Urine Solution Research Articles

Dual-emissive waste oil based S-doped carbon dots for acetone detection and Cr(VI) detection/reduction/removal

Dual-emissive water-dispersible sulfur-doped carbon dots (S-CDs) were prepared through simple heat treatment of canola oil as a carbon source. The S-CDs revealed excitation wavelength-dependent and independent emission band in UV (327 nm) and the visible region (633 nm), respectively. The fluorescent S-CDs ranged from 4 to 9 nm in size and exhibited selectivity and linear “turn-off” fluorescence in the presence of Cr(VI) and acetone, making them potential nanosensors for their detection. Concentration-dependent red-shift of the S-CDs emission spectrum was observed in the presence of acetone, via incremental quenching of the peaks at 327 nm and 633 nm, accompanied by an emergence of new peak at adjacent higher wavelength. Linearity was observed in the range of 0.01–0.08 vol%, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 vol%. The nanoprobe was tested in spiked tap and river water for Cr(VI) along with acetone detection assays in spiked human urine and phosphate buffer solution. XPS analysis revealed the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in the presence of S-CDs, a less toxic form. In addition to the optical detection, fluorescent probes incorporated into poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix could be used for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from the contaminated water. Hence, the proposed S-CDs have potential applications as highly sensitive, selective, cost-effective, and environmental friendly sensors of acetone and Cr(VI), as well as for developing tools for the reduction and removal of Cr(VI) from contaminated water.

Normonatremic Transient Renal Salt Wasting (TRSW) Is Not Rare in a Department of Internal Medicine.

We previously reported that for around 5% of patients hospitalized with hyponatremia, it was related to what is called "transient renal salt wasting" (TRSW). In the present study we ask whether TRSW can also be observed in patients without hyponatremia. In this observational retrospective study we analyze the urine solute excretion of 200 consecutive normonatremic patients with normal kidney function and admitted in our department over one year. Patients were selected for analyses of FE.K, UCa/UCr and FE.PO4 if FE.Na was higher than 2% (N < 1.6%) before any treatment, and only if they were not taking diuretics. Eleven normonatremic patients presented with transient high FE.Na > 2% on admission (2.9 ± 0.6% with a high FE.K of 28 ± 6.4%; a high UCa/UCr of 0.37 ± 0.13 and a high FE.PO4 of 23.2 ± 9.6%). All of these patients were elderly. Seven were female and four were male. Neurological disorders were observed in six patients (three strokes, one transient ischemic attack, one syncope and one epileptic attack). Heart problems were observed in three patients (all angina pectoris, two of which also had HBP). One patient presented with rectal bleeding with HBP, and another presented COPD with a pneumothorax. One patient with angina pectoris showed a transient relapse after four days of hospitalization (FE.Na 3.6%). The urine electrolyte excretion in these patients are similar to those observed after furosemide intake. Normonatremic TRSW is not a rare observation, particularly in patients with neurological or cardiac problems.

Integration of High-Throughput Imaging and Multiparametric Metabolic Profiling Reveals a Mitochondrial Mechanism of Tenofovir Toxicity.

Nephrotoxicity is a major cause of kidney disease and failure in drug development, but understanding of cellular mechanisms is limited, highlighting the need for better experimental models and methodological approaches. Most nephrotoxins damage the proximal tubule (PT), causing functional impairment of solute reabsorption and systemic metabolic complications. The antiviral drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is an archetypal nephrotoxin, inducing mitochondrial abnormalities and urinary solute wasting, for reasons that were previously unclear. Here, we developed an automated, high-throughput imaging pipeline to screen the effects of TDF on solute transport and mitochondrial morphology in human-derived RPTEC/TERT1 cells, and leveraged this to generate realistic models of functional toxicity. By applying multiparametric metabolic profiling-including oxygen consumption measurements, metabolomics, and transcriptomics-we elucidated a highly robust molecular fingerprint of TDF exposure. Crucially, we identified that the active metabolite inhibits complex V (ATP synthase), and that TDF treatment causes rapid, dose-dependent loss of complex V activity and expression. Moreover, we found evidence of complex V suppression in kidney biopsies from humans with TDF toxicity. Thus, we demonstrate an effective and convenient experimental approach to screen for disease relevant functional defects in kidney cells in vitro, and reveal a new paradigm for understanding the pathogenesis of a substantial cause of nephrotoxicity.

Metal organic framework/clay composite for micro-dispersive solid-phase extraction of sulfonamides and penicillins in milk, and synthetic urine solution coupling with HPLC/DAD detection

In this study, composite as a copper-containing metal–organic framework with montmorillonite (MMT) clay was synthesized and applied as an adsorbent for micro-dispersive solid-phase extraction (µ-dSPE) of sulfonamides (SAs) and penicillins (PENs). The synthesized composites including different content of MMT were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett–Teller surface area, and thermogravimetric analysis. The determination of antibiotics was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection (HPLC/DAD) using C18 column as stationary phase, 0.1 % trifluoroacetic acid in water, and acetonitrile as mobile phase in gradient mode and detection at 270 nm for SAs and 230 nm for PENs. The as-synthesized composites were examined for their adsorption ability towards target antibiotics. The optimized parameter conditions were 10 mg of adsorbent, 5 mL of sample solution at pH 4, 10 min stirring by vortex, 1 mL of acetonitrile:methanol (1:1) as eluent solvent, and 5 min as elution time. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method presented good linearity from 0.5 to 400 µg/L for SAs and from 1 to 400 µg/L for PENs with coefficients of determination (r2) ≥ 0.9947, low limit of detections from 0.10 to 0.15 µg/L for SAs and 0.30 to 1.50 µg/L for PENs, acceptable repeatabilities less than 3.26 % for both groups and good recoveries from 82.3 % to 116.4 % with relative standard deviations less than 3.9 % for both groups in the spiked milk samples and synthetic urine solution. The developed µ-dSPE method following HPLC/DAD has been successfully applied to the determination of SAs and PENs milk samples and synthetic urine solutions.

Urinary sodium excretion is low prior to acute kidney injury in patients in the intensive care unit.

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is high in intensive care units (ICUs), and a better understanding of AKI is needed. Early chronic kidney disease is associated with urinary concentration inability and AKI recovery with increased urinary solutes in humans. Whether the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine and excrete solutes at appropriate levels could occur prior to the diagnosis of AKI is still uncertain, and the associated mechanisms have not been studied. In this single-center prospective observational study, high AKI risk in ICU patients was followed up for 7 days or until ICU discharge. They were grouped as "AKI" or "No AKI" according to their AKI status throughout admission. We collected daily urine samples to measure solute concentrations and osmolality. Data were analyzed 1 day before AKI, or from the first to the fifth day of admission in the "No AKI" group. We used logistic regression models to evaluate the influence of the variables on future AKI diagnosis. The expression of kidney transporters in urine was evaluated by Western blotting. We identified 29 patients as "No AKI" and 23 patients as "AKI," the latter being mostly low severity AKI. Urinary sodium excretion was lower in "AKI" patients prior to AKI diagnosis, particularly in septic patients. The expression of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3), a urinary sodium transporter, was higher in "AKI"patients. Urinary sodium excretion is low before an AKI episode in ICU patients, and high expressions of proximal tubule sodium transporters might contribute to this.

A bis(fluorenyl-triazole)-conjugated naphthoquinoline-dione probe for a cascade detection of Cu2+ and F− and its logic circuit with a memory unit

Wide usage of Cu2+ and F− in various industries and their potential hazard toward human health necessitate the development of a probe for their selective and sensitive detection. While various probes have been invented for the respective detection of these two ions, there are few probes allowing for their simultaneous or sequential detection. The current study introduces a naphthoquinoline-dione probe (probe 1) that contains two fluorenyl-triazole units conjugated to the probe aromatic core via an amine functional group. Fluorescence emission of the probe was selectively quenched upon addition of Cu2+ among various metal ions, and the resulting [probe 1-Cu2+] complex displayed ‘Turn-On’ fluorescence upon addition of F−. Over the course of this cascade detection, the calculated LODs of the probe were 0.046 (Cu2+) and 0.10 pM (F−). The effective fluorescence quenching and restoration (i.e., cascade detection) observed were enabled by the strong binding of Cu2+ to the probe and a subsequent dissociation of this metal ion from the probe due to the presence of F−, respectively. The ‘ON and OFF’ luminescence observed in the solution state of the probe was reproduced when probe 1, which was absorbed on solid supports, was used for detection. These results were replicable when the solid-supported probe 1 was used to sense Cu2+ or F− from various real samples such as urine (Cu2+) and dental care solution (F−). Based on these results, we built an “ON-OFF-ON” molecular switch and fabricate a molecular logic circuit with a memory unit.

3D-printed electrode an affordable sensor for sulfanilamide monitoring in breast milk, synthetic urine, and pharmaceutical formulation samples

This paper describes a simple and cost-effective method for manufacturing a 3D-printed electrode. This electrode presented a similar design to commercial electrodes, where a stereolithography printer was used to build the electrode body using an acrylic resin. The electroactive surface was filled by a 3D-pen using a carbon black integrated polylactic acid (CB/PLA) conductive filament. After a simple and fast (400 s) surface treatment, the 3D-printed CB/PLA electrode was combined with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) technique for sulfanilamide (SAA) determination. The developed electroanalytical method was applied to breast milk, synthetic urine, and otologic solution samples, showing excellent analytical performance with a detection limit of 12 nmol L−1, wide linear range from 1 to 39.2 μmol L−1, and good precision (RSD = 1.8%, n = 10). In addition, the sensor provides fantastic selectivity towards other antibiotic classes, and when applied in spiked samples, recovery values between 93 and 108% were obtained, which demonstrated good accuracy as well as the absence of matrix effect. It is highlighted that no laborious sample preparation steps were required (simple dilution in supporting electrolyte). Thus, the proposed 3D-printed device proves to be a promising analytical tool for routine analysis.

MO006: Identifying the Main Predictors of Urine Output in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) Patients taking Tolvaptan

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Tolvaptan (TVP) blocks vasopressin V2 receptors causing severe polyuria. Few works have analyzed factors associated with urine output in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients taking TVP. METHOD We selected 24 h urine samples from ADPKD patients treated with TVP. Urine osmolality/creatinine ratio was used as estimator of urine daily osmolar load. RESULTS We included 122 urine samples from 54 patients. After TVP, urine output doubled with a parallel reduction in solutes in urine with parallel reduction in urine solute concentration. However, when they were expressed as urine solute/creatinine ratios, no significant changes were observed. Daily osmolar load and osmolality/creatinine ratio did not change significantly. Before TVP, urine output was positively correlated with body weight and urine osmolality/creatinine ratio and negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine morning osmolality and 24 h urine calculated osmolality. After TVP, urine output was positively correlated with body weight, eGFR and negatively with age. There was a poor correlation with urine calculated osmolality. We built a predictor model using general linear modeling, and we found that urine output was related to lower age, higher body weight, higher eGFR and greater doses of TVP. When body weight was removed, urine output was also related to male sex and higher daily osmolar excretion. CONCLUSION Patients taking TVP will undergo an increase about twice in urine production from baseline. Greater doses of TVP cause a progressive increase in urine output independent of renal function. GFR and specially age and body weight are the most important predictors of future urine output in patients taking TVP.

Proton pump inhibitors use and risk of incident nephrolithiasis.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed medications that have effects on both enteric and urinary solute handling with an unknown effect on risk of nephrolithiasis. Our objectives were to examine the association between PPI exposure and incident nephrolithiasis and to determine its effect on 24H urine chemistry. We performed a single-center retrospective study on patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) without a history of kidney stones. Exposure to PPIs was abstracted, and then subsequent kidney stone diagnoses were identified. Multivariable Cox models with time-varying covariates were used to estimate the hazard of PPI use on incident nephrolithiasis. We used multivariable linear regression to analyze a subset of patients who went through 24-h urine analysis. We identified n = 55,765 PPI-naïve GERD patients without prior kidney stone diagnoses of whom 40,866 (73.2%) were exposed to PPI over a median of 3year follow up. On multivariable analysis, PPI use was associated with higher risk of incident kidney stone diagnoses (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.34). Among 593 patients with GERD with 24-H urine data, the PPI-exposed group (n = 307) had significantly lower mean urinary citrate (mean 3.0 vs 3.4mmol, p = 0.029) and urinary magnesium (mean 3.6 vs 4.3mmol, p < 0.001) on multivariable analyses. Exposure to PPIs is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones among patients with GERD. Hypomagnesemia and hypocitraturia associated with PPI exposure may contribute to kidney stone risk.

Impact of body mass index on urinary solutes in Egyptian adolescents

BackgroundHigh body mass index constitutes a risk for nephrolithiasis in the context of metabolic syndrome. The majority of these renal stones are either composed of Urate or Calcium Oxalate. We aimed to evaluate the ratios of urinary Calcium and Uric Acid to urinary Creatinine as an early alarming pathological sign in overweight and obese adolescents. Ninety adolescents of both sexes participated in the study. Anthropometric measures were fulfilled, and calculation of body mass index and waist to height ratio were assessed. Urinary Calcium and urinary Uric Acid to Creatinine ratios were estimated in an early morning spot urine sample.ResultsMales and females had comparable values for solutes/Creatinine ratios. A highly significant negative correlation was detected between urinary Urate/Creatinine ratio and age of the child (P-value 0.001). Adolescents with higher body mass index had higher urinary Calcium/Creatinine and higher urinary Urate/Creatinine ratios but P-values were insignificant in our research.ConclusionAt the age range of 10 to 18 years, the sex of the adolescent has an equivocal effect on urinary concentration of both Calcium and Uric Acid. Urinary solutes/Creatinine ratio decrease significantly by age in adolescence. Overweight and obesity tend to be risk factors for higher urinary solutes ‘concentration.

Review Article on Kidney Stones

Kidney stones impact up to 5% of the population, with a lifetime probability of passing one of these stones of 8-10%. In the industrialized world, a higher frequency of kidney stones is linked to higher living standards and is significantly linked to race or ethnicity as well as geographic location. Men have higher urine calcium oxalate saturation in the summer, while women have it in the early winter. Three stones are twice as common in men as they are in women. Men attain their peak age at 30, while women achieve their peak between the ages of 35 and 55. In five to seven years, a kidney stone has a 50 percent risk of developing again. Conclusion: Although much progress has been made in understanding nephrolithiasis caused by single gene abnormalities, polygenetic origins of kidney stones remain mostly unknown. The chemical composition of precipitating solutes in urine has accounted for a large portion of the data that has led to novel therapeutic and preventative strategies, which can be empirical or definitive. Manipulation of inhibitors and epithelial factors is critical, and additional research is needed. Physicians and scientists must collaborate to better understand the aetiology of nephrolithiasis in order to make progress in treatment.

Thermodynamics and Kinetics of pH-dependent Dissolution of Sparingly Soluble Alkaline Earth Hydroxides in Source-Separated Human Urine Collected in Decentralised Sanitation Systems

Alkaline earth hydroxides are widely used in water and wastewater treatment. Within the emerging niche of source-separating sanitation, these chemicals have found a new application—to prevent urease-catalysed degradation of urea present in freshly excreted human urine. However, little is known about the dissolution behaviour of these hydroxides in biological fluids like human urine. Herein, we investigate the solubility of Mg(OH)2 and examine factors that govern its dissolution in different types of urine (real fresh urine, synthetic fresh urine, synthetic dephosphatised fresh urine and real fresh urine concentrated by CO2-free drying). We report experimentally determined as well as thermodynamically simulated data on Mg(OH)2 solubility, dissolution kinetics, and chemical speciation in urine. We find that it takes between 6 and 16 min for Mg(OH)2 to dissolve and the average solubility in real fresh urine at 25°C to be 650 mg L−1. We show that solubility is influenced mainly by concentration of organic compounds, soluble phosphate, and magnesium excreted in fresh urine. When fresh urine is supersaturated with Mg(OH)2, the pH increases to &amp;gt;10.5 and urease-catalysed degradation of urea is inhibited for &amp;gt;14 days. Removing 95% water present in urine increases the solubility of Mg(OH)2 to 16,240 mg L−1 but reduces pH to &amp;lt; 10. Because relative increase in Mg(OH)2 solubility decreases as more water is removed and the solubility is retrograde with respect to temperature, to increase the urine pH to &amp;gt;10 and prevent enzymatic ureolysis, the temperature must be kept &amp;lt; 29°C at 75% water removal and &amp;lt; 22°C at 95% water removal. We find this dissolution behaviour of Mg(OH)2 in concentrated urine solutions to be unlike other alkaline earth hydroxides. These findings have significant implications for the design of new sanitation systems that separately collect and recycle plant-essential nutrients present in human urine.

Multisystem involvement, defective lysosomes and impaired autophagy in a novel rat model of nephropathic cystinosis.

Recessive mutations in the CTNS gene encoding the lysosomal transporter cystinosin cause cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disease leading to kidney failure and multisystem manifestations. A Ctns knockout mouse model recapitulates features of cystinosis, but the delayed onset of kidney manifestations, phenotype variability and strain effects limit its use for mechanistic and drug development studies. To provide a better model for cystinosis, we generated a Ctns knockout rat model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The Ctns−/− rats display progressive cystine accumulation and crystal formation in multiple tissues including kidney, liver and thyroid. They show an early onset and progressive loss of urinary solutes, indicating generalized proximal tubule dysfunction, with development of typical swan-neck lesions, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and kidney failure, and decreased survival. The Ctns−/− rats also present crystals in the cornea, and bone and liver defects, as observed in patients. Mechanistically, the loss of cystinosin induces a phenotype switch associating abnormal proliferation and dedifferentiation, loss of apical receptors and transporters, and defective lysosomal activity and autophagy in the cells. Primary cultures of proximal tubule cells derived from the Ctns−/− rat kidneys confirmed the key changes caused by cystine overload, including reduced endocytic uptake, increased proliferation and defective lysosomal dynamics and autophagy. The novel Ctns−/− rat model and derived proximal tubule cell system provide invaluable tools to investigate the pathogenesis of cystinosis and to accelerate drug discovery.

Assessment of K-Struvite Precipitation as a Means of Nutrient Recovery from Source Separated Human Urine

The impact of nutrients on the environment, particularly on water bodies, has led to extensive studies for nutrient control. Within this context, studies have been focused on source separation of human urine from domestic wastewater to recover nutrients. Potassium is one of the most important components of human urine. However, data on potassium removal or recovery are quite limited except for some indirect information through use of zeolites for mostly ammonia removal. Potassium struvite or K-struvite (MgKPO4·6H2O) is a sparingly soluble salt belonging to the struvite family that has the potential of being used as a means of potassium and phosphate recovery from segregated human urine. This study aimed to assess the potential of K-struvite precipitation for control and recovery of nutrients. Within this context, K-struvite precipitation experiments were performed on both synthetically prepared samples and synthetic human urine solution to determine effect of operation parameters i.e., pH, stoichiometry, and temperature on potassium recovery performance. Results indicated that process performance as well as type of solid phases co-precipitated with K-struvite were closely related to initial potassium concentration, pH, and reaction stoichiometry. At pH 10, the potassium recovery efficiency was maximized up to 87% by application of 100% excess dose of Mg and P for both synthetic samples and synthetic human urine solution. On the other hand, application of excess dose of K did not provide any improvement in K recovery efficiency. The effect of temperature on solubility of K-struvite was insignificant at the temperature range of 24–90 °C. Solid phase analyses confirmed that K-struvite was co-precipitated with either Mg3(PO4)2, MgNaPO4·7H2O, or MgHPO4·7H2O depending on pH and stoichiometry instead of a pure compound.

Evaluation of nocturnal blood pressure changes and urinary electrolyte excretion in children with enuresis.

Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) is defined as involuntary nighttime urination of children over five years of age without any congenital or acquired defect in the central nervous system. Many factors, mainly nocturnal polyuria, sleep disorders, decreased bladder capacity, and bladder dysfunctions play a role in the etiology of MNE. Eighty-three children diagnosed with MNE were included in the study. Complete blood cell count, blood biochemistry, renin, and aldosterone levels of all children were obtained. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected separately daytime and nighttime and urinary electrolytes were evaluated. Also, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed for each patient. The results were evaluated by comparing both enuretic children vs. control group and enuretic children with polyuria vs. without polyuria. When we compared the enuretic children and the control group in terms of urinary electrolytes, the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and fractional excretion of potassium (FEK) values of the enuretic group were higher than the control. The evaluation of the 24-hour ABPM findings revealed no significant difference in terms of the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during the daytime and nighttime measurements. The daytime systolic blood pressure (SBP), however, was significantly lower in the enuretic group. When enuretic children with and without polyuria and the control group were compared, the nighttime, FENa, FEK, as well as nighttime urinary excretion of calcium and protein were significantly higher in enuretic children with polyuria. No difference was detected on the MAP, SBP, or DBP values. In conclusion, the nighttime urinary solute excretion of enuretic children was found to be higher and this condition may especially be associated with pathogenesis of nighttime polyuria. In enuretic children, nighttime blood pressure changes were not influential in the etiopathogenesis in all patient groups and multiple mechanisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of enuresis.

Twice-Weekly Hemodialysis With Adjuvant Pharmacotherapy and Transition to Thrice-Weekly Hemodialysis: A Pilot Study

Thrice-weekly hemodialysis (HD) is the most common treatment modality for kidney failure in the United States. We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and safety of incremental-start HD in patients beginning maintenance HD. Pilot study. Adults with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥5 mL/min/1.73 m2 and urine volume≥500 mL/d beginning maintenance HD at 14 outpatient dialysis units. Randomized allocation (1:1 ratio) to twice-weekly HD and adjuvant pharmacologic therapy for 6 weeks followed by thrice-weekly HD (incremental HD group) or thrice-weekly HD (conventional HD group). The primary outcome was feasibility. Secondary outcomes included changes in urine volume and solute clearance. Of 77 patients invited to participate, 51 consented to do so, representing 66% of eligible patients. We randomized 23 patients to the incremental HD group and 25 patients to the conventional HD group. Protocol-based loop diuretics, sodium bicarbonate, and patiromer were prescribed to 100%, 39%, and 17% of patients on twice-weekly HD, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 281.9 days, participant adherence was 96% to the HD schedule (22 of 23 and 24 of 25 in the incremental and conventional groups, respectively) and 100% in both groups to serial timed urine collection. The incidence rate ratio for all-cause hospitalization was 0.31 (95% CI, 0.08-1.17); and 7 deaths were recorded (1 in the incremental and 6 in the conventional group). At week 24, the incremental HD group had lower declines in urine volume (a difference of 51.0 [95% CI,-0.7 to 102.8] percentage points) and in the averaged urea and creatinine clearances (a difference of 57.9 [95% CI,-22.6 to 138.4] percentage points). Small sample size, time-limited twice-weekly HD. It is feasible to enroll patients beginning maintenance HD into a randomized study of incremental-start HD with adjuvant pharmacotherapy who adhere to the study protocol during follow-up. Larger multicenter clinical trials are indicated to determine the efficacy and safety of incremental HD with longer twice-weekly HD periods. Funding was provided by Vifor Inc. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03740048.

Influence of stress signals on phenotypic characters, rhizome yield and secondary metabolite production of turmeric (Curcuma longa) cv. ‘Pragathi’

Turmeric plants are exposed to a variety of stress signals which influence not only the vegetative growth and yield but also the secondary metabolite production. An exposure study on the stress-induced changes in turmeric morphological characters, biomass production, and phytochemical changes will help to identify useful stress signals under field conditions. This study identifies the influence of stress signals such as salicylic acid, ZnSO4, and cow urine on phenotypic characters, rhizome yield, and secondary metabolite production in ’Pragathi’ variety of turmeric. The present investigation was conducted during June (2019) to January (2020) at Kakkur Panchayath, Kozhikode district, Kerala. One way ANOVA results showed that except for the number of tillers and number of mother rhizomes, all other features showed significant difference in means(P<0.05). Among the various stress signals used, 10% cow urine solution was found to be most effective in promoting the height of the plants and leaf length and 5% cow urine solution was found to be effective in leaf induction. Use of 0.2% Salicylic acid solution was found to be most effective in increasing the production of secondary metabolites like Curcuminoids and Oleoresins. About a 35% increase in the production of Curcuminoids and a 23% increase in the production of Oleoresins were observed in plants treated with 0.2% Salicylic acid solution. The results obtained in the present studies could be used for increasing vegetative growth and secondary metabolite production in turmeric cv. ‘Pragathi’.

Synthesis of a Cellulose-Co-AMPS Hydrogel for Personal Hygiene Applications Using Cellulose Extracted from Corncobs.

Cellulose-based hydrogels were prepared by the extraction of cellulose from corncobs after the removal of lignin and hemicellulose with the use of alkali–acid treatment. Acrylate-based hydrogels presently available for personal hygiene uses are not biodegradable. In this study, a biodegradable cellulose-co-AMPS personal hygiene hydrogel was synthesized. The hydrogel was synthesized by graft co-polymerization of 2-acrylamido2-methyl propane sulfonic acid onto corncob cellulose by using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator and borax decahydrate (Na2B4O7·10H2O) as a cross-linking agent. Structural and functional characteristics of the hydrogel such as swelling measurements, antimicrobial tests, FTIR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis were done. The hydrogel showed an average swelling ratio of 279.6 g/g to water and 83.3 g/g to a urine solution with a 97% gel fraction. The hydrogel displayed no clear inhibition zone and did not support the growth of bacteria, Gram-positive or -negative. The FT-IR spectra of the hydrogel confirmed the grafting of an AMPS co-polymer onto cellulose chains. The thermal properties of the hydrogel showed three-step degradation, with a complete degradation temperature of 575 °C.

Quantitative and rapid detection of iodide ion via electrolyte-gated IGZO thin-film transistors

In this study, rapid-detection iodide ion sensors based on sol-gel indium-gallium-zinc-oxide electrolyte gated thin-film transistors (IGZO-EGTFTs) have been examined. With a high electrical-double-layer capacitance (6.2 μF/cm2) at the interface between IGZO channel and physiological fluid (i.e., phosphate-buffered saline and artificial urine solution), the EGTFTs can be operated under 0.5 V with a high ON and OFF state current ratio above 108, and transconductance value of 1.14 mS. In addition to excellent electrical characteristics, the novel electrochemical reaction of IGZO-EGTFTs enables high selectivity and linear response over a wide detection range of iodide ions concentration (from 1 to 104 μM), the limit of detection as low as 1 μM, and response time below 0.1 s. The mechanism of iodide ions detection of IGZO-EGTFT was investigated based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. We expect that IGZO-EGTFTs will contribute to the development of point-of-care rapid and reusable ion-sensors for human urine and serum.

Impaired Tubular Secretion of Organic Solutes in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease.

The clearance of solutes removed by tubular secretion may be altered out of proportion to the GFR in CKD. Recent studies have described considerable variability in the secretory clearance of waste solutes relative to the GFR in patients with CKD. To test the hypothesis that secretory clearance relative to GFR is reduced in patients approaching dialysis, we used metabolomic analysis to identify solutes in simultaneous urine and plasma samples from 16 patients with CKD and an eGFR of 7±2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and 16 control participants. Fractional clearances were calculated as the ratios of urine to plasma levels of each solute relative to those of creatinine and urea in patients with CKD and to those of creatinine in controls. Metabolomic analysis identified 39 secreted solutes with fractional clearance >3.0 in control participants. Fractional clearance values in patients with CKD were reduced on average to 65%±27% of those in controls. These values were significantly lower for 18 of 39 individual solutes and significantly higher for only one. Assays of the secreted anions phenylacetyl glutamine, p-cresol sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, and hippurate confirmed variable impairment of secretory clearances in advanced CKD. Fractional clearances were markedly reduced for phenylacetylglutamine (4.2±0.6 for controls versus 2.3±0.6 for patients with CKD; P<0.001), p-cresol sulfate (8.6±2.6 for controls versus 4.1±1.5 for patients with CKD; P<0.001), and indoxyl sulfate (23.0±7.3 versus 7.5±2.8; P<0.001) but not for hippurate (10.2±3.8 versus 8.4±2.6; P=0.13). Secretory clearances for many solutes are reduced more than the GFR in advanced CKD. Impaired secretion of these solutes might contribute to uremic symptoms as patients approach dialysis.