Electrolyte Values Research Articles

Free-standing solid polymer electrolytes based on elastomeric material and ionic liquids for safer lithium-ion battery applications

The search for solid electrolytes for electrochemical devices is an object of intense research due to their benefits compared to the liquids, mainly due to the processability aspects, handling, and leak elimination. Although studies involving solid polymeric electrolytes have been reported, the research for materials that combine good mechanical strength, elasticity, chemical, thermal stabilities, and ionic conductivity is still emerging. In this sense, in this study, we show a facile method to fabricate free-standing solid polymer electrolytes using a block copolymer named poly (ether-block-amide) (PEBA) 2533, ionic liquids (IL), and lithium salt bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (LiTf2N). These membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and complex impedance spectroscopy. Subtle changes in crystallinity, melting temperature (Tm), glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermal stability have been observed when IL and lithium were incorporated in the neat polymer PEBA. Furthermore, the addition of the different ILs in PEBA afforded membranes with conductivity in the order of 10−6–10−5 S cm−1 at 25 °C and the sample containing EMImTf2N showed Li+ transport number of 0.40, which are satisfactory values for solid electrolytes based on elastomers. This is the first report on the preparation of a solid electrolyte based on PEBA for lithium-ion batteries.

Evaluation of the ASPEN guidelines for refeeding syndrome among hospitalized patients receiving enteral nutrition: A retrospective cohort study.

Until recently, refeeding syndrome (RFS) has lacked standardized diagnostic criteria. This study sought to (1) determine whether RFS, as operationalized in the 2020 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) guideline definition, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and (2) identify key risk factors for RFS. In this retrospective cohort study, adults hospitalized from 2015 to 2019 were included if they were ordered for enteral feeding during hospitalization. Data were collected for up to 30 days, and RFS was operationalized as per the ASPEN 2020 guidelines as a ≥10% (corresponding to mild RFS), ≥25% (moderate), and ≥50% (severe) decline in prefeeding serum phosphorus, magnesium, or potassium. The mortality associated with RFS was assessed, and risk factors for RFS were identified using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Of 3854 participants, 3480 (90%) developed mild RFS. Thirty-day mortality was higher in those without mild RFS (24%) than in those with mild RFS (18%) (P < 0.01). When RFS was reoperationalized as a 50% decline in electrolytes, 25% of patients developed RFS with a 20% 30-day mortality. Risk factors for development of RFS included renal failure, elevated creatinine, and low platelets; additionally, prefeeding serum phosphorus level was strongly associated with development of RFS (adjusted odds ratio, 6.09; 95% confidence interval, 4.95-7.49 for those in the highest tertile of prefeeding phosphorus compared with the lowest). The ASPEN operationalization of RFS as a decline in baseline electrolyte values was not associated with death. Prefeeding serum phosphorus level strongly predicted severe RFS.

Admission electrolyte and osmotic pressure levels are associated with the incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury

This retrospective study aimed to explore the relationships between electrolytes and osmotic pressure homeostasis with contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) risk in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary angiography. We totally enrolled 4386 hospitalized patients, who were categorized into five groups based on the predetermined cutoff values of electrolytes and osmotic pressure. CA-AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatine by 0.5 mg/dL (44.2 mol/L) or a 25% increase of the highest level post-operation compared to baseline. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to examine the association of CA-AKI incidence with electrolytes and osmotic pressure levels. Piecewise linear regression models and restricted cubic spline analysis were further utilized to determine the nonlinear relationship. The results showed U-shaped relationships between sodium, chloride, magnesium, and osmotic pressure levels and CA-AKI incidence. The lowest incidence was observed in the categories of 139–141.9 mmol/L, 107.0–109.9 mmol/L, 0.91–1.07 mmol/L, and 290.0–299.9 mOsm/kg, respectively. J-shaped associations were observed for potassium and phosphate levels and CA-AKI incidence, with the lowest incidence in the categories of 3.50–4.09 mmol/L and 0.96–1.28 mmol/L, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between calcium level and CA-AKI incidence, with the lowest CA-AKI risk in the category of ≥ 2.58 mmol/L. In conclusion, abnormally higher or lower sodium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, and osmotic pressure levels on admission were associated with increased risks of CA-AKI. While for potassium and calcium, the status of hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia on admission showed more susceptibility for CA-AKI.

The Effect of Different Opioids on Acid-Base Balance and Blood Gas Analysis in Hospitalized Dogs.

Pain management is central to veterinary practice, contributing to successful case outcomes and enhancement of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Analgesic drugs represent one of the pillars of the multimodal approach to acute and chronic pain management. In dogs, the most used opioids are methadone, buprenorphine and tramadol. Several episodes of hypoglycemia in people treated with tramadol and methadone have recently been described. The aim of this work is to evaluate the changes in the glycemic and acid-base balance induced by tramadol, methadone and buprenorphine in hospitalized dogs. A retrospective review of the medical records of dogs hospitalized for both medical and surgical reasons was performed. During 2018-2020, a total of 876 canine patients were treated with opioids, including 228 with tramadol, 273 with methadone and 375 with buprenorphine. Of all these dogs, only a small percentage met the inclusion criteria presented in the initial design. All the hospitalized animals were monitored daily through clinical examination and blood sampling. Blood samples were obtained before opioid administration (T0), and 24 h (T1) and 48 h (T2) after °pioid administration. The following parameters were evaluated: blood gas value (pH, pCO2), acid-base state (cHCO3), oxymetric values (ctHb, haematocrit), electrolyte values (K+, Na+, iCa, Cl-) and metabolic values (glucose, lactate, anion GAP K+c). The glycemic value in enrolled dogs showed a decrease over time, regardless of the type of opioid used, but remained within the physiological range. The highest average glycemic drop was recorded for methadone, between T0 and T1, followed by tramadol between T1 and T2, while buprenorphine recorded the highest overall glycemic drop between T0-T2 when compared to the other two opioids. Female dogs showed the greatest drop in glycemic value. Lactate concentration always presented values beyond the physiological range at an early stage, which then normalized quickly. Measurement of electrolyte concentrations showed a consistent increase in the values of iCa, Na and Cl. In hospitalized dogs treated with opioids monitoring of gas analytic parameters is important and more attention should be paid to patients hospitalized with certain metabolic and endocrine diseases.

Changes and Clinical Value of Blood Glucose and Electrolytes after Asphyxia in Neonates

Changes and Clinical Value of Blood Glucose and Electrolytes after Asphyxia in Neonates

How electrolyte values affect COVID-19 patients at the time of application to the hospital?

Aim: COVID-19 disease is life threatening. we aimed to evaluated the effect of electrolyte disturbances on the course of COVID-19 disease. Material and methods: Patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms, clinical course, and laboratory parameters were recorded. Results: Totally 130 COVID-19 patients, 70 (54%) of whom were female, were included in the study. The mean age was 56.6 ± 16.4 years. The most common symptom was cough (57%) and the accompanying disease hypertension (45%). 68% of the patients had hyponatremia and 29%&#x0D; had hypocalcemia. 95% of the patients were discharged. 5% died. There was a relationship between the need for oxygen and advanced age, male gender, presence of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, bilateral involvement in chest CT, lymphopenia, CRP, low calcium level, hypocalcemia, and secondary infection (p = 0.024., p= 0.001, p = 0.030, p = 0.045, p = 0.002, p =0.010, p = 0.000, p = 0.022, p = 0.048, p = 0.001, respectively). There was a relationship between the need for intensive care, male gender, low calcium level, hyponatremia conclusion the presence of secondary infection. (respectively, p = 0.045, p = 0.023, p = 0.011, p = 0.001). There was a correlation between the duration of hospitalization and low calcium level and low sodium level (p = 0.026, p = 0.022). Conclusion: The severity of COVID-19 appears to be associated with&#x0D; low serum sodium and calcium concentrations, and regular electrolyte monitoring can be useful in follow-up.

Electrolyte disturbances after bowel preparation for colonoscopy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aimsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of population‐based studies to explore pooled prevalence and magnitude of electrolyte changes after bowel preparation for colonoscopy based on the most recent guidelines.Patients and methodsPubMed and Cochrane were queried for population‐based studies examining changes in electrolyte values after bowel preparation, published by July 1, 2021. We report prevalences of serum hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia after bowel preparation and changes in mean electrolyte values after vs. before bowel preparation using sodium phosphate (NaP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG).ResultsThirteen studies met the inclusion criteria; 2386 unique patients were included. Overall, hypokalemia was found in 17.2% (95% CI 6.7, 30.9) in the NaP group vs. 4.8% (95% CI 0.27, 13.02) in the PEG group. The magnitude of potassium decrease after NaP bowel preparation was significantly increased compared to PEG (mean difference −0.38; 95% CI −0.49 to −0.27, P < 0.001). No study reported on major complications.ConclusionsHypokalemia was found in 17.2% of patients after bowel preparation with NaP and in 4.8% of patients with PEG, a finding that is clinically relevant with respect to choosing the type of bowel preparation. The magnitude of the potassium decrease after NaP was significantly higher compared to PEG. These data provide the evidence that supports the recommendation of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy against routine use of NaP for bowel preparation.

Associations between Milk and Dairy Product Intake, Urinary Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio, and Socioeconomic Status in Japanese Male Adolescents

Although socioeconomic status (SES) may affect children’s urinary electrolytic excretion and dietary intakes, few studies have reported the association between SES and urinary sodium (Na)-to-potassium (K) ratio in Japanese adolescents and children. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between SES and urinary Na/K ratio (Analysis 1) and between dietary intake and urinary Na/K ratio to determine the SES effects in children and adolescents (Analysis 2). This cross-sectional study included 168 Japanese male adolescent and child football players. The urinary Na/K ratio was calculated from three spot urinary electrolyte values. Multiple regression analysis was performed in both first and second analyses to assess the associations between SES and the urinary Na/K ratio and between dietary intake and the urinary Na/K ratio for ages 9–12 and 13–15 years separately. The mean urinary Na/K ratio was 4.8, with higher SES associated with a lower urinary Na/K ratio. Our results suggested that urinary Na/K ratios in Japanese child football players were high due to poor childhood diets, and higher SES was associated with lower urinary Na/K ratios. Further, milk and dairy products are associated with the urinary Na/K ratio, independent of SES in children and adolescents.

Ionized Calcium and Serum Electrolytes Profile in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) of Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Serum electrolyte monitoring is essential in the health assessment of captive elephants. The major elements of calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate are playing a major role in regulation of nerve and muscle functions and in maintaining acid base and water balance. Excess levels or loss of particular electrolytes may occur as secondary changes caused by certain diseases or changes in physiological regulations. The aim of this study was to evolve the baseline reference values for serum electrolyte levels in captive Asian elephants raised in Tamil Nadu state of India. Methods: As part of the periodical health assessment blood samples were collected from auricular vein for 42 apparently healthy captive Asian elephants in Tamil Nadu, India. Serum electrolyte levels such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), ionized calcium (iCa), non-ionized calcium and total calcium (tCa) were determined by using an automated electrolyte analyzer. Result: Most of the ranges of electrolyte values observed in this study were similar to that of previous reports. As not much studies on ionized calcium are available on captive Asian elephants the value of ionized calcium found this study 1.16±0.13 mmol/L could serve as reference. There was no much variation observed in various age groups. This electrolyte profile values will serve as baseline values to evaluate the health and clinical conditions of captive elephant populations.

Spontaneous Reduction of Intussusception in Infants: Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

Background: Intussusception is not an uncommon abdominal surgical emergency in children. However, spontaneous reduction of intussusception is possible, though uncommon. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of the characteristics of infants who had spontaneous reduction of intussusception at a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. The study covered a 5-year period. Diagnosis of intussusception was made and confirmed based on clinical features and imaging (ultrasound) findings respectively. Results: A total of 383 cases of intussusception in infants were confirmed during the study period. Out of this number, 12 infants had spontaneous reduction. These gave a spontaneous reduction rate of 3.1% and form the basis of this report. The mean age of the patients was 6 months and there was male predominance. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom and the patients had abdominal ultrasound scan. Majority of the patients had normal serum electrolyte values. Two-thirds of the spontaneous reduction occurred preoperatively while one-third of the reductions were noticed intra-op. No definitive operative procedure was performed because the intussusception had resolved spontaneously. www.wjclinicalsurgery.com 1 Conclusion: Spontaneous reduction of intussusception is an uncommon event that may occur without stimulation. This study has shown that about 3 in 100 cases of intussusception in infants may reduce spontaneously. However, it must be emphasized that all efforts should be geared towards nonoperative or operative treatment of intussusception, as spontaneous reduction is not an option of treatment.

The Risk Factors for Delirium in Patients with Stroke in Palliative Care

Aim: Post-stroke delirium is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome that increases the distress of patients and family members and leads to long-term results, especially in older age. In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for delirium in patients followed-up in palliative care with the diagnosis of stroke. Material and Method: This retrospective study included 161 patients followed-up in the palliative care ward with the diagnosis of stroke. Patients diagnosed with stroke were grouped as ischemic stroke (IS), hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The age, gender, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) status, presence of infection, electrolyte values, length of hospitalization, discharge conditions and comorbid diseases of the patients included in the study were evaluated. Results: The average age of the patients was 70.49 ± 15.269 years, the length of hospitalization was 46.6 ± 16.11 days, and 35 (21.1%) patients had been diagnosed with delirium. In patients who developed delirium, the ages were significantly lower, the infection rates were significantly higher, and the length of hospitalization was significantly longer (p=0.046, p&amp;lt;0.001, p=0.003). While the proportion of patients with a PEG was significantly lower, the rate use of anticholinergics, narcotic analgesics, antiepileptics and antipsychotics was significantly higher in patients who had developed delirium. Conclusion: We think that determining and managing the risk factors for delirium development in stroke patients followed-up in palliative care will decrease the morbidity and improve the quality of life of the patients and that further studies on this topic are needed.

Effect of controlled loss of 350 ml blood from human body on electrolytes and albumin levels – An observational study done in whole blood donors at a regional blood centre

Background: Researchers have studied the hemodynamic effect of hemorrhage widely but the biochemical alternations after blood loss are less explored. Knowledge about changes in electrolyte values after blood donation may help in assessing the effect on large quantity donations or massive hemorrhage. It may also be beneficial in donor counseling and reassurance. Aims and Objectives: Primary objective of the study was to quantify changes in plasma sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and albumin before and after blood donation. Materials and Methods: Predonation electrolyte and albumin levels were tested in all study subjects as baseline and repeated after 45 min of completed blood donation. Both values were compared with paired t test in SPSS version 17. Results: After 45 min of donating 350 ml whole blood, no significant changes were observed in sodium and potassium levels. Reduction in calcium, magnesium, and albumin was 0.188 mg/dL, 0.0328 mg/dl, and 0.193 g/dl, respectively, which were statistically significant. About 15% of the blood donors were already deficient in magnesium. Conclusions: Calcium, magnesium, and albumin levels were reduced after blood donation but well maintained within the normal level and most of the donors had normal predonation levels. Hence, in large volume or repeated plasma donation and massive blood loss, baseline evaluation, and monitoring of these parameters may be worthwhile.

Ventrikularna tahikardija I hipertenzivna kriza izazvane rutinskom reverzijom neuromuskularne blokade - prikaz slučaja I pregled literature

Introduction: Neuromuscular blockade reversal may provoke cardiovascular events. We present the case of a middle-aged, vascular patient in whom ventricular tachycardia and hypertensive crisis occurred immediately after the initiation of neuromuscular blockade reversal. Patient Review: A 56-year-old man was admitted to our institution for emergency surgical treatment of left extremity ischemia. Besides hypertension, the patient's medical history was negative for any other significant acute or chronic diseases. Routine preoperative analyzes, ECG, and echocardiography showed normal findings. The patient underwent urgent trans popliteal thrombectomy under general endotracheal anesthesia. Immediately following the initiation of neuromuscular blockade reversal, with a diluted mixture of atropine and neostigmine (1 mg/2.5 mg, respectively), ventricular tachycardia and hypertensive crisis developed. Arterial blood gas analyses and electrolyte values were within the reference limits at the moment. Adequate therapeutic measures were undertaken immediately, and sinus rhythm was restored shortly. Later, serial ECG records showed negative T waves in the precordial leads, with an increasing trend of troponin I values (ranging from 0.59 to 5.45 mg/L). Coronary angiography was later performed and revealed a normal coronary angiogram. During the next three days, ischemic ECG alterations showed resolution and the patient was hemodynamically stable. On the fifth postoperative day, the patient was discharged, in good general medical condition. Conclusion: A careful administration of the atropine/neostigmine mixture is advised. Malignant arrhythmias must be recognized and treated promptly by an anesthesiologist, in order to achieve positive treatment outcomes.

The effects of subchronic intake of magnesium hydro-carbonate-rich mineral water on cardiometabolic markers and electrolytes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Background/Aim: Hypomagnesaemia is one of the most detected electrolyte abnormalities in diabetics. Modulation of numerous cardiovascular pathophysiological processes is a potential goal for anti-diabetic therapy. Magnesium supplementation prevents subclinical tissue magnesium deficiency, thus delaying the onset of metabolic imbalance in diabetes, but long-term effects of magnesium supplementation in chronic diabetes and numerous pathophysiological processes remain unknown. Aim of this study was to determine the effects of subchronic intake of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich mineral water on cardiometabolic markers and electrolytes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods: A total of 28 Wistar, male rats, body weight 160 g at start, were divided into four groups of 7 each: two controls, group that drank tap water and received a single ip injection of saline (0.9 % NaCl) (TW-C), group that drank mineral water rich in magnesium hydrocarbonate and received a single ip injection of saline (0.9 % NaCl) (MW-C); and two experimental groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, group that drank tap water and received a single ip injection of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) in saline (0.9 % NaCl, 1 mL) (TW-DM), group that drank mineral water rich in magnesium hydrocarbonate and received a single ip injection of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) in saline (0.9 % NaCl, 1 mL) (MW-DM). Results: Regarding the biochemical parameters, a decrease was observed in the MW-C group for vitamin B12 and proteins, while triglycerides were higher compared to the TW-C group. By comparing the haemostatic biomarkers between TW-C and MW-C groups, a statistically significant decrease was found for fibrinogen, while the electrolyte analysis showed an increase in phosphates for the MW-C group. Biochemical value comparison between TW-DM and MWDM groups showed that magnesium hydrocarbonate usage in diabetic rats did not significantly reduce glycaemia although the average glycaemic values were lower in the group treated with magnesium hydrocarbonate. Regarding the electrolyte values, a statistically significant decrease was observed for sodium, potassium and phosphate in the MW-DM group. The MW-DM group also showed a significant increase in iron value compared to TW-DM group. Conclusion: Subchronic intake of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich mineral water, as a form of magnesium supplementation, did not cause a significant improvement in glycaemia or normalisation of diabetes-induced dyslipidaemia. This study showed the reduction of fibrinogen value, thus indicating the possibility of usage of this form of magnesium supplementation in different pro-thrombogenic conditions.

Traumatic lingual hematoma after generalized tonic–clonic seizure in a patient with an acquired coagulopathy

Oral lacerations are common complications of seizures and account for 92% of all oral injuries. Seizures are relatively commonly associated with chronic alcohol consumption. It is already known that provoked seizures can occur after a sudden cessation of prolonged alcohol intoxication. Meanwhile, chronic alcohol consumption can disrupt the blood coagulation process on several levels. This report aims to present a case of generalized tonic–clonic seizure in a man with chronic alcoholism and acquired coagulopathy who suffered severe tongue injury during a seizure. A 45-year-old man was brought to the emergency department after a first-in-life generalized tonic–clonic seizure. He gave information that he bit his tongue during the seizure. Shortly afterward, the patient had another generalized seizure during which he stopped breathing and was intubated. On admission, the patient was sedated, intubated, and on mechanical ventilation, with no signs of focal neurological deficit. A detailed physical examination revealed massive tongue swelling, which was significantly moved forward. Laboratory tests revealed coagulopathy (INR 2,10) severe thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 50x109/L. Electrolyte values were in the reference range. According to the maxillofacial surgeon's recommendation, he was treated conservatively, and after 2 weeks, he was clinically stable with a significant reduction of lingual hematoma and without new epileptic events. In our case, decreased platelet count and probable platelet dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol consumption and tongue bite during generalized tonic–clonic seizure played a significant role in developing lingual hematoma. These fast-developing lingual hematomas can lead to possible airway obstruction; therefore, careful observation and timely intubation are mandatory to prevent possible fatal complications.

Identification of factors contributing to the development of postoperative delirium in geriatric patients with hip fractures- A prospective study.

Geriatric hip fractures are a major cause of concern globally and often a frequent reason for morbidity and mortality. Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent but often under-diagnosed complication, especially after a major hip surgery. Some of the factors that have been associated with POD are diabetes, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, electrolyte imbalance, and blood pressure fluctuations. Malnutrition as a risk factor is only recently being recognized. Although there are many possible risk factors reported, they are quite conflicting and not very clear. Therefore, we have attempted to conduct this study to identify the potential risk factors for the development of POD in patients with hip fractures. A prospective observational study was performed on 110 geriatric hip fracture patients admitted to tertiary health care in South India. Data regarding preoperative blood investigations, ASA grading, hypertension and diabetes status, MNA (mini nutritional assessments) status, serum albumin, and serum electrolytes values were recorded. The Confusion Assessment Method tool (CAM) was used to diagnose delirium in the postoperative period. Statistical analysis was done for various factors influencing the occurrence of POD. Among the total of 110 cases of geriatric hip fractures patients, 44.5% of the patients developed postoperative delirium. Advancing age, hypoalbuminemia, malnourishment, and uncontrolled diabetes played an important role to the development of post operative delirium in patients with hip fractures. Advancing age, hypoalbuminemia, malnourishment, and uncontrolled diabetes are strong predictors for the development of postoperative delirium in geriatric hip fracture patients. Since age is a non-modifiable risk factor, interventional strategies aimed at correcting modifiable risk factors like nutrition, serum albumin levels, and diabetes control play an important part in preventing delirium in the postoperative period in elderly hip fracture patients.MeSH terms: Hip Fractures, Postoperative Complication, Delirium, Nutrition Assessment, Serum Albumin.

Digoxin’s Interactions with Various Drugs and A Case Report

Digoxin is a drug commonly used to achieve rate control in heart failure and atrial fibrillation with some form of arrhythmia. It shows a positive inotropic effect by inhibiting the Na + / K + ATPase pump in the myocardial cell membrane. Since digoxin is a drug with a narrow therapeutic range, the therapeutic dose range should be monitored and the individual dose regimen should be established, taking care of plasma concentrations. Factors such as patient's age, renal dysfunction, abnormal electrolyte values, drug-drug or drug-plant interactions increase the risk of intoxication. Patients may present with nausea and vomiting in digoxin intoxication and may present with ventricular arrhythmias with fatal rhythm disorders. Although digoxin should be discontinued as treatment, accompanying electrolyte imbalances should be treated. In patients with malignant arrhythmias, digoxin-specific antibodies should be considered in treatment. In this review, various drug-drug interactions that are frequently observed and easily prevented in patients taking digoxin are discussed with a case report.

DC Conductivity of Lithium-Zinc-Boro- Phosphate Glasses

Objectives: Investigation of electrical transport properties of glass system in the composition (P2O5)0:65􀀀x(B2O3)0:1 (ZnO)0:25 (Li2O) x where x=0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40 and establish the conduction mechanisms. Methods: Glasses were synthesized using the standard melt quenching technique at 1473K. The samples were confirmed to be amorphous through XRD studies. An independent measurement of dc conductivity was carried out for temperature range 300-620K, by following two probe method. Findings: Conductivity of the present glasses is found to be of the order of 10-3 (Ω m)-1 which is higher than the reported values for lithium-ion solid-state electrolytes. Conductivity variation with temperature obeyed Mott’s Small Polaron Hopping at high temperatures and Variable Range Hopping at low temperatures. SPH model fits to the conductivity gave activation energies in the range 58-409 meV. VRH model fits gave density of states at Fermi level of the order of 1023 eV-1m-3. The nano-crystallite phases identified and determined size found to be in the range 5-37 nm and considered to be a glass-nanocomposites. Novelty/Applications: For the first time, zinc-lithium-borophosphate glasses are investigated for conduction mechanisms. Activation energy and density of states at the Fermi level are determined. At high temperature Mott’s SPH model and at low temperature Mott’s VRH model are found to be suitable to explain conductivity of these glasses. Keywords: Boro Phosphate glasses; Small Polaron Hopping; activation energy; Variable Range Hopping; the density of states; conduction mechanism

Interaction of aqueous suspensions of single-walled oxidized carbon nanotubes with inorganic and organic electrolytes

This article reports the colloidal behavior of the single-walled carbon nanotubes, SWCNT, decorated by COOH groups, in water. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods were used to characterize the solid samples. The SWCNT suspension was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods, as well as taking into account the dependence of the electrokinetic potential ς on pH. The negatively charged particles with a diameter of an equivalent sphere about ≈200 nm possess a ς value of –48 mV at pH 5.7 ± 0.1. Deceleration of the reaction of cationic and anionic triphenylmethine dyes (methyl violet and nitrophenol violet, respectively) with hydroxide ion in the presence of the SWCNT was observed. This effect can be associated with a lower local concentration of hydroxide ion compared to the bulk phase owing to a substantially interfacial concentration of the COO– groups.Critical coagulation concentrations, CCC, in electrolytic solutions were determined using the rate of increase in size. Coagulation with different inorganic electrolytes demonstrated that the system under study obey the Schulze–Hardy rule. Comparison with the literature data allowed confirming that the CCC for NaCl can be an effective criterion of oxidation degree of the carbon materials of this type. The coagulating influence of surface-active organic cations, including dyes, is much expressed. Besides the overcharging of the negatively charged colloidal species by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, the same effect was revealed in the case of the cationic dyes neutral red and methyl violet, and even for the Ca2+ and La3+ cations.Methylation of the carboxylic groups, COOH → COOCH3, of the SWCNT during 380 h, as well as heating up to 1000 °C results in a substantial and sometimes opposite changes in the CCC values for different electrolytes. Along with decreasing in the CCC for NaCl, an increase in the corresponding values for multi-charged cations was observed. This reveals the important role of the simultaneous interactions of multi-charged cations with several COOH (or COO–) groups in the case of the initial highly oxidized SWCNT, because this effect became less possible after methylation or removal of the carboxylic groups via heating. A substantial negative ς-potential in aqueous media of the colloidal particles of preheated, i.e, devoid of carboxylic groups SWCNT, allows expecting an alternative charging mechanism, characteristic of oil drops and gas bubbles.

Electrodeposition of Ti Alloy from Emic-AlCl3 Ionic Liquid Electrolytes

In this work, Ti-Al alloys were electrodeposited from the ionic liquid electrolyte containing a mixture of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIC) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3). The constant potential electrolysis was performed by two-electrode configuration at a constant potential with the copper electrode as cathode and the Ti electrode as an anode at optimized temperature and electrolyte composition (AlCl3 mole fraction). The density, viscosity, electrochemical potential window, and conductivity are important physical properties that determine the suitability of ionic liquid electrolytes for electrochemical applications. Therefore, before performing the Ti-Al alloy electrodeposition, the conductivity values of electrolytes and the diffusion coefficient of electroactive anion species (e.g., Al2Cl7 -, Al3Cl10 -) were determined as a function of temperature (343-383 K) and electrolyte compositions (0.6 to 0.71-mole fractions of AlCl3) using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and chronopotentiometry (CP) techniques. The conductivity (k) values of EMIC-AlCl3 electrolytes varied from 2.65 to 5.58 S m–1. The concentration of Al2Cl7 − anions in the electrolyte at a given composition and temperature decide the formation of Ti-complex ([Ti(Al2Cl7)4]2−) with Ti ions dissolved from Ti anode and its two-electron reduction to Ti, along with three-electron reduction of Al2Cl7 − to Al at the cathode electrode. The alterations in conductivities are due to the differences in concentration of electroactive anion species, the molecular structures, cation-anion interactions, and the viscosity of ionic liquid melts. The diffusion coefficient values of Al2Cl7 − and Ti-complex species were determined to be 0.259 ´ 10–10 and 6.36 ´ 10–10 m2 s–1, respectively. Homogeneous and compact Ti-Al alloy with Ti content ranging from 12 to 40 at.% was obtained under optimized conditions. The applied potentials, electrolyte composition, and temperature were critical in controlling the alloy compositions and surface morphologies of the resultant Ti-Al alloys.