Hyponatremia Research Articles

Avoidance of added salt for 6–12-month-old infants: A narrative review

Most nutrition guidelines recommend avoiding foods with added salt for infants aged 6–12 months. However, the reason for no added salt lacks enough and reliable evidence. We re-searched and re-studied the relevant evidence. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane database for English-language studies published from 1904 through 2021. We also searched the databases of the websites of different national institutions. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, observational studies, and dietary guidelines were included in this review. The kidneys of infants aged 6–12 months have adequate sodium excretion capacity. There is insufficient evidence that high salt (sodium) intake early in life might lead to hypertension or salty diet preference in adults. Infants aged 6–12 months might be at risk of low sodium intake of only 150–300 mg of sodium/day, which may not meet the body's needs, if their supplementary food is not adequately salted.

THU599 Serum And Urinary Free Cortisone As Novel Predictor Of Low-renin Arterial Hypertension

Abstract Disclosure: A. Tapia-Castillo: None. J. Perez: None. A. Sandoval: None. F. Allende: None. S. Solari: None. C.E. Fardella: None. C. Carvajal: None. A large proportion of low-renin hypertensive (LRH) patients correspond to primary aldosteronism (PA) caused by excessive MR activation mediated by excess of aldosterone. However, some of these LRH patients have low to normal serum aldosterone levels, where is thought the MR activation is aldosterone-independent and more likely due to glucocorticoid-mediated MR activation, as occurs in the nonclassical apparent mineralocorticoid excess (NCAME), which is characterized by high cortisol/cortisone ratio and low cortisone, affecting not only blood pressure (BP) control and urinary potassium excretion but also causing cardiac and renal damage, endothelial dysfunction and subclinical inflammation. Objective: To evaluate cortisone as a predictor of LRH and its association with parameters of kidney and vascular damage. Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 206 adult subjects. The subjects were classified according to low-renin phenotype (plasma renin activity (PRA) <1ng/ml*h) and low serum cortisone (<p25th). We measured clinical, biochemical, renal and vascular parameters. Statistical analyses as group comparisons were performed by Mann Whitney, and discriminatory analyses by ROC curves. Results: We identified 43% of subjects with low-renin phenotype. PRA was associated with serum aldosterone (r=0.36; p<0.001) and serum cortisone (r=0.22; p=0.001). A binary logistic regression analysis shows that cortisone predicts low-renin phenotype (OR=0.4 [95% CI, 0.21 – 0.78]). The ROC curves show an AUC for serum cortisone was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.54 to 0.69; p = 0.004) and urinary cortisone 0.6 (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.67; p = 0.02) to discriminate subjects with low-renin from controls. Subjects with low serum cortisone showed a higher albuminuria, PAI-1 and lower sodium renal excretion. Urinary free cortisone was also associated to blood pressure and serum potassium (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight the concept that the low-renin phenotype is dictated not only by serum aldosterone levels but also by low cortisone, suggesting it should be considered in endocrine arterial hypertension screening, complementary in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism since it could generate false positives in the calculation of the aldosterone to renin ratio. Moreover, our study suggests that low cortisone levels could be associated with future occurrence of vascular and kidney damage. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Prognostic value of initial serum sodium level in predicting disease severity in patients with COVID-19: A multicenter retrospective study

IntroductionEarly prediction of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) severity is crucial. Hyponatremia has been linked to poor outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but its association with mild cases is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether initial serum sodium level is a risk factor for COVID-19 severity in patients with mild-to-moderate disease. MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in 10 hospitals in Fukui City, Japan, from July 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021. The study included 1055 adult patients with asymptomatic, mild, or moderate COVID-19 confirmed by a positive RT-PCR test. The primary outcome was the need for oxygen therapy after hospitalization, and the secondary outcome was the composite of in-hospital death and critical care interventions. The association between initial serum sodium level (at the emergency department or on admission) and outcomes was examined, adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, and pneumonia presence. ResultsOf the 1267 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period, 1055 were eligible (median age: 45 years; 54 % male). Hyponatremia was observed in 5.2 % of patients upon admission. A lower initial serum sodium level was associated with an increased risk of the need for oxygen therapy after hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [OR] per 1 mmol/L lower, 1.12 [95 % confidence interval {CI}, 1.05–1.19]) and the composite of critical care and in-hospital death (adjusted OR per 1 mmol/L lower, 1.09 [95 % CI, 0.99–1.20]). ConclusionsAmong patients with mild COVID-19, lower initial serum sodium level was a risk factor for COVID-19 progression.

533 Clinical characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis and salt deficiency

533 Clinical characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis and salt deficiency

Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with COVID-19

Background: SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in China and spread globally, has been associated with adrenal insufficiency in numerous COVID-19 patients. The clinical evidence regarding adrenal involvement in COVID-19 patients is currently limited, primarily consisting of case reports and small patient series. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the variations in serum cortisol levels and evaluate the response of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test. Methods: This study was performed on patients with COVID-19 admitted to Valiasr Hospital, Birjand, Iran, in 2021. Sixty patients with COVID-19 were included in this study by simple random sampling. Patients' venous blood (5 mL) was collected in an EDTA anticoagulant tube. Blood samples were placed in a cool place, then 250 μg intramuscular cosyntropin was injected, and blood samples were taken again 60 minutes later. According to the kit protocol, cortisol levels were measured by a quantitative luminescence kit (Saluggia, Italy). Results: The study involved 60 participants, of which 32 were male (53.3%) and 28 were female (46.7%). The Mean participants' age was 63.1 ± 20.93. The median baseline cortisol serum levels were 28.075 µg /dL for men and 21.820 µg /dL for women. There was no significant difference between base cortisol serum levels (P-value = 0.248). After measuring the baseline cortisol levels in the studied patients, 21.7 % suffered from adrenal Insufficiency, 40 % were suspected of adrenal insufficiency and required cosyntropin injections, and 38.3 % did not have adrenal Insufficiency. Following the administration of cosyntropin injections, it was found that 33.3% of participants had adrenal insufficiency, while the remaining 66.7% did not exhibit any signs of adrenal insufficiency. Vital signs demonstrated that patients with adrenal insufficiency had notably lower mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and a statistically significant correlation was observed when comparing these two groups (P-value < 0.001 and P-value = 0.001, respectively). In assessing sodium and potassium serum levels between the two groups, individuals with adrenal insufficiency demonstrated lower average sodium levels (P-value < 0.001). At the same time, no noteworthy divergence was found in potassium levels between the groups (P-value = 0.587).Furthermore, no considerable discrepancy emerged in the in-hospital mortality rate during the patients' follow-up period (P-value = 0.322). Conclusions: As Adrenal insufficiency is life-threatening, early adrenal axis testing for COVID-19 patients with clinical suspicion of adrenal insufficiency should be carried out.

New-onset primary adrenal insufficiency in pregnancy associated with a unilateral adrenal infarction: a case report.

New-onset primary adrenal insufficiency is rare in pregnancy. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness may be attributed to the pregnancy itself, which can lead to a delay in the diagnosis. The presence of hypotension, hypoglycemia or hyperkalemia should raise the suspicion for adrenal insufficiency. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with tachycardia, left flank pain and vomiting at 36 weeks' gestation. She was found to have primary adrenal insufficiency and started on hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone with resolution of the vomiting and tachycardia. MRI of the abdomen revealed an acute nonhemorrhagic infarct of the left adrenal gland. The contralateral adrenal gland was normal. Autoimmune and infectious etiologies of primary adrenal insufficiency were ruled out and the adrenal insufficiency was attributed to the unilateral adrenal infarction. Adrenal insufficiency persisted after delivery and then resolved at approximately 16 months post partum. This case highlights the need to test women with unilateral adrenal infarction in pregnancy for the presence of primary adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency should be considered when a pregnant woman develops nausea, vomiting and dizziness in association with hypotension or hypoglycemia. Hypovolemic hyponatremia related to vomiting can occur in pregnancy, but the failure to correct hyponatremia despite adequate IV hydration should raise the suspicion for adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal infarction should be in the differential diagnosis for unilateral flank pain in pregnancy. Other common etiologies for flank pain in pregnancy include nephrolithiasis, pyelonephritis and acute cholecystitis. Unilateral adrenal infarction in pregnancy can lead to the development of primary adrenal insufficiency. Following delivery, these patients need to be monitored for the resolution of the adrenal insufficiency.

CHARACTERISTICS AND RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA-INDUCED ACUTE PANCREATITIS AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL

Background: After alcohol and gallstones, hypertriglyceridemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). Hypertriglyceridemia is triglyceridemia concentration >150mg/dl (1.7mmol/l). Severe hypertriglyceridemia >1000mg/dl (11.3 mmol/l) is considered the cause of AP. Objectives: To compare some clinical and subclinical features and results of treatment of AP with two levels of hypertriglyceridemia <11.3mmol/l and >I1.3mmol/l at the Department of General Internal Medicine in Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 33 patients who were admitted to the hospital with hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP. Results: Clinical symptoms and some laboratory tests did not differ between the two groups. Statistically significant differences occurred in the 2 groups as blood CRP value with p=0.009, low sodium levels 134.22±4.73mmol/l and high BMI levels 26.63±5.15kg/m2 in the group with TG ≥ 11.3 mmol/l. The rate of amylase increased 3 times in the high-TG group was 85.2%. Both groups had elevated glucose and LDH levels respectively, with 10.56±5.13 mmol/l and 310.64±206.01U/L. Ultrasound diagnosis of acute pancreatitis reached 100%, CTSI and BISAP index were high in the group with TG ≥11.3mmol/l. The days of using insulin and staying in the hospital were significantly different, with p=0.004 and p=0.014. Conclusions: Comparing the 2 groups of acute pancreatitis with blood TG <11.3mmol/l and ≥11.3mmol/l, there was no difference in clinical symptoms. Mean values of sodium, BMI and blood CRP (p=0.009) were different between the two groups of acute pancreatitis. Treatment results in days of using insulin and staying in the hospital had statistically significant differences between the 2 groups.

NASICON-Type NaTi2(PO4)3 Surface Modified O3-Type NaNi0.3Fe0.2Mn0.5O2 for High-Performance Cathode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have shown great potential as energy storage devices due to their low price and abundant sodium content. Among them, O3-type layered oxides are a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries; however, most of them suffer from slow kinetics and unfavorable structural stability, which seriously hinder their practical application. O3-NaNi0.3Fe0.2Mn0.5O2 surface modification is performed by a simple wet chemical method of coating NaTi2(PO4)3 on the surface. The NASICON-type NaTi2(PO4)3 coating layer has a special three-dimensional channel, which facilitates the rapid migration of Na+, and the NaTi2(PO4)3 coating layer also prevents direct contact between the electrode and the electrolyte, ensuring the stability of the interface. In addition, the NaTi2(PO4)3 coating layer induces part of the Ti4+ doping into the transition metal layer of NaNi0.3Fe0.2Mn0.5O2, which increases the stability of the transition metal layer and reduces the resistance of Na+ diffusion. More importantly, the NaTi2(PO4)3 coating layer can suppress the O3-P3 phase transition and reduce the volume change of the materials throughout the charge/discharge process. Thus, the NaTi2(PO4)3 coating layer can effectively improve the electrochemical performance of the cathode materials. The NFM@NTP3 has a capacity retention of 86% (2.0-4.0 V vs Na+/Na, 300 cycles) and 85% (2.0-4.2 V vs Na+/Na, 100 cycles) at 1C and a discharge capacity of 107 mAh g-1 (2.0-4.0 V vs Na+/Na) and 125 mAh g-1 (2.0-4.2 V vs Na+/Na) at 10C, respectively. Therefore, this surface modification strategy provides a simple and effective way to design and develop high-performance layered oxide cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Qualitative evaluation of groundwater in terms of its suitability for drinking and irrigation. The case study of Sidi-Bel-Abbes alluvial aquifer (NW Algeria)

Sidi-Bel-Abbes province is a semi-arid area mainly used for agricultural activity in northwestern Algeria. Its groundwater resources are characterized by high salinity varying from one area to another. This work aims at improving our understanding of these waters, through hydrochemical classification, to define their chemical facies and monitor their spatial evolution. In addition, this groundwater’s quality is assessed regarding their suitability for drinking and irrigation. The obtained results showed that the groundwater of the Sidi-Bel-Abbes area is dominated by chlorides, particularly the chloride calcium and sodium facies. Indeed, the spatial distribution of the different chemical facies confirmed the contribution of adjacent hydrogeological units and the interaction between the groundwater and the Mekerra Wadi. In terms of suitability for drinking, the maximum chemical element concentration accepted by the Algerian legislation is exceeded in most samples, especially for nitrates, chlorides, sodium and calcium. The interpretation of Riverside and Wilcox diagram revealed that the alluvial groundwater of Sidi-Bel-Abbes is generally characterized by a high salinity with a low to medium alkalinity danger. Therefore, the quality of this water is medium to poor, suitable for irrigation, but under certain conditions. Also, the groundwater is unsuitable for sensitive plants because of its high chloride (Cl) ion content. Moreover, the results obtained indicate that the use of these waters in irrigation presents low sodium risks, and therefore are not likely to modify the structure of the soils in the Sidi-Bel-Abbes plain or reduce their permeability.

Sodium intake and the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

In non-pregnant populations, sodium intake has been associated with the development of chronic hypertension, and sodium restriction has been identified as a strategy to reduce blood pressure. Data regarding the relationship between sodium intake and development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are limited and conflicting. To assess the association between daily periconceptional sodium intake and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This was a secondary analysis of the prospective Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be study. In this analysis, we included participants with non-anomalous, singleton pregnancies who completed food frequency questionnaires with recorded sodium intake in the 3 months prior to pregnancy. Individuals whose pregnancies did not progress beyond 20 weeks of gestation were excluded. Sodium intake was categorized as low (<2g per day), medium (2g to <3g per day), or high (≥ 3g per day), based on thresholds used in the non-pregnant population. The primary outcome was development of a new-onset hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome (HELLP), superimposed preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Bivariable analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi square tests. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted incidence risk ratios (aIRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after controlling for potentially confounding factors. Among 7,458 individuals included in this analysis, 2,336 (31%) reported low sodium intake, 2,792 (37%) medium sodium intake, and 2,330 (31%) high sodium intake. Individuals with high sodium intake were more likely to have chronic hypertension, use tobacco, and to be living with obesity. The risk of developing a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy was similar among groups (medium vs. low aIRR 1.10, 95% CI 0.94-1.28; high vs. low aIRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00-1.37). There were no differences in neonatal outcomes by sodium intake, including preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age neonate, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Sodium intake was not associated with risk of developing a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. This lack of association contrasts with that between sodium intake and hypertension in the non-pregnant state, and may reflect differences in the pathophysiology underlying pregnancy- versus non-pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders.

Polycystic Kidney Disease Diet: What is Known and What is Safe.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by kidney cyst formation and progressive kidney function loss. Dietary interventions such as caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diet have recently emerged as potential strategies to induce metabolic reprogramming and slow ADPKD progression. We review the available evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of these interventions in ADPKD. Dietary interventions show promise in managing ADPKD by improving metabolic health and reducing oxidative stress. However, while preclinical studies have shown favorable outcomes, limited clinical evidence supports their effectiveness. In addition, the long-term consequences of these dietary interventions, including their effect on adverse events in patients with ADPKD, remain uncertain. To optimize ADPKD management, patients are advised to follow a dietary regimen that aims to achieve or maintain an ideal body weight and includes high fluid intake, low sodium, and limited concentrated sweets. Caloric restriction seems particularly beneficial for patients with overweight or obesity because it promotes weight loss and improves metabolic parameters. Supplementation with curcumin, ginkgolide B, saponins, vitamin E, niacinamide, or triptolide has demonstrated uncertain clinical benefit in patients with ADPKD. Notably, β -hydroxybutyrate supplements have shown promise in animal models; however, their safety and efficacy in ADPKD require further evaluation through well-designed clinical trials. Therefore, the use of these supplements is not currently recommended for patients with ADPKD. In summary, dietary interventions such as caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diet hold promise in ADPKD management by enhancing metabolic health. However, extensive clinical research is necessary to establish their effectiveness and long-term effects. Adhering to personalized dietary guidelines, including weight management and specific nutritional restrictions, can contribute to optimal ADPKD management. Future research should prioritize well-designed clinical trials to determine the benefits and safety of dietary interventions and supplementation in ADPKD.

Association between serum sodium and 28-day mortality in sepsis patients: A secondary data analysis from three large critical illness cohorts.

The present study was designed to explore the association between serum sodium and mortality in patients with sepsis by using a large sample, multicenter MIMIC-IV database. We extracted the data of 34 925 sepsis patients from the retrospective cohort mimicIV database. After adjusting the confounders, we explored the independent effects of serum sodium on 28-day mortality. A nonlinear relationship existed between serum sodium and 28-day mortality, of which a negative association was found between serum sodium and 28-day mortality (odds ratio: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.96, p = 0.0001) when serum sodium was in 102 mmol/L to 138 mmol/L, but a positive correlation appeared when sodium climbed to the range of 140-179 mmol/L (odds ratio: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.06, p = 0.0001). Both lower and higher serum sodium levels are associated with an increased risk of death in sepsis patients.

Preoperative and Surgical Predictors of the Treatment Outcome of Dairy Cows with Right Abomasal Displacement-A Retrospective Study of 234 Cases.

The displacement of the abomasum to the right (RDA) is a common condition regularly encountered in dairy cows, which requires urgent surgical correction. The survival of the patient primarily depends on early diagnosis and timely treatment, but other factors contributing to the outcome have been discussed in the literature. The objective of this study was to identify preoperative clinical, hematological, as well as intraoperative parameters that are associated with the prognosis of cows with RDA or abomasal volvulus (AV). This retrospective study included patients admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital over a period of 6 years with a diagnosis of RDA or AV. A total of 234 cows were included, of which 193 were discharged after treatment and thus classified as survivors. In contrast, 41 cases died or were euthanized during or after surgery and were categorized as non-survivors. Non-survivors showed more severe dehydration, higher heart rate, lower sodium, as well as higher L-lactate and phosphorus concentration in their blood prior to surgery compared with the survivors. During surgery, the abomasum of non-survivors was markedly dilated and twisted more frequently than in survivors. The results presented here can facilitate the early identification of animals with poor prognosis requiring more intensive peri- and postoperative care.

Serum/Faecal S100A12, CRP and lactoferrin can be used to distinguish ınfectious and non-ınfectious canine diarrhoea.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of selected inflammatory and intestinal biomarkers in cases of infectious and non-infectious diarrhoea in dogs. A total of 60 dogs, 12 healthy (Control Group) and 48 with diarrhoea were used. Viral, Bacterial, Parasitic (infectious) and Nutritional diarrhoea (non-infectious) subgroups (n: 12) were formed according to the aetiology, on the basis of clinical and laboratory examinations. Selected inflammatory and intestinal biomarkers (Calgranulin, S100A12; Lactoferrin, LCTF; C-reactive protein, CRP) were measured both in serum and faecal samples. Compared to the Control and Nutritional Diarrhoea groups, the infectious diarrhoea groups had higher serum S100A12, LCTF, CRP, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (CR), alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, and lower glucose (GLU), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) concentrations (p<0.05); Viral and Parasitic Diarrhoea groups had lower serum albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) concentrations (p<0.05). Faecal S100A12, LCTF and CRP concentrations were higher in infectious diarrhoea groups compared to the Control and Nutritional Diarrhoea groups (p<0.05). Faecal LCTF and CRP concentrations were higher in the Bacterial Diarrhoea group than in the Viral and Parasitic Diarrhoea groups (p<0.05). It was determined that serum (area under curve, AUC: 0.842 and 0.956) and faecal (AUC: 0.975 and 0.786) S100A12 and CRP concentrations in viral diarrhoea; serum (AUC: 0.956) and faecal (AUC: 0.992) LCTF concentrations in bacterial diarrhoea have diagnostic values in the diagnosis of the presence of intestinal inflammation and damage and can be used in the differential diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diarrhoea.

Multistage modified Solvay process based on calcium oxide for carbon dioxide capture and reject brine desalination

Previous studies have investigated the overall performance of the modified Solvay process based on calcium oxide (CaO). In the modified process, calcium oxide (CaO) is reacted with brine salts and carbon dioxide. The results confirmed its effectiveness in capturing CO2 and managing reject brine in a single reaction. However, more attention is needed to overcome the low sodium (Na+) removal efficiency, which does not exceed 35 %. Therefore, the main objective of this research work to develop a novel technique where reject brine is passed through a total of seven stages. In each stage, a specific metal ion is recovered. In the first stage, a 100 % recovery of magnesium ions in the form of magnesium hydroxide solid was obtained by chemical reaction with ammonia (NH3) solution. Then, in the second stage, the ammoniated brine was treated based on the traditional Solvay process, where Na+ reduction, in the form of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and CO2 uptake reached almost 32.97 % and 37 g of CO2/1000 ml of treated brine, respectively. In the third stage, the electrocoagulation process (EC) was used to recover the sulfate ions (SO42-) in the form of pure calcium sulfate solid and also for the regeneration of NH3 as ammonium hydroxide leading to a total reduction of 96.5 % for SO42- ions. In the fourth stage, CaO was added to the treated brine according to the modified Solvay process. Reductions of 37.98 % and 27.97 % in Na+ and chloride (Cl−) ions were achieved, respectively. In stage 5, more recovery of NaHCO3 was attained by adding ammonium bicarbonate, while in stage 6, the treated brine mixture was passed through a second modified Solvay process. The CO2 uptake reached up to 60 g of CO2/1000 ml. In addition, Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl− removal was improved with 47.22 %, 56.33 %, 72.12 % and 34.41 %, respectively. In the last stage, the treated brine was inserted into the second EC process to recover CaCl2 solution and NH3 compounds. The overall reductions of for Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl− were 51 %, 93.59, 79 %, and 43.63 %, respectively. Moreover, solid products from each stage were characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and Raman analyses. The products of each stage have diverse industrial applications.

Inelastic relaxation processes in amorphous sodium silicates

AbstractDuring fracture amorphous oxides exhibit irreversible processes, including inelastic and nonrecoverable relaxation effects in the process zone surrounding the crack tip. Here, classical molecular dynamics simulations were used with a reactive forcefield to evaluate inelastic relaxation processes in five amorphous sodium silicate compositions. Overall, the 20% Na2O‐SiO2(NS20) composition exhibited the most inelastic relaxation, followed by the 15% Na2O‐SiO2(NS15) composition, the 25% Na2O‐SiO2(NS25) composition, and finally the 10% (NS10) and 30% (NS30) Na2O‐SiO2 compositions. Coordination analysis of the Na+ ions identified that during inelastic relaxation the Na+ ions were increasingly coordinated by nonbridging oxygens (NBOs) for the NS10 and NS15 compositions, which was supported by radial analysis of the O‐Na‐O bond angles surrounding the crack tip. Across the sodium silicate compositional range, two different inelastic relaxation mechanism were identified based on the amount of bridging oxygens (BOs) and NBOs in the Na+ ion coordination shell. At lower (NS10) and higher (NS30) sodium compositions, the entire structured relaxed toward the crack tip. In contrast at intermediate sodium concentrations (NS20) the Na+ ion migrates toward the crack tip separately from the network structure. By developing a fundamental understanding of how modified silica systems respond to static stress fields, we will be able to predict how varying amorphous silicate systems exhibit slow crack growth.

The prevalence and outcomes of hyponatremia in children with COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

To assess the prevalence of hyponatremia among pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and determine if pediatric hyponatremia was associated with an increased length of stay, higher rates of mechanical ventilation, and/or elevated inflammatory markers on admission as compared to eunatremic patients. Electronic health records were retrospectively analyzed for 168 children less than 18 years old with COVID-19 or MIS-C who were admitted to pediatric units within the Northwell Health system. The primary exposure was hyponatremic status (serum sodium <135 mEq/L) and the primary outcomes were length of stay, mechanical ventilation usage and increased inflammatory markers. Of the 168 children in the study cohort, 95 (56%) were admitted for COVID-19 and 73 (43.5%) for MIS-C. Overall, 60 (35.7%) patients presented with hyponatremia on admission. Patients with hyponatremia had higher rates of intensive care unit admission when compared to eunatremic patients (32/60 [53.3%] vs. 39/108 [36.1%], p = 0.030). In regression models, hyponatremia was not significantly associated with increased length of stay or mechanical ventilation rates. After adjustment for relevant confounders, hyponatremia remained associated with an increased square root CRP (β = 1.79: 95% CI: 0.22-3.36) and lower albumin levels (β = -0.22: 95% CI: -0.42--0.01). Hyponatremia is common in pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C. Hyponatremia was associated with a lower albumin and higher square root CRP levels. This may suggest an association of inflammation with lower serum sodium levels.

More spice, less salt: How capsaicin affects liking for and perceived saltiness of foods in people with smell loss

People who lose their sense of smell self-report consuming more salt to compensate for a lack of flavor and enhance eating enjoyment. However, this may contribute to excess sodium intake. Capsaicin may help increase salt taste intensity and eating enjoyment in people with smell loss, but this has not been studied in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine 1) whether salt intake in those with smell loss differs from population averages, 2) whether capsaicin increases flavor and salt taste intensity, and 3) if adding spice to foods increases liking in individuals with smell loss. Thirty-three participants 18–65 years old with confirmed smell loss for at least 12 weeks completed two sets of replicate test sessions (four total). In two sessions participants rated overall flavor intensity, taste qualities' intensities, spicy intensity, and liking for model tomato soups with low or regular sodium content and three levels of capsaicin (none, low, or moderate). In the other two sessions, participants rated the same sensory attributes for model food samples with three levels of added spice (none, low, or moderate). 24-hour urine samples were collected to determine sodium intake. Results indicate that although sodium intake is higher than recommended (<2300 mg/day) in those with smell loss (2893 ± 258 mg/day), they do not consume more sodium than population averages (3039 ± 100 mg/day; p = 0.3). Adding low and moderate amounts of capsaicin to a model tomato soup increased the intensity of overall flavor (p < 0.001) and saltiness (p = 0.004) compared to a model tomato soup without capsaicin. However, capsaicin's effect on liking differed by food type. Thus, capsaicin can improve flavor, salt taste intensity, and eating enjoyment in people with smell loss.

Evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sugar beet cultivars in different sowing times and transplanting and direct-seeding systems

To study the characteristics of sugar beet cultivars in transplanting and direct-seeding systems on three different sowing times (March 29, April 8, and April 18), a split plot experiment based on randomized complete blocks in three replications was carried out in Miandoab and Bokan regions, Northwest of Iran in 2016. The results showed that the highest nitrogen content was observed between the two test locations in the Bukan area. Results showed that the low root sodium, alkalinity, and molasses content was recorded for transplanting system. The minimum content of root sodium, nitrogen, and molasses sugar was observed in the plants sown on March 29. The Dorotea cultivar showed the highest root yield, sugar yield, and white sugar yield and the lowest root nitrogen and molasses sugar content compared to Isabella and Ekbatan. The highest white sugar content, coefficient of sugar extraction, sugar yield, root yield, and white sugar yield were recorded in the transplanting system with the sowing time of March 29; however, the highest content of root potassium and sugar content was observed in the transplanting system sown on April 18. The highest root yield was observed in the Dorotea cultivar, with a sowing time of March 29. Among the locations in the cultivar and planting system interaction treatments, the highest sugar content was found in the Bukan area's Dorotea cultivar in the transplanting system. Finally, the highest sugar yield was related to the transplanting system on March 29 in the Bukan area. It can be stated that an early sowing time (March 29), transplanting, and Dorotea variety were identified as the most appropriate treatments to improve the economic traits of sugar beet.

Enhancing Post-Mining Lands’ Value through Sustainable Melon Cultivation: A Hydroponic Approach

This study investigates the potential of utilizing post-mining areas for sustainable melon (Cucurbitales, Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis) cultivation, focusing on premium melon production by PT. Indominco Mandiri within its Community Development and Empowerment program. A hydroponic system, which involves the cultivation of plants in a soilless medium with a nutrient solution, was employed due to its advantages in improving plant quality and yield. Findings demonstrate that melon thrives in ex-mining conditions, reaching harvesting maturity within 2.5 months, with fruits noted for their sweetness. Additionally, melons were found to be a rich source of vitamins A, K, C, B-6, E, niacin, and essential minerals including calcium, potassium, ferum, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc, with low sodium and no fat content. This research underscores the hydroponic system’s potential in reclaiming post-mining lands, enhancing economic viability and fostering community development and empowerment. The implications of these findings extend to environmental rehabilitation and sustainable agriculture practices, offering a feasible and productive use of post-mining land globally.