Sodium Concentration Research Articles

Improving Iron Content in Sustainable Mycoprotein Production through Seawater Fermentation

The growing global population and rising protein demand are straining freshwater resources. Fusarium venenatum (Fv) mycoprotein offers a sustainable protein alternative, with environmental efficiency and potential health benefits. However, its low iron content remains a concern, especially for vegetarians and vegans. This study introduces a sustainable approach, employing seawater as a fermentation medium for Fv production. Our analysis reveals that mycoprotein derived from SEA Fv exhibits elevated levels of sodium and calcium, with a notably high iron content (2.2 mg/100g wet weight). The sodium content, while 3.31 times higher than in non-seawater fermentation, remains within recommended daily intake parameters. No plasticizers or heavy metals were detected in the SEA Fv cell body, minimizing long-term toxicity risks from seawater use. A unique metabolite, dihydroorotic acid, was identified from an in-house library of 774 metabolites, serving as an internal biomarker for seawater-based production methods. An acute safety study condensing 600g of SEA Fv to simulate high mycoprotein digestion showed no effects on key physical behaviors or major organs, including the heart and lungs. This positions the product as a viable protein alternative with enhanced iron content, highlighting seawater-based fermentation as a sustainable method for future food production and industry progress.

Uses of Urban Sewer Water for Agriculture in Nanded City, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: Estimating the effluent's quality is crucial for much wastewater research, as wastewater's chemical and physical characteristics influence its amount and usability. Field observations regarding the source or circumstances of wastewater occurring, the source of pollution, and other relevant factors that may impact wastewater quality are considered when assessing wastewater quality. The sustainability of wastewater for use is evaluated based on factors including pH, EC, TDS, hardness, total alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, sodium, and potassium. The assessment of sewer sustainability for irrigation is contingent upon its electrical conductivity and sodium content. These investigations were conducted in 2022 and 2023. Water samples gathered from industrial effluent, primarily used in farmlands and solely in the nearby areas, were examined in this study.

Hypogalactia as a cause of neonatal hypernatremia

Neonatal hypernatremia is a condition in which the concentration of sodium in the blood of a newborn child exceeds 145 mmol/l. The causes of this pathology may be kidney disease, endocrine problems, transdermal water loss, iatrogenic sodium overload. In addition, dehydration due to insufficient breastfeeding remains one of the important factors leading to hypernatremia. Clinical signs include: significant weight loss, decreased skin turgor, anxiety, fever, seizures, and direct hyperbilirubinemia. The main complications of this condition are intracranial hemorrhages, venous sinus thrombosis and acute renal tubule necrosis. Infusion therapy and adequate oral nutrition are used to correct hypernatremia. The article presents a clinical case of hypernatremia in a newborn child caused by hypogalactyly in the mother. The purpose of the demonstration is to raise awareness and alertness among pediatricians and neonatologists about the possibility of this problem.

Ascorbic acid and glucose can cause significant interference on quantitative measurement of biochemistry analytes in urine.

Preanalytical errors due to interferences can lead to inaccurate results, necessitating an understanding of potential interferences for each test. This study explores the impact of elevated concentrations of ascorbic acid and glucose on urine analysis, a pivotal diagnostic tool. Conducted at the Clinical Institute of Chemistry, KBC Sestre milosrdnice, the research utilized a 24-hour urine sample. Parameters assessed included total proteins, albumin, amylase, sodium, potassium, chlorides, calcium, phosphates, magnesium, creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Various concentrations of added interferents were prepared for duplicate measurements using statistical analysis in Microsoft Excel. No statistically significant interferences were found in albumin, amylase, sodium, potassium, or phosphate concentrations. However, ascorbic acid interfered with chloride, calcium, and magnesium determinations. Conversely, elevated glucose affected total protein, calcium, magnesium, creatinine, urea, and uric acid determinations. Interference of ascorbic acid with chloride and interference of glucose with total proteins and uric acid displayed a linear relationship. Results suggest cautious analysis interpretation from certain parameters in patients with elevated glucose and/or ascorbic acid in urine. Whereas ascorbic acid interference may go unnoticed due to its infrequent measurement, routine determination of glucose in urine is crucial, especially for diabetes patients.

Formulation, Development and Evaluation of Pulsatile Tablets of Etoricoxib

Aim: This research aimed to develop a pulsatile drug delivery system (PDDS) for etoricoxib, selective COX-2 inhibitor analgesic, to address the limitations of conventional formulations by releasing the drug at specific intervals aligned with the circadian rhythm of pain. Method: Core tablets containing Etoricoxib were prepared by direct compression with varied concentrations of croscarmellose sodium as a superdisintegrant. The optimized core tablets were coated using hydrophilic (HPMC K4M) and hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose) polymers in different ratios to create press-coated pulsatile tablets with varying lag times. Physical properties hardness, thickness, friability, and disintegration, drug content uniformity, and in vitro release were evaluated. Results: The core tablets exhibited rapid drug release, with batch C3 showing 98.61% release within 60 minutes. Press-coated formulations with different polymer ratios exhibited varying lag times, with batch F3 achieving the optimal balance—providing a 4-hour lag time and 96.6% drug release over 8 hours. Stability studies confirmed the physical and chemical stability of the optimized formulation (F3) over 6 months under accelerated conditions. Conclusion: The developed press-coated pulsatile tablets of etoricoxib successfully achieved a controlled lag time and sustained drug release profile, making them suitable for chronopharmacological management of pain. Keywords: Etoricoxib, Pulsatile Drug Delivery System, Chronopharmacology, Press-Coated Tablets. etc

Impact of Drying on Phytonutritional Compounds, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Spiny Saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens)

The Spiny saltbush (Rhagodia spinscens) is a halophyte species with the potential to provide natural ingredients used in food and pharmaceutical industries. In food and pharmaceutical applications, drying is necessary to maintain shelf-life, which reduces phytonutrient content. In this study, changes in the nutritional composition, phenolic and carotenoid profiles of radical antioxidant scavenging activity [(2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)], antioxidant power [ferric reducing antioxidant ability assay (FRAP)], and cytotoxicity of freeze- and oven-dried (55 °C for 24 h) spiny saltbush were determined. Sodium (4.72 g/100 g dry weight (DW), potassium (6.86 g/100 g DW), calcium (4.06 g/100 g DW), zinc (372 mg/kg DW) and protein content were higher in oven-dried samples than freeze-dried samples. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis detected 18 metabolites in saltbush extracts. Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, and Variable Importance in Projection discriminated between freeze-dried and oven-dried samples. Freeze-dried samples retained more individual metabolites than oven-dried samples, while oven-dried samples had higher antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP), lutein, trans-β carotene, and cis-β-carotene. Correlation analysis identified potential antioxidant candidates between phenolic and carotenoid compounds. Neither freeze-dried nor oven-dried spiny saltbush samples showed cytotoxicity. The study uncovered changes in phytonutritional compounds after the oven and freeze-drying spiny saltbush, a potential salt alternative and functional ingredient for the food industry.

Exploring the predictive value of serum lipids for short‐term prognosis in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure

AbstractAimsAcute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is defined as acute liver injury superimposed on chronic liver disease, resulting in a significantly increased short‐term mortality rate. Serum lipids are associated with the severity of liver disease and contribute to the prognostic assessment for cirrhosis and liver failure. However, the presentation of serum lipids varies in different studies, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of serum lipids for short‐term prognosis in patients with ACLF.MethodsThis retrospective analysis was conducted using the clinical data of patients hospitalized for ACLF between January 2018 and December 2021. The collected data were subjected to Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator and logistic regression analyses to identify the independent predictors of 28‐day and 90‐day mortality. Separate regression models were developed for each identified serum lipid. These models were combined with the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD), MELD combined with serum sodium concentration (MELD‐Na), Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Acute‐on‐chronic Liver Failure (CLIF‐C ACLF), and Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B‐ACLF (COSSH‐ACLF) scores to construct new models. The performance of these models was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Nagelkerke R2, Brier score, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) to assess the prognostic ability of serum lipids.ResultsThis study included 266 patients with ACLF, of whom 25.9% (69/266) died within 28 days and 38.5% (102/265, with 1 lost to follow‐up) died within 90 days. The independent predictors of 28‐day mortality were age, the presence of overt hepatic encephalopathy at admission, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels, and international normalized ratio (INR). The independent predictors of 90‐day mortality were age, albumin levels, serum creatinine levels, and INR. The comparative analysis revealed that the AUC of all other models exceeded that of HDL‐C (p < 0.001). The COSSH‐ACLF model demonstrated superior predictive ability compared with the MELD and HDL‐MELD models (p = 0.013 and 0.017, respectively). Furthermore, the HDL‐COSSH‐ACLF model exhibited a similar trend in predictive ability compared with the latter two models (p = 0.009). No significant differences were observed in the AUC performances of the other models. A comparison of NRI calculated using the cutoff values assigned by equal assignment revealed that the addition of HDL‐C improved the predictive ability of the MELD score by 4.6% (NRI = 0.0460, p = 0.036). The MELD‐Na score exhibited an 8.4% improvement (NRI = 0.0844, p = 0.047), while the COSSH‐ACLF score demonstrated a 14.4% improvement (NRI = 0.1443, p = 0.015). However, these changes did not significantly impact the capacity of the CLIF‐C ACLF score (NRI = 0.0350, p = 0.141). No significant differences were observed in the IDI comparisons between the models with different cutoff values (all p > 0.050).ConclusionsSerum HDL‐C is an independent predictor of 28‐day mortality in patients with ACLF. Although it has inferior predictive ability when considered alone, HDL‐C enhances the predictive capacity of MELD, MELD‐Na, and COSSH‐ACLF when incorporated into these models.

Diclofenac sodium removal by powdered activated carbon of coconut endocarp: process optimization, kinetics, and isotherms

ABSTRACT Emerging contaminants (ECs) have been detected in various environmental compartments, especially in aquatic bodies. Among EC, diclofenac sodium (DS) is one of the most ecotoxic and causes hemodynamic changes, thyroid tumors, and adverse effects under chronic exposure. Therefore, some countries have adopted restrictive legislation, encouraging the development of technology to mitigate this situation. Among the available water treatment processes, adsorption is an effective alternative in technical and economic aspects. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate, on a bench scale, the efficiency of DS removal in powdered activated carbon (PAC) of coconut endocarp. The adsorption of DS was analyzed through central composite design (CCD), using four factors: diclofenac sodium concentration (CDS from 50 to 450 mg · L−1), adsorbent concentration (CPAC from 0.2 to 5 g · L−1), contact time (Ct from 5 to 45 min), and pH (from 5 to 9). The results supported response modeling for adsorption capacity, pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics, intraparticle diffusion (IPD), and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. DS demonstrated an affinity for adsorption on PAC. The maximum adsorption capacity was 169.39 mg · g−1 for PAC (CDS of 331.64 mg · L−1, CPAC of 0.2 g · L−1, Ct of 40.6 min, and pH 5) obtained through duplicate confirmation batches.

Structural Regulation of P2‐Type Layered Oxide with Anion/Cation Codoping Strategy for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractP2‐type layered transition metal oxides are potential cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), but they commonly suffer from severe capacity degradation owing to multiple phase transitions and Na+/vacancy ordering during the extraction/insertion process. An anionic/cationic co‐doping strategy at high sodium contents is proposed to effectively achieve high‐rate and long‐term stability of P2‐Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2. The resulting Na0.75Mg0.1Ni0.23Mn0.67O1.95F0.05 (NMNMOF) cathode delivers a reversible capacity of 116 mAh g−1 at 75 mA g−1 and maintains an initial capacity of 73% at 1500 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles. The Mg/F anionic/cationic co‐doping strategy impacts the local environment of the surrounding transition metal and oxygen, regulates the electron distribution, and modifies the initial diffusion state of Na sites, enhancing the diffusion ability of Na+. Moreover, the phase transition of P2‐O2 is well suppressed and the decrease in Mn3+ content greatly alleviates the Jahn–Teller effect to enhance structural stability. The full‐cell devices with NMNMOF cathode and hard carbon anode demonstrate a high capacity of 80 mAh g−1 at 10 C and an excellent cycle life of over 500 cycles for applications. The anionic/cationic co‐doping strategy will inspire the rational design of P2‐type layered oxides and provide a new perspective for advanced SIBs.

Sludge from Arapaima Gigas Culture as an Alternative Culture Medium for Lipid Production in Nannochloropsis Sp

Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of sludge generated during the culture of Arapaima gigas as an alternative medium for Nannochloropsis sp. Theoretical Framework: Microalgae are photosynthetic micro-organisms with the ability to transform organic waste or effluents into valuable biomass. They are currently of great interest for their use in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Nannochloropsis sp. is a valuable microalga due to its excellent lipid profile. Method: The sludge used was collected from A. gigas culture ponds at the CITE Acuícola Pesquero Ahuashiyacu (Tarapoto-Peru). An aqueous extract of sludge (EAL) was obtained from the sample by a thermal procedure, which was dosed into the cultures at concentrations of 100, 150 and 200 mL/L. The experimental units followed the traditional batch culture arrangement under laboratory conditions. Guillard F/2 medium was used as control treatment. The characterisation of metals in the medium was performed by coupled plasma induction (ICP) and the determination of ammonium and nitrite by colorimetric tests. In addition, population density, productivity and total lipid content were estimated. Results and Discussion: Chemical analyses revealed high concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, ammonium and nitrite (655, 648, 283, 67, 32, 17, 1.5, and 10 ppm, respectively). Likewise, the best growth (3590.00 ± 91.24 x 104 cells/mL) and productivity (0.69 ± 0.01 g/L) was obtained with 200 mL/L of EAL, presenting significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) with respect to the other treatments. In contrast, the highest lipid production (29.67 ± 1.53 %) was observed in the control treatment, far exceeding the EAL cultures; however, no significant statistical difference was observed between EAL treatments. Research Implications: These results demonstrate the feasibility of using EAL as an alternative medium for the production of Nannochloropsis sp. with a positive environmental and economic impact on the production of A. gigas. Originality/Value: The use of sludge generated in fish culture, in particular A. Gigas, has not been reported previously. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of using this sludge in the culture of the microalga Nannochloropsis sp. which also has a high potential for use in fish larviculture.

Serum Sodium Concentration During Arginine Vasopressin Infusion in Critically Ill Children

Background: Intravenous arginine vasopressin is increasingly used for the treatment of critically ill children. It bears the risk of hyponatraemia with potential severe long-term sequelae, but data on hyponatraemia as a side effect of continuous vasopressin infusion for paediatric intensive care patients is scarce. Methods: In this retrospective analysis performed at a tertiary care paediatric intensive care unit with 2000 annual admissions, patients were included if they were treated with intravenous vasopressin between 2016 and 2022. Baseline sodium concentrations, lowest sodium concentrations during arginine vasopressin treatment, and time to lowest sodium concentration (nadir) were derived. Results: In total, 170 patients with a median age of 4 months [interquartile range, IQR, 0–33] were included, 92.4% underwent surgery, and 28.8% died. Median arginine vasopressin dose rate was 0.027 IU/kg/h [0.019–0.036] and arginine vasopressin was started 3.2 [0–26] h after intensive care admission. Median arginine vasopressin application duration was 13.6 h [6.2–32.6]. Baseline sodium was 141 mmol/L [138–145], and lowest median sodium during arginine vasopressin infusion was 137 mmol/L [132–141] (nadir at 8.4 h [1.0–28.1] after arginine vasopressin start). Hyponatraemia (<135 mmol/L) occurred in 38.2% of patients during AVP treatment, and physicians administered a median of 10.2 mmol/kg/d [6.2–16.4] sodium during arginine vasopressin therapy. Conclusions: Under arginine vasopressin infusion, hyponatraemia was common, although high daily doses of sodium were administered to keep the serum values in physiologic ranges. This emphasises the need for close electrolyte monitoring and sodium substitution in children and adolescents under arginine vasopressin treatment to avoid hyponatraemia and related sequelae.

Controlled Coffee Intake Enhances Erythrocyte Deformability, Na,K-ATPase Activity, and GSH/GSSG Ratio in Healthy Young Adults

Background: Published studies suggest that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of various diseases. However, many of these studies relied on questionnaire-based data, limiting their ability to identify the specific biological mechanisms behind the observed effects. This study focuses on controlled coffee consumption among healthy young adults to clarify its effects on erythrocyte properties. The functional condition of erythrocytes is important as it affects both macro- and microcirculation. Additionally, since erythrocytes are not true cells, they are particularly sensitive to biochemical and biophysical changes when exposed to biologically active substances. Methods: After a washout period, 33 healthy young volunteers were asked to consume a standardized dose of a coffee beverage daily for 3 weeks. Basic hematological and body composition parameters were recorded before and after the intervention. Erythrocyte functional status was evaluated based on the following measurements: deformability, osmotic resistance, Na,K-ATPase activity, and nitric oxide production, along with monitoring oxidative stress markers. Results: After a coffee consumption period, both erythrocyte count and hematocrit value increased, while body composition remained unchanged. Erythrocyte deformability improved across a range of shear stress values typical of human circulation. This improvement was accompanied with enhanced Na,K-ATPase activity in erythrocyte membranes in the wide range of sodium ion concentrations, as well as increased nitric oxide production by erythrocytes. Additionally, a higher GSH/GSSG ratio, indicating a shift towards a more favorable antioxidant balance, was observed in erythrocytes following the coffee intake period. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that controlled coffee intake in healthy young adults can positively influence various indices of erythrocyte functional status. Although the observed statistically significant changes were modest, the findings consistently indicate a positive modulation of erythrocyte properties—cell deformability, oxidative resilience, and active membrane transport of cations—following coffee consumption.

Serum electrolyte abnormalities in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy.

Limited information is available on electrolyte abnormalities in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE). Report the prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in cats with CIE compared to other gastrointestinal disorders, and determine their association with disease and outcome variables in cats with CIE. Three hundred twenty-eight client-owned cats from 2 referral hospitals: CIE (132), alimentary small cell lymphoma (29), acute gastroenteritis (48), and healthy controls (119). Retrospective study comparing serum electrolyte concentrations at time of diagnosis among the 4 groups of cats, and associations with clinical signs, intestinal mucosal fibrosis scores, treatment subclassification and outcome in CIE. Cats with CIE had lower sodium and higher potassium concentrations and lower sodium: potassium ratios compared with healthy cats (P < .001, P = .01, and P < .001, respectively). Cats with CIE and a duodenal mucosal fibrosis score of 2 had lower sodium and lower total calcium concentrations compared with cats that had a score of 0 (P = .02 and P = .01). Cats with CIE and a colonic mucosal fibrosis score of 1 had higher potassium concentrations and lower sodium: potassium ratios compared with cats that had a score of 0 (P = .03 and P = .01). Cats with CIE that died as a result of their disease had higher potassium concentrations and lower sodium: potassium ratios compared to cats that were alive (P = .02 and P = .01). Electrolyte abnormalities occur with CIE and, in particular, in cats with higher fibrosis scores and worse outcomes. Further research should aim to determine the pathogenesis of these findings and identify novel therapeutic targets for cats with CIE.

Amelioration of the Nutritional Qualities of Plantain (Musa Paradisiaca L.) Using an Organic Fertilizer

The increase in world population has caused banana and plantain farmers to use excessive amounts of fertilizers to improve agricultural production. However, this excessive use of fertilizers has negative effects on the nutritional quality and shelf life of the fruit. This study aims to improve the nutritional quality of plantain using an organic fertilizer. Eleven treatments were applied to plantain plants in an experimental design consisting of randomized blocks with 3 replications. Three plantain fingers from the second hand of each bunch were peeled, dried, processed into flour and analyzed for biochemical parameters following fertilizer application. The results showed that treatment T4-1 (15 t/ha of Tithonia diversifolia) significantly improved the protein contents in plantain pulp (5.50%). Similarly, treatment T3-1 (10 t/ha of Tithonia diversifolia) improved the concentrations of potassium (8675 mg/kg), magnesium (900 mg/kg), iron (264.97 mg/kg) and sodium (587.99 mg/kg). Principal component analysis revealed that T3-1 (10 t/ha of Tithonia diversifolia) promotes a better transfer of mineral elements into plantain pulp. This study showed that Tithonia diversifolia-based fertilization significantly improves the nutritional quality of plantain.

Positive impacts of compost and biochar from orange peel waste on Phaseolus vulgaris physio-biochemistry and productivity and soil properties under salinity stress

ABSTRACT Bioconversion of organic orange peel wastes into compost (OPC) or biochar (OPB) can help overcome the effects of soil salinity and maintain agricultural productivity. Effect of 1.0% OPC or 1.0% OPB as soil amendments on soil properties and performance of Phaseolus vulgaris plants under two salinity levels [5.60 dS m−1 (S-1) and 9.60 dS m−1 (S-2)] versus control [1.60 dS m−1 (S-0)] was investigated. Compared to the control, S-1 and S-2 increased soil sodium ion (Na+) content, while reducing soil organic matter (OM), macro- and micro-nutrients, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and enzyme (urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase) activities, reflecting decreased plant growth and yield. Under S-1 or S-2, OPC application exceeded OPB application, but both considerably enhanced soil OM content, nutrients, CEC, and enzyme activities. These positive results reflected decreased leaf electrolyte leakage and increased leaf-relative water content, pigments, nutrients, K+/Na+ ratio, antioxidant activity, plant growth, and yield. The beneficial impacts of 1.0% OPC were more pronounced under S-2 than S-1 or S-0. In conclusion, adding 1.0% OPC to saline soil (ECe of about 5–10 dS m−1) could mitigate the influences of soil salinity to improve Phaseolus vulgaris growth, physio-biochemistry, and yield.

Fracture analysis under modes I and II of adhesive joints on CFRP in saline environment

This study analyzes the delamination behavior of adhesive joints after exposure to a saline environment for zero, one, and twelve weeks. Delamination was assessed under static and fatigue loading conditions in fracture Modes I and II, with a detailed analysis of fracture surfaces using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Backscattered Electron (BSE) detection. The 3D images reveal significant morphological differences in fracture surfaces, showing variations in fatigue lines and the presence of impurities depending on the fracture mode. A probabilistic fatigue life analysis was performed using a Weibull regression model, showing notable changes, especially in Mode I at a high number of cycles. A chemical analysis using EDX and FTIR-ATR complemented the mechanical study, revealing an increase in sodium and chlorine concentrations with prolonged saline exposure. Oxidative degradation was also observed, with carbonyl groups increasing significantly over time, particularly in areas most exposed to the saline mist.

Assessment of groundwater quality for agricultural purposes in Qazvin Province, northwestern Iran: A fuzzy inference and indicator Kriging approach

This study addresses the challenge of assessing groundwater quality for agriculture in Qazvin Province, northwestern Iran. In this region, over-extraction has led to significant degradation of groundwater resources. Traditional assessment methods often overlook uncertainties and spatial variability in groundwater quality. To address this, our study aimed to integrate fuzzy inference and geostatistical methods to assess groundwater quality under uncertain conditions. The research was conducted in two stages. First, a fuzzy inference system classified six key water quality parameters: Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Total Hardness (TH), sodium ion concentration (Na⁺), and chloride concentration (Cl⁻), into three categories: “desirable,” “acceptable,” and “unacceptable,” using 54 fuzzy rules. In the second stage, we applied ordinary Kriging and indicator Kriging to spatially interpolate these classifications and produce probabilistic maps of groundwater quality risk across the study area. In ordinary Kriging, the average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values for EC, SAR, RSC, TH, Na⁺, and Cl⁻ were 0.94 dS/m, 1.54, 1.42 meq/L, 3.13 mg/L, 3.03 mg/L, and 2.62 mg/L, respectively, indicating reliable assessments of groundwater quality parameters. Results also suggest that by 2023, areas classified as “unacceptable” increased by 142.0% since 2009, with an additional 25.2% of the region facing a 40–80% probability of further degradation. These findings highlight important trends in groundwater quality, assisting local authorities in prioritizing areas for preventive interventions. This supports sustainable agricultural practices and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 for water resource management.

The effect of water filter pitchers on the mineral concentration of tap water.

To investigate the effect of water filter pitchers on the concentration of different minerals in tap water. Nine water filter pitchers (A-I) were chosen based on consumer preferences and Amazon reviews. Each filter was tested for its ability to modify the concentrations of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in tap water. Tap water samples were collected before and after filtration, at various intervals (1, 5, 10, 30, 50, 75, and 100 L) during filtration, and analyzed using an ion-specific electrode (fluoride) and atomic absorption spectrometry (other minerals). Statistical analyses were conducted to compare filtered and unfiltered water mineral concentrations. Water filter pitcher effect: Filters F (p < 0.001) and G (p = 0.030) decreased fluoride concentrations. All filters except I (p = 0.235) and H (p = 0.717) decreased calcium concentrations (p < 0.01). Filters E (p = 0.018), D (p = 0.014), and G (p = 0.010) decreased magnesium concentrations. Filters I (p = 0.028) and D (p = 0.009) increased potassium concentrations. Filter A (p = 0.002) increased sodium concentrations, while C (p = 0.034) decreased sodium concentrations. Effect of filter aging: All filters affected mineral concentrations over time but to varying extents. Filter G had the most pronounced effect on reducing mineral concentrations compared to all others. No filter was able to completely remove fluoride from tap water, contrary to the claims made by three manufacturers. The present study highlighted that water filter pitchers vary greatly in their ability to affect mineral concentrations in tap water during their use. Further research is needed to develop more effective water treatment solutions.

Centre-level fluid management practices in the BISTRO trial and their lack of association with participant fluid status and blood pressure in non-anuric haemodialysis patients.

Fluid assessment and management is a key aspect of good dialysis care and is affected by patient-level characteristics and potentially centre-level practices. In this secondary analysis of the BISTRO trial we wished to establish whether centre-level practices with the potential to affect fluid status were stable over the course of the trial and explore if they had any residual associations with participant's fluid status. Two surveys (S) of fluid management practices were conducted in 32 participating centres during the trial, (S1: 2017-18 and S2: 2021-22). Domains interrogated included: dialysate sodium concentration, (D-[Na+]), fluid and salt intake, residual kidney function, use of diuretics, incremental start, approaches to fluid assessment, management and dialysate temperature, (D-oC). Associations of these practices with the closeness of the participant's post-dialysis target weight to their normally hydrated weight, pre- and post-dialysis systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure, (DBP), were analysed using intra-class correlations and multilevel modelling with adjustment for visit, age, sex and comorbidity burden. Variations in centre practices were reported but did not change during the trial, apart from some relaxation in salt and fluid restriction in S2. For our measures of fluid status, measured 2501 times in 439 non-anuric incident haemodialysis patients, centre-level intraclass correlations were extremely low, whereas patient-level correlations ranged between 0.12 and 0.47, strongest for pre- and post-dialysis-SBP, less so for post-dialysis-DBP. Multi-level analysis found no associations between D-[Na+], or assessment methods of fluid status. In S2, one centre, routinely using a D-Co of 35°C had more divergence between the target and normally hydrated weight, but this was not observed in S1, and no other associations were found. Centre-level fluid management practices were stable over the course of the BISTRO trial, and in contrast to patient-level factors, no centre-level associations were detected with fluid status or blood pressure. This may be because the trial imposed a standardised approach to fluid assessment in all trial participants who at least initially had residual kidney function, potentially over-riding the effects of other centre practices. Survey responses revealed substantial scope for developing and evaluating standardised protocols to optimise fluid management.

Sodium-Rich, Co-Ni-Free P2-Layered Manganese Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The rapid capacity loss attributed to irreversible phase reactions and structural instability has consistently affected the development of P2-layered cathode materials. Moreover, the introduction of costly elements such as single or multiple dopants has failed to resolve the sustainability challenges in designing an optimal Mn-based layered oxide cathode. This study proposes a Co-Ni-free, poly-elemental doping strategy (Li, Mg, and Cu) combined with high sodium content for an Mn-based P2-layered cathode designed for Na+ ion storage. In situ X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the absence of P2 - O2 phase transitions during cycling for both NLMMC87 (Na0.87Li0.1Mg0.1Mn0.7Cu0.1O2) and NLMMC77 (Na0.77Li0.1Mg0.1Mn0.7Cu0.1O2). This can be attributed to the co-substitution of the electronegative Cu element and the stabilizing dopants Li and Mg, which suppress oxygen evolution. Simultaneously, the high sodium content within the host structure promotes high reversible capacity, enhances structural stability, and minimizes internal stress due to volume changes. Moreover, NLMMC87 demonstrates a reversible capacity of 167.9mA h g-1 at 0.1 C (97% Coulombic efficiency) and maintains excellent stability across various current rates. Further investigations into the practical application of NLMMC87 in a sodium full cell will be a critical step toward realizing an ideal cathode for sodium-ion batteries.