Potassium Values Research Articles

Serum Lipid Profile and Electrolytes Reference Intervals for Apparently Healthy Children and Adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Accurate reference intervals generated from an apparently healthy population and stratified by crucial variables such as age and gender are required to guarantee appropriate interpretation of test results. Since there were no local reference intervals in the study area, the present study aimed to establish reference intervals on serum lipid profiles and electrolytes for children and adolescents in Addis Ababa. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2019. Laboratory analysis was performed using the automatic biochemical analyzer Cobas 6000 (c501) from Roche. According to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, reference intervals for lipid profile and electrolyte tests for apparently healthy children and adolescents were established. We used a non-parametric method to calculate the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles with a 90% confidence interval. In children, the reference intervals for serum potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in mmol/L were 4.37-5.20, 137-145.50, 101.90-107.90, 2.34-2.70, 0.74-0.97, and 1.42-1.85, respectively; and for total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, the respective values were 100.76-171.70, 44.16-126.36, 60.60-105.60, and 31.60-53.70 in mg/dL, for both genders. For adolescents, the reference intervals were 4.03-5.58, 137-146, 98.90-120.90, 2.39-2.70, 0.73-0.96, and 0.96-1.80 for serum potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in mmol/L, respectively; and 97.20-189.10, 40.50-143.60, 41.70-120.90, and 21.30-57.0 in mg/dL for total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, respectively, for both genders. The established reference intervals in the current study revealed that both the lower and upper limits contradicted the manufacturer values as well as the available literature. The study also discovered significant gender differences in reference values for TC, TG, LDL-C, potassium, phosphate, and chloride in the adolescent age groups.

B-127 The Effect of Hemolysis on Potassium Measurement in a Community Setting: The Marching Error

Abstract Background Potassium is one of the most sensitive analytes to in-vitro hemolysis. To detect this error, modern clinical chemistry analyzers calculate the hemolysis index (HI) to estimate the degree of specimen hemolysis. Recently, Roche Diagnostics lowered the acceptable potassium HI limit from 100 to 20 and recommended laboratories avoid using specimens with an HI>20. The goal of this study was to determine a clinically acceptable HI cut-off for potassium at our community reference laboratory, relying on patient data from routine laboratory operation. Methods Plasma venous potassium, sodium, and HI test results from community patients measured on Roche cobas 8000 ISE and c701 modules between September 2022 to December 2023 were extracted from the Roche Infinity Middleware (n=1,101,897). Data was divided into groups based on HI which ranged from 0 to 300. The sample pool with the lowest level of hemolysis (HI≤10) was defined as the base group. Mean and standard deviation of potassium for each HI group was calculated and the difference in the mean between each group compared to the base group was calculated as both absolute and percent ΔK. Percent changes in critical values for both potassium and sodium as a function of hemolysis were calculated for each HI group. Measurement uncertainty (MU) for potassium was calculated using a top-down approach. Data were analyzed in Rstudio and Microsoft Excel. Results The vast majority of potassium specimens (83.8%) were stratified into the HI base group (HI ≤10) and 96.8 % had an HI ≤ 20, the cut-off recommended by Roche. The mean potassium level for each HI group increased as the degree of hemolysis in the specimens became more elevated. A MU-derived analytically significant shift of ΔK>0.1 mmol/L was observed for the bin HI 21-30. Depending on the employed total allowable error limit, clinically significant shifts in mean potassium levels were observed at HI bin 41-50 (RCPA: ΔK>0.2 mmol/L) or HI bin 101-150 (EFLM-derived reference change value: ΔK>10.1% and CLIA: ΔK>0.5mmol/L. The shift in patient potassium values seen as HI increased led to a change in critical results reporting frequencies. In the base group (HI≤10), 0.06% and 0.07% of results had low (<2.6 mmol/L) or high (>6.2 mmol/L) critical potassium values, respectively. When HI was 101-300, 0.00 and 15.7% of results had low or high critical potassium values. A similar comparison performed with sodium did not show the same shift in reported critical values. Linear regression of ΔK plotted vs HI produced the equation ΔK=0.0051xHI, validating the equation of Martinez-Morillo and Alvarez published previously using paired hemolyzed/non-hemolyzed potassium laboratory data. Conclusions In community patients, in-vitro hemolysis produced analytically significant errors at an HI of 20. Clinically significant errors occurred between an HI of 40-100. Past HI 100, mean ΔKs of 0.5-1.20 mmol/L were seen in our population. This shift in patient values as a function of hemolysis led to a change in critical result reporting, suggesting the generation of both factious critically high potassium results and the masking of critically low potassium results in our patient population.

A-331 Monitoring Operators Proficiency at Point of Care is Crucial for Reliable Patient Values. A Practical Example with Patient Blood Chloride, Potassium and Sodium Measurands Assayed with i-STAT®

Abstract Background While i-STAT® cartridges offer the Physician a spectrum of analytical methods at the point of care for prompt diagnosis and interventions, these methods have to be harmonized with the laboratory methods in order to reliably detect shifts and trends. With this practical example we illustrate the importance of a program of routine comparisons between the i-STAT® and laboratory methods to detect analytical differences exceeding the CLIA’s criterion and potentially having adverse clinical implications. Methods Patient blood chloride (Cl), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) values as obtained by nurses with i-STAT Chem 8 ™ cartridges (Abbott Laboratories) at the point of care, where daily compared with the values as obtained with the Laboratory method (two cobas 6000®, Roche Diagnostics) using green top BD® lithium heparin tubes (Becton Dickinson) collected within thirty minutes of the i-STAT assay. The data were electronically stored in RALS™ (RALS Informatics) and transferred to Minitab® (Version 21, Minitab Inc.) statistical software. The two analytical methods were compared using the orthogonal and the polynomial ordinary least squares (POLS) regression models and their graphic representations. The aptness of the methods was evaluated with the standardized residuals diagnostics for normality, independence, outliers (Standardized residual >|3|) and influential observations (Hi>0.5). For acceptance of the differences the CLIA’s total error criterion was employed. (CI: target value ± 5%; K: target value ± 0.5 mmol/L; Na: target value ± 4 mmol/L). Results In the first four months of the study the number of differences exceeding the CLIA’s criterion was not acceptable. [Cl: 10% (165/1564); K: 7% (109/1593); Na: 4% (66/1586)]. These differences were occurring throughout the analytical range (AMR). Consequently, the operator’s technique was suspected and the POCT senior technologists (CA, FA) adopted operator specific interventions. This strategy was effective in the following month and the improvements were maintained for seven consecutive months. Monthly differences exceeding the CLIA’s criterion decreased significantly [Cl:1.9% (52/2777): K:0.9% (25/2868): Na:0.5% (15/2896)]. This was clearly illustrated with the dot plot by date and the parallel box plots by month. Regression analysis showed that the orthogonal and the OLS models were equivalent. Cl: Orthogonal y=1.7+0.99x, OLS y=12+0.88x. K; Orthogonal y=0.2+1.2x, OLS y=0.1+0.96x. Na: orthogonal y=3+0.98x, OLS y=14+0.9x. Additionally, the POLS model showed a linear relationship within the AMR intervals with few outliers (Cl=11; K=7; Na=9), no influential observations (Hi<0.5) and equality of monthly regression lines (P>0.05). Conclusions The implementation of daily comparisons between patient values as obtained with the i-STAT method and those as obtained by the Laboratory method in the interval of thirty minutes, allowed the identification of individual operators requiring additional training. This strategy ensured reliable performance for eight consecutive months. This study clearly showed that the addition of continuous supervision and training of operators to quality control and quality assurance practices, ensured the interchangeability of patient values as obtained with i-STAT and those as obtained with the Laboratory method. Electronic collection of data and analysis with appropriate statistical software, such as Minitab, was crucial for the implementation of this program.

Comparison of Blood-Gas Hemoglobin and Electrolyte Measurements and Automated Laboratory Values in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients.

The reliability of blood-gas measurements compared with automated laboratory tests in providing rapid results for pediatric patients is currently under investigation. The compatibility between fast-response blood-gas tests and standard automatic laboratory tests remains a subject of debate. In this retrospective single-center study, our objective was to compare the measurements of hemoglobin and electrolytes obtained through blood-gas analysis with the corresponding values obtained from standard laboratory tests in pediatric renal transplantation, specifically focusing on the immediate pretransplant period. We retrospectively investigated 26 pediatric kidney transplant patients in the pretransplant period. We reviewed their medical records and compared and simultaneous measurements of hemoglobin, sodium, and potassium from a blood-gas analyzer versus a laboratory automatic analyzer. We assessed the agreement between the 2 analyses with BlandAltman analysis and Cohen kappa statistic. Among the 26 pediatric kidney transplant recipients, mean age was 10.1 ± 4.9 years and 60.0% were male patients. The mean differences between blood-gas and the venous laboratory analyzer (95% CI) were as follows: 0.11 g/dL for hemoglobin (-0.27 to 0.05 g/dL; P > .05), 0.39 mEq/L for sodium (-0.58 to 1.35 mEq/L; P > .05), and 0.00 mEq/L for potassium (-0.25 to 0.25 mEq/L; P > .05). Cohen kappa test showed the highest agreement for sodium, with no significant difference in mean values. Our study demonstrated strong agreement between hemoglobin, sodium, and potassium values obtained through blood-gas measurements and venous blood samples in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Demonstrating the concordance between rapid blood-gas analysis and automated laboratory tests can offer valuable guidance to clinicians.

Rejuvenation of Coastal Sandy Soils through Organics

The coastal zone represents the transition from terrestrial to marine influences and vice versa. They are predominated by sandy soil texture, and have low agricultural productivity due to their properties and are vulnerable to erosion. Effective maintenance of soil organic matter is found to be a pre-requisite to ensure soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, organics based rejuvenation methods for coastal sandy soils need to be developed. A pot culture experiment was done at Kochuveli, Industrial area, in the coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, with Amaranthus (variety: Arun) as test crop. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. In the study, effect of different organic manures such as FYM, coirpith compost, vermicompost, city compost, biochar and thermochemical organic fertilizer (TOF), with and without lime on plant growth and yield, soil organic carbon and nutrient dynamics in the southern coastal sandy soils were studied. Soil management using organic manures had considerable impact on the growth and yield characteristics of the crop. Also the analyses of post-harvest soil for nutrient parameters showed that the highest value for organic carbon, nitrogen and potassium were recorded in soil treated with lime+TOF, while the highest value for available phosphorous was recorded in treatment lime+vermicompost. The study showed that soil test based lime application and basal application of TOF @ 25 t ha-1, top dressing with fresh cow dung slurry @ 1kg per 10 litres, along with 272.7 kg rock phosphate and 122.5 kg potassium sulphate ha-1 was the best treatment to improve the soil quality, growth and yield of amaranthus in coastal sandy soils in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Soil Nutrient Analysis and Automatic Monitoring in Precision Agriculture

ABSTRACT The higher productivity from soil can be achieved through Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) technology; for this reason, the implementation of WSNs in precision agriculture is increasing day by day. Among the different technologies for crop monitoring, WSNs are recognized as a powerful option for collecting and processing data in the agricultural domain, with low cost and low energy consumption. The ultimate aim of this paper is to predict the precise values of soil nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) using a machine learning (ML)-based mathematical model formulation. The proposed system will use Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology to automatically monitor soil parameters. It transfers soil data over the mobile network using a GSM modem. In the hardware part, sensor node units were developed to fetch and load data through the energy-efficient GSM, utilizing a bi-directional multi-level text messaging option to improve the alarm system’s efficiency. The system contains sensors such as potential of hydrogen and humidity (PH), which are used to monitor soil data collected from the sensors by the microcontroller. Additionally, as a novel contribution, machine learning based on regression models is applied to the NPK data. A novel data interpolation approach is proposed for data oversampling. The R2 values are compared, achieving nearly 99.5% accuracy in all cases. This paper focuses on various challenges and scalability issues encountered in research and discusses different results obtained by monitoring various soil parameters in a real-time agricultural environment.

Evaluation of Serum Electrolytes among Geriatric and Non-Geriatric Men in Osisoma, ABA, Nigeria

Background: Ageing is a progressive development associated with a decline in the physiological functions, which increases susceptibility to organ dysfunction (especially the kidney) in geriatrics. This facilitates the risk of electrolyte imbalance, as the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining these electrolyte concentration. Aim: This was a cross-sectional study designed to evaluate serum sodium ( ), potassium ( ), chloride ( ), and bicarbonate ( ) levels, and understand their prevalence among apparently healthy geriatric and non-geriatric men residing in Osisoma, Aba. Methodology: A total of 100 apparently healthy participants were enrolled for this study, comprising of 50 geriatric men aged 65 years and above, and 50 non-geriatric men aged 20-30 years. From both groups, serum samples were used for the analyses of sodium ( ), potassium ( ), chloride ( ), and bicarbonate ( ) using Spectrophotometer. The data obtained was analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 25), student’s t-test, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), pearson correlation coefficient and P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean values of sodium (136.6+3.9mmol/L), potassium (3.9+0.5mmol/L), chloride (100.2+3.9mmol/L) and bicarbonate (24.4+4.3 mmol/L) levels in geriatric subjects showed no statistical significant difference (P > 0.05) when compared to the mean values of sodium (136.9+2.3 mmol/L), potassium (3.9+0.4 mmol/L), chloride (100.8+2.8 mmol/L) and bicarbonate (24.9+3.9 mmol/L) in non-geriatric subjects. The study also revealed a significant difference (P = 0.001) in the mean value of bicarbonate (24.8+4.3 mmol/L; 25.8+1.9mmol/L, and 18.1 +3.3 mmol/L) among geriatric subjects, when compared based on age range using ANOVA. There was a significant negative correlation between the ages and bicarbonate levels (r = -0.4, P = 0.008), a non-significant positive correlation between ages and sodium levels (r = 0.1, P = 0.498), and chloride levels (r = 0.2, P = 0.125), and a non-significant negative correlation between the ages and potassium levels (r = -0.1, P = 0.691) in geriatric subjects. Conclusion: The result from this study showed no significant alteration of serum electrolytes between geriatric and non-geriatric subjects, and a significant alteration of bicarbonate levels among the geriatric subjects. This present study has shown that ageing without any comorbidities has lesser effect on serum electrolytes.

Seasonal variation of serum potassium and related prescription pattern: an ecological time series

AimsTo assess if ambient temperature-related effects on serum potassium levels impact clinical decision-making.MethodsThis study is an ecological time series consisiting of 1 218 453 adult patients with at least one...

Refining soil nutrient assessment: Incorporating land use boundaries for precision agriculture.

Soil nutrient levels play a crucial role in determining crop yield. A comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution patterns and evaluation grades of soil nutrients is of significant practical importance for informed fertilization practices, enhancing crop production, and optimizing agricultural land utilization. This study focuses on the urban area of Kashi Prefecture in Xinjiang as a case study. Utilizing soil sample data, GIS spatial interpolation analysis was conducted, incorporating plot boundary information to propose a comprehensive evaluation method for assessing soil nutrient levels at the plot level. Experimental findings revealed the following: (1) The average values of soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (AN), total potassium (AK), and total phosphorus (AP) in the study area were determined to be 13.3 g/kg, 0.74 g/kg, 0.33 g/kg, and 0.03 g/kg, respectively. Among these, AN and SOM were classified as the fourth grade, indicating relatively deficient levels, while AK and AP were classified as the first and second grade, indicating relatively abundant levels. (2) The comprehensive evaluation of soil nutrient grades in the study area primarily fell within the third, fourth, and second grades, representing areas of 29.08 km2, 25 km2, and 4.05 km2, accounting for 50.03%, 43%, and 6.97% of the total area, respectively. (3) The evaluation results of soil nutrient levels at the plot level emphasized the boundary characteristics and provided a more refined assessment grade. This evaluation method is better suited to meet the practical production requirements of farmers and is considered feasible. The outcomes of this study can serve as a reference for precision agriculture management.

Mortality Risk Stratification Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Electrocardiogram for Hyperkalemia in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients

BackgroundHyperkalemia has been associated with increased mortality in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. An artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced electrocardiogram (ECG) can predict hyperkalemia, and other AI-ECG algorithms have demonstrated mortality risk-stratification in CICU patients. ObjectivesThe authors hypothesized that the AI-ECG hyperkalemia algorithm could stratify mortality risk beyond laboratory serum potassium measurement alone. MethodsWe included 11,234 unique Mayo Clinic CICU patients admitted from 2007 to 2018 with a 12-lead ECG and blood potassium (K) level obtained at admission with K ≥5 mEq/L defining hyperkalemia. ECGs underwent AI evaluation for the probability of hyperkalemia (probability >0.5 defined as positive). Hospital mortality was analyzed using logistic regression, and survival to 1 year was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox analysis. ResultsIn the final cohort (n = 11,234), the mean age was 69.6 ± 10.5 years, 37.8% were females, and 92.4% were White. Chronic kidney disease was present in 20.2%. The mean laboratory potassium value for the cohort was 4.2 ± 0.3 mEq/L. The AI-ECG predicted hyperkalemia in 33.9% (n = 3,810) of CICU patients and 12.9% (n = 1,451) of patients had laboratory-confirmed hyperkalemia (K ≥5 mEq/L). In-hospital mortality increased in false-positive, false-negative, and true-positive patients, respectively (P < 0.001), and each of these patient groups had successively lower survival out to 1 year. ConclusionsAI-ECG-based prediction of hyperkalemia, even with a normal laboratory potassium value, was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and lower 1-year survival in CICU patients. This study demonstrated that AI-ECG probability of hyperkalemia may enable rapid individualized risk stratification in critically ill patients beyond laboratory value alone.

The Investigation of the Effect of Electrolyte Disorder on Sweat Test in Newborns with Positive Cystic Fibrosis Screening

Background and objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the electrolyte and acid-base status present at the time of admission to the hospital on the sweat test (ST) of the patients who were found to have a positive newborn screening test (NST) for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Methods: The patients who referred to pediatric pulmonology clinic for ST with positive NST for CF and diagnosed as CF were analyzed retrospectively. From the medical records acid-base status measured simultaneously with the ST and with serum sodium, potassium, and chloride levels were included in the study. Results: The study completed with 37 patients who met the inclusion criteria. At the time of ST, the mean sodium, potassium and chlorine values were 134.83±4.25 (122.0-141.0), 4.94±0.95 (2.9-7.6) and 97.72±12.40 (64.0-116.0) mEq/L, respectively. Patients whose electrolytes were measured at the time of diagnosis, 27.0% (n=10) had hyponatremia, 8.1% (n=3) had hypokalemia, and 4.8% (n=1) had hypochloremia. There was a significant difference between serum chloride and bicarbonate levels according to the negative, borderline, positive ST groups (p=0,036). In addition, no significance detected between the sweat test values of patients with Pseudo-Bartter Syndrome (PBS) (38.7%) and without. Conclusion: The chloride level during ST is lower in patients with borderline and negative ST results. The mean potassium and chloride values of the patients with PBS are lower while the mean bicarbonate value is higher. This may cause false negative results in ST. So, it is important to check the serum electrolyte levels before the ST is performed in the newborn screening positive baby.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Groundwater in Rural Areas of Duhok City, Iraq

This study investigates the quality of groundwater sources in the rural areas of Duhok City, Iraq, with a particular focus on heavy metal contamination, chemical composition, and properties of water. Water samples from 14 wells, serving as the main water source for the surrounding areas, were collected and analyzed. Water quality parameters including calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), potassium (K⁺), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) values ranged from 24 to 105.6 mg/L, 6.832 to 50.752 mg/L, 18 to 34 mg/L, 1 to 7 mg/L, and 3.4 to 38 mg/L respectively. Common heavy metals like manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co) exhibited varying concentrations. Most parameters meet the WHO standards, except for the elevated potassium in one sample, requiring attention. Additionally, 50% of the sampled wells showed elevated cadmium (Cd) levels. Possible sources of contamination include industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and geological factors, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions to ensure access to clean and safe water.

Nutrient Resorption in Young Stands of Three Native Tree Species to Support Restoration of Degraded Tropical Peatland in Indonesia

Nutrient resorption (NR) is a critical ecological process in forest ecosystems. However, there is a lack of knowledge about this process in the peatlands of Indonesia, and this may be seen as a research gap. In the present study, NR in young trees of three native species (Macaranga pruinosa, Cratoxylum arborescens, and Macaranga gigantea) and one exotic species (Acacia crassicarpa) in a drained tropical peatland was investigated. This study was conducted at an experimental plot in Pelalawan-Riau, Indonesia. Nutrient resorption efficiency (RE) and proficiency (RP) were calculated and correlated with soil properties, foliar nutrients, and growth variables. Our results revealed that M. pruinosa exhibited an RE value for phosphorus (PRE) that was 64% higher than that for the second-ranked native species but still significantly (84%) lower than that for A. crassicarpa. RE values for nitrogen (NRE) and potassium (KRE) did not differ significantly among species, ranging from 39 to 42% and 41 to 56%, respectively, for native species, with figures of 45% and 66%, respectively, for A. crassicarpa. Finally, PRE exhibited strong and significant correlations with PRP and tree growth, a finding that indicated that the uptake and conservation of P nutrients are essential for the fitness of the three native species. Overall, the results of the present study may be seen as beneficial for species selection and the management of nutrients by those engaged in restoration of tropical peatland forests.

Hyperkalemia Incidence in Patients With Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study From United States Clinical Care

Estimates of the incidence of hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) vary widely. Our objective was to estimate hyperkalemia incidence in patients with CKD from routine clinical care, including by level of kidney damage or function and among important patient subgroups. Retrospective cohort study. 1,771,900 patients with stage 1-4 CKD identified from the US Optum De-Identified electronic health records database. Impaired kidney damage or function level at baseline based on urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), respectively, and selected patient subgroups. Hyperkalemia: 2 elevated serum potassium values (≥5.5mmol/L) from the inpatient setting (2-24 hours apart) or outpatient setting (maximum 7 days apart), or 1 elevated serum potassium value plus pharmacotherapy initiation or hyperkalemia diagnosis (maximum 3 days apart). Incidence rates of hyperkalemia were calculated. Estimates were stratified by UACR and eGFR level at baseline and patient subgroups. Over a mean follow-up of 3.9 years, the incidence of hyperkalemia was 3.37 events/100 person-years (95% confidence intervals, 3.36-3.38). Higher incidence rates were observed with increased UACR and lower eGFR. Highest rates were observed with UACR≥3,500 (up to 19.1/100 person-years) irrespective of decreased eGFR level. High rates also occurred in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, 5.43/100 person-years), heart failure (8.7/100 person-years), and those prescribed steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (sMRAs, 7.7/100 person-years). Potential misclassification of variables from possible medical coding errors; potential data incompleteness issues if patients received care at institutions not included in Optum. Hyperkalemia is a frequent occurrence in CKD, particularly in patients with T2DM, heart failure, or prescribed sMRAs, indicating the need for regular serum potassium and UACR monitoring in this patient population to help mitigate risk.

The Impact of Rice Milling Activities on the Quality of Soil

Rice is a very popular commodity amongst Nigerian families, however the demand for rice is on the rise daily, hence an increase in rice milling activities across the country. This study is aimed at determining the impact of rice milling activities on soil quality. The samples were gotten from Auchi, Anambra and Kogi State. The samples were digested and analysed using a varian 220 atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Physicochemical properties showed the ph of the soil, ranging from 6.7 -9.84, temperature 29.1oC – 30oC and electrical conductivity of soil ranged from 1.3(μS/cm )- 88.2(μS/cm). The available nutrients in the soil revealed the highest values for nitrogen to be 52.2779 (mg/kg), and phosphorus to be 296.421 (mg/kg), while the highest value for potassium was 188.315 (mg/kg). Conclusively, The rice mill operations was seen to affect the soil quality parameters, due to the release of effluents on the soil, resulting in an increase in the heavy metal concentrations in the soil and decrease in the available nutrients. Accumulative geo-index revealed that Auchi is moderately polluted with cadmium and Anambra is highly polluted with zinc.

Comparison of sodium and potassium values in arterial and venous blood samples

Abstract Background: In routine practice, electrolytes are measured in serum using an electrolyte analyzer, which takes approximately 30 min. In contrast, electrolyte measurements from arterial blood using an arterial blood gas (ABG) analyzer can be completed within 5–10 min. However, limited information compares electrolyte values between venous and arterial samples. This study aims to determine if sodium (Na) and potassium (K) test results from arterial blood and venous serum samples can be used interchangeably. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted over 2 months (July and August 2019) at a tertiary care teaching hospital and research center. Data were collected from 50 intensive care unit patients, including their ABG analysis and serum electrolyte reports. The ABG samples, collected in heparinized syringes, were processed immediately using GEM Premier 3500 Blood gas analyzer. Serum electrolytes were measured with the Roche 9180 analyzer after centrifugation. Data analyses were performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21, and Bland–Altman plots were used to compare the results. Results: The mean sodium levels in venous samples and arterial blood were statistically insignificant (P &lt; 0.17). In contrast, a significant difference was observed in potassium measurements between the two sample types (P = 0.000, null hypothesis rejected). The mean difference in sodium (Na+) results was 2.01 mEq/L, with a limit of agreement ranging from −17.98 to 22 mEq/L. The bias in arterial potassium was 0.99 mEq/L, with a 95% limit of agreement from 0.01 to 1.97 mEq/L. Conclusions: While sodium results from arterial and venous samples were similar, potassium results differed significantly. Therefore, potassium measurements from ABG and serum electrolyte analyzers should not be used interchangeably and must be interpreted cautiously.

A Clustering Study of Sociodemographic Data, Dietary Patterns, and Gut Microbiota in Healthy and Breast Cancer Women Participating in the MICROMA Study.

This work is part of the clinical study NCT03885648 registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, aimed at studying the relationship among breast cancer, microbiota, and exposure to environmental pollutants. As a first step, we characterizedand evaluatedrisk factors of the participants. A case-control study was designed with breast cancer (cases, n = 122) and healthy women (controls, n = 56) recruited in two hospitals of Andalusia (Southern Spain). Participants answered questionnaires of Mediterranean diet adherence and food frequency. Data were collected from medical histories and microbiota was analyzed on stool samples. Most cases (78.2%) were diagnosed as stages I and II. Cases had higher age, body mass index (BMI), glucose, cholesterol, and potassium values than controls. Cases exhibited higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and their food consumption was closer to that dietary pattern. A hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio was the most relevant variable in women with breast cancer, which was higher in this group compared with controls. Although cases exhibited higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared with controls, they presented features and microbiota alterations typical of the metabolic syndrome, probably due to their higher BMI and reflecting changes in their lifestyle around the time of diagnosis.

Predictiveness of preoperative laboratory values for postoperative delirium.

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common postoperative complication, especially in patients over 60 years, with an incidence ranging from 15% to 50%. In most cases, POD manifests in the first 5 days after surgery. Multiple contributing risk factors for POD have been detected. Besides the predisposing factors such as higher age, cognitive impairment, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and past stroke, pathophysiological mechanisms like neuroinflammation are also considered as contributing factors. In a subanalysis of the "PRe- Operative Prediction of postoperative DElirium by appropriate SCreening" (PROPDESC) study, the preoperative laboratory values of sodium, potassium, total protein, hemoglobin concentration (Hgb), and white blood cells as well as the biomarkers creatinine, HbA1c, NT-pro-BNP, high sensitive Troponin T (hsTnT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed to investigate a possible relationship to the occurrence of POD. After correction for age, physical status classification, surgery risk after Johns Hopkins, and operative discipline (cardiac surgery vs. noncardiac surgery), male patients with a Hgb <13 g/dL had significantly higher odds for POD (p = 0.025). Furthermore, patients with CRP ≥ 10 mg/L, HbA1c value ≥ 8.5% as well as patients with hypernatraemia (>145 mmol/L) presented significantly higher odds to develop POD (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, and p = 0.021, respectively). A raised (>14-52 ng/L) or high (>52 ng/L) hsTnT value was also associated with a significantly higher chance for POD compared to the patient group with hsTnT <14 ng/L (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). Preoperative Hgb, CRP, HbA1c, sodium, and hsTnT could be used to complement and refine the preoperative screening for patients at risk for POD. Further studies should track these correlations to investigate the potential of targeted POD protection and enabling hospital staff to initiate POD-preventing measures in time.

Enhancing productivity, profitability and land use efficiency of fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) by intercropping

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2020-21 at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, to study the effect of different intercropping row ratios on yield, intercropping indices and economics of fodder oats and berseem. The experiment consists of nine treatments viz., sole oats, sole berseem, oats + berseem (1:1 row ratio), oats + berseem (2:1 row ratio), oats + berseem (1:2 row ratio), oats + berseem (2:2 row ratio), oats + berseem (3:1 row ratio), oats + berseem (1:3 row ratio), oats + berseem (3:3 row ratio). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results of the study revealed that maximum values of total green fodder yield (66.70 t ha-1), land equivalent ratio (1.32), monetary advantage index (12411), total phosphorus uptake (22.04 kg ha-1), net return (Rs 51307 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.33) were recorded with 2:1 row ratio of oats + berseem intercropping combination. However, the maximum value of total nitrogen (178.33 kg ha-1) and potassium (208.84 kg ha-1) uptake was recorded by sole cropping of berseem, which was at par with 2:1 row ratio of oats + berseem intercropping combination. It was concluded that two rows oats + one row of berseem (2:1) intercropping combination performed best in terms of yield, land use efficiency and profitability of fodder oats and berseem.

Investigating soil properties on the north and south slopes at different elevations in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya

This scholarly study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of soil in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar forest, Libya, with a specific focus on the influence of elevation and slope aspects. Fifty-six sample plots were established across varying elevations, each subdivided into four subplots, totaling 224. Soil samples were collected from each subplot at 0-15 cm depth. Results demonstrate significant variations in clay, silt, and sand content with elevation, indicating lower clay and higher sand content at higher elevations. Available water capacity (AWC) increased with altitude on the northern slope, while consistently lower values were observed on the southern slope. Bulk density (BD) decreased with increasing altitude, suggesting less compacted soils at higher elevations. Available phosphorus (Pav), available potassium (Kav), and pH values decreased with increasing altitude on both slopes. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) values varied at altitudes on the northern slope, with higher values observed at mid to high altitudes. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) decreased with increasing altitude on the northern slope while showing inconsistent trends on the southern slope. Soil organic matter (SOM) content increased with altitude on both slopes. Pearson's correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) examined relationships among soil properties, elevations, and aspects. Elevation positively correlated with AWC and SOM and negatively correlated with clay content, Kav, BD, and pH. PCA identified elevation, aspect, silt content, CaCO3, and electrical conductivity (EC) as primary influencers. SOM exhibited positive correlations with AWC and negative correlations with BD. Soil pH showed a negative correlation with SOM and a positive correlation with CaCO3. Additionally, CaCO3 content was positively correlated with the cation exchange capacity (CEC). These findings contribute to understanding soil property relationships, elevation, and aspect, emphasizing their role in shaping soil ecosystems and nutrient dynamics. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors influencing soil properties and to develop effective nutrient management strategies.