Low Potassium Research Articles

국내 30-40 대 장년의 식이 나트륨·칼륨 비 및 음식군 에너지 섭취 비율과 비만과의 관련성 : 제 6~7기 (2013-2018) 국민건강영양조사를 바탕으로

Nutrient imbalance, exceptionally high sodium, and low potassium intake have been reported to cause obesity. Thus, this study analyzed the relationship between the Na/K intake ratio and obesity. The subjects of this study were 7,523 persons aged 30-49 from the 6th~7th period (2013-2018) of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and waist circumference ≥ 90cm for men and ≥85cm for women. The Na/K intake ratio was based on 24-hour recall data. A total of 24 food groups were classified according to a classification system provided by the Korean Nutrition Society. To analyze the relationship between the Na/K intake ratio and obesity, Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and logistic regression analysis were used. As a result of the analysis of the relationship between Na/K intake ratio and obesity, T3 was 1.273 times (CI: 1.125-1.440, P0.001) T1 in BMI criteria, and T3 was 1.244 times in waist circumference (CI: 1.089-1.422, P=0.005). Also, among those with a Na/K intake ratio of 1 or higher, food intake to total energy intake was analyzed according to obesity. The food group with the highest intake ratio in the obese group was beverages, alcoholic beverages, tea, noodles, dumplings, soups, fried foods, and kimchi (P0.005). Therefore, it is necessary to present the contents of an appropriate Na/K intake ratio and energy intake control during weight control education for obese people.

Epidemiological and Clinical Investigation of Snake Bite Cases Admitted to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Izmir

Objective: There are more than 3000 snake species in the world, about 30% of which are known to be venomous. Snake poisoning can cause serious mortality and morbidity. In this study, it was aimed to investigate epidemiologically and clinically the snake bite cases admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Izmir.
 Material and Methods: Patients who applied to our emergency department with the complaint of snake bite between 2012 and 2022 were included in the retrospective observational study. The data of the patients were obtained by scanning the hospital electronic database. Vital signs, laboratory values, physical examination findings and outcomes of the patients were evaluated.
 Results: Of the 52 patients, 22 (42.3%) were female, 30 (57.7%) were male, and the mean age was 48±16. It was seen that the most cases occurred in the summer season and only 1 patient died in total. Snake bite was seen on extremity in 41 (78.8%) patients while 11 (21.2%) had non-extremity bites. There was a statistically significant difference in CK value, potassium value, local edema and diffuse edema incidence between the two groups according to the bite site.
 Conclusion: Higher CK, lower potassium level and more local and diffuse edema are seen in extremity bites compared to non-extremity bites.

Dietary calcium intake was related to the onset of pre-eclampsia: The TMM BirThree Cohort Study.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary electrolyte intake and the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) subtypes. Our analysis included 19914 pregnant women from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. A food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate dietary calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium intakes. HDP was determined based on the medical records during regular antenatal care. Logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between dietary electrolytes intake quintiles, and HDP subtypes with adjustment for basic characteristics. Dietary electrolyte intakes were applied for the prediction model. Of the cohort, 547 participants delivered with pre-eclampsia (PE), 278 with superimposed PE (SP), and 896 with gestational hypertension (GH). PE was associated with low crude calcium intake (odds ratio of the first quintile [<251mg/day] to the fifth quintile [>623mg/day] and 95% confidence interval, 1.31 [1.00-1.70]) and P for trend was .02. SP was not associated with any nutritional intake; however, the combined outcome of PE and SP was related to low crude calcium and potassium and energy-adjusted calcium, potassium, and magnesium intakes (P for trend, .01, .048, .02, .04, and .02, respectively). The same tendency was observed for GH. A prediction model that included crude calcium and potassium intakes performed better than a model without them. In conclusion, low dietary calcium, potassium, and magnesium were associated with higher HDP subtypes prevalence. The prediction model implied that crude calcium and potassium intakes might play a critical role in PE and SP pathogenesis.

Comparative Clinical and Serum Biochemical Evaluation of Two Intramuscular Anaesthetic Combinations (Diazepam/Ketamine and Diazepam/Fentanyl/Ketamine) in Rabbits

The research has been conducted to find the clinical efficacy and safety of preanaesthetics and induction agents based on clinical and serum biochemical indicators in rabbits. Eight healthy rabbits (3.0-3.5kg) of either sex were arbitrarily allocated into two groups: Group DK (diazepam-ketamine) and Group DFK (diazepam-fentanyl-ketamine). Rabbits were received intramuscular diazepam (5mg/kg), fentanyl (0.02 mg/kg) and ketamine (35 mg/kg). Data on clinical parameters (rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and reflexes (righting reflex, palpebral reflex, and pedal reflex) were evaluated before and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 minutes after injection of anaesthetics. Blood samples were aspirated before anaesthesia and 30 minutes following induction. Serum Albumin, Globulin, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Total Protein, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Creatinine, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, and Chlorine were evaluated through a semiautomatic biochemistry analyzer. In this study, no significant changes in rectal temperature were observed in the animals of group DK during anaesthesia. During anaesthetic cascade, heart rates and respiration rates in both the groups were reduced significantly (P&amp;lt; 0.05). In DFK-injected rabbits, the return of righting and palpebral reflexes were delayed. The DFK groups had considerably (P&amp;lt; 0.05) longer surgical anaesthesia than the DK groups. In terms of serum biochemistry, DK-treated rabbits had significantly lower total protein, globulin, creatinine, HDL, sodium, and potassium concentrations (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Total protein, cholesterol, HDL, and potassium levels decreased significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) after DFK treatment. The DFK combination offered appropriate anaesthesia for rabbits, as evidenced by a prolonged anaesthetic time, acceptable cardiopulmonary and other clinical indices, and moderate changes in serum biochemical profiles.

Associations between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and all-cause mortality in adults living in north China

Objective: To investigate the associations between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (24hUNaE) and all-cause mortality in adult Northern Chinese population. Methods: Data from this study were derived from the prospective urban and rural epidemiology (PURE) study in north China. Baseline information of all participants were obtained by face to face interview through trained research staffs based on questionnaires, and morning fasting urine samples of participants were collected to estimate 24hUNaE and 24-hour potassium excretion (24hUKE). Multivariable frailty Cox regression models were used to explore the association between 24hUNaE (<3.00, 3.00-3.99, 4.00-4.99, 5.00-5.99 and ≥6 g/d) and all-cause death. Results: A total of 27 310 participants were included in this study. The mean 24hUNaE was (5.84±1.73) g/d. After a median follow-up of 8.8 years, 1 024 participants died (3.7%), including 390 cardiovascular related deaths and 591 non-cardiovascular related deaths. The cause of death of the remaining patients could not be determined. Using 24hUNaE level of 4.00-4.99 g/d as the reference group, after fully adjustment, 24hUNaE ≥6.00 g/d was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (HR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.02-1.49) and cardiovascular related death (HR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.02-1.88). 24hUNaE<3.00 g/d was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.38, 95%CI: 0.96-1.99). There was no significant association between 24hUNaE and non-cardiovascular related death. Furthermore, using the combination of 24hUNaE 4.00-4.99 g/d and 24hUKE≥2.11 g/d as the reference group, the highest risk occurred in participants with the combination of low sodium (<3.00 g/d) and low potassium (<2.11 g/d). Conclusion: 24hUNaE equal or higher than 6 g/d or lower than 3 g/d is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular related death in Northern Chinese population. Besides, moderate sodium intake in combination with increased potassium intake might reduce the risk of all-cause death.

Wheat potassium transporter TaHAK13 mediates K+ absorption and maintains potassium homeostasis under low potassium stress.

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for plant physiological processes. Members of the HAK/KUP/KT gene family act as potassium transporters, and the family plays an important role in potassium uptake and utilization in plants. In this study, the TaHAK13 gene was cloned from wheat and its function characterized. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that TaHAK13 expression was induced by environmental stress and up-regulated under drought (PEG6000), low potassium (LK), and salt (NaCl) stress. GUS staining indicated that TaHAK13 was mainly expressed in the leaf veins, stems, and root tips in Arabidopsis thaliana, and expression varied with developmental stage. TaHAK13 mediated K+ absorption when heterologously expressed in yeast CY162 strains, and its activity was slightly stronger than that of a TaHAK1 positive control. Subcellular localization analysis illustrated that TaHAK13 was located to the plasma membrane. When c(K+) ≤0.01 mM, the root length and fresh weight of TaHAK13 transgenic lines (athak5/TaHAK13, Col/TaHAK13) were significantly higher than those of non-transgenic lines (athak5, Col). Non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT) indicated that the net K influx of the transgenic lines was also higher than that of the non-transgenic lines. This suggests that TaHAK13 promotes K+ absorption, especially in low potassium media. Membrane-based yeast two-hybrid (MbY2H) and luciferase complementation assays (LCA) showed that TaHAK13 interacted with TaNPF5.10 and TaNPF6.3. Our findings have helped to clarify the biological functions of TaHAK13 and established a theoretical framework to dissect its function in wheat.

MaHAK5, a Potassium Transporter of Banana, Enhanced Potassium Uptake in Transgenic Arabidopsis under Low Potassium Conditions

Potassium (K+) is one of the most important macronutrients for plant growth and development. It is generally accepted that the KUP/HAK/KT transporters play essential roles in K+ uptake at low concentrations. However, their physiological functions in bananas remain unknown. Here, we cloned MaHAK5 and analyzed its functions in banana (Musa acuminata). Gene expression analysis showed that MaHAK5 was upregulated in the roots and leaves in the early stage of low K+ (LK) stress. MaHAK5 was localized in the cytomembrane. The expression of MaHAK5 improved the growth of the low K+-sensitive yeast mutant R5421 at different K+ supply levels. Overexpression of MaHAK5 in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly enhanced the ability for K+ uptake and increased the chlorophyll content under LK stress. These results indicate that MaHAK5 plays a crucial role in maintaining K+ uptake in bananas.

Karakteristik Batuan Ultrabasa Di Desa Winatu Dan Kamarora, Kabupaten Sigi, Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah

Ultramafic rocks are found in Sigi district in the Kamarora and Winatu areas but are not mentioned in the regional geology of the Poso sheet and the Pasangkayu sheet so that it is interesting to investigate further. Therefore, it is important to conduct this research to determine the characteristics and processes of ultramafic rock formation in the Kamarora and Winatu areas of Sigi district using the Petrographic and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) methods. The results of this study are based on petrographic analysis of two rock samples in Kamarora Village containing olivine (60-55%), omphasite (15-10%), enstatite (5%), serpentine (10%), garnet (15-10%) ) and chlorite (5%) with the rock name lherzolite, while one rock sample in Winatu Village contained serpentine minerals (75%), olivine (15%), omphasite (5%), enstasite (5%) with serpentine rock names. The chemical composition and percentage of each element of the samples analyzed by XRF stations ST01K, ST02K, ST01W are as follows: major element SiO2 (40 – 41.1 wt %), Al2O3 (2.90 – 19.6 wt %), Fe2O3 (7 – 9.98 wt %), MgO (17 – 33.7 wt %), CaO (11.30 – 12.4 wt %), Na2O (0.147–2.11 wt %), K2O (0.0558 – 0.234 wt %) and minor elements with a content range of TiO2 (0.104 – 0.965 wt %), MnO (0.102 – 0.145 wt%), SO3 (0.0719 – 0.259 wt %), Cl ( 0.0954 – 0.360 wt %), NiO (0.0272 – 0.307 wt %), Cr2O3 (0.111 – 0.403 wt %), Co2O3 (0.0246 wt %), WO3 (0.0563 – 0.0661 wt %). Rocks formed in the type of tholeiite magma, this type of magma has a low potassium content, usually formed in subduction and non-subduction areas. Based on the results of the plot on the Pearce et al (1976) diagram, it is known that the tectonic order of rock formation is on the ocean ridge and floor or the expansion of the ocean floor.

Effect of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers Application on Soil Chemical Characteristics and Their Accumulation in Potato Plant Tissues

Applications of nutrients are determined by the plant’s nutritional requirements and the soil’s available nutrients; however, the precise nutrient application is difficult. At Assosa, a field experiment was conducted to determine how soil chemical characteristics and accumulation of phosphorus and potassium in potato tissue responded to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers application. The treatments included four potassium levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg·K2O ha−1) and six phosphorus levels (0, 46, 92, 138, 184, and 230 kg·P2O5 ha−1). The experiment was set up as a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) and was repeated three times. According to the preplanting soil analysis, the cropping area’s soil has a medium CEC, low accessible phosphorus, and very low exchangeable potassium. The application of phosphorus had a highly significant influence on accessible phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and CEC, the concentration of phosphorus in the leaf and tuber tissue of the potato plant. While potassium had a significant effect on exchangeable potassium, CEC, phosphorus concentration in potato plant tuber tissue, and potassium level in both the leaf and the tuber, the interaction effect of phosphorus and potassium on all of the above-mentioned soil chemical properties, as well as the amount of P and K in potato plant tissues, was observed. The critical potassium level in the leaf blade for optimum crop yield tissue content was determined to be 100 kg·K2O ha−1, while the critical level of phosphorus was determined to be 184 kg·P2O5 ha−1.

224: ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS DUE TO REFRACTORY HYPOKALEMIA

Introduction: In a hypoglycemic state, potassium levels are falsely elevated due to potassium shifting extracellularly. Once insulin is initiated, potassium will reverse, returning intracellularly, and leading to a lower potassium level. It is this reason that the standard protocol of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment is to not begin insulin until potassium is replenished above a designated level. Below we present a patient with DKA that required treatment outside of standard protocol due to refractory hypokalemia. Description: The patient is a 25-year-old male that presented to the emergency department (ED) with elevated glucose for the past few weeks. He is a type-2 diabetic, controlled with diet and exercise for the last year. Prior to which, he had been on insulin. The only exacerbating factor he can think of is receiving the J&J vaccine around the same time. Other associated symptoms are difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, mild nausea, but no vomiting. In the ED, he was found to be in DKA with labs significant for severe acidosis and critical hypokalemia of 1.6 mmol/L. A central line was placed and potassium repletion began prior to initiating insulin drip, with plan to start insulin once potassium corrected. Following aggressive potassium repletion with up to 40 mEq per hour, it persistently remained below 3 mmol/L. Thus, it was decided to start the patient on the lowest rate of the insulin drip at 0.02 units/kg/hr until his potassium rose above 3.3 mmol/L as per our protocol. While being on the insulin drip, he was also receiving 20 mEq potassium hourly via IV, 40 mEq orally every four hours, with frequent basic metabolic profiles every two hours. The patient remained on the insulin drip for three days until he was finally able to be transitioned to long-acting insulin, 73-hours after admission. Discussion: The treatment of refractory hypokalemia in the setting of DKA is intricate. Insulin, while imperative for the treatment of DKA, can worsen hypokalemia, therefore sequence of medication administration is important in treatment. It is important for providers to recognize and identify the side effects of these treatments. In this case, multidisciplinary rounds were crucial in both monitoring and replacing potassium while on an insulin drip.

Stroke Outcome Related to Initial Volume Status and Diuretic Use.

Background We hypothesized that stroke outcome is related to multiple baseline hydration-related factors including volume contracted state (VCS) and diuretic use. Methods and Results We analyzed a prospective cohort of subjects with ischemic stroke <24 hours of onset enrolled in acute treatment trials within VISTA (Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive). A VCS was defined based on blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio. The primary end point was modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. Primary analysis used generalized ordinal logistic regression over the mRS range, adjusted for Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events score, onset-to-enrollment time, and thrombolytic use. Of 5971 eligible patients with stroke, 42% were taking diuretics at the time of hospitalization, and 44% were in a VCS. Patients in a VCS were older, had more vascular risk factors, were more likely taking diuretics, and had more severe strokes. Diuretic use was associated with both reduced chance of achieving a good functional outcome (odds ratio [OR], 0.57 [95% CI, 0.52-0.63]) and increased mortality at 90 days (OR, 2.30 [95% CI, 2.04-2.61]). VCS was associated with greater mortality 90 days after stroke (OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.33-1.76]). There was no evidence of effect modification among the 3 exposures of VCS, diuretic use, or hypokalemia in relation to outcome. Conclusions A VCS at the time of hospitalization was associated with more severe stroke and odds of death but not associated with worse functional outcome when accounting for relevant characteristics. Diuretic use and low serum potassium at the time of stroke onset were associated with worse outcome and may be worthy of further investigation.

Glass component analysis based on Fisher's linear discriminant model and random forest classification model

The production of ancient glass is the crystallization of the wisdom of the majority of ancient working people in China. The differences in fluxes and the differences in the burial environment during weathering have a great impact on its chemical composition content. In this paper, a relevant classification model is established based on the data of various properties of glass. In this paper, Fisher linear discriminant model and random forest classification model were established according to the content of different chemical components, and Fisher linear discriminant model, which is easier to test for sensitivity analysis, was selected. Next, the clustering results were obtained by systematically clustering high potassium glass and lead-barium glass, and the classification basis was determined by drawing a line graph and then establishing a subclass classification model to classify high potassium glass into low potassium subclasses and high calcium subclasses. Sensitivity analysis was performed by changing the values of key parameters to check the reasonableness and stability of the subclass classification model. A discriminant model was established to initially determine the categories of eight unknown classified glass artifacts. Sensitivity analysis was performed by changing the key variables through the gradient descent method, and the model was obtained to have good sensitivity.

The Severity of Obesity Promotes Greater Dehydration in Children: Preliminary Results.

The state of hydration of the body depends on the balance between the amount of water and salt consumed and excreted (the urinary extraction of excess sodium requires water). Inappropriate nutrition, particularly consuming too much processed food, causes obesity in children and additionally causes excessive sodium consumption, thus increasing the risk of excessive water loss. The aim of this study was to assess the hydration status of children with obesity and the relation between hydration, body composition, urinary sodium extraction, and nutrient intake. The study group consisted of 27 patients with obesity, with a mean age of 12.89 ± SD 2.79. Each patient's height, weight, body composition (electrical bioimpedance (BIA)), diet (7-day record), and biochemical tests were assessed. The hydration status was assessed using 24-hour urine collection, 24-hour urine osmolality, and an ultrasound of the vena cava (IVC/Ao index). Overall, 55% of children (n = 15) had urine osmolality values above 800 mOsm/kgH2O, which indicates significant dehydration, and 53% (n = 14) were dehydrated, based on the IVC/Ao index. Children with obesity and dehydration had a significantly higher BMI (31.79 vs. 27.32; p = 0.0228), fat mass percentage (37.23% vs. 30.07% p = 0.0051), and fat mass in kg (30.89 vs. 20.55; p = 0.0158), and significantly higher sodium intake from their diet (3390.0 mg vs. 2921.0 mg; p = 0.0230), as well as their sodium/potassium ratio (2.4 vs. 2.0; p = 0.0043). The 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and osmolality values were directly related to fat-mass percentage and fat-mass (in kg) in a simple linear correlation analysis. Our preliminary results confirm that obesity is related to dehydration. The overall high sodium excretion in children with obesity indicates an excessive salt intake along with low potassium intake, which is a significant predictor of dehydration, regardless of the total water intake (TWI).

Low Urinary Potassium Excretion Is Associated with Higher Risk of All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Results of the Dutch Diabetes and Lifestyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT)

Low 24-h urinary potassium excretion, reflecting low potassium intake, is associated with premature mortality in the general population. To determine whether urinary potassium excretion is associated with all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. We performed a prospective cohort study in 654 patients with type 2 diabetes in the Diabetes and Lifestyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT). Sex-specific tertiles of 24-h urinary potassium excretion were analyzed in a multivariable Cox regression model with all-cause mortality. The outpatient program of the hospital uses a continuous surveillance system by the municipal registry of death to ensure up-to-date information on the patient's status (alive or deceased). FFQs were used to study associations between urinary potassium excretion and food products. Urinary potassium excretion at baseline was 84 ± 25 mmol/d in males and 65 ± 22 mmol/d in females, corresponding to estimated potassium intakes of 4250 ± 1270 mg/d and 3300 ± 875 mg/d. During a median follow-up of 5.2 (IQR: 2.7-7.9] y, 96 participants died. In a fully adjusted model, patients in the lowest sex-specific tertile had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, compared with patients in the highest sex-specific tertile (HR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.06, 4.10; P = 0.03). Patients in the lowest sex-specific tertile consumed fewer fruits and vegetables, dairy, coffee, and potato products compared with patients in the highest sex-specific tertile (all P < 0.05). Low potassium intake is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in Dutch patients with type 2 diabetes. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether potassium supplementation improves longevity in patients with type 2 diabetes. This trial was registered in the Dutch Trial Register as NTR trial code 5855.

Hardness Analysis of Weld Metal Electrode Low Hydrogen Potassium E7016 and E7018

Electrodes for the Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding process or welding electrodes are classified based on the type of coating which is informed by the last digit code of the electrode. Electrodes E7016 and E7018 are basic types of electrodes with a Low Hydrogen Potassium coating type which are widely used in welding heavy construction equipment and piping. This electrode has a minimum tensile value of 70 ksi (480 MPa) with a carbon content of 0.07% for E7018 and 0.08% for E7016. The difference in carbon content in the composition of the electrode will determine the hardness value of the resulting weld. In use in the field these two electrodes are often recommended and can even be exchanged according to the assumption that the minimum tensile value is relatively the same between the two electrodes. However, due to the difference in carbon content, it will affect the hardness of the weld (weld metal) after welding. Many studies have been carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the welded joints using these electrodes, but research on the specific mechanical properties of the welds of the two electrodes is very rarely carried out. The test method is carried out by making 2 test specimens each for currents of 80A, 100A, and 120A using E7016 and E7018 electrodes with a diameter of 3.2mm. The material used is SA.36. The hardness test was carried out using the Rockwell-C (HRC) method. The test results show that the hardness value of the basic low hydrogen potassium electrode E7018 has a higher hardness value than E7016 for the same current. At currents of 80A, 100A, and 120A, there was an increase in the hardness of the E7018 weld metal against E7016 by 2.0% each; 9.8%; and 6.7%. The highest hardness value is found at 80A of 42.3HRC for the E7018 electrode, and 41.5 HRC for the E7016 electrode. In E7016 the increase in current causes a decrease in hardness level of 8.2% from 80A to 100A; 12.3% from 100A to 120A. In E7018 the increase in current causes a 1.2% decrease in hardness from 80A to 100A; 14.7% from 100A to 120A

CASE SERIES OF HYPOKALEMIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS

The Periodic paralysis syndrome are described as channelopathies that manifest as abnormal, often potassiumsensitive,muscle-membrane excitability and lead clinically to episodes of accid weakness or paralysis, sometimes in association with abnormalities of the plasma potassium level. Strength is initially normal between attacks, but progressive myopathic weakness may develop in up to one-third of patients. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis characterized by attacks that tend to occur on awakening,after exercise, or after a heavy meal and may last for several days. Patients should avoid excessive exertion. A low-carbohydrate and low-salt diet may help prevent attacks.An ongoing attack may be aborted by potassium chloride given orally or by intravenous drip, provided the ECG can be monitored and kidney function is satisfactory. We report a case series of 3 gentlemen with sudden onset paralysis of extremities and laboratory evaluation revealed a low potassium level. The patient paralysis resolved upon repletion of his low potassium and was discharged with no neurologic decits.

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

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

Edge-oxidation-induced densification towards hybrid bulk carbon for low-voltage, reversible and fast potassium storage

• An edge-oxidation-induced densification route was proposed to fabricate the bulk carbon with hybrid structure of both nanographitic domains and defect networks. • Fast and reversible K + intercalation can be ensured in sp 2 /sp 3 hybridized bulk structure, which is the key to enable carbon anodes with low charge voltage, high ICE, high-rate capability and excellent cyclic stability simultaneously. • The BC-2H//KPB full cell demonstrates great potential for high-performance potassium storage. Bulk carbon with high charge capacity at low voltage, high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and high-rate is critical but challenging for the practice utilization of potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Herein, an edge-oxidation-induced densification strategy is reported to construct hybrid bulk carbon, in which the edge-oxygen of oxidized pitch serves as the cross-linking agent to in-situ conduct the densification. The nanographitic domains are constructed by the localized carbonization of aromatic hydrocarbon core, serving as low voltage intercalation sites. Meanwhile, the removal of oxygen groups builds bulk defect networks around nanographitic domains, thus ensuring fast K + diffusion kinetics. The hybrid bulk carbon anode performances high reversible capacity below 1 V (248.8 mAh g −1 at 0.05 A g −1 ), high ICE (68.2%), high-rate (209.9 mAh g −1 at 1 A g −1 ) and superior cyclic stability (90% capacity retention in 4000 cycles). Moreover, the full cell shows a significant discharge plateau at ca. 3.2 V and excellent cyclic stability (97% from cycle 10th to 200th). This work provides a rational and facile strategy to realize the tradeoff between K + intercalation and fast diffusion kinetics for practical application of PIBs, and gives deep insights into the mechanism of fast and reversible potassium storage at low voltage. An edge-oxidation-induced densification strategy is reported to construct sp 2 /sp 3 hybridized bulk carbon, in which the edge-oxygen of oxidized pitch serves as the cross-linking agent to in-situ conduct the densification. The nanographitic domains and defect networks in hybrid carbon materials is efficient to boost the low voltage potassium storage capacity, ICE, rate performance and long-term cyclic stability simultaneously.

Model-based exploration of hypokalemia in dairy cows

Hypokalemia in dairy cows, which is characterized by too low serum potassium levels, is a severe mineral disorder that can be life threatening. In this paper, we explore different originating conditions of hypokalemia—reduced potassium intake, increased excretion, acid-base disturbances, and increased insulin—by using a dynamic mathematical model for potassium balance in non-lactating and lactating cows. The simulations confirm observations described in literature. They illustrate, for example, that changes in dietary intake or excretion highly effect intracellular potassium levels, whereas extracellular levels vary only slightly. Simulations also show that the higher the potassium content in the diet, the more potassium is excreted with urine. Application of the mathematical model assists in experimental planning and therefore contributes to the 3R strategy: reduction, refinement and replacement of animal experiments.

Understanding smectite to illite transformation at elevated (>100 °C) temperature: Effects of liquid/solid ratio, interlayer cation, solution chemistry and reaction time

Bentonite (mainly smectite) has been proposed as a buffer material in a nuclear waste repository, due to its low permeability, high swelling capability, and high ion exchange capacity. To evaluate the isolation performance of the material, it is important to understand a possible hydrothermal alteration of smectite to illite. We investigated the hydrothermal alteration of smectite under various physical and chemical conditions to identify key controlling factors of the process. The experiments were performed on <2 μm fractions of Na-rich or K-exchanged smectite in DI water or 1 M KCl solution at 200 °C for various liquid/solid ratios over several time periods up to 112 days. Multiple analytical techniques were used to characterize the solid and liquid products to determine the extent of the conversion and the related mineral structural changes. Our results suggest that the conversion could be relatively fast (i.e., weeks) relative to waste disposal isolation at the optimal conditions (high K+ concentration and high liquid/solid ratio), which is much faster than previously postulated for the temperature used here. A high K+ concentration in the solution is required to trigger the structural transition of a low charge smectite layer to a high charge illite layer. This transition appears to be continuous, thus contradicting the dissolution-precipitation mechanism for smectite to illite transformation. Based on the solution chemistry measurements, with respect to silica solubility, the equilibrium constant for the transformation of K-exchanged SWy-2 smectite to illite is estimated. In addition, the overall conversion is limited, to a large extent, by the dissolved silica concentration in the solution. Given a generally low potassium content, a very low liquid/solid ratio, and an extremely slow diffusion in an actual engineered barrier system, the extent of smectite conversion to illite in a repository environment, if happening at all, would be limited. The conversion can be further inhibited by introducing brucite and amorphous silica as chemical additives to the buffer material.