Abstract An experiment that looks at a large amount of data and interpreting this to draw conclusions on water balance within animals. Looks at hormonal responses, salt concentrations, nitrogenous wastes, water losses and water intake via foods. Data is provided in results, and is fully interpreted, with focus on kidney function and wastes with respect to water balance within the body.
From the Paper "In human?s, the role of water balance is controlled by the kidneys, which act as an internal filter, removing wastes from the blood such as nitrogenous compounds which can be toxic if they accumulate. In an average adult male, there is approximately 5 litres of blood within the body, and of this, 1 litre of blood passes through the kidneys in I minute, so the total blood volume is filtered roughly every 5 minutes. "
From the Paper " Ammonia
The chemical, ammonia, has broad application in both industry and agriculture. During the last century, considerable quantities of this compound have been produced. Although ammonia itself is not inherently poisonous, severe exposures may cause airway destruction and burns of the skin. Moreover, under certain conditions, ammonia can burn or explode. Given the chemical's widespread occurrence, the management of ammonia merits careful analysis.
It remains a relatively unknown fact that the first synthesis of ammonia ranks as one of the most important discoveries in the history of science. In 1840, Justus von Leibeg concluded that a significant component of plant nutrition was "fixed" nitrogen. At that time, fixed nitrogen was available.."
Abstract This paper presents a brief overview of different theories of the origins of life on earth. The paper explains the naturalistic approach, the chemical evolution theory, and the comet theory. The paper also examines some of the weaknesses in these theories and concludes with the author's opinion that the comet theory is the most plausible theory for explaining the origins of life on earth.
From the Paper "Questions related to the origins of life on Earth have always been a cause for scientific investigation and suppositions. If we refer to the naturalistic approach, than the evolutionary process is a justified explanation of changes and transformations that have occurred. This is a theory that we can successfully apply to the appearance of life on Earth and to the chemical processes that have made it possible."
Abstract This paper describes a chemistry experiment on acid-base reactions and calculates the ka, kb, pka and pkb from the pH determinations. The paper explains that the experiment involves measuring the pH of solutions of vinegar (acetic acid), seltzer water (carbonic acid) and ammonia.
From the Paper "This laboratory is concerned with the determination of the pka and pkb of weak acids and bases. Most of the acid or base of weak acids or bases exists in the molecular form in solution with little ionization. There are standard formulas for calculation..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at liver disease, the liver transplant operation, patients awaiting liver transplants and post transplant patients. This paper specifically focuses on the surgical intensive care unit Mayo Clinic at St. Luke's Hospital, Jacksonville USA, and studies a patient referred to as F.M, a 58 year old white male from Boston, MA.
From the Paper "F.M. had a history of ETOH abuse. It is reported that he had a history of 42 beers/wk for thirty years. This amounts to a six pack a day for thirty years. F.M. reports quitting in March of 2003. Alcohol can induce alcoholic cirrhosis. Alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde that causes the alteration of hepatocyte function. It impairs mitochondrial function that decreases oxidation of fatty acid. Enzyme and protein synthesis is altered leading to diminished degradation of hormones and ammonia. When inhibition of export of protein from the liver occurs alteration in metabolism of vitamins and minerals induce malnutrition. The alteration of hepatocyte function is what ultimately triggers the cellular damage to the liver which initiates the inflammatory response. The damage caused from this process is slowly progressive and thought to be reversible depending on extent of damage (Dirksen, Heitkemper, & Lewis 2004).
The major risk factor that F.M. has contributing to his current condition is Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). HCV is an RNA virus that is mainly transmitted percutaneously. This virus causes direct cellular damage to the liver initiating the inflammatory response. The course of this virus varies with extensive damage not showing up until 25-30 years later. A reliable antibody test was not widely available before 1992. So many patients given blood or blood products before then are at risk for infection (Dirksen, Heitkemper, & Lewis 2004). F.M was a veteran of the Vietnam War in the 1960s and received a blood transfusion at that time. "
Abstract The paper describes sodium bicarbonate as a non-hazardous substance found in a number of household and industrial applications. The paper outlines the health and safety issues and medical uses of this compound.
Outline:
Health and Safety Issues
Medical Uses
From the Paper "Sodium bicarbonate is, in general, a non-hazardous substance found in a number of household and industrial applications. The formula for Sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. Its molecular weight is 81.01 (1). It is also known by the common names Sodium hydrogen carbonate; sodium acid carbonate; baking soda; and bicarbonate of soda (1). It appears as a white, solid crystalline form, but sometimes as a fine, white powder (1). It can be purchased from a number of scientific and general population sources."
Abstract This paper explains that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) represents irreversible damage to the nephrons, the functioning filtration units of the kidney. The author points out that this stage is generally accepted clinically as the complete dependence of the patient on life-preserving dialysis or kidney transplantation for adequate waste filtration due to this irreversible damage. The paper relates that the definitive treatment of ESRD is the initiation of dialysis (peritoneal or hemodialysis) or renal transplantation with control or eradication of the cause of the kidney disease; however, nutritional support in the patient with end-stage renal disease must take into account the fragile electrolyte balance maintained by the remaining functional nephrons.
Table of Contents
Causes
Populations at Risk
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment
From the Paper "Signs and symptoms of ESRD are also seen in acute, chronic and acute renal failure superimposed on chronic renal failure. ESRD is seen in GFRs that approach zero; it is thus inferable that prolonged periods in between dialysis result in severe manifestations of electrolyte imbalance, especially urea and ammonia accumulation. Azotemia and uremia are associated with urea and ammonia accumulation secondary to diminished renal function are seen in rises in blood urea nitrogen."
