Chloride Values Research Articles

Physico-chemical and heavy metal analysis of ground and surface water obtained from some selected areas in Kaduna metropolis

Water samples from 10 selected boreholes and 3 hand-dug wells within the three areas of Kaduna Metropolis were collected; Physico-Chemical parameters and heavy metals were determined. The results of the Physico-Chemical analysis were obtained in the following range, temperature (17.3-20.9), conductivity (44-60 mV), alkalinity (184-688 mg/l) BOD (6.5-15.4 mg/l) all within the set limit of WHO standard, TDS value (1197-2340 mg/l) fell above the set limit of WHO standard , the chemical constituents were obtained in the following range pH (7.25-7.67), Magnesium (1.28-6.08 mg/l), Calcium (0.12-0.90 mg/l), Nitrate (0.03-0.32 mg/l) with Chloride value (2.33-495.6) above the set limit of WHO standard, the highest value of 0.1241mg/l was found in Chromium. the concentrations of heavy metals (mg/l) Chromium, Iron, Lead, and Copper in the Groundwater were found in the following range, lead (0.0001- 0.120 mg/l), Chromium (0.0001- 0.124 mg/l), iron (0.0191- 0.3547 mg/l) and Copper (0.0006- 0.0070 mg/l). The results obtained fell within the limit set by World Health Organisation with the exception of Chromium which was 0.124 mg/l in sample SH3 and Lead which was in sample MF2. Which these two had concentrations above the limits set by World Health Organisation.

Abstract 4122247: Impact of serum chloride levels for ventricular arrhythmias in patients with heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy

Background: As previous reports of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) as a prognostic marker of mortality in heart failure (HF) patients included those with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, little is known about the risk factors of VA among patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), especially those without previous VA. The prognostic role of electrolyte abnormalities has been highlighted in HF patients. This study evaluated the impact of serum chloride levels for VA and all-cause death in patients with HF who underwent CRT without VA before CRT implantation. Methods: From the retrospective cohort of 397 HF patients (age 63+/-13, male 74%) who undergoing CRT implantation between 2010 and 2020, this study enrolled 175 patients (82% implanted CRT with a defibrillator) without a previous history of VA (sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) of ventricular fibrillation (VF)). We studied the impact of serum chloride levels before CRT implantation. The primary endpoint was defined as VA, VA with ICD therapy and sudden cardiac death. The secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results: During median follow-up of 35 months, 53 patients (30%) experienced VA. Patients with VA had a tendency toward high LVESV (172ml vs. 150ml, p<0.09) and low left ventricular ejection fraction (26 vs. 29, p<0.09), and significantly reduced rate of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (30% vs. 70%, p<0.05) at the time of CRT implantation. The rate of CRT responders was significantly higher in patients without VA than with VA (59% vs. 40%, p<0.05). The cut-off value of chloride for VA was determined to be 102mEq/l using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The patients with chloride ≤102mEq/l had significantly higher rates of VA (41% vs. 25%, log-rank p<0.05) and mortality (33% vs. 18%, log-rank p<0.05) (Figure). By multivariate cox analysis, the level of chloride had an independent predictive value of VA in patients with CRT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08 per 1mEq/l decrease, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.16, p<0.05) (Table). Conclusions: The chloride level had a predictive value for VA after CRT implantation in HF patients without previous VA. The management of electrolytes, including chloride, might be important for preventing fatal arrhythmia in patients with HF undergoing CRT implantation.

Spatial Distribution of Water Quality Parameters in a Mineralized Region of Rajasthan

Water quality parameters, anionic concentrations and uranium levels were measured in groundwater samples collected from Rohil, Sikar District, Rajasthan as a part of radiological baseline survey. This region hosts disseminated uranium deposits. The uranium concentration in water samples showed a mean value of 107 ± 141 μg/L and more than 40% samples crossed the AERB limit. The mean conductivity and TDS of samples were 2221 ± 1513 μS/cm and 1583 ± 1085 ppm, respectively. The mean value of fluoride, chloride, nitrate and sulphate were 2.4 ± 1.4 ppm, 414 ± 466 ppm, 33.70 ± 37.2 ppm and 140 ±133 ppm, respectively. Measured parameters in many samples were above the respective limits set by BIS, AERB and WHO. No particular trend was observed for any of the parameters with increasing distance from the proposed site and no correlation was evident in the measured parameters.

Advancing aquifer vulnerability mapping through integrated deep learning approaches

Groundwater vulnerability maps are crucial for safeguarding groundwater quality. A research gap exists in using advanced data fusion techniques to identify areas subject to seawater intrusion. To address this gap, this research enhances the GALDIT method and applies diverse deep learning models, combined with machine learning techniques, to improve the precision of aquifer vulnerability mapping. The new GALDITMW model incorporates the seawater mixing index and the parameters related to the production well density and aquifer porous medium. For the first time, supervised and unsupervised deep learning models, such as deep neural networks, deep belief networks, deep stacked autoencoders, and convolutional neural networks, are used for vulnerability mapping. In the second stage, the results of various machine learning models are fused to improve performance. The models' effectiveness is evaluated using a vulnerability index based on total dissolved solids (TDS) in an aquifer hydraulically connected with Salt Lake in central Iran, which faces groundwater depletion and salinization. The evaluation of the models based on performance metrics and the confusion matrix demonstrates that initial deep-learning models perform well. Significant improvements were observed in the second stage involving machine learning models, confirming their strong correlation (R2 > 0.985) with observed chloride values. The GPR model achieved an F1 score of 86.92%, an NSE of 0.911, and an RMSE reduction of 0.026 mg/L compared to the first-stage models. The proposed method offers a novel and accurate method for identifying vulnerable areas and provides helpful information for groundwater resource management.

Serum Lipid Profile and Electrolytes Reference Intervals for Apparently Healthy Children and Adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Accurate reference intervals generated from an apparently healthy population and stratified by crucial variables such as age and gender are required to guarantee appropriate interpretation of test results. Since there were no local reference intervals in the study area, the present study aimed to establish reference intervals on serum lipid profiles and electrolytes for children and adolescents in Addis Ababa. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2019. Laboratory analysis was performed using the automatic biochemical analyzer Cobas 6000 (c501) from Roche. According to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, reference intervals for lipid profile and electrolyte tests for apparently healthy children and adolescents were established. We used a non-parametric method to calculate the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles with a 90% confidence interval. In children, the reference intervals for serum potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in mmol/L were 4.37-5.20, 137-145.50, 101.90-107.90, 2.34-2.70, 0.74-0.97, and 1.42-1.85, respectively; and for total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, the respective values were 100.76-171.70, 44.16-126.36, 60.60-105.60, and 31.60-53.70 in mg/dL, for both genders. For adolescents, the reference intervals were 4.03-5.58, 137-146, 98.90-120.90, 2.39-2.70, 0.73-0.96, and 0.96-1.80 for serum potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in mmol/L, respectively; and 97.20-189.10, 40.50-143.60, 41.70-120.90, and 21.30-57.0 in mg/dL for total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, respectively, for both genders. The established reference intervals in the current study revealed that both the lower and upper limits contradicted the manufacturer values as well as the available literature. The study also discovered significant gender differences in reference values for TC, TG, LDL-C, potassium, phosphate, and chloride in the adolescent age groups.

6844 Comparison of Lactated Ringers and Normal Saline in the Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Abstract Disclosure: J.N. Johnson: None. A.T. Drincic: None. K. Nein: None. E. Buddenhagen: None. K. Samson: None. T. Langenhan: None. Background: Current guidelines recommend normal saline (NS) for fluid resuscitation in the management of patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, previous prospective studies have demonstrated improvement in patient specific outcomes, including time to DKA resolution, when balanced crystalloid fluids are used. We hypothesized that the use of LR compared to NS for volume management in DKA will shorten time to DKA resolution, reduce time to DKA associated protocol insulin infusion discontinuation, and result in lower post-intravenous fluid resuscitation chloride values. Methods: We conducted a single institution, retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with the diagnosis of DKA following our institution’s transition from NS to lactated ringers (LR) as the default resuscitative and maintenance fluid in our DKA management protocol. Adult patients admitted with DKA before and after the protocol change were identified. The primary outcome was time from DKA clinical presentation until DKA resolution. The secondary outcome was time to discontinuation of DKA protocol continuous insulin infusion. Results: Of 246 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 119 were stratified to the NS group (pre-protocol change) and 127 to the LR group (post-protocol change). T-test analysis revealed decreased time to DKA resolution in the LR group (mean 17.1 hours; SD 11.02) relative to the NS group (mean 20.6 hours; SD 12.22; p = .02). Duration of DKA protocol continuous intravenous insulin was shorter in the LR group (mean 16.0 hours; SD 8.72) compared to the NS group (mean 21.4 hours; SD 12.50; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study, protocolized DKA intravenous fluid management with LR resulted in shorter time to resolution of DKA and reduced duration of DKA protocol continuous insulin infusion. Presentation: 6/2/2024

A-331 Monitoring Operators Proficiency at Point of Care is Crucial for Reliable Patient Values. A Practical Example with Patient Blood Chloride, Potassium and Sodium Measurands Assayed with i-STAT®

Abstract Background While i-STAT® cartridges offer the Physician a spectrum of analytical methods at the point of care for prompt diagnosis and interventions, these methods have to be harmonized with the laboratory methods in order to reliably detect shifts and trends. With this practical example we illustrate the importance of a program of routine comparisons between the i-STAT® and laboratory methods to detect analytical differences exceeding the CLIA’s criterion and potentially having adverse clinical implications. Methods Patient blood chloride (Cl), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) values as obtained by nurses with i-STAT Chem 8 ™ cartridges (Abbott Laboratories) at the point of care, where daily compared with the values as obtained with the Laboratory method (two cobas 6000®, Roche Diagnostics) using green top BD® lithium heparin tubes (Becton Dickinson) collected within thirty minutes of the i-STAT assay. The data were electronically stored in RALS™ (RALS Informatics) and transferred to Minitab® (Version 21, Minitab Inc.) statistical software. The two analytical methods were compared using the orthogonal and the polynomial ordinary least squares (POLS) regression models and their graphic representations. The aptness of the methods was evaluated with the standardized residuals diagnostics for normality, independence, outliers (Standardized residual >|3|) and influential observations (Hi>0.5). For acceptance of the differences the CLIA’s total error criterion was employed. (CI: target value ± 5%; K: target value ± 0.5 mmol/L; Na: target value ± 4 mmol/L). Results In the first four months of the study the number of differences exceeding the CLIA’s criterion was not acceptable. [Cl: 10% (165/1564); K: 7% (109/1593); Na: 4% (66/1586)]. These differences were occurring throughout the analytical range (AMR). Consequently, the operator’s technique was suspected and the POCT senior technologists (CA, FA) adopted operator specific interventions. This strategy was effective in the following month and the improvements were maintained for seven consecutive months. Monthly differences exceeding the CLIA’s criterion decreased significantly [Cl:1.9% (52/2777): K:0.9% (25/2868): Na:0.5% (15/2896)]. This was clearly illustrated with the dot plot by date and the parallel box plots by month. Regression analysis showed that the orthogonal and the OLS models were equivalent. Cl: Orthogonal y=1.7+0.99x, OLS y=12+0.88x. K; Orthogonal y=0.2+1.2x, OLS y=0.1+0.96x. Na: orthogonal y=3+0.98x, OLS y=14+0.9x. Additionally, the POLS model showed a linear relationship within the AMR intervals with few outliers (Cl=11; K=7; Na=9), no influential observations (Hi<0.5) and equality of monthly regression lines (P>0.05). Conclusions The implementation of daily comparisons between patient values as obtained with the i-STAT method and those as obtained by the Laboratory method in the interval of thirty minutes, allowed the identification of individual operators requiring additional training. This strategy ensured reliable performance for eight consecutive months. This study clearly showed that the addition of continuous supervision and training of operators to quality control and quality assurance practices, ensured the interchangeability of patient values as obtained with i-STAT and those as obtained with the Laboratory method. Electronic collection of data and analysis with appropriate statistical software, such as Minitab, was crucial for the implementation of this program.

The Seasonal Variations in Hydrological Factors in the Activity Zones: An Essential Examination of the Ecosystem in Badagry Creek, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: The season is a pivotal representative in ascertaining the health status of a coastal ecosystem in a changing climate condition. The physico-chemical parameters of Badagry Creek were spatially and temporally investigated for twelve months (July 2017 to May 2018 for dry and wet seasons). Water samples were collected bi-monthly from nine stations, grouped into five activity zones during the water flow, covering upper, middle and lower courses. Seasonal variations in the physicochemical characteristics of Badgry Creek were found to be significantly different (<0.05) in salinity, phosphate, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), depth, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Spearman correlation at α₀.₀₅. The wet season had greater values of conductivity (551.27±79.09µS/cm; 412.77±42.7µS/cm) , pH (7.43±0.39: 7.41±0.41), salinity (5.04±1.11ppt: 1.22±0.40ppt), DO (6.72±0.26: 5.39±0.58mg/l), and chloride (Cl̉ˉ, 684.51±82.50 µmol/L: 674.22±73.44 µmol/L) than the dry season respectively. An increase in salinity during the wet season indicates the seawater intrusion and the waste discharge effluents from domestic and aquaculture processes into the stream from the higher course. Significant differences were observed between the Aquaculture (AQ) and Aquaculture combined Dredging (AQ_DG) zone for Sulphate and Chloride (Clˉ). The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) varied significantly between zones; they were 3.12±0.74mg/l in the Aquaculture zone (AQ) to 4.00±0.42 mg/l in the Domestic Waste (DW) zone and 2.10± 0.5 mg/l in the Aquaculture and Dredging (AQ_DG) zone to 19.2±9.44 mg/l in the Domestic Waste (DW) zone, respectively. The Highest value of TOM in DW station indicates anthropogenic effluents from domestic waste in this zone. The seasons were used to describe variations in Badagry Creek's physicochemical parameter values because the wet season noted higher parameter values, which may be related to an influx of water from the upper to the lower course.

Evaluation of Serum Electrolytes among Geriatric and Non-Geriatric Men in Osisoma, ABA, Nigeria

Background: Ageing is a progressive development associated with a decline in the physiological functions, which increases susceptibility to organ dysfunction (especially the kidney) in geriatrics. This facilitates the risk of electrolyte imbalance, as the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining these electrolyte concentration. Aim: This was a cross-sectional study designed to evaluate serum sodium ( ), potassium ( ), chloride ( ), and bicarbonate ( ) levels, and understand their prevalence among apparently healthy geriatric and non-geriatric men residing in Osisoma, Aba. Methodology: A total of 100 apparently healthy participants were enrolled for this study, comprising of 50 geriatric men aged 65 years and above, and 50 non-geriatric men aged 20-30 years. From both groups, serum samples were used for the analyses of sodium ( ), potassium ( ), chloride ( ), and bicarbonate ( ) using Spectrophotometer. The data obtained was analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 25), student’s t-test, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), pearson correlation coefficient and P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean values of sodium (136.6+3.9mmol/L), potassium (3.9+0.5mmol/L), chloride (100.2+3.9mmol/L) and bicarbonate (24.4+4.3 mmol/L) levels in geriatric subjects showed no statistical significant difference (P > 0.05) when compared to the mean values of sodium (136.9+2.3 mmol/L), potassium (3.9+0.4 mmol/L), chloride (100.8+2.8 mmol/L) and bicarbonate (24.9+3.9 mmol/L) in non-geriatric subjects. The study also revealed a significant difference (P = 0.001) in the mean value of bicarbonate (24.8+4.3 mmol/L; 25.8+1.9mmol/L, and 18.1 +3.3 mmol/L) among geriatric subjects, when compared based on age range using ANOVA. There was a significant negative correlation between the ages and bicarbonate levels (r = -0.4, P = 0.008), a non-significant positive correlation between ages and sodium levels (r = 0.1, P = 0.498), and chloride levels (r = 0.2, P = 0.125), and a non-significant negative correlation between the ages and potassium levels (r = -0.1, P = 0.691) in geriatric subjects. Conclusion: The result from this study showed no significant alteration of serum electrolytes between geriatric and non-geriatric subjects, and a significant alteration of bicarbonate levels among the geriatric subjects. This present study has shown that ageing without any comorbidities has lesser effect on serum electrolytes.

Separating Hofmeister Trends in Stern and Diffuse Layers at a Charged Interface.

Understanding the role of pH and ions on the electrical double layer (EDL) at charged mineral oxide/aqueous interfaces remains crucial in modeling environmental and industrial processes. Yet the simultaneous contribution of pH and specific ion effects (SIEs) on the different layers of the EDL remains unknown. Here, we utilize zeta potential measurements, vibrational sum frequency generation, and the maximum entropy method to ascertain the detailed structure of the Stern and diffuse regions of the EDL at the silica/water interface with varying pH values for different alkali chlorides. Both at pH 2, when the surface is nearly neutral, and at pH 12, when the surface is highly charged, we observe that Li+ and Na+ disrupt while Cs+ enhances existing water structures within the Stern layer. Moreover, the SIE trends for the diffuse and Stern layers are opposite to one another at pH 2 (in the amount of ordered water) and at pH 12 (in the amount of net oriented water). Finally, we observe an inversion in Hofmeister (SIE) trends at low and high pH in the zeta that impacts the diffuse layer structure. These results indicate that SIEs play critical yet separable roles in governing both the electrostatic and water-structuring capabilities of the EDL.

Time-Variant Chloride Ingress Models for Probabilistic Assessment of Concrete Bridge Decks with De-Icing Salt Attack

This study is to propose time-variant probabilistic models of surface chloride and diffusion coefficient based on the survey data of 16 concrete bridge decks with the attack of de-icing salts. These models are developed, because there is no study that simultaneously considers both time-variance and probabilistic descriptors in the model for concrete bridge decks. From the study, it can be found that long-term surface chloride and its time-variant development are fitted with Log-normal and Weibull distributions, respectively. In addition, the 28-day diffusion coefficient and age factor are fitted with Log-logistic and Triangular distributions, respectively. Considering only the mean value in the models, the corrosion-free residual life of concrete bridge decks is equal to 18.3 years based on the target value of critical chloride of 1.2 kg/m3, whereas their cracking-free residual life is equal to 29.5 years based on the target value of critical chloride of 2.0 kg/m3. In comparison with the probabilistic analysis, it was nevertheless found that at year 18.3, there are 38% and 20% probabilities to have rebar corrosion and concrete cracking, respectively. However, at year 29.5, there are 63% and 42% probabilities to have rebar corrosion and concrete. Specifically, there are 6 and almost 7 out of 16 bridge locations having rebar corrosion in the year 18.3 and concrete cracking in the year 29.5, respectively.

The Investigation of the Effect of Electrolyte Disorder on Sweat Test in Newborns with Positive Cystic Fibrosis Screening

Background and objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the electrolyte and acid-base status present at the time of admission to the hospital on the sweat test (ST) of the patients who were found to have a positive newborn screening test (NST) for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Methods: The patients who referred to pediatric pulmonology clinic for ST with positive NST for CF and diagnosed as CF were analyzed retrospectively. From the medical records acid-base status measured simultaneously with the ST and with serum sodium, potassium, and chloride levels were included in the study. Results: The study completed with 37 patients who met the inclusion criteria. At the time of ST, the mean sodium, potassium and chlorine values were 134.83±4.25 (122.0-141.0), 4.94±0.95 (2.9-7.6) and 97.72±12.40 (64.0-116.0) mEq/L, respectively. Patients whose electrolytes were measured at the time of diagnosis, 27.0% (n=10) had hyponatremia, 8.1% (n=3) had hypokalemia, and 4.8% (n=1) had hypochloremia. There was a significant difference between serum chloride and bicarbonate levels according to the negative, borderline, positive ST groups (p=0,036). In addition, no significance detected between the sweat test values of patients with Pseudo-Bartter Syndrome (PBS) (38.7%) and without. Conclusion: The chloride level during ST is lower in patients with borderline and negative ST results. The mean potassium and chloride values of the patients with PBS are lower while the mean bicarbonate value is higher. This may cause false negative results in ST. So, it is important to check the serum electrolyte levels before the ST is performed in the newborn screening positive baby.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Groundwater in Rural Areas of Duhok City, Iraq

This study investigates the quality of groundwater sources in the rural areas of Duhok City, Iraq, with a particular focus on heavy metal contamination, chemical composition, and properties of water. Water samples from 14 wells, serving as the main water source for the surrounding areas, were collected and analyzed. Water quality parameters including calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), potassium (K⁺), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) values ranged from 24 to 105.6 mg/L, 6.832 to 50.752 mg/L, 18 to 34 mg/L, 1 to 7 mg/L, and 3.4 to 38 mg/L respectively. Common heavy metals like manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co) exhibited varying concentrations. Most parameters meet the WHO standards, except for the elevated potassium in one sample, requiring attention. Additionally, 50% of the sampled wells showed elevated cadmium (Cd) levels. Possible sources of contamination include industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and geological factors, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions to ensure access to clean and safe water.

Cordyline fruticosa leaf powder supplemented in the diet of weaned pigs: effect on growth performance, heamatological and serum biochemical indices

In Sumitra Research Institute, Gujarat, a total of 50 cross-bred male piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace) with an initial body weight of 9.77 ± 0.06 kg weaned at 28 days were randomly distributed 5 treatments of 10 replicates containing 1 animal each in 60 days’ trial. According to the Nutritional Research Council’s recommendation in 2012, a basal diet was adequate in all nutrients. Pigs in treatment 1 were fed a basal diet without C. fruticosa leaf powder while treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 were fed the same diet supplemented with C. fruticosa leaf powder at 20 g, 40 g, 60 g, and 80 g respectively. Animals were given unrestricted access to fresh clean water and a completely randomized design was adopted. The experimental result showed that average daily weight gains and average daily feed intake which took the form of 0.29-0.46 kg and 0.68-0.77 kg were higher in the C. fruticosa leaf powder-supplemented group relative to the control (p < 0.05). The treatments significantly influenced the best feed conversion ratio and mortality rate from 1.73-2.34 to 1.0-3.0% (p < 0.05). Haemoglobin, red blood cell, pack cell volume, total platelet count, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, lymphocytes, and monocytes count follow a similar trend as values were greater in treatment 3, 4 and 5, an intermediary in treatment 2 and lower in treatment 1 (p < 0.05). The treatment significantly influenced total protein, glucose, cholesterol, Calcium, and Phosphorus values (p < 0.05). In contrast, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase values were similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Cordyline fruticosa leaf powder can be supplemented in the diet of weaned pigs without causing any negative effect on the growth and health status of weaned pigs.

Development of high barrier-coated white cardboard for fruit preservation.

Environment-friendly and biodegradable packaging materials have attracted widespread attention. Development of green solutions to extend the fruit shelf life and address fruit preservation thus has a far-reaching impact. In this study, high-barrier white cardboard (WC) was prepared by a facile coating method. Compared with the WC substrate, the WVP value of the polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) emulsion-coated WC (3.46 × 10-11 g m m-2 s-1 kPa-1) decreased 73.8% and the OP value (14.8 cm3 m-2 day-1·Pa-1) decreased 61.9%. In addition, the mechanical properties of the PVDC emulsion-coated WC increased significantly. The weight loss rate and decay rate of the stored fruits packaged with PVDC emulsion-coated WC decreased by about 5%. The high barrier PVDC emulsion-coated WC with excellent mechanical properties, good barrier effect, and preservation function was successfully prepared. Benefitting from these investigated characteristics, the obtained coated WC can be used to package fruits to reduce water loss and delay ripening, and thus extend their shelf life, exhibiting a favorable effect on blueberry and grape storage. Overall, the fabricated eco-friendly coated white cardboard has shown great potential for biodegradable packaging applications. We believe the current work presents an approach to address perishable fruit preservation and provide a supplement alternative.

Development of gerodietary meat products

The relevance of the presented research on the development of gerodietary meat products is due to the fact that the relative preferences shown by older people to various protein sources, including animal protein sources such as red meat and poultry, as well as alternative plant-based protein sources, have not yet been identified. The food choices of older adults have not been studied, nor have their preferences and willingness to pay for different carbon tags depending on the protein source. The purpose of the study is to consider the current state and prospects for the development of gerodietary meat products. This article is an exploratory attempt to describe potential pathways for the development of nutritionally balanced gerodietary meat products aimed at helping older adults maintain an active and healthy aging process. The object of the study is age-related changes in the consumption of meat products. Age undoubtedly affects thresholds for recognizing basic tastes, especially sweet and salty. In particular, higher threshold values for sucrose and sodium chloride were found among older people compared to young people. Higher taste recognition thresholds create a natural need to add sugar and salt to food. The research methodology was a qualitative content analysis of the collected material. At the first stage, the texts of publications devoted to the production of gerodietary meat products were read and re-read in their entirety, that is, the so-called naive reading was carried out. Then thoughts were recorded regarding the integrity and relatively important elements of the publications read, arising on the basis of impressions aroused under the influence of naive reading. Further, all parts of publications related to the purpose of researching gerodietary meat products were divided into approximately identical semantic units. Qualitative content analysis involved grouping gerodiet meat products by identifying common characteristics between them, according to production processes and ingredients. At the next stage, the semantic units were subject to codification, and a number of categories with subcategories arose. Finally, after all the texts of the publications had been read, the texts were compared with the results of the undertaken content analysis, which made it possible to verify the reality of the coverage of the content of the publication texts and codes by the selected categories and subcategories in full.

Study on comparison of electrolytes in hospitalized patients of critical care medicine by automated biochemistry analyzer and arterial blood gas analyzer

Critical care medicine department has to assess electrolytes accurately and quickly to initiate the treatment. Blood samples are analyzed in a matter of seconds by arterial blood gas analyzers (ABG), albeit their accuracy is still up for debate. The current study objectives were to estimate and compare the levels of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) in hospitalized critical care patients as determined by automated biochemistry analysis and blood gas analyzer and to assess the degree of agreement between the two instruments and obtain information on whether these values can be interchanged. A prospective hospital based observational study was undertaken after obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance. The study included a total of 195 paired venous and arterial samples from the patients admitted to Critical Care Medicine Unit of NIMS Hospital, Jaipur, India in whom electrolytes were analysed on Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analyzer and Automated Biochemistry Analyzer (ABA). Analysis was done on ABL555 blood gas analyzer located in the critical care medicine unit and vitros 5600, located in Clinical Biochemistry. Statistical analysis was done using Student’s t test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test.A total of 195 samples were analyzed. The mean levels of sodium, potassium and chloride were 136.64 ± 5.44 mmol/L, 3.87 ± 0.523 mmol/L and 100.79 ± 6.65 mmol/L respectively analyzed by ABG analyzer. The mean levels of sodium, potassium and chloride were 136.65 ± 5.81mmol/L, 88 ± 0.543 mmol/L and 100.47 ± 6.41 mmol/L respectively analyzed by ABA. Student’s t test comparison p values for sodium, potassium and chloride were 0.458 (Not Significant), 0.1867 (Not Significant) and 0.0438 (Significant) between the two instruments. The strength of agreement between the two instruments for sodium, potassium and chloride were analyzed using pearsons correlation coefficient. There was strong agreement for all the three parameters between the two instruments and the p value was 0.00001 (highly significant) for all the three parameters.The results of this investigation showed no discernible differences between the automated biochemistry analyzer and arterial blood gas analyzer measurements of sodium, potassium, and chloride. Clinicians can make critically important decisions by relying on the results of arterial blood gas analysis.

Impact of an air bubble within the syringe on test results obtained with a modern blood gas analyzer

Background. Minimizing air aspiration by carefully filling blood gas syringes is crucial to prevent air contamination from causing undesirable variations in gasses and other molecules. While some previous studies investigated this aspect, these are now outdated and only analyzed a limited number of blood gas parameters. Thus, we investigated the effects air contamination in the syringe using a modern blood gas analyzer. Methods. We sampled venous blood from 17 laboratory workers (mean age: 46±11 years; 10 women), filling two consecutive blood gas syringes. The first was filled exactly to its nominal volume (i.e., 1.0 mL), while the second was filled with 0.8 mL of blood and 0.2 mL of ambient air. Blood gas analysis was performed in each syringe using an identical analyzer. Results. In the syringe with the air bubble, we found statistically significant increase in pH (0.1%), pO2 (10.8%), SO2 (11.2%), total hemoglobin (3.0%), and hematocrit (2.7%), while values of pCO2 (-4.8%), sodium (-0.5%), and ionized calcium (-1.3%) were significantly reduced. With exception of pH, all these changes exceeded the performance specifications. Potassium, chloride, glucose, lactate, COHb and MetHb values remained unchanged. Conclusion. These findings confirm that air bubbles must be removed as soon as possible after sampling from blood gas syringes to prevent artifactual test results and misleading clinical judgment and inappropriate treatment. When blood gas syringes are received in the laboratory with air bubbles inside, the most vulnerable parameters (i.e., pO2, SO2, pCO2, sodium, ionized calcium, hematocrit and hemoglobin) should be suppressed.

Comparison of the efficacy of 0.9% normal saline with balanced crystalloid (Plasmalyte) in maintaining the metabolic profile in head injury patients undergoing evacuation of acute subdural haematoma - A randomised controlled trial.

The choice of intravenous fluids is important in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), where large volumes may be required for resuscitation. Our study aimed to compare 0.9% normal saline (NS) with balanced crystalloid (Plasmalyte) in TBI patients in terms of metabolic and coagulation profile, brain relaxation score (BRS) and renal functions using serum urea, creatinine and urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2* insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7, [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7], value to assess the risk of acute kidney injury. This randomised controlled trial on 90 TBI patients undergoing emergency craniotomy and subdural haematoma evacuation was conducted in a tertiary care institute. The patients were randomised to receive either NS (Group NS) or Plasmalyte (Group P) as the intraoperative maintenance fluid. The primary outcome measures included the potential of hydrogen (pH), base excess (BE) and chloride values from an arterial blood gas. The secondary outcomes were the coagulation profile, BRS and urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7]. The two groups' metabolic profile differences were analysed using two-way repeated analysis of variance. BRS was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The pH and chloride values were significantly higher, and the BE values were significantly lower in Group P compared to Group NS (P < 0.001). Brain relaxation and coagulation profiles were comparable between the two groups. Serum creatinine (P = 0.002) and urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] (P = 0.042) were significantly higher in the NS group. Plasmalyte maintains a more favourable metabolic profile than NS in TBI patients without affecting brain relaxation adversely.

Effect of exogenous lipids contamination on blood gas analysis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate theeffects of contamination of venous blood with a lipid-containing solution on parameters measured by a modern blood gas analyzer. We collected venous blood from 17 healthcare workers (46±11years; 53 % women) into three blood gas syringes containing 0 , 5 and 10 % lipid-containing solution. Blood gas analysis was performed within 15 min from sample collection on GEM Premier 5000, while triglycerides and serum indices were assays on Roche COBAS C702. Triglycerides concentration increased from 1.0±0.3 mmol/L in the uncontaminated blood gas syringe, to 39.4±7.8 and 65.3±14.4 mmol/L (both p<0.001) in syringes with 5 and 10 % final lipid contamination. The lipemic and hemolysis indices increased accordingly. Statistically significant variation was noted for all analytes except hematocrit and COHb in the syringe with 5 % lipids, while only COHb did not vary in the syringe with 10 % lipids. Significant increases were observed from 5 % lipid contamination for pO2, SO2 and lactate, while the values of pH, pCO2, sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, glucose, hematocrit (10 % contamination), hemoglobin and MetHB decreased. All these changes except lactate and CoHb exceeded their relative performance specifications. Artifactual hyperlipidemia caused by contamination with exogenous lipids can have a clinically significant impact on blood gas analysis. Manufacturers of blood gas analyzers must be persuaded to develop new instruments equipped with serum indices.