Potassium Calcium Research Articles

Impact of seed treatment with plant growth regulators and nutrients on alleviation of salinity stress in tomato underin vitroconditions

An in vitro experiment was conducted with two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes (PKM 1 and TNAU THCO 3) to assess alleviation of salinity stress by seed treatment using plant growth regulators and nutrients under laboratory conditions. Salt stress was imposed at 60 mM concentration by using NaCl. Plant growth regulators like indole acetic acid (100 ppm), gibberellic acid (1 mM), benzyl aminopurine (50 ppm), salicylic acid (2 mM), ascorbic acid (100 ppm) and salts potassium chloride (1%) and calcium chloride (0.5%) were used to alleviate salinity effects. The study revealed that among ameliorants used, gibberellic acid showed significantly premier observations like highest germination percentage (76.7 and 86.7%), stress tolerance index (62 and 68.2%) and alpha amylase activity (11.02 and 11.55 μg maltose g−1 sample) in PKM 1 and TNAU THCO 3, respectively. Catalase activity was high (32.65 and 36.25 μg H2O2 g−1 min−1) in salicylic acid treatment. Hybrid tomato TNAU THCO 3 responded well to PGRs and nutrients than variety PKM 1.

Memristive Model of the Barnacle Giant Muscle Fibers

The generation of action potentials (oscillations) in biological systems is a complex, yet poorly understood nonlinear dynamical phenomenon involving ions. This paper reveals that the time-varying calcium ion and the time-varying potassium ion, which are essential for generating action potentials in Barnacle giant muscle fibers are in fact generic memristors in the perspective of electrical circuit theory. We will show that these two ions exhibit all the fingerprints of memristors from the equations of the Morris–Lecar model of the Barnacle giant muscle fibers. This paper also gives a textbook reference to understand the difference between memristor and nonlinear resistor via analysis of the potassium ion-channel memristor and calcium ion-channel nonlinear resistor. We will also present a comprehensive in-depth analysis of the generation of action potentials (oscillations) in memristive Morris–Lecar model using small-signal circuit model and the Hopf bifurcation theorem.

Involvement of Ion Channels in Endothelin-1-induced Signalling in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Objective: Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor secreted primarily by endothelial and various epithelial cancer cells has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and the ET axis has been suggested to represent a novel and exciting target in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). ET-1, acting primarily through the endothelin receptors (ETRs) is integrally involved in multiple facets of PCa progression, including cell growth, inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis and development of bone metastases. ET-1 and ETRs are expressed in PCa tissues and their expression is modulated during the evolution of these cancers. The purpose of the present work was to study the effects of ET-1 on proliferation of human PCa cells PC-3 and the mechanisms by which the activation of ETRs may promote the PCa cells growth. Methods: Prostate cancer cell lines and primary cultured epithelial cells from prostate cancer, RT-PCR and calcium imaging techniques were used to study the expression and functionality of the Endothelin receptors and involvement of ion channels in the effects of ET-1 in prostate cancer cells. Results: We show for the first time that the application of ET-1 induces a dose-dependent cell proliferation and an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) via a mobilisation of the internal calcium stores and by a capacitative calcium entry (CCE). These effects of ET-1 were completely abolished by BQ123, a selective ETAR antagonist, but not by BQ788, a selective ETBR antagonist. By use of pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA targeting calcium-activated (IKCa1 and BKCa) potassium channels and calcium channels (TRPC1, TRPV6, Orai1), we showed that these ion channels play an important role in calcium entry and cell proliferation induced by ET-1 in PCa cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that these ions channels evidenced here might constitute potential targets to block the ET axis in human prostate cancers.

Alleviating negative effects of irrigation-water salinity on growth and vase life of gerbera by foliar spray of calcium chloride and potassium silicate

The required water for greenhouses in Kishestan, Soume-e-Sara town, Guilan province, Iran, is mainly provided by underground resources that have inappropriate quality. One way to reduce the impact of salinity an plant growth is proper nutrition. This greenhouse research was conducted to evaluate the effect of water salinity and foliar spray of calcium (Ca) and silicon (Si) on growth and vase life of gerbera in a factorial experiment based on compeletly randomized design with two factors. The first factor was salinity of irrigation water at two levels (0 and 1.5 dS/m) and the second factor was foliar spray at seven levels (without spray, twice Ca spray, four times Ca spray, two times Ca spray + once Si spray, twice Ca spray + twice Si spray, four times Ca spray + once Si spray, and four times Ca spray + twice Si spray), each with three replications. Results showed that four times Ca foliar spray led to an increase in stem hight, stem and neck diameter, postharvest life and Ca concentration of shoots. In all spray treatments, number of flowers in zero salinity was more than 1.5 dS/m treatments. In general, in case of using low-quality water (electrical conductivity of 1.5 dS/m), the effects of salinity on dry and fresh weights of gerbera plant and vase life of its flowers can be reduced by foliar application of Ca and Si. Since inappropriate water quality in Rasht Greenhouse Complex, Soume-e-Sara town, is one of the main problems of the farmers, especially in growing the ornamental plants, effects of salinity on plant growth could be alleviated with foliar spray of nutrients, especially Ca and Si. In this respect, four times spray of Ca and also twice spray of Ca + twice spray of Si are recommended.

Effect of phosphorus, potassium, and chloride nutrition on cold tolerance of winter canola (Brassica napus L.)

ABSTRACTWinter varieties of canola (Brassica napus L.) are susceptible to winterkill. Measurements of photosynthetic efficiency and survival of field-grown canola were used to evaluate the effect of chloride (Cl), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) nutrition on winter field survival in northwestern USA. In a growth chamber experiment, effects of calcium chloride (CaCl2), potassium chloride (KCl), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), or sodium chloride (NaCl) on the ability to tolerate subfreezing temperatures were evaluated. In the field, overwinter survival was higher, and greater photosynthetic activity continued later into the autumn in plants with increased sap Cl concentrations. In the greenhouse experiment, significantly greater survival occurred in plants with higher sap Cl concentrations, but only in plants that had not been cold acclimated. These results suggested that a greater concentration of chloride ion in the sap of canola plants is related to an increased ability to tolerate subfreezing temperatures, but other processes resulting from cold acclimation may largely obscure this effect.

Involvement of Potassium Channels and Calcium-Independent Mechanisms in Hydrogen Sulfide-Induced Relaxation of Rat Mesenteric Small Arteries.

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is involved in the regulation of vascular tone. We hypothesized that the lowering of calcium and opening of potassium (K) channels as well as calcium-independent mechanisms are involved in H2S-induced relaxation in rat mesenteric small arteries. Amperometric recordings revealed that free [H2S] after addition to closed tubes of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), Na2S, and GYY4137 [P-(4-methoxyphenyl)-P-4-morpholinyl-phosphinodithioic acid] were, respectively, 14%, 17%, and 1% of added amount. The compounds caused equipotent relaxations in isometric myographs, but based on the measured free [H2S], GYY4137 caused more relaxation in relation to released free H2S than NaHS and Na2S in rat mesenteric small arteries. Simultaneous measurements of [H2S] and tension showed that 15 µM of free H2S caused 61% relaxation in superior mesenteric arteries. Simultaneous measurements of smooth muscle calcium and tension revealed that NaHS lowered calcium and caused relaxation of NE-contracted arteries, while high extracellular potassium reduced NaHS relaxation without corresponding calcium changes. In NE-contracted arteries, NaHS (1 mM) lowered the phosphorylation of myosin light chain, while phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 remained unchanged. Protein kinase A and G, inhibitors of guanylate cyclase, failed to reduce NaHS relaxation, whereas blockers of voltage-gated KV7 channels inhibited NaHS relaxation, and blockers of mitochondrial complex I and III abolished NaHS relaxation. Our findings suggest that low micromolar concentrations of free H2S open K channels followed by lowering of smooth muscle calcium, and by another mechanism involving mitochondrial complex I and III leads to uncoupling of force, and hence vasodilation.

Compositional characteristics and energy potential of Chinese animal manure by type and as a whole

In this study, 838 representative animal manure samples were collected from 552 sites across China. Chemical analyses of 19 parameters, including the proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, heating values and some essential mineral elements, were conducted on the samples. The energy potential of animal manure in China was quantified based on the chemical analysis. The results showed that the chemical characteristics of the different types of animal manure were highly variable. Principal component analysis results demonstrated that the closest compositional characteristics were between dairy manure and beef manure. Several strong and important associations, namely phosphorus–magnesium, phosphorus–copper, phosphorus–zinc, copper–zinc, calcium–potassium, fixed carbon–calcium, volatile matter–iron and ash–volatile matter–fixed carbon–carbon–hydrogen–higher heating value–lower heating value, were identified. The calculated outputs of total potential annual thermal energy, syngas and methane yields from the five types of animal manure in China were 4400.63TJ, 983.40×109m3 and 188.89×109m3, respectively. The air gasifier energy conversion efficiency (t=850°C, equivalence ratio (ER)=0.3) for different animal manures was in the range of 66.80–83.22%.

Effect of biomass-sulfur interaction on ash composition and agglomeration for the co-combustion of high-sulfur lignite coals and olive cake in a circulating fluidized bed combustor

This study aimed to investigate the effect of biomass-sulfur interaction on ash composition and agglomeration for the co-combustion of high-sulfur lignite coals and olive cake in a circulating fluidized bed combustor. The tests included co-combustion of 50–50% by wt. mixtures of Bursa-Orhaneli lignite+olive cake and Denizli-Kale lignite+olive cake, with and without limestone addition. Ash samples were subjected to XRF, XRD and SEM/EDS analyses. While MgO was high in the bottom ash for Bursa-Orhaneli lignite and olive cake mixture, Al2O3 was high for Denizli-Kale lignite and olive cake mixture. Due to high Al2O3 content, Muscovite was the dominant phase in the bottom ash of Denizli Kale. CaO in the bottom ash has increased for both fuel mixtures due to limestone addition. K was in Arcanite phase in the co-combustion test of Bursa/Orhaneli lignite and olive cake, however, it mostly appeared in Potassium Calcium Sulfate phase with limestone addition.

Cardiovascular Medications

Multiple classes of xenobiotics have the potential to influence the function of the cardiovascular system. When evaluating the hemodynamic consequences of any toxic exposure and initiating treatment of such abnormalities, the clinician must consider the mechanism by which the toxin exerts its effect. This review focuses on diagnosis and management of toxicity related to common classes of antiarrhythmic drugs and the centrally acting hypertensives. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, cardiac glycosides, sodium channel and potassium channel blockers, and clonidine and centrally acting alpha2 agonists are described in relation to principles of toxicity, immediate stabilization, diagnosis and definitive therapy, and disposition and outcome. Tables include classes of antiarrhythmics, various beta-blocker properties, standard dosing regimen for hyperinsulinemia/euglycemia, calcium channel blockers, botanical and animal sources of cardiac glycosides, P-glycoprotein inhibitors, and various alpha agonists. Figures show the mechanisms for beta-receptor activation, hyperinsulinemia/euglycemia, and cardiac glycosides. An electrocardiogram demonstrating digitalis effect is also provided. This review contains 4 highly rendered figures, 7 tables, and 126 references.

New Green Dielectrics Related to Calcium Titanate: Synthesis and Characterizations

The main purpose of the present work is the preparation of green dielectrics by solid-state reaction between two perovskites: CaTiO3 (CTO) and KMgF3 (KMF). Calcium titanate and potassium magnesium fluoride powders were previously synthesized, respectively, at 850 °C and 700 °C. Several chemical compositions (1–x) CTO + x KMF were then prepared and dry-milled. The mixtures were pressed into pellets and sintered in free air at 950 °C for 2 h. The obtained ceramics were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA, DTGA) and dielectric measurements (DE). The XRD study revealed the formation of a fluorinated perovskite solid solution with general formula Ca1–xKx (Ti1–xMgx)O3–3xF3x (CKTMOF) in the initial composition range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20. The diffraction peaks of CKTMOF oxyfluorides were indexed in an orthorhombic lattice, and no significant change was observed in the unit cell parameters with increasing KMF amount. On the other hand, the addition of KMF to CTO allowed the ceramic’s densification at low temperature. The shrinkage increased from 1.9 % (x = 0) to 9.5 % (x = 0.20), and the grain’s size of the various ceramics was in the range 0.5–5μm. Several thermal phenomena were detected by DSC and DE. No weight loss and no peak were depicted on the TGA and the DTGA curves over all the temperature range investigated; therefore, the phenomena observed by DSC and DE could be ascribed to phase transitions. These dielectrics could be of interest for the fabrication of class I capacitors; however, the losses have to be improved.

Perioperative use of levosimendan in cardiac surgery

<div data-canvas-width="623.7918644546122">It is known that low cardiac output in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with organ dysfunction and mortality in the postoperative period. Catecholamines have been the standard therapy for many years, although they carry substantial risks for adverse cardiac and systemic effects, and have been reported to be associated with increased mortality. On the other hand, the calcium sensitiser and potassium channel opener levosimendan has been shown to improve the cardiac function with</div><div data-canvas-width="623.8018800588713">no imbalance in oxygen consumption, and to have protective effects in other organs. Several clinical trials have found beneficial effects of cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic perioperative use of levosimendan. The aim of this article was to describe the mechanism of levosimendan action, as well as to overview the current data regarding its clinical application.</div><div data-canvas-width="623.8018800588713"><span><br /></span></div><div data-canvas-width="623.8018800588713"><span>Received 22 April 2015. Accepted 18 June 2015.</span></div><div data-canvas-width="311.3250427845475"> </div><div data-canvas-width="311.3250427845475"> </div>

V26. Three dimensional tracking of ion channels on epileptogenic cortical neurons in focal dysplasia in humans

Background About 20 Percent of children with focal epilepsy will be pharmacoresistant ( Wirrell, 2013 ). Especially children with imaging abnormalities are most likely to be unresponsive to anti epileptic drug treatment. A significant number of abnormalities are due to focal cortical dysplasia. These focal epilepsies remain a major challenge to modern neuro-pediatrics and epileptic drug treatment. The mechanisms leading to a raised excitability in the dysplastic cortical tissue and its surrounding -the zone of irritation- is hardly understood. It is well known that the surface of neurons is packed with ion channels. These channels critically determine the firing pattern of the cell. The electro-chemical behavior of the cell is determined by the molecular structure of the channels, the quantities of ion channels and the exact distribution of the channels on the neuronal surface. It was recently shown in rodents that the distribution of A-Type Potassium channels is altered on pyramidal cells in proximity to an epileptogenic cortical lesion. A further class of channels which are possibly altered in cortical lesions are calcium channels. In the literature ( Poolos and Johnston, 2012 ) a compelling evidence exists linking T-type calcium channels to seizure generation. However no rigorous study was conducted to investigate if the distribution of T-type channels is altered in structural epilepsy. This altered distribution of ion channels might contribute to the raised excitability of neurons in epileptogenic cortical areas.In our hospital we look after children with structural epilepsy. Some children with epilepsy are treated by surgical resection of the lesion. In our study we use the resected tissue after neuropathological assessment for further analysis.The aim of the study is to analyse the resected tissue with respect to the ion channel distribution and to compare the results with the results obtained from normal brain tissue. Children typically have a much shorter history of antiepileptic drug treatment before they undergo epileptic surgery. Therefore the effect of medication on the ion channel distribution is assumed to be limited. In recent years we have developed a method that allows the reconstruction of the geometry of the neurons and further the tracing of the distribution of specific ion channels along the dendritic arbor ( Ginger et al., 2013 ). We could show that the method is able to quantify the distribution of specific ion channels along the dendritic surface. We are specifically interested in layer V pyramidal neurons from temporal or frontal cortical areas which are most homogeneous in terms of ion channel distribution. In our study the distribution of A-type potassium and T-type calcium channels of pyramidal neurons from epileptogenic tissue is compared to unaltered neuronal tissue from children undergoing tumor resection (access tissue). We are now in a process of systematic clinical characterization of patients and consecutive tissue collection.

Nutritional composition of two edible aroids

Two edible tuber plants were selected and chemical composition of their corms and cormels was estimated a field experiment was carried out of two varieties of tube crops. Viz. taro and elephant foot yam were subjected to study the nutritional value of colocasia esculenta CV muktakeshi and Amorphophallus paeoxii folius CV Gajendra. These aroids were grown in two different agro-climatic conditions, i.e. G.Udayagiri, Khajuripada block of Kandhamal district and Soroda and Bhanjanagar block of Ganjam district. These two tubers crops were analysed for dry matter, starch, sugar, crude protein, carbohydrate, cholesterol, sodium, potassium calcium and magnesium content. The analytical study revealed that nutrient context were found more in tubers of Kandhamal and Ganjam District. This worth has a great potential. Presenting the food potential as well as medicinal value of Odisha and other region where as it’s productivity supported climatic condition.

5C.09

OBJECTIVE: Electrolytes handling by the kidney is essential for volume and blood pressure (BP) homeostasis but their distribution and heritability are not well described. We estimated the heritability of kidney function as well as of serum and urine concentrations, renal clearances and fractional excretions for sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphate and magnesium in a Swiss population-based study. DESIGN AND METHOD: Nuclear families were randomly selected from the general population in Switzerland. We estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI and MDRD equations. Urine was collected separately during day and night over 24-hour. We used the ASSOC program (S.A.G.E.) to estimate narrow sense heritability, including as covariates in the model: age, sex, body mass index and study center. RESULTS: The 1128 participants (537 men and 591 women from 273 families), had mean (sd) age of 47.4(17.5) years, body mass index of 25.0 (4.5) kg/m2 and CKD-EPI of 98.0(18.5) mL/min/1.73 m2. Heritability estimates (SE) were 46.0% (0.06), 48.0% (0.06) and 18.0% (0.06) for CKD-EPI, MDRD and 24-hour creatinine clearance (P < 0.05), respectively. Heritability [SE] of serum concentration was highest for calcium (37%[0.06]) and lowest for sodium (13%[0.05]). Heritabilities [SE] of 24-h urine concentrations and excretions, and of fractional excretions were highest for calcium (51%[0.06], 44%[0.06] and 51%[0.06], respectively) and lowest for potassium (11%[0.05], 10%[0.05] and 16%[0.06], respectively). All results were statistically different from zero.(Figure is included in full-text article.) CONCLUSIONS: : Serum and urine levels, urinary excretions and renal handling of electrolytes, particularly calcium, are heritable in the general adult population. Identifying genetic variants involved in electrolytes homeostasis may provide useful insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in common chronic diseases such as kidney diseases, hypertension and diabetes.

Analysis of Physical and Chemical Features of Sintering Dust and Study of Recycling Treatment

Several physical and chemical detection methods were used to study the basic properties of sintering dust collected from Baogang Steel Corporation. The result shows that the major constituents of the electrostatic precipitator dust (ESP dust) were KCl, NaCl, Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. Water leaching experiment on the sintering dust had shown that the KCl in the ESP dust could be separated and recovered by water leaching and fractional crystallization. Component analysis of leaching solution showed that the massive calcium sulfate in the leaching solution should be removed first in order to obtain the pure potassium salt. In order to provide theoretical guidance to inhibit the dissolution of calcium ions from the sintering dust, the water leaching experiment of ESP dust and the dissolution behavior of CaSO4 in the potassium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium sulfate and their mixed salt solution were studied. Result showed that, a lower liquid-solid ratio should be chosen in the leaching process to inhibit the dissolution of calcium sulfate dehydrate. Using sodium carbonate solution as a precipitating agent, the influences of the concentration of sodium carbonate solution, reaction temperature, stirring speed on the preparation of the spherical calcium carbonate were studied. Spherical calcium carbonate with good dispersing performance and grain size distribution in nanometer range of less than 10μm was obtained. The production technology of potassium sulfate by double decomposition was sutdied, the results showed that over 80% and 12.76% of the recovery rate of potassium sulfate and potassium chloride ammonium compound fertilizer could be obtained. Furthermore, a potassium recovery process with joint production of spherical calcium carbonate and potassium sulfate was designed. This process is technically viable and considerable in economic benefit.

Feasibility Study of Vermicomposting of Textile Sludge Mixed with Cow Dung and Seed Germination Bioassay for Toxicity Evaluation of the Produced Compost

Transformation of textile sludges into vermicomposts can convert these wastes into good quality manure. The present study investigate the feasibility of vermicomposting process to transform the textile sludge amended with cow dung in different ratio into value added products by using an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida. Seed germination bioassay also investigated using mustard seeds (Brassica nigra) in order to evaluate the toxicity and maturity tests of those different mixtures and their produced composts. The result revealed that the E. foetida did not survive in fresh textile sludge. But worms grew and reproduced in textile sludge spiked with cow dung feed mixtures. Presence of more than 20% of textile sludge in feed mixture affected biomass gain and cocoon production largely by earthworms. The net weight gained by E. foetida in 100% cow dung was three fold higher than the feed mixture of 50% cow dung + 50% textile sludge. After 13 weeks, maximum cocoons (56 cocoons) were counted in 100% cow dung and minimum (6 cocoons) in 50% cow dung + 50% textile sludge feed mixture. Vermicomposting resulted in pH shift toward slightly acidic, significant reduction in TOC and C:N ratio, and increase in nitrogen phosphorus and sulphur content. Total potassium content, calcium content and heavy metal’s (Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) content were lower in the final product than initial feed material. The results of phytotoxicity test showed that all the vermicompost products had the higher seed germination percentage, root elongation percentage and germination index than their respective initial feed mixtures. The feed mixtures having the textile sludge had various phytotoxic compounds which might inhibit seed germination before vermicomposting. But the vermicomposts of different feed mixtures having the presence of 100% cow dung and 10% - 20% textile sludge were matured compost and had no phytotoxic effects as they had the germination index higher than 60. All the results indicated that vermicomposting (using E. foetida) is a suitable technology for the decomposition of textile sludge into value added materials. This textile sludge could be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if mixed in appropriate ratio (up to 20% on dry weight basis) with cow dung.

Low-temperature deicing means

Low-temperature deicing means belongs to area of winter maintenance of buildings and constructions, can be applied to winter maintenance of highways, various open surfaces subject to influence or different types of manifestations of low temperatures. The objective is reached by that in deicing means containing granules from chlorides, each of granules is executed in the form of pressed mix of chloride calcium and chloride of potassium, at a volume ratio in a granule of chloride potassium and chloride calcium from 2:1 to 4:1, thus between particles of chloride potassium and chloride calcium connecting layer from calcium chloride crystalline hydrate is placed. Thus in a granule volume of chloride potassium makes 45-85%, the volume of waterless chloride calcium of 25-45%, thickness of a connecting layer from calcium chloride crystalline hydrate - 0,01-0,1 mm, and size of a granule makes 2-7 mm. The declared set of signs allows to expand the range of effective application of protigololedny means, to provide its reduction in cost and efficiency of application as a component of deicing material of chloride potassium extracted on a place. The reached efficiency was expressed in expansion of temperature of application in range from 0° to -10°C in comparison with application temperature (as main component) chloride calcium (from -10°C and below). Besides, declared deicing means allows to reduce cost of production of PGM developed from local raw materials by 20-40%.

Rhabdomyolysis in lumbar spinal surgery: Early detection is crucial.

Sir, Rhabdomyolysis (RM) after neurosurgical procedure is a rare event. We report a case of RM following lumbar surgery and discuss the importance of early recognition. A 22-year-old male underwent resection of L3 giant cell tumor in right lateral position. The patient weighed 96 kg with a body mass index (BMI) of 35.6 kg/m2 with no comorbidities. General anesthesia was administered with oxygen, nitrous oxide, isoflurane, propofol, and morphine. Surgery lasted for 9 h. On 1st postoperative day, he developed severe pain with a progressive increase in girth of the right thigh. Doppler study ruled out deep venous thrombosis. Next day, he developed tachycardia, tachypnea, and icterus. Concurrently, he had oliguria. Investigations showed a high serum creatinine (1.63 mg/dl), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) (29,100 U/L) and deranged liver function (total bilirubin 1.5 mg%, direct 0.5 mg%, aspartate aminotransferase 209 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 185 U/L, alkaline phosphate 372 U/L). A diagnosis of RM was made, and the patient was treated with liberal hydration to maintain urine output of at least 100 ml/h along with alkalinization of urine. Clinically and serologically, he started to improve and was ambulated and discharged in a week. There are only a few reported cases of RM after neurosurgical procedures, with several risk factors being proposed. Lateral positioning in posterior fossa tumor resection and minimally invasive spinal surgeries have been reported as probable cause in 9 patients.[1] Van Gompel et al. reviewed 10 cases of RM after neurosurgery in supine or prone positions for cranial and spinal pathologies, and found obesity and prolonged surgery as common risk factors.[2] Woernle et al. studied 150 patients with routine CPK analysis before and after surgery to determine the effect of position. They correlated raised CPK not only with lateral position, but also with the use of intraoperative monitoring, and hypothesized it to be due to the absence of pharmacological relaxation during monitoring.[3] In our case, several of these factors contributed to the development of RM. The patient was obese (BMI of 35.8 kg/m2), had a long surgery (9 h) in right lateral position. Use of isoflurane is thought to stress an unstable sarcolemmal membrane causing increased permeability resulting in an influx of calcium and leak of intracellular potassium and creatinine kinase from myocytes.[4] Acute renal failure (ARF) is the most dangerous complication of RM, with prompt recognition and early therapy determining the outcome. Adequate rehydration to maintain hourly urine output of 100–300 ml is the main component of management to prevent ARF, with alkalization of urine to maintain pH >7.5. The kidney disease improving global outcomes recommends against the use of diuretics to maintain an adequate output (level 1 B).[5] Hemodialysis is required if the kidneys do not respond. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but potentially life-threatening postoperative complication in neurosurgery, with obesity, lateral position, and prolonged surgery being common risk factors. A high index of suspicion and early recognition helps prevent renal shutdown.

Patiromer: a significant advance in the management of hyperkalemia.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved patiromer to treat hyperkalemia on October 21, 2015, making it the first agent approved for this condition in 50 years. Patiromer was developed by Relypsa, Inc. The active ingredient is patiromer sorbitex calcium which consists of the active moiety, patiromer, a nonabsorbed potassium-binding polymer, and a calcium-sorbitol counterion. In the colon, patiromer exchanges calcium for potassium thus causing a fall in serum potassium. Trials have shown that patiromer reduces serum potassium in patients with mild, moderate and moderate to severe hyperkalemia to the normal range. It has also been used successfully in patients with chronic kidney disease and/or heart failure. It has also allowed the use of the mineralocorticoid antagonist spironolactone in full dosage in patients with chronic kidney disease and/or heart failure who were already receiving a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor. Adverse effects have mostly been gastrointestinal in nature and have not caused patients to discontinue treatment in unacceptable numbers.

Sensory acceptability of partial replacement of sodium chloride by potassium chloride and calcium chloride in production of salami with low sodium

Sensory acceptability of partial replacement of sodium chloride by potassium chloride and calcium chloride in production of salami with low sodium