High Levels Of Potassium Research Articles

Crushed Capsicum chacoense Hunz Fruits: A Food Native Resource of Paraguay with Antioxidant and Anthelmintic Activity.

The nutritional composition and toxicity of native plants with food potential like Capsicum chacoense are important for the safe use of populations and could be used as a source for searching for new drug candidates. Infections produced by parasites such as helminths are a public health concern for many countries. The drugs used for treating these diseases are few, and the emergence of resistance is a risk. In this work, the nutritional composition, acute toxicity, antioxidant activity, and anthelmintic activity of crushed C. chacoense fruits were evaluated. The composition was analyzed by standard procedures. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS radical and the total phenolic compound (TPC) tests. The toxicity was evaluated on Swiss albino mice by the single-DL50-dose procedure. The anthelmintic activity was tested against Eisenia foetida. The samples presented high levels of dietary fiber (47.05-49.19 g/100 g), proteins (14.43-15.60 g/100 g), and potassium (1708-1733 mg/100 g). In the samples, the absence of acute lethal effects in doses lower than 2000 mg/kg was observed. A rich composition of TPC (517.26-543.32 mg GAE/100 g sample), total carotenoids (125.72-239.57 mg/kg), β-carotene (3.29-5.60 mg/kg), and good TAC was observed (154-158 mM TEAC/g SMTC). The methanolic extracts at the doses tested (2.5 to 40 mg/mL) showed good anthelmintic activity. The presence of alkaloids was demonstrated in the methanolic extract, consistent with the levels of capsaicin (131.85 and 98.80 mg/100 g) and dihydrocapsaicin (80.75 and 63.68 mg/100 g), with significant statistical differences between samples (p < 0.05). These results show that through the chemical composition of this underutilized native resource and good fruit processing procedures, the C. chacoense fruits have a great nutraceutical potential of interest for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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.

Beta-Blocker-Related Atrioventricular Conduction Disorders-A Single Tertiary Referral Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: Drug-related bradyarrhythmia is a well-documented major adverse event among beta-blocker users and a potential cause for hospitalization or additional interventions. Whether beta-blocker use is associated with specific bradyarrhythmia presentations, and how this relates to other predisposing factors, is not well known. We aim to evaluate the association between beta-blocker use and the type of atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorder in patients with symptomatic bradycardia. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 596 patients with a primary diagnosis of symptomatic bradyarrhythmia admitted to a single tertiary referral center. Of the cases analyzed, 253 patients were on beta-blocker treatment at presentation and 343 had no bradycardic treatment. We analyzed demographics, clinical and paraclinical parameters in relation to the identified AV conduction disorder. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to explore factors associated with beta-blocker use. Results: Of the 596 patients (mean age 73.9 ± 8.8 years, 49.2% male), 261 (43.8%) had a third-degree AV block, 92 (15.4%) had a second-degree AV block, 128 (21.5%) had slow atrial fibrillation, 93 (15.6%) had sick sinus syndrome and 21 (3.5%) had sinus bradycardia/sinus pauses. Beta-blocker use was associated with the female gender (p < 0.001), emergency admission (p < 0.001), dilated cardiomyopathy (p = 0.003), the lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.02), mitral stenosis (p = 0.009), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.02), higher potassium levels (p = 0.04) and QRS duration > 120 ms (p = 0.02). Slow atrial fibrillation (OR = 4.2, p < 0.001), sick sinus syndrome (OR = 2.8, p = 0.001) and sinus bradycardia/pauses (OR = 32.9, p < 0.001) were more likely to be associated with beta-blocker use compared to the most common presentation (third-degree AV block), after adjusting for other patient characteristics. Conclusions: Beta-blocker use is more likely to be associated with slow atrial fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome and sinus bradycardia/pauses, compared to a second- or third-degree AV block, after adjusting for other patient factors such as gender, admission type, ECG, comorbidities, cardiac function and lab testing.

Primary Kidney Lymphoma in a Dog

Background: Lymphoma is a malignant lymphoid tumor originating in the lymph nodes or other solid organs and comprises 90% of all hematopoietic tumors in dogs. However, primary renal lymphoma is rare and is associated with nonspecific clinical signs. Tumor invasion in both kidneys can cause severe clinical signs due to renal failure, complicating the patient's treatment and prognosis. The aim of this case was to report the case of a dog affected by bilateral primary renal lymphoma. In addition, to characterize the clinical and histopathological presentation due to the intense morphological changes. Case: A 5-year-old male Poodle canine was admitted showing apathy and emesis for 5 days. On physical examination, the dog showed 10% of dehydration, reddish oral mucous membranes, poor body condition (score 1/5), uremic breath, and pain in the kidney area. Complementary tests revealed severe low white blood cells count, high BUN levels, high levels of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus (serum biochemistry). Abdominal ultrasound showed bilateral kidney enlargement. Fine needle aspiration of the mass (guided by ultrasound) revealed round cell tumor. Radiographs showed no alterations. The dog died due to his poor condition and necropsy was performed. On post-mortem examination, the kidneys were both enlarged, pale, and with an irregular subcapsular surface. The histopathological diagnostic was primary renal lymphoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that neoplastic cells were strongly positive for anti CD20 and PAX5, while negative for CD3, supporting the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical, complementary tests, fine needle aspiration, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. In dogs, primary kidney tumors are uncommon and usually malignant. The presence of vomiting, uremic breath, dehydration, weight loss, and erosive and ulcerative lesions on the tongue (uremic glossitis) are clinical signs of chronic renal failure, and this condition was later confirmed by laboratory tests and histopathological findings. Dogs diagnosed with extra-nodal renal lymphoma, present clinical signs such as polydipsia, polyuria, vomiting, and uremic breath in some cases. These changes are compatible with changes observed in cases of renal failure. In this case, the severe azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperkalemia were due to the neoplastic infiltration in both kidneys. Additionally, the abdominal ultrasound revealed the tumor in both kidneys. Almost 38% of dogs with renal lymphoma presented in urine evaluation normal urine density and a large amount of protein in the urine, similar to those observed in this dog. When the lesions are on both kidneys, kidney failure develops and uremic extra-renal lesions appear, as observed in this case. The prevalence of primary kidney tumors in domestic animals corresponds to less than 1% of the total of the tumors reported, and they are usually in one kidney. In dogs, almost 60 - 70% of lymphomas are B cells, 30 - 40% are T cells, and less than 1% are null cells. B-cell lymphomas usually show less aggressive behavior when compared to T-cell lymphomas. Kidney lymphoma can be included as an important cause of kidney failure, and has slow and progressive development, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult. Keywords: dog disease, lymphoproliferative disorder, renal neoplasm, uremia. Título: Linfoma renal primário em cãoDescritores: doença de cão, distúrbio linfoproliferativo, neoplasma renal, uremia.

Identifying and managing hyperkalaemia in the prehospital environment

Hyperkalaemia is defined as a high level of potassium within the blood. Potassium concentration is normally tightly regulated at 3.5–5.5 mmol/litre. Hyperkalaemia can have major consequences for muscle, nerve and cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. It has many causes, including disease states, trauma and medication; a tourniquet can lead to pseudohyperkalaemia. Some patients are at a greater risk of developing it. Hyperkalaemia is most accurately identified through blood tests but results of these may not be available prehospitally. Paramedics need to take a thorough history and carry out an electrocardiogram (ECG) to diagnose hyperkalaemia. ECG results can indicate the severity of the condition, and a guide to the ECG changes corresponding to serum potassium levels could help paramedics in diagnosis. Nebulised salbutamol is recommended as the first-line management of hyperkalaemia in several healthcare areas but there are no protocols that enable UK paramedics to provide this, even though emergency vehicles carry the drug and paramedics administer it for other conditions. Establishing such protocols would allow paramedics to treat patients effectively at the scene and en route to hospital.

Novel approach to overcome limitations of humanure usability for farming

Disposal of humanure is a big challenge as well as has huge potential for farming. The major drawback of humanure is high levels of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, which enhance pathogenicity by degrading water quality which results in crop-causing cardiac problems. It also has a low level of organic contents and high levels of pathogenic fungus and bacteria affecting both crop and consumer. Trichoderma is a biocontrol agent known to have potential antimicrobial and antifungal activity against pathogens, which are also commonly present in humanure. Hence, the present study investigated treatment (8 days of incubation) of humanure with Trichoderma to find the effect on humanure’s limitations for farming use. Afterward, germination of seeds was done in the 4 mediums: (i) Soil, (ii) Untreated Humanure, (iii) Treated Humanure, and (iv) Untreated Humanure with Soil, to see the effects of treatment of humanure on crops compared to other samples. The study interestingly found that Trichoderma treatment reduced high levels of potassium and phosphorus in humanure from 610.6 to 244.5 (kg/ hectare) and from 103 to 98.56 (kg/hectare) respectively, while increased low-level organic matter (2% to 10.28%) and sulfur (for immunity) (34.51 to 276.54 unit) indicating its potential. Moreover, Trichoderma treatmentmediated reduction of potassium and phosphorus shall also be reflected in the reduction of germination rate because high levels of potassium and nitrogen in humanure promote the rate of germination. The study showed that Trichoderma treatment reduced germination rate in humanure i.e. coefficient of the velocity of germination from 75.68 to 72.22 units, germination rate index from 21.79%/day to 17.78%/day and final germination percentage from 73.1% to 66.2%; though these values were higher compared to soil, yet indicating the potential of Trichoderma treatment. In addition, the increase in electric conductivity by Trichoderma treatment demands optimization of the approach for farming. Summarily, trichoderma treatment stands as the novel and potential approach to overcome the limitation of humanure to balance nutrient levels to that of ideal soil contents and to reduce pathogenicity of humanure.

Integralno brašno od kukuruza različite boje zrna kao izvor makro-i mikro-nutrijenata

Four commercial wholegrain flours made from differently colored kernels of maize genotypes produced in Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje" were used as the subject of this study. Values of major chemical components as well as mineral nutrients, antioxidants and some vitamins of wholegrain flours obtained from white dent hybrid, yellow popping maize hybrid, red dent variety and blue popping maize landrace are presented. All flours had high fiber content (6.9-10.4%), while total protein ranged from 8.5% to 12.2%. A high level of anthocyanins was determined in blue popping maize wholegrain flour (910.0 mg CGE/kg), whereas yellow popping maize flour had a high content of total carotenoids (26.5 mg bCE/kg). Total antioxidant capacity was the lowest in white (15.50 mmol Trolox Eq/kg) and the highest in blue popping maize flour (37.6 mmol Trolox Eq/kg). All investigated wholegrain flours contained high levels of potassium and magnesium, as well as high content of trace elements, namely iron, zinc, copper and manganese. The maize flour is naturally gluten-free, which makes it highly suitable for persons susceptible to a gluten allergy and those with celiac disease. These results indicate that the wholegrain ZP maize flours can be used as functional food ingredients.

Prospects for using flour from amaranth seeds in dessert technology

Amaranth is a pseudo-grain with a high grain yield that can withstand extreme climatic and soil conditions. Amaranth also has good nutritional qualities with high levels of protein, minerals and fat compared to commonly used grains such as corn. Amaranth grain contains 16/100 g protein, 173 mg / 100 g calcium, 35 mg / 100 g iron, 3 mg / 100 g zinc and higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, vitamins A and E and folic acid than grain of cereals. Consuming this grain helps in improving kidney complaints, constipation and anemia. The aim of this study is to develop a dessert technology with the addition of a plant additive amaranth seeds sort “Polet” as a complete protein and a source of dietary fiber and replacing sugar with flower honey. Optimum concentration of flour from amaranth seeds was determined. During the experiment, the textural properties of desserts were studied.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Extracts from the Leaves of Five Plants Used for the Treatment of Arterial Hypertension in Benin

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are nowadays real health problems in the world. High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for CVD and is affecting more and more people in Benin. The objective of our work is to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of the leaves of five plants used for the treatment of hypertension in Benin. Acute toxicity was evaluated on wistar rats which orally administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight of hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn., Persea americana MILL., Ipomoaea fistulosa Mart. ex Choisy., Heliotropium indicum L., Schrankia leptocarpa DC., and were monitored over a period of 14 days. Subacute toxicity was evaluated on rats which received a daily dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight of the plant leaf extract over a period of 28 days. Plant efficacy was assessed by measuring potassium in plant leaves. Administration of the single dose of the extract did not cause any deaths in rats; the weight of the rats varied depending on the extracts administered. Concerning the subacute treatment, the levels of aspartate amino transaminases (AST) and Alanine amino transaminases (AST) did not vary significantly after the 28 days of treatment with the different extracts. On the other hand, a significant increase in serum creatinine was observed in rats treated with extracts of Phyllanthus amarus. The leaves of Heliotropium indicum, Ipomoaea fistulosa and Phyllanthus amarus contain the highest levels of potassium. Among the five plants studied, only the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus seem to induce renal toxicity. Extracts from the leaves of Heliotropium indicum, Ipomoaea fistulosa might be the most effective in inducing hypotensive activity and do not show toxicity.

A simple incubation test for determining soil dispersion and gypsum rates

Context High levels of exchangeable sodium or potassium in soils can lead to issues such as dispersion and deterioration of soil structure, reduced hydraulic conductivity and inadequate aeration. Gypsum is the most common soil amendment used to treat these issues but current methods to determine application rates (e.g. based on exchangeable sodium percentage or addition of dissolved calcium to diluted soil extracts) have limitations. Aim The aim of this study was to develop a simple soil incubation test to determine gypsum rates that are sufficient to eliminate soil dispersion. Methods Accurately weighed amounts of gypsum (to represent rates between 0 and 10 t ha−1) were mixed with soil (n = 8, three replicates) in small columns (50 mL plastic syringe-valve) and incubated under wet conditions for different periods. The turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH and cation concentrations in the column leachate were measured. Key results As gypsum rate increased, turbidity in the leachate decreased and this relationship was fitted with a natural logarithm function for each soil (average R2 = 0.71). A desired leachate turbidity target of ≤10 NTU was used in the equation to estimate the gypsum rate when dispersion was overcome for each soil. Testing suggested that a 1-day soil incubation time was sufficient. Conclusions Advantages of this new method include (a) non-reliance on exchangeable cation measurements, (b) direct relationship of the turbidity measure with soil dispersion and (c) the influence of soil salinity on dispersion being implicitly considered. Implications This method should provide improved decision support for management of dispersive soils.

The Technology Transfer from Europe to China in the 17th-18th Centuries: Non-Invasive On-Site XRF and Raman Analyses of Chinese Qing Dynasty Enameled Masterpieces Made Using European Ingredients/Recipes.

Two masterpieces of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE), one in gilded brass (incense burner) decorated with cloisonné enamels stylistically attributed to the end of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, the other in gold (ewer offered by Napoleon III to the Empress as a birthday present), decorated with both cloisonné and painted enamels bearing the mark of the Qianlong Emperor, were non-invasively studied by optical microscopy, Raman microspectroscopy and X-ray microfluorescence spectroscopy (point measurements and mapping) implemented on-site with mobile instruments. The elemental compositions of the metal substrates and enamels are compared. XRF point measurements and mappings support the identification of the coloring phases and elements obtained by Raman microspectroscopy. Attention was paid to the white (opacifier), blue, yellow, green, and red areas. The demonstration of arsenic-based phases (e.g., lead arsenate apatite) in the blue areas of the ewer, free of manganese, proves the use of cobalt imported from Europe. The high level of potassium confirms the use of smalt as the cobalt source. On the other hand, the significant manganese level indicates the use of Asian cobalt ores for the enamels of the incense burner. The very limited use of the lead pyrochlore pigment (European Naples yellow recipes) in the yellow and soft green cloisonné enamels of the Kangxi incense burner, as well as the use of traditional Chinese recipes for other colors (white, turquoise, dark green, red), reinforces the pioneering character of this object in technical terms at the 17th–18th century turn. The low level of lead in the cloisonné enamels of the incense burner may also be related to the use of European recipes. On the contrary, the Qianlong ewer displays all the enameling techniques imported from Europe to obtain a painted decoration of exceptional quality with the use of complex lead pyrochlore pigments, with or without addition of zinc, as well as cassiterite opacifier.

Effect of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilization on dystrophic soil on the content of secondary metabolites in Hydrocotyle umbellata L. var. bonariensis (Lam.) Spreng

The knowledge of medicinal plants is of great importance for popular health. On the other hand, the levels of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants is an important parameter to be evaluated. The study of the nutrition of plants and the production of metabolites can provide the identification of beneficial factors and also find out if there are harmful effects of this fertilization/nutrition. In this study, three experiments were carried out (nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilization) in the culture of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. var. bonariensis (Lam.) Spreng on dystrophic Red Latosol on metabolite production (total phenols, total flavonoids and hibalactone content). It was used the soil of a rural property in the municipality of Anápolis – Goiás (Brazil). The experimental design was completely randomized, in a controlled environment. The experiment involved the following dosages of fertilization: nitrogen (0; 30; 45; 60 e 75 kg of N.ha-1); phosphate (0; 120; 150; 180 e 210 kg of P2O5.ha-1) and potassium (0; 25; 50; 75 e 100 kg of K2O.ha-1). The maximum contents of total phenols were with the medium level of nitrogen, zero level of phosphorous and highest level of potassium. For the total flavonoid, the maximum contents were obtained with the medium levels of nitrogen and potassium and zero level of phosphorus. Finally, the hibalactone content was favored by highest level of nitrogen and zero levels of phosphorus and potassium.

Effect of Amazonian tree species on soil and pasture quality in silvopastoral systems

ABSTRACT With the expansion of livestock in the Amazon region, a high percentage of pasture areas are degraded and unproductive. Novel strategies are needed, including the use of native tree species, to simultaneously achieve economic and ecosystem benefits. This study aimed at assessing the effects of five multipurpose native tree species on soil fertility and forage quality of Urochloa brizantha pastures in the southern Amazon. Soil and forage samples were collected under the crown and adjacent to 25 isolated trees belonging to five species during a dry and a rainy season. The presence of native trees positively affected the level of potassium, calcium and manganese in the soil, as well as the mineral matter and crude protein of the forage, especially in the dry season, suggesting a protective effect against the seasonal drought. The tree species had variable effects on soil fertility and forage quality. Soil under Apeiba tibourbou had higher potassium levels, while the forage under Handroanthus serratifolius had higher protein and fiber content. Our results indicate that it is important to diversify silvopastoral systems in the Amazon through the use of native tree species, contributing to the design of novel silvopastoral strategies in the region. Common multipurpose tree species with widespread natural distribution could be used as a complementary aspect of pasture management to provide a protective effect against drought, contribute to enhanced nutrient cycling and even increase forage quality.

Measuring potassium level in packed red blood cells before using: Word of caution for congenital cardiac surgery.

Transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia is a serious complication of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion after congenital cardiac surgery. Our study aimed to identify risk factors and potential preventive measures of transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia in neonates and infants after congenital cardiac surgery. Pediatric patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgery and need transfusion were enrolled in this prospective study. The potassium concentration of PRBC was checked from the sample taken from the segment. The volume of transfusion, age of PRBC, potassium concentration of unit were recorded. The estimated increment of potassium level in patients after PRBC transfusion was calculated. Seventy-four individual patients, 95 distinct transfusions, 112 blood products were evaluated. The mean age of the blood unit was 3.8 ± 1.4 days. The mean potassium concentration in the PRBCs was 9.9 ± 2.4 mmol/L. A weak correlation was observed between the potassium value of the PRBC and the age of PRBC (p = 0.049, r = 0.2, y = 0.24 × x + -0.68). There was a weak correlation between the potassium value of PRBCs and the age of the unit (p < 0.001, r = 0.37, y = 2.8 × x + -3.6). Before transfusion, even PRBC is fresh, measuring the potassium level of PRBC and the potassium that will be given to the pediatric patient with transfusion can prevent transfusion-related hyperpotassemia and related complications. Otherwise, high potassium levels, which may be overlooked despite being fresh, may cause serious complications, even cardiac arrest, especially in neonates and infants.

Variety of Cardiac Events in Hospitalized Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

ObjectiveThis study assessed the variety and frequency of various cardiovascular events in different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who were hospitalized due to different causes.MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted at the Department of Nephrology in The Kidney Centre Post Graduate Training Institute Karachi on all adult CKD (of all stages with or without dialysis) patients, who developed cardiovascular events during their hospital admission either in ward or ICU due to any cause between August 2020 and February 2021. Total of 765 patients got admitted in the given time period and among them, 290 patients developed various cardiovascular events. Baseline data, co-morbidities, clinical features, drug history and management were determined.ResultsThere were a total of 290 patients in our study in which 154 (53.1%) were male and 136(46.9%) were female. Mean age was 57 ± 15.5. Our majority of patients were end-stage renal disease and on maintenance hemodialysis (n=119, 41%) while the most prevalent co-morbid condition was hypertension (n=227, 78.3%) followed by diabetes mellitus (n=204, 70.4%). The most frequent cardiovascular events in CKD patients was the atrial fibrillation 101(34.8%) while 37(12.8%) patients suffered ST-elevation myocardial infarction and supraventricular tachycardia. Patients who had high potassium levels (>5.2) most frequently suffered from atrial fibrillation (n=16, 28.1%) as compared to other cardiovascular events.ConclusionPatients with CKD are at increased risk of having several cardiovascular events. Numerous risk factors involved in the pathogenesis. Among the diverse causes, fluctuations in serum levels of various electrolytes are important causes as certain electrolytes disbalance can trigger various life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Land equivalent coefficient of intercropped varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum) with pea (Pisum sativum) in two sites of Qandulah and Al-Baidain, Libya

Cereal-legume intercrop can play a critical role in improving food production worldwide, e.g., the production of wheat varieties can be improved significantly through increase in the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), when intercropped with pea. This study was conducted in two sites, namely Qandulah andAl-Baida in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar in Libya, during the growing season of 2017–18 to investigate the effect of intercropping wheat and pea on the production of three varieties of wheat and to study the land equivalent coefficient of this strategy. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks arrangement with three replicates, forsole wheat, sole pea and intercropped wheatpea 50:50, using wheat varieties TR, TUS and SER1 and pea variety PSI100. Our technique shows an increase in grain yield for wheat variety SER1 by 1.90 t/ha, while for wheat variety TUS it produced a grain yield of 1.57 t/ha relative to sole. The highest grain yield obtained when intercropping pea with wheat variety TUS, which was 0.73 t/ha in Qandulah, whereas an increase in grain yield by 85.26% was achieved in Qandulah compared to Al-Baida. The low productivity of wheat and pea was observed in Al-Baida that was mainly due to low N content, high levels of sodium and potassium, as well as high content of iron and phosphorus with high soil oxides. Seed yield of sole pea gave 0.61 t/ha compared to the intercrop that gave 0.12 t/ha in Qandulah.The important results of this study indicated that higher Land LER was achieved with wheat variety SER1 of 2.280 and with wheat variety TUS of 0.531 when intercropping wheat-pea by 50:50 ratio in Al-Baida.

Comparative study of prospective variety numbers of meadow clover in the conditions of the Smolensk region

The purpose of the work was to study the best populations of meadow clover in comparison with the control variety in a competitive variety trial and select the best ones to create a new variety. When summarizing the breeding work from 2011 to 2017, the most productive populations of meadow clover were identified during the selection. Their comparative characteristics are given, morphological characteristics and economically useful indicators and properties are described. In the conditions of the Smolensk region, under normal weather and climatic conditions during the studied period, on sod-podzolic light loamy medium acid soil with a high level of mobile phosphorus and medium mobile potassium, in the nursery of the competitive trial from 6 varieties, a population under the number U-6 emerged in terms of indicators yield of green mass and air-dry matter. The control was the Novichok variety, released since 2000. The cultivar of meadow clover U-6 has increased winter hardiness (99.2%), the yield of green mass is 53.9 t / ha, while the Novichok control is 42.5 t / ha, and the high collection of air-dry matter is 12.4 t / ha (control - 10.6 t / ha). The leafiness of the variety was 42.38% (control - 40.2%), the content of crude protein - 16.58%, which is 5.6% higher than the control variety. The average seed yield for two years is 3.7 centners / ha; this figure exceeds the control by 19.4%.

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ДОБРИВА ПЛАНТАФОЛ У ПОСІВАХ СОЇ ЗА НЕСТАЧІ ЕЛЕМЕНТІВ ЖИВЛЕННЯ В ЧОРНОЗЕМІ ТИПОВОМУ

The agrochemical composition of chernozems typical of the agrobiological laboratory of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University has been studied and the economic expediency of using complex mineral fertilizer Plantafol 10.54.10 during cultivation of soybeans, to eliminate the shortage of some elements of mineral nutrition and increase crop productivity was analyzed. &#x0D; It was found that chernozems is characterized by a close to neutral exchange (pH 5.6) and hydrolytic (2.16 mg-eq. / 100 g) reaction, an increased amount of absorbed bases (19.0 mg-eq. / 100 g) and increased rate of saturation of bases (89.8 %), which is typical of agricultural lands with high carbonate content. Сhernozem soil has a low amount of easily hydrolyzed Nitrogen (102.0 mg / kg), an average supply of humus (2.63 %) and mobile Phosphorus (71.0 mg / kg) and a very high level of metabolic Potassium (189.0 mg / kg).&#x0D; Based on the specified agrochemical composition of the soil, taking into account the peculiarities of mineral nutrition of soybean plants, the importance for the formation of generative organs of Phosphorus and its ability to highly effective symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the study area, it is suggested to eliminate possible shortages of soil nutrients, in the first of Phosphorus, foliar fertilization with Plantafol 10.54.10.&#x0D; Complex mineral fertilizer Plantafol 10.54.10 contains Nitrogen – 10 %, Phosphorus – 54 %, Potassium – 10 %, as well as trace elements in chelated form EDTA – Boron 0.02 %, Iron – 0, 07 %, Manganese – 0.03 %, Zinc – 0.01 %, Copper – 0.005 %.&#x0D; It was found that double foliar fertilization with Plantafol 10.54.10 fertilizer at a dose of 3 kg / ha increases the yield of soybean grain cultivar Annushka, which is grown on chernozems typical of agrobiolaboratory, by 0.34 t / ha or 15.5 %. Yield growth was mainly due to a 16.8 % higher biological yield of aboveground mass and an increase in the number of beans on plants – by 15.3 %, seed weight – 16.0 %, total number of seeds – 11.4 %, as well as less pronounced increase in the height of attachment of the lower beans, the density and height of plants in the crop and the weight of 1000 seeds. The length of the fruits and their glazing did not change as affected by fertilizer.&#x0D; The obtained data allow to offer foliar fertilization with complex fertilizer Plantafol 10.54.10, as one of the elements of the system of soybean fertilization on chernozems with close to neutral reaction, increased amount of absorbed bases, low amount of easily hydrolyzed Nitrogen, average supply of humus and mobile Potassium and a very high level of exchangeable Potassium, which reduces the negative impact of deficiencies in the root nutrition of plants, increases crop productivity and provides additional income of 4078 UAH / ha.

Pulp mill sludge-derived carbon activated with an alternative source of chemicals and its application in wastewater treatment – An approach for byproducts valorization

The purpose of this study was to investigate pulp mill by-products valorization through activated carbon (AC) production and its application in wastewater treatment. Bio-sludge is a known promising precursor for AC production. The mill's chemical recovery stage generates an effluent (electrostatic precipitator ash leachate - EPAL) with high levels of potassium and sodium, which motivate studies regarding its viability as a chemical source for carbon activation. Bio-sludge and EPAL are problematic by-products and this research line would allow their return to the productive chain, as an adsorbent for the wastewater treatment. Two carbonization heating rates (3.5, 15 °C/min), three activation agents (NaOH, KOH, EPAL) and two activator:bio-sludge ratios (1:1, 2:1) were used for AC production. The best ACs in terms of surface area were those produced at 3.5 °C/min, with KOH or EPAL in 2:1 proportion. ACs produced under these conditions and commercial activated carbon (CAC) were used in adsorption tests with industrial wastewater. For color removal, KOH-activated carbon presented the greatest efficiency (80.45 %), followed by CAC (76.74 %) and EPAL-activated carbon (70.13 %). For COD removal, EPAL-activated carbon presented greater efficiency (53.49 %), followed by CAC (40.84 %) and KOH-activated carbon (36.86 %). Freundlich's model best described the experimental adsorption data. The KOH results were expected to be satisfactory, since KOH is proven to be effective for carbon activation. The EPAL-activated carbon results were remarkable, especially for COD removal, showing that EPAL can be used as an activator and that the by-products have potential for valorization according to the circular economy principles.

The Association Between Variability in Electrolytes and the In-Hospital Mortality in Critically Ill Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between the variability in electrolytes and the in-hospital mortality in critically ill children admitted into intensive care units (ICUs).Design: This is a retrospective case–control study.Setting and Participants: Total of 11,245 children have been admitted to ICUs of Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University from 2010 to 2018.Methods: The coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), and variability independent of the mean (VIM) were calculated as variability indices. High variability was defined as having values in the highest quartile for each parameter. Age, sex, diagnoses of disease, and surgical treatment were adjusted in the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model.Results: A total of 11,245 children were included, and 660 patients died in the hospital. The median (P25, P75) potassium, sodium, and chloride of all patients were 3.8 (3.58, 4.09), 136.83 (135.11, 138.60), and 108.67 (105.71, 111.17), respectively. U-shaped relationships between the mean, lowest, and highest levels of potassium, sodium, and chloride and the in-hospital mortality were observed. The lowest mortality was noted when serum potassium, sodium, and chloride were between ~3.5 and 5.0, 135 and 145, and 105 and 115 mmol/l, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of three indices of variability in electrolytes were larger than those of the mean and lowest levels of electrolytes in predicting the in-hospital mortality. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the in-hospital mortality were 3.14 (2.44–4.04) for one parameter, 5.85 (4.54–7.53) for two parameters, and 10.32 (7.81–13.64) for three parameters compared with subjects having no parameters of high variability measured as the CV. The results were consistent when the variability was determined using the SD and VIM (all P for trend <0.001). Consistent results were noted in various subgroup analyses.Conclusions: This study showed that individuals with higher variability of each parameter were related with higher risk of in-hospital mortality. There was a linear association between the number of high variability parameters and the in-hospital mortality. The variability of electrolytes might be a good predictor for in-hospital mortality of children in ICUs.