Levels Of Cl Research Articles

Analysis of aerosol composition data for western United States wildfires between 2005 and 2015: Dust emissions, chloride depletion, and most enhanced aerosol constituents.

This study examines major wildfires in the western United States between 2005 and 2015 to determine which species exhibit the highest percent change in mass concentration on day of peak fire influence relative to preceding nonfire days. Forty-one fires were examined using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) data set. Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) constituents exhibited the highest percent change increase. The sharpest enhancements were for the volatile (OC1) and semivolatile (OC2) OC fractions, suggestive of secondary organic aerosol formation during plume transport. Of the noncarbonaceous constituents, Cl, P, K, NO3-, and Zn levels exhibited the highest percent change. Dust was significantly enhanced in wildfire plumes, based on significant enhancements in fine soil components (i.e., Si, Ca, Al, Fe, and Ti) and PMcoarse (i.e., PM10-PM2.5). A case study emphasized how transport of wildfire plumes significantly impacted downwind states, with higher levels of fine soil and PMcoarse at the downwind state (Arizona) as compared to the source of the fires (California). A global model (Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System, NAAPS) did not capture the dust influence over California or Arizona during this case event because it is not designed to resolve dust dynamics in fires, which motivates improved treatment of such processes. Significant chloride depletion was observed on the peak EC day for almost a half of the fires examined. Size-resolved measurements during two specific fires at a coastal California site revealed significant chloride reductions for particle aerodynamic diameters between 1 and 10 μm.

Effects of chloride on PMS-based pollutant degradation: A substantial discrepancy between dyes and their common decomposition intermediate (phthalic acid)

A considerable effort has been devoted to elucidating the roles of chloride in oxidative degradation and chlorination of dyes. However, few investigations are available on kinetic analysis and transformation pathways of secondary degradation byproducts of dyes in saline wastewater treatment. Here the impact of chlorine on the degradation rate of phthalic acid, a typical dye degradation intermediate, by the Co2+/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process was examined. Degradation efficiency, intermediate products, AOX (adsorbable organic halogen) formation and mineralization were considered. An overall negative impact was observed within the concentration of Cl− up to 100 mM, differing from the dual effect of chloride on dye degradation process as previously observed. The presence of high levels of Cl− led to a low production of AOX and a reduction of the formation of chlorinated by-products. The mineralization was also restrained when the Cl− concentration was increased. Degradation pathways for these processes are proposed. These findings provide valuable information about the degradation pathways of dyes and about the formation mechanism of chlorinated by-products in industrial saline wastewater treatment.

A role for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the nitric oxide-dependent release of Cl− from acidic organelles in amacrine cells

γ-Amino butyric acid (GABA) and glycine typically mediate synaptic inhibition because their ligand-gated ion channels support the influx of Cl- However, the electrochemical gradient for Cl- across the postsynaptic plasma membrane determines the voltage response of the postsynaptic cell. Typically, low cytosolic Cl- levels support inhibition, whereas higher levels of cytosolic Cl- can suppress inhibition or promote depolarization. We previously reported that nitric oxide (NO) releases Cl- from acidic organelles and transiently elevates cytosolic Cl-, making the response to GABA and glycine excitatory. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is involved in the NO-dependent efflux of organellar Cl- We first establish the mRNA and protein expression of CFTR in our model system, cultured chick retinal amacrine cells. Using whole cell voltage-clamp recordings of currents through GABA-gated Cl- channels, we examine the effects of pharmacological inhibition of CFTR on the NO-dependent release of internal Cl- To interfere with the expression of CFTR, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome editing. We find that both pharmacological inhibition and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown of CFTR block the ability of NO to release Cl- from internal stores. These results demonstrate that CFTR is required for the NO-dependent efflux of Cl- from acidic organelles.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although CFTR function has been studied extensively in the context of epithelia, relatively little is known about its function in neurons. We show that CFTR is involved in an NO-dependent release of Cl- from acidic organelles. This internal function of CFTR is particularly relevant to neuronal physiology because postsynaptic cytosolic Cl- levels determine the outcome of GABA- and glycinergic synaptic signaling. Thus the CFTR may play a role in regulating synaptic transmission.

Communicating with fluorescent molecular sensors in biological environments

Ginkgo biloba is recommended in street plantings in many countries due to its resistance to urban conditions. Our research confirmed the relatively low sensitivity of G. biloba to unfavorable urban conditions salt stress. The research consisted of two field experiments with urban trees and a controlled potted experiment with young trees. There was a large diversity of reactions between the older street trees and the young trees from the pot experiment. In both experiments, the leaves demonstrated high values of Cl and Na. The street tree leaves contained an average of 1.13% Cl and 1061 mg kg−1 Na. In the pot experiment, depending on the NaCl dose, the Cl content ranged from 0.07% to 4.80%, and Na ranged from 40.4 mg kg−1 to 7953 mg kg−1. The street tree leaves did not have any damage, and in the pot experiment, the first measurable damage to the leaves appeared with leaf Cl and Na contents of 2.42% Cl and 4.86 mg kg−1 Na. The health conditions of the leaves, even at the highest levels of Cl and Na, were not bad (damage index of 2.4 on a six-point scale). In urban conditions, an increasing amount of Cl was accompanied by an increase in polyprenols in the leaves. In the model experiment, there was no increase in the content of these compounds with a concomitant increase in the NaCl dose. The G. biloba strategy may rely on the ability to synthesize polyprenols acquired during the process of adaptation. This ability was only possessed by older street trees; young trees in the pot experiment did not develop this ability.

The hematological and biochemical changes in rats exposed to britholite mineral

The present study was to investigate the alteration of biochemical and hematological parameters on the rats exposed to natural radiation caused by britholite mineral (REE, Ca, Na)5 [(Si,P)O4]3(OH,F) within 15 days. Britholite was collected from Kuluncak mining area, Malatya, bearing radioactive 232Th isotope (average 2.68% ThO2), which is rare earth elements found high amounts. Britholite is toxic for the living animal and human and emits the radiation to natural surroundings about 0.8R/h due to its radioactive 232Th properties. In this study, animals were divided to two groups, one groups exposed to 232Th, the other group was served as control group. All animals were fed with same food and water during the experimental study (15 days). After 15 days, the hematologic and biochemical parameters (Na, K, Ca, P, Cl, Mg, glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, albumin, Uric acid, AST, ALT, total protein, Fe, urea and creatine level and hormonal parameters (TSH, T3 and T4)) were analyzed The levels of serum triglyceride in the ionizing radiation group generated by 232Th isotope (p < 0.05) statistically significantly increased compared with control group value. Lymphocytes, TSH, T3 and T4 decreased in the ionizing radiation group generated by 232Th isotope while neutrophils increased in the ionizing radiation group generated by 232Th isotope. The rats exposed to ionizing radiation generated by 232Th isotope caused significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters and the most significantly alteration was observed in the thyroid hormonal levels, which might be due to high radiation doses within short time. These results should be kept in mind to maintain healthy life in people who lives in britholite mineral vicinity.

Nerve growth factor from seminal plasma origin (spβ-NGF) increases CL vascularization and level of mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes during the early stage of Corpus Luteum development in llamas

The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of seminal plasma β-NGF on Corpus Luteum morphology and function and level of mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Llamas were assigned (n = 12/per group) to receive an intramuscular dose of: (a) 1 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS), (b) 5 μg gonadorelin acetate (GnRH), or (c) 1.0 mg of purified llama spβ-NGF. Ovaries were examined by transrectal B-mode ultrasonography from treatment to ovulation (Day 0 = treatment). B mode/Power Doppler ultrasonography and blood samples collection were performed at Days 4, 8 and 10 (n = 3 llamas per treatment group/per time point) to determine CL diameter, vascularization and plasma progesterone concentration respectively. Plasma progesterone concentration was analyzed in all llamas at Day 0. Then females were submitted to ovariectomy at Days 4, 8 and 10 (n = 3 llamas/treatment/time), CL was removed to determine vascular area, proportion of luteal cells and CYP11A1/P450scc and STAR expression by RT-PCR. Ovulation was similar between llamas treated with GnRH or spβ-NGF and CL diameter did not differ between GnRH or spβ-NGF groups by Day 4, 8 or 10. Vascularization area of the CL was higher (P < 0.01) in llamas from the spβ-NGF than GnRH-treated group by Day 4 and 8. Plasma progesterone concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in llamas from the spβ-NGF compared to females of GnRH group by Day 4 and 8. The proportion of small and large luteal cells did not differ between GnRH or spβ-NGF groups by Day 8. CYP11A1/P450scc was upregulated 3 folds at day 4 and 10 by spβ-NGF compared to GnRH. STAR transcription was 3 folds higher at day 4 in females treated with spβ-NGF. In conclusion, the luteotrophic effect of spβ-NGF could be related to an increase of vascularization and up regulation of CYP11A1/P450scc and STAR transcripts enhancing progesterone secretion.

Imaging of glial cell morphology, SOD1 distribution and elemental composition in the brainstem and hippocampus of the ALS hSOD1G93A rat

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor and cognitive domains of the CNS. Mutations in the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause 20% of familial ALS and provoke formation of intracellular aggregates and copper and zinc unbinding, leading to glial activation and neurodegeneration. Therefore, we investigated glial cell morphology, intracellular SOD1 distribution, and elemental composition in the brainstem and hippocampus of the hSOD1G93A transgenic rat model of ALS. Immunostaining for astrocytes, microglia and SOD1 revealed glial proliferation and progressive tissue accumulation of SOD1 in both brain regions of ALS rats starting already at the presymptomatic stage. Glial cell morphology analysis in the brainstem of ALS rats revealed astrocyte activation occurring before disease symptoms onset, followed by activation of microglia. Hippocampal ALS astrocytes exhibited an identical reactive profile, while microglial morphology was unchanged. Additionally, ALS brainstem astrocytes demonstrated progressive SOD1 accumulation in the cell body and processes, while microglial SOD1 levels were reduced and its distribution limited to distal cell processes. In the hippocampus both glial cell types exhibited SOD1 accumulation in the cell body. X-ray fluorescence imaging revealed decreased P and increased Ca, Cl, K, Ni, Cu and Zn in the brainstem, and higher levels of Cl, Ni and Cu, but lower levels of Zn in the hippocampus of symptomatic ALS rats. These results bring new insights into the glial response during disease development and progression in motor as well as in non-motor CNS structures, and indicate disturbed tissue elemental homeostasis as a prominent hallmark of disease pathology.

Will seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) quality change in a warmer ocean?

The impacts of climate change on seafood quality, safety and human health are still unknown. The present study investigated the effect of warming on fatty acids and elements content in two tissues (muscle and liver) of the relevant commercial seabass species (Dicentrarchus labrax). After exposing fish to increased seawater temperature for a period of 60days, higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) levels were observed in fish muscle (2.16% increase); whereas lower SFA levels were observed in fish liver (5.42% decrease). On the other hand, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contents decreased in both muscle (1.77% and 0.39%, respectively) and liver (10.54% and 8.11%, respectively) of fish subjected to warmer conditions. Additionally, warming promoted changes in fish elemental profiles, leading to significantly higher levels of Cl in the muscle and lower levels of Rb in the liver. Overall, data showed that fatty acids and elemental contents were affected by temperature, though representing small implications to human health. Moreover, this preliminary study highlights the importance of conducting further seafood risk-benefit assessments under climate change contexts.

Biochemical and anthropometric correlates of bio-electrical impedance parameters in severely malnourished children: A cross-sectional study

Despite expanding use of bio-impedance (BI), little is known about its pathophysiologic significance and biological correlates OBJECTIVE: Determine correlations of BI parameters with anthropometry and biomarkers of electrolyte homeostasis, inflammation and liver function in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We studied Ethiopian children with SAM (mid-arm circumference <11·0cm or weight-for-height <70% of the NCHS growth reference median and/or nutritional oedema) at hospitalization. Impedance (Z, Ohm), resistance (R, Ohm), reactance (Xc, Ohm) and phase angle (PA, degree) were measured at 50kHz. R and Xc were height-indexed. Anthropometric Z-scores were calculated. Serum phosphate, Ca, Na, K, Mg, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, α1-acid glycoprotein, albumin and haemoglobin were measured. Healthy children were used for BI comparison. Correlates of BI were established using forward selection after comparing models using likelihood ratio test. The sample comprised 55 children with SAM (age 36±24 months; 60% males; 72.7% oedematous) and 80 healthy control children (age 28±15 months; 47.5% males). Oedematous children had the lowest BI parameters compared with reference and non-oedematous children. Similarly, they had lower serum albumin, K and alkaline phosphatase levels than non-oedematous children. Oedema was independent negative correlate of R, Xc and PA. Serum albumin level and weight-for-height Z-score were positive correlates of R, whereas serum calcium and Cl levels were positive correlates of Xc. MUAC correlated positively with PA. Nutritional oedema explained the divergence of BI parameters from normality. Soft tissue mass, serum albumin, Ca and Cl accounted for variability of BI parameters in children with SAM.

Hepato-renal toxicological studies of ethyl acetate leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Vitex simplicifolia&lt;/i&gt; in wistar rats

This study evaluated the hepato-renal toxicological indices following 21 days administration of ethyl acetate leaf extract of Vitex simplicifolia in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity studies with very high concentrations of the crude extract was carried out followed by sub chronic toxicities studies involving administration of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight of the ethyl acetate extract to the experimental animals for 21 days. Liver and Kidney toxicological indices were evaluated from the sera as well as e tissues of the experimental animals after the 21 days period of administration. The results of acute toxicity studies indicate that this extract is well tolerated at doses as high as 5000mg/kg body weight. The results of sub-chronic toxicity studies indicate that there was a significant increase in the activities of ALP , while AST activities was significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) compared to the control. There was no significant changes in (P&lt;0.05) ALT and Unconjugated bilirubin levels in the test groups compared to the control. Similarly, the result of kidney toxicological indices showed that the levels of urea, Na+, HCO32- and Cl- were significantly higher in the test animals compared to the control while K+ and creatine levels showed no significant change in the extract administered groups compared to the control (p&lt;0.05). Histopathology examination of the liver and kidneys showed mild hepatic damage at the highest dose (1000mg/kg body weight).Keywords: Vitex simplicifolia, Hepato-renal, Toxicological Studies.

Acute Effects of Maximal Strength, Power Endurance and Interval Run Training on Na, K and Cl Levels in Elite (Professional) Basketball Players

The aim of this study is to determine the acute effects in sodium, potassium and chlorine levels in the plasma concentration of sportsmen in training types of maximal strength (MS), power endurance (PE) and interval run (IR), to find out the mineral requirements of professional sportsmen. The study included 24 male professional basketball players with the average of 22 years. In order to examine the effects of different training models, participants were divided into three groups (n=8 in each group); maximal strength (MS), power endurance (PE) and interval run (IR). In blood samples collected after different types of training, in IR and MS while Na and Cl levels were increasing, K levels decreased, only the increase at NA level in IR found out significant. While in PE, all of parameters (Na, K and Cl levels) were increasing, only the increase at C1 level observed significant. Besides, Na and C1 levels increased after each of the three training type (IR, MS and PE), while the K level (PE) was increasing in the training group, decreased in (MS) and (IR) group. Keywords: Endurance; Running; Some elements; Strength

Multiple Osmotic Stress Responses in Acidihalobacter prosperus Result in Tolerance to Chloride Ions.

Extremely acidophilic microorganisms (pH optima for growth of ≤3) are utilized for the extraction of metals from sulfide minerals in the industrial biotechnology of “biomining.” A long term goal for biomining has been development of microbial consortia able to withstand increased chloride concentrations for use in regions where freshwater is scarce. However, when challenged by elevated salt, acidophiles experience both osmotic stress and an acidification of the cytoplasm due to a collapse of the inside positive membrane potential, leading to an influx of protons. In this study, we tested the ability of the halotolerant acidophile Acidihalobacter prosperus to grow and catalyze sulfide mineral dissolution in elevated concentrations of salt and identified chloride tolerance mechanisms in Ac. prosperus as well as the chloride susceptible species, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Ac. prosperus had optimum iron oxidation at 20 g L−1 NaCl while At. ferrooxidans iron oxidation was inhibited in the presence of 6 g L−1 NaCl. The tolerance to chloride in Ac. prosperus was consistent with electron microscopy, determination of cell viability, and bioleaching capability. The Ac. prosperus proteomic response to elevated chloride concentrations included the production of osmotic stress regulators that potentially induced production of the compatible solute, ectoine uptake protein, and increased iron oxidation resulting in heightened electron flow to drive proton export by the F0F1 ATPase. In contrast, At. ferrooxidans responded to low levels of Cl− with a generalized stress response, decreased iron oxidation, and an increase in central carbon metabolism. One potential adaptation to high chloride in the Ac. prosperus Rus protein involved in ferrous iron oxidation was an increase in the negativity of the surface potential of Rus Form I (and Form II) that could help explain how it can be active under elevated chloride concentrations. These data have been used to create a model of chloride tolerance in the salt tolerant and susceptible species Ac. prosperus and At. ferrooxidans, respectively.

The effect of erythropoietin on chloride levels during hypoxia reoxygenation injury in rats

Objective. This experimental study exam-ined the effect of erythropoietin (Epo) in a rat model and particularly in a hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) protocol. The effect of that molecule was studied biochemically using blood mean chloride (Cl) levels. Materials and methods. 40 rats of mean weight 247.7 g were used in the study. Cl levels were measured at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) of reoxygenation. Erythropoietin was admin-istered only in groups C and D.Results. Epo administration non-signifi-cantly decreased Cl levels by 1.07%+0.91% (p=0.2635). Reoxygenation time non-significantly decreased Cl levels by 0.68%+0.92% (P= 0.4457). However, eryth-ropoietin administration and reoxygena-tion time together produced a non-signifi-cant combined effect in decreasing Cl levels by 0.74%+0.54% (P= 0.1701). Conclusions. Epo administration, reoxy-genation time and their interaction have non-significant, short-term, decreasing ef-fects on Cl levels.

Hydrochemistry and Isotope Hydrology for Groundwater Sustainability of the Coastal Multilayered Aquifer System (Zhanjiang, China)

Groundwater sustainability has become a critical issue for Zhanjiang (China) because of serious groundwater level drawdown induced by overexploitation of its coastal multilayered aquifer system. It is necessary to understand the origins, material sources, hydrochemical processes, and dynamics of the coastal groundwater in Zhanjiang to support its sustainable management. To this end, an integrated analysis of hydrochemical and isotopic data of 95 groundwater samples was conducted. Hydrochemical analysis shows that coastal groundwater is fresh; however, relatively high levels of Cl−, Mg2+, and total dissolved solid (TDS) imply slight seawater mixing with coastal unconfined groundwater. Stable isotopes (δ18O andδ2H) values reveal the recharge sources of groundwater in the multilayered aquifer system. The unconfined groundwater originates from local modern precipitation; the confined groundwater in mainland originates from modern precipitation in northwestern mountain area, and the confined groundwater in Donghai and Leizhou is sourced from rainfall recharge during an older period with a colder climate. Ionic relations demonstrate that silicate weathering, carbonate dissolutions, and cation exchange are the primary processes controlling the groundwater chemical composition. Declining trends of groundwater level and increasing trends of TDS of the confined groundwater in islands reveal the landward extending tendency of the freshwater-seawater mixing zone.

Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor for Monitoring of Chloride Ion in an Animal Model of Alzhemier's Disease.

The potential damage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in brain function has attracted extensive attention. As the most common anion, Cl- has been indicated to play significant roles in brain diseases, particularly in the pathological process of AD. In this work, a label-free selective and accurate electrochemical biosensor was first developed for real-time monitoring of Cl- levels in a mouse brain model of AD and rat brain upon global cerebral ischemia. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were designed and synthesized as selective recognition element for Cl-, while 5'-MB-GGCGCGATTTT-SH-3' (SH-DNA-MB, MB = methylene blue) was selected as an inner reference molecule for a built-in correction to avoid the effects from the complicated brain. The electrochemical biosensor showed high accuracy and remarkable selectivity for determination of Cl- over other anions, metal ions, amino acids, and other biomolecules. Furthermore, three-dimensional nanostructures composed of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and Au nanoleaves were assembled on the carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) surface to enhance the response signal. Finally, the developed biosensor with high analytical performance, as well as the unique characteristic of CFME itself including inertness in live brain and good biocompatibility, was successfully applied to in vivo determination of Cl- levels in three brain regions: striatum, hippocampus, and cortex of live mouse and rat brains. The comparison of average levels of Cl- in normal striatum, hippocampus, and cortex of normal mouse brains and those in the mouse model brains of AD was reported. In addition, the results in rat brains followed by cerebral ischemia demonstrated that the concentrations of Cl- decreased by 19.8 ± 0.5% (n = 5) in the striatum and 27.2 ± 0.3% (n = 5) in hippocampus after cerebral ischemia for 30 min, but that negligible change in Cl- concentration was observed in cortex.

The effect of salt stress on lime aphid abundance on Crimean linden (Tilia ‘Euchlora’) leaves

Many authors claim that trees planted along streets are weaker because of environmental pollution, especially high soil salinity, which results in greater susceptibility to attacks by pathogens. The Tilia ‘Euchlora’ (Crimean linden) is described as one of the urban greenery species that is most prone to the effects of salinity. The aim of this research was to assess the influence of salt stress on the lime aphid abundance on the leaves of Tilia ‘Euchlora’. The average number of aphids was lower for trees growing along the street and subjected to de-icing salt than in the controlled park area. It was strongly negatively correlated with the Na and Cl level in the leaves, whereas it was positively correlated with the content of N and P. The study showed that the aphids’ abundance was most strongly influenced by the N and Cl content in the leaves (although in opposite ways). When the amount of nitrogen increased by 1.0% (from 2.0 to 3.0%), the abundance of aphids increased by 116%. An increase by 1.0% (from 1.0 to 2.0%) in the Cl content in the leaves resulted in a decrease in the abundance of aphids by 36%. The toxic Cl level (over 1%) was exceeded only in the leaves of trees growing along a busy street (79% of the examined individuals in this location), whereas it ranged from 0.23% to 0.40% for the trees from the park. There was concluded that aphids probably prefer trees with healthier leaves for their feeding, i.e. leaves of lower amount of Cl and Na, while with higher concentration of N.

Magnesium, pH regulation and modulation by mouse ameloblasts exposed to fluoride

Supraoptimal intake of fluoride (F) induces structural defects in forming enamel, dentin and bone and increases the risk of bone fractures. In comparison to bone and dentin is formation of enamel most sensitive to low levels of F and the degree of enamel fluorosis depends on the mouse strain. What molecular mechanism is responsible for these differences in sensitivity is unclear. Maturation ameloblasts transport bicarbonates into enamel in exchange for Cl− to buffer protons released by forming apatites. We proposed that F-enhanced mineral deposition releases excess of protons that will affect mineralization in forming enamel. In this study we tested the hypothesis that increased sensitivity to F is associated with a reduced capacity of ameloblasts to buffer acids. Quantified electron probe microanalysis showed that enamel of F-sensitive C57Bl mice contained the same levels of Cl− as enamel of F-resistant FVB mice. Enamel of C57Bl mice was less mineral dense, contained less Ca but more Mg and K. Ameloblast modulation was much more impaired than in FVB mice. In enamel of FVB mice the levels of Mg correlated negative with Ca (r=–0.57, p=0.01) and with the Ca/P molar ratio (r=–0.32, p=0.53). In moderate and high acidic enamel the correlations between Mg and Ca/P ratio were strong (r=–0.75, p=0.08) to very strong negative (r=–0.98, p=0.0020), respectively. Correlations in enamel between F and Ca were (weak) negative but between F and Ca/P very high positive (r=+0.95, p=0.003) in high acidic enamel and less positive (r=0.45, p=0.27) in moderate acidic fluorotic enamel (r=0.45, p=0.27). Similar correlations between Mg and Ca/P or F and Ca/P were found in dentin and bone of fluorotic and Cftr null mice. These data are consistent with the concept that Mg delays but F increases maturation of crystals particularly when enamel is acidic. The sensitivity of forming enamel to F likely is due to the sensitivity of pH cycling to acidification of enamel associated with F-induced release of protons.

Assessment of drinking water quality and rural household water treatment in Balaka District, Malawi

Access to drinking water from unsafe sources is widespread amongst communities in rural areas such as Balaka District in Malawi. This situation puts many individuals and communities at risk of waterborne diseases despite some households adopting household water treatment to improve the quality of the water. However, there still remains data gaps regarding the quality of drinking water from such sources and the household water treatment methods used to improve public health. This study was, therefore, conducted to help bridge the knowledge gap by evaluating drinking water quality and adoption rate of household water treatment and storage (HWTS) practices in Nkaya, Balaka District. Water samples were collected from eleven systematically selected sites and analyzed for physico-chemical and microbiological parameters: pH, TDS, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, F−, Cl−, NO3−, Na, K, Fe, Faecal Coliform (FC) and Faecal Streptococcus (FS) bacteria using standard methods. The mean results were compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) (MS 733:2005) to ascertain the water quality for drinking purposes. A total of 204 randomly selected households were interviewed to determine their access to drinking water, water quality perception and HWTS among others. The majority of households (72%, n = 83) in Njerenje accessed water from shallow wells and rivers whilst in Phimbi boreholes were commonly used. Several households (>95%, n = 204) were observed to be practicing HWST techniques by boiling or chlorination and water storage in closed containers. The levels of pH (7.10–7.64), F− (0.89–1.46 mg/L), Cl− (5.45–89.84 mg/L), NO3− (0–0.16 mg/L), Na (20–490 mg/L), K (2.40–14 mg/L) and Fe (0.10–0.40 mg/L) for most sites were within the standard limits. The EC (358–2220 μS/cm), turbidity (0.54–14.60 NTU), FC (0–56 cfu/100 mL) and FS (0–120 cfu/100 mL) - mainly in shallow wells, were found to be above the WHO and MBS water quality specifications. The majority of the water samples (73%, n = 11) were classified as of “Intermediate risk” (FC 11–100 cfu/100 mL), hence not suitable for human consumption without prior treatment. This calls for large scale adoption of HWTS and continued monitoring of the water sources used in the study areas.

Aluminum bond pad corrosion of wirebond packages

Abstract Corrosion of aluminum bond pads in wirebonded packages can lead to device reliability issues under the harsh conditions in automotive applications. Corroded Al (aluminum) surface forms a mud-crack type appearance with a relatively very thick aluminum oxide/hydroxide (&amp;gt; 0.1μm) compared to thin protective native aluminum oxide (&amp;lt; 7nm). Various factors contributing to the formation of mud-crack type corrosion are identified. In all cases of mud-crack corrosion observed for packaged devices, Cl (chlorine) was detected on the corroded Al pad. The corrosive impact of high levels of Cl on the Al pad resulting in thick aluminum oxide growth will be discussed. The concentration levels of Cl to form mud-crack corrosion is far beyond the level of ionizable Cl typically present in packaging materials (such as mold compound or organic die attach) so the source of high levels of Cl is due to foreign contamination. The effect of Cl on mud-crack corrosion depends on other factors including pH and applied bias voltage. Corrosion susceptibility is found to be significantly reduced, even in the presence of high levels of Cl, when the pH &amp;gt; 6 and close to the neutral value of a pH of 7. It was also found that Cl is not essential to form mud-crack corrosion. Conditions leading to the corrosion in the absence of Cl are presented. F (fluorine) is a known contaminant in semiconductor processing and its influence on Al pad corrosion is examined. The differences on the impact of F vs. Cl on mud-crack corrosion will be discussed. Corrosion was observed irrespective of the wirebonds in the package (gold (Au) or copper (Cu)). However, the type of bi-metallic contact influences the extent of corrosion. The impact of bi-metallic contact on the mud-crack corrosion will be presented.

Implications of Serum Chloride Homeostasis in Acute Heart Failure (from ROSE-AHF)

Lower serum chloride (Cl) levels are strongly associated with increased long-term mortality after admission for acute heart failure (AHF). However, the therapeutic implications of serum Cl levels during AHF are unknown. We sought to determine the short-term clinical response and postdischarge outcomes associated with serum Cl levels in AHF. Serum Cl was measured at randomization (n= 358) and during hospitalization from patients with AHF in the Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation in Acute Heart Failure trial. Outcomes included diuretic response and renal function at 72hours and death and rehospitalization at 60 and 180 days. Baseline Cl tertiles were 84 to 98; 99 to 102; and 103 to 117 meq/l. Baseline Cl level was associated with diuretic efficiency (p <0.001) but not change in cystatin C (p= 0.30) at 72hours and was associated with 60-day death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, p= 0.029), 60-day death and rehospitalization (HR 0.90, p= 0.01), and 180-day death (HR 0.91, p= 0.049). These associations were attenuated with additional adjustment for loop diuretic dose (p >0.05). Chloride change correlated with weight change (ρ 0.18, p= 0.001), cystatin C change (ρ-0.35, p <0.001), and cumulative sodium excretion (ρ-0.21, p <0.001) but was not associated with any clinical outcomes (p >0.05 for all). In conclusion, serum Cl levels in AHF were inversely associated with loop diuretic response and were prognostic. However, changes in Cl levels were associated with parameters of decongestion but not with clinical outcomes.