High Levels Of Na Research Articles

Evaluating Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes and Health Risk Assessment in West Midnapore District of West Bengal, India

Groundwater quality in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal, India is affected by anthropogenic activities as well as by water quality of Subarnarekha and Kangsabati rivers. This study aims to assess quality of groundwater and river water for drinking and irrigation usage, and assess the health risks of the people consuming the water across the rivers. The study also explores the groundwater-river water interaction. The river water and groundwater samples were collected three times during monsoon season from 14 sites across the rivers. The samples were analyzed for 11 water quality parameters, i.e., pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), major anions and cations, and iron (Fe). The groundwater was found slightly acidic (mean pH ~ 6.71) and correlated with nitrate concentrations. Most of the water quality parameters were found within their permissible limits of drinking water. However, elevated concentrations of potassium (K), ammonium (NH4), magnesium (Mg), phosphate (PO4), sodium (Na), and Fe were detected at some places, which were likely due to use of fertilizers. Water quality index (WQI), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and percentage Na values were computed to evaluate the groundwater quality. The mean WQI value of 37.07 showed that the majority of groundwater samples met drinking water standards. Groundwater was also found suitable for irrigation (SAR ~ 0.26 to 1.62 meq L-1 and percentage Na ~ 13.10% to 78.12%). Health risk assessments suggested minimal immediate risks, though high Na levels in certain areas raised concerns. Piper plot showed that increased calcium concentrations in groundwater were mainly due to interactions between river water and groundwater. Overall, groundwater quality did not present any harmful health hazards to the community. The findings of this study can be instrumental for groundwater managers in identifying potential areas for treating groundwater quality.

Interplay of Na Substitution in Magnetic Interaction and Photocatalytic Properties of Ca1-xNaxTi0.5Ta0.5O3 Perovskite Nanoparticles.

This research paper delves into the enhancement of wastewater treatment through the design and synthesis of advanced photocatalytic materials, focusing on the effects of sodium (Na) substitution in Ca1-xNaxTa0.5Ti0.5O3 perovskites. By employing various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy, the study examines the transition of these perovskites from tetragonal to orthorhombic structures and observes a reduction in Ca content with Na substitution, which also favors the cubic phase formation and inhibits secondary phases. Significantly, magnetic property analysis uncovers an unexpected ferromagnetic ordering in these perovskites, including compositions traditionally viewed as non-magnetic. The photocatalytic tests reveal a significant improvement in degrading Rhodamine B dye under visible light, particularly in samples with higher Na levels, attributed to enhanced light absorption and efficient electron processes. The study highlights the optimal Na substitution level for peak photocatalytic performance, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between structural, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of these perovskites, and their potential in various applications, thereby contributing to the advancement of wastewater treatment technologies.

Integrated physiological and molecular approaches to study salt-induced adaptation in halophytes collected from extremely saline lands

Diverse halophytes were collected across the extremely salt-affected lands of Haryana to explore their salt potential. Higher levels of Na+ and Cl- were observed in leaves (3.20 and 4.55%) than in stem (0.78 and 1.09%) and root (0.81 and 0.80 %). Interestingly, these plants also accumulated higher concentrations of K+ for their survival. Similarly, Ca2+ accumulation was higher in leaves (1.57%) than in stems (1.15%) and roots (1.18%). The salt tolerance potential of these halophytes was assessed by examining the ratio of accumulation of toxic ions, namely Na/K, Na/Ca, and Na+Cl to K+Ca, resulting in their characterization and ranking from highly salt tolerant to least tolerant. The utilization of this ionic accumulation index has the potential to serve as a criterion for the elimination of surplus toxic ions from soil. The halophytes employed adaptive mechanisms by synthesizing osmolytes, such as proline, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins, in both leaves and roots. The upregulation of genes P5CS and NHX1, responsible for proline synthesis and membrane transportation, further confirmed the halophytes’ ability to tolerate high salinity. The findings of these studies indicated the potential for domesticating salt-tolerant halophytes in salt-affected soils.

Determination of calcium, iron, and selenium in human serum by isotope dilution analysis using nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure plasma mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS).

In this study, we demonstrate the applicability of nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS) for Ca, Fe, and Se quantification in human serum using isotope dilution (ID) analysis. The matrix tolerance of MICAP-MS in Na matrix was investigated, revealing that high Na levels can suppress the signal intensity. This suppression is likely due to the plasma loading and the space charge effect. Moreover, 40Ca and 44Ca isotopic fractionation was noted at elevated Na concentration. Nine certified serum samples were analyzed using both external calibration and ID analysis. Overestimation of Cr, Zn, As, and Se was found in the results of external calibration, which might result from C-induced polyatomic interference and signal enhancement, respectively. Further investigations performed with methanol showed a similar enhancement effect for Zn, As, and Se, potentially supporting this assumption. The mass concentrations determined with ID analysis show metrological compatibility with the reference values, indicating that MICAP-MS combined with ID analysis can be a promising method for precise Ca, Fe, and Se determination. Moreover, this combination reduces the influence of matrix effects, broadening the applicability of MICAP-MS for samples with complex matrixes.

EP01.01-10 Long-term Survivals Associated with High Levels of Na+ and Ca2+ in the Blood of Patients with Stage IV Lung Cancer

EP01.01-10 Long-term Survivals Associated with High Levels of Na+ and Ca2+ in the Blood of Patients with Stage IV Lung Cancer

Day-to-day affect fluctuations in adults with childhood trauma history: a two-week ecological momentary assessment study.

Childhood trauma (CT) may increase vulnerability to psychopathology through affective dysregulation (greater variability, autocorrelation, and instability of emotional symptoms). However, CT associations with dynamic affect fluctuations while considering differences in mean affect levels across CT status have been understudied. 346 adults (age = 49.25 ± 12.55, 67.0% female) from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety participated in ecological momentary assessment. Positive and negative affect (PA, NA) were measured five times per day for two weeks by electronic diaries. Retrospectively-reported CT included emotional neglect and emotional/physical/sexual abuse. Linear regressions determined associations between CT and affect fluctuations, controlling for age, sex, education, and mean affect levels. Compared to those without CT, individuals with CT reported significantly lower mean PA levels (Cohen's d = -0.620) and higher mean NA levels (d = 0.556) throughout the two weeks. CT was linked to significantly greater PA variability (d = 0.336), NA variability (d = 0.353), and NA autocorrelation (d = 0.308), with strongest effects for individuals reporting higher CT scores. However, these effects were entirely explained by differences in mean affect levels between the CT groups. Findings suggested consistency of results in adults with and without lifetime depressive/anxiety disorders and across CT types, with sexual abuse showing the smallest effects. Individuals with CT show greater affective dysregulation during the two-week monitoring of emotional symptoms, likely due to their consistently lower PA and higher NA levels. It is essential to consider mean affect level when interpreting the impact of CT on affect dynamics.

Update on Emeralds from Kagem Mine, Kafubu Area, Zambia

Kagem emerald mine in Zambia is deemed to the largest open-pit emerald mine with extremely high economic value and market share in the world. To meet the market demand for tracing the origin of emeralds, 30 emeralds from the region were tested, and some discoveries were made compared to previous studies. This study provides a full set of data through standard gemological properties, inclusions, color characteristics, advanced spectroscopic and chemical analyses, including Raman, micro micro-UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, and LA-ICP-MS. The most common inclusions in Kagem emeralds are two-phase inclusions, which exhibit elongated, hexagonal, oval, irregular shapes or appear as negative crystals with incomplete hexagonal prism. These inclusions consist of H2O or H2O + CO2 (liquid) and CO2 + N2 or CO2 + N2 + CH4 (gas). Mineral inclusions typically include actinolite, graphite, magnetite, and dolomite. Black graphite encased in actinolite in Kagem emeralds is first reported. The FTIR spectrum of Kagem emeralds reveals that the absorption of type II H2O is stronger than that of type I H2O, indicating the presence of abundant alkali metals, which was confirmed through chemical analysis. Kagem emeralds contain high levels of Na (avg. 16,440 ppm), moderate-to-high Cs (avg. 567 ppm), as well as low-to-moderate levels of K (avg. 185 ppm) and Rb (avg. 14 ppm) concentrations.

Sources and hydrogeochemical processes of groundwater under multiple water source recharge condition

Ecological water replenishment (EWR) is an essential approach for improving the quantity and quality of regional water. The Chaobai River is a major river in Beijing that is replenished with water from multiple sources, including reclaimed water (RW), the South-North Water Transfer Project (SNTP), reservoir discharge (RD). The effects of multiple water source recharge (MWSR) on groundwater quality remain unclear. In this study, hydrochemical ions, isotopes (δ2H-H2O, δ18O-H2O, δ15N-NO3−, and δ18O-NO3−), mixing stable isotope analysis in R (MixSIAR), and hydrogeochemical modeling were used to quantify the contributions and impacts of different water sources on groundwater and to propose a conceptual model. The results showed that during the period before reservoir discharge, RW and SNTP accounted for 38 %–41 % and 54 % of the groundwater in their corresponding recharge areas, respectively. The groundwater in the RW recharge area contained high levels of Na+ and Cl− leading to the precipitation of halite, and was the main factor for the spatial variation in groundwater hydrochemical components. The surface water changed from Na·K – Cl·SO4 type to Ca·Mg – HCO3 type which was similar to groundwater after reservoir discharge. RD accounted for 30 % of the groundwater; however, it did not change the hydrochemical type of groundwater. Dual nitrate stable isotopes and MixSIAR demonstrated that RW was the primary source of NO3− in groundwater, contributing up to 76–89 %, and reservoir discharge effectively reduced the contribution of RW. δ15N-NO3− or δ18O-NO3− in relation to NO3-N suggests that denitrification is the main biogeochemical process of nitrogen in groundwater, whereas water recharge from the SNTP and RD reduces denitrification and dilutes NO3−. This study provides insights into the impact of anthropogenically controlled ecological water replenishment from different water sources on groundwater and guides the reasonable allocation of water resources.

New Insights into the Phototoxicity of Anthracene-Based Chromophores: The Chloride Salt Effect†.

Unraveling the causes underlying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phototoxicity is an essential step in understanding the harmful effects of these compounds in nature. Toward this end, we have studied the DNA interactions and photochemistry of N1-(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diaminium dichloride in the presence and absence of NaF, KF, NaCl, KCl, NaBr, KBr, NaI, and KI (350 nm hν, pH 7.0). Exposing pUC19 plasmid to UV light in solutions containing 400 mM KCl formed significantly more direct strand breaks in DNA compared to no-salt control reactions. In contrast, NaCl increased DNA damage moderately, while the sodium(I) and potassium(I) fluoride, bromide, and iodide salts generally inhibited cleavage (I- > Br- > F-). A halide anion-induced heavy-atom effect was indicated by monitoring anthracene photodegradation and by employing the hydroxyl radical (•OH) probe hydroxyphenyl fluorescein (HPF). These studies revealed that among no-salt controls and the eight halide salts, only NaCl and KCl enabled the anthracene to photosensitize the production of high levels of DNA-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pre-irradiation of N1-(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diaminium dichloride at 350 nm increased the amounts of chloride salt-induced •OH detected by HPF in subsequent anthracene photoactivation experiments. Taking into consideration that •OH and other highly reactive ROS are extremely short-lived, this result suggests that the pre-irradiation step might lead to the formation of oxidized anthracene photoproducts that are exceedingly redox-active. The fluorometric probes HPF and Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green revealed that KCl concentrations ranging from 150 to 400 mM and from 100 to 400 mM, respectively, enhanced N1-(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diaminium dichloride photosensitized •OH and singlet oxygen (1O2) production over no-salt controls. Considering the relatively high levels of Na+, K+, and Cl- ions that exist in the environment and in living organisms, our findings may be relevant to the phototoxic effects exhibited by anthracenes and other polycyclic hydrocarbons in vivo.

Increased Leaching Requirements Allow the Use of Source Water High in Salts for Plant Growth

Growers have different capabilities to alleviate salt stress in the growing substrate. One method to reduce substrate salt levels is to increase the volume of water applied during irrigation. This increases the leaching fraction (LF) which is the volume of water that drains from the growing substrate divided by the volume applied during irrigation. We can determine the leaching requirement (the minimum LF to maintain a desired substrate salt level) using the formula LF = ECw/5(ECe − ECw), where ECw is the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water and ECe is the desired EC of the substrate. We tested this formula to see if we could maintain an acceptable substrate EC of 4 dS⋅m−1 by modifying the LF for ‘Hope’ philodendron (Philodendron selloum) and ‘Tineke’ ficus (Ficus elastica) irrigated with tap water (EC 0.17 dS⋅m−1) or reclaimed wastewater (RWW) from Davie, FL, USA (EC 1.66 dS⋅m−1) and RWW from Hollywood, FL, USA (EC 2.93 dS⋅m−1). Shoot and root dry weight was greatest for both species with the tap water applied with a 5% LF. Increasing the LF to 15% for Davie RWW and a 55% for Hollywood RWW, produced acceptable growth for ‘Hope’ philodendron and ‘Tineke’ ficus. In our second experiment, we monitored the growth of ‘Looking Glass’ begonia (Begonia fibrous), ‘Freddie’ calathea (Calathea concinna), and ‘Déjà vu’ philodendron (Philodendron selloum) irrigated with tap water (EC 0.15 dS⋅m−1), salt water (EC 3.49 dS⋅m−1), or RWW (EC 3.48 dS⋅m−1) with LFs of 28%, 50%, or 65%. ‘Looking Glass’ begonia and ‘Freddie’ calathea growth was greater with 65% LF than 28% LF, respectively, for all three water sources. Philodendron growth was not different due to LF. However, philodendron, calathea, and begonia growth was greater with tap water and RWW than with saltwater. Although final leachate EC with saltwater and RWW was around 2 dS⋅m−1 using 50% LF, leachate sodium (Na) levels from salt watered plants was higher than for RWW or tap watered plants. We suspect that high Na levels in combination with lower potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels in the saltwater solution resulted in poor plant growth. Although the Na levels in leachate from RWW substrates was higher than tap watered substrates, Ca and K levels also were greater. Although we were able to use the salt equation to maintain substrate EC levels ranging from 2 to 4 dS⋅m−1, volumes of solution applied were two to three times higher when using RWW or salt water compared with tap water. We suspect that a balance between Na, Ca, and K supported better plant growth with RWW than salt water. However, additional work needs to be done on the benefits of supplemental Ca and K when using water high in salts or Na. This works suggests that in addition to monitoring EC, it also is important to monitor Na, Ca, and K concentrations.

Phenotypic differences among and within extant populations of Chrysanthemum arcticum L. and C. a. subsp. arcticum

BackgroundChrysanthemum arcticum, arctic daisy and its two subspecies (Chrysanthemum arcticum subsp. arcticum, Chrysanthemum arcticum subsp. polaré) are the only chrysanthemum species native to North America. A study on species’ variation in morphological and diagnostic traits is important to link morphological traits with previously described single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, particularly when the genomes are sequenced. The purpose of this study was to establish phenotypic differences and soil conditions among wild C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum populations, when grown in a uniform environment for two years, for potential linkages with our SNP library. Sixteen quantitative morphological traits and five qualitative morphological traits were investigated for 255 individuals from nine C. arcticum populations and 326 individuals from 21 C. a. subsp. arcticum populations.ResultsIn long-day controlled environment, C. arcticum flowering rate was 0% in Year 1, increased to 2.7% in Year 2, while C. a. subsp. arcticum flowering rate was 98.5% in Year 2. Two distinct clusters, distributed by taxonomic classification, were detected by Principal component analysis (PCoA) for 551 individuals from C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis indicated a positive and significant correlation between plant height, flower fresh and dry weights. Flower fresh weights were correlated with Δflower weight, while inflorescence length had showed a negative correlation with leaf number. Soil samples had high Na levels along with heavy metals. Thus, the species are salt-tolerant.ConclusionA high level of salt tolerance (Na) is tolerated by these maritime species which is a unique trait in Chrysanthemum. A new diagnostic trait of inflorescence length was discovered to distinguish among C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum. Significant flowering differences occurred among the species C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum under same photoperiodic environment, including flowering rates and visible bud date. This study on the species’ variation in morphological and diagnostic traits is of importance to link morphological traits with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.

Effects of Preoperative Oral Electrolyte-Carbohydrate Nutrition Supplement on Postoperative Outcomes in Elderly Patients Receiving Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectivePatients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were primarily geriatric, with high risk of postoperative electrolyte disorders and malnutrition. Randomized controlled trials regarding oral nutrition supplement (ONS) strategies in TKA was sparse. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative oral electrolyte‐carbohydrate nutrition supplement (OECNS) on patients (aged >65 years) undergoing TKA.MethodsFrom April 2019 to January 2020, 94 patients undergoing primary elective unilateral TKA in our hospital were considered in this prospective randomized controlled study. This study included patients aged over 65 years with ASA I‐III, and excluded patients with electrolyte disorders, malnutrition, and comorbidities. The control group (control group) received meal nutrition supplements (preoperative 6 h [Pre 6h]) and water (Pre 2h), while OECNS group (intervention group) received meal nutrition supplements (Pre 6h) and OECNS (Pre 2). The Student's t test and χ2 test was used. The primary outcomes were the patient‐reported comfort indicators (PRCIs) including hunger, thirst, nausea, vomiting, weakness, pain, anxiety, and general comfort. The secondary outcomes included indicators of electrolyte, nutrition, functional scores, clinical results, and complications.ResultsThe scores of preoperative hunger (0.43 ± 0.10), pain (2.30 ± 0.34), and anxiety (9.04 ± 2.71) were significantly lower in OECNS group compared with control group (hunger, 1.19 ± 0.21; pain, 3.79 ± 0.26; anxiety, 11.21 ± 3.02) (Pre 1h) (all p < 0.05) as well as the weakness score on the first postoperative day (POD1) (OECNS group 3.57 ± 0.24; control group 5.15 ± 0.29; p < 0.001). A higher level of Na + (OECNS group 140.54 ± 3.39; control group 138.07 ± 5.21; p = 0.008) and a reduced rate of hyponatremia (OECNS group 6.4%; control group 21.3%; p = 0.036) on POD1 were found. Moreover, the higher level of blood glucose (Post 2h) and reduced rates of abnormal blood glucose (Pre 2h, Post 6h) were verified in control group (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference regarding the other outcomes.ConclusionThe administration of OECNS significantly improved subjective comfort, electrolytes, and blood glucose without increasing the rates of complications in patients (aged over 65 years) undergoing TKA.

Mixed culture chain elongation for consumption of acetate and ethanol in anaerobic fermentation: The impact of salt type, dosage and acclimation

Microbial chain elongation is a newly developed carboxylate platform-based bioprocess, which often encounters high salinity stress due to saline feedstock and pH adjustment. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of salt types (Na+, K+, and NH4+), dosage, and salinity acclimation on microbial chain elongation, and identified the microbial community by high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that a high level of Na+ and NH4+ (12.5 g/L of cations) exerted seriously inhibitory effects without chain elongating activity, while K+ had the slightest inhibition only with a little longer lag phase and lower products yield. The chain elongating products yields and the selectivity of caproate decreased with the increasing Na+ concentration, and 8.6 g/L of Na+ was found to be the threshold value for un-acclimated inoculum used for chain elongation. The acclimation to high saline conditions greatly promoted the consumption of acetate and ethanol with a shorter lag phase, and recovered a robust elongating activity for butyrate production. Furthermore, the high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis results indicated that six genera, such as Clostridium IV and Clostridium sensu stricto, closely relating chain elongation process were depressed by high salinity, and the salinity acclimation helped to enrich the functional microbes. These findings could provide useful information for engineering microbial chain elongation process under saline conditions.

Hyperspectral based approach to investigate topsoil characteristics of different taxonomic units of El-Fayoum depression

Present paper is an initial attempt to study chemical and hyperspectral characteristics of topsoil of different soil taxonomic units in El-Fayoum depression. Archival data, field survey, soil profiles sampling and analyses, hyperspectral data assessment and spectral indices applications were integrated with statistical investigations to achieve the aim of the present study. Soil map of El-Fayoum shows the following main sub-great groups; Typic Torrifluvents, Typic Torrerts, Typic Quartizpsamments, Typic Calciorthids, Calcic Gypsiorthids and Typic Saliorthids. Typic Torriorthents recorded the highest levels of EC (260.5 dS/m), ESP (73.6), CEC (107.5 meq/ 100 g soil) and K+ (91.6 meg/L). However, the highest levels of Na (53.69 meq/L), Ca (28.61 meq/L) and Cl (86.01 meq/L) were associated with Typic Torripsamments. Typic Haplocalcids reported the maximum levels of SO4 (35.9 meq/L). The analyses of Tukey’s and one way ANOVA showed a great efficiency of SWIR2 to discriminate topsoil of all investigated taxonomic units of soil. On the other hand, topsoil of Typic Torriorthents, Typic Torripsamments, Typic Haplocalcids and Typic Quartizipsamments can be identified in all spectral bands (UV, VIS and IR) except the green band which showed limitation to define Typic Torripsamments and Typic Haplocalcids. The power of investigated hyperspectral bands to discriminate topsoil of various soil taxonomic units can be ordered as follows; SWIR2 > SWIR1 > NIR > Blue > Red > UV > Green. Based on linear regression analyses, innovative model for assessing gravel % was generated using SAVI retrieved from hyperspectral data, giving a promising accuracy (70 %). Further, a novel hyperspectral library for the topsoil of the investigated six sub-great groups of soil was developed for further applications of soil taxonomy on basis of hyperspectral data. Present findings are useful for encouraging the wide utilization of in-situ hyperspectral data sets for studying soil different variables.

The thermal regime and mineralogical attributes of highland volcanic-ash soils from the Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador: Absent permafrost and little pedogenesis

The high Andean volcanic zones constitute a unique environment, in which a sequence of lava flows and ash layers (tephra) form soils with distinct characteristics within a short distance. The objective of this study was to investigate soil genesis, mineralogy, and the possibility of permafrost occurrence along a representative toposequence at the periglacial zone in the northern slope of the Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador. Six soil profiles between 4000 and 4900 m above sea level were collected, to determine soil properties, mineralogy and petrology characteristics. Soil temperature and moisture were monitored from 2011 to 2015 at the highest zone (4900 m) at different soil layers. Overall, soils are layered with alternating ash and lapilli strata between little pedogenetically transformed soil layers with coarse texture, high stoniness and low clay contents associated with high levels of Na+, K+, and P. Andesitic-rhyolitic material, as well as volcanic scoriae, are the predominant material, and all soils show the presence of easily weathered primary minerals. Organic carbon contents decreased with increasing altitude, due to recent flows at higher parts creating an unstable slope, constraining the formation of A horizon. Landscape instability triggers colluvial processes, and cumulative buried A horizons are observed at the footslopes. Even at the highest altitude, no permafrost occurs at any depth in this active volcano, although little evidences of cryoturbation were observed. At this low latitude, higher solar energy on the soil surface and the current global warming, as well as recent volcanic activity, limit permafrost formation at the highest altitude. Higher temperatures, landscape stability and vegetation growth enhanced soil formation processes at the lower altitudes of the volcano toposequence, whereas the highest position have recent volcanic ash deposition and bare soils, with negligible soil formation.

Laboratory parameters associated with prolonged hospital length of stay in COVID-19 patients in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has imposed unprecedented stressors on South Africa (SA)’s healthcare system. Superimposed on the country’s quadruple burden of disease, pandemic-related care further exposes existing inequities. Some of these inequities are specific to hospital-based inpatient services, such as the geographical maldistribution of hospital beds, lack of oxygen supplies and assisted ventilation, and scarcity of trained healthcare workers. Certain high-risk groups, such as individuals with cardiometabolic comorbidity, are likely to develop severe COVID-19 disease requiring hospitalisation with potential for a prolonged length of stay (LoS). It may be helpful for health authorities to identify those at risk for prolonged LoS to facilitate appropriate health systems planning. Objectives. To identify hospital admission laboratory parameters associated with a hospital stay &gt;14 days in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods. A retrospective observational study design was used. Laboratory data were obtained from an SA private laboratory for 642 inpatients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, comprising 7 months of admission laboratory data from six private hospitals in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. Results. Of 642 hospital admissions for pneumonia, 497 were confirmed to have COVID-19 infection (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test positive). In the COVID-19-positive group, hospital LoS was prolonged in 35.4% of admissions. Univariate analysis demonstrated an association with the following risk factors for prolonged LoS: older age; male sex; high serum creatinine, sodium (Na), chloride, potassium and urea levels and low estimated glomerular filtration rate; raised white blood cell count, lymphopenia, neutrophilia and an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR); and elevated levels of D-dimers, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT). The strongest univariate associations (relative risk (RR) ≥2.0) with a hospital stay &gt;14 days were high Na levels, NRL &gt;18, high PCT levels and IL-6 &gt;40 pg/mL. On multivariable analysis, the following factors remained significantly associated with prolonged LoS: older age (RR 1.015 per year of age; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005 - 1.024); hypernatraemia (RR 1.80; 95% CI 1.25 - 2.60); hyperkalaemia (RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.18 - 2.20); and neutrophilia (RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.15 - 1.88). Conclusions. COVID-19 pandemic preparedness requires hospital-based inpatient care to be prioritised in resource-limited settings, and availability of beds and prompt admissions are essential to ensure good clinical outcomes. In this study of COVID-19 patients admitted with pneumonia, multivariable analysis showed older age, hypernatraemia, hyperkalaemia and neutrophilia to be associated with LoS &gt;14 days. This may assist with healthcare systems planning.

Elemental Composition of Pheochromocytoma Resolved on Solid/Adrenal Tissue and Whole Blood Level.

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is an unusual benign adrenal tumor with an unexamined status of the elements. This study delivers the first insight into the levels of microelements (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Th), toxic elements (Cd, Pb, U), and macroelements (Na, K, Mg, Ca) in both adrenal tissue and whole blood samples collected from PCC patients. The results were strengthened by comparing recorded findings with the patients' healthy adrenal tissue (HAT) and with whole blood samples from the healthy individuals. PCCs had significantly higher levels of Zn, Se, Na, K, and Mg and lower levels of Mn, Co, Pb, and As than that of HATs. Compared to healthy blood samples, the patients' blood exhibited considerably higher levels of Na, K, and Ca but significantly lower levels of Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mg. Females had significantly higher levels of essential Se and toxic Pb and Cd in their PCC tissue samples compared to males. PCC tissue levels of Mn and Cu were significantly elevated in smokers over levels in nonsmokers and in PCC patients with tumor sizes below 5cm compared to PCC diameters above 5cm. The data presented in this study provide a new insight into the pathophysiology of PCC. Thus, recorded elements should be considered as initiators/modifiers of PCC and potential inductors of malignant transformation. The findings of this research deepen scientific understanding of this rare adrenal disease, which, in turn, could highlight the pathogenesis of PCC.

Temporal and Spatial Groundwater Contamination Assessment Using Geophysical and Hydrochemical Methods: The Industrial Chemical Complex of Estarreja (Portugal) Case Study

With more than a half-century in operation, the industrial chemical complex of Estarreja (ICCE) in northern Portugal has left serious environmental liabilities in the region. Although protective measures were implemented, soils, surface, and groundwater contamination caused by persistent pollutants are still prevalent. This study presents data from several geophysical and hydrochemical campaigns carried out to monitor groundwater contamination in the Estarreja region over a period of 30 years. Both geophysical and hydrochemical data showed a good agreement and revealed an important anomaly caused by groundwater contamination (high levels of Na, Cl, SO4, and Fe, among others) in 2006–2007, likely caused by the remobilization of waste pollutants (roasted pyrites, soils, and sludge) during their deposition in a sealed landfill (operating between 2003 and 2005). More recently, in 2016, this impact persists, but was more attenuated and showed a general migration pattern from E to SW according to one of the main groundwater flow paths. Groundwater flow in this region has a local radial behaviour. Drainage effluent systems, such as ditches and buried pipes formerly used by ICCE, are also likely to contribute to some contamination “hotspots”. Finally, the results obtained by the combined use of these two approaches allowed for the delineation of the contamination plume for future monitoring.

Prevalence of Hypomagnesaemia in Children Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and its Related Factors in Zahedan, Iran

Background: Clinical status of children admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) is important. We aimed to investigate prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and its relation factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ali Ebne Abitalib Hospital Zahedan, Iran, in 2018. From total children who were admitted to the PICU, 150 individuals aged one month to 12 years that were entered to the study. Magnesium level was estimated by XYLIDYL BLUE method using Erba kits. Children were divided into two groups based on their serum magnesium concentration defined as normal and abnormal. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18.0. Results: From 150 admitted children to the PICU, 44.7% were hypomagnesaemia with longer hospital stay, higher levels of Na, K and Ca (p>0.05). During the first five day of hospitalization, 58 children died, most of them were hypomagnesaemia. About 39.6% of 101 children who consumed diuretic medicine were hypomagnesemia. This pattern was 43.8% and 40.00% from 130 and 85 patients who used digital or aminoglycoside medicines. About half of the children who had heart diseases were hypomagnesemia. These trends were 33.3% in kidney and sepsis; about 50.00% and 43.5% were hypomagnesaemia from those who had central nervous disorder and respiratory problems, respectively. The eldest children had 1.79 times higher odds (95% CI=0.76 to 8.30) to be hypomagnesaemia compared to the youngest, and girls had 1.01 times higher odds (95% CI=0.44 to 2.30) to be hypomagnesaemia. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in children admitted to the PICU was high and it was associated with the major electrolytes of sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Isotopic and hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater and surface water from a mine site in Tanzania

Abstract This study used the hydrochemical properties of water to reveal the causes of water quality degradation. The results showed that most samples located downstream of the mine tailings dam were slightly acidic with pH as low as 4.6. Samples with high levels of Na+, Cl−, and could not be isotopically linked to the local geochemistry, but the anthropogenic activities and evaporation were probably responsible for the observed water chemistry. The Piper diagram indicated cations were dominated by Ca and Mg, while anions were dominated by bicarbonates and sulphates. Pb and Hg levels (mean 70.29 and 17.95 μg/L, respectively) were all higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) and Tanzanian drinking water guidelines. Mining activities probably contributed to the observed low pH values and elevated concentration of cyanides, heavy metals, and metalloids. Stable isotope results indicated a vulnerability of the water to recent contamination that could be attributed to anthropogenic activities. Moreover, isotopic studies indicated a flow pattern from the eastern to the western side of the mine study site. Lowland samples were more 3H-enriched than highland ones. The present study concludes that groundwater recharge from recent local precipitation may have an impact on the sources studied.