Hyponatremia Research Articles

Bioengineering of vascularized porcine flaps using perfusion-recellularization

Large volume soft tissue defects greatly impact patient quality of life and function while suitable repair options remain a challenge in reconstructive surgery. Engineered flaps could represent a clinically translatable option that may circumvent issues related to donor site morbidity and tissue availability. Herein, we describe the regeneration of vascularized porcine flaps, specifically of the omentum and tensor fascia lata (TFL) flaps, using a tissue engineering perfusion-decellularization and recellularization approach. Flaps were decellularized using a low concentration sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) detergent perfusion to generate an acellular scaffold with retained extracellular matrix (ECM) components while removing underlying cellular and nuclear contents. A perfusion-recellularization strategy allowed for seeding of acellular flaps with a co-culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) onto the decellularized omentum and TFL flaps. Our recellularization technique demonstrated evidence of intravascular cell attachment, as well as markers of endothelial and mesenchymal phenotype. Altogether, our findings support the potential of using bioengineered porcine flaps as a novel, clinically-translatable strategy for future application in reconstructive surgery.

Joint Association of Low Nadir Serum Sodium and Potassium with Worse Outcomes after Ischemic Stroke

Background. Potassium and sodium are inextricably linked to the maintenance of cell potential and electrolyte homeostasis. Few studies have examined their joint relationship with outcomes after stroke. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether combined low nadir serum sodium and potassium levels are correlated with an unfavorable outcome in ischemic stroke. Methods. Retrospective cohort study of 2,920 consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Serum sodium and potassium levels were measured at 10 consecutive time points over 10 days poststroke. The Youden Index was performed to identify patients with low nadir sodium (<140 mmol/L) and potassium (<3.65 mmol/L) levels, defined as a NaK score of 2. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to evaluate the independent relationship of sodium and potassium levels with clinical outcomes at three months. Results. A total of 2,920 patients with ischemic stroke were analyzed (mean age 62.14±14.13 years; 60.19% male), of whom 740 (25.3%) with both low nadir sodium and potassium levels had a quintuple 3-month case fatality compared to other patients (10.6% vs. 2.1%). Multivariable analyses identified NaK=2 as an independent predictor of 3-month death (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-4.53; p=0.019) and an unfavorable shift in the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale (adjusted OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.12-2.04; p=0.007). Conclusions. Low sodium and potassium levels are common after ischemic stroke and are independent predictors of subsequent death.

Risk factors affecting the sleep quality of patients on dialysis: A single-center cross-sectional study.

Sleep quality is among the common complication in patients on dialysis and serious affect their health and quality of life; however, other associated risk factors are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors affecting sleep quality in patients on dialysis. Data were collected from 260 patients who met the inclusion criteria at out hospital from May 2023 to October 2023. Questionnaires were completed by patients, and biochemical indicators were obtained from past medical records. Univariate and multifactor analyses were used to find factors influencing sleep quality in patients on dialysis. Simple linear regression results showed that female, type of kidney primary disease, high systolic blood pressure (SBP), pruritus, pruritus frequency, restless legs syndrome (RLS), anxiety, and depression were associated with poor sleep quality. Blood biochemical parameters showed that low sodium and calcium levels and high ferritin levels were associated with poor sleep quality. Multiple linear regression statistics showed that female, pruritus, RLS, high SBP, depression, and high ferritin levels were associated with poor sleep quality. This study showed that female, chronic nephritis syndrome, high SBP, pruritus, RLS, low mood. and high ferritin levels were associated with poor sleep quality. Future development of individual nursing and targeted therapies is key to improving sleep quality in patients on dialysis.

Assessment of Surface Water Quality Using Entropy-WQI, Fuzzy-TOPSIS Analysis, Irrigation Indices and Spatial Interpolation Approaches in Mahanadi River Basin, Odisha, India

The current study is aimed at the assessment of surface water quality in the Mahanadi River, Odisha and its suitability for agricultural and consumption purposes, utilizing various indices of water quality such as Entropy Water Quality Index, Osmotic Pressure, Potential Salinity, Residual Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Adsorption Ratio and Kelly Index. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) mechanisms namely, fuzzy-TOPSIS modeling and GIS tools were used; additionally, the suitability of river water for industrial uses was evaluated using indices such as Ryznar Stability Index and Puckorius scaling index. From 2019 to 2023, samples from 19 sampling stations were collected and 21 physical and chemical parameters were evaluated and compared with the normative recommendations advised by WHO. The dispersion of surface water quality on land use changes was discovered using GIS approaches. Additionally, using ArcGIS software, the spatial variability of hydrological processes was determined using the IDW interpolation approach. The pH levels of certain sampling points were slightly above the acceptable limit. Tests revealed that the Total coliform (TC) and turbidity levels in the water samples exceeded critical limits, particularly in areas of the urban river basin that were irrigated with wastewater. The calculated values of EWQI lie between 14.6 and 1066. Entropy WQI values designated 2 locations (ST-8, 19) out of 19 sampling locations as poor category and another one testing point (ST-9) as extremely poor category. The study found that 84.21% of the water samples were of excellent quality for drinking, while 15.78% of locations had poor or extremely poor water quality. However, some indices were favorable for the usage of the water for irrigation purposes. Magnesium hazard (MH) readings at two sampling sites were above 50%, indicating that they were inappropriate for irrigation. USSL (United States Salinity Laboratory) diagrams categorized the water samples as C1-S1 (low salinity and low sodium) for almost 18 sites and C4-S3 (very high salinity and high sodium) for only ONE sample, respectively, suggesting river water’s irrigation suitability. Further, Piper diagrams revealed that most investigated waters were Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- water type. In a later stage, from Gibb’s diagram, it was found that most samples fall under the rock-water dominance. Based on the above and all other investigation results, it was concluded that water is suitable for irrigation and drinking purposes in all sites, except for three locations. The reason may be due to long-term use of wastewater, anthropogenic activities, over-extraction of surface water and changes in land use patterns. To sum up, it is advantageous to combine physicochemical properties, EWQI, fuzzy-TOPSIS, and GIS tools to evaluate surface water suitability for consumption and agriculture and their regulating variables. The strategy utilized in this work will aid the water management authorities in ensuring the supply of safe water for stakeholders.

The Human Gut and Dietary Salt: The Bacteroides/Prevotella Ratio as a Potential Marker of Sodium Intake and Beyond.

The gut microbiota is a dynamic ecosystem that plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health. The perturbation of these microbes has been linked to several health conditions. Hence, they have emerged as promising targets for understanding and promoting good health. Despite the growing body of research on the role of sodium in health, its effects on the human gut microbiome remain under-explored. Here, using nutrition and metagenomics methods, we investigate the influence of dietary sodium intake and alterations of the human gut microbiota. We found that a high-sodium diet (HSD) altered the gut microbiota composition with a significant reduction in Bacteroides and inverse increase in Prevotella compared to a low-sodium diet (LSD). However, there is no clear distinction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio between the two diet types. Metabolic pathway reconstruction revealed the presence of sodium reabsorption genes in the HSD, but not LSD. Since it is currently difficult in microbiome studies to confidently associate the F/B ratio with what is considered healthy (e.g., low sodium) or unhealthy (e.g., high sodium), we suggest that the use of a genus-based ratio such as the Bacteroides/Prevotella (B/P) ratio may be more beneficial for the application of microbiome studies in health.

Non-Pharmacological Therapy To Control Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension: Literature Review

Hypertension has a significant negative impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is associated with many cardiovascular complications and is responsible for 10.4 million deaths and 208.1 million life expectancy-adjusted disabilities. Target blood pressure levels and blood pressure control remain poor despite the availability of numerous pharmacological therapy options. When anti-hypertensive medicine cannot achieve blood pressure targets due to various factors, other alternative treatments are needed so that optimal patient health status can be achieved, one of which is non-pharmacological therapy. The purpose of this study was to identify non-pharmacological therapies to control blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The method used in this study is literature review. The study results of 8 articles obtained non-pharmacological therapies used are low sodium diet, lifestyle modification (conventionally and with the help of applications), reflexology, and exercise. Out of the available non-pharmacological therapies, reflexology was found to have the most significant blood pressure lowering effect in patients with hypertension. This suggests that non-pharmacological therapies are effective in controlling the BP of hypertensive patients.

Abstract 2516: Influence of pre-treatment nutrition and inflammation on immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract Purpose: Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) is effective in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but only a minority respond, likely due in part to the gut microbiome. Given the coupling of host nutritional status and gut microbiota composition, we investigated the pre-treatment associations of nutritional status and biomarkers with ICI treatment response and survivals. Methods: We recruited stage III-IV NSCLC patients. Pre-ICI treatment clinical information and blood samples were obtained. Clinician assessed ICI response and survival data were recorded. The nutritional/inflammatory indicators were compared based on treatment response and survivals. ICI Clinical Benefit was defined as 12-month progression free survival. Pearson Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact test was used to compare categorical metrics; non-parametric analysis compared continuous metrics by treatment response. Overall survivals were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations. Results: Of the 76 patients recruited, all were ECOG performance status 0 (14.5%) or 1 (85.5%). 36 (47%) had Clinical Benefit with median survival 21.3 mo. vs. 6.6 mo. among the No Clinical Benefit patients (p<0.01). Non-responders had significantly more often weight loss, lower serum albumin, elevated red cell distribution index (RDW) and worse scores for Frailty Index, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Non-responders had significantly more inflammation with a higher Systemic Immune Response Index (SIRI) and RDW. Overall survival was negatively correlated with: 1. weight loss; 2. low serum albumin; 3. low serum sodium; 4. high RDW; 5. elevated total neutrophils, total white blood cells, total monocytes, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio; 6. adverse MNA and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index; 7. elevated SIRI and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII). ICI response prediction accuracy using a solely MNA-based model was significantly high in terms of AUROC of 0.85 [95% CI= (0.76, 0.93); p<0.05]. In multivariable analysis, the predictor of immunotherapy response and survival was the 6-measure MNA which strongly correlates with weight loss, low serum albumin and depressed Frailty Index. Conclusions: An adverse nutritional status with accompanying chronic inflammation is strong predictor of non-response to ICI. Since lung cancer patients with depressed pre-treatment nutrition have a low likelihood of an ICI response, they should be promptly referred for dietician consultation for intensive nutritional therapy which may improve their clinical outlook. Considering the negative association of malnutrition/inflammation with response to ICI treatment in NSCLC patients who still qualify as ECOG performance status 0-1 patients, prospective clinical trials should also stratify their results by nutritional status. Citation Format: Lary A. Robinson, Youngchul Kim, Acadia Buro, Stephanie R. Hogue, Alexis Bailey, Gina M. DeNicola, Christine Pierce, Mark Umbarger, Doratha A. Byrd. Influence of pre-treatment nutrition and inflammation on immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2516.

Selection of the Processing Method for Green Banana Chips from Barraganete and Dominico Varieties Using Multivariate Techniques

Due to their contribution to human health, healthy snacks have garnered the attention of the scientific community and the food industry. This study was conducted to determine the suitability of frying and baking processing methods for producing green banana chips using two varieties: Barraganete and Dominico. The aim was to identify a treatment geared toward producing healthy snacks. Initially, the physicochemical properties of the raw materials were analyzed, revealing significant differences in starch, fat, fiber, and protein content. Subsequently, the bananas were processed into baked and fried chips. Multivariate statistical techniques such as ANCOVA, MANOVA, and post-hoc tests were applied to examine the influence of initial characteristics and detect variations attributable to the cooking method. The main findings show that the initial protein level had a significant covariate effect on the final content in the chips. The Dominico variety generally proved more suitable for making baked chips, retaining higher percentages of protein, starch, and fiber and lower fat content than Barraganete. Baked chips showed significantly lower sodium and fat values than fried ones when differentiated by processing method. The “Dominico + Baked” treatment emerged as the superior alternative, with favorable levels of protein and starch and low levels of sodium and fat, positioning it as the most suitable for producing a healthy snack.

Sex-specific associations between sodium and potassium intake and overall and cause-specific mortality: a large prospective U.S. cohort study, systematic review, and updated meta-analysis of cohort studies

BackgroundThe impact of sodium intake on cardiovascular disease (CVD) health and mortality has been studied for decades, including the well-established association with blood pressure. However, non-linear patterns, dose–response associations, and sex differences in the relationship between sodium and potassium intakes and overall and cause-specific mortality remain to be elucidated and a comprehensive examination is lacking. Our study objective was to determine whether intake of sodium and potassium and the sodium–potassium ratio are associated with overall and cause-specific mortality in men and women.MethodsWe conducted a prospective analysis of 237,036 men and 179,068 women in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models were utilized to calculate hazard ratios. A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies was also conducted.ResultsDuring 6,009,748 person-years of follow-up, there were 77,614 deaths, 49,297 among men and 28,317 among women. Adjusting for other risk factors, we found a significant positive association between higher sodium intake (≥ 2,000 mg/d) and increased overall and CVD mortality (overall mortality, fifth versus lowest quintile, men and women HRs = 1.06 and 1.10, Pnonlinearity < 0.0001; CVD mortality, fifth versus lowest quintile, HRs = 1.07 and 1.21, Pnonlinearity = 0.0002 and 0.01). Higher potassium intake and a lower sodium–potassium ratio were associated with a reduced mortality, with women showing stronger associations (overall mortality, fifth versus lowest quintile, HRs for potassium = 0.96 and 0.82, and HRs for the sodium–potassium ratio = 1.09 and 1.23, for men and women, respectively; Pnonlinearity < 0.05 and both P for interaction ≤ 0.0006). The overall mortality associations with intake of sodium, potassium and the sodium–potassium ratio were generally similar across population risk factor subgroups with the exception that the inverse potassium-mortality association was stronger in men with lower body mass index or fruit consumption (Pinteraction < 0.0004). The updated meta-analysis of cohort studies based on 42 risk estimates, 2,085,904 participants, and 80,085 CVD events yielded very similar results (highest versus lowest sodium categories, pooled relative risk for CVD events = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06–1.20; Pnonlinearity < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates significant positive associations between daily sodium intake (within the range of sodium intake between 2,000 and 7,500 mg/d), the sodium–potassium ratio, and risk of CVD and overall mortality, with women having stronger sodium–potassium ratio-mortality associations than men, and with the meta-analysis providing compelling support for the CVD associations. These data may suggest decreasing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake as means to improve health and longevity, and our data pointing to a sex difference in the potassium-mortality and sodium–potassium ratio-mortality relationships provide additional evidence relevant to current dietary guidelines for the general adult population.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022331618.

The relationship of serum sodium and albumin levels on the severity of intracerebral hemorrhage

Background: Hyponatremia causes complications and increases the severity of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Plasma albumin can be a neuroprotector against ICH by reducing brain volume and edema, increasing blood flow to the brain experiencing a perfusion crisis, and increasing microvascular perfusion. ICH patients with hypoalbuminemia have a 2-fold increased risk of worse outcomes and in-hospital death. This research was conducted to see the relationship between sodium and serum albumin levels on the severity of ICH patients. Methods: This research is a cross sectional study where the number of research subjects was 69 people who met the inclusion criteria. Low serum sodium levels had a significant relationship with the severity of ICH patients as assessed by the NIHSS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 for Windows. Results: Admissions showed severe severity in 44 subjects (91.7%) with a value of 0.000 (&lt;0.05). Low serum albumin levels have a significant relationship with the severity of ICH patients, showing severe severity in 50 subjects (96.2%) with a p-value of 0.000 (&lt;0.05). Low serum sodium and albumin levels had the highest proportion of 97.6% with a severe severity level, while normal sodium and albumin levels were only 18.2% with a severe severity level. From the statistical test results, it was obtained that the p-value (0.000) &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: There is a relationship between the combination of serum sodium-albumin levels and the severity of ICH.

Association of serum sodium levels with fractures and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Hyponatremia is implicated in pathological bone resorption and has been identified as a risk factor for bone fracture in the general population. However, there are limited data on the association between serum sodium levels and fracture risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed a historical cohort of 2220 maintenance HD patients to examine the association between serum sodium levels and the risk of fracture and mortality. We also examined the association between serum sodium levels and osteoporosis, based on metacarpal bone mineral density, in a subcohort of 455 patients with available data. In addition, we examined the association between serum sodium levels and bone turnover markers in a separate cross-sectional cohort of 654 maintenance HD patients. During a median follow-up of 5.4years, 712 patients died, 113 experienced clinical fractures, and 64 experienced asymptomatic vertebral fractures. Lower serum sodium levels were associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.06 per 1mEq/L decrease; 95% CI 1.03-1.09) but not with the risk of clinical fracture (HR 1.04 per 1mEq/L decrease; 95% CI 0.97-1.11). A similar lack of association was observed for asymptomatic vertebral fracture and any fracture. Serum sodium levels were also not associated with osteoporosis in a subcohort with available data (n = 455) or with bone alkaline phosphatase or tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b in a separate cross-sectional cohort. Serum sodium levels were associated with mortality but not with fracture risk, osteoporosis, or bone turnover markers in maintenance HD patients.

Study of Clinicoetiological profile of hyponatremia patients admitted in Medical wards

Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients. Its epidemiology depends on the serum sodium used to define hyponatraemia, which varies from study to study. It can be an early or even first sign of important underlying disease. It can be complicated by two types of neurological disorders cerebral oedema and osmotic demyelination syndrome. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates in hospitalized patients, although it remains unclear whether these associations are mainly due to the underlying disease, direct effects of hyponatraemia, or a combination of both. Aims and Objectives - to study clinical profile of hyponatremia in hospitalized subjects. To study the aetiology of hyponatremia in hospitalized subjects. To assess morbidity and mortality due to hyponatremia. Materials and Methods - 100 patients with hyponatremia were studied. Most common symptoms were Lethargy and tremors, followed by headache, nausea, altered sensorium, convulsion and coma, in order. Hypervolemic hyponatremia is most common followed by euvolemic hyponatremia and hypovolemic hyponatremia. Euvolemic subjects had propensity to develop more severe and symptomatic hyponatremia. Dilutional hyponatremia is the most prevalent underlying pathophysiology of hyponatremia followed by diuretic use, SIADH, GI loss, Hypothyroidism, extra renal/GI loss and Cerebral salt wasting in order. Congestive cardiac failure was the most common cause of hypervolemic hyponatremia, followed by cirrhosis of liver and renal failure. Acute gastroenteritis was most common cause of hypovolemic hyponatremia. SIADH was the most common cause of euvolemic hyponatremia, followed by thiazide diuretics and hypothyroidism, in order.

Abstract MP11: Sodium Reduction in Combination With the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet Lowers 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Results From the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-Sodium Trial

Introduction: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet lowers estimated 10-year ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) risk. The impact of sodium reduction, alone or in combination with the DASH diet, is not known. Objective: To determine the effects of the sodium reduction alone and when combined with the DASH diet on 10-year ASCVD risk. Methods: The DASH-Sodium trial randomized 412 adults with systolic blood pressure (BP) 120-159 mmHg and diastolic BP 80-95 mmHg to the DASH diet or a typical American diet (control). Within each arm, individuals consumed 3 different levels of sodium in random order: low (50 mmol/day), medium (100 mmol/day), and high (150 mmol/day). Each period lasted 4 weeks. Pooled cohort equation-estimated 10-year ASCVD risk scores were calculated at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of feeding. Results: Among the 412 participants (mean [SD] age 48 [10] years; 57% female, 57% Black), sodium reduction decreased ASCVD risk scores in both DASH and control diets ( Figure 1 ). Compared to high sodium intake, low sodium intake changed ASCVD risk by -9.4% (95% CI -11.7, -7.0). Compared to a typical American diet, the DASH diet changed 10-year ASCVD by -5.3% (95% CI -9.3, -1.2). Compared to a high sodium-control diet, the combination of both low sodium intake with DASH changed ASCVD risk by -14.1% (95% CI -18.6, -9.3). Conclusions: Sodium reduction and the DASH diet both independently reduced 10-year ASCVD risk. Moreover, the combined impact was additive. These findings support dietary sodium reduction in addition to the DASH diet for ASCVD prevention.

Low Cortisone as a Novel Predictor of the Low-Renin Phenotype.

To evaluate low cortisone as a predictor of low renin activity and its association with parameters of kidney and vascular damage. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 206 adult subjects. The subjects were classified according to low plasma renin activity (<1 ng/mL × hours) and low cortisone (<25th percentile). Plasma renin activity was associated with aldosterone (r = 0.36; P < .001) and cortisone (r = 0.22; P = .001). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum cortisone per ug/dL increase predicted the low-renin phenotype (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.21-0.78). The receiver operating characteristic curves for cortisone showed an area under the curve of 0.6 to discriminate subjects with low renin activity from controls. The low-cortisone subjects showed higher albuminuria and PAI-1 and lower sodium excretion. The association study also showed that urinary cortisone was correlated with blood pressure and serum potassium (P < .05). This is the first study showing that low cortisone is a predictor of a low-renin condition. Low cortisone also predicted surrogate markers of vascular and renal damage. Since the aldosterone to renin ratio is used in the screening of PA, low cortisone values should be considered additionally to avoid false positives in the aldosterone-renin ratio calculation.

Management of inorganic elements by overwintering physiology of cold hardy larvae of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis, Hbn.).

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis, Hbn.), enters diapause, a strategy characterized by arrest of development and reproduction, reduction of metabolic rate and the emergence of increased resistance to challenging seasonal conditions as low sub-zero winter temperatures. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of inorganic elements in the ecophysiology of O. nubilalis, analysing their content in the whole body, hemolymph and fat body, both metabolically active, non-diapausing and overwintering diapausing larvae by ICP-OES spectrometer following the US EPA method 200.7:2001. O nubilalis as many phytophagous lepidopteran species maintain a very low extracellular sodium concentration and has potassium as dominant cation in hemolymph of their larvae. Changes in hemolymph and the whole body sodium content occur already at the onset of diapause (when the mean environmental temperatures are still high above 0ºC) and remain stable during the time course of diapause when larvae of this species cope with sub-zero temperatures, it seems that sodium content regulation is rather a part of diapausing program than the direct effect of exposure to low temperatures. Compared to non-diapausing O. nubilalis larvae, potassium levels are much higher in the whole body and fat body of diapausing larvae and substantially increase approaching the end of diapause. The concentration of Ca, Mg, P and S differed in the whole body, hemolymph and fat body between non-diapausing and diapausing larvae without a unique trend during diapause, except an increase in their contents at the end of diapause.

Application of Na2CO3 as a Sacrificial Electrode Additive in Na‐ion Batteries to Compensate for the Sodium Deficiency in Na2/3[Fe1/2Mn1/2]O2

AbstractOwing to their high discharge capacities, P2‐type transition metal layered oxides have attracted attention for use as positive electrode materials in Na‐ion batteries. However, owing to the Na‐deficient compositions of these oxides, additional Na+ must be supplied using a Na‐metal negative electrode to attain a high capacity in a half‐cell configuration. In this study, solid Na2CO3 powder was introduced into the P2−Na2/3Fe1/2Mn1/2O2 composite positive electrode as a sacrificial salt to compensate for the Na deficiency. Na+ was supplied through the electrochemical oxidative decomposition of Na2CO3 during the initial charging process; the decomposition mechanism responsible for this process was investigated in detail. Online electrochemical mass spectrometry confirmed that Na2CO3 was oxidatively decomposed in combination with the decomposition of the ethylene carbonate electrolyte. This reaction produced CO2, wherein the carbon source was derived from both Na2CO3 and the electrolyte. Consequently, Na+ supplementation improved the reversible capacity of the Na‐ion full cell. This study offers practical insights and a mechanistic understanding of the pre‐doping technique for Na‐free negative electrodes. This approach also compensates for the irreversible reductive capacity in a process that can be easily applied to practical sodium‐ and lithium‐ion batteries and capacitors.

Resolution of the reciprocity between radical species from precursor and closed pore formation in hard carbon for sodium storage

Hard carbon (HC) has emerged as a highly promising anode material for sodium ion batteries, drawing tremendous interest in producing this material with low-cost and easily accessible precursors. The determination of the crucial parameters of precursors influencing the formation of key structures, such as closed pores, in the HC is of paramount importance. Considering the potential role of free radicals in the structural evolution of the precursors, we, for the first time, delve into the impact of radical species on the development of closed pores by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, with petroleum asphalt as the model system. Our findings reveal that carbon centred radicals, with the g value close to that of the free electron (2.0023), exhibit a propensity to form long-range, well-ordered graphitic structures with lower sodium storage capacity. Conversely, the deliberately incorporated oxygen radicals with the g value over 2.005 require a higher energy for ordering the graphitic structures, leading to the creation of closed pores. As a result, the optimal sample showcases a four-fold increase in plateau capacity for sodium ion storage due to the pore filling process. Our research underscores the pivotal role of employing electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy studying the critical structural evolution of functional carbon materials.

Chemical characteristics and health risk evaluation of natural waters in the Du River Source National Nature Reserve: A case study in Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China

To study the distribution of trace elements in natural water of the Du River Source National Nature Reserve and to assess the water quality and health risks, Zhushan County in Hubei Province was selected as the study area. Element content in 361 natural water samples collected from Zhushan County were measured by ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and HG-AFS. The main anions and cations present in water samples from Zhushan County are Ca2+ and HCO3−. The water chemistry is predominantly influenced by the weathering of carbonate rocks. The water samples with high content of selenium (Se) (0∼82.9 μg/L, mean 4.6 μg/L) in natural water in Zhushan County are mainly distributed in the northern part of Zhushan. The strontium (Sr) content of 49.6% of the water samples (0.001–2.177 mg/L, mean 0.234 mg/L) reached the criteria of natural mineral water for drinking in China (Sr ≥ 0.2 mg/L), which is distributed throughout the county. The high content of metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) (0.026–35.910 mg/L, mean 12.598 mg/L) and zinc (Zn) (0∼407.218 μg/L, mean 12.406 μg/L) are concentrated in northern Zhushan County. 99.7% water samples were freshwater and 98.9% meet the criteria of “good” water quality. All of the natural water samples have low health risk and low heavy metal pollution. 6.1% water samples meet the criteria of Se-type mineral water, while 45.4% meet the criteria of Sr-type mineral water, and 4.4% water samples meet the criteria of “low sodium, high Se, and high Sr” mineral water. Zhushan County has the potential for Se-type mineral water and Sr-type mineral water development. The findings of this study hold immense significance for the public health implications of drinking water in Du River Source, thereby offering valuable insights for effective water resources management.

Transformative Insights: Break Up with Salt (BUWS) Program's Short-Term Influence on Hypertension Risk Factors.

Break Up with Salt (BUWS) is a four-session community-based nutrition education program aimed at reducing key controllable hypertension risk factors. This pilot study utilized a pre-post survey design to assess short-term outcomes on food behaviors (including DASH diet eating patterns), physical activity, and overall well-being, in two groups of participants. The first "pilot" group (n = 25) completed a comprehensive, 16-item survey; the second "abbreviated" group (n = 27) completed a 5-item survey. The pilot group experienced improvements in whole grain (p = 0.04), sweetened beverage consumption, watching/reducing sodium (p = 0.04) and fat (p = 0.05) consumption, and time spent sitting (p = 0.04). The abbreviated group improved confidence in using food labels (p = 0.02), following the DASH diet (p < 0.01), preparing food without salt (p = 0.03), selecting lower sodium items when eating out (p = 0.04), and making a positive lifestyle change (p = 0.01). The BUWS program provides information and teaches strategies to manage or prevent hypertension. By effectively improving diet and food behaviors, BUWS has the potential to reduce hypertension risk factors and improve the general health of participants.

A Review on the Upgradation of Biomass-derived Hard Carbon Materials

Abstract: Sodium-ion battery is a promising alternative to lithium-ion battery because of its abundant raw material resources, low price, and high specific capacity. Amorphous carbon materials (hard carbon) have micropores and impurities, facilitating the intercalation of sodium ions to form "quasi-metallic sodium," resulting in a high sodium storage capacity and a low sodium storage potential. Consequently, hard carbon is one of the most widely studied negative electrode materials. It can be prepared from biomass by thermochemical conversion and has the advantages of large specific capacity, low cost, good cycling stability, and renewability. This review focuses on the recent advances in biomass-based hard carbon materials. Firstly, the preparation methods of hard carbon, including precursor selection, pretreatment, drying methods, and carbonization processes, are summarized. Secondly, the effects of precursor composition and heteroatom doping structure and properties of hard carbon are examined, and the changes in carbon material pores during the activation process, as well as the selection of optimal drying method, pyrolysis temperature, carbonization temperature, activator dosage, and additive, are discussed. Thirdly, the impact of preparation methods on hard carbon's cost, efficiency, and stability is briefly summarized, and the relevant improvement measures and prospects are proposed. Finally, some insights are provided into preparing highperformance biomass-based anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.