High Chloride Levels Research Articles

Technologies for the Production of Meat Products with a Low Sodium Chloride Content and Improved Quality Characteristics-A Review.

In recent years, consumer concerns regarding high levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) intake have increased, given the associated risk of cardiovascular disease. This has led food industries to consider lowering the use of sodium in food products. However, it is well known that the addition of NaCl to meat products enhances their quality, including water-holding capacity, emulsification capacity, juiciness, and texture. Thus, it is difficult to completely remove salt from meat products; however, it is possible to reduce the salt content using salt substitutes, flavor enhancers, textural enhancers, or other processing technologies. Several recent studies have also suggested that processing technologies, including hot-boning, high pressure, radiation, and pulsed electric fields, can be used to manufacture meat products with reduced salt content. In conclusion, as the complete removal of NaCl from food products is not possible, combined technologies can be used to reduce the NaCl content of meat products, and the appropriate technology should be chosen and studied according to its effects on the quality of the specific meat product.

Chloride Interference during Analysis of Dissolved Organic Carbon Using Wet Chemical Oxidation Methods

Analysis of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is widely used to quantify the sum of organic carbon species in water. Analyzers based on wet chemical oxidation (WCO) usually have a relatively low detection limit (±1 μg of C/L) and are, therefore, well suited for analyses of DOC in environmental samples (e.g., surface water, groundwater, or seawater). However, these matrices might contain relatively high concentrations of chloride that can affect the DOC oxidation efficiency. We validated the DOC analysis using a combined persulfate and ultraviolet oxidation method in various prepared samples (humic and fulvic acids and selected organic acids) with different background concentrations of chloride. The results show that chloride is an effective radical scavenger (at concentrations of >355 mg of Cl–/L) that reduces the oxidation efficiency of DOC analyses based on WCO. The oxidation efficiency correlates well with the proton dissociation constant of the selected organic acids. Our findings imply that the DOC analyses by WCO methods should include an assessment of the chloride concentrations in the samples to check for potential interference. The results are relevant for DOC analysis in samples containing high background levels of chloride (e.g., brackish water) and for samples from DOC fractionation methods to quantify humic substances.

P78.15 Real-World Prognostic Model of Overall Survival in Patients With Advanced NSCLC Receiving Anti-PD1/PD-L1 as 2L Monotherapy

The objective of this retrospective, observational, non-interventional cohort study was to investigate prognostic factors of overall survival and build a model in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received anti-PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (atezolizumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab) as a single agent in second-line (2L) treatment. Patients with advanced NSCLC newly diagnosed between January 2011 and February 2020 who received atezolizumab, nivolumab or pembrolizumab as 2L monotherapy were included for analysis from the Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database. Patients could not have received first-line treatment with clinical study drug(s) or anti-PD1/PD-L1 nor anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitors. A Cox model with lasso regularization was used to build the prognostic model based on baseline clinical characteristics. The model was validated externally in 406 patients receiving 2L atezolizumab monotherapy from the OAK Phase III trial (NCT02008227). A total of 4224 patients were included with a median age of 69 years; 54% were male, 76% white, 67% had Stage IV at initial diagnosis and 69% had non-squamous histology. Top risk prognostic characteristics were ECOG performance status 2 and 3, older age, abnormal albumin and abnormally high calcium levels. Top protective prognostic characteristics were PD-L1 expression, extended time from advanced diagnosis to 2L treatment start date, abnormally high chloride levels, previous/current smoking history and abnormally low white blood cell count. The model was able to predict overall survival and showed a good performance in both the real-world cohort and the OAK trial (Figure). The prognostic model was able to predict overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving anti-PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors as 2L monotherapy based on demographics and baseline clinical factors from a real-world setting.

Microbiological quality and genotoxicity of domestic water sources: A combined approach using Micro Biological Survey method and mutagenesis assay (micronucleus test) in root tips of Vicia faba in the West region of Cameroon.

At least 2.1 billion people around the world use contaminated drinking water, causing 485,000 diarrheal deaths each year, mostly among children under 5 years old. A study conducted 10 years ago in Bafoussam (West Cameroon) recorded concentrations of bacteria among surface and groundwater. High levels of bicarbonates, phosphates, chlorides and suspended matters were also found. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological and chemical qualities of domestic water sources in 5 localities of the West region of Cameroon. Water samples from 22 water sources (wells, springs, water drilling and river) were aseptically collected in plastic bottles and transferred in 50 ml sterile tubes. For chlorinated water sources, 1 ml of Thiosulfate was added to the water sample; immediately placed in an ice box and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Water temperature and pH were measured on site. The microbiological quality of water was determined by testing Total Coliforms (TC) using the Micro Biological Survey method. 1 ml of each water sample was inoculated in the MBS vial initially rehydrated with 10 ml of sterile distilled water. The initial color of the vials is red. Color changes were monitored at three different time intervals (12h, 19h and 24h), corresponding to three levels of contamination. The chemical quality of water was assessed using micronucleus (MN) test in selected Vicia faba seeds secondary root tips permanently mounted in Dibutylphthalate Polystyrene Xylene mountant for histology after 72 hours of direct exposition in water samples and in dark. The mitotic indices and MN frequencies were evaluated in 10 root tips per site analysing 5000 cells per tip. Statistical analyses were done using Stata IC/15.0 software. The Student t-test was used for mean comparison and the significance level was set at 1%. The majority of samples were collected from wells (63.6%). The mean water pH ranged from 5.5 to 8.3 and the temperature varied from 23 to 26°C. A very high concentration of TC [>103 CFU/ml] was found in 8 (36.4%) samples. 10 (45.5%) and 2 (9.1%) samples turned yellow at 19 and 24 hours respectively after incubation corresponding to TC concentration of [10<x<103 CFU/ml] and [1<x< 10 CFU/ml]. The MN frequency was higher (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the negative control in 9 (40.9%) water samples indicating significant genotoxic effects of these water sources. This study highlighted the poor quality of domestic water sources in West region of Cameroon and the need to conduct regular monitoring of drinking water sources. Community capacity building on water treatment methods, including good wastes management should be implemented to help improve water quality.

Chloride load dynamics along channelized and intact reaches in a northeastern United States urban headwater stream

Sodium chloride has long been used for winter deicing, although its legacy use has resulted in rising chloride concentrations in urban watersheds. Persistently high chloride levels impair drinking water resources and threaten the health of aquatic life and vegetation. In urban areas, chloride fate and transport is impacted by human modification of the environment, including increased impervious surface cover and disconnection of stream corridors from riparian groundwater. We couple continuous streamflow records with weekly chloride concentration data over two water years to create continuous chloride load estimates at three locations along a degraded, urban stream in upstate New York with contrasting channelized and intact reaches. Our results show that degraded reaches characterized by channelized, armored banks and minimal groundwater connection deliver chloride loads closer to chloride application rates in the surrounding watershed. In contrast, stream–groundwater interactions in intact reaches adjacent to riparian floodplains, including surface water losses to subsurface flow paths, result in stream chloride loads that are 50% less than those delivered from upstream channelized reaches. These findings show that longitudinal chloride load estimates along a stream channel can be valuable in identifying the timing and magnitude of chloride sources and sinks, which may be common but less apparent in urban environments.

Quantification and Characterization of Artisanal Tannery Wastewater

Tannery wastewater is one of the most toxic waste generated in industries. In spite of this, there still remains a paucity of information on characteristics of wastewater generated from artisanal tanneries. This study, therefore, assessed the water consumption, wastewater generation rates, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater produced from each process unit of an artisanal tannery in Ghana. The study revealed that the water use in the tannery ranges between 1171 and 2120L/day and the amount of wastewater generated ranges between 820 and 1324L/day. Physicochemical parameters including chemical oxygen demand (13600 -24333.30mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1445.64 – 2803mg/L), ammonia (3.20 - 21.38mg/L), colour (950.35 - 53900.10PtCo), turbidity (450.24-1805NTU), suspended (1033.50 - 3216.40mg/L) and dissolved (26166.50 - 4996.65mg/L) solids exceeded the guidelines set by the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency. There were also high levels of chlorides, sodium, sulphates and calcium ions. The most dominant anion and cation in the wastewater were chlorides (715 - 20490.60mg/L) and sodium ions (258 - 14056.45mg/L) respectively. Heavy metals identified in the wastewater included zinc, aluminium, iron and chromium ions with the most dominant one being aluminium ions (0.58 - 78.18mg/L). Whilst the E-coli was below detectable limit, the count of total coliforms ranged between 0 and 4.5x104CFU/100mL. Five helminth egg species (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Enterobius vermicularis) were identified with their numbers surpassing the safe limit set by the World Health Organisation for irrigation purposes. These results indicated that the indiscriminate discharge of the untreated wastewater on the bare soil as it is practised at the tannery is highly detrimental to both environmental and public health and appropriate treatment schemes are required to treat the wastewater to safe limits prior to discharge.

Assessing the Chemical Composition of Wastewater Released from Hawassa Castel Brewery Plant and its Impact on Groundwater

Brewery plants have been known to cause pollution if they have no proper environmental safety systems by discharging effluent into the receiving stream, ground water and soil. The study aims to assess the physicochemical composition of wastewater generated from Hawassa Castel brewery plant and its impact on the surrounding environment particularly on the quality of ground-water. Thus, the study was conducted on samples taken from effluents of Hawassa Castel brewery plant and ground water from the nearby areas. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, DO, BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, EC, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, NH3-N, chloride, TN and TP were analyzed both for effluent samples and groundwater samples. Brewery effluent samples were collected from three sampling stations S1 (brewery effluent discharge point), S2 (50 m from brewery effluent discharge point downstream), and S3 (100 m from brewery effluent discharge point downstream) and four groundwater samples namely G1, G2, G3, G4 were also collected from near Hawassa Castel brewery plant. Groundwater samples G1 and G2 were collected approximately 30 m away from effluent discharge point and groundwater samples G3 and G4 were collected 100 m away from the stream. The parameters monitored for the quantitative analysis of brewery wastewater and ground water. The values of BOD (70.9 ± 7.69 mg/L), COD (178.5 ± 42.8 mg/L), TDS (135.5 ± 34.3 mg/L), turbidity (7.44 ± 0.77 NTU), and phosphate (9.08 ± 4.6 mg/L) were found to be above the permissible industrial effluents discharge limits. Moreover, the presence of high levels of TDS (462.8 ± 216.8 mg/L), TSS (143.7 ± 62.7 mg/L), EC (2370.9 ± 595 μS/cm), nitrate (43.5 ± 21.3 mg/L), phosphate (0.61 ± 0.13 mg/L), and chloride (931.9 ± 42.7 mg/L) in the ground-water samples were immensely polluted by anthropogenic activities and making it unsuitable for drinking purpose. Thus, the concerned bodies should act to prevent further deterioration of the quality of groundwater.

Association of Hyperchloremia and Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Hypertonic saline is often used to treat patients with traumatic brain injury. It carries the undesired side effect of hyperchloremia, which has been linked to acute kidney injury (AKI). We sought to evaluate the relationship of hyperchloremia and AKI in this population and whether the absolute exposure to hyperchloremia, including maximal hyperchloremia and duration of hyperchloremia were associated with AKI. A retrospective study of severe traumatic brain injury patients who received hypertonic saline at a single academic institution. Demographics, head abbreviated injury scale, development of hyperchloremia (Cl ≥ 115), duration of hyperchloremia, highest chloride level, duration of hypertonic saline use, admission GFR, and administration of nephrotoxic medications were abstracted. The outcome of interest was the association between renal function and hyperchloremia. A total of 123 patients were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only duration of hyperchloremia (p = 0.014) and GFR on admission (p = 0.004) were independently associated with development of AKI. The number of days of hypertonic saline infusion (p = 0.79) without the persistence of hyperchloremia and highest serum chloride levels (p = 0.23) were not predictive of AKI development. In patients with traumatic brain injury, admission GFR and prolonged hyperchloremia rather than the highest chloride level or the duration of hypertonic saline infusion were associated with the development of AKI.

Adult and paediatric haematology and clinical chemistry laboratory reference limits for Liberia.

BackgroundAs more research is conducted in Liberia, there is a need for laboratory reference limits for common chemistry and haematology values based on a healthy population. Reference limits from the United States may not be applicable.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to present laboratory reference ranges from a Liberian population and compare them to United States ranges.MethodsSerum chemistry and haematology values from 2529 adults and 694 children and adolescents obtained from two studies conducted in Liberia between 2015 to 2017 were used to determine reference limits. After removing outliers, the reference limits defined by the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were determined by sex in three age groups (6–11, 12–17, and 18+ years).ResultsThe median (interquartile range) of adults was 29 (23, 37) years; 44% were female. The median (interquartile range) for children and adolescents was 12 (9, 15) years; 53% were female. Several reference ranges determined using Liberian participants differed from those in the US. For chemistries, a high percentage of both adults and children/adolescents had high serum chloride levels based on United States ranges. For haematology, a high percentage of Liberian participants had haemoglobin and related assays below the lower limit of United States ranges.ConclusionChemistry and haematology reference intervals determined for a Liberian population of healthy individuals should be considered for establishing eligibility criteria and monitoring of laboratory adverse events for clinical trials as well as for use in clinical settings in Liberia and perhaps for other countries in Western Africa.

(Invited) Atmospheric Corrosion Monitoring in Cold Arctic Climate Using Modular Corrosion Test Racks

Atmospheric corrosion is a complex process, which involves chemical, electrochemical, and physical changes to the metal exposed. Atmospheric corrosion occurs when a metal surface is under a thin layer of moisture, but not completely immersed, and the metal surface corrodes while exposed to environmental factors. The arctic and sub-arctic region identified by the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) has an average temperature of -18oC or less during winter. It is commonly assumed that there is very little to no corrosion in cold environments. However, previous studies in the Antarctic and Arctic regions have shown significant corrosion damage when exposed to cold conditions. Studies in the sub-arctic region of Canada, Norway, and Russia show extensive atmospheric corrosion rates (when compared to Antarctica) due to human developments and the resulting increase in mining and metallurgical industries. Experimental and theoretical work has shown that the electrochemical process proceeds at temperatures as low as -25oC to -20oC . Moreover, very little corrosion data are available for metal alloys exposed to cold arctic and sub-arctic conditions. The two important factors that affect atmospheric corrosion rates are aerosol chlorides (or salt-laden snow from the marine environment or deicing salts on roads) and time of wetness (TOW) along with other climatic parameters such as rainfall, temperature, humidity. Factors that drive the atmospheric corrosion in cold climates are winds that can bring in salt-laden snow from the marine environment and the use of de-icing salts can also contribute to high levels of chlorides. The eutectic point or the freezing point of de-icing salts can be lowered to -50oC, melting the ice/snow layer on top of metal samples. This phenomenon keeps metal samples moist for much longer periods, thus increasing the TOW. In the presence of chlorides and moisture, extensive atmospheric corrosion damages can be observed on metal samples. Another contributing factor to high corrosion rates is low rainfall, which in turn cannot periodically wash off the deposited chlorides and SO2 on top of the samples. In addition, ever-increasing ambient temperatures due to climate change in recent years affect the snow presence on top of the metal samples. The temperature of the samples is not too high to evaporate the snow/ice deposited, but high enough to cause melt and sustain moisture for longer periods of time. This leads to the formation of varying thickness of wet ice/snow layers on the metal surface. Long hours of sunlight in the summer also increase the surface temperature of metal samples beyond the ambient temperatures, causing dew formation and condensation, which in turn results in higher TOW. The atmospheric corrosion damage in cold environments is close to the main human activity, which is concentrated near the coastal areas. The substantial human growth and climate change in the arctic and sub-arctic region pushes for a renewed better understanding of the atmospheric corrosion mechanisms that can lead to good choice of materials selection and better design practices for infrastructure and other applications. The combination of urbanization and proximity to marine environments make arctic and sub-arctic regions in North America, particularly Alaska, an important natural laboratory to study atmospheric corrosion in cold regions. Design and establishment of modular corrosion test racks equipped with weather stations will be discussed. The angle of exposure can be changed to 0, 30 and 45-degrees to the horizontal (see the attached figure). This will allow us to test the metals alloys exposed to different angles for the same exposure period and study the effect of snow/ice retention on top of the metal surface. Figure 1

Chloride levels in biomass sorghum due to fertilization sources

The Brazilian energy matrix has 43.5% of renewable sources, a higher value than registered in the rest of the world (14%). The sugarcane bagasse used in sugarcane plants underlines the importance of this, which is the second-largest renewable source (17%) in this market segmentation, however, the installed systems could be better used in the offseason with alternative crops such as biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), which has a low production cost, short cycle, and high biomass yield. However, this alternative has shown a drawback: the presence of chloride in the biomass, which at the high temperature promotes corrosion of the boilers. Thus, the influence of different potassium fertilization and the harvest times of biomass sorghum on chloride levels in the final biomass were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in the state of São Paulo (Brazil), on the 2015/2016 harvest, using the Palo Alto® hybrid. A randomized block design with 4 replications was used, with 3 treatments for potassium sources (KCl, K2SO4, KNO3) in fertilization and 4 treatments related to harvest times (pre-flowering, flowering, milk grain, hard grain) in a factorial scheme. The results showed that the sources of fertilization do not affect productivity, however, when using KCl there are higher levels of chloride in the final biomass, therefore potassium sulfate or nitrate are better alternatives. The time with the lowest chloride level in the biomass is in the milk grain stage, positively correlating with the time of the highest dry matter production per hectare (38.35 Mg ha−1).

The water chemistry and microbiome of household wells in Medawachchiya, Sri Lanka, an area with high prevalence of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown etiology (CKDu) mostly affects agricultural communities in Central America, South Asia, Africa, but likely also in North America and Australia. One such area with increased CKDu prevalence is the Medawachchiya District Secretariat Division of the Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Recent research has focused on the presence of various microbial pathogens in drinking water as potential causal or contributing factors to CKDu, yet no study to date has performed a more comprehensive microbial and water chemistry assessment of household wells used for domestic water supply in areas of high CKDu prevalence. In this study, we describe the chemical composition and total microbial content in 30 domestic household wells in the Medawachchiya District Secretariat Division. While the chemical composition in the tested wells mostly lies within standard drinking water limits, except for high levels of fluoride (F), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl) and calcium (Ca) in some samples, we find a frequent presence of cyanotoxin-producing Microcystis, confirming earlier studies in Sri Lanka. Since the total microbial content of drinking water also directly influences the composition of the human gut microbiome, it can be considered an important determinant of health. Several bacterial phyla were previously reported in the gut microbiome of patients with CKD. Using these bacteria phyla to define operational taxonomic units, we found that these bacteria also occur in the microbiome of the sampled well water. Based on available environmental data, our study demonstrates associations between the abundances of these bacteria with geographical distribution, well water temperature and likely fertilizer use in the local surface water catchment area of the individual household wells. Our results reinforce the recommendation that household wells with stagnant or infrequently used water should be purged prior to use for drinking water, bathing and irrigation. The latter is suggested because of the reported potential accumulation of bacterial toxins by agricultural crops. The observation that bacteria previously found in chronic kidney disease patients are also present in household wells requires a more detailed systematic study of both the human gut and drinking water microbiomes in CKDu patients, in relation to disease prevalence and progression.

Assessment of the impact of groundwater pumpage on water supply sustainability in Zanzibar, Tanzania

In the present study, a 42-year record of rainfall and temperature from Airport and a 43-year rainfall record from Kizimbani meteorological station were analyzed to understand how these climatic variables are affecting groundwater supply on the Island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Water table fluctuation (WTF) and rainfall data were examined for estimating groundwater recharge. The abstraction volume and recharge rate were used to estimate the water balance. Also, the different physicochemical parameters, such as chlorinity, nitrate, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were examined to assess the impact of groundwater pumpage on water quality on the island of Zanzibar. Through the use of WTF method, the present study estimated the recharge rates, local sustainable yield (SY) and integrated water balance (IWB). Rainfall records showed that Zanzibar Island receives a total mean annual rainfall of 1673 mm out of which 7% (equivalent to 1.79 × 106 m3/y) recharges the groundwater. Temperature variations indicated an incremental trend accompanied by low rainfall. The average estimated SY was 0.72%, while the IWB showed a deficit of 39%. Furthermore, the total groundwater abstraction rate in the studied area was 2.49 × 106 m3/y, which was higher than the rate of recharge. This means that the groundwater resources are currently over-exploited and, if immediate action is not taken, the groundwater aquifers may be subjected to pollution, collapse and seawater intrusion. The effects of over-pumping were manifested by high levels of EC, chloride, TDS, total hardness and nitrate that showed an increasing trend with time.

Sergančiųjų cistine fibroze 2014–2017 metų klinikinių duomenų analizė. Suaugusiųjų cistinės fibrozės centro patirtis

Tyrimo tikslas. Ištirti Lietuvos sveikatosmokslų universiteto ligoninėsKauno klinikų Suaugusiųjų cistinės fibrozės (CF) centre 2014–2017 m. gydytų pacientų klinikinius duomenis. Tyrimo metodai. Atlikta retrospektyvioji nuo 2014 m. sausio mėn. iki 2017 m. gruodžio mėn. Suaugusiųjų CF centre gydytų pacientų klinikinių duomenų analizė remiantis Europos CF draugijos pacientų registro kriterijais ir reikalavimais. Tyrimo rezultatai. 2014–2017 m. laikotarpiu centre iš viso gydyta 16 sergančiųjų CF (6 moterys ir 10 vyrų): 2014 m. gydyta 12 pacientų, vėliau – po 14.Minėtu laikotarpiu mirė du pacientai bei centras pasipildė 2 naujais sergančiaisiais. 81,2 proc. pacientų (n=13) CF diagnozuota iki 18metų, suaugusiojo amžiuje – 18,8 proc. (n=3). Visiems sergantiesiems diagnozė patvirtinta genetiškai, o devyniems nustatytas ir padidėjęs chloro jonų kiekis prakaite. Bent viena ∆F508 mutacija nustatyta visiems pacientams, abi ∆F508 mutacijos – 5 (31,3 proc.) asmenims. Nagrinėjamu laikotarpiu užfiksuotas sergančiųjų CF amžiaus vidurkio augimas nuo 24,6metų (2014 m.) iki 27,8metų (2017 m.). Plaučių funkcija, vertinta pagal vidutinį forsuoto iškvėpimo tūrį per pirmą sekundę (FEV1), išliko panaši – 59,7 proc. būtinojo dydžio (b. d.) (2014 m.) ir 60,5 proc. b. d. (2017 m.). Vidutinis kūnomasės indeksas (KMI) taip pat nekito – po 19,6 kg/m2 2014 m. ir 2017 m. Remiantis skreplių mikrobiologinio tyrimo rezultatais, dažniausiai buvo nustatoma lėtinė Staphyloccocus aureus infekcija – 75,0 proc. sergančiųjų 2014 m.; 57,1 proc. – 2015 m., 58,3 proc. – 2016 m., 64,3 proc. – 2017 m. Tuo tarpu lėtinė Pseudomonas aeruginosa infekcija diagnozuota rečiau – 18,3 proc. 2014 m., 14,3 proc. – 2015 m., 16,7 proc. – 2016 m. ir 14,3 proc. – 2017 m. Intermituojantis gydymas įkvepiamuoju antipseudomoniniu antibiotiku tobramicinu buvo skiriamas dviem pacientams, iš kurių vienam dėl išsivysčiusio atsparumo pakeistas į įkvepiamąjį kolistiną. Simptominio gydymo pagrindą sudarė įkvepiamasismukolitikas dornazė alfa, kasos fermentai ir bronchus plečiamieji vaistai. Vienam pacientui diagnozuotas su CF susijęs cukrinis diabetas, dviem pacientams nustatytas lėtinis kvėpavimo nepakankamumas bei taikyta nuolatinė deguonies terapija. Trys pacientai buvo įtraukti į plaučių transplantacijos laukiančiųjų sąrašą, du iš jų mirė. Išvados. 2014–2017 m. Suaugusiųjų CF centre gydytų pacientų amžius didėjo neblogėjant plaučių funkcijai ir nemažėjant KMI bei santykinai retai diagnozuojant lėtinę P. aeruginosa infekciją, o tai rodo CF centre teikiamos medicininės pagalbos veiksmingumą.

Implications of carbonates and chlorides contamination in groundwater: Examples from textile tie and dye markets in some parts of Southwestern Nigeria

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of common mineral dyes in effluents from dyeing processes on the quality of groundwater at Itoku and Asero, Abeokuta in Nigeria. Methods: Thirty-two (32) samples were examined by determining the In-situ parameters: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (Ec) and pH with the aid of a multi-parameter portable meter(model Testr-35); Chemical parameters were determined with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)and Titration methods for both cations and anions. Collected samples were analyzed for heterotrophic bacteria load using standard method. Findings: Elevated Ec-1830 µS/cm and TDS-1020mg/l values at Odutola-8 exceeded the WHO permissible limit with bicarbonate, carbonate and chlorides presence, in the water sample. DO at Ifote-6.0, Asero-6.8, Ifote-7.1, Asero carwash-7.9 was greater than WHO standard, specifying water that can support aquatic life and micro-organisms. However, other areas had low dissolved oxygen below the specified permissible limit. The results of the physicochemical parameters including; Chloride and Carbonate levels in effluent and groundwater in most of the studied sites were higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. Dye effluents and well water samples displayed high microbial loads. Predominant bacteria isolated from the effluent and groundwater included Aspergillus spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) observed indicated probable human carcinogens found where dye fabrication processes were high and effective. Novelty: Dye effluents have high bacterial and fungal loads. Similarity in the predominant bacteria isolated from effluent and groundwater from the hand-dug wells indicated that the effluent from the dyeing processes is negatively impacting the groundwater and this may pose a risk to public health. High levels of Carbonates, bicarbonates and chlorides in groundwater indicate contamination; making the water unfit for human and animal consumption. Keywords: Minerals; dyes; contamination; groundwater; carbonates; chlorides

Germination and Biochemical Parameters of the Triticum aestivum Varieties (Pirsabak and Ata Habib) in Response to NaCl Stress

Abiotic stress is an important ecological problem limiting crop growth and productivity of other important substances like Carbohydrates, protein, and Chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’ contents in plants. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of various concentrations of NaCl, 20ppm, 40ppm, 60ppm, 80ppm, 100ppm and non-saline concentration on two varieties, Ata Habib and Pirsabak of Triticum aestivum. Effects of NaCl were observed on Biochemicals contents (Carbohydrates, protein, Chlorophyll a and b) and germination percentage, seedling shoot length, seedling root length, seedling fresh and dry biomass, root numbering and leaf numbering. The result showed that germination and seedling growth reduced with the increasing concentration of NaCl while total carbohydrates and chl ‘a’ and ‘b’ increased with increasing salt application on both varieties but protein contents decrease significantly on a high level of sodium chloride. The overall comparison of both varieties in morphologically and biochemically parameters under sodium chloride showed that Pirsabak was more affected by NaCl compared to Ata Habib indicating that the species can tolerate NaCl laden soils. We recommend that the experiment be repeated with more varieties of Triticum aestivum under field conditions to compare results and to obtain more NaCl tolerant varieties.

Multisource Groundwater Contamination under Data Scarcity: The Case Study of Six Municipalities in the Proximity of the Naameh Landfill, Lebanon

Lebanon is affected by a protracted environmental and solid waste crisis that is threatening the water resources and the public health of its communities. This study is part of a public participatory research project that aims to evaluate the impacts of solid waste disposal practices on water, air, and health in six villages of Lebanon, stigmatized by the presence of a regional landfill. Community mapping enabled the selection and testing of seven springs and three wells in the upstream basin and 11 wells in the lower basin, covering a broad list of chemical, physical, and bacteriological parameters. Two water quality indices (WQ-1 and WQ-2) were used to assess water quality in the study area. The results for the upstream wells and springs showed a significant bacteriological contamination, while the results in the lower wells showed high levels of conductivity, chlorides, and zinc along with the occurrence of organic micropollutants in trace concentrations. The comparison between the experimental data, with the natural background value established in the same area, did not show major differences, except for zinc and bacteriological indicators. The bacteriological contamination is most likely related to sewage infiltration into groundwater at the time of the assessment. Zinc may result from landfill leachate infiltration but also well corrosion. Saltwater intrusion affecting the coastal basin is masking the results for conductivity, chlorides, and sulfates, whereas the presence of small traces of organic micropollutants in the coastal aquifer may be related to leachate infiltration. WQI-1 results, which included bacteriological indicators, showed highly degraded water quality in the C1-C3 inner basin. In contrast, WQI-2, which includes physio-chemical indicators only, showed good water quality, slightly deteriorating in the coastal area, downstream of the Naameh landfill.

Photochemical removal of hexavalent chromium and nitrate from ion-exchange brine waste using carbon-centered radicals

Ion-exchange (IX) is a promising technology to remove hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and nitrate from groundwater; however, its wide application is challenged by a costly disposal of spent brine. This study developed a novel photochemical process utilizing reductive carbon-centered radicals to remove Cr(VI) and nitrate in IX spent brine. In the presence of formate or alcohol additives, photolysis of nitrate in spent brine generated highly reductive carbon-centered radicals including ·CO2−, ·CH2OH, ·CH(OH)CH3, and ·C(OH)(CH3)2. Among them, ·CO2− exhibited the highest efficiency to reduce Cr(VI) to non-toxic Cr(III) solids. Increasing the dosage of formate additive promoted ·CO2− production and accelerated Cr(VI) removal. Decreasing pH enhanced Cr(VI) removal by increasing the yield of ·CO2− and thermodynamic favorability of Cr(VI) reduction while lowering total chromium removal because of the formation of soluble Cr(III) species. High levels of chloride in spent brine scavenged HO·, suppressed ·CO2− production, and inhibited Cr(VI) reduction. With an extended reaction time, nitrate was photochemically converted to gaseous nitrogen species. The denitrification process was favored at acidic pH due to the suppressed formation of nitrite. Findings from this study provides a new photochemical treatment technology for hazardous IX spent brine management.

Long-Term Durability of Marine Reinforced Concrete Structures

The sustainability of reinforced concrete is critical, particularly for structures exposed to marine environments. Chlorides are implicated in causing or accelerating reinforcement corrosion and potentially earlier expensive repairs, yet there are many older reinforced concrete structures in good condition for many decades despite very high chloride levels at the reinforcement. The reasons for this are reviewed briefly, together with recent experimental work that better defines the role of chlorides. One is initiation of reinforcement corrosion but only through localized pitting at air-voids in concrete at the interface with the steel reinforcement. These tend to be small or negligible for high quality well-compacted concretes. The other role for chlorides has been shown, in experimental work, to accelerate the long-term loss of concrete alkali material. On the other hand, a review of practical experience shows that what has been termed chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion often is not that at all, but is the end-product of factors that impair the protective nature of the concrete. As reviewed herein, these include poor compaction, physical damage to concrete cover, concrete shrinkage, and alkali-aggregate reactions. The various observations presented are important for the proper understanding, analysis, and design of durable reinforced concrete structures exposed to chloride-rich environments.

Influence of saltwater intake on the health of dairy cattle

Water is an element extremely important, essential for life, and necessary to maintain some factors such as intracellular pressure, assist digestive processes, carry nutrients, eliminate toxins through urine and allow the thermal balance of living things. However, it is a scarce element as the national water resources policy in Brazil advocates. In recent years water has become one of the biggest global problems due to lack and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of saline intake on the health of dairy cattle. The actions consisted of periodic visits to a rural property located in the city of Pesqueira, Agreste Pernambucano - Brazil, whose main economic activity is milk production and cheese making. The herd has milk aptitude and consists of 182 animals. Samples of desalination tailings water that were supplied for quench the animals were collected. Blood samples from the cattle were collected and sent for hematological exams. The results showed alterations of some physicochemical parameters of water and high serum levels of chloride and sodium in cattle. The continuous intake of wastewater from the desalination process for the quench of dairy cattle alters the serological and physiological patterns of these animals. Further studies must be conducted on dairy products regarding their quality and health impact.