Electrolyte Changes Research Articles

Solubility study and selective purification of HMX explosive in organic electrolyte solution of zinc acetate/diethylene glycol

In this study, an organic electrolyte solution based on zinc acetate/diethylene glycol (ZA/DEG) is introduced for the selective purification of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) high explosive from its identical homologue cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX). The dielectric constant of various organic solutions were investigated through Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in the range of 1.0 Hz–30 MHz. and some quantum-chemical descriptors of RDX and HMX dissolutions in the ZA cosolvent were analyzed using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The results show dielectric constant and solubility of RDX is higher than that of HMX, and by increasing of ZA concentration in DEG solvent, the values of dielectric constants were enhanced. Furthermore, the presence of ZA cosolvent on the solubility of two explosives was statistically investigated by Central Composite Design (CCD) of experiment, and some solubility parameters including activity coefficient, dissolving enthalpy, and mixing enthalpies were determined. The experimental results indicate that the weight ratio of RDX to HMX solubility in the proposed organic electrolyte changes up to 30 times, which provides a selective and sequential separation method to separate two materials with similar chemical properties with a separation efficiency >98% and HMX purity> 99.8%. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) approves the acceptable quality of the separated materials. The proposed method makes the efficient and safe purification of high-quality HMX for application in oil and gas well perforating gun charges, using a nonvolatile and inflammable organic electrolyte.

Empagliflozin and Renal Sodium-Hydrogen Exchange in Healthy Subjects.

Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors exert clinically relevant cardiorenal protection. Among several mechanisms, inhibition of sodium-hydrogen exchanger-3 (NHE3) in proximal renal tubules has been proposed in rodents. Demonstration of this mechanism with the associated electrolyte and metabolic changes in humans is lacking. The present proof-of-concept study was designed to explore the involvement of NHE3 in modulating the response to sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in humans. Twenty healthy male volunteers received 2 tablets of empagliflozin 25 mg during a standardized hydration scheme; freshly voided urines and blood samples were collected at timed intervals for 8 hours. Protein expression of relevant transporters was examined in exfoliated tubular cells. Urine pH levels increased after empagliflozin (from 5.81 ± 0.5 to 6.16 ± 0.6 at 6 hours, P = .008) as did urinary output (from median, 1.7; interquartile range [IQR, 0.6; 2.5] to 2.5 [IQR, 1.7; 3.5] mL/min-1, P = .008) and glucose (from median, 0.03 [IQR, 0.02; 0.04] to 34.8 [IQR, 31.6; 40.2] %, P < .0001), and sodium fractional excretion rates (from median, 0.48 [IQR, 0.34; 0.65] to 0.71 [IQR, 0.55; 0.85] %, P = .0001), whereas plasma glucose and insulin concentrations decreased and plasma and urinary ketones increased. Nonsignificant changes in NHE3, phosphorylated NHE3, and membrane-associated protein 17 protein expression were detected in urinary exfoliated tubular cells. In a time-control study in 6 participants, neither urine pH nor plasma and urinary parameters changed. In healthy young volunteers, empagliflozin acutely increases urinary pH while inducing a substrate shift toward lipid utilization and ketogenesis, without significant changes in renal NHE3 protein expression.

Study the concentration of blood sugar and electrolytes in gallstone patients' pre- and post- cholecystectomy

This study was conducted to find the change in blood sugar and electrolytes for the gallstone patients who undergo cholecystectomy (both type's laparoscopy and open laparotomy). Serum electrolytes included: sodium, potassium, and calcium. This study included 120 patients (92 female and 28 male), aged between (16-65).Two samples were taken from the patients (first sample pre cholecystectomy, and the second sample after 2 weeks of it. &#x0D; The result showed Fasting blood sugar increased significantly (p≤ 0.05) in females group pre cholecystectomy comparing to after it, while there was no significant difference in males group. For serum electrolytes Results showed a high significant increase (p≤ 0.01) in sodium and potassium concentrations pre cholecystectomy comparing with their concentrations after it, while there was a high significant decrease in calcium concentrations (p≤ 0.01) before operative comparing to after it.

Correlation between post-operative electrolyte changes to perioperative factors in Bipolar TURP

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is one of the best available treatments for benign hypertrophy of the prostate. Many of the complications in TURP are associated with the absorption of irrigation fluid. In BIPOLAR TURP, normal saline is used as an irrigant which is more physiological. Aims and Objectives: Our aim of the study is to evaluate the correlation between post-operative electrolyte changes to perioperative factors in bipolar TURP. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten patients enrolled in this study who were admitted to Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Results: Mean age of the participants was 65.68 (±8.50) years with a median of 66 years. mean hemoglobin drop was 1.21 (±1.36) g/dl. The mean serum sodium drop was 1.55 (±3.01) mEq/L. The mean serum potassium change was 0.06 (±0.74) mEq/L. There was a significant positive association between operative time and serum sodium drop (P&lt;0.001). There was no significant correlation between any of the other parameters prostate size, resection time, resected volume were noted, and post-operative electrolyte April 2019–March 2021. Patient pre-operative changes and hemoglobin drop is observed. Correlation is assessed with Spearman Rho. Conclusion: Our study concluded that as operative time increases sodium drop and hemoglobin drop significantly increases. Resected and pre-operative prostatic volumes do not affect electrolyte and hemoglobin levels.

Extra-axial endoscopic third ventriculostomy: preliminary experience with a technique to circumvent conventional endoscopic third ventriculostomy complications.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is mostly safe but may have serious complications. Most of the complications are inherent to the procedure's intra-axial nature. This study aimed to explore an alternative route to overcome inherent issues with conventional ETV. The authors performed supraorbital, subfrontal extra-axial ETV (EAETV) via the lamina terminalis. This prospective study began in October 2021 and included patients with obstructive triventricular hydrocephalus with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or more and a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Patients with multiloculated hydrocephalus and those younger than 1 year of age were excluded. The preoperative parameters etiology, symptoms, Evans' Index, frontal occipital horn ratio (FOHR), and third ventricle index were recorded. The surgical procedure is described. Postoperative evaluation included clinical (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) and radiological assessment with CT and cine phase-contrast MRI. Preoperative and postoperative parameters were compared statistically. Ten patients were included in this study. Six patients had acute hydrocephalus, and 4 had chronic hydrocephalus. After EAETV, all patients showed clinical improvement. An mRS score of 0 or 1 was achieved in 9 patients, but the mRS score remained at 4 in a patient with tectal tuberculoma. There was a significant reduction in Evans' Index, FOHR, and third ventricle index after EAETV (p < 0.05). The mean percent reduction in Evans' Index was 20.80% ± 13.89%, the mean percent reduction in FOHR was 20.79% ± 12.98%, and the mean percent reduction in the third ventricle index was 37.45% ± 14.74%. CSF flow voids were seen in all cases. The results of CSF flow quantification parameters were as follows: mean peak velocity 3.82 ± 0.93 cm/sec, mean average velocity 0.10 ± 0.05 cm/sec, mean average flow rate 46.60 ± 28.58 μL/sec, mean forward volume 39.90 ± 23.29 μL, mean reverse volume 34.10 ± 15.98 μL, mean overall flow amplitude 74.00 ± 27.61 μL, and mean stroke volume 37.00 ± 13.80 μL. One patient developed a minor frontal lobe contusion. The frontal air sinus was breached in 5 patients, but none had CSF rhinorrhea. Transient supraorbital hypesthesia was seen in 3 patients. No patient had electrolyte disturbance or change in thirst or fluid intake habits. EAETV is a feasible, safe, and effective surgical alternative to conventional ETV.

Changes in the Metabolic Profile of HIV Infected Subjects on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART)

The metabolic profile of HIV/AIDS patient on HAART was investigated in comparison with HIV/AIDS patient who are HAART naive and also with the zero negative controls. Sixty (60) HIV subjects were used for the study and were carefully divided into two groups of thirty (30) each; group one were those on HAART and the other HAART naive while thirty (30) zero negative subjects were used as the control. Patients used for these studies are those who have been on the treatment for at least a year and not more than three years. Metabolic parameters assessed included serum total protein, albumin, globulin, electrolytes, creatinine and lipid profile. Results obtained reveals no significant (P &gt; 0.05) changes in the serum electrolyte and creatinine concentrations in all groups and similar trend was also observed for total protein and albumin levels but a significant (P&lt; 0.05) reduction was observed in the level of serum globulin concentration of patients on HAART (2.86±0.67) compared with the HAART naive (3.41±0.62). More so, there was significant (P&lt;0.05) elevation in the serum total cholesterol concentration for the HAART group (150.9±15.01) compared with HAART naive (114.5±17.04) and similar trend was also observed for LDL-cholesterol which may be a possibly indication of altered lipid metabolism. Thus, patients on HAART should carry out routine biochemical check most especially lipid panel assessment to avoid risk of altered metabolism; lipid dystrophy etc.

Association of serum electrolyte changes during haemodialysis with stimulation of premature ventricular contractions

BackgroundPatients on haemodialysis are predisposed to heart rhythm disorders, including bradyarrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter, supraventricular/ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) (Turakhia et al. in Eur Heart J 39:2314–2325, 2018). In addition to the fact that patients on haemodialysis have a high prevalence of underlying cardiac disease, the stress of haemodialysis itself might also contribute to increased rates of arrhythmias and SCD (Samanta et al. in Can J Cardiol 35:1228–1240, 2019).MethodsA Holter 24-h electrocardiogram was set up immediately before the start of haemodialysis for 72 haemodialysis patients (dialysis vintage: 6–8734 days) to record premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) as a marker of arrhythmogenesis for 24 h. Blood samples were also collected every hour during haemodialysis treatment. Each patient was dialyzed against a dialysate consisting of Na+140 mEq/L, K+ 2.0 mEq/L, Ca+ 3.0 mEq/L, Mg2+ 1.0 mEq/L, Cl− 110 mEq/L, CH3COO− 8 mmol/L and HCO3− 30 mEq/L.ResultsThe frequency of PVCs significantly increased in the 4th (80 ± 34 beats/hour, mean ± S.E.), 5th (79 ± 31 beats/hour) and 6th (105 ± 36 beats/hour) hours (F = 5.24, p < 0.00001, n = 72). The lowest left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, p = 0.001) and the highest b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (p = 0.049) were found in patients with the highest PVC counts. There was an association of positive changes in both serum K+ (β ± S.E., 9.7 ± 2.4, p = 0.0002), Mg2+ (43.2 ± 10.3, p = 0.0001) and HCO3− (5.3 ± 1.8, p = 0.005) with the frequency of PVCs for 4 h immediately after dialysis. During the same period, there was an association of lower serum K+ (− 8.37 ± 2.16, p = 0.0003) and higher Ca2+ (73.4 ± 18.0, p = 0.0002) with the frequency of PVCs.ConclusionsHaemodialysis stimulated PVC generation, and this effect was especially prominent during the period immediately after haemodialysis. Some serum electrolyte changes affected this PVC stimulation. A positive change in serum K+ or Mg2+ and a negative change in serum Ca2+ during dialysis are risk factors for stimulating PVCs, particularly in patients with lower serum K+ or higher serum Ca2+ levels at the start of dialysis.

Common Sea Star (Asterias rubens) Coelomic Fluid Changes in Response to Short-Term Exposure to Environmental Stressors

Common sea stars (Asterias rubens) are at risk of physiological stress and decline with projected shifts in oceanic conditions. This study assessed changes in coelomic fluid (CF) blood gases, electrolytes, osmolality, and coelomocyte counts in adult common sea stars after exposure to stressors mimicking effects from climate change for 14 days, including decreased pH (−0.4 units, mean: 7.37), hypoxia (target dissolved oxygen ~1.75 mg O2/L, mean: 1.80 mg O2/L), or increased temperature (+10 °C, mean: 17.2 °C) and compared sea star CF electrolytes and osmolality to tank water. Changes in CF blood gases, electrolytes, and/or coelomocyte counts occurred in all treatment groups after stressor exposures, indicating adverse systemic effects with evidence of increased energy expenditure, respiratory or metabolic derangements, and immunosuppression or inflammation. At baseline, CF potassium and osmolality of all groups combined were significantly higher than tank water, and, after exposures, CF potassium was significantly higher in the hypoxia group as compared to tank water. These findings indicate physiological challenges for A. rubens after stressor exposures and, given increased observations of sea star wasting events globally, this provides evidence that sea stars as a broad group are particularly vulnerable to changing oceans.

Serum Electrolyte and Metabolic Changes During Conditioning of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases: A Prospective Study in a Single Institution.

A hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) includes a conditioning regimen which may cause unwanted metabolic changes. We analyzed the changes in electrolytes, glucose, urea, and glomerular filtration rate in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who underwent an autologous HSCT employing the "Mexican method." Serum and urinary electrolytes, blood glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were prospectively assessed on days -11, -9, and 0 in a group of 75 patients with MS receiving an autologous HSCT employing the "Mexican method," which includes high doses of both cyclophosphamide (Cy, 200 mg/kg) and rituximab (1000 mg). The median age of the patients was 46 years, with a range of 20-65. Baseline data were defined at day -11 of the HSCT. There were significant changes in serum and urinary electrolytes, which diminished substantially after the delivery of high-dose Cy; 12 patients (16%) developed hyponatremia and 2 had hyponatremia-induced seizures, which resulted in hospital admissions. A comparison of baseline blood metabolites with those obtained after the full Cy dosage (day 0) revealed a significant increase in blood glucose and uric acid levels with an associated decrease in serum calcium, sodium, and potassium levels. The salient findings were drug-induced hyponatremia and hyperglycemia. Significant changes in serum electrolytes, blood glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were observed in patients given autologous HSCT for MS employing high-dose Cy. Some of these changes may have clinical consequences, mainly those derived from iatrogenic hyponatremia. No evidence of damage to renal function was observed at day 0.

Variations in Post-Operative Electrolyte in Coronary Artery Intervention.

Low volume change and minimal trauma observed during angiography are the reason why physicians often overlook any changes affecting pre-operative electrolytes levels after coronary intervention. However, few studies have addressed the issue of electrolyte changes after the coronary intervention. Therefore, our study investigates coronary angiography's effect on electrolytes and provides the quick identification of groups more prone to electrolyte changes. From the department of cardiology of the second affiliated hospital of Shandong's first medical university, 374 patients undergoing coronary angiography were selected. Pre-intervention and post-intervention serums, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), magnesium (Mg2+) and renal function were analyzed. The correlation between influential factors was also assessed. The association of hypokalemia with short-major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and arrhythmia was evaluated. Among the 374 subjects including 264 patients who had a simple angiography and 110 patients who received coronary artery interventional therapy. A decrease in potassium levels was found in 81.8% of the patients, and post-interventional hypokalemia was observed in 15.0%. After the intervention, the hypokalemia among males was 2.18 times than that of females, and the pre-operative serum potassium level was3.5mmol/L≤K+<4.0mmol/L and was 2.09 times than that of K+≥4.0 mmol/L, but was not associated with age and either simple coronary angiography or PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). Hypernatremia was also prevalent in males under 60 years and with pre-operative hypernatremia. Significant variations were found between hypokalemia and influential factors like hypertension, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disease. We also found that there was no obvious correlation between hypokalemia and recurrent angina, heart failure and death, but significantly increased the risk of some arrhythmias. Male patients are more likely to suffer from electrolyte disturbance after coronary intervention. There is a need to emphasize monitoring and managing electrolyte changes to prevent severe complications in the peri-operative period.

Effects of double intravenous furosemide administration at different doses on clinical variables, electrocardiographic indices and serum electrolytes in miniature donkeys.

The intravenous (IV) usage of diuretics such as furosemide may cause changes in clinical variables, electrocardiographic (ECG) indices and some serum electrolytes concentrations in miniature donkeys. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of double intravenous (IV) administration of furosemide at different doses on the clinical variables, ECG indices and serum electrolytes levels in miniature donkeys. A total of 21 clinically and para-clinically healthy miniature donkeys with a mean age of 6.00 ± 1.00 years and weight of 95.00 ± 5.00 kg were used. The animals were randomly divided into three groups of control (normal saline) and low- (1.00 mg kg-1) and high-dose (2.00 mg kg-1) of furosemide. Two IV injections with 12-hr interval were administered in each animal. The clinical and ECG parameters were measured at 0 (baseline), 2 (T2), 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hr after drug administration. Serum concentrations of electrolytes were measured at T0, T24 and T48. The results of this study showed no changes in clinical variables (heart rate, rectal temperature and respiratory rate) and ECG indices (amplitude and duration of P, QRS and T waves and duration of PR, QT and RR intervals) as well as no significant changes in serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium) levels. Although no significant effect on clinical variables, electrolytes levels and ECG indices after double IV administration of furosemide (1.00 and 2.00 mg kg-1) in miniature donkeys was observed, absence of these effects does not mean that furosemide had no pharmacological effect.

Prospects of spectroscopic neutron imaging: optimizing experimental setups in battery electrolyte research.

Spectral neutron imaging methods provide valuable insights into the characterization of hydrogenous materials, including battery electrolytes. However, their application is constrained by sample geometry, setup parameters, and material chemistries, especially when studying physico-chemical changes in battery electrolytes. To address these limitations, we present a framework for simulating and optimizing the investigation of hydrogenous materials. Our approach combines quantitative modeling with experimental data to predict and optimize the contrast achievable in wavelength-resolved neutron imaging methods, thereby maximizing the information obtained in specific neutron imaging setups. While initially demonstrated at the BOA beamline of the Paul Scherrer Institute, this framework is applicable to any continuous source with spectral neutron imaging capabilities with a chopper disk. This work establishes a pathway for accurate studies of hydrogenous materials and their physico-chemical behavior, paving the way for advancements in the field of material characterization with wavelength-resolved neutron imaging.

Effects of Plasma transfusion on various hematological and biochemical parameters in goats

This study investigated the clinical and hematological responses of plasma transfusion and hematinic administration in severely anemic goats. The blood profile of the recipient goats were assessed for hematological: Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Hemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Neutrophil, Eosinophil, Lymphocyte, Monocyte, and Electrolytes and Biochemical parameters: Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Creatinine and Total Protein (TP) before and after (1st, 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th days) treatment with plasma transfusion or hematinic administration. In plasma transfusion group (Group A), TEC, PCV, Hb, ALT, AST and TP were increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01) at 1st, 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th days of post-transfusion in comparison to pre-transfusion values. In the hematinic group (Group B), two patients died treated with hematinic. However, no significant changes (p &gt; 0.05) in clinical parameters, electrolytes (K+, Na+ and Cl−) levels and creatinine values were observed in recipient goats after plasma transfusion and hematinic administration. After 28 days of treatment, all patients of plasma transfusion group (100%) and three in hematinic treatment group (60%) were recovered successfully. The plasma transfusion was found superior to hematinic administration to upgrade the hematological and biochemical parameters in anemic goats. It did not produce any adverse reaction in the recipient goats. Plasma transfusion could be an effective tool for the clinical management of anemic goats.

Ameliorative effects of selenium against cypermethrin induced toxicity of tissue minerals in vital organs of Sprague Dawley rats

Publication history: Received on 26 October 2022; revised on 13 December 2022; accepted on 15 December 2022 Abstract: Introduction: Alpha-cypermethrin (Pyrethroid insecticide) is widely used in disease vector control, agriculture, home pest control and protection of foodstuff across the world. Due to its unchecked and widespread use, non-target organisms are also getting affected by its toxic effects. Objectives: This investigation was aimed to determine the preventive potential of selenium on changes in tissue minerals induced by a short-term (21 days) oral treatment of cypermethrin in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methodology: Female rats (n=20) were equally divided into four groups. Group 1 received corn oil (1 ml), Group 2 was administered 55 mg/kg/bw of cypermethrin, 1 ppm of sodium selenite was administered to Group 3 and Group 4 was given both cypermethrin and sodium selenite. Concentration of tissue minerals (Se, Na, K, Mg, Cu and Zn) were determined in the brain, heart, liver, kidney, spleen and blood through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: Results showed that cypermethrin administration caused significant changes in trace metals and electrolytes in some of the tissues while most tissues’ concentrations remained unaffected. Conclusion: The present study showed that selenium can be effective in the protection of cypermethrin induced toxicity. However further studies can be conducted to analyze the effects of different doses of selenium on cypermethrin induced toxicity in tissue minerals.

Haemodialysis Alters the Index of Cardiac-Electrophysiological Balance

Objective: To study electrocardiographic changes during haemodialysis and determine the relationship between electrolyte alterations and acid-base balance.Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Haemodialysis Unit, Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar Pakistan, from Jun to Jul 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Adult patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis were selected by convenience sampling. Exclusion criteria included current hospitalization, chest pain during haemodialysis, intra-dialytic hypotension,atrial fibrillation, pericardial effusion, shortening of haemodialysis sessions and unwillingness to participate in the study.Twelve lead electrocardiograms were recorded immediately before the start and end of haemodialysis sessions. At the same time, serum urea, creatinine, potassium, calcium and phosphate were measured. Bicarbonate levels were assessed by venous blood gas analysis. In addition, measurements for heart rate and durations of the PR interval, QRS complex, QT interval andcorrected QT interval reported by ECG machine software were recorded.&#x0D; Results: There were 35 patients with a mean age of 48.69±11.39 years. Duration of QRS complex increased from 92.83±9.98 to 100.00± 17.94 seconds after haemodialysis (p=0.017). Changes in other parameters were insignificant. QT/QRS and QTc/QRS ratios reduced by 0.27±0.62 and 0.31±0.62 after haemodialysis (p=0.014 and 0.005, respectively). Changes in none of the biochemical parameters during haemodialysis could predict the reduction in QT/QRS or QTc/QRS ratios.&#x0D; Conclusion: The reduction in the index of cardiac electrophysiological balance during hemodialysis was not related to intradialytic changes in different electrolytes or base content.

Monopolar membrane-assisted acid-alkaline amphoteric water electrolysis towards efficient hydrogen generation

Monopolar membrane-assisted electrolyzers enable water electrolysis using acid-alkali asymmetric electrolytes. However, understanding how such an electrolyzer works remains a significant challenge. By assessing the concentration-polarization state in membranes, measuring the ion concentration change in electrolytes, and determining the corresponding transmembrane resistance, we reveal that this electrolyzer can prevent the negative effect of the water dissociation process. The electrolyzer functions by the chemical potential gradient between the asymmetric electrolytes. Briefly, the delta in pH between asymmetric electrolytes significantly modifies the reversible hydrogen electrode potential at both electrolyte compartments and electrodes, and therefore decreases the required external potential. Notably, the unavoidable ion diffusion slightly reduces this positive effect. The electrolyzer performance depends on the membrane property, working temperature, electrolyte compositions as well as electrocatalysts. When adopted with state-of-the-art electrocatalysts, this electrolyzer achieves an industrially relevant current density of 200 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of only 1.39 V, outperforming most conventional water electrolyzers, and to the best of our knowledge also those fed by asymmetric electrolytes. Overall, this work highlights the promise of coupling chemical potential energy and electrical energy for hydrogen production, which provides a new strategy to lower the potential for driving water splitting.

Insights into the electrolyte changes during the electro-deoxidation of niobium oxide cathode

In the last two decades, tremendous work has been investigating the electro-reduction of metal oxide cathodes in what is known as the FFC-Cambridge process. This paper explores the electrolyte changes that occur during the electro-deoxidation of metal oxides. The investigation takes niobium oxide as a case study and subjects a Nb2O5 cathode to a constant potential difference of 2.5V between the cathode and carbon anode during the in-situ recording of the cyclic voltammetry of the electrolyte on a glassy carbon electrode. The deoxidation of the cathode supplies oxygen ions that increase the oxygen content of the electrolyte, even in the very early stage of the process. We could detect many non-Faradic processes and increase the electrolyte electronic and ionic conductivity a few hours after starting the electro-deoxidation due to the reduction of CaO. It was also possible to detect partial dissolution of the cathode in the electrolyte and back deposition of Nb on the current collector. The dissolved niobium ions can combine with the oxide ion in the melt to form a negatively charged complex which can be discharged on the anode to form a thick ceramic layer. The electrolyte changes were also investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Assessing Time Since Death by using Changes in Electrolytes in C.S.F and Vitreous Humour in Bodies Subjected to Autopsy

Death is an unpredictable truth in every one’s life. Death can be broadly classified as natural and unnatural.Medicolegal experts are concerned only with unnatural deaths. My study was aimed to estimate time since death(TSD). TSD is done grossly using various factors, to narrow down the limit of margin of error I assessed changes inelectrolytes in Cerebro spinal fluid and vitreous humour in bodies subjected to autopsy. The study was conductedon 100 cases brought for medicolegal autopsy. I concluded as there is definite relation in the values of electrolyteswith relation to the post-mortem interval or time since death.

Acute toxicity test nanoherbal mahkota dewa fruit (Phaleria macrocarpa)

A common plant from Papua, Indonesia, called Phaleria macrocarpa (mahkota dewa), has potent therapeutic components. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity level of nanoherbal mahkota dewa and its effect on the changes in hematology, biochemistry, electrolytes, and histopathology of the organ. High Energy Milling (HEM) was used to produce nanoherbal mahkota dewa. LD50 was determined in three stages: dose orientation test (12 mice), preliminary test (20 mice), and LD50 determination (30 mice) for 14 days using the Thomson Weil formula. LC50 was determined using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test method with concentrations of 1, 10, 100, 1000, and 10,000 ppm. This study revealed that the LD50 value was 1g/kg BW 0,075 and the LC50 value was 2145,0407 ppm. The nanoherbal mahkota dewa affected the histological organs, hematological, biochemical, and electrolyte parameters but did not affect the weight of the organ significantly. From this study, it can be concluded that nanoherbal mahkota dewa belongs to the category of moderate toxicity. In a proper dose, it could be processed as an herbal medicine in the future.

Circadian Genes Expression Patterns in Disorders Due to Enzyme Deficiencies in the Heme Biosynthetic Pathway.

Heme is a member of the porphyrins family of cyclic tetrapyrroles and influences various cell processes and signalling pathways. Enzyme deficiencies in the heme biosynthetic pathway provoke rare human inherited metabolic diseases called porphyrias. Protein levels and activity of enzymes involved in the heme biosynthetic pathway and especially 5'-Aminolevulinate Synthase 1 are featured by 24-h rhythmic oscillations driven by the biological clock. Heme biosynthesis and circadian pathways intermingle with mutual modulatory roles. Notably, heme is a ligand of important cogs of the molecular clockwork, which upon heme binding recruit co-repressors and inhibit the transcription of numerous genes enriching metabolic pathways and encoding functional proteins bringing on crucial cell processes. Herein, we assessed mRNA levels of circadian genes in patients suffering from porphyrias and found several modifications of core clock genes and clock-controlled genes expression, associated with metabolic and electrolytic changes. Overall, our results show an altered expression of circadian genes accompanying heme biosynthesis disorders and confirm the need to deepen the knowledge of the mechanisms through which the alteration of the circadian clock circuitry could take part in determining signs and symptoms of porphyria patients and then again could represent a target for innovative therapeutic strategies.