High Levels Of Potassium Research Articles

TNAU coconut ALR 3 – a promising mite tolerant tendernut variety

Coconut water is considered as nature’s gift to mankind due to its health benefits. The steady demand for tender coconut is currently met from a local dwarf from Kerala, viz., Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD). However, there is a need for diversification of genotypes. Based on a 20-year-old germplasm evaluation trial conducted at Coconut Research Station (CRS), Aliyarnagar, a selection from Kenthali Dwarf (KTD) has been identified as a promising genotype exclusively for tender nut purpose. It has been released as TNAU coconut ALR 3. The selection is an early flowering genotype that comes to flowering from the third year onwards. The average yield potential is 86 nuts per palm per annum from the stabilized bearing period onwards, with a maximum yield potential of 121 nuts per palm per annum. This accounts for 34.1% and 37.9 % increase in yield over COD and MYD. Tender nut water analysis revealed that the genotype possessed 5.2% soluble sugars with a high potassium level (190.21) compared to COD and MYD. The variety is recommended for irrigated belts of Tamil Nadu.

Outcomes of arrest patients resuscitated in an emergency department: a prospective, observational study

In developing countries, a lack of knowledge about basic life support and overcrowded emergency departments (EDs) may cause problems related to the quality of cardiopul-monary resuscitation and postresuscitation care. We aimed to investigate which factors affect the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival rates among out-of-hospital and in-hospital arrest patients in an upper-middle income country. The study was prospectively conducted from January 2018 to April 2019. All patients resuscitated in the ED, except trauma patients, were included. The out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) groups were followed up for 30 days. The primary outcome was the 30-day-survival rate, while the secondary outcome was the ROSC rate. A total of 177 patients were included in the study (80 OHCA and 97 IHCA patients). Among the OHCA patients, ROSC was achieved at a rate of 58.8%, and a 30-day survival rate of 12.5% was observed. None of the OHCA patients underwent bystander CPR. One of the main factors affecting survival in this group was the time interval until the patient reached the ED. ROSC was achieved in 54.4% of IHCA patients, while 17.5% of them were alive at 30 days. Patients who survived 30 days were significantly younger than those who died within 30 days (56 (46–74) vs. 73 (64.2–83.7) years, respectively). In the IHCA group, patients with creatinine and potassium levels closer to normal survived for 30 days. Effective and rapid fluid-electrolyte treatments of patients with high lactate and potassium levels may improve the mortality rates of these patients. We think that a focus on improving the quality of the prehospital CPR practice in OHCA patients and increasing the rates of bystander CPR by educating the public can positively contribute to outcomes.

Different Seasonal Variations of Potassium in Hemodialysis Patients with High Longitudinal Potassium Levels: A Multicenter Cohort Study Using DialysisNet.

PurposeTo determine seasonal variations in serum potassium levels among hemodialysis patients.Materials and MethodsThis was a multicenter cohort study of patients whounderwent hemodialysis and were registered in DialysisNet at our four associated general hospitals between January and December 2016. Month-to-month potassium variability was quantified as SD/√ {n/(n−1)}, and a non-hierarchical method was used to cluster groups according to potassium trajectories. Seasonal variations in potassium levels were analyzed using a cosinor analysis.ResultsThe analysis was performed on 279 patients with a mean potassium level of 5.08±0.58 mmol/L. After clustering, 52.3% (n=146) of patients were included in the moderate group (K+, 4.6±0.4 mmol/L) and 47.7% (n=133) in the high group (K+, 5.6±0.4 mmol/L). The mean potassium level peaked in January in the moderate group (4.83±0.74 mmol/L) and in August in the high group (5.51±0.70 mmol/L). In the high potassium group, potassium levels were significantly higher in summer than in autumn (p<0.001) and spring (p=0.007). Month-to-month potassium variability was greater in the high group than in the moderate group (0.59±0.19 mmol/L vs. 0.52±0.21 mmol/L, respectively, p=0.012). Compared to patients in the first quartile of potassium variability (≤0.395 mmol/L), those with higher variability (2nd–4th quartiles) were 2.8–4.2 fold more likely to be in the high potassium group.ConclusionDifferent seasonal patterns of serum potassium were identified in the moderate and high potassium groups, with potassium levels being significantly higher in the summer season in the high potassium group and in winter for the moderate potassium group.

Nutrition and bioactive potential of the noni fruit cultivated from the Mato Grosso State

ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of noni (Morinda citrifolia) grown in the Mato Grosso State. Ripe fruits from a field located in Cuiabá-MT, had the peel, pulp and seeds separated and subjected to different evaluations. The fruit parts were characterized physically and chemically. Determinations of vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolics and the total antioxidant activity of the fruit mesocarp (pulp) were made. Noni cultivated in the Mato Grosso State presents high levels of potassium, calcium and sodium, with predominance of potassium. The protein content was higher in the seed, and the ash, in the peel, respectively. Noni pulp showed high levels of vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolics and can be considered a potential antioxidant.

Influence of feeding different calcium levels in layers diet on the mineral content ofthe eggs and shells

This study was conducted to determine the influence of feeding calcium levels in layers' diet on the mineral content of the eggs and shells. One hundred and twenty black Harco layers which were 42 weeks old were randomly assigned to four treatment groups designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 in a completely randomized design. Each treatment consisted of three replicates which had 10 birds each. The set of 10 hens were kept in each demarcation in an open-sided poultry house (deep litter) well-constructed with cages for egg collection. The calcium inclusion levels in the diets were: T1= 2.5 %, T2= 3.5 % (control), T2= 4.5 % and T4= 5.5%. Daily routine practices such as feeding, cleaning, and environmental sanitation werecarried out to ensure better results. Hygienic condition and routine management practices were also carried out during the experimental period. At the end of 12 weeks of study six eggs were collected per replicate (18 eggs per treatment) for the study of the mineral content of the egg and the calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentration of the eggshell. From the result obtained, the egg minerals were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by the diets except the phosphorus and sodium (Na) content. Treatment 4 had a significantly higher level of calcium while the lowest was T1. Furthermore, T1 had the highest level of potassium (K) which was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from others while the lowest was T4. The calcium content of the egg shell was significantly (P&lt;0.05) different amongst the treatment groups with T1 having the highest level while T4 had the lowest. The phosphorus content of the shell was also significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected across the treatment groups with T1 having the highest level of phosphorus and the lowest in T2. It was therefore concluded that increasing the level of calcium up to 5.5% may favor dietary minerals and the nutrition of man who are the end users of egg since Ca plays a vital role in body metabolism.

The Relationship Between Neutrophil-Lymphocyte and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratios With Hospital Stays and Mortality in the Emergency Department.

BackgroundMost acute pancreatitis scoring is made in the first 48-72 hours or later. Like many inflammatory processes, Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can be useful in showing the severity and extent of inflammation in acute pancreatitis. Our study aimed to evaluate whether these rates affect mortality according to the NLR and PLR values ​​of patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis by examining the blood samples taken within the first hour after admission to the emergency department rates are useful in predicting the length of stay.MethodsIn our retrospective study, 557 patients applied to our clinic for 4.5 years, whose amylase and lipase values ​​were higher than two times the cut-off value in blood tests and whose CT imaging was compatible with acute pancreatitis were included in the study.ResultsThe median length of hospitalization of the patients was 4.0 (3.0-6.0) days. Gallstones were detected in 320 (57.5%) patients. Mortality of less than a year was observed in 45 (8.1%) of the study population. Eighteen of the patients (3.2%) showed the need for follow-up in the intensive care unit. A statistically significant relationship was found between mortality and variables hematocrit (HCT), red cell distribution width (RDW),c-reactive protein CRP), glucose, urea, potassium, albumin, PLR, and NLR (p <0.05). A statistically significant correlation was observed between RDW, NLR, glucose, and CRP levels in the two groups divided according to the median value of 4 days we found on hospitalization (p <0.05). According to the graphics and test results obtained by ROC analysis, the mortality status can be predicted at a statistically significant level with PLR and NLR diagnostic tests (p <0.05).ConclusionHigh levels of NLR, PLR, RDW, glucose, CRP, urea, potassium, low albumin and hematocrit values ​​at the first admission in the Emergency Service seem to be associated with increased 1-year mortality in acute pancreatitis.

The Origins of Slip for High‐Fired Chinese Ceramics: Evidence from Jiangdong‐Type Calcium‐Glaze Wares Unearthed from Two Han Dynasty Cemeteries in Zhejiang, East China

For Chinese high‐fired glazed ceramics, a slip can improve the quality of products in many ways; however, when and how the artisans started applying a slip before glazing is still relatively unknown. Some Han dynasty Jiangdong‐type calcium glazed wares were unearthed from two tomb groups in Zhejiang. The results show that under the calcium glaze layer, there is another slip coating, which contains high levels of iron and potassium. The underglaze coating can beautify the wares and it could be regarded as the earliest engobe technology on high‐fired ceramic. Further, the raw materials used in the slip coating can be traced back to the so‐called mud glaze black pottery, which began to appear in the late Neolithic period. We believe that the high‐temperature calcium glaze was made of plant ash, which suggests similarities to proto‐porcelain that dates back to the pre‐Qin period. These glazed wares might be a typical kind of proto‐porcelain from the end of the Warring States period and Han dynasty, representing a combination of mud glaze and plant ash glaze.

Advantages of grass-grain crop rotations due to prolonged use of clover-alfalfa-timothy mixture

It is known that significant saving of nitrogen fertilizers are due to perennial legume-cereal grasses use in crop rotations. From 2013 to 2018in the Mari El Republic six-field grass-grain fodder crop rotations were compared on sod-podzolic soils with a very high level of phosphorus and potassium. In the third rotation their productivity and bioenergetic efficiency, changes in several important soil fertility indicators, and crud protein content in the produced fodder were evaluated. The main difference between the crop rotations was based on the duration of the clover-alfalfa-timothy grass mixture (CAG) use: from one year to three years. In given experiment there was also studied the effect of mineral nitrogen (variants N0, N60) against Р60К60 background on the yield of crop rotations. During six years, there was no significant soil acidification in the variants. Each additional year of clover-alfalfa-timothy grass mixture use raised the energy efficiency ratio of crop rotations by 24-47 % (from 1.13-1.24 by one-year use to 2.08-2.25 by three years of use). Three-year CAG use as compared with one- and two-years has given to the crop rotation significant advantages in energy efficiency (up to two times) and productivity (approximately 40-80 %) of cultivated crops. After refusing to apply nitrogen fertilizations in such crop rotation, average crop productivity, soil humus and nitrogen content in the soil were better preserved. The average crude protein content in dry matter of the obtained fodder increased from 12.7 % to 14.6 % when prolonging theca use up to two years. The average energy value of the yield per rotation was recorded low (8.4-8.7 MJ/kg) and did not depend on the studied factors.

Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of the Chinese yam

The Chinese yam is a major component of the Japanese diet consumed in raw and cooked form. It is important to determine the nutrient contents of yam, which contains high potassium levels; a simple measurement method is required. We performed proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of fully grown and immature yams. Analysis of the yam trunk, skin, and hair roots revealed that the skin potassium concentration was 10-fold higher than that of the trunk; consumption of the skin is thus recommended. Longitudinal measurements of mineral concentrations in a growing yam revealed that the concentrations increased in the growth direction.

Metatranscriptomic analyses of the oral microbiome.

Although the composition of the oral human microbiome is now well studied, regulation of genes within oral microbial communities remains mostly uncharacterized. Current concepts of periodontal disease and caries highlight the importance of oral biofilms and their role as etiological agents of those diseases. Currently, there is increased interest in exploring and characterizing changes in the composition and gene-expression profiles of oral microbial communities. These efforts aim to identify changes in functional activities that could explain the transition from health to disease and the reason for the chronicity of those infections. It is now clear that the functions of distinct species within the subgingival microbiota are intimately intertwined with the rest of the microbial community. This point highlights the relevance of examining the expression profile of specific species within the subgingival microbiota in the case of periodontal disease or caries lesions, in the context of the other members of the biofilm in vivo. Metatranscriptomic analysis of the oral community is the starting point for identifying environmental signals that modulate the shift in metabolism of the community from commensal to dysbiotic. These studies give a snapshot of the expression patterns of microbial communities and also allow us to determine triggers to diseases. For example, in the case of caries, studies have unveiled a potential new pathway of sugar metabolism, namely the use of sorbitol as an additional source of carbon by Streptococcusmutans; and in the case of periodontal disease, high levels of extracellular potassium could be a signal of disease. Longitudinal studies are needed to identify the real markers of the initial stages of caries and periodontal disease. More information on the gene-expression profiles of the host, along with the patterns from the microbiome, will lead to a clearer understanding of the modulation of health and disease. This review presents a summary of these initial studies, which have opened the door to a new understanding of the dynamics of the oral community during the dysbiotic process in the oral cavity.

Assessment of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Women at Childbirth and their Newborn in Abidjan, Côte d’ Ivoire

Purpose: The objective of this study is to compare the hematological and biochemical parameters in women with those of their newborns in order to assess the impact of the nutritional status of the former on the latter. Study Design: A cross sectional and prospective study. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 83 women who came to give birth in the hospitals of Abobo Sud (from April 3 to 20, 2017) and Yopougon Attié (from December 19, 2017 to January 18, 2018). The recruitment was based on their consent and according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The blood, taken from the elbow’s vein of the women in labor and in the umbilical cord after childbirth, is put in suitable tubes for the assays of the blood parameters. Results: The results showed that 29% of women in childbirth and 41% of newborns were anemic with the occurrence of almost all forms of anemia such as Normochromic Normocytic Anaemia (ANN), Normochromic Microcytic Anaemia (ANm) and Hypochromic Normocytic Anaemia (AHN), in both groups. The glycemia and lipid parameters studied as well as the atherogenicity indices were increased in women during childbirth, unlike newborns. Regarding hepatic and renal parameters, no significant differences were observed in total proteins, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin between women and newborns. However, the other parameters such as creatinine, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and conjugated bilirubin were elevated in newborns. As for the blood ion levels, the results showed high levels of calcium and potassium in newborns and high levels of chlorine in women. Conclusion: Women nutritional status significantly influences that of their newborn babies.

Effect of different doses of N, P and K fertilisers on seed storability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

The present investigation was carried out with the objective to study the effects of different doses of fertilisers on seed storability of the Indian mustard variety NRCHB-101. The field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at the Agronomy Main Research Station, OUAT, Bhubaneswar laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and twelve treatments i.e. three levels of nitrogen (N1=80, N2=100 and N3=120 kg/ha), two levels of phosphorus (P1=20 and P2=40 kg/ha) and two levels of potassium (K1=0 and K2=30 kg/ha). The freshly harvested dried seeds were subjected to accelerated aging process and the seed storability parameters viz. germination percentage, seedling length and vigour index were studied. Seed storability was found to be significantly affected by NPK fertiliser doses. After accelerated aging test, highest level of germination percentage, seedling length and vigour index were observed at N2 which was significantly higher than N3 and N1. Lower level of phosphorus (P1) showed higher germination percentage and lower seedling length, whereas the effect of phosphorus was non-significant on vigour index. Higher level of potassium (K2) showed high germination percentage, seedling length and vigour index. The combined interaction of N-P-K revealed that highest germination percentage, seedling length and vigour index were observed under N2P1K2, whereas lowest values were obtained at N3P1K1.

Serum potassium level on hospital arrival and survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: The CRITICAL study in Osaka, Japan.

Little is known about the association between serum potassium level on hospital arrival and neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We investigated whether the serum potassium level on hospital arrival had prognostic indications for patients with OHCA. This prospective, multicenter observational study conducted in Osaka, Japan (CRITICAL study) enrolled consecutive patients with OHCA transported to 14 participating institutions from 2012 to 2016. We included adult patients aged ⩾18 years with OHCA of cardiac origin who achieved return of spontaneous circulation and whose serum potassium level on hospital arrival was available. Based on the serum potassium level, patients were divided into four quartiles: Q1 (K ⩽3.8 mEq/L), Q2 (3.8< K⩽4.5 mEq/L), Q3 (4.5< K⩽5.6 mEq/L) and Q4 (K >5.6 mEq/L). The primary outcome was one-month survival with favorable neurological outcome, defined as cerebral performance category scale 1 or 2. A total of 9822 patients were registered, and 1516 of these were eligible for analyses. The highest proportion of favorable neurological outcome was 44.8% (189/422) in Q1 group, followed by 30.3% (103/340), 11.7% (44/375) and 4.5% (17/379) in the Q2, Q3 and Q4 groups, respectively (p<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, the proportion of favorable neurological outcome decreased as the serum potassium level increased (p<0.001). High serum potassium level was significantly and dose-dependently associated with poor neurological outcome. Serum potassium on hospital arrival would be one of the effective prognostic indications for OHCA achieving return of spontaneous circulation.

Risk of Hyperkalemia Caused by Nafamostat Mesilate in Geriatric Patients

Nafamostat mesilate (NM) is used clinically for the prevention and treatment of pancreatitis. Electrolyte monitoring is necessary in geriatric patients receiving NM as it may cause hyperkalemia with the possibility of inducing arrhythmias. We attempted to evaluate the risk of hyperkalemia with aging and its background in this retrospective cohort study. Thirty-six of 290 patients (12.4％) who were receiving NM for the prevention and treatment of pancreatitis experienced hyperkalemia at the Kanazawa Medical Center over the past 2 years. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for hyperkalemia. The results showed that significant predictors of hyperkalemia were increasing age (per 10 years; odds ratio [OR]: 1.41, 95％ confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 - 1.96, P < 0.045), fever (OR: 3.11, 95％ CI: 1.25 - 7.71, P < 0.015), a high daily dose (per 10 mg/body/day; OR: 1.10, 95％ CI: 1.01 - 1.20, P < 0.038), and a high serum potassium level at the start of treatment (per mEq/L; OR: 2.86, 95％ CI: 1.40 - 5.83, P < 0.004). Thus, prior to the initiation of treatment with NM, it is necessary to assess the patient’s medical background and to perform electrolyte monitoring frequently. We suggest that dosage reduction should be considered in the treatment of geriatric patients undergoing long-term treatment with NM.

Prognostic significance of serum potassium level for major adverse cardiac events and death in patients with coronary atherosclerotic disease

Introduction: Serum potassium levels have been shown in some animal studies to be associated with the process of atherosclerosis. We decided to assess the correlation of serum potassium level in ischemic heart disease patients with disease severity and its relationship with prognosis in terms of major acute cardiac events (MACE). Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional cohort study carried out at cardiology department of Rehman Medical Institute, from July 2016 to 31st Aug. 2018 a period of 26 months. 622 patients were included in the study. Clinical and angiographic characteristics were assessed based on the serum potassium level. Correlation of serum potassium level with Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) and Gensini scores was also evaluated. Follow up for MACE was carried out after one year. Results: Mean serum potassium level was 3.93 ± 0.95 (mEq/l) in coronary artery disease patients. Serum potassium level showed negative correlation with SYNTAX score (r = –0.60, p < 0.05) and Gensini score (r = –0.64, p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference between low and high potassium level in relation to the multi-vessel disease on coronary angiography (p < 0.05). Low potassium level was a good predictor of adverse outcomes as shown by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that serum potassium level and diabetes were independent predictors of MACE (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Low serum potassium level is correlated with more severe coronary atherosclerosis. Low potassium levels are associated with significantly poor outcomes.

Soil physicochemical properties closely associated with fungal enzymes and plant defense enzymes in Ganoderma-infected oil palm orchards

Ganoderma boninense causes basal stem rot disease of oil palm, a serious problem in many countries producing crude palm oil. Ganoderma penetrates host cells by producing cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) and its mycelia trigger defense responses in the host plant. The soil physicochemical properties affect plant growth and soil microbes. Only limited knowledge is available on the relationship between soil characteristics and occurrence of plant diseases. Thus, this study aimed to determine soil physicochemical properties, CWDEs in rhizosphere soil, PR proteins, and defensive enzymes in plant roots, and to look for potential associations in Ganoderma-infected oil palm plantations. Roots and rhizosphere soil were sampled from Ganoderma infected and non- infected oil palms from the main oil palm plantation area in southern Thailand. Spectrophotometry was used to investigate enzyme activities. Fungal laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP), and manganese peroxidase (MnP) were positively correlated to organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) concentrations, but these enzymes were negatively correlated to soil pH. Cellulase was sensitive to soil physicochemical properties when compared with laccase, LiP, MnP and xylanase. Regarding plant defensive enzymes, high levels of OM, OC, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, nitrogen and zinc in soil were related to chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) synthesis in oil palms. Moreover, POD, PPO and PAL were positively correlated to fungal laccase, LiP and MnP. Our results indicate that the relationships between fungal enzymes, defense related enzymes in host plant, and soil physicochemical properties, are involved in determining basal stem rot disease occurrence in oil palm.

Susceptibility of some new strawberry genotypes to infestation by western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in the nursery

Strawberries are infested with Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Egypt. This study evaluated the effects of the biochemical components and leaf surface characteristics of ten new strawberry cultivars (Fortuna, Festival, Sahary, Forintaris, Red Merlin, Winter Star, Winter Dawn, Eliana, Montary and Florida) on the levels of infestation by F. occidentalis. There were significant differences in the susceptibility of strawberry cultivars to infestation by F. occidentalis. Fortuna, Sahary, Festival and Forntaris were the most susceptible cultivars. Red Merlin, Winter Star, Winter Dawn and Eliana had intermediate infestations. Montary and Florida were the most resistant cultivars. The relationship between mean number of F. occidentalis and leaf nitrogen was not significant. There was a significant relationship between mean numbers of F. occidentalis and phosphorus, potassium and total phenols content of leaves. The highest mean numbers of F. occidentalis were found on leaves of the Fortuna cultivar with high levels of phosphorus and low levels of potassium and total phenol. The lowest mean numbers of F. occidentalis were found on the leaves of the Montary and Florida cultivars with low levels of phosphorus and high levels of total phenols and potassium. Cultivars with higher density of non-glandular trichomes had significantly fewer F. occidentalis than cultivars with lower densities of non-glandular trichomes on the upper leaf surface. Similarly, cultivars with thicker leaves had significantly fewer thrips than cultivars with thinner leaves. The proper choice of strawberry cultivar is an important component of integrated pest management programs for controlling thrips in strawberry nurseries.

Valorization of faecal and sewage sludge via pyrolysis for application as crop organic fertilizer

In developing countries, faecal sludge treatment facilities are non-existent in most cities and small towns resulting in untreated and improper disposal of sludge. In Ghana 85 % of faecal sludge produced each day is discharged into the earth with no effective treatment. Converting sewage and faecal sludge to biochar addresses the stigma of fertilizer obtained from human excreta, since the pyrolysis process guarantees a 100 % pathogen elimination, and enrich nutrients in faecal sludge biochar. The interest to convert sludge waste into biochar is that it ensures a pathogen free fertilizer. Sewage sludge and faecal sludge with sawdust were pyrolysed at different temperatures in this study. Sewage sludge (SSB1−300 °C, SSB2−450 °C and SSB3−600 °C) as well as faecal sludge with sawdust (CTB1−300 °C, CTB2−450 °C and CTB3−600 °C) were both converted to biochar at 300 °C, 450 °C and 600 °C, respectively using an electric kiln. Physicochemical parameters such as Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Potassium (TK), Total Phosphorous (TP), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Organic Carbon (OC), Organic Matter (OM), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Ash content, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Moisture content, Porosity and Bulk Density and germination test were performed. It was found that at 300 °C nitrogen content, organic matter, bulk density, biochar yield and moisture content were high, and longer root lengths were observed as well. Biochars produced at 450 °C produced the longest shoot lengths. Also, biochars produced at 600 °C had high phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium levels, high porosity, pH and high heavy metal concentration as well. The outcomes demonstrate that biochars produced at higher temperatures are high in heavy metal concentration, but were within acceptable limits for application in agriculture. Biochar produced at moderately lower temperature is favourable for agriculture purposes. SSB1−300 °C, SSB2−450 °C, CTB1−300 °C and CTB2−450 °C had moderate pH and ash levels and so are less toxic to the growth of plants. Faecal sludge biochar produced at the three temperatures were suitable for use as fertilizer. The conversion of sludge waste into biochar will help improve faecal sludge management.

Soil Health and Sustainable Land Resource Management Practices at Municipal Level: A Case from Bheri Nagarpalika (Municipality), Jajorkot District, Nepal

The increasing challenges of pressure and ever-growing demands on limited resources in Nepal by diverse actors, land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change require the rational use of land resources to sustain and enhance productivity and maintain resilient ecosystems for achieving the sustainable and efficient use of resources, taking into account biophysical and socioeconomic dimensions. Regarding this, Nepal Government has realized and taken initiation of scientific and sustainable land use zoning following the National Land Use Act 2019 (2076 B.S.) to use land resources in practicable and sustainable manner. Using spatial information techniques such asZ-3 satellite image, remote sensing (RS), global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information system (GIS). Multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods for acquiring spatial/temporal data, through expert judgment techniques based on field observation as well as laboratory analysis result, it was found that the soil nutrient status of, the municipality varied spatially and has pH with very high acidic to slightly alkaline but most of the soils are slightly acidic (39.58%). Majority of the soil are loam and sandy loam type with very low to high level of organic matter. Most of the municipal area is under medium range of organic matter. Nitrogen content ranges from very low to very high level as to same ranges of phosphorous (37.69%). Potassium level is also in very high to low as 37 percent land area has high level of potassium. Reclamation of acidic soil mainly in leachable soil is recommended with the proper management of Nitrogen with addition of organic matter is needed to manage for improving crop production.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties and Mineral Content of some Indigenous Spices Retailed in Ibadan, Nigeria

Spices have been frequently added to foods since ancient times, not only to enhance the taste but also as preservatives and medicinal agents. Their usage may be of concern due to possible contamination during processing and handling. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and heavy metals concentrations in some indigenous spices sold at two main markets namely Bodija and Apata markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of eight commonly consumed spices were purposely analyzed for their proximate and mineral composition, physicochemical properties and anti-nutrients contents. Proximate analyses showed that the spices to contained (fresh matter ‘As consumed’) moisture content ranging from 11.74g in thyme to 59.36g/100g in scent leaves. Crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and carbohydrate contents ranged between 3.72 – 15.07g, 1.31 – 8.28g, 1.96 – 11.38g, 1.11 – 7.81g, and 17.80 – 50.77g/100g sample, respectively. All the spices contained high levels of potassium (176.3 – 739.6 mg), sodium (60.6 – 317 mg), calcium (78.5 – 423.9 mg), magnesium (82 – 322.1 mg) and iron (5.78 – 20.10 mg), but low levels of heavy metals – copper (0.17 – 0.68 mg), and manganese (0.32 – 1.05 mg)/100g respectively. Flavonoid was the most abundant phytochemical, while terpene was the least phytochemical in all the samples. The samples had very low concentrations of anti-nutrients, and could pose no threat to human health, as their values were within the regulatory standard. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in the spices can help in building up immunity and prevention of non-communicable diseases, hence, their consumption should be encouraged.