A922 Sequential measurement of 1 hour creatinine clearance (1-CRCL) in critically ill patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI)

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Nurses' perceptions of aids and obstacles to the provision of optimal end of life care in ICU

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Organic matter stimulates bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Bauhinia purpurea and Leucaena diversifolia plantations on eroded slopes in Nepal

Erosion resulting from landslides is a serious problem in mountainous countries such as Nepal. To restore such sites it is essential to establish plant cover that protects the soil and reduces surface erosion. Mycorrhizal fungi growing in symbiosis with plants are essential in this respect because they improve both plant nutrient uptake and soil structure. We investigated the influence of organic matter and P amendment on recently produced biomass of bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in eroded slopes in Nepal. Eroded soil mixed with different types of organic matter or P was placed in mesh bags, which were buried around trees of Bauhinia purpurea and Leucaena diversifolia between June 2003 and December 2003 (the wet season) or between December 2003 and June 2004 (the dry season). Signature fatty acids were used to determine bacterial and AM fungal biomass after the 6-month intervals. The amount and composition of AM fungal spores were analyzed in the mesh bags from the dry season. More microbial biomass was produced during the wet season than during the dry season. Furthermore, organic matter addition enhanced the production of AM fungal and bacterial biomass during both periods. The positive influence of organic matter addition on AM fungi could be an important contribution to plant survival in plantations on eroded slopes. Different AM spore communities and bacterial profiles were obtained with different organic amendments and this suggests a possible way of selecting for specific microbial communities in the management of eroded sites

Free radicals and the pH of topical glaucoma medications: a lifetime of ocular chemical injury?

<b>Introduction</b> Preservatives in ophthalmic preparations are known to cause ocular surface damage. Excipients can also contribute to oxidative stress in the compromised ocular surface. We evaluated commonly used topical glaucoma medications to ascertain pH levels and the intrinsic presence of free radicals.<p></p> <b>Methods</b> Samples of 27 topical glaucoma preparations were analysed for total free radical presence using a Randox Kit for total antioxidant status. Analytical grade indicator paper was used to ascertain pH levels.<p></p> <b>Results</b> Free radical concentrations for these 27 glaucoma preparations ranged from 0 to 4.54 mmol/l, with a median value of 0.66 mmol/l (mean value of 0.662 mmol/l, SD 0.839). Levels of pH ranged from 4.0 to 7.4, with a median value of 6.5 (mean 6.252, SD 0.826). There was no evidence of a direct correlation between these two variables (r=0.232, P=0.275).<p></p> <b>Conclusion</b> This study is the first to document the range of pH and concentrations of free radicals intrinsically present in commonly used glaucoma medications. Long-term exposure to preservatives, free radicals, and pH levels could all contribute to ocular surface damage. The effect of excipients could be responsible for patient intolerance when changing products in the compromised ocular surface