Salt Absorption Research Articles

The Particle Drifting Effect: A Combined Function of Colloidal and Drug Properties.

The particle drifting effect, where nanosized colloidal drug particles overcome the diffusional resistance of the aqueous boundary layer adjacent to the intestinal wall and increase drug absorption rates, is drawing increasing attention in pharmaceutical research. However, mechanistic understanding and accurate prediction of the particle drifting effect remain lacking. In this study, we systematically evaluated the extent of the particle drifting effect affected by drug and colloidal properties, including the size, number, and type of the moving species using biphasic diffusion experiments combined with computational fluid dynamics simulations and mass transport analyses. The results showed that the particle drifting effect is a sequential reaction of particle dissolution/dissociation in the diffusional boundary layer, followed by absorption of the free drug. Therefore, factors affecting the rate-limiting step, which can be either process or both under different circumstances, alter the particle drifting effect. Experimental results also agree with the theory that the particle dissolution rate is dependent on particle size, concentration, and drug solubility. In addition, rapid bile micelle dissociation and bile salt absorption facilitated drug absorption by the particle drifting effect. Our findings explain the highly dynamic nature of the particle drifting effect and will contribute to rational formulation development and better bioavailability prediction for formulations containing colloidal particles.

Practical limits of the quartz crystal microbalance and surface plasmon resonance for elucidating salt or ion partitioning into membrane polymers

Determining the partitioning of sodium chloride into polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis membranes used for seawater desalination is indispensable for optimizing the salt retention of the membranes. Furthermore, the recent quest for ion-selective membranes requires physico-chemical characterization techniques capable of elucidating partitioning phenomena of ions into membrane polymers in general. Quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) has been explored for this purpose as it has in theory a sensitivity in the range of pg/cm2 and is an accessible and apparently simple method to use. However, it is a technique that intrinsically lacks an internal reference, and it is affected by liquid bulk changes. As the conventional applications of QCM-D are of biophysical nature where changes in solute concentrations are in the nano to micromolar range, we investigated systematically in how far QCM-D yields reliable results for determining salt partitioning coefficients at concentrations relevant for the industrial-scale. We could clearly demonstrate that QCM-D possibly detects salt absorption only at salt concentrations higher than that in seawater (0.6 M). Furthermore, the variation in the liquid bulk response was so significant that it overlapped with a possibly perceived response due to salt absorption. Therefore, we concluded that salt partitioning coefficients derived from QCM-D data have a low confidence and, in any case, should always be reported accompanied by the raw data. We corroborated these findings with multi-parameter surface plasmon resonance (MP-SPR) which widely confirmed the trends observed with QCM-D.

Incorporation of polyzwitterions in superabsorbent network membranes for enhanced saltwater absorption and retention

BackgroundSuperabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have a remarkable ability to absorb significant quantities of water. However, their absorption capacity is significantly reduced when exposed to saline solutions, such as urine, due to the polyelectrolyte effect and charge screening. MethodsIn this study, we demonstrate a zwitterionic superabsorbent polymer (ZSAP) with excellent salt-water absorption and retention capacities. ZSAP was synthesized by grafting a copolymer of p(sulfobetaine methacrylate-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (p(SBMA-co-HEMA)) onto an acrylic acid (AA)-based hydrogel via free-radical polymerization. The introduction of zwitterionic SBMA significantly enhances the hydrophilicity of the polymer, particularly in a saline solution due to the anti-polyelectrolyte effect, thereby accelerating the rate of salt absorption. Additionally, the hydroxyl groups from HEMA facilitate the formation of covalent bonds with the AA network membrane through esterification, effectively mitigating polymer leaching. The hydration/dehydration behaviors of linear polymers were measured using the dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) method. Moreover, the salt-water absorption capacity, centrifuge retention capacity (CRC), and absorbency under load (AUL) of ZSAP with various SBMA moieties and copolymer dosages were comprehensively evaluated in a 0.9 wt% sodium chloride solution. Additionally, the water retention under different temperatures and polymer leaching of ZSAP were investigated. Significant FindingsThe copolymer p(SBMA-co-HEMA) not only demonstrates a high salt-water absorption rate at 90% RH in a 0.9 wt% NaCl solution but also exhibits superior water retention at 0% RH compared to the AA polymer. Moreover, the ZSAP exhibits superior salt-water absorption capacity and AUL in a 0.9 wt% NaCl solution compared to conventional AA-based SAP. Additionally, the introduction of the hydroxyl moiety from the p(SBMA-co-HEMA) copolymer reduces free polymer leaching from ZSAP. This work presents an approach for the development of new SAP with high salt-water absorption and retention.

Evaluation of nutrients and heavy metals of surface soil in the upper watershed of Xiashan Reservoir in Shandong Province, China.

Reservoir is easy to be polluted by nutrients and heavy metals in the surrounding soil. There is a close relationship between heavy metals and nutrients in soil. Nutrient salts will affect the activity of heavy metals, and heavy metal pollution will affect plant growth and nutrient salt absorption, thus affecting ecosystem health. This study was performed to evaluate nutrients (TN, TP) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in the upper watershed of Xiashan Reservoir by the enrichment factor, the geoaccumulation index, the enrichment factor and leaching experiments. The results showed that the average enrichment of TN and TP reached the level of moderate pollution. The nutrient enrichment of different sampling sites increased gradually from south to north, which may be affected by the topography of the study area. The comprehensive trophic level exceeds the criteria for a state of severe eutrophication of water bodies, which may lead to the enrichment of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water body through processes such as runoff. Evaluation of the geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk index revealed that the soil was primarily contaminated by Cd and Hg, which are in the level of considerable potential ecological risk and high potential ecological risk. So most attention should be paid to Cd and Hg pollution. Pollution control of heavy metals in soil is a priority because they are more difficult to leach than nutrients. This study provided an insight into the nitrogen and phosphorus control and heavy metal pollution management in the upper watershed of Xiashan Reservoir.

Structural evolution in desalting Merluccius hubbsi fillets: comparative analysis of varied salting techniques

SummaryThis study investigates the reversible and irreversible structural changes in proteins induced by different salting methods (brining, mixed salting, and dry salting) during the desalting process of Merluccius hubbsi fillets. We focused on mass changes, water content, and NaCl content, employing mathematical models for kinetic analysis and sorption isotherms. Image analysis was utilised to examine tissue microstructure and texture profile analysis assessed the mechanical properties. Our results indicate that salting methods significantly influence mass changes and yield during desalting. Specifically, brining led to the highest weight gain due to controlled salt absorption and enhanced water retention. The Peleg model accurately described NaCl and water content dynamics during desalting. Microscopic analysis revealed substantial structural alterations, while mechanical properties showed significant differences; dry and mixed salting methods caused notable tissue damage and protein denaturation. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing salting processes and improving the quality of desalted seafood products.

The curvilinear responses of biomass accumulation and root morphology to a soil salt-nitrogen environment reflect the phytodesalination capability of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa L.

Under the sufficient nitrogen supply, it is of great significance to investigate the law of biomass allocation, root morphological traits, and the salt absorption capacity of euhalophytes to evaluate their biological desalination in saline soil. Although the curvilinear responses of biomass accumulation and root morphology in response to soil salinity have been recognized, these perceptions are still confined to the descriptions of inter-treatment population changes and lack details on biomass allocation in organs at an individual level. In this study, Suaeda salsa was grown in root boxes across a range of soil salt levels. The study showed that their growth and development were significantly affected by soil soluble salts. The law of biomass allocation was described as follows: increased soil soluble salts significantly increased the leaf mass ratio and decreased the stem mass ratio, and slightly increased the root mass ratio among treatments. For individuals at each treatment, leaf mass ratio > stem mass ratio > root mass ratio, except in the control treatment at the flower bud and fruit stages. Biomass responses of the control treatment indicated that salt was not rigorously required for Suaeda salsa in the presence of an adequate nitrogen supply, as verified by the correlation between biomass, nitrogen, and soil soluble salt. Salt could significantly inhibit the growth of Suaeda salsa (P<0.01), whereas nitrogen could significantly promote its growth (P<0.01). Root morphology in response to soil soluble salts showed that salt acquisition by the root was highest at a salt level of 0.70%, which corresponds to light saline soil. Consequently, we conclude that phytodesalination by Suaeda salsa was optimal in the light saline soil, followed by moderate saline soil.

The Relationship between Allometric Growth and the Stoichiometric Characteristics of Euhalophyte Suaeda salsa L. Grown in Saline-Alkali Lands: Biological Desalination Potential Prediction.

The morphological adjustments of euhalophytes are well-known to be influenced by the soil-soluble salt variation; however, whether and how these changes in morphological traits alter the biomass allocation pattern remains unclear, especially under different NaCl levels. Therefore, an allometric analysis was applied to investigate the biomass allocation pattern and morphological plasticity, and the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric characteristics of the euhalophyte Suaeda Salsa (S. salsa) at the four soil-soluble salt levels of no salt (NS), light salt (LS), moderate salt (MS), and heavy salt (HS). The results showed that soil-soluble salts significantly change the biomass allocation to the stems and leaves (p < 0.05). With the growth of S. salsa, the NS treatment produced a downward leaf mass ratio (LMR) and upward stem mass ratio (SMR); this finding was completely different from that for the salt treatments. When S. salsa was harvested on the 100th day, the HS treatment had the highest LMR (61%) and the lowest SMR (31%), while the NS treatment was the opposite, with an LMR of 44% and an SMR of 50%. Meanwhile, the soil-soluble salt reshaped the morphological characteristics of S. salsa (e.g., root length, plant height, basal stem diameter, and leaf succulence). Combined with the stoichiometric characteristics, N uptake restriction under salt stress is a vital reason for inhibited stem growth. Although the NS treatment had the highest biomass (48.65 g root box-1), the LS treatment had the highest salt absorption (3.73 g root box-1). In conclusion, S. salsa can change its biomass allocation pattern through morphological adjustments to adapt to different saline-alkali habitats. Moreover, it has an optimal biological desalting effect in lightly saline soil dominated by NaCl.

Optimizing water and nitrogen management for saline wasteland improvement: A case study on Suaeda salsa

Cultivating Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) is a promising strategy for the improvement and development of saline wastelands. However, the absence of a scientifically reasonable water and fertilizer management system has long hindered the large-scale improvement and utilization of saline wastelands. Therefore, we performed field experiments for two consecutive years to investigate the effects of water-nitrogen coupling on biomass, forage quality, salt absorption capacity, soil improvement effect, and economic benefits of S. salsa. The optimal water and nitrogen dosages for multi-objective optimization were determined using multiple regression and spatial analysis methods. Three irrigation levels were established for the experiment based on 0.35 (W1), 0.50 (W2), and 0.65 (W3) of the local ETo (Where ETo denotes the reference evapotranspiration calculated based on the FAO-56 recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization). The three nitrogen application levels were 150 (F1), 250 (F2), and 350 (F3) kg ha−1 in the complete combination design. At the same nitrogen application level, the biomass and economic benefits of the W3 irrigation level were the highest. However, the forage quality, salt absorption capacity, salt reduction, and water productivity at the W3 irrigation level were lower than those at the W2 irrigation level, and the water productivity at the W1 irrigation level was the highest. At the same irrigation level, when the nitrogen application level was F2, the biomass, forage quality, salt absorption, salt reduction, and net profit, all reached their maximum values, and water productivity was the highest at the F3 level. The optimal amount of water and nitrogen applied for each parameter was different, so it was impossible to obtain the highest biomass, forage quality, salt absorption, salt reduction, water productivity, and net profit at the same time. Therefore, multi-objective optimization was needed, the optimal irrigation volume range was 3350.11–3485.97 m3 ha−1, and the nitrogen application rate range was 273.49–326.66 kg ha−1. These findings provide a scientific basis for the large-scale cultivation of S. salsa in extreme arid region, which is helpful for the improvement and utilization of saline-alkali land.

Investigation on the Tea Polyphenol/Swelling Gels to Inhibit Coal Spontaneous Combustion: An Experimental Study

ABSTRACT Developing new fire-fighting material is most significant for effective prevention and control of coal spontaneous combustion. To enhance the flame-retardant performance of the gel, the tea polyphenol/swelling gels are developed using a water-soluble polymerization method. Thermogravimetric analysis, programmed temperature experiments, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy are used to reveal the structural characteristics, microscopic morphology, and thermal stability of the gel. Experimental testing the tea polyphenol/swelling gels’ water absorption, water retention, and reusability as well as their inhibitory effect on coal spontaneous combustion. The results showed that the prepared tea polyphenol/swelling gels exhibited a porous three-dimensional network structure, with a maximum swelling ratio of 607.2 g/g and a salt absorption rate of 121.4 g/g. After the testing coal sample is treating by the tea polyphenol/swelling gels, its CO production rate is sharply decreased, but the corresponding ignition point temperature and flame-retardant rate are significantly increased. The activation energy in the first stage is increased by 32.2 kJ·mol−1, in the second stage by 4.0 kJ·mol−1, and in the third stage by 23.2 kJ·mol−1. Additionally, the active functional groups such as hydroxyl and methyl in the coal are also reduced by the treatment of tea polyphenol/swelling gels. Correlation analysis indicate that the inhibition effect of coal spontaneous combustion can be achieved by reducing -OH, CH3/CH2 groups, while the increasing of C = C, C- O, C- H functional groups in the coal. Moreover, the tea polyphenol/swelling gels performing the characteristics of excellent water absorption, inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion by absorbing heat, covering the coal microstructure, and inhibiting the oxidative activity of coal molecules. This study can provide theoretical guidance for the application of swelling gels in inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion.

Phytoremediation ability of Panicum maximum and Salicornia europaea irrigated with treated wastewater for salt elements in the soil

Soil salinity is one of the major problems that threaten the soils in Jordan, which led to a decrease in the percentage of arable land in Jordan. The phytoremediation process is concerned with the restoration of contaminated soils using tolerant plants, such as halophyte plants. In this context, the potential short-term phytoremediation ability of Panicum Mombasa and Salicornia Europaea was evaluated and measured. A field experiment was conducted over two consecutive years to study the ability of these previous two crops for the phytoremediation of saline soils induced by treated wastewater irrigation. Both crops with bare soil as a control were irrigated together from the effluent of the Ramtha Wastewater Treatment Plant at the same time. Soil electrical conductivity was identified as the main parameter for measuring the plant’s ability for salt absorption. The results for both seasons show a higher accumulation of salts in bare soil significantly as expected since no plants were present to absorb these salts and no leaching requirements were added with irrigation water. The absorption rate for each crop was measured at the 1st season for comparison. It is measured for each crop depending on the length of the growing season. Salicornia’s absorption rate was greater than Panicum, and it reached 36 ppm/day for salicornia, whereas it reached 33 ppm/day for panicum. In the 2nd season, both crops are planted and harvested together. Salt absorbed percentage from the soil under Salicornia was greater than Panicum and it reached 73 % as compared to bare soil. However, in the soils under Panicum, the amount of salts absorbed reached 37 % as compared to bare soil. Plant analysis for both crops shows higher salt ions accumulation in Salicornia tissues than Panicum, and this explains the higher absorption rate for Salicornia than Panicum. Microbiological analysis for Panicum shows some contamination, whereas no contamination occurs in Salicornia. This is explained by the high salinity environment in Salicornia which is not favorable for e-coil, total, and fecal coliform to grow. The obtained Results from this research state that both crops have the ability for phytoremediation, with greater ability for Salicornia.

Optimizing biochar application for enhanced cotton and sugar beet production in Xinjiang: a comprehensive study.

Optimizing biochar application is vital for enhancing crop production and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. A 3-year field experiment was established to explore the effects of varying the biochar application rate (BAR) on crop growth, quality, productivity and yields. BAR was set at 0, 10, 50 and 100 t ha-1 in 2018; 0, 10, 25, 50 and 100 t ha-1 in 2019; and 0, 10, 25 and 30 t ha-1 in 2020. Crop quality and growth status and production were evaluated using the dynamic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution with the entropy weighted method (DTOPSIS-EW), principal component analysis (PCA), membership function analysis (MFA), gray relation analysis (GRA) and the fuzzy Borda combination evaluation method. Low-dose BAR (≤ 25 t ha-1 for cotton; ≤ 50 t ha-1 for sugar beet) effectively increased biomass, plant height, leaf area index (LAI), water and fertility (N, P and K) productivities, and yield. Biochar application increased the salt absorption and sugar content in sugar beet, with the most notable increases being 116.45% and 20.35%, respectively. Conversely, BAR had no significant effect on cotton fiber quality. The GRA method was the most appropriate for assessing crop growth and quality. The most indicative parameters for reflecting cotton and sugarbeet growth and quality status were biomass and LAI. The 10 t ha-1 BAR consistently produced the highest scores and was the most economically viable option, as evaluated by DTOPSIS-EW. The optimal biochar application strategy for improving cotton and sugar beet cultivation in Xinjiang, China, is 10 t ha-1 biochar applied continuously. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

DESALINATION OF UNDERWATER CERAMIC CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE EXAMPLE OF KERPE UNDERWATER EXCAVATION

Salinity, which is one of the chemical properties of the marine environment, is mixed into seawater due to the dynamic exchange processes between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere and the dissolution of the shells of marine organisms on the seabed. The amount of soluble salts is measured in parts per million (ppm), but in this article, it is measured in parts per thousand (ppt). When soluble salts are not removed by appropriate conservation methods, they crystalize in the pores of artefacts that constitute underwater cultural heritage. These crystals cause physical deterioration in ceramics, which are porous cultural heritage, such as fragmentation from the surface and microscopic cracks. For this reason, the first step in repairing cultural remains recovered from underwater archaeological excavations is to determine the physical properties of the artefacts, such as porosity and salt absorption capacity, as well as the type and amount of salt accumulated in their pores. Thus, the appropriate desalination method can be selected, and estimates can be made on how long the desalination process will take. This paper studied ceramic sherds of Roman and Byzantine amphorae and cooking vessels recovered during underwater excavations in the ancient harbor of Kerpe Bay in Kocaeli, Turkey, in 2022. The aim of the study was to make a preliminary examination for further studies, including instrumental analyses, and to determine the types and amounts of salt deposited on the samples. The samples were desalinated for one month in 200 ml containers with weekly changes of deionized water, and the desalination water was tested to measure salinity and determine the dissolved salt species. Spot tests were used to determine dissolved salts. Sulphate, chloride and carbonate were found in the samples due to these tests. The porosity of the samples was determined by the water absorption method.

CGMP-dependent kinase 2, Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3, and PDZ-adaptor NHERF2 co-assemble in apical membrane microdomains.

Trafficking, membrane retention, and signal-specific regulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) are modulated by the Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor (NHERF) family of PDZ-adapter proteins. This study explored the assembly of NHE3 and NHERF2 with the cGMP-dependent kinase II (cGKII) within detergent-resistant membrane microdomains (DRMs, "lipid rafts") during in vivo guanylate cycle C receptor (Gucy2c) activation in murine small intestine. Small intestinal brush border membranes (siBBMs) were isolated from wild type, NHE3-deficient, cGMP-kinase II-deficient, and NHERF2-deficient mice, after oral application of the heat-stable Escherichia coli toxin (STa) analog linaclotide. Lipid raft and non-raft fractions were separated by Optiprep density gradient centrifugation of Triton X-solubilized siBBMs. Confocal microscopy was performed to study NHE3 redistribution after linaclotide application in vivo. In the WT siBBM, NHE3, NHERF2, and cGKII were strongly raft associated. The raft association of NHE3, but not of cGKII, was NHERF2 dependent. After linaclotide application to WT mice, lipid raft association of NHE3 decreased, that of cGKII increased, while that of NHERF2 did not change. NHE3 expression in the BBM shifted from a microvillar to a terminal web region. The linaclotide-induced decrease in NHE3 raft association and in microvillar abundance was abolished in cGKII-deficient mice, and strongly reduced in NHERF2-deficient mice. NHE3, cGKII, and NHERF2 form a lipid raft-associated signal complex in the siBBM, which mediates the inhibition of salt and water absorption by Gucy2c activation. NHERF2 enhances the raft association of NHE3, which is essential for its close interaction with the exclusively raft-associated activated cGKII.

Application of Calcium Alginate Products for Seawater Desalination Process

Clean water availability remains a persistent challenge for coastal communities to treat seawater. Despite abundant seawater, it should be treated to remove salt contents for daily needs. An effective method for reducing seawater’s salt content involves absorption, utilizing a substance calcium alginate. We treated calcium from natural waste coral skeletons. The coral skeletons were collected from Prigi Bay, Trenggalek. The coral sample was analyzed for the Ca content of 90.8 and 93.41% prior and after calcination by XRF analysis for calcium alginate production. The determination of the optimal time required for calcium alginate to absorb NaCl efficiently. Synthesis of calcium alginate was achieved using the drop-wise method and characterized through FTIR and SEM instruments. NaCl absorption occurs within a 1 to 10-minute span to pinpoint the prime duration for calcium alginate to reduce NaCl levels. AAS instruments and argentometric titration were employed for Na+ and Cl- ions analysis. Under optimized salt absorption conditions, calcium alginate reflected an ideal 8-minutes contact time, releasing in 88.17% and 50% for Na+ and Cl- absorptions, respectively.

3D Silver Sponge Electrodes for High-Rate Faradaic Deionization of High-Salinity Waters

The availability of potable water is a growing global challenge that requires implementing water-purification technologies across a range of production scales from municipal systems to personal, distributed use. Reverse osmosis effectively desalinates high-salinity waters (e.g., undiluted seawater) at large scale, yet may be less suited to small-scale use due to the high-pressure pumps and regular maintenance required for operation. Capacitive deionization (CDI) utilizes high-surface-area carbon electrodes that can offer a more down-scalable desalination approach, but the relatively low capacity of double-layer storage mechanisms limits their use to low-salinity input (brackish water). Alternatively, faradaic deionization (FDI) materials that exhibit redox mechanisms for ion storage present an opportunity to displace reverse-osmosis systems in small-scale desalination systems. As one example, the redox reaction, Ag(s) + Cl–(aq) ↔ AgCl(s) + e–, can be exploited for Cl– capture in desalination cells that pair Ag/AgCl electrodes separated by a cation exchange membrane.1,2 We use macroporous silver “sponges” developed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory as millimeters-thick flow-through electrodes that show practical salt absorption capacities >100 mg/g while maintaining high salt removal rate courtesy of this kinetically facile conversion reaction. We investigate different silver sponge architectures and their effect on desalination throughput (L/m2/h) and energy consumption (Wh/L) for inputs up to seawater-level salinity using a custom computer-controlled batch-testing system. These readily fabricated, scalable Ag sponges serve as an attractive archetype electrode for high-performance faradaic desalination. 1 P. Srimuk, S. Husmann, and V. Presser, RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 14849–14858. 2 J. Ahn, J. Lee, S. Kim, C. Kim, J. Lee, P.M. Biesheuvel, and J. Yoon, Desalination, 2020, 476, 114216.

Molecular mechanisms of dexamethasone actions in COVID-19: Ion channels and airway surface liquid dynamics

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global health crisis of unprecedented magnitude. In the battle against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, dexamethasone, a widely used corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising therapy in the fight against severe COVID-19.Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that exerts its therapeutic effects by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. In the context of COVID-19, the severe form of the disease is often characterized by a hyperactive immune response, known as a cytokine storm. Dexamethasone anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent tool in modulating this exaggerated immune response.Lung inflammation may lead to excessive fluid accumulation in the airways which can reduce gas exchange and mucociliary clearance. Pulmonary oedema and flooding of the airways are hallmarks of severe COVID-19 lung disease. The volume of airway surface liquid is determined by a delicate balance of salt and water secretion and absorption across the airway epithelium. In addition to its anti-inflammatory actions, dexamethasone modulates the activity of ion channels which regulate electrolyte and water transport across the airway epithelium. The observations of dexamethasone activation of sodium ion absorption via ENaC Na+ channels and inhibition of chloride ion secretion via CFTR Cl− channels to decrease airway surface liquid volume indicate a novel therapeutic action of the glucocorticoid to reverse airway flooding.This brief review delves into the early non-genomic and late genomic signaling mechanisms of dexamethasone regulation of ion channels and airway surface liquid dynamics, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underpinning the action of the glucocorticoid in managing COVID-19.

The regulation of biochar surface potential to achieve rapid capacitive deionization

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a promising desalination technology. In the design and fabrication of high-performance CDI electrodes, the modification of activated carbon is widely adopted to improve the desalination capacity. In this work, aiming at the regulation of surface potential, activated carbon was doped with N and S, showing improved conductivity, wettability, and optimized pore structure. The difference in the potential of zero charge (Epzc) generated by the heteroatom doping was employed to enlarge the actual adsorption voltage window, and to improve the salt adsorption capacity (SAC) and total salt adsorption capacity at long periods. SAC of 14.4 mg g-1 was achieved with a high average salt absorption rate (ASAR) of 8.2 mg g-1 min-1 under 1.2 V in a 500 mg L-1 NaCl solution. Moreover, the total SAC of asymmetric configuration of N, S-doped biochar of 50 cycles achieved 545.8 mg g-1, 19.7% more than that of the symmetric configuration of unmodified biochar. The doping of N and S atoms on biochar brings excellent electrochemical performance and desalination capacity, and the rational utilization of Epzc after heteroatom doping provides a reasonable method for the design of CDI configuration.

The Relationship of Kidney Functions in Regulating the Level of Fluids and Salts for Patients and Conducting Some Biochemical and Hormonal Variables

The study of paper is basic functions of the kidney in the body are many, the most important of which is what is represented in the role of the kidney and how to balance and maintain the normal proportions of fluids and salts necessary for the body and what this continuous effort of the kidneys is of utmost importance to maintain the normal pressure, so when the efficiency of the kidney decreases, it will need a higher pressure to subtract the amount of salts and water required Subtracting it, then, the blood pressure level changes to its normal level when the positive movement of the glomerular arteries changes. Renin is secreted by the kidneys and it has the main and effective role in maintaining normal blood pressure and its important role in most cases of high blood pressure, the resonance is secreted from specialized cells in the kidney as it leads to stimulation of the Angiotensinogen hormone that works to convert Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II and is the last of the strongest hormones It is effective in increasing the contraction of blood vessels and increasing its concentration in the blood above the normal level leads to high blood pressure because it has an effect on the contraction of the peripheral blood vessels, and the contraction of the blood vessels of the kidney reduces the process of reabsorption, which leads to the progression of hypertension. Also, the hormone angiotensin II stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce the hormone Aldosterone, which forms a fundamental role in the absorption of fluids and salts through the kidneys and are the three regulators (Resonance, angiotensin, aldosterone) The primary control for maintaining normal blood pressure.

Taurocholate uptake by Caco-2 cells is inhibited by pro-inflammatory cytokines and butyrate

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic and life-threating inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The active intestinal absorption of bile salts is reduced in IBD, resulting in higher luminal concentrations of these agents that contribute to the pathophysiology of IBD-associated diarrhea. Butyrate (BT) is a short-chain fatty acid produced by colonic bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers. BT utilization is impaired in the intestinal inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. Our aim was to investigate the link between IBD and bile acid absorption, by testing the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ and of BT upon 3H-TC uptake by Caco-2 cells.The proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ inhibit Na+-independent, non-ASBT (sodium-dependent bile acid transporter)-mediated 3H-TC uptake by Caco-2 cells. The inhibitory effect of these cytokines on Na+-independent 3H-TC uptake is PI3K- and JAK/STAT1-mediated. These two compounds upregulate ASBT expression levels, but no corresponding increase in Na+-dependent component of 3H-TC is observed. Moreover, BT was also found to inhibit 3H-TC uptake and showed an additive effect with IFN-γ in reducing 3H-TC uptake.We conclude that an interaction between BT and bile acids appears to exist in IBD, which may participate in the link between diet, microbiota and IBD.

The shaping of onion seedlings performance through substrate formulation and co-inoculation with beneficial microorganism consortia.

Smart management in crop cultivation is increasingly supported by application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), which sustain soil fertility and plant performance. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effects of consortia composed of (Claroideoglomus claroideum BEG96, Claroideoglomus etunicatum BEG92, Funneliformis geosporum BEG199, Funneliformis mosseae BEG 95, and Rhizophagus irregularis BEG140) and PGPM (Azospirillum brasilense - AZ, or Saccharothrix sp. - S) on onion cultivated in growing media with a composition corresponding to a degraded soil. Three types of substrate formulations were used, with peat:sand ratios of 50:50, 70:30, 100:0 (v:v). The analysis of substrate parameters crucial for its fertility (pH, salinity, sorption complex capacity, and elements' content) and characteristics reflecting onion seedlings' performance (fresh weight, stress biomarkers, and elements' content) was performed. AMF colonized onion roots in all treatments, showing increasing potential to form intercellular structures in the substrates rich in organic matter. Additionally, co-inoculation with PGPM microorganisms accelerated arbuscular mycorrhiza establishment. Increased antioxidant activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPOX) activity of onion roots sampled from the formulations composed of peat and sand in the ratio of 100:0, inoculated with AMF+S, and positive correlation between GPOX, fresh weight and antioxidant activity of onion roots reflected the successful induction of plant acclimatization response. Total phenols content was the highest in roots and leaves of onion grown in substrates with 70:30 peat:sand ratio, and, in the case of roots, it was correlated with AMF colonization parameters but not with antioxidant activity. AMF and PGPM efficiency in supporting onion growth should be linked to the increased onion root system capacity in mineral salts absorption, resulting in more efficient aboveground biomass production. AMF and PGPM consortia were effective in releasing minerals to soluble fraction in substrates rich in organic matter, making elements available for uptake by onion root system, though this phenomenon depended on the PGPM species. Microorganism consortia enhanced onion seedlings' performance also in substrates with lower content of organic carbon through plant biofertilization and phytostimulation.