activation or reactivation of tuberculosis, ESR is preferred in most reports [1–3]. In most Chinese hospitals determination of ESR is a common practice in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis while measurement of CRP is not. In our two patients with sinus, the sinus in patient 4 had healed when the patient was admitted into our hospital while the sinus in patient 6 was still discharging. We did not do a sinogram because it may cause iatrogenic mixed infection. Although many authors do not advise operating on patients with discharging sinus as it may result in incomplete debridement and higher rate of reactivation [1, 4, 5], so far there is no evidence that patients with sinus have a higher rate of reactivation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Yoon et al. [1] chose resection arthroplasty with a two-stage operation, but they also think that a sinus tract into the pelvis or thigh may not constitute a contraindication to primary THA for tuberculosis of the hip. Since most discharging sinuses may be complicated by mixed infection which may increase the rate of postoperative periprosthetic infection, we recommend prolonging preoperative chemotherapy until the sinuses are healed and making sure that there is no mixed infection. In our patient 6, the antituberculosis medicine was administered for 54 days. The sinus healed and no mixed infection was detected before surgery. During the operation, we resected the sinus and used a long period of chemotherapy (18 months) postoperatively. There is no definite recommendation on the duration of antituberculosis medication before surgery. In most Chinese textbooks antituberculosis chemotherapy is recommended for at least two weeks preoperatively. Yoon et al. [6] also chose a limit of two weeks before surgery for active tuberculosis of the hip and Tuli [7] advises a minimum of one to four weeks of therapy before any major surgical intervention. In our series we chose two weeks as a basic limit and no reactivation of tuberculosis was detected within an average follow-up period of 49 months. Reports in the literature have stated that tuberculosis reactivation is not affected by the use of a cemented or cementless prosthesis. Authors can choose cemented or cementless arthroplasty according to the bone defect of the affected joint, experience of the surgeon and even the financial situation of the patients. In our study rifampicin and streptomycin were not used for local wash. These two powder drugs were put into the hip joint (around the prosthesis) just before the incision was closed. In a short time a high local concentration of antituberculosis drugs may help kill the residual bacteria and decrease the rate of reactivation. However, the benefit of local administration of antituberculosis drugs has not yet been proved. Some studies [1] without local administration of antituberculosis drugs seem able to achieve the same results as our study and further investigation is needed to elaborate whether it has added benefit. Immediate weight-bearing can be allowed in both cemented and cementless arthroplasty. Due to aches from the incision and the possibility of haemorrhage, most Chinese authors tell their patients to walk with crutches for one week after the operation, and full weight-bearing without crutches is allowed at least four weeks later even in patients with a standard arthroplasty. The last question has been answered in No. 2.

Screening tests for inflammatory activity: applications in rheumatology

Inflammation is a hallmark of rheumatic diseases. The response to tissue injury comprises a series of changes which result in the shedding of pathogens, limitation of tissue damage and restoration of affected structures. These changes depend on increased or decreased serum concentrations of certain proteins known as inflammatory biomarkers. Laboratory analysis of these markers, together with clinical data and other complementary tests enable the assessment of disease activity and treatment response and can indicate the presence of infection. The screening tests currently available for identifying inflammatory activity include the determination of C-reactive protein level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate as well as protein electrophoresis. Here, we review the characteristics of a number of inflammatory biomarkers and their use in the assessment of inflammatory activity in rheumatic diseases.

Faecal calprotectin as reliable non-invasive marker to assess the severity of mucosal inflammation in children with inflammatory bowel disease

Background An accurate monitoring of mucosal inflammation is important for an effective management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Intestinal inflammation can be detected by faecal calprotectin level determination. Aim To comparatively evaluate the accuracy of faecal calprotectin, clinical scores, common serum markers and endoscopy in the assessment of the severity of intestinal mucosa inflammation in children with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods Fifty-eight paediatric patients (mean age 13.9 years, 95% CI 2.9–14.8; male 28) with confirmed inflammatory bowel disease (26 Crohn's disease, 32 ulcerative colitis) were enrolled. Before endoscopy, all patients underwent a complete evaluation including: clinical scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin determination. The severity of mucosal inflammation was assessed using specific endoscopic and histologic scores. Results Faecal calprotectin showed a high correlation ( r = 0.655) with the histologic grade of mucosal inflammation, similar to that observed for endoscopy ( r = 0.699), and it resulted the most accurate tool (sensitivity 94%, specificity 64%, positive predictive value 81%, negative predictive value 87%) to detect the presence of active mucosal inflammation when compared to clinical scores and common serum markers. In patients with apparent clinical and laboratory remission the accuracy of faecal calprotectin resulted further improved (sensitivity 100%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 67%, negative predictive value 100%). Conclusions A more accurate assessment of the severity of mucosal inflammation can be achieved by the determination of faecal calprotectin levels compared to other common clinical and laboratory indices. This non-invasive and objective method could be particular useful in patients with apparent clinical and laboratory remission.

Anthropogenic radionuclides in the water column and a sediment core from the Alboran Sea: application to radiometric dating and reconstruction of historical water column radionuclide concentrations

Global fallout is the main source of anthropogenic radionuclides in the Mediterranean Sea. This work presents 137Cs, 239+240Pu and 241Am concentrations in the water column in the southwest Alboran Sea, which was sampled in December 1999. A sediment core was taken at 800 m depth in the area (35°47′ N, 04°48′ W). 210Pb, 226Ra, 137Cs and 239+240Pu specific activities were measured at multiple depths in the core for dating purposes. 137Cs and 239+240Pu profiles did not show defined peaks that could be used as time markers, and they extended up to depths for which the 210Pb-based constant rate of supply (CRS) dating model provided inconsistent dates. These profiles can be useful to test dating models, understood as particular solutions of a general advection–diffusion problem, if the time series of radionuclide inputs into the sediment is provided. Thus, historical records of depth-averaged 137Cs and 239+240Pu concentrations in water, and their corresponding fluxes into the sediment, were reconstructed. A simple water-column model was used for this purpose, involving atmospheric fallout, measured distribution coefficient (k d) values, and a first-estimate of sedimentation rates. A dating model of constant mixing with constant sedimentation rate was applied successfully to three independent records (unsupported 210Pb, 137Cs and 239+240Pu), and provided the objective determination of mixing parameters and mass sedimentation rate. These results provide some insight into the fate of atmospheric inputs to this marine environment and, particularly, into the contribution from the Chernobyl accident.

Use geopedological methods for the evaluation of sedimentation rates on river floodplains, southern Québec, Canada

Abstract This article pertains to the fluvial dynamics of rivers in southern Quebec, in particular to the aggradation and pedogenetic processes observed in floodplains affected by periodic floods. The frequency of flood events, notably along the Saint-Francois River and its main tributaries, leads to fine materials being frequently deposited on floodplains and affected development of alluvial soils. Particle size and physical and chemical analyses have led to a better understanding of the dynamics involved in the formation of floodplains and the development of soils related to this fluvial environment. Also, sedimentological analyses (layer texture and thickness, microstructure) combined with radiocarbon dating (14C) and isotopic methods (210Pb, 226Rd) enabled the determination of sedimentation rates along the floodplains. The radiocarbon dating results obtained from the organic layers buried in alluvial soils show relatively variable ages, i.e. between 2210 ± 60 and 30 ± 70 years BP. The data gathered reveal an active overbank deposition, which shows evidence of the high flood recurrence in many rivers of the basin. It is estimated that the annual floodplain aggradation ranges from 1.0 to 7.6 mm yr− 1 on average, which causes increases in floodplain elevations (vertical accretion). The sedimentation rates obtained using the constant rate supply dating model (210Pb) show average values that range from 2.1 to 10.7 mm yr− 1. Also, the presence of contaminated layers at the lower level (> 100 cm) of the floodplains suggested an active sedimentation rates along the rivers affected by floods.

A new automated method for the determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

A new automated method for the determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Is there a Technique for the Determination of Sedimentation Rates based on Calcium Carbonate Content? A Comparative Study on the Southeastern Brazilian Shelf

ABSTRACT In this paper we evaluate the utilization of the sedimentation rate values obtained by the carbonate content technique (Fukue et al., 1996, 1999) as compared with those obtained by traditional radiometric techniques (210Pbxs, 137Cs and radiocarbon), using sediment samples from the Southeastern Brazilian shelf. Our results indicate that the sedimentation rates calculated by the calcium carbonate content technique do not show any significant differences from those obtained from 137Cs and 210Pbxs but do reveal a significant difference from radiocarbon estimates. Nevertheless, no significant correlation was obtained in the comparisons between 137Cs, 210Pbxs and calcium carbonate. Thus it would seem that the calcium carbonate technique may be used for raw estimates of sedimentation rates. Taking a carbonate level which can be correlated with a tsunami that occurred in 1542 as well as the peak activity of 137Cs in 1963-1965 as age references we obtained an average value for the calcium carbonate precipitation rate for the study area which is close to that given by Fukue et al. (1996, 1999). Nevertheless our results suggest that the assumption of a single carbonate precipitation value may be too generic to be taken as valid for the calculation of sedimentation rates.

Constraints on the use of anthropogenic radionuclide-derived chronologies for saltmarsh sediments

Numerous studies have employed anthropogenic radionuclides deposited in accumulating sediments to derive chronologies for use in investigations of geomorphological processes and in reconstructing temporal trends in contaminant deposition. However, relatively few have interrogated their use in systems that erode as well as accrete sediment, or have addressed limitations in their applicability in systems that experience variable rates of accumulation. This paper examines the utility of Sellafield-derived radionuclides for reconstructing sedimentary processes in two contrasting saltmarsh systems in the south-west of Scotland. Sedimentation rates and patterns derived from the radionuclide chronologies are outlined and compared to results established through conventional geomorphological methods. The results confirm that the vertical distribution of anthropogenic radionuclides can be useful in determining sedimentation rates, but that these cannot always be used as indicators of contemporary processes, particularly where erosion is occurring. Their use is also limited unless profiles are obtained from spatially diverse geomorphological units. Integrating the use of chronologies with other independent methods secures more robust data for assessing both marsh sustainability and their longevity as radionuclide sinks.

Floodplain sedimentation rates in an alpine watershed determined by radionuclide techniques

AbstractVertical profiles of the activities of 137Cs and 210Pb were measured on floodplain sediment cores and upland soil cores along the Soda Butte Creek and the Yellowstone River to determine floodplain sedimentation rates. The position of mine tailings from a 1950 impoundment failure was used as a stratigraphic marker to estimate the sedimentation rates and to make comparisons with rates provided by radionuclide‐based methods. Mass accumulation (sedimentation) rates calculated from the position of the mine tailings ranged from 0·00 to 0·17 g cm−2 yr−1 and were in good agreement with sedimentation rates calculated from the inventories of 137Cs and 210Pb. Sedimentation rates calculated from the position of the 137Cs peak generally overestimated the sedimentation rates, probably because of increased downward migration of 137Cs caused by the low pH of water moving through the mine tailings or the high permeability of floodplain sediments relative to upland reference soils. This study demonstrates that the 137Cs and 210Pb inventory methods for determining sedimentation rates can be applied to an alpine floodplain where sedimentation events are episodic and where orographic effects on precipitation generate strong downstream gradients in the delivery of atmospheric radionuclides. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determination of sedimentation rates and absorption coefficient of insoluble metal carbonates

Studies on the sedimentation rates of insoluble metal carbonates showed that Zn2+ has a higher sedimentation rate of 5.10x10-2 s-1 while Ni2+ has the lowest sedimentation rates of 1.10 x10-3. The rate of sedimentation of the metal carbonates decreased in the order: Zn2+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+. The order showed a decrease in the density of the carbonates and also correlated with the decrease in the mass (and particle) absorption coefficient of the metal carbonates. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 10(3) 2006: 123-126

Résultats de l'analyse tomographique informatisée de la plus ancienne flûte découverte à Divje babé I (Slovénie) et sa position chronologique dans le contexte des changements paléoclimatiques et paléoenvironnementaux au cours du dernier glaciaire

New chronological and sedimentary morphogenetic analyses were combined to determine sedimentation rates, relative humidity, and palaeotemperatures for the Last Glacial (Würmian) deposits at Divje babé I, actually Slovenia's most investigated Palaeolithic site. Local palaeotemperature and palaeopricipitations estimates were verified by comparing with palaeontological and palaeobotanical determinations and then compared to global δ 18O and palynological records. Eleven archaeologically significant layers were dated by 42 independent standard ESR (electron spin resonance) analyses from 26 cave bear teeth. Numerous sedimentary characteristics indicate that Divje babé experienced strong climatic fluctuations during the Late Pleistocene. From Layers 2 to 23, the ESR dates, sedimentological and biostratigraphical data suggest that stratigraphic sequence belongs mostly to OIS 5 and 3, and partially to OIS 4. A confident chronostratigraphical marker is correlated with OIS 5/4 boundary. The suspected flute, which dates to Moershoofd-Glinde or Orel Interstadial, and is definitely older than 46 ka, was analysed with the aid of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and reinterpreted in the light of two hypotheses, one of which envisages an artificial origin of the holes and the other a natural one. It was found that there were four holes on the diaphysis; that at least two were made prior to the damage to the proximal and distal ends of the diaphysis; and that carnivores could not have made all the holes, but one at the most. The holes are very probably artificial, made by the combined use of stone and simple bone tools found at the Divje babé I site. The majority, and probably all the damage made by carnivores on the suspected flute, are of secondary origin. Conclusions about the origin of the holes cannot therefore be reached only on the basis of the damage, and the hypothesis of an artificial origin cannot be rejected.

Representation of Clouds and Precipitation Processes in the Community Atmosphere Model Version 3 (CAM3)

Abstract The parameterizations of clouds and precipitation processes have been revised considerably in the Community Atmosphere Model version 3 (CAM3) compared to its predecessors, CAM2 and the Community Climate Model version 3 (CCM3). The parameterizations in CAM3 are more realistic in their representation of processes affecting cloud liquid and ice particles and represent the linkages between processes more completely. This paper describes the changes to the representation of clouds in CAM3, including the partitioning of cloud water between liquid and ice phases, the determination of particle sizes and sedimentation rates, the phase and evaporation rate of precipitation, and the calculation of the cloud fraction. Parameterization changes between CCM3 and CAM2 introduced a significant cold bias at the tropical tropopause, resulting in a dry bias for stratospheric water vapor. Tests of the sensitivity of the tropical temperature profile and the tropical tropopause temperature to individual process changes suggested that the radiative balance at the tropopause was altered by improvements in both clouds and relative humidity below. Radiative equilibrium calculations suggested that the cold bias could be removed by improving the representation of subvisible cirrus clouds. These results motivated the complete separation of the representation of liquid and ice cloud particles and an examination of the processes that determine their sources and sinks. As a result of these changes, the tropopause cold bias has been almost eliminated in CAM3. The total cloud condensate variable, used in CAM2, has been separated into cloud liquid and cloud ice variables in CAM3. Both sedimentation and large-scale transport of the condensate variables are now included. Snowfall is computed explicitly and the latent heat of fusion has been included for all freezing and melting processes. Both deep and shallow convection parameterizations now detrain cloud condensate directly into the stratiform clouds instead of evaporating the detrained condensate into the environment. The convective parameterizations are not easily modified to include the latent heat of fusion. Therefore, the determination of the phase of convective precipitation, and of detrained condensate, is added as a separate step. Evaporation is included for sedimenting cloud particles and for all sources of precipitation.

Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence by members of the Primary Immunodeficiency Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Human immunoglobulin prepared for intravenous administration (IGIV) has a number of important uses in the treatment of disease. Some of these are in diseases for which acceptable treatment alternatives do not exist. In this review we have evaluated the evidence underlying a wide variety of IGIV uses and make specific recommendations on the basis of these data. Given the potential risks and inherent scarcity of IGIV, careful consideration of the indications for and administration of IGIV is warranted.

Sedimentation Time Measurements of Soil Particles by Light Scattering and Determination of Chromium, Lead, and Iron in Soil Samples via ICP

A central issue in soil pollution chemistry is how toxic metals such as chromium, arsenic, or lead interact with geosorbents such as soils, clays, and rocks as well as with solid matter suspended in groundwater, that is, colloids. Surfaces of geosorbents and colloids can bind toxic species and also promote reactions that chemically transform toxic species. In this two-part general chemistry laboratory activity, students study soil samples from home and from campus. In part one, the samples are placed in water and the suspended colloid fraction is separated using filtration, followed by a determination of colloid sedimentation rates via light scattering. In part two, the solid phase of the soil samples is dissolved in acid and analyzed for chromium, lead, and iron using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. The experiment can be expanded to include arsenic. Through these experiments students can draw conclusions about the physical and chemical behavior of solid components in soil, paying particular a...

Concentrations and Fluxes of Salmon-Derived Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Lake Sediments

Fourteen sediment cores were collected from 10 lakes spanning a large gradient of sockeye salmon returns (0-40 000 spawners km(-2)) in Alaska and British Columbia in 1995-98 and 2002/03. The cores were analyzed for 210Pb to determine sedimentation rates and focusing factors. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) concentrations in the surface sediments (0-2 cm) were highly correlated with the number of sockeye salmon returns to each nursery lake. For 2002/03, the correlation between PCB concentration and number of salmon spawners was best with no correction factors applied, but decreased considerably when corrected for sedimentation rates, and was improved again by correcting for sediment focusing. Although sigmaPCB concentrations were similar in 1995-98 and 2002/03, the congener patterns varied. Because salmon are the dominant source of PCBs for most of these lakes, variation in sediment congener pattern likely derives from variation in congener patterns carried by the salmon. Overall, total PCB input by salmon has remained relatively constant since 1995. Unlike temperate Great Lakes contaminant studies, the North American west-coast lakes dominated by salmon bio-transport showed no sign of recent decrease in PCBs.

Reduction of Temporomandibular Joint Pain after Treatment with a Combination of Methotrexate and Infliximab Is Associated with Changes in Synovial Fluid and Plasma Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aims were to investigate the effect of intravenous infusions of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antibody infliximab on symptoms and signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in relation to effects on synovial fluid and plasma proinflammatory TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 as well as antiinflam matory soluble TNF receptor II (TNF-sRII), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble IL-1 receptor II (IL-1sRII) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nineteen patients with TMJ involvement taking methotrexate were included in the study. TMJ and general joint pain intensity as well as pain on mandibular movements, tenderness to digital palpation, pressure pain threshold and maximum mouth-opening capacity were assessed in a clinical examination. The effect of infliximab was assessed after 2 and 14 or 22 weeks. TMJ synovial fluid and venous blood were collected for cytokine analysis at all occasions while determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were performed at baseline and at long-term follow-up only. Reduction of TMJ pain was associated with raised levels of synovial fluid TNF-sRII and IL-1sRII as well as raised plasma levels of IL-1ra and IL-10. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate was associated with decreased tenderness to digital palpation. Reduced general joint pain intensity was associated with reduced plasma levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein. In conclusion, systemic treatment with a combination of infliximab and methotrexate reduces TMJ pain in RA in association with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines and receptors in synovial fluid and plasma.

Dating of sediments in the Biscay bay: Implication for pollution chronology

Important historical informations on the temporal changes of anthropogenic pollution in marine environment can be assessed using sediment analysis. Dating is a crucial prerequisite to reconstruct pollution events, to calculate fluxes, and thus to allow comparison between different sites. This work presents estimates of accumulation rates of sediments in the Bay of Biscay. Fives cores were collected during RIKEAU 2002 cruise on board o/v Thalia in order to study temporal changes in PAH and organohalogens compounds content of sediment. We compare chronostratigraphic estimates on cores derived from the natural radionuclide 210 Pb in excess with estimates from the known times of introduction of the artificial radionuclide 137 Cs to the environment. 210 Pb, 226 Ra and 137 Cs were measured directly by non-destructive gamma spectrometry using a well type γ-detector. Total 210 Pb and 226 Ra activities vary from 30 to 150 mBq g -1 , and 20 to 36 mBq g -1 respectively; 137 Cs presents lower levels (< 5 mBq g -1 ). Profiles of 210 Pbxs in three cores present a well mixed layer, from 2-3 to 10 cm, in the uppermost sediments, followed by an exponential decrease of activities, suitable for the determination of sedimentation rates. Under constant flux and sedimentation rate assumptions, vertical accretion rates derived from 210 Pbxs present a large range from nearly 0.1 cm yr -1 up to almost 0.3 cm yr -1 . Differences are mainly due to relative position of studied cores regarding the muddy patch. Although the moderate level of 137 Cs limits the accuracy of this dating method, profiles of 137 Cs with depth strengthen mean rates derived from 210 Pbxs data. The implication of this dating on pollutant inputs in sediments of the Bay of Biscay is briefly discussed.

Inflammatory activity: Capillary electrophoresis provides more information than erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Background: A new automated multicapillary zone electrophoresis instrument with improved resolution buffer (Capillarys® with HR buffer, SEBIA, Paris, France) for analysis of human plasma proteins was compared with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). ESR determinations have been performed for more than eighty years and it is still one of the most frequently used laboratory tests, mainly to monitor the inflammatory response and as a tumour marker. Methods: We studied the relationships between ESR, capillary electrophoresis and nephelometric determination of fibrinogen and albumin in 503 consecutive patient samples. The samples were analyzed on the Capillarys®. The albumin concentration from the nephelometric determination was used for quantification of the individual peaks in the capillary electrophoresis electropherogram. Results: We found no significant correlation between presence or size of M-components and ESR. There were moderate to strong correlations between ESR, fibrinogen and capillary electrophoretic determination of α1-antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein or haptoglobin for the detection of acute phase response. Conclusions: We suggest that ESR could be replaced by capillary electrophoresis for the assessment of inflammatory conditions and to detect M-components.