Phosphate in the form of organic compounds can be bound in soils containing the aluminosilicate allophane. A significant part of this phosphorus is believed to be present as nucleic acids. The interaction of yeast RNA with allophane was studied to further the understanding of the allophane/organic macro molecule interaction as well as the binding of organic phosphorus by allophanic soils. The extent of RNA adsorption on the allophane was dependent upon the pH, the charge and concentration of simple cations, the concentration of RNA, and the time of interaction. From a mixture containing 145 mg/liter RNA and 2.9 g/liter allophane in 10−2 M NaCl, the amount of RNA adsorbed increased from 6% at pH 10 to 98% at pH 3. The adsorption also increased as the concentration of added NaCl was increased from 10−4 M to 10−1 M, but only when the pH was greater than 5, i.e., above the isoelectric point of the clay. Mg2+ and Ca2+ were equally much more effective at promoting adsorption than Na+ at the same concentrations. There was no difference in the effectiveness of SO4−2, Cl−, or NO3− at pH 5 or higher. The adsorption isotherm at pH 7 can be described by the Langmuir equation; the apparent adsorption maximum was 38 mg/g. Van der Waals and simple electrostatic forces appear to dominate the interaction leading to the adsorption of RNA by allophane.

Three ball clays (SP from England, TSMA from France and UK from the Ukraine) were characterized for their dry and wet colloidal properties. On the basis of X-ray diffraction and chemical analyses the clays were classified as kaolinite-rich clay, smectitic kaolinite-rich clay and illitic kaolinite-rich clay. The ζ (zeta) potential at the clay-water interface as a function of pH, in three different electrolytes, was investigated using an electroacoustic technique. Starting from measurements of dynamic mobility, the calculated ζ potential was found to be almost constant as a function of pH for the TSMA and UK clays, while it increased from −20 to −60 for the SP clay, when potassium nitrate was used as an electrolyte. The behavior of the three clays in calcium and magnesium nitrate was slightly different: SP showed a smaller increase in ζ potential, while a small deviation from the constant behavior of the UK clay was found. The results are explained in terms of the surrounding-ion atmosphere in light of the chemical-physical properties measured. Our results may well be of use to those involved in ceramic processing.

The purpose of this chronoepidemiologic study was to investigate the time-relationships between the yearly variations in occurrence of violent suicide in Belgium and the yearly variations in various biochemical, metabolic and immune variables in the Belgian population. The weekly mean number of deaths due to violent suicide for all of Belgium for the period 1979–1987 was computed. Twenty-six normal volunteers had monthly blood samplings during one calendar year for assays of plasma L-tryptophan (L-TRP), competing amino acids (CAA), and melatonin levels, maximal [3H]paroxetine binding to platelets, serum total cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor concentrations, and number of CD4+ T, CD8+ T and CD20+ B lymphocytes. The annual rhythm in violent suicide rate is highly significantly synchronized with the annual rhythms in L-TRP, [3H]paroxetine binding, cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, CD20+ B cells, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio; the mean peak (violent suicide, [3H]paroxetine binding) or nadir (all other variables) occurs around 3 May. There were significant inverse time-relationships between the time series of violent suicide rate and L-TRP, L-TRP/CAA ratio, total cholesterol, calcium and magnesium, CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio and number of CD20+ B cells. Maximal [3H]paroxetine binding to platelets was significantly and positively related to the time series of violent suicide. An important part (56.4%) of the variance in mean weekly number of violent suicide rate was explained by the time series of L-TRP, cholesterol and melatonin.

Introduction: With rising health care costs impairing access to care, the judicious use of diagnostic tests has become a critical issue for most jurisdictions. Among tests regularly performed in the emergency department (ED), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) laboratory testing represents an annual expenditure of more than $4 million for the Québec health care system. We then sought to determine the best indications for ordering these serum levels by identifying patient risk factors predicting abnormal results. Methods: We are conducting a retrospective cohort study in two academic hospitals of Québec City, one providing acute general care and the other providing specialized care to oncologic and nephrologic patients. We included 1000 patients who had serum Ca and/or Mg and/or P levels prescribed by an emergency physician between January 1st 2016 and May 1st 2016. We are collecting demographic (e.g. age) and clinical (e.g. comorbidities) characteristics identified from literature review as potential explanatory variables of an abnormal serum level. Predictive models of a positive test result will be derived from logistic regressions. Results: We have evaluated 143 patients. ED prevalence rates of hypo- and hyper-calcemia (10.1% and 4,3%), hypo- and hyper-magnesemia (13.0% and 7,2%), hypo- and hyper-phosphatemia (9.5% and 13,9%) were similar to those reported in literature. Preliminary bivariate analysis (p<0.05) have shown that, for patients who had serum Ca/Mg/P levels prescribed, one in four complained of weakness, one in five complained of abdominal pain and one in five presented on physical examination an abnormal mental status. Acute and chronic renal failure appears to be a strong predictor of anomalies of any of those electrolytes. Neoplasia, metastasis, hallucinations, bone pain and confusion are more specifically associated with hypercalcemia. Use of corticosteroids is associated with hypocalcemia. Conclusion: Our bivariate analyses have identified potential risk factors of abnormal Ca/Mg/P results. Multivariate logistic regressions will be conducted on the complete planned cohort to further test these preliminary results.

Introduction: In the Emergency Department (ED), increasing time pressures and acuity require physicians to have access to quick and reliable data to guide patient care decisions. Blood gases (BGs) allow quick access to key information, and are used frequently in the ED. Our objective was to review the literature on reliability and accuracy of electrolyte measurements obtained from BGs in high acuity settings. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted in September of 2015. The search strategy, done in conjunction with a medical librarian, identified studies that assessed the accuracy of BGs when compared to traditional laboratory serum measurements. Prior to the review we determined sodium and potassium would be the area of focus. Eligibility parameters for the studies included samples from acute care areas - the ED and ICU - and a comparison of BG and serum values taken simultaneously from the patient. Results: Our review included 12 studies, 9 in adult and 3 in pediatrics. There were approximately 1,135 patients included, consisting of 851 adult and 284 pediatric cases. The results were mixed; 9 studies agreed that sodium and potassium readings from BGs were accurate enough to guide acute care decisions, 5 did not. Furthermore, important questions were raised regarding the varying accuracy of BGs depending on what physiological level the electrolytes were at during the time of collection, i.e. at critical vs non-critical levels. Conclusion: This is the first literature review to examine the existing evidence on the accuracy of BGs in acute care environments. Given the variability in the results, a larger study needs to be done to determine the validity and reliability of blood gases for electrolytes in acute care settings. Only by ensuring the accuracy of data collected via point-of-care BGs can the most informed decisions be made surrounding patient care in acute care settings.

This study investigated four electrolytes (tap water, mineral water, seawater, and Al2O3 nanoparticles emulsified in deionized water) to prepare nanofluids for enhancing their microgeneration and heattransfer capabilities by conducting thermoelectric performance experiments on power generation facilities. This study first performed a two-step synthesis process by using emulsion-ultrasonic technology for fabricating an Al2O3 nanofluid to determine the optimal suspended stability for the alumina nanofluid used as an electrolyte according to the Zeta potential, pH value, thermal conductivity, and viscosity. The alumina nanofluid was then compared with the other aqueous solutions to determine the characteristics of the effects of the output currents, voltages, resistances, and temperature distributions at different operating temperatures, distances, and electrode areas. Finally, the emulsifying effect of the alumina nanofluid between 0 wt % and 2 wt % demonstrated the most favorable stability, particle fraction, thermal conductivity, and stable current output.

We present a case of a previously healthy adolescent male for outpatient evaluation of prolonged QT interval. He was ultimately found to have acquired QT interval prolongation secondary to hypocalcaemia related to undiagnosed hypoparathyroidism. This case report highlights the importance of routine electrolyte analysis, even in the outpatient setting, during initial diagnostic workup for QT interval prolongation.

The requirements of different electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride), dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) and salt source in broilers have considerably changed in recent times. The increasing level of sodium (Na), potassium (K) and DEB are associated with higher pH (i.e. alkalosis) while lower levels of chloride (Cl) and DEB are linked with a lower pH (i.e. acidosis). A narrow range of DEB (150-250 mEq/kg) is recommended to overcome the variations in acid base homeostasis and normal blood chemistry especially in summer conditions. The supplementation of suitable salts like NaHCO3 and KCl are proven to be beneficial to sustain viability of various biochemical processes. The cations usually alleviate whereas anions exacerbate the lysine:arginine antagonism. In most cases, the electrolytes and their balance (DEB) are considered ineffective in order to influence carcass and related traits; however, the supplementation of their respective salts, particularly NaHCO3 and KCl under heat stress, showed contrary but potentially useful results. The role of electrolytes in combination with coccidiostats is still ambiguous; however, the level of both entities (electrolytes and coccidiostats) should be kept low and studied in detail for mutual compatibility. The inclusion level of electrolytes from various salt sources changes whenever there is change in coccidiostat and environmental condition. Keeping in mind environmental constraints, it is recommended to use the lowest dosage of NaHCO3/ NaCl alongside ionophores. Consequently, it is recommended to supplement electrolytes through a combination of NaHCO3 and KCl, and maintaining dietary electrolyte balance (150-250 mEq/kg) is mandatory to exploit improved physiological responses of broilers for maximum growth response.

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) are compounds that dissolve into positive and negative particles in solution. The relationship between these compounds, known as the ‘dietary electrolyte balance’ (DEB), is affected by either electrolyte or its supplemental salt source. The National Research Council recommended 0.20% sodium, chloride, and 0.30% potassium for starter phase and lower doses of sodium and chloride for the finisher phase of broilers. However, these requirements are increased under heat stress conditions, and birds perform better when increasing levels of these electrolytes are offered, maintaining a DEB of preferably 250 mEq/kg. Increased levels of these electrolytes, especially sodium, were found effective for growth but caused increased water consumption and ultimately higher litter moisture in summer. Potassium and chloride were found effective in the diets of heat-stressed broilers. Sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride have been recognised as the best choice in salt selection for broiler diets, particularly under hot summer conditions. In conclusion, a combination of the electrolytes with higher levels of cations and lower level of anions is recommended. Furthermore, the requirements of these electrolytes should be explored, with reference to current poultry housing systems and modern genetics.

This paper reviews the handling of water and electrolytes by the ageing kidney and the clinical consequences in everyday clinical practice. Normal physiology in the adult kidney is discussed, followed by description of the main physiological changes (adaption) that occur as the kidney ages. Clearly, successful management of the elderly patient requires a knowledge of these changes, which result in: (i) increased tendency for volume depletion and dehydration; (ii) decreased ability to tolerate a volume load; (iii) increased propensity for potassium disturbances (hypo- and hyperkalaemia); (iv) diminished production of renin and blunted physiological response to the effects of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone; (v) increased tendency to lower levels of phosphate; and (vi) tendency for the development of hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia. A brief review of the role of extracellular fluid volume depletion and other factors contributing to acute renal failure in elderly patients is also presented.