High Levels Of Potassium Research Articles

Bio-Research Published December 2015 ISSN 1596-7409 Haematopoietic Effects of <i>Ipomoea batatas </i>(L) Lam. Leaf Extract on Male Wistar Rats

There are claims by traditional medicine practitioners that the leaves of Ipomoea batatas have haematinic effects and other folkloric usages in the treatment of ailments. Therefore the ethanol extract of the leaves of this plant was investigated to ascertain its effects on red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet counts and their differentials. Proximate, phytochemical and metal content analyses were also carried out on the powdered sample. Extraction was done by maceration, phytochemical, proximate and metal content analyses were carried out using standard procedures. Automated method was used to obtain the haematological indices of control and test rats. Increases in red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin were observed only at dose levels 1000 and 2500 mg/kg body weight of rats. Dose dependent reduction in lymphocyte counts and a significant reduction in mean platelet counts were observed. Proximate analysis revealed high moisture and crude protein content; phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phytate, flavonoids, saponins, oxalate, tannins, total phenols, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. The leaves of I. batatas contain high levels of magnesium, iron and potassium. Increases in red blood count, haematocrit and haemoglobin count infer haematopoietic effects; but reductions in lymphocytes could infer a negative effect on cellular immune response.Key words: Ipomoea batatas; red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, differentials, phytochemicals

Serum potassium levels, cardiac arrhythmias, and mortality following non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina: insights from MERLIN-TIMI 36.

In acute coronary syndrome (ACS), potassium levels <3.5 mEq/L are associated with ventricular arrhythmias. Current guidelines therefore recommend a potassium target >4.0 mEq/L in ACS. Our study evaluated the association between potassium levels, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiovascular death in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Potassium levels were measured in 6515 patients prior to randomization to receive either ranolazine or a placebo in the MERLIN-TIMI 36 trial. A seven-day continuous electrocardiographic assessment was obtained to determine the incidence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and ventricular pauses. The association between potassium levels and cardiovascular death was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model with multivariable adjustment. NSVT lasting for at least eight consecutive beats occurred more frequently at potassium levels <3.5 mEq/L than at potassium levels ⩾5 mEq/L (10.1 vs. 4.5%, p=0.03 for trend), whereas the inverse pattern was observed for ventricular pauses >3 s, which occurred more frequently at potassium levels ⩾5 mEq/L than at potassium levels <3.5 mEq/L (5.9 vs. 2.0%, p=0.03 for trend). There was a U-shaped relationship between the potassium level at admission and both early and late risk of cardiovascular death. Compared with patients with potassium levels of 3.5 to <4 mEq/L, a potassium level <3.5 mEq/L was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death at day 14 (2.4 vs. 0.8%, HRadj 3.1, p=0.02) and at one year (6.4 vs. 3.0%, HRadj 2.2, p=0.01). The risk of cardiovascular death at one year was also significantly increased at potassium levels ⩾4.5 mEq/L and a similar trend was noted at potassium levels ⩾5 mEq/L. The lowest risk of cardiovascular death was observed in patients with admission potassium levels between 3.5 and 4.5 mEq/L. Both lower and higher levels of potassium were associated with tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias, suggesting a potential mechanistic explanation for the increased risk of cardiovascular death at the extremes of potassium homeostasis.

Kinetic Study of Copyrolysis of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polylactic Acid, and Rice Straw

Abstract Discarded polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and rice straw are major waste materials requiring appropriate management. However, no systematic approach is in effect in Taiwan for processing these materials. This study investigates the kinetic changes of copyrolyzing mixtures of PET, PLA, and rice straw. Physical and chemical properties of individual and the mixtures were analyzed and pyrolysis kinetics were studied using both Friedman and Coats–Redfern integral methods. Specifically, the Friedman method was adopted to estimate kinetic parameters in the overall pyrolysis reactions, whereas the integral method was applied to estimate the kinetic parameters under distinct extent of conversion at various phases. When PET and PLA were copyrolyzed with rice straw, the activation energies estimated decreased significantly probably due to the high level of potassium in rice straw catalyzing the pyrolysis reaction. Therefore, copyrolysis is a potential technology worthy of further ex...

Determination of the inorganic composition and short term effect of aqueous extracts of root, pod, and stem of Telfairia occidentalis on some hematological parameters in rats

Aims and Objectives: This study is to investigate the inorganic composition and the effect of fourteen (14) -day oral administration of aqueous extracts of root, pod and stem of Telfairia occidentalis in rats.Materials and Methods: Plant samples were analyzed for K, P, Mg, Ca, S, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Wister rats of both sexes were assigned to sixteen (16) groups of 4 animals per group. Different animal groups received distilled water and root, stem, and pod extracts at the doses of 250, 750, 1500, 2250, and 3000mg/kg of body weight. All animals were treated for 14 days and sacrificed on the 15th day.Results: The inorganic composition result showed that potassium (K) was the highest in abundance in all the samples (root, pod, and stem), compared to the other mineral elements. The root contained high levels of potassium and manganese; the stem had magnesium, manganese and iron while the pod contained high amount of potassium, manganese and iron. Hematological assay results showed reduction in the values of white blood cell (WBC) count for higher doses of root extract and all doses (except for 1500mg/kg bw) of pod extract. Platelet count (PLT) was significantly high for root extract at 750mg/kg bw. The stem extract showed a consistent decrease in the red blood cell (RBC) count for all dose administered.Conclusion: Telfairia occidentalis root, pod, and stem may be a good source of inorganic elements. The extracts have varying effects on hematological parameters which may be dosage- and duration- dependent.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 75-80

The association between normal-range admission potassium levels in Israeli patients with acute coronary syndrome and early and late outcomes.

Abnormal serum potassium levels are associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether different levels of serum potassium, within the normal range, are associated with worse outcomes. The present study comprised 1277 patients with AMI and normal-range admission potassium levels (3.5–5.2 mEq/L), who were enrolled and prospectively followed up in the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey between 2010 and 2013. Patients were divided into 4 quartiles based on admission potassium levels; “normal-low” (K ≥ 3.5 and K ≤ 3.9), “normal-moderate” (K > 3.9 and K ≤ 4.18), “normal-high” (K > 4.18 and K ≤ 4.45), and “normal-very high” (K > 4.45 and K ≤ 5.2). We analyzed the association between admission serum potassium levels and 7 days in-hospital complication rates, and 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality rates. Patients with “normal-very high” potassium displayed increased frequency of baseline clinical risk factors and experienced a higher rate of acute kidney injury during hospitalization compared with the “normal-low” group (7.7% vs 2.4%; P = 0.002). However, the rate of in-hospital ventricular arrhythmias was similar across the range of admission potassium levels (overall P = 0.26), Multivariate analysis showed that compared with “low-normal” potassium values, patients with “normal-very high” potassium levels experienced increased risk for 30-days (adjusted hazard ratio 2.88, 95% confidence interval 1.05–7.87, P = 0.039) and 1-year all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.98, 95% confidence interval 1.05–3.75, P = 0.034). In patients admitted with AMI, admission serum potassium levels of 4.45 to 5.2 mEq/L are not associated with in-hospital ventricular arrhythmias, but are associated with increased short and long-term mortality.

The levels of bioelements in the saliva and hair of young athletes

The salivary and hair levels of bioelements, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, chromium, and selenium, were investigated in 130 children and adolescents, including 35 swimmers, 47 hockey players, 20 fencers, and 28 schoolchildren who did not additionally go in for sports. Atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were applied. The aim of our study was to investigate the characteristics of macro- and microelemental composition of the saliva and hair of young athletes. The investigation established that that all young athletes showed the high levels of potassium and selenium in their hair, those of selenium and chromium in the saliva, and a significantly low concentration of potassium in the saliva (p&lt;0,05), reflecting the intensity of mineral exchange during physical exercises. Individual characteristics were found in the content of chemical elements in the test biological substrates in relation to the kind of sports: the salivary levels of calcium and magnesium were reduced and the hair level of iron was increased in fencers (p&lt;0,05); and the field-hockey players had higher zinc values (p&lt;0,05). Comparison of the hair and salivary concentrations of bioelements established that there was a statistically significant relationship for potassium (R=-0,72; p&lt;0,001) and selenium (R=0,44; p=0,004). Non-invasive screening studies of salivary and hair minerals are recommended for the early diagnosis of an imbalance in macro- and microelements in young athletes. There is evidence that young athletes should be identified as a group of patients at risk for an imbalance of macro- and microelements.

Monitoring and assessment of treated river, rain, gully pot and grey waters for irrigation of Capsicum annuum.

This study examines the benefits and risks associated with various types of wastewater recycled for vegetable garden irrigation and proposes the best water source in terms of its water quality impact on crop yields. The aim was to evaluate the usability of river, rain, gully pot, real grey and artificial grey waters to water crops. The objectives were to evaluate variables and boundary conditions influencing the growth of chillies (De Cayenne; Capsicum annuum (Linnaeus) Longum Group 'De Cayenne') both in the laboratory and in the greenhouse. A few irrigated chilli plants suffered from excess of some nutrients, which led to a relatively poor harvest. High levels of trace minerals and heavy metals were detected in river water, gully pot effluent and greywater. However, no significant differences in plant yields were observed, if compared with standards and other yields worldwide. The highest yields were associated with river water both in the laboratory and in the greenhouse. Plant productivity was unaffected by water quality due to the high manganese, potassium, cadmium and copper levels of the greywater. These results indicate the potential of river water and gully pot effluent as viable alternatives to potable water for irrigation in agriculture.

Estimating on-farm wheat yield response to potassium and potassium uptake requirement in China

Understanding grain yield response to potassium fertilizer supply and potassium uptake requirements is essential for devising optimized potassium fertilizer management policies in China. Currently, potassium fertilization is often ignored due to high natural levels of potassium in the soil. We conducted 836 on-farm experiments at 209 sites in China to quantify wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield response to potassium application rates, and evaluate potassium uptake requirements with increasing grain yield. Across all 209 sites, wheat grain yield increased by 70% from 3.3Mgha−1 at a control level to 5.6Mgha−1 for recommended potassium treatments (RKR, 102kgK2Oha−1). With 150% RKR treatments, no yield gains were achieved, while there was a notable decrease in potassium use efficiency. The potassium uptake requirements per Mg of grain (Kreq) increased from 21.1kg with RKR treatments to 21.9kg with 150% RKR treatments, which indicated that a luxury potassium uptake occurred under excessive potassium application. Under RKR treatments, Kreq decreased from 23.8kg with <4.5Mgha−1 to 20.2kg with >7.5Mgha−1, which was attributed to the increase of the harvest index (from 45.5% to 48.6%) and decline in grain potassium concentrations (from 4.7gkg−1 to 4.0gkg−1). When the grain yield was<7.5Mgha−1, potassium accumulation during post-anthesis was lower than that at pre-anthesis, by −78.5kgha−1 and −30.8kgha−1 with <6Mgha−1 and 6–7.5Mgha−1 yield ranges, respectively, but higher than that at pre-anthesis when the grain yield was >7.5Mgha−1 and by 18.2kgha−1. In summary, potassium fertilization can increase wheat grain yield in China and total potassium uptake requirements were shown to decrease with increasing grain yield. This suggests that potassium optimization must be taken into account in management decisions for high-yielding wheat production in China.

Influence of different land uses on groundwater quality in southern Portugal

In Alentejo region, southern Portugal, differences in groundwater samples from six groundwater bodies covered with different land uses were analysed based on the monitoring plan of the Alqueva multi-purpose project, created in the sequence of the construction of the Alqueva Dam on the Guadiana River, in South Portugal. For most of the groundwater bodies there is a statistical significant difference between magnesium, sulphate, chloride, and phosphate. All of these ions are strongly correlated with land use management. Groundwater, where land is covered by olive groves, has high levels of electric conductivity, calcium, potassium, sulphate, and phosphate. Dry land crops are correlated with calcium, magnesium, chloride and consequently, electric conductivity, phosphates and sulphate. Vineyards are strongly correlated with high sulphate and phosphate levels. This study clearly shows that different land uses within a certain groundwater body influence the water quality in a different way. Therefore, an appropriate soil management should be adjusted to each situation, taking into account the aquifer matrix and the overlying soil.

Avocado: characteristics, health benefits and uses

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to present a literature review about the characteristics, applications, and potential of avocado (Persea americana). Avocado is considered one of the main tropical fruits, as it contains fat-soluble vitamins which are less common in other fruits, besides high levels of protein, potassium and unsaturated fatty acids. Avocado pulp contains variable oil content, and is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, and in the production of commercial oils similar to olive oil. This fruit has been recognized for its health benefits, especially due to the compounds present in the lipidic fraction, such as omega fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols and squalene. Studies have shown the benefits of avocado associated to a balanced diet, especially in reducing cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular diseases. The processed avocado pulp is an alternative to utilize fruits, which can be used in various value-added food products. Fluid extract of the avocado leaves is widely used in pharmaceutical products, mainly due to the diuretic characteristic of the present compounds in plant leaves. With the increasing research supporting the nutritional characteristics and benefits of avocado, the tendency is to increase the production and exploitation of this raw material in Brazil, as also observed in other countries.

Production of bio-coal, bio-methane and fertilizer from seaweed via hydrothermal carbonisation

Macroalgae have emerged as a potential future source of feedstock for the production of chemicals and biofuels. The main drawbacks of macroalgae in terms of a biofuel feedstock are its low heating value (HHV), high halogen content, high ash content and high slagging and fouling propensity. In this investigation, three species of kelps; (i) Laminaria digitata (ii) Laminaria hyperborea and (iii) Alaria esculenta have been processed by hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) in a batch reactor at two temperatures (200°C and 250°C). The yields and properties of the resulting hydrochars including their HHV, CHNS, mineral content and ash fusibility properties have been determined and compared to the starting material. Significant improvement in fuel quality is observed resulting in an increase in energy density from 10MJ/kg to typically 25MJ/kg, which is comparable to that of a low rank coal. The results indicate significant demineralisation of the fuel, in particular a significant removal of alkali salts and chlorine. This results in improved combustion properties due to a reduction in the slagging and fouling properties of the fuel. Analysis of the HTC water phase indicates the presence of high levels of soluble organic carbon consisting of sugars and organic acids, and high levels of potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. The potential for production of bio-methane and recovery of nutrients following anaerobic treatment of the water phase is assessed. A prediction of the bio-methane yields for the different seaweeds has been calculated. Processing of biomass collected throughout the growth season indicates the influence of seasonal variation on energy and nutrient recovery.

Abstract MP80: Genome-wide Meta-analysis of SNP-by-antihypertensive Treatment Class Effect on Serum Potassium in Cohorts of European and African Ancestry From Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium

Thiazide diuretics (TD) lead to hypokalemia and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) lead to hyperkalemia more frequently than other antihypertensives. Inter-individual variation in serum potassium on antihypertensive treatments exist and we hypothesized genetic markers may modify the association of treatment class with serum potassium levels. We separately evaluated interactions of SNP-by-TD as well as SNP-by-ACE /ARB on serum potassium levels among users of antihypertensive medication (anti-HTN). Our study included 7 European-ancestry cohorts (EA, N = 1673 TD exposed; N=1262 ACE /ARB exposed; N=1998 reference, users of other anti-HTN) and 4 African-American ancestry cohorts (AA, N = 482 TD exposed; N =411 ACE/ARB exposed; N=1182 users of other anti-HTN). Models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, potassium supplementation, and ancestry at the cohort level. We filtered results based on an estimated degrees of freedom filter that incorporated SNP imputation quality, minor allele frequency (MAF), and the number of exposed participants. We performed race-stratified fixed effects inverse variance weighted meta-analyses of 2.5 million SNP-by-drug interaction estimates. ACE /ARB data uncovered eleven significant (P&lt;5x10-8, Figure top line) SNPs (smallest P=1.1х10-8; MAF 0.37-0.40) at a single locus among EAs with consistent direction of effect across the 7 cohorts. The SNPs are located between the genes for NR2F1 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F1-AS1) and arrestin domain containing 3 antisense RNA 1 (ARRDC3-AS1) on chromosome 5 (Figure). The ACE /ARB interaction meta-analysis in AAs highlighted a SNP in insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). The TD interaction analysis did not yield significant results in either race group. In conclusion, genome-wide SNP-by-ACE /ARB interaction analyses for serum potassium uncovered loci that could have future implications for the prevention of arrhythmias due to high potassium levels on a common antihypertensive treatment.

Characterization of Matured Vermicompost Derived from Valorization of Palm Oil Mill Byproduct.

The valorization process involves transforming low-value materials such as wastes into high-value-added products. The current study aims to determine the potential of using a valorization process such as vermicomposting technology to convert palm oil mill byproduct, namely, decanter cake (DC), into organic fertilizer or vermicompost. The maturity of the vermicompost was characterized through various chemical and instrumental characterization to ensure the end product was safe and beneficial for agricultural application. The vermicomposting of DC showed significantly higher nutrient recovery and decreases in C:N ratio in comparison with the controls, particularly in the treatment with 2 parts DC and 1 part rice straw (w/w) (2DC:1RS). 2DC:1RS vermicompost had a final C:N ratio of 9.03 ± 0.12 and reasonably high levels of calcium (1.13 ± 0.05 g/kg), potassium (25.47 ± 0.32 g/kg), magnesium (4.87 ± 0.19 g/kg), sodium (7.40 ± 0.03 g/kg), and phosphorus (3.62 ± 0.27 g/kg). In addition, instrumental characterization also revealed a higher degree of maturity in the vermicompost. Ratios of 2921:1633 and DTG2:DTG3 also showed significant linear correlations with the C:N ratio, implying that those ratios could be used to characterize the progression of vermicompost maturity during the valorization process of DC.

ID 154 – Post exercise decrement in CMAP amplitude and myotonia in Hyperkaliemic Periodic Paralysis

Objective We describe a patient with presumptive diagnosis of Hyperkaliemic Periodic Paralysis (HPP) triggered by spironolactone and alcohol intake. Short, long exercise tests (LET) and electromyography were performed. Methods and results A 54-year-old Philippine man with alcoholic hepatopathy and episodes of paralysis was admitted because of ascitic decompensation. He was treated with spironolactone and developed progressive weakness and areflexia. Later, proximal paralysis, high potassium and creatinine kinase levels were observed. An electromyography showed a mild polyneuropathy, myotonic discharges and myopathy. LET demonstrated a decrement of 30% of CMAP amplitude 33 min after exercise. These findings supported the diagnosis of HPP with myotonia. Spinorolactone was removed and paralysis improved in a few hours. Potassium levels normalized. Conclusion HPP may be suspected in the presence of flaccid paralysis, myotonia and high potassium levels. LET and EMG are useful tools in the diagnosis. Key message Neurophysiological tests are essential for diagnosis of muscle channelopathies.

Electrolyte composition of retro-oil fluid and silicone oil-related visual loss.

Up to one-third of patients with intra-ocular silicone oil (SO) tamponade for complex macula-on retinal detachment may experience an unexplained visual loss during or after SO tamponade. Although the underlying mechanism is unknown, previous studies suggested that accumulation of retinal potassium could be involved. Hence, this study tested the hypothesis that intra-ocular potassium levels are elevated during SO tamponade. A prospective cohort study was carried out from 13 October 2013 through 5 March 2015. Potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, calcium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose levels were measured in retro-oil fluid and paired serum from 16 patients undergoing oil removal, including two patients with SO-related visual loss (SORVL). Vitreous humour and paired serum from 27 patients with macular hole (n=19) or floaters (n=8) served as controls. Median potassium levels in retro-oil fluid and vitreous humour were similar. Magnesium and chloride levels were lower in retro-oil fluid compared with vitreous humour (p<0.01) and LDH levels were elevated in retro-oil fluid (p<0.0001). One of the two patients with SORVL revealed abnormal high potassium and magnesium levels. The other patient had normal levels. Potassium levels are not increased in retro-oil fluid during SO tamponade, making the 'potassium accumulation' hypothesis unlikely. The disturbance in magnesium concentration during SO tamponade warrants further investigation.

Potassium enhances frost tolerance in young individuals of three tropical dry forest species from Mexico.

Movement of species outside their range of distribution could be a strategy for conservation purposes, but before implementation, it is necessary to evaluate plants responses to the conditions that they will experience in new locations. We evaluated the effect of potassium fertilisation to enhance the frost tolerance of young individuals of Albizia plurijuga (Standley) Britton & Rose, Cedrela dugesii S.Watson and Ceiba aesculifolia (Kunth) Britten & Baker f., which are all common species from tropical dry forests in Mexico. Plants were propagated in a shade-house and fertilised during 9 months with different concentrations of potassium (39, 189 and 528ppm). In frost simulations, plants were exposed to temperatures below 0°C during different time periods and frost injury was assessed by electrolyte leakage of leaf discs from young and old leaves. We observed that potassium fertilisation enhanced frost tolerance by reducing electrolyte leakage mainly in young leaves. We recorded plant re-sprouting ability after exposure to subzero temperatures over 45 days, finding notable differences among species: all individuals of C. dugesii sprouted, followed by some of A. plurijuga and finally just one of C. aesculifolia. Also, high potassium levels increased re-sprouting response. These species have a low frost tolerance, but potassium fertilisation seemed to be effective to enhance it for young individuals, increasing the probability of survival if plants are moved to colder areas than current habitats.

Assessment of electrolytes and HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients using metformin and evaluation of guidelines obedience regarding renal impairment

Metformin is indicated as the first line treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objectives of this studywere to assess electrolytes and glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb1Ac) in patients with T2DM using metformin for long term therapy and also to demonstrate compliance with the guidelines regarding renal impairment. This study has been conducted in Al-Nassiriya Province. It was carried out on sixty patients (with T2DM for 5 years, age: 50-60 years).We found that 43% of physicians use creatinine levels as a test for follow up while the others use urea and/ orglomerular filtration rate (GFR). Only 57.2% of physicians follow the guidelines by doing the test every three months. The results showed high potassium and low sodium levels in patients treated with metformin only compared with other oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs). However, both were still within the normal level and statistically insignificant (P &gt; 0.005). Calcium readings were high in patients treated with metformin compared with other OHAs and were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.005), but still within the upper normal level. HbA1c was low (7.33%) in patients treated with metformin combined with other OHAs compared with HbA1c in patients treated with metformin only which was 9.48% and was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.005). We need more clinical studies about electrolytes association with metformin. HbA1c should be taken in consideration when treating type 2 diabetes with metformin as initial therapy alone or in combination with other OHAs and /or withdrawn from metformin.

Deficiency of magnesium in maize (Zea mays L.) induced by high potassium level in a micaceous soil of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India

A field observation was undertaken in a farmer’s field sown with maize at Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand to record whether K rich micaceous soil can cause Mg deficiency. The crop was fertilized with nitrogen and phosphorus only. The visible effect of Mg-deficiency initiated after 20-25 days of maize sowing as interveinal chlorosis in older leaves along the margins running the full length of the leaves parallel to the veins. In later stage, necrosis of older leaves occurred particularly at the tip of the leaves. The leaf and soil sample collected at 45 days after sowing (DAS) revealed an extremely low content of Mg in soil (4.32 mg kg-1) and plant (0.11%). The soil analysis also revealed that the soil was acidic in nature (pH 5.07) with low cation exchange capacity (9.7 cmol kg-1). However, the soil was having a very high level of water soluble (18.2 mg kg-1), exchangeable (262.3 mg kg-1) and available K (280.5 mg kg-1), which has resulted in an imbalanced exchangeable K: Mg ratio (60.7:1) rendering reduced uptake of Mg by maize. Therefore, it was concluded from the study that magnesium deficiency can occur in maize in conditions like acidic, sandy, mica rich soils with high level of K combined with low Mg content, even without K fertilization. Hence, the farmers may use dolomitic lime and/or Mg-containing fertilizers to correct Mg deficiency under such conditions for sustainable agricultural production systems.

Contribution of dysregulated serum magnesium to mortality in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: a 3-year cohort study.

BackgroundThe extent of contribution of disturbed magnesium balance to mortality remains unclear among hemodialysis patients.MethodsThis was a cohort study involving 3276 patients on maintenance hemodialysis at 86 facilities in Japan from 2008 to 2010 who had secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Baseline serum magnesium (sMg) values were categorized into quintiles (≤2.3, >2.3–2.5, >2.5–2.7, >2.7–3.0 and >3.0 mg/dL), and the middle quintile was set as the reference. Outcome was all-cause death. Independent contribution to all-cause death was assessed via Cox regression to generate population-attributable fractions (PAFs).ResultsA total of 2165 patients from 68 facilities were analyzed. The lowest quintile of sMg was positively associated with lower serum potassium and albumin levels, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and prevalence of atrial fibrillation and cerebrovascular disease than the other quintiles. The highest sMg quintile was positively associated with higher potassium levels, and negatively associated with lower serum albumin levels and higher intact parathyroid hormone and CRP levels and prevalence of cerebrovascular disease than the other quintiles. During a median follow-up of 3 years, the lowest and the second lowest quintiles of sMg were associated with all-cause death [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.737, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.200–2.512 and HR 1.675, 95% CI 1.254–2.238, respectively). Point estimates of adjusted HRs of the highest and the second highest sMg quintiles were higher than those of the middle quintile for all-cause death. Adjusted PAFs of lower sMg and of higher and lower sMg for all-cause death were 24.0% (95% CI 13.0–35.0%) and 30.7% (95% CI 14.5–46.8%), respectively.ConclusionIn hemodialysis patients with SHPT, dysregulated sMg is an important contributor to all-cause death. Further studies are warranted to examine whether or not correction of sMg improves survival.

Early development of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis (Linnaeus, 1758) cultured in potassium-fortified inland saline water

The low potassium concentration in inland saline water (ISW) restrains the normal development of cultured marine organisms, and thus, possesses challenges for the development of ISW aquaculture. Therefore, assessing the effects of potassium fortification in ISW on the performance of cultured marine species is an important step to determine the feasibility of their culture in ISW. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of potassium fortification in ISW on the performance of early life stages of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis including fertilised eggs, trochophore, veliger and pediveliger larvae. These stages were reared in five different levels of potassium-fortified ISW, namely 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of potassium levels equivalent to the potassium level in ocean water (OW) and two controls namely, ISW at 27ppt (ISW27) and OW at 25ppt (OW25). The results showed that the higher levels of potassium in ISW, particularly with 100% K+ fortification (ISW100K+), invariably improved the survival and size, and reduced the developmental stage interval and deformities of blue mussel larvae. Deformities, such as faulty cell cleavage, abnormal formation of trochophore larvae, protruding mantle in veliger larvae, and indented shell margin in veliger and in pediveliger, were observed when reared in any ISW. However, rearing in ISW did not result in any deformities in settlement larvae. The number of deformities was reduced at higher K+ fortification levels, and there were no deformities in pediveliger larvae reared in ISW100K+ and in OW. These results showed that K+ fortification in ISW improves the performance of the rearing of the larval stages of the blue mussel. Statement of relevanceThis study is the first attempt to culture larval stages of blue mussel Mytilus edulis in potassium-fortified inland saline water. The results have shown that that the larval development is feasible only if ISW is fortified with K+. By initiating larval culture in inland saline water, we expect better results will be reflected by adult stages.