Increase In Potassium Concentration Research Articles

The 14-3-3 protein nt GF14e interacts with CIPK2 and increases low potassium stress in tobacco

ABSTRACT Potassium (K+) plays a role in enzyme activation, membrane transport, and osmotic regulation processes. An increase in potassium content can significantly improve the elasticity and combustibility of tobacco and reduce the content of harmful substances. Here, we report that the expression analysis of Nt GF14e, a 14-3-3 gene, increased markedly after low-potassium treatment (LK). Then, chlorophyll content, POD activity and potassium content, were significantly increased in overexpression of Nt GF14e transgenic tobacco lines compared with those in the wild type plants. The net K+ efflux rates were severely lower in the transgenic plants than in the wild type under LK stress. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis identified 5708 upregulated genes and 2787 downregulated genes between Nt GF14e overexpressing transgenic tobacco plants. The expression levels of some potassium-related genes were increased, such as CBL-interacting protein kinase 2 (CIPK2), Nt CIPK23, Nt CIPK25, H+-ATPase isoform 2 a (AHA2a), Nt AHA4a, Stelar K+ outward rectifier 1(SKOR1), and high affinity K+ transporter 5 (HAK5). The result of yeast two-hybrid and luciferase complementation imaging experiments suggested Nt GF14e could interact with CIPK2. Overall, these findings indicate that NtGF14e plays a vital roles in improving tobacco LK tolerance and enhancing potassium nutrition signaling pathways in tobacco plants.

Myocardial ischemia simulation based on a multi-scale heart electrophysiology model.

Myocardial ischemia, caused by insufficient myocardial blood supply, is a leading cause of human death worldwide. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the prevention and treatment of this condition. Mathematical modeling is a powerful technique for studying heart diseases. The aim of this study was to discuss the quantitative relationship between extracellular potassium concentration and the degree of myocardial ischemia directly related to it. A human cardiac electrophysiological multiscale model was developed to calculate action potentials of all cells simultaneously, enhancing efficiency over traditional reaction-diffusion models. Contrary to the commonly held view that myocardial ischemia is caused by an increase in extracellular potassium concentration, our simulation results indicate that level 1 ischemia is associated with a decrease in extracellular potassium concentration. This unusual finding provides a new perspective on the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia and has the potential to lead to the development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Effects of potassium supplementation on plasma aldosterone: a systematic review and meta-analysis in humans.

Effects of potassium supplementation on blood pressure (BP) may be offset by an increase in plasma aldosterone. The magnitude of potassium-dependent regulation of aldosterone secretion in humans is not fully characterized; it is not clear whether this is mediated by activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), as a result of a reduction in BP or other mechanisms. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials assessing effects of potassium on plasma aldosterone and renin in adult individuals. This was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL. Titles were firstly screened by title and abstract for relevance before full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. The keywords used included "aldosterone", "potassium" and "RAAS". 6395 articles were retrieved and after title/abstract screening, 123 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Thirty-six met the prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria (of which 18/36 also reported systolic BP). Potassium supplementation caused a significant decrease in systolic BP (mean difference [95% CI] -3.69 mmHg [-4.91, -2.46], P < 0.001) and increase in serum potassium (+0.37 [0.23, 0.52] mmol/l, P < 0.001). There was an increase in plasma aldosterone (standardized difference 0.426 [0.299, 0.553], P < 0.001) but not in plasma renin activity. Meta-regression showed a significant positive correlation between change in plasma aldosterone and change in serum potassium (P < 0.001). Potassium supplementation increases plasma aldosterone concentrations, which correlates with the increase in serum potassium concentration which does not appear to be mediated by an increase in plasma renin activity.

Biofortification of wheat in salt-affected soil through seed priming and soil application of zinc

ContextGiven the global significance of wheat production and consumption, it is imperative to achieve high yields of nutritious wheat grains. However, the inadequate availability of zinc (Zn) in salt-affected soils can aggravate salt stress, decrease wheat grain yield, and grain Zn concentration. This study compared the effectiveness of soil Zn application and seed Zn priming in increasing Zn biofortification and grain yield of Zn-biofortified wheat grown in alkaline-calcareous soil affected by salts. MethodsEighteen pots were filled with alkaline-calcareous soil containing elevated levels of soluble salts and exchangeable sodium (Na). The pots were subjected to soil Zn application (0 or 8 mg kg−1) and seed priming (control/non-, hydro-, or Zn-primed seeds) treatments, applied to a Zn-biofortified wheat (cv. Zincol-2016). Plant samples were collected at the heading and maturity stages to measure parameters related to plant growth and grain quality. FindingsSoil Zn application increased grain and straw yields across seed priming treatments by a maximum of 23 %, and seed Zn priming increased grain and straw yields across soil Zn rates by a maximum of 21 %. This yield response was accompanied by significant increases in grain potassium and Zn concentrations at maturity, as well as non-significant to significant increases in photosynthetic parameters (stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate) in flag leaves during heading. Additionally, compared to control, the combined treatment of soil Zn application and seed Zn priming decreased grain Na concentration by 14 %. Compared to control, both soil Zn application and seed Zn priming significantly increased grain Zn concentration. With the combined application treatment, the grain Zn concentration reached 27 mg kg−1, but it remained significantly below the desired level of >37 mg kg−1. Seed Zn priming decreased the phytate-to-Zn molar ratio in grains, while the treatments that received soil Zn application exhibited the lowest values of this ratio, potentially increasing Zn bioavailability to humans. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that soil Zn application is more effective in enhancing grain yield and Zn concentration, while seed Zn priming remains crucial in low-Zn and high-salt soils. Future research should optimize Zn application strategies for Zn-biofortified wheat cultivated in salt-affected fields.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЯ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ АГРОБИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ, АДАПТИВНОЙ И ПРОДУКЦИОННОЙ УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬЮ НАСАЖДЕНИЙ ВИНОГРАДА В НЕСТАБИЛЬНЫХ ПОГОДНЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ И ТЕХНОГЕННОЙ ИНТЕНСИФИКАЦИИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА

The article presents the results of agrobiological and physiological-biochemical studies to ensure the stability of grape plantations in unstable weather conditions and anthropogenic intensification of production. Studies in the agroecological conditions of the Krasnodar region on the southern chernozems revealed the most productive norm of loading of grape bushes with shoots for the technical varieties Kurchanskiy, Dmitriy, Vladimir, Granatovyi, Antaris and Alkor, on leached chernozems – for the table seedless variety Centennial Seedless. According to the results of electrophoretic separation of peroxidases in polyacrylamide gel and an increased content of ascorbic acid, increased frost resistance was established in the varieties Kristall, Vostorg, Krasnostop AZOS. The Vostorg and Zarif varieties proved to be more adaptive to the stresses of the summer period in terms of leaf hydration, bound water content, the ratio of chlorophylls and carotenoids, the amount of proline and water-soluble sugars, membrane permeability. The role of physiologically active substances in increasing the adaptive potential of grape plants has been established. The treatment of Merlot vines with methyl jasmonate and epibrassinolide during deep dormancy period, as well as proline, salicylic acid and epibrassinolide during induced dormancy period had a positive effect on the condition of the vine: there was a decrease in electrolyte yield. Sustainable grape cultivation is achieved with the systemic use of the «Bioconcentrate-Z» effluent by the non-root method. Against the background of nonroot treatments of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, a higher level of plant water supply, an increase in potassium content, green pigments, organic acids and grape yields were established. Physiologically active compounds and the preparation Turinbash have a positive effect in intensive own-root plantations of native and promising introduced grape varieties against the background of phylloxera infection in the southern part of Dagestan. The created yield forecasting method based on the NDVI of the grape plant and the actual data of multispectral images of the phenophases of flowering and growth allows to increase the accuracy of the calculated yield capacity to the actual one with a deviation from 0 to 0.8 kg per bush, the accuracy of the forecast increases by 2 times by the end of the growth phase and by the beginning of the maturation phase. Key words: GRAPES, METHODS, MANAGEMENT, SUSTAINABILITY, PRODUCTIVITY, QUALITY, FORECASTING

Characterization of the decomposition behaviors of catalytic pyrolysis of alkaline lignin with the addition of different concentrations of potassium

Investigating the influence of potassium concentration on alkali lignin pyrolysis is beneficial for advancing the technology of biomass catalytic pyrolysis. This study examined the catalytic effects of different concentrations of various potassium compounds on alkali lignin pyrolysis. The impregnation method was employed to load potassium compounds (KCl, K2CO3, and CH3COOK) onto alkali lignin at varying concentrations. The results showed a significant influence of potassium concentration on the catalytic pyrolysis of lignin. Increasing the potassium concentration resulted in higher pyrolysis char yield and lower pyrolysis gas yield. Furthermore, the pyrolytic char with a high concentration of potassium exhibited a distinct surface pore structure that was noticeably eroded by potassium. Furthermore, with an increase in potassium concentration, the removal of side chains, including methoxy, acetyl, and hydroxyethyl groups, became increasingly pronounced, resulting in higher yields of CO2 and phenol. The elevated potassium concentration facilitated the depolymerization of lignin through Cβ-O bond cleavage, promoted the decomposition of intermediate products, and enhanced the formation of small molecule products. Ultimately, a hypothetical mechanism explaining the influence of potassium concentration on alkali lignin pyrolysis was proposed. This study establishes a scientific foundation for the high-value utilization and resource development of alkaline lignin.

Analisis Serapan Hara N, P dan K Jaringan Cabai (Capsicum sp.) pada Variasi Tingkat Kemasaman Tanah

This research tested the effect of soil acidity level on the uptake of macro elements in plant tissue. This research is a type of experimental research that examines the effect of soil acidification levels on the absorption of N, P, and K nutrients in chili plant tissues. This research was conducted on the greenhouse experimental land of the Sambas State Polytechnic, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. This activity is carried out from March to October 2022. The research design used a descriptive analysize with three treatments, namely pH = 6 (P1), pH = 7 (P2), and pH = 8 (P3) which were repeated as many as 3 tests. Each treatment consisted of 30 plants planted in a planting medium mixed with soil, burnt husks and animal dung. N, P and K uptake is obtained through the analysis of the covering of stem and leaf tissues. The results showed that the difference in the level of acidification of the growing media did not have a effect on the level of absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus, but level of acidification have effect in potassium absorption in chili plants. Nitrogen content generally decreases in plant tissue samples aged 30 to 45 days after planting, while in plants aged 45 to 50 days after planting, there is enerally an increase in the accumulation of nitrogen in plant tissues. Absorption of phosphorus elements in tissues fluctuates over a period of 30 to 60 days after planting. The phosphorus content found in leaf tissue treatment pH 6 and pH 7 increased from the observation period of 30 to 60 days after planting. Absorption of potassium elements in tissues fluctuates over a period of 30 to 60 days after planting. An increase in Potassium content in stem and leaf tissues occurred in pH 6 treatment samples. Key words : chili, nitrogen, phosphor, potassium, uptake

Surface residual alkali reverse utilization: Stabilizing the lay-structured oxide cathode for high stability potassium ion batteries

Manganese base oxide is considered as a promising cathode material for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). However, the continuous phase transition leads to the poor stability of surface structure and its cycle life still cannot meet the increasing requirements. At the same time, because of its thermodynamic instability, residual alkali will precipitate with the increase of potassium content or exposure to humid environment, which seriously affects its performance. Surface engineering techniques are thus employed herein to modify the active material surface structure by growing a protective perovskite-type KTaO3 layer reversely utilizing the surface residual alkali as potassium resource. The obtained K0.5MnO2@KTaO3 composite exabits a superior cycling lifespan keeping the capacity retention high to 98.8 % after 200 cycles at 300 mAh/g. Besides increasing the environmental adaptability, the protective perovskite-type KTaO3 layer can not only inhibit the dissolution of transition metals by stabilizing the surface crystal structure, but also accelerate the K+ diffusion by decreasing the interface activation energy between cathode and electrolyte.

Oligodendrocyte–axon metabolic coupling is mediated by extracellular K+ and maintains axonal health

The integrity of myelinated axons relies on homeostatic support from oligodendrocytes (OLs). To determine how OLs detect axonal spiking and how rapid axon–OL metabolic coupling is regulated in the white matter, we studied activity-dependent calcium (Ca2+) and metabolite fluxes in the mouse optic nerve. We show that fast axonal spiking triggers Ca2+ signaling and glycolysis in OLs. OLs detect axonal activity through increases in extracellular potassium (K+) concentrations and activation of Kir4.1 channels, thereby regulating metabolite supply to axons. Both pharmacological inhibition and OL-specific inactivation of Kir4.1 reduce the activity-induced axonal lactate surge. Mice lacking oligodendroglial Kir4.1 exhibit lower resting lactate levels and altered glucose metabolism in axons. These early deficits in axonal energy metabolism are associated with late-onset axonopathy. Our findings reveal that OLs detect fast axonal spiking through K+ signaling, making acute metabolic coupling possible and adjusting the axon–OL metabolic unit to promote axonal health.

Evaluating the Effect of Adding Selected Herbs, Spices, and Fruits to Fermented Olympus Mountain Tea (Sideritis scardica) Kombucha Sweetened with Thyme Honey: Assessment of Physicochemical and Functional Properties

This study examined the effects of adding herbs, spices, and fruits into fermented Olympus Mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) kombucha using thyme honey as a sweetener. This study evaluated how these additions affected the tea’s physical, chemical, and functional characteristics. Two different enrichments were proposed: a “Golden Mountain tea and honey Kombucha” (KG) with fresh ginger, turmeric powder, and lemon zest and juice and a “Red Mountain tea and honey Kombucha” (KR) with dried hibiscus calyces, rose petals, and lavender blossoms. In KR, the levels of vitamin C increased from 33.2 ± 2.7 to 48.4 ± 4.5. Additionally, the levels of calcium increased from 31.0 ± 1.2 to 55.7 ± 1.2, while the levels of potassium practically doubled from 64.7 ± 0.6 to 115.7 ± 2.5. An increased potassium concentration was observed in KG, and ionic iron was found for the first time after both enrichments. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant capacity, as assessed by the ABTS and DPPH methods, were found to be substantially enhanced in KR. In KG, the total phenolic content increased, together with antioxidant activity, as assessed by ABTS. Enrichment with hibiscus calyces, rose petals, and lavender blossoms significantly increased inhibitory effects against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. On the other hand, enrichment with ginger, turmeric, and lemon zest and juice decreased inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and increased those against α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. KR had the strongest enzyme-inhibiting activity, with its α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity increased by approximately 18 times. Therefore, enrichment with selected herbs, spices, and fruits can transform fermented Olympus Mountain tea kombucha sweetened with honey into a novel beverage with enhanced functional properties.

Endophytic fungi are able to induce tolerance to salt stress in date palm seedlings (Phoenix dactylifera L.).

Date palm, typically considered a salinity-resistant plant, grows in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, and experiences decreased growth and yields under salt stress. This study investigates the efficacy of endophytic fungi (EF) in enhancing the salinity tolerance of date palm seedlings. In this experiment, EF were isolated from date tree roots and identified morphologically. Following molecular identification, superior strains were selected to inoculate date palm seedlings (Phoenix dactylifera L., cv. Mazafati). The seedlings were subjected to varying levels of salinity stress for 4months, utilizing a completely randomized factorial design with two factors: fungal strain type (six levels) and salinity stress (0, 100, 200, and 300mM sodium chloride). The diversity analysis of endophytic fungi in date palm trees revealed that the majority of isolates belonged to the Ascomycota family, with Fusarium and Alternaria being the most frequently isolated genera. In this research, the application of fungal endophytes resulted in increased dry weight of roots, shoots, root length, plant height, and leaf number. Additionally, EF symbiosis with date palm seedling roots led to a reduction in sodium concentration and an increase in potassium and phosphorus concentrations in aerial parts under salt-stress conditions. While salinity elevated lipid peroxidation, consequently increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, EF mitigated damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), while promoting proline and total soluble sugar (TSS) accumulation. The colonization percentage generally increased with salinity stress intensity in most strains. According to the results, the application of EF can alleviate the adverse effects of salinity stress and enhance the growth of date palm seedlings under saline conditions.

The Features of Potassium Dynamics in 'Soil-Plant' System of Sour Cherry Orchard.

This research aimed to study interannual and seasonal dynamics of different potassium compounds in orchard soil and the potassium status of sour cherry trees affected by the application of nitrogen and potash fertilizers. Afield experiment was started in 2017 at an orchard located in the forest-steppe zone of the Central Russian upland. Urea and potassium sulfate were applied to the soil once a year in early spring with rates from N30K40 to N120K160 kg/ha. The content of exchangeable and water-soluble potassium compounds was determined in soil samples five times throughout the growing season from May to September 2018-2020. The content of non-exchangeable potassium was determined twice, in 2017 and 2020. The interannual and seasonal dynamics of plant-available potash in unfertilized soil depended on the weather patterns and the uptake of potassium by trees. In the unfertilized plots, the first signs of potassium nutrition insufficiency appeared, such as low leaf and fruit potassium status and a decrease in the non-exchangeable potassium reserves in the20-40 cm soil layer. The annual fertilization led to the gradual accumulation of exchangeable potassium in the root zone. The accumulation was accelerated with increasing rates. When the exchangeable potassium level in the topsoil reached 200 mg/kg, the intensification of both the seasonal fluctuations in potash content and the potash leaching into the depths of the soil occurred in all treatments. In the conditions of our experiment, one-time treatments with superfluous potassium rates (over 80 kg/ha) did not provide an enlarged stock of plant-available potash in the soil but caused unreasonable losses of it due to leaching. An increase in fertilizer rates was not essential for normal metabolic processes and did not manifest itself as an increase in potassium content in leaves and fruits or as an increase in yield.

Gas stripping coupled with in-situ oxidation assisted microwave remediation of contaminated soil for efficient removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Thermal desorption technology at low temperatures has been extensively researched. However, the challenge remains in maintaining soil ecological function while effectively removing PAHs from contaminated soil using this method. Based on the gas hammer fragmentation concept, this study presents the strategy of gas stripping (steam extraction) coupled with microwave remediation. A multifunctional bluecoke-based modifier (MnO2/KHCO3@BC) was prepared followed by an investigation on the removal effect, soil characteristics and remediation mechanism of MnO2/KHCO3@BC-assisted microwave remediation of pyrene (PAHs model) contaminated soil. The research findings indicate that MnO2/KHCO3@BC is more effective in generating oxygen vacancies, facilitating surface electron transfer, and enhancing the oxidation effect of ROS on pyrene compared to KHCO3@BC and MnO2@BC. Despite having slightly inferior electromagnetic properties to BC, MnO2/KHCO3@BC could achieve a microwave remediation temperature of approximately 300 °C under optimal experimental conditions. MnO2/KHCO3@BC demonstrated remarkable pyrene removal efficiency with a maximum removal rate of 98.34%, making it an ideal candidate for pyrene remediation. Moreover, the remediated soil exhibited a weakly acidic nature, with a significant decrease in particle size and a substantial increase in potassium content. The study also highlighted a novel synergistic mechanism of ''microwave heating - gas stripping - oxidation,'' which can efficiently remove most of the pyrene adsorbed inside and outside of soil particles and degrade it into low-toxic and small-molecule organic matter, CO2, and H2O. Overall, the findings of this study could hold potential significance for upcoming endeavours concerning polluted industrial areas.

Methodology-related pseudohyperkalemia associated with marked muscle enzyme leakage in a dog.

As hyperkalemia may be life-threatening, it is critical to recognize artifactually increased potassium concentrations. Pseudohyperkalemia may occur in myopathies when using the VetScan2 analyzer (VS2), but the degree of pseudohyperkalemia and relationships relative to creatine kinase activity (CK) are unknown. We aimed to determine what degree of muscle enzyme leakage, as reflected by increased serum CK activity, results in cases with falsely elevated potassium concentrations when measured by the VS2. We also sought to establish if a linear relationship exists between potassium concentrations measured by the VS2 and CK activity. Serum samples from dogs with increased CK activity and with CK activity within the reference interval and without clinically relevant biochemical alterations were used to create diluted samples having various CK activities. Potassium concentrations and CK activities were determined on VS2 and Cobas c501 (Cobas) analyzers. Wilcoxon signed rank, Bland-Altman, and Passing-Bablok analyses were used to compare potassium concentrations generated by the VS2 and Cobas analyzers. Least squares regression analysis was performed to evaluate if a linear relationship exists between VS2 potassium concentrations and Cobas CK activities. Potassium concentrations from the VS2 were higher (median and standard deviation (SD) = 5.2 +/- 0.46 mmol/L) than those from the Cobas analyzer (4.4 +/- 0.35 mmol/L; P < 0.000), and a positive mean bias was found (mean difference = 0.774 mmol/L; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.706-0.842; limits of agreement = 0.21-1.34). Passing-Bablok regression showed a positive proportional bias for potassium concentrations on the VS2 compared with paired Cobas results (Slope = 1.328; 95% CI = 1.100-1.500) but did not reveal systematic bias (Intercept = -0.714; 95% CI = -1.46-0.265). Least squares regression analysis showed a poor non-significant relationship (R2 = 0.19) between potassium measured by the VS2 and CK measured by the Cobas analyzer. A defined threshold value of CK activity at which potassium concentration begins to falsely increase when measured on the VS2 was not established as data widely varied. A poor non-significant relationship between potassium concentrations and CK activities did not allow prediction of the threshold at which falsely increased potassium concentrations would be expected on the VS2.

Growth and characterization of sodium potassium niobate single crystals near morphotropic phase boundaries

By using a high-temperature solution approach, lead-free single crystals of sodium potassium niobate Kx Na(1-x)NbO3 have been grown at three different phase boundary compositions (x = 0.17, 0.35, and 0.50). The monoclinic and orthorhombic crystal structures are present in the compositions × = 0.17 and × = 0.50 related crystal structures. Ferroelectricity is induced at lower temperatures and requires a smaller critical electric field when KNbO3 content is included into NaNbO3 crystals. Studies using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) have shown how the sodium potassium niobate (KNN) crystals grow morphologically. With an increase in potassium concentration in the KNN system, the average step size falls. KNN crystals were subjected to impedance analyzer-based dielectric investigations. With an increase in concentration, a decrease in dielectric loss was found. The compositions with potassium concentrations of x = 0.50, 0.35, and 0.17 were found to have piezoelectric coefficients (d33) of 72 pC/N, 63 pC/N, and 52 pC/N, respectively.

Effect of Potassium Chloride on the Nanostructure and Reactivity of Soot Particles from Combustion of Municipal Solid Waste

This work studied the effect of potassium chloride (KCl) on soot formation during the combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW). The nanostructural and oxidative properties of soot particles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy (RS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). HRTEM images showed that, under the same combustion environment, the KCl-loaded fuel samples generated soot particles with smaller particle sizes and more compact morphologies. Quantification of the nanostructure further indicated that, with increasing potassium concentrations from 1 to 5%, the fringe separation distance and fringe tortuosity of soot particles slightly increased, yet no clear trend was observed in the fringe length. Raman spectral analysis verified the fringe analysis, suggesting that the addition of KCl made the soot nanostructure more disordered with a larger separation distance and higher fringe tortuosity. In addition, oxidation profiles determined that the reactivity of K-doped soot was enhanced because of a decrease in the apparent activation energy (Ea) from 167 to 124 kJ/mol. Moreover, Ea showed strong linearity with the fringe tortuosity and fringe separation distance, with R2 values of 0.91 and 0.97, respectively. On the basis of the experimental data, a schematic of four K–soot interaction routes is proposed to better understand the soot formation during the combustion of solid wastes.

Efficacy and safety of finerenone in chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

The main objective was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of finerenone in patients with CKD associated with T2D, especially with regard to renal and cardiovascular protection. Eight databases were searched. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the outcomes and risk ratio (RR) were calculated as the effect measure. Four trials (n = 13,510) were included. Compared to placebo groups, the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) mean ratio, along with the proportion of patients with a decreased eGFR (≥ 40%) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), was significantly lower (MD: -0.30 (95% CI: -0.32, -0.28), p < 0.00001; RR: 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.93), p = 0.0002; RR: 0.80 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.99), p = 0.04, respectively). Furthermore, the proportion of patients with cardiovascular events (CVs) was significantly lower (RR: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.96), p = 0.003). In terms of safety, while the increase in serum potassium concentration and the incidence of hyperkalemia were significantly higher in the finerenone groups (MD: 0.16 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.26), p = 0.00006; RR: 2.03 (95% CI: 1.83, 2.26), p < 0.00001, respectively), the all-cause mortality and the incidence of adverse events (AEs) were similar to placebo (RR: 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.00), p = 0.05; RR: 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.01), p = 0.65, respectively). The observed renal and cardiovascular benefits of finerenone were significant and did not cause unacceptable side-effects. Finerenone may represent a promising therapeutic tool for CKD associated with T2D.

Haematological and biochemical pathology markers for a predictive model for ITU admission and death from COVID-19: A retrospective study.

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 has affected over 227 countries. Changes in haematological and biochemical characteristics in patients with COVID‐19 are emerging as important features of the disease. This study aims to identify the pathological findings of COVID‐19 patients at Bedford Hospital by analysing laboratory parameters that were identified as significant potential markers of COVID‐19. Patients who were admitted to Bedford Hospital from March–July 2020 and had a positive swab for COVID were selected for this study. Clinical and laboratory data were collected using ICE system. Multiple haematological and biochemistry biomarkers were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to predict intensive therapy unit (ITU) admission and/or survival based on admission tests. Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C‐reactive protein were elevated in most patients, irrespective of ITU status, representing a common outcome of COVID‐19. This was driven by lymphopenia in 80% and neutrophilia in 42% of all patients. Multivariate logistic regression identified an increase in mortality associated with greater age, elevated NLR, alkaline phosphatase activity and hyperkalaemia. With the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.706 +/− 0.04117, negative predictive value (NPV) 66.7% and positive predictive value (PPV) 64.9%. Analysis also revealed an association between increases in serum albumin and potassium concentrations and decreases in serum calcium, sodium and in prothrombin time, with admission to ITU. The area under the ROC curve of 0.8162 +/− 0.0403, NPV 63.3% and PPV 80.5%. These data suggest that using admission (within 4 days) measurements for haematological and biochemical markers, that we are able to predict outcome, whether that is survival or ITU admission.

Liming alkaline clay soils: effects on soil structure, nutrients, barley growth and yield

ABSTRACT Liming before cultivation of sugar beets is favourable even on alkaline soils but knowledge of response in other crops is lacking. Therefore, effects of ground limestone (GL) and structure lime (SL1 slaked lime or SL2 mix of ground limestone and slaked lime) were evaluated in southern Sweden on soil structure, growth and nutrient concentration in barley under four fertilisation strategies 1.5–2 years after application. All lime products increased aggregate stability, but with variations between locations. A lower proportion of large aggregates was found in both limed treatments, and a higher proportion of small aggregates in SL. In barley, grain yield was unaffected while shoot numbers and biomass in first node stage increased for GL and biomass increased further for SL. Structure lime increased potassium concentration in plants in first node stage, due to more potassium in the product. Both lime types increased molybdenum concentration. Ground limestone reduced zinc concentration compared with no liming. Finer seedbed tilth and increased aggregate stability may explain increased biomass for GL. Higher potassium content in SL might be a further explanation. No interactions between liming and fertilisation were found. In conclusion, on the soil types studied, no change of fertilisation strategy is needed due to liming.

The Role of Fertilization with Nano-Zinc Oxide on the Growth and Yield of Wheat in Calcareous Desert Soil

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of the source and level of addition of nano-zinc oxide on the growth and yield of IPA-99 wheat cultivar grown in desert soil conditions and compare it with regular zinc fertilizers. Fertilizers were sprayed on the soil, the nano-fertilizers included three sources of zinc, nano-metallic zinc oxide (ZnnO), zinc-chelated nano-fertilizer ZnnDTPA, and nano-zinc humate (ZnnHA). The nano-fertilizers were added at levels of 1 and 2 kg ha-1. Whereas the regular zinc fertilizers, ZnO, ZnDTPA, and ZnHA, were added at a level of 4 and 8 kg ha-1 in addition to the control treatment without addition. After harvest, the grain yield, straw yield, and the concentration of zinc, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in the wheat grain were estimated. The results showed that zinc nano fertilizers had a significant effect in increasing the studied plant traits compared to the control treatment, Zinc humate nano fertilizer gave the highest increase in all studied plant traits among the nano-fertilizers, as it achieved an increase in grain yield, straw yield, zinc, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium concentrations in grains by 45.36%, 57.01%, 409.43%, 42.36%, 98.20%, and 38.56 % respectively over the control treatment. The zinc nano-fertilizers had a significant effect on increasing the yield of grains and the concentration of nitrogen and potassium in the grains compared to the regular zinc fertilizers. While the results showed there was no significant difference in straw yield and the concentration of zinc and phosphorous in the grains between nano and normal zinc fertilizer.