Search Results (128)

Objective: To identify distinct subtypes of ICU patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) using serum electrolyte data and assess their associations with in-hospital mortality risk. Methods: This study used the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) as its primary data source. AKI patients were identified according to the KDIGO clinical practice guidelines. Using K-Medoids clustering, we identified distinct AKI subtypes based on the first serum electrolyte measurements taken within 24 h of AKI diagnosis in the ICU. Logistic regression analysis was then employed to assess associations between these subtypes and in-hospital mortality risk. Within each subtype, we further examined the relationship between two AKI-related treatments, diuretics and renal replacement therapy (RRT), and mortality risk. Finally, to validate the identified subtypes, we replicated the entire analysis using a critical care dataset from a grade A tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. Results: We identified three distinct AKI subtypes from 15,838 eligible patients in the eICU-CRD. Subtype 1 (6364 patients, 40.2%) showed the lowest risk of in-hospital death and had all serum electrolyte levels within normal ranges. Subtype 2 (6624 patients, 41.8%) carried a moderate death risk and was characterized by abnormally high chloride levels. Subtype 3 (2850 patients, 18.0%) had the highest death risk, presenting with high serum phosphate and low bicarbonate levels. Importantly, the associations between treatments and mortality risk differed significantly by subtype. In the high-risk Subtype 3, both diuretics (OR = 0.71, p = 0.010) and RRT (OR = 0.78, p = 0.045) were associated with a lower risk of in-hospital death. However, in Subtype 2, both diuretics (OR = 1.30, p = 0.044) and RRT (OR = 1.56, p = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk. Neither treatment showed a significant association with death risk in Subtype 1. These findings were validated in the critical care database (431 AKI patients) from a Chinese local hospital, where the same three subtypes emerged with consistent electrolyte patterns, death risk profiles, and associations between treatments and mortality risks, validating the stability of the identified subtypes. Conclusions: Serum electrolyte data can help identify ICU AKI subtypes with different mortality risks. Additionally, associations between treatments (diuretics and RRT) and mortality risk vary significantly across these subtypes. These results generate the hypothesis that AKI subtyping could potentially inform personalized management strategies. Full article

Fe₄₂Mn₂₈Cr₁₅Co₁₀Si₅ is a highly strain-hardenable high-entropy alloy (HEA) that is challenging to machine with traditional metal cutting tools. The electrochemical behavior of this HEA was examined in nitrate- and chloride-based electrolytes to understand the electrochemical machining (ECM) process. Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic tests were conducted on this alloy in 1 M and 2.35 M NaNO₃ solutions, with and without additions of 0.01 M nitric acid and 0.01 M citric acid. A 20% NaCl solution was also tested as an electrolyte. Nitrate solutions caused passivation of the HEA, while no passivation was observed in chloride solutions. Surface analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) indicated that adding citric acid helped reduce surface passivation. The Faradaic efficiency of ECM increased with higher applied voltage. The chloride solution showed higher Faradaic efficiency than nitrate-based solutions. Specifically, the Faradaic efficiency of 20% NaCl at 10 V is 57.4%, compared to 21.9% for 20% NaNO₃ + 0.01 M citric acid at 10 V. Electrochemical parameters, including anodic and cathodic exchange current densities, Tafel slopes, and corrosion current densities, were calculated from the experimental data. The corrosion current densities in the 20% nitrate solutions ranged from 2.35 to 3.2 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm², while the 20% chloride solution had a lower corrosion rate at 1.45 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm². These electrochemical parameters can help predict the dissolution behavior of the HEA in nitrate and chloride solutions and aid in optimizing the ECM process. Full article

In wastewater treatment, sludge is generated during both the primary and secondary sedimentation processes. With the growing volume of wastewater, sludge production has increased accordingly. Prior to subsequent treatment or disposal, sludge dewatering is a critical step to reduce volume and improve treatment efficiency. The primary challenge lies in the removal of bonded water within the extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the microorganism cells. In this study, electrochemical pretreatment was employed to improve sludge dewatering performance. The optimal electrochemical treatment was achieved at an electrode spacing of 2 cm, a stirring speed of 500 rpm, and an electrolyte (1 M calcium chloride, CaCl₂) dosage of 3 mL for 50 min. Subsequently, flocculation was conducted. Compared with the widely used polyacrylamide (PAM), polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC) achieved superior dewatering performance with less than half the dosage required. Under the combined treatment, the final moisture content of the sludge cake was reduced to 53.2%. These findings indicate that the combination of Fe/Ti-based electrochemical pretreatment and flocculation process is a promising and efficient strategy for deep sludge dewatering. Full article

Titanium alloys are widely employed in structural and electrochemical applications owing to their excellent mechanical properties and inherent corrosion resistance. However, their stability in harsh acidic environments, such as those encountered in energy storage systems, remains a critical issue. In this study, composite ceramic coatings were synthesized on a Ti6Al4V alloy using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in silicate-, phosphate-, and sulfate-based electrolytes, with and without the addition of α-alumina nanoparticles. The resulting coatings were comprehensively characterized to assess their surface morphology, chemical and phase compositions, and corrosion performance. Thus, the corrosion current density decreased from 9.7 × 10⁴ for bare Ti6Al4V to 143 nA/cm² for the coating fabricated in phosphate electrolyte with alumina nanoparticles, while the corrosion potential shifted anodically from –0.68 to +0.49 V vs. silver chloride electrode in 5 M H₂SO₄. Among the tested electrolytes, coatings produced in the phosphate-based electrolyte with Al₂O₃ showed the highest polarization resistance (113 kΩ·cm²), outperforming those fabricated in silicate- (71.6 kΩ·cm²) and sulfate-based (89.0 kΩ·cm²) systems. The composite coatings exhibited a multiphase structure with reduced surface porosity and the incorporation of crystalline oxide phases. Notably, titania–alumina nanoparticle composites demonstrated significantly enhanced corrosion resistance. These findings confirm that PEO-derived composite coatings provide an effective surface engineering strategy for enhancing the stability of the Ti6Al4V alloy in aggressive acidic environments relevant to advanced electrochemical systems. Full article

Electrochemical deposition of silicon is considered a promising alternative to conventional high-temperature and high-emission methods of silicon production. This review analyzes the current state of research on electrolyte systems used for silicon electrodeposition, with a particular focus on their potential for industrial-scale application. These systems are evaluated based on key characteristics relevant to such implementation, including silicon precursor solubility, electrical conductivity, applicable current density, and behavior under process conditions. The study evaluates fluoride-based, chloride-based, mixed halide, and organic electrolyte systems based on key criteria, including conductivity, chemical stability, silicon precursor solubility, temperature range, and ease of product purification. Fluoride-based melts offer high current densities (up to 2 A/cm²) and effective SiO₂ dissolution but operate at high temperatures (550–1300 °C) and suffer from hygroscopicity. Chloride systems exhibit lower operating temperatures (300–1000 °C) and better water solubility but lack compatibility with common silicon sources. Mixed fluoride–chloride electrolytes emerge as the most promising option, combining high performance with improved practicality; they operate at 600–850 °C and current densities up to ~1.5 A/cm². Additional focus is placed on the impact of substrate materials and on unresolved questions related to reaction reversibility, kinetic mechanisms, and the influence of electrolyte composition. The review concludes that further fundamental studies are needed to optimize electrolyte design and enable the transition from laboratory-scale research to industrial implementation. Full article

One characteristic of tumor cells is the increased anaerobic metabolism through glycolysis leading to an acidic environment of the tumor. This acidity is linked to tumor progression, invasion and metastasis, besides stimulated survival pathways in the malignant cells. The aim of our analysis is to investigate the role of systemic acid–base parameters such as the pH, bicarbonate, baseexcess and lactate in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, alterations in electrolytes and hemoglobin were investigated regarding their impact on overall survival. Data of 937 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, who underwent anatomic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection, was collected in a prospectively maintained database and analyzed. To minimize confounding effects and due to the retrospective study design, we decided to use data from the first arterial blood gas analysis during surgery and the most recent lab results prior to surgery. We found significant correlations between low systemic bicarbonate (<20 mEq/L) and overall survival (p = 0.006). Hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L) correlated with lower 5-year overall survival (p = 0.004) and decreased disease-free survival (p = 0.017). Hypochloremia (<98 mmol/L) was linked to reduced overall survival (p = 0.003) and hypocalcemia (<1.15 mmol/L) with worse disease-free survival (p = 0.015). Hemoglobin under 12 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men was associated with poorer outcomes (p < 0.001). Other acid–base parameters such as the pH (p = 0.563), baseexcess (BE) (p = 0.290) and lactate (p = 0.527) did not show significant differences in overall or disease-free (pH: p = 0.130; BE: p = 0.148; lactate: p = 0.418) survival. Systemic bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, chloride and hemoglobin levels were found as prognostic markers and possible therapeutic targets to improve overall survival. Further investigations are necessary to develop therapeutic strategies. Full article

Sb-based anodes have great potential in lithium-ion batteries because of their relatively high theoretical capacities. However, in general, their volume changes (>150%) during charge and discharge process have a significant impact, which affects their electrochemical performances. In this paper, nano-alloy FeSb wrapped in three-dimensional honeycomb graphite carbon (FeSb@C) was prepared by the freeze-drying method using sodium chloride as a template. The three-dimensional carbon can buffer the volume change in the reaction process, increasing the contact area between the electrode and electrolyte. Furthermore, the addition of metallic iron also increases the overall specific capacity and improves its electrochemical performance. As the anode of a lithium-ion battery, the optimized FeSb@C shows excellent electrochemical performance with a specific capacity of 193.0 mAh g⁻¹ at a high current density of 5 A g⁻¹, and a reversible capacity of 607.8 mAh g⁻¹ after 600 cycles of 1 A g⁻¹. It provides an effective strategy for preparing high-performance lithium-ion batteries anode materials. Full article

Chloride, long considered a passive extracellular anion, has emerged as a key determinant in the pathophysiology and management of heart failure (HF) and cardiorenal syndrome. In contrast to sodium, which primarily reflects water balance and vasopressin activity, chloride exerts broader effects on neurohormonal activation, acid–base regulation, renal tubular function, and diuretic responsiveness. Its interaction with With-no-Lysine (WNK) kinases and chloride-sensitive transporters underscores its pivotal role in electrolyte and volume homeostasis. Hypochloremia, frequently observed in HF patients treated with loop diuretics, is independently associated with adverse outcomes, diuretic resistance, and arrhythmic risk. Conversely, hyperchloremia—often iatrogenic—may contribute to renal vasoconstriction and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Experimental data also implicate chloride dysregulation in myocardial electrical disturbances and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Despite mounting evidence of its clinical importance, serum chloride remains underappreciated in contemporary risk assessment models and treatment algorithms. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on chloride’s role in HF, explores its diagnostic and therapeutic implications, and advocates for its integration into individualized care strategies. Future studies should aim to prospectively validate these associations, evaluate chloride-guided therapeutic interventions, and assess whether incorporating chloride into prognostic models can improve risk stratification and outcomes in patients with heart failure and cardiorenal syndrome. Full article

Background: Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly lethal filoviral infection, yet its long-term health consequences remain poorly understood. We present one of the most temporally distant evaluations of MVD survivors, conducted 13 years post-outbreak in Uganda, offering novel insights into chronic physiological, biochemical, haematological, and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based study compared ten MVD survivors with nineteen age- and sex-matched unexposed controls. Clinical evaluations included vital signs, anthropometry, mental health screening, and symptom reporting. Laboratory analyses covered electrolytes, inflammatory markers, renal and liver function tests, haematology, and urinalysis. Standardised psychological assessments measured anxiety, depression, perceived stigma, and social support. Findings: Survivors exhibited an elevated body mass index (BMI), higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and lower respiratory rates compared to controls, indicating ongoing cardiometabolic and autonomic changes. These trends may reflect persistent cardiometabolic stress and potential alterations in autonomic regulation, warranting further investigation. Biochemically, survivors exhibited disruptions in serum chloride, bilirubin, and total protein levels, suggesting subclinical hepatic and renal stress. Haematological analysis revealed persistent reticulocytosis despite normal haemoglobin levels, indicating long-term erythropoietic modulation. Despite these physiological changes, survivors reported minimal psychological morbidity, sharply contrasting with the post-recovery profiles of other viral haemorrhagic fevers. Stigma was prevalent during the outbreak; however, strong family support alleviated long-term psychosocial distress. Interpretation: Thirteen years post-infection, MVD survivors demonstrate multisystem physiological perturbations without marked psychological sequelae. These findings challenge assumptions of universal post-viral trauma and highlight the necessity for tailored survivor care models. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the mechanistic pathways underlying cardiometabolic and haematological reprogramming to inform intervention strategies in resource-limited settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), absolute insulin deficiency and elevation of counter-regulatory hormones may cause osmotic diuresis and water and electrolyte loss, which may lead to dehydration and renal failure. Fluids with high Na content are preferred in the DKA fluid therapy algorithm due to the association of Na with β-Hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and the renal excretion of Na-β-HB. However, these fluids may cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis due to their high chloride concentration. In the literature, base-excess chloride (BE_Cl) has been suggested as a better approach for assessing the effect of chloride on acid–base status. Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of fluids with BE_Cl values less than zero versus those with values equal to or greater than zero on the metabolic acid–base status in the first 6 h of DKA. Methods: This retrospective study included DKA cases managed in the tertiary intensive care units of five hospitals in the last 10 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to the Na-Cl difference of the administered fluids during the first 6 h of treatment: Group I [GI, fluids with Na-Cl difference = 0, chloride-rich group] and Group II [GII, fluids with Na-Cl difference > 32 mmol, chloride non-rich group]. Demographic data, blood gas analysis results, types and amounts of administered fluids, urea–creatinine values, and urine ketone levels were recorded. Results: Thirty-five patients with DKA in the ICU were included in the study (GI; 22 patients, GII; 13 patients). There was no difference between the patients in the two groups in terms of age, gender, and LOS-ICU. According to the distribution of the administered fluids, the main fluid administered in GI was 0.9% NaCl, whereas in the GII, it was bicarbonate, Isolyte-S, and 0.9% NaCl. In GI, the chloride load administered was higher; the BE_Cl level of the fluids was lower than in GII. At the end of the first 6 h, although sodium and strong ion gap values were similar, patients in GI were more acidotic due to iatrogenic hyperchloremia and, as a result, were more hypocapnic than GII. Conclusions: In conclusion, administering chloride-rich fluids in DKA may help reduce unmeasured anion acidosis. Still, risks cause iatrogenic hyperchloremic acidosis, which can hinder the expected resolution of acidosis and increase respiratory workload. Therefore, it is suggested that DKA guidelines be revised to recommend an individualized approach that avoids chloride-rich fluids and includes monitoring of metabolic parameters like Cl and BE_Cl. Full article

Several strategies, including UV detection with a diode array detector (DAD), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), derivatization reactions, the use of micelles in the separation buffer, as well as online preconcentration techniques based on pressure-assisted electrokinetic injection (PAEKI), and offline preconcentration using solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns containing quaternary amine groups with a chloride counterion, were investigated for the simultaneous separation and signal amplification of free thyroid hormones (THs) in biological samples. Moreover, a sensitive method for the quantification of THs in selected biological samples using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with LIF detection (MEKC-LIF) was developed. The THs present in biological samples (L-tyrosine, T2, T3, rT3, T4, and DIT) were successfully separated in less than 10 min. The analytes were separated following a derivatization procedure with fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer I (FITC). A background electrolyte (BGE) composed of 20 mM sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇) and 20 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was employed. Key validation parameters such as linearity, precision, limits of detection (LOD), and limits of quantification (LOQ) were determined. The use of PAEKI for the electrophoretic determination of free THs demonstrates significant potential for monitoring these hormones in real urine samples due to its high sensitivity and efficiency. Full article

Marine biofouling causes significant economic losses, and conventional antifouling methods are often associated with environmental pollution. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), as a clean energy source, has gained increasing attention in recent years. Meanwhile, electrocatalytic 2e⁻ oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for H₂O₂ production has received growing interest. However, the majority of current studies are conducted on acidic or alkaline electrolytes, and research on 2e⁻ ORR in neutral NaCl solutions remains rare. Here, a bimetallic Zn-Cd zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZnCd-ZIF) is rationally designed to achieve chloride-resistant 2e⁻ ORR catalysis under simulated seawater conditions (pH 7.5, 3.5% Cl⁻). Experimental results demonstrate that the ZnCd-ZIF catalyst exhibits an exceptional H₂O₂ selectivity of 70% at 0.3 V_RHE, surpassing monometallic Zn-ZIF (60%) and Cd-ZIF (50%). Notably, H₂O₂ production reaches 120 mmol g⁻¹ in a Cl⁻-containing neutral electrolyte, exhibiting strong resistance to structural corrosion and Cl⁻ poisoning. This work not only pioneers an effective strategy for designing ORR catalysts adapted to marine environments but also advances the practical implementation of seawater-based electrochemical H₂O₂ synthesis. Full article

Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with a polymer matrix swollen in liquid electrolytes offers several advantages over conventional liquid electrolytes, including no leakage, lightweight properties, and high reliability. While poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-based GPEs show promise for lithium-ion batteries, their practical application is hindered by the intrinsic trade-off between ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness in conventional PVDF systems. Typical strategies relying on excessive plasticizers (e.g., ionic liquids) compromise mechanical integrity. Here, we propose a novel hot-pressing-induced recrystallization strategy to synergistically enhance both anisotropic ionic conductivity and puncture strength in PVDF-based GPE films. By blending PVDF with controlled amounts of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([HMIM]Cl), followed by solution casting and hot pressing, we achieve microstructural reorganization that dramatically improves through-thickness ion transport and mechanical performance. Crucially, hot-pressed PVDF with only 25 wt% [HMIM]Cl exhibits a 12.5-fold increase in ionic conductivity (reaching 4.7 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm) compared to its solution-cast counterparts. Remarkably, this formulation surpasses the conductivity of PVDF-HFP composites with a higher [HMIM]Cl content (35 wt%, 1.7 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm), demonstrating performance optimization of anisotropic conductivity. What is more, the mechanical strength of the piercing strength perpendicular to the GPE film after hot pressing increased by 42% compared to the solution-cast film. This work establishes a scalable processing route to break the conductivity–strength dichotomy in GPEs, offering critical insights for designing high-performance polymer electrolytes. Full article

Brain injury and cerebral inflammation are frequent complications following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) resulting in neurocognitive dysfunction, encephalopathy, or stroke. We compared cerebral inflammation induced by del Nido and histidine-tryptophan-α-ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegia in a porcine model. Pigs underwent 90 min cardiac arrest using HTK (n = 9) or Jonosteril^®-based del Nido cardioplegia (n = 9), followed by a 120 min reperfusion. Brain biopsies were collected and analyzed for the mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and cytokines. HTK induced a decrease in blood sodium, chloride, and calcium concentration (cross-clamp aorta: p_sodium < 0.01, p_chloride < 0.01, p_calcium < 0.01; 90 min ischemia: p_sodium < 0.01, p_chloride < 0.01, p_calcium = 0.03) compared to the more stable physiological electrolyte concentrations during del Nido cardioplegia. Hyponatremia and hypochloremia persisted after a 120 min reperfusion in the HTK group (p_sodium < 0.01, p_chloride = 0.04). Compared to del Nido, a higher mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was detected in the frontal cortex (HTK: ∆Ct 6.5 ± 1.7; del Nido: ∆Ct 8.8 ± 1.5, p = 0.01) and the brain stem (HTK: ∆Ct 5.7 ± 1.5; del Nido: ∆Ct 7.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.02) of the HTK group. In conclusion, we showed comparability of HTK and del Nido for cerebral inflammation except for IL-1β expression. Based on our study results, we conclude that del Nido cardioplegia is a suitable and safe alternative to the conventional HTK solution. Full article

Aqueous zinc batteries are emerging technologies for energy storage, owing to their high safety, high energy, and low cost. Among them, the development of low-cost and long-cycling cathode materials is of crucial importance. Currently, Zn-ion cathodes are heavily centered on metal-based inorganic materials and carbon-based organic materials; however, the metal–organic compounds remain largely overlooked. Herein, we report the electrochemical performance of metal phthalocyanines, a large group of underexplored compounds, as alternative cathode materials for aqueous zinc batteries. We discover that the selection of transition metal plays a vital role in affecting the electrochemical properties. Among them, iron phthalocyanine exhibits the most promising performance, with a reasonable capacity (~60 mAh g⁻¹), a feasible voltage (~1.1 V), and the longest cycling (550 cycles). The optimal performance partly results from the utilization of zinc chloride “water-in-salt” electrolyte, which effectively mitigates material dissolution and enhances battery performance. Consequently, iron phthalocyanine holds promise as an inexpensive and cycle-stable cathode for aqueous zinc batteries. Full article