Elevated Levels Of Na Research Articles

Self-Sustaining Triboelectric Nanosensors for Real-Time Urine Analysis in Smart Toilets.

Healthcare has undergone a revolutionary shift with the advent of smart technologies, and smart toilets (STs) are among the innovative inventions offering non-invasive continuous health monitoring. The present technical challenges toward this development include limited sensitivity of integrated sensors, poor stability, slow response and the requirement external energy supply alongside manual sample collection. In this article, triboelectric nanosensor array (TENSA) is introduced featuring electrodes crafted from laser-induced 3D graphene with functional polymers like polystyrene, polyimide, and polycaprolactone for real-time urine analysis while generating 50 volts output via urine droplet-based triboelectrification. Though modulating interfacial double-layer capacitance, these sensors exhibit exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in detecting a broad spectrum of urinary biomarkers, including ions, glucose, and urea with a classification precision of 95% and concentration identification accuracy of up to 0.97 (R2), supported by artificial neural networks. Upon exposure to urine samples containing elevated levels of Na+, K+, and NH4 +, a notable decrease (ranging from 32% to 68%) is observed in output voltages. Conversely, urea induces an increase up to 13%. Experimental validation confirms the stability, robustness, reliability, and reproducibility of TENSA, representing a significant advancement in healthcare technology, offering the potential for improved disease management and prevention strategies.

Assessment of Temporal Effects of a Mud Volcanic Eruption on the Bacterial Community and Their Predicted Metabolic Functions in the Mud Volcanic Sites of Niaosong, Southern Taiwan.

The microbial communities inhabiting mud volcanoes have received more attention due to their noteworthy impact on the global methane cycle. However, the impact of temporal effects of volcanic eruptions on the microbial community’s diversity and functions remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to underpin the temporal variations in the bacterial community’s diversity and PICRUSt-predicted functional profile changes of mud volcanic sites located in southern Taiwan using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The physicochemical analysis showed that the samples were slightly alkaline and had elevated levels of Na+, Cl−, and SO42−. Comparatively, the major and trace element contents were distinctly higher, and tended to be increased in the long-period samples. Alpha diversity metrics revealed that the bacterial diversity and abundance were lesser in the initial period, but increased over time. Instead, day 96 and 418 samples showed reduced bacterial abundance, which may have been due to the dry spell that occurred before each sampling. The initial-period samples were significantly abundant in haloalkaliphilic marine-inhabiting, hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial genera such as Marinobacter, Halomonas, Marinobacterium, and Oceanimonas. Sulfur-reducing bacteria such as Desulfurispirillum and Desulfofarcimen were found dominant in the mid-period samples, whereas the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina was abundant in the long-period samples. Unfortunately, heavy precipitation encountered during the mid and long periods may have polluted the volcanic site with animal pathogens such as Desulfofarcimen and Erysipelothrix. The functional prediction results showed that lipid biosynthesis and ubiquinol pathways were significantly abundant in the initial days, and the super pathway of glucose and xylose degradation was rich in the long-period samples. The findings of this study highlighted that the temporal effects of a mud volcanic eruption highly influenced the bacterial diversity, abundance, and functional profiles in our study site.

Effects of salinity acclimation on the endocrine disruption and acute toxicity of bifenthrin in freshwater and euryhaline strains of Oncorhynchus mykiss

The pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin is frequently detected at ng/L concentrations in tributaries of the San Francisco Bay Delta. The estuary is also experiencing increasing salinity through climate change and water redirection. To evaluate the impacts of hypersaline conditions on bifenthrin toxicity in anadromous salmonids of the San Francisco Bay Delta (CA, USA), a 14-d laboratory exposure was performed using 2 strains of Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout and steelhead) acclimated to freshwater and to 8 g/L and 17 g/L salinity. The fish were then exposed to nominal concentrations of 0 µg/L, 0.1 µg/L, and 1.5 µg/L bifenthrin. Rainbow trout exhibited significant mortality following exposure to 1.5 µg/L (1.07 ± 0.35 µg/L measured) bifenthrin in freshwater. Elevated levels of Na⁺ /K⁺ adenosine triphosphatase α1A mRNA subunit expression was observed in the gill of rainbow trout acclimated to hypersaline conditions relative to freshwater animals. No significant difference was noted in Na⁺ /K⁺ adenosine triphosphatase subunit levels in brains of either strain in freshwater or hypersaline conditions. Likewise, significant differences were not observed in plasma vitellogenin or steroid hormone concentrations in either strain whether maintained in freshwater or saltwater. Saltwater acclimation significantly reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-catalyzed biotransformation of bifenthrin in liver microsomes of rainbow trout but not of steelhead. The present study showed that, relative to steelhead, rainbow trout have different responses to bifenthrin acute toxicity as well as different rates of hepatic bifenthrin biotransformation and regulation of Na⁺ /K⁺ adenosine triphosphatase subunits in gills. These data indicate that significant differences exist between the strains and that animal life history may have important effects on the susceptibility of each strain to environmental contaminants.

Digifab and immunoneutralization of cardiotonic steroids in preeclampsia

Background. Elevated levels of Na + /K + -ATPase(NKA)-inhibitory cardiotonic steroids (CTS) including marinobufagenin (MBG) contribute to pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) via induction of vasoconstriction and of vascular stiffness. In PE, Digibind (affi nity-purifi ed digoxin antibody) exhibits benefi cial effects primarily due to immunoneutralization of CTS including MBG. Because Digibind is not available and the only other «clinically-usable» digoxin antibody is DigiFab (BTG International Ltd), we compared DigiFab and Digibind with respect to their ability to interact with CTS in PE plasma and to ex-vivo reverse PE-induced NKA inhibition. Objective. We compared effects of Digibind and Digifab on erythrocyte NKA from patients with PE and normotensive pregnant subjects. Using competitive fl uoroimmunoassays based on Eu-labeled DigiFab and Digibind we compared profi le of elution of digoxin-immunoreactive material following fractionation of PE plasma on reverse-phase HPLC column. Design and methods. 7 patients with PE (28 ± 2 years; gestational age, 39,0 ± 0,5 weeks, urinary protein excretion, 2,12 ± 0,46 g/24 hours, blood pressure 157 ± 5/94 ± 2 mm Hg) and 6 normotensive pregnant subjects (26 ± 1 years; gestational age, 37 ± 1 weeks, blood pressure 112 ± 2/75 ± 3 mm Hg) were studied. Results. PE was associated with substantial inhibition of erythrocyte NKA (1,47 ± 0,17 vs. 2,65 ± 0,16 umol Pi/mL/hr in control group, p < 0,001). At concentration 10 ug/mL (which mimics dose of Digibind administered in PE) both Digibind and DigiFab partially, but signifi cantly restored NKA activity (2,1 ± 0,2 and 2,05 ± 0,3 umol Pi/mL/hr, respectively). In competitive immunoassay Digibind and Digifab exhibited comparable cross-reactivity with MBG and endogenous ouabain. Following HPLC fractionation of plasma, both Digibind and Digifab detected PE-associated increase in CTS material in fractions 16–18; 176 vs. 75 pmoles for Digibind, control and preeclampsia, respectively; 221 vs. 70 pmoles for Digifab, control and PE, respectively. 4G4 anti-MBG monoclonal antibody detected preeclampsia-induced CTS increase (1056 vs. 421 pmoles) mainly in fraction 16. Conclusions. We conclude that: (i) Digifab and Digibind exhibit comparable cross-immunoreactivity with CTS; (ii) in patients with PE plasma levels of digoxin-like immunoreactivity are elevated proportionally when measured by both Digifab and Digibind and both antibodies reverse preeclampsia-induced NKA inhibition, and (iii) following HPLC fractionation of PE plasma, Digifab and Digibind interact with endogenous bufadienolides including MBG, rather than endogenous ouabain.

Elemental content of lichens of the Point Reyes Peninsula, northern California

The Point Reyes peninsula in northern California is about 45 km northwest of San Francisco and occasionally receives air masses from the city contributing to haze and lowered visibility. Although gaseous pollutants are not a problem, fine particulates containing carbon and other elements are measurable at the park. In this study, five lichen species were sampled along a 40-km linear transect from southeast to northwest from the town of Bolinas at the southern end of the peninsula. Elevated levels of Na and S and the Na/S ratio at localities nearer the ocean confirmed there is a definite marine aerosol influence on lichen elemental content. Elevated potassium and mercury concentrations were also found at high elevation sites that intercept fog. However, arsenic and lead were found to decrease with distance from Bolinas along the transect, suggesting these two elements originate in the fine particulate haze that enters the park from San Francisco. Concentrations of elements were not at enriched levels for other lichen species. A possible local influence of roads on element content needs further study.

Macrophyte induced microchemical changes in the water column of a northern Boreal Lake

Water quality was compared between open water and vegetated regions of the littoral zone of a Boreal lake. Within region variation occurred in vegetated areas and was species dependent. In the water lily versus the open water stations, conductivity and concentrations of B, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, S and Sr were elevated in the water column while N concentrations were lower. Wild rice areas were characterized by lower S and higher conductivity and Ca and Fe concentrations than open water areas. Variations in water quality in the vegetated regions occurred as a result of chemical exchange with the sediment in the proximity of the vegetation. Elemental concentrations in the sediment appeared to vary as a result of root aeration and nutrient uptake by the plants. Open water stations had elevated sediment levels of N, P and Al while elevated levels of Na were present in both the open water and wild rice plots. Water lily stations exhibited higher pH levels and higher concentrations of Fe, Mn and Ca than the open water plots. Plant tissue analysis indicated that between species elemental variation existed as well. Water lily tissue had higher concentrations of N, P, Mn, Zn, Ca, K and Mg than that of wild rice. It was postulated that aquatic macrophytes can influence the redox level of sediments and thereby dramatically alter the overlying water column forming microchemical environments in stagnant regions of the littoral zone.

Sialometrical and Sialochemical Analysis of Patients with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease—A Prolonged Study

Patients with graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) suffer from oral dryness and increased levels of oral infections and mucosal pathologies. The purpose of the current study was dual: 1) to investigate the salivary functional (sialometry) and compositional (sialochemistry) alterations induced by the disease during a 12-month period following the onset of the disease; and 2) to evaluate the effect of Salagen® 30 mg/d on the salivary biochemical and immunological composition in cGVHD patients.Significant higher concentrations of salivary sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and total IgG accompanied by a concomitant increase in total IgA that did not reach significant value was observed in cGVHD patients in comparison with controls at both resting and stimulated conditions(p<0.05) while salivary levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and phosphate (P) were not altered. Two weeks of oral Salagen 30 mg/d resulted in normalization of the salivary biochemical and immunological compositional alterations in the cGVHD patients. Oral pilocarpine was able to reduce and normalize the elevated levels of Na, Mg, TP, Alb, EGF, IgG, and IgA salivary concentrations at both resting and stimulated conditions. The ability of oral pilocarpine to normalize and reverse salivary biochemical and immunological alterations induced by cGVHD is parallel to its stimulatory effect on salivary flow rates, as we previously showed. As the biochemical and immunological composition of the saliva results in its antimicrobial protective characteristics, the ability of oral pilocarpine (Salagen) to abrogate cGVHD salivary gland abnormalities may be of clinical importance.

Responses of Boreal Plants to High Salinity Oil Sands Tailings Water

AbstractIn the extraction of bitumen from oil sands ore, large volumes of railings water (CT water) containing elevated levels of Na, sulfate, bicarbonate and chloride are produced. High salinity process waters will probably affect terrestrial reclamation options. The present study tested the impact of tailings waters on boreal forest species including aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), buffalo berry [Sheperdia canadensis (L.) Nutt], northwest hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × Populus balsamifera), dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx.), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), and white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss]. Seedlings were grown in solution culture containing mineral nutrients and different dilutions of CT water, with and without supplemental salts (Na2SO4 and NaCl). After 4 wk of treatment, dogwood, hybrid poplar, and buffalo berry showed relatively high resistance to saline CT waters. Conifer seedlings developed leaf necrosis in all treatments, while aspen seedlings rapidly lost their foliage and produced new leaves. In comparison to the controls, elevated Na levels were measured in plant tissue of all species grown in CT water. However, some differences between species were observed, with jack pine seedlings showing much higher Na content than aspen, dogwood, or hybrid poplar. In hybrid poplar, the accumulation of Na was accompanied by a significant reduction in K, Mg, Ca, and P. Buffalo berry, aspen, jack pine, and white spruce showed elevated levels of S after growth in the sulfate‐enriched CT waters. High tissue Na content did not induce leaf injury in dogwood, hybrid poplar and buffalo berry, suggesting possible Na resistance.

CAMP-dependent absorption of chloride across airway epithelium.

Elevated levels of Na and Cl in airway surface liquid may play a major role in the airway pathology of cystic fibrosis (CF) (J. J. Smith, S. M. Travis, E. P. Greenberg, and M. J. Welsh. Cell 85: 229-236, 1996) and could be caused by block of transcellular Cl absorption due to lack of a functional CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). To test for transcellular absorption of Cl across non-CF epithelium, we studied how fluid absorption was affected by the opening and closing of Cl channels. Forskolin (an activator of CFTR) tripled fluid absorption across primary cultures of bovine tracheal epithelium but had no effect on human cells. However, in both species, fluid absorption was markedly inhibited by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate, a blocker of CFTR. Microelectrode studies suggested that the magnitude of the absorptive response to forskolin in bovine cells depended on the size of an inwardly directed electrochemical driving force for Cl movement across the apical membrane. Patch-clamp measurements of bovine cells revealed CFTR in the apical membrane and a cAMP-activated, inwardly rectifying Cl channel in the basolateral membrane. We conclude that a significant fraction of absorbed Cl passes transcellularly in bovine tracheal epithelial cultures, with CFTR as the path of entry in the apical membrane and a novel cAMP-activated Cl channel as the exit route in the basolateral membrane. Our data further indicate that a similar pathway may exist in non-CF human tracheal epithelium.

Physiological changes accompanying the induction of salt tolerance in Eucalyptus microcorys shoots in tissue culture

Shoot cultures of Eucalyptus microcorys (F. Muell.) were conditioned by a stepwise increase in NaCl over 12 months to tolerate 100 and 150 mmol · L −1 NaCl, where normally they were unable to survive 50 mmol · L −1 NaCl. Growth was initially inhibited during salt adaptation, but it recovered over time, even though NaCl concentrations were being increased. During salt adaptation, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b , protochlorophyll, pheophytin a, carotenoids) were reduced, but not pheophytin b. The adaptive period was accompanied by elevated levels of proline, glycinebetaine, sucrose and glucose, but not by higher amounts of choline and fructose. Levels of Na and Cl were elevated during the adaptation process, and K was reduced. After salt adaptation, the salt tolerant shoots in 100 mmol-L −1 NaCl had multiplication rates close to non-conditioned shoots (without NaCl), but the number of leaves and leaf area was still inhibited by salt. Growth and pigments were reduced further in salt tolerant shoots exposed to 150 mmol-L −1 NaCl, accompanied by elevations only in the levels of proline, sucrose and glucose. Salt tolerant shoots in 150 mmol L −1 NaCl appeared to have only higher levels of Cl compared to the same shoots in 100 mmol · L −1 NaCl. The observations are interpreted in terms of osmotic adjustment during salt adaptation and possible toxicity by elevated levels of Na and Cl.

In fetuses with isolated hydronephrosis, urinary beta 2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) have a limited role in the prediction of postnatal renal function.

Seventy-one fetal urine samples were taken from the bladder or renal pelvis of 33 fetuses at 13-36 weeks' gestation with a diagnosis of urinary tract anomaly. Severe isolated hydronephrosis in the absence of an enlarged bladder was the indication for sampling in 12/33 fetuses (26 samples), who were retrospectively classified into three groups: normal, intermediate, and dysplastic, based on the evaluation of postnatal renal function or histology. For all samples, urinary sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), creatinine, beta 2-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were measured. Among the 71 fetal urine samples, both beta 2-microglobulin and NAG correlated inversely with gestational age, Na+, and Ca2+, but not with creatinine concentrations. However, the correlation of urinary beta 2-microglobulin with gestational age was dependent on the Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations, whereas urinary NAG correlated significantly with urinary Na+ and Ca2+, and also with gestational age. In fetuses with isolated hydronephrosis, only Na+, and not Ca2+, was significantly related to both beta 2-microglobulin and NAG. Only Na+ and beta 2-microglobulin were significantly, and similarly, higher in both dysplastic and intermediate kidneys when compared with fetuses with normal postnatal function. If only the last urine sampled was considered, there was overlapping of all parameters in the three groups. In isolated hydronephrosis, only the most extreme forms of renal failure might be suggested by elevated levels of Na+, Ca2+, beta 2-microglobulin, and NAG, without an obvious superiority of any of these parameters.

Identification of the nature and source of atmospheric aerosols near the Taj Mahal (India)

The chemical composition of aerosol samples collected at Agra near the Taj Mahal during April 1991-June 1992 was identified by wet chemical analysis. The average concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) was 368.5 µg m(-3), ranging between 83 and 1305 µg m(-3), depending upon the season. Elevated levels of Na, SO4, Mg, NO3 and Cl compared to levels reported worldwide were attributed to the suspension of soil particles, as well as industrial emissions. Geometric mean enrichment factors of elements indicated two groups; one having enrichment factors less than 7 which were comprised of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Mn and Si (crustal) and the other having enrichment factors greater than 13 and which were comprised of Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd (non-crustal). Principal component analysis revealed the association of the first principal component with soil-derived elements while the second, third and fourth principal components were associated with industrial processes, wood combustion and brick kilns respectively. The study indicates that near the Taj Mahal the dominance of natural sources may enhance the degree of deterioration of the marble surface if micro-climatological conditions favour its wetting.

Free intracellular cations in echinoderm oocytes and eggs

The concentrations of Ca2+, Na+ and H+ in echinoderm oocytes and eggs were measured during maturation and activation using ion-selective microelectrodes. In both oocytes and eggs, from three species of starfish and two species of sea urchin, the resting level of cytosolic Ca2+ was about 10-7M. We did not detect any change in Ca2+ concentration either during hormone-induced oocyte maturation (starfish) or during egg activation (starfish and sea urchin) induced by spermatozoa or chemical agents. During 1-methyl-adenine induced maturation of starfish oocytes the intracellular level of Na+ increased from 12–35 mM to 40–90 mM, while the pH changed from 6.6–6.8 to 7.0–7.2 Aged oocytes, with intact germinal vesicles, also had elevated levels of Na+ and pH.

The Cellular Basis of Salt Tolerance Studied with Tissue Cultures of the Halophytic Grass Distichlis spicata

Summary Cell suspension cultures of the halophytic grass Distichlis spicata do not require prior adaptation to express considerable tolerance to NaCl. Salt-stressed cultures are characterised by lowered ψs and increased levels per cell of sodium, proline, and protein. No significant differences in salt tolerance can be demonstrated for three enzymes (MDH, PER, LAP) extracted from stressed or unstressed Distichlis cultures or cultures derived from glycophytes. Distichlis cultures or cultures derived from glycophytes. Distichlis cultures grown in saline medium do however contain higher levels of enzyme activity per cell than salt free Distichlis cultures. When salt free cultures are challenged with 200 mM salt, the Distichlis cells undergo rapid osmotic adjustment, reaching lowest ψs within 12 h, after which intracellular proline accumulates rapidly. Osmotically adjusted cultures also contain elevated levels of Na + . The final amount of proline and Na + accumulated is positively correlated with the level of salt stress. All these data are consistent with the model in which vacuolar compartmentation of salt is followed by osmotic compensation in the cytoplasm by an organic solute, in this case, proline.

Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on the development of intestinal and serum marker enzymes.

The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the development of several intestinal and serum marker enzymes have been studied. The three congeners 4-monochloro (1-CB), 3, 4, 3',4'-tetrachloro (4-CB), and 2, 4, 5, 2', 4, 5'-hexachloro (6-CB) biphenyl were administered orally to pregnant rats on d 8, 11, 13, 15, and 18 or gestation. 1-CB and 6-CB were intubated at doses of 30 mg/kg.d (total dose, 150, mg/kg) and 4-CB was administered at 3 mg/kg-d (total dose, 15 mg/kg). Levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, monoamine oxidase, and Na+, K+-adenosin-5'-etriphosphatase and levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase were measured in the dams after weaning and in their offspring at -1, 6, 20, and 55 d of age. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated at the later postnatal stages in the 1-CB group and depressed at 55 d in the 4-CB group, whereas serum alkaline phosphatase levels were markedly depressed prenatally and postnatally in the 4-CB and 6-CB groups, respectively, Intestinal monoamine oxidase levels were markedly increased in the 6-CB group at -1, 6, and 20 d of age and significantly depressed in the 4-CB animals at -1 and 55 d of age. There was an increase in monoamine oxidase activity in the 4-CB group at 6 d. The 1-CB group exhibited depression of monoamine oxidase levels at 6 and elevation at 20 and 55 d. Intestinal Na+, K+-ATPase levels were elevated throughout development in the 1-CB animals and at -1 and 6 d in the 4-CB group. The 6-CB animals showed elevated levels of Na+, K+-ATPase only at 6 d. Serum beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and sorbitol dehydrogenase were induced prenatally in the 4-CB animals but enzyme activities decreased to normal by 55 d of age. Significant depression of activity was evident in the 1-CB and 6-CB groups at -1 d in both enzymes. Dams in the 1-CB group showed significant changes in intestinal monoamine oxidase, serum sorbitol dehydrogenase, and serum alkaline phosphatase. Serum levels were elevated in the 4-CB group. Activities of intestinal enzymes remained unchanged in the 4-CB group. All maternal enzyme levels monitored were not significantly changed in the 6-CB group.

Studies of Salt-Induced Damage to Roadside Plants in Ontario

"Salt applied to highways runs off into streams increasing their salt content during the winter and penetrates the soil resulting in elevated levels of Na and Cl within 30 m of the highway. The salt that is most damaging to vegetation is that which is carried onto trees and shrubs as wind-borne spray: Evergreens are very sensitive, as can be seen when needles turn brown in early spring. Buds and twigs are killed on deciduous trees, flower buds being the more sensitive. Injury can be reduced by planting tolerant species in salt spray areas."