Ratio Of Sodium Research Articles

UV-curable semi-interpenetrating anticoagulant matrix for polyester fabric-covered stents

To develop an anticoagulant coating for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric-covered stents, we prepared a series of ultraviolet (UV)-curable coatings with different film-forming compositions and enoxaparin sodium ratios. We then investigated their mechanical properties and hydrophilicity by adhesion, pencil hardness, abrasion resistance tests, and water contact angle measurements. In addition, their biocompatibility and cytotoxicity were evaluated by their protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and plasma recalcification times, and by CCK-8 assays. Finally, an anticoagulant coating with excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity was obtained, offering a feasible scheme for covered stents in clinical practice.

Corrigendum to: Identification of salt tolerance QTL in a wheat RIL mapping population using destructive and non-destructive phenotyping.

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important food crops, however it is only moderately tolerant to salinity stress. To improve wheat yield under saline conditions, breeding for improved salinity tolerance of wheat is needed. We have identified nine quantitative trail loci (QTL) for different salt tolerance sub-traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, derived from the bi-parental cross of Excalibur × Kukri. This population was screened for salinity tolerance subtraits using a combination of both destructive and non-destructive phenotyping. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was used to construct a high-density genetic linkage map, consisting of 3236 markers, and utilised for mapping QTL. Of the nine mapped QTL, six were detected under salt stress, including QTL for maintenance of shoot growth under salinity (QG ( 1-5 ) .asl -5A , QG ( 1-5 ) .asl -7B ) sodium accumulation (QNa.asl -2A ), chloride accumulation (QCl.asl -2A , QCl.asl -3A ) and potassium : sodium ratio (QK :Na.asl -2DS2 ). Potential candidate genes within these QTL intervals were shortlisted using bioinformatics tools. These findings are expected to facilitate the breeding of new salt tolerant wheat cultivars. Soil salinity causes major yield losses in bread wheat, which is moderately tolerant to salinity stress. Using high throughput genotyping and phenotyping techniques, we identified quantitative trail loci (QTL) for different salt tolerance sub-traits in bread wheat and shortlisted potential candidate genes. These QTL and candidate genes may prove useful in breeding for salt tolerant wheat cultivars.

Investigation on the optimal formulation and mechanism of marine organic silt improved with magnesium-cement-based stabilizer

This study aims to search for an environment-friendly single or composite stabilized agent for marine organic silt. The effectiveness of modified magnesium oxysulfate cement (MMOSC) with three admixtures, viz., sodium silicate, silica fume, and cement clinker, to improve the mechanical property of organic silt is assessed in detail, in which the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at 7 days is evaluated to assess the quality of stabilized soil. In addition, a novel hybrid algorithm, particle swarm optimization–support vector machine (PSO–SVM), is developed to locate the optimal mixing ratio of the three admixtures, where PSO is utilized to search for the global optimal mixing proportion, and SVM to substitute for the laboratory experiment of UCS to estimate the UCS, qu, of stabilized organic soil. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are used to examine the components and microstructural properties of the stabilized organic silt. The test results reveal that the three additives of sodium silicate, silica fume, and cement clinker, combined with MMOSC, are effective in strengthening the organic soil. The microstructure of stabilized silt is significantly enhanced in comparison to the original organic silt. The optimal mixing ratio of sodium, silica fume, and cement clinker can be determined by the developed PSO–SVM algorithm.

Urinary Potassium Excretion Inversely Correlates with Diastolic Blood Pressure Variability in Healthy Normotensive Adults

High blood pressure (BP) is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. Dietary intake is an important contributor to BP. Increased dietary sodium intake has been shown to increase BP, while evidence suggests dietary potassium decreases BP. BP variability (BPV) refers to spontaneous fluctuations in BP that if exaggerated, are considered a risk factor for CVD. Limited work in this area suggests a high sodium diet may relate to increased BPV while potassium may decrease BPV. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether dietary intake of sodium and potassium relates to BPV in healthy, normotensive subjects. We hypothesized that individuals with a higher sodium intake, as well as increased sodium to potassium excretion ratio, would exhibit a higher BPV while those with increased potassium intake would have a lower BPV. Healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 45 were recruited to participate. Habitual sodium and potassium intake was quantified with 24‐hour urine samples. During this same time period, subjects wore an ambulatory BP monitor for 24 hours with measures taken every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. These data were used to determine short term BPV. BPV was quantified by calculating the average real variability (ARV) index. Pearson bivariate correlations were run to assess the relation between sodium, potassium, and the sodium to potassium excretion ratio and the ARV of both systolic and diastolic BP. Additionally, partial correlations were run to control for the effects of age and sex. Fifty‐six (20M/36W) subjects (27±1 year; BMI 23±0.4; BP 114±1/67±1 mmHg) participated. Twenty‐four‐hour urinary potassium excretion was inversely associated with the ARV of diastolic BP (r=‐0.33, p=0.02). When controlling for age and sex this relation remained (r=‐0.31, p=0.03). However, neither 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion or the sodium to potassium excretion ratio was associated with the ARV of systolic (r=‐0.25, p=0.07; r=‐0.10, p=0.48, respectively) or diastolic BP (r=‐0.12, p=0.41; r=0.11, p=0.43, respectively). In summary, in this cohort of healthy normotensive adults, a higher potassium intake was associated with a lower diastolic BPV; however, there was no relation with sodium or the sodium to potassium excretion ratio. More research is needed to better understand the effects of both sodium and the ratio of sodium to potassium intake on BPV in healthy normotensive men and women.

Associations of sodium and potassium intake with chronic kidney disease in a prospective cohort study: findings from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, 2008\u20132017

BackgroundAccording to dietary recommendations, reduction of sodium intake has potential to reduce Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) risk; however the role of dietary potassium and the sodium -to- potassium ratio in the development of CKD is unclear.MethodsWe studied 9778 participants of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) from four US urban communities. Participants were aged 18–74 yrs., free from CKD at baseline in 2008–2011 and re-examined between 2014 and − 2017. Dietary intake of sodium, potassium and the ratio of dietary sodium -to- potassium were measured from two baseline 24-h dietary recalls. Incident CKD was defined as: 1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline of 1 unit per year and eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 or 2) albumin to creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g at the follow-up visit. We used multivariable survey weighted Poisson regression to estimate adjusted incident rates of incident CKD.ResultsAt baseline, mean age was 41 years. Average follow up time was 6.2 years. From fully adjusted Poisson regression analyses, self-reported sodium intake was not associated with incident CKD. However, for each 500 mg decrement in potassium intake, there was an 11% increase risk of incident CKD (IRR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.24). Additionally, every 1 M ratio increment of sodium -to -potassium ratio was associated with a 21% increased risk of incident CKD (IRR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.45), p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe conclude that diets low in potassium and high in sodium are associated with increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease among healthy US Hispanic/Latino adults.

Recovery of Lanthanum from Aqueous Solutions by Crystallization as Lanthanum Sodium Sulfate Double Salt

The recovery of rare earth elements from spent nickel-metal hydride batteries by hydrometallurgical processing has become increasingly important in recent years. The present work investigated the effect of temperature, systems of adding the reactant, the molar ratio of sodium and lanthanum, and the initial concentration of six sulfate impurities (Ni, Co, Al, Mn, Fe, and Zn) on the crystallization of the monohydrate of sodium lanthanum sulfate double salt (NaLa(SO4)2·H2O) crystals from synthetic leachate solutions. The sodium sulfate reactant was added as an acidic solution by pumping or batchwise as a solid anhydrate salt to a pregnant lanthanum sulfate solution. Compared to precipitation with acidic sodium sulfate solution, precipitation with solid sodium sulfate yielded smaller single crystals, a greater tendency to form aggregates, and lower crystal purity. The lowest overall impurity and highest lanthanum quantity in crystals were obtained by semi-batch reactant adding performance of Na2SO4 solution at 70°C with Na/La molar ratio of 3. Real-time monitoring of the count rates of different chord length fractions clearly showed the influence of crystallization temperature on the precipitation kinetics.

The association of arterial stiffness with estimated excretion levels of urinary sodium and potassium and their ratio in Chinese adults.

Arterial stiffness is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. However, the association between sodium/potassium intake and arterial stiffness in the Chinese population is unclear. Therefore, we performed a large, community-based cross-sectional study to reach a more definitive conclusion. The study was conducted at the Third Xiangya Hospital in Changsha between August 2017 and September 2019. Urinary sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels were tested from spot urine samples during physical examinations of each recruited participant. The 24-hour estimated urinary sodium excretion (eUNaE) and estimated urinary potassium excretion (eUKE) levels were calculated using the Kawasaki formula (used as a surrogate for intake). The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle brachial index (ABI) were measured using an automatic waveform analyzer. In 22,557 subjects with an average age of 49.3 ± 10.3 years, the relationships of the ABI and baPWV with the levels of eUNaE, eUKE and the ratio of sodium to potassium (Na/K ratio) were analyzed. A significant negative relationship was found between the eUKE and baPWV levels (β = 2.41, p < 0.01), whereas the Na/K ratio was positively associated with baPWV (β = 2.46, p < 0.01), especially in the overweight and hypertensive populations (both pinteraction = 0.04). The association of eUNaE quartiles with baPWV presented a J-shaped curve after adjusting for confounders. In addition, a positive association was observed between the Na/K ratio and the ABI (β = 0.002, p < 0.01). In this study, high potassium and/or low sodium intake was further confirmed to be related to vascular stiffness in Chinese individuals.

Geochemical features of the devonian plutonic rocks of the Reftinsky massif (Middle Urals)

This article examines the Devonian plutonic rocks of two massifs – Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky, which are located in the western part of the Reftinsky massif. The rocks of the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs are divided into gabbroid and granitoid associations. Their chemical composition, the content of pertrogenic, rare and trace elements were studied. Based on the data obtained, the rocks were assigned to the calc-alkaline series, according to the ratio of sodium and potassium, they are rocks with a sodium type of alkalinity. The peculiarity of the studied formations lies in the differences in the nature of alkalinity, thus the rocks of the gabbroid association in terms of the K2 O content are transitional from low to moderate potassium varieties, and the rocks of the granitoid association are characterized by a sufficiently high potassium content and correspond to the high potassium calc-alkaline series. Comparative analysis with basalts and granites of island arcs allows us to conclude that the Khomutinsky and YuzhnoKhomutinsky massifs were formed in an island arc geodynamic setting. Relevance. The geochemical features of the rocks of the Devonian intrusions in the Eastern zone of the Middle Urals have been studied very poorly to date, which makes it difficult to restore the geodynamic conditions of their formation and compare the processes of magmatism in the East of the Middle Urals with other regions of the mobile belt. The data presented in the work will make it possible to fill the existing gap to some extent and thereby help to clarify the patterns of magmatism evolution and the history of the formation of the Urals. The purpose of the work. Study of the contents of petrogenic, rare and trace elements of the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs. Comparison of the geochemical features of the rocks of these intrusions with similar formations formed in island-arc geodynamic conditions. Research methodology. The chemical composition of rocks was studied by the X-ray fluorescence method, which was performed on a multichannel spectrometer SRM-35 with the determination of losses on ignition by the gravimetric method and the determination of the content of ferrous iron by the titrimetric method. Analysis of the content of rare and trace elements in rocks was carried out on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers ELAN 9000 and NexION 300S. Analytical data are presented in the form of discrimination diagrams. Results. The rocks of the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs are divided into gabbroid and granitoid associations. Based on the obtained geochemical data, the rocks were assigned to the calc-alkaline series. According to the ratio of sodium and potassium, they are rocks with a sodium type of alkalinity. It is shown that the rocks of the gabbroid and granitoid associations differ in the character of alkalinity. The former in terms of K2O content are transitional from low to moderate potassium varieties, the latter are characterized by a fairly high content of potassium and correspond to the high potassium calc-alkaline series. Conclusion. Comparison of the studied rocks in terms of geochemical features with basalts and granites of island arcs allows us to conclude that the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs were formed in an island-arc geodynamic setting.

Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intake and Risk of Non-Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases: The Million Veteran Program.

Objective: To examine the association between intakes of sodium and potassium and the ratio of sodium to potassium and incident myocardial infarction and stroke. Design, Setting and Participants: Prospective cohort study of 180,156 Veterans aged 19 to 107 years with plausible dietary intake measured by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) who were free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer at baseline in the VA Million Veteran Program (MVP). Main outcome measures: CVD defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) ascertained using high-throughput phenotyping algorithms applied to electronic health records. Results: During up to 8 years of follow-up, we documented 4090 CVD cases (2499 MI and 1712 AIS). After adjustment for confounding factors, a higher sodium intake was associated with a higher risk of CVD, whereas potassium intake was inversely associated with the risk of CVD [hazard ratio (HR) comparing extreme quintiles, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09 (95% CI: 0.99–1.21, p trend = 0.01) for sodium and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79–0.96, p trend = 0.005) for potassium]. In addition, the ratio of sodium to potassium (Na/K ratio) was positively associated with the risk of CVD (HR comparing extreme quintiles = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.14–1.39, p trend < 0.0001). The associations of Na/K ratio were consistent for two subtypes of CVD; one standard deviation increment in the ratio was associated with HRs (95% CI) of 1.12 (1.06–1.19) for MI and 1.11 (1.03–1.19) for AIS. In secondary analyses, the observed associations were consistent across race and status for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol at baseline. Associations appeared to be more pronounced among participants with poor dietary quality. Conclusions: A high sodium intake and a low potassium intake were associated with a higher risk of CVD in this large population of US veterans.

Biomarker-Based Methods and Study Designs to Calibrate Dietary Intake for Assessing Diet–Disease Associations

BackgroundDietary biomarkers measured in biospecimens can play an important role in correcting for random and systematic measurement error in self-reported nutrient intake when assessing diet–disease associations. To date, high-quality biomarkers for calibrating self-reported dietary intake have only been developed for a few nutrients. ObjectivesTo investigate new study designs and regression calibration approaches for calibrating self-reported nutrient intake for use in disease association analyses. MethodsWe studied 3 regression calibration approaches: 1) an existing approach built on a calibration cohort assuming the existence of an objective biomarker (i.e., biomarker with random independent measurement error), 2) a proposed approach using a biomarker development cohort, and 3) a proposed 2-stage approach using both cohorts. We conducted simulation studies to compare the performance of different study designs/methods for estimating diet–disease associations and applied suitable methods to examine the association of sodium and potassium intake with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Women's Health Initiative cohorts. ResultsSimulation studies showed that the first approach can lead to biased association estimation when the objective biomarker assumption is violated; the second and third proposed approaches obviate the need for such an objective biomarker. Precision for estimating the association depends critically on sample size of the biomarker development cohort and the strength of the self-reported nutrient intake. Analyses based on the second and third approaches support previously reported significant findings using the first approach about associations of the ratio of sodium to potassium intake with CVD risk while providing efficiency gain for some outcomes. ConclusionsSelf-reported dietary intake needs to be calibrated for measurement error correction in diet–disease association analyses. When there are no existing objective biomarkers that can be used for calibration purpose, controlled feeding studies can be used to develop new biomarkers for use in calibration or can be used to calibrate self-reported dietary intake directly.

Particulate Matter Ionic and Elemental Composition during the Winter Season: A Comparative Study among Rural, Urban and Remote Sites in Southern Italy

We present an overview of the concentrations and distributions of water-soluble ion species and elemental components in ambient particulate matter for five measurement sites in southern Italy with the aim of investigating the influence of the different site characteristics on PM levels. The sites encompass different characteristics, ranging from urban to coastal and high-altitude remote areas. PM10 and PM2.5 fractions were collected simultaneously using dual channel samplers during the winter period from November 2015 to January 2016 and analyzed for water-soluble ion species, using ion chromatography, and elemental composition, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In all sites, PM2.5 represented the higher contribution to particulate mass, usually more than two times that of the coarse fraction (PM2.5−10). At the coastal site in Capo Granitola (Western Sicily), sea salts constituted about 30% of total PM10 mass. On average, ion species accounted for 30% to 60% of total PM10 mass and 15% to 50% of PM2.5 mass. We found that secondary ion species, i.e., SO42−, NO3− and NH4+ dominated the identifiable components within both PM2.5 and PM10 fractions. The chlorine–sodium ratio was usually lower than that expected from the natural level in sea salt, evidencing aged air masses. At the monitoring site in Naples, a highly urbanized area affected by high levels of anthropogenic source emissions, an increased contribution of ammonium was found, which was imputed to the increased ammonia emissions from industrial combustion sources and road traffic. The concentrations of the investigated elements showed noteworthy differences from one site to another. The PM10 fraction was highly enriched by sources of anthropogenic origin in the samples from the most urbanized areas. In general, the enrichment factors of the elements were similar between the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions, confirming common sources for all elements.

Groundwater quality using indices for domestic and irrigation purposes in Akure, Nigeria

Groundwater exploration has become more critical for agricultural and domestic purposes due to the overexploitation, depletion and widespread pollution of surface water bodies. The study is focused on evaluating these groundwater sources for their suitability for domestic and irrigation applications, as well as a quality-based investigation of these sources.Thirty (30) boreholes were investigated across the study area Akure, Ondo State to achieve the aforementioned aim. This was carried out by the analysis of physico-chemical parameters, determination of water quality index and evaluating irrigation indices. Moreover, Gibbs diagram was used to characterize ground water samples. Resultsshow the groundwater to be slightly acidic in nature with pH values falling below the 6.5 benchmark. According to evaluated indices, Sodium ratio also showed that 76.7% of the water samples is in “good” category, 20% is in “permissible” category, and 3.3% is in the “poor” category. the water is suitable for irrigation and can support plant yield. Based on Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment, majority of the water samples (82%) can be classified as “good”, 16% of the samples were excellent, while 2% were found to be moderate indicating that the water quality in terms of its drinking standard is generally good as obtained from this study. Data plotted in Gibbs diagram reveal that the groundwater chemistry is primarily controlled by rock-water interaction.

Salicylic Acid Manipulates Ion Accumulation and Distribution in Favor of Salinity Tolerance in Chenopodium&nbsp;quinoa.

Although the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on increasing plant growth in saline conditions have been well known, the mechanisms of induction of salinity tolerance, especially in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), are not fully understood. In the present work, two quinoa genotypes (Titicaca and Giza1) were treated with different SA concentrations (0, 0.75, and 1.5 mM) under varied irrigation water salinities (0, 7, 14, and 21 dS m−1). Salinity decreased shoot and root growth, potassium (K+) concentration, and potassium to sodium ratio (K/Na) and increased sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Cl−) concentrations in both cultivars. Calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations increased in 7 dS m−1 but decreased in higher salinities. The growth and salinity tolerance of Giza1 were higher, while the growth of Giza1 increased and of Titicaca decreased in high salinity. Salicylic acid at 0.75-mM concentration increased shoot and root growth and improved the ions concentration in favor of the plant, while the 1.5-mM concentration either had no significant effect or had a negative impact. The ions distribution estimated by K/Na selectivity and storage factor (SF) indicated quinoa accumulated more ions in roots under saline conditions. Salicylic acid increased NaSF, ClSF, and MgSF and decreased KSF and CaSF, meaning less Na+, Cl−, and Mg2+ and more K+ and Ca2+ transferred to shoots in SA-treated plants. Importantly, Giza1, as the more tolerant cultivar, had higher NaSF and ClSF and lower KSF, CaSF, and MgSF. In general, the concentrations of ions in roots were higher than in shoots. The results indicated more ions accumulation in the root could be one of the most important mechanisms of salinity tolerance in quinoa, and the more tolerant cultivar (Giza1) transferred less Na+ and Cl− and more K+ and Ca2+ and Mg2+ to the shoot.

Variation in fresh and mechanical properties of GGBFS based self-compacting geopolymer concrete in the presence of NCA and RCA

Current work depicts the study of fresh and strength characteristics of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) based Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete (SCGC) with Natural Coarse Aggregate (NCA) and Recycled Coarse Aggregate (RCA) by variation of critical parameters like molarity of sodium hydroxide and ratio in alkali activated solution with their admissible wide range of variations. All the fresh property tests of SCGC like segregation resistance (SR), filling ability (FLA), passing ability (PA), and mechanical properties like unconfined compression test, tensile test were performed to examine the attainment of SCGC with NCA and RCA. The critical parameters: molarity of sodium hydroxide and ratio of alkali activated solution for design of the SCGC mix were 10 M, 12 M, 14 M and 2, 2.5, 3 respectively. Other materials like superplasticizer, extra water quantity in the mix were considered from existing research. Mix designs for the production of SCGC were prepared considering NCA and RCA separately. Source material used in current research was GGBFS. All SCGC mixes with several combination was stable as per EFNARC 2002 guidelines. Mixes with NCA performed better and SCGC mix with 12 M and AAS ratio 2.5 were stood competitive than all other mixes.

A detailed study of ion transport through the SARS-CoV-2 E protein ion channel.

The envelope (E) protein encoded in the genome of an RNA virus is crucial for the replication, budding and pathophysiology of the virus. In the light of the ongoing pandemic, we explored similarities/differences between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 E protein ion channels in terms of their selectivity. Further, we also examined the impact of variation of the bath concentration and introduction of potential and concentration gradients across the channel on the binding ratios of sodium and chloride ions for the SARS-CoV-2 E protein. Ion transport is described through the fourth-order Poisson-Nernst-Planck-Bikerman (4PNPBik) model which generalizes the traditional model by including ionic interactions between ions and their surrounding medium and non-ionic interactions between particles due to their finite size. Governing equations are solved numerically using the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). The mathematical model has been validated by comparing analytical and experimental ion activity. The SARS-CoV-1 E protein ion channel is found to be more permeable to cationic ions, while the SARS-CoV-2 E protein has similar selectivity for both cationic and anionic species. For SARS-CoV-2, an increase in the bath concentration results in an increase in the binding ratio for sodium ions. Furthermore, the chloride binding ratio increases as the concentration gradient increases. A potential gradient has a minimal effect on the binding ratio. The SARS-CoV-2 E protein was found to support higher ionic currents than the SARS-CoV-1 E protein. Furthermore, the ionic current increased with increasing bath concentrations.

The antioxidant activity of seaweed salt from Sargassum polycystum in Sprague-Dawley male White rats

Seaweed has many health benefits and has been the potential raw material for making low sodium and high potassium healthy salt. Sargassum polycystum is widely used as a low-sodium functional salt, which has a strong antioxidant capacity. However, it's in vivo potential is unknown. This research was a purpose to determine the antioxidant activity of SOD and catalase enzymes in seaweed salt through in vivo test in Sprague-Dawley rats. To achieve this, salt was produced from S. polycystum flour and distilled water at a ratio of 1:10 and heated at 40°C for 10 minutes, using a water bath. The mixture was stirred using 500 mesh nylon cloth and filter paper, then dried with an oven at 60°C for 30 hours. In vivo research method was then adopted using 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into 5 treatment groups. The analysis used was the treatment of commercial and seaweed salt, Sargassum polycystum, and plain water (aquades) in the test animals with 4 replications, which include each treatment group consisting of 4 Sprague-Dawley rats. Data were analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) from Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. S. polycystum salt had a Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) ratio of 0.38 and NaCl content of 49.05%. The antioxidant activity of SOD and catalase enzymes ranged between 54.09–73.40 U/mL and 0.67 – 0.79 U/mL, respectively. These values indicate that the application of S. polycystum salt is able to balance the antioxidant activity of SOD and catalase. In addition, seaweed salt has the potential to reduce cell damage due to free radicals.

Dealkalization and Leaching Behavior of Fe, Al, Ca, and Si of Red Mud by Waste Acid from Titanium White Production.

Dealkalization is the necessary step for the multipurpose use of red mud (RM), and acid leaching is a productive method to realize the dealkalization of RM. Most researches focus on recovering metals from the highly alkaline waste by pure acid leaching or stabilization by dealkalization. In this study, according to the strong alkalinity of RM and strong acidity of the waste acid from titanium dioxide production, the waste acid was used for the dealkalization of RM. The effects of leaching temperature, reaction time, the concentration of waste acid, liquid–solid ratio (L/S), and stirring rate on the dealkalization of RM were investigated, and the main metal ions in the dealkalization solution were analyzed. The results show that the leaching ratio of sodium can reach 92.3591% when the leaching temperature is 30 °C, the reaction time is 10 min, the concentration of waste acid is 0.6238 mol/L, the L/S is 4:1, and the stirring rate is 300 rpm. The residual alkali content in the treated RM is 0.2674%, which is a reduction to less than 1%. The phase analysis results show that the sodalite and cancrinite in RM are dissolved, decomposed, and transformed after acid leaching. Therefore, RM meets the requirements of building materials after dealkalization, which provides further development as building material products.

Synthesis of O3-Na&lt;sub&gt;0.8&lt;/sub&gt;Fe&lt;sub&gt;0.6&lt;/sub&gt;Mn&lt;sub&gt;0.3&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Positive Electrode and Its Application to Sodium Ion Batteries

Herein, we report precise variation of Fe and Mn constituent in the sodium magnate layered cathodes with the compositions of Na0.8Fe0.4Mn0.5O2, Na0.8Fe0.5Mn0.4O2, Na0.8Fe0.6Mn0.3O2, Na0.8Fe0.6Mn0.4O2, Na0.8Fe0.7Mn0.4O2, Na0.9Fe0.6Mn0.3O2 in order to attain a high performing cathode. Based on this transition metal stoichiometry, an interesting sodium magnate combination of Na0.8Fe0.6Mn0.3O2, with O3-type crystal phase, possess R3m space group along with the superior electrochemical behavior is obtained. On charge-discharge capacities in the range of 2.0-3.8 V at 0.1 C, it shows the comparatively higher performance of the first and the second charge capacity of 115 and 180 mAhg-1 and discharge capacity of 184 and 181 mAhg-1, respectively. The best sample was then compared with the closely related Na0.8Fe0.6Mn0.4O2, Na0.9Fe0.6Mn0.3O2 combination in terms of valence ratio and influence of excess sodium for the structure robustness, stability along with purity. The best sample with the composition Na0.8Fe0.6Mn0.3O2 does not show detectable impure phase while Na0.8Fe0.6Mn0.4O2 and Na0.9Fe0.6Mn0.3O2 shows a tendency of P-type (Cmca space group) behavior with 30.8% and 32.8%, respectively. The enhancement of iron constituent increases not only the performances but also the stabilization of sodium vacancy ordering and substitution of Mn with a substantial reduction of Jahn-Teller distortion, mounting biphasic characteristics and high peak intensity of 41.5 °.

The proximity of a highway increases CO2 respiration in forest soil and decreases the stability of soil organic matter

Roadways traverse many forest areas and they often have harmful effects on forest soils, including the modified stability of soil organic matter (SOM). Soil CO2 respiration is an important indicator of SOM biological stability. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that a roadway will (1) modify the composition of the cation exchange capacity of adjacent forest soils, and (2) significantly decrease the stability of SOM. Two study sites were established in Scots pine and Silver fir stands, located close to the S7 highway in central Poland, which was opened to traffic in 1984. From each site, samples were taken at 2, 12 and 22 m from the forest edge. Soil CO2 respiration was determined using closed chamber incubation with an alkali trap. We also conducted a comprehensive analysis of soil chemical properties. The stoichiometric ratios of chosen chemical parameters to total carbon (Ct) were calculated. In both sites, we observed increased soil pH and CO2 respiration in the vicinity of the highway, as well as increased ratios of exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) to Ct. In the fir site, the humic and fulvic acids, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content and aluminum (Al) to Ct ratio were depleted in close proximity to the highway. We suggest that the combined effect of Ca and Na ions, originating from winter de-icing, caused the depletion of Al and hydrogen (H) in the soil close to the forest edge and, therefore, resulted in lower SOM stability expressed as the decreased DOC and pyrophosphate-extractable carbon content, as well as the release of CO2. We conclude that the changes of SOM stability with distance were the effect of modification of ion-exchange relationships (particularly base cations versus Al3+ with H+) rather than forest stand species or intrinsic SOM properties (like functional groups, the recalcitrance of bindings etc.). Our work supports earlier studies, confirming the significant impact of Al and H on SOM stability.

Nutritional Content of Street Food and Takeaway Food Purchased in Urban Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Street food (SF) and takeaway food (TAF) are important sources of out-of-home meals in urban Bosnia and Herzegovina, where diet-related non-communicable diseases are growing rapidly. This study aimed to characterise SF and TAF purchased in urban areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regarding customers’ characteristics and the nutritional composition of the foods and beverages. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sarajevo and Banja Luka in 2017. SF (n = 194) and TAF vending sites (n = 154) were selected through random and systematic sampling. Data on the food items purchased and customers’ characteristics were collected by direct observation. Nutritional composition was estimated using data from chemical analyses of the foods most commonly available. Two-thirds of the customers observed (n = 755) were aged ≥35 years, half were women and 27.7% were overweight/obese. A total of 929 food items were purchased. The most commonly bought SFs were confectionery (30.5%), water (27.9%) and soft drinks/juices (22.2%). TAF customers purchased mostly savoury pastries (39.8%), breads (27.1%) and main dishes (21.4%). Almost half of customers purchased industrial food (i.e., pre-packaged foods and beverages produced by the food industry). The purchases presented median contents of 18.7 g of fat (39.6% saturated, 32.3% monounsaturated, 22.1% polyunsaturated, 1.5% trans), 838 mg of sodium and 285 mg of potassium. Saturated-fat contribution was higher in SF purchases (60.4% vs. 30.2%, p < 0.001), whereas TAF purchases presented higher trans-fat proportion (1.8% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001), sodium (1241 vs. 89 mg, p < 0.001) and sodium-potassium ratio (6.1 vs. 0.6, p < 0.001). Generally, SF and TAF bought in Sarajevo and Banja Luka were rich in saturated and trans fatty-acids and sodium, and poor in potassium. Nutrition policies promoting use of healthier fats and salt reduction in SF and TAF may contribute to the prevention of diet-related diseases in these settings.