Sodium Concentration Research Articles

Midterm effects of irrigation with desalinated seawater on soil properties and constituents in a Mediterranean citrus orchard

Desalinated seawater (DSW) is the newest source of water for irrigated croplands, although its use could lead to soil degradation and crop phytotoxicity, due to its high concentrations of boron, sodium and chloride. However, the impacts of DSW on soil properties have not been thoroughly investigated, with more research needed to fully understand how DSW affects soil health. This study presents the effects of irrigating with DSW, mixed water (50 % desalinated seawater + 50 % fresh water) and DSW treated on-farm to reduce its boron concentration on soil properties and constituents, compared to fresh water. Soils were monitored at two depths (0–25 cm and 25–50 cm) every four months for six years, and soil physicochemical characteristics were analyzed. DSW presented low salinity (0.9 dS m–1), basic pH (8.4), high concentrations of Na, Cl, and B, and low concentrations of Ca and Mg. The results showed that soil nutrients, organic/inorganic carbon, pH, cation exchange capacity, and soil texture were not affected by the irrigation water used. However, after about three years of DSW application, soil accumulation of boron and sodium began to rise, with a clear tendency to increase over time, reaching concentrations of 2.3 mg kg−1 and 699 mg L−1, respectively, after six years. Conversely, the concentration of chlorides did not increase in soils irrigated with DSW, due to the high mobility of that element. Although no risk of salinization was observed with the use of DSW (mean value of 2.6 dS m−1), the risk of soil alkalinization increased, as the sodium absorption ratio rose from 4 to 6 and the exchangeable sodium percentage from 6.2 % to 10.2 %. The treatment involving on-farm B reduction provided the most suitable irrigation water, with the lowest concentrations in soil of available boron (1.4 mg kg−1), water-soluble chlorides (143 mg L−1) and sodium (129 mg L−1), and presented no risk of soil salinization (2.1 dS m−1) or alkalinization. Long-term DSW application could cause phytotoxicity and soil alkalinization. Therefore, strategies to mitigate those risks must be implemented, such as blending DSW with other water sources or on-farm DSW treatment to reduce its ionic load.

Nutritional value of seven demersal fish species from the North Atlantic Azores archipelago

Valorization of azorean demersal fish species must focus quality. This study aims to assess the nutritional value, sodium content and fat quality index of seven commercially relevant demersal fish species from the Azores Region: blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo), blackbelly rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus), splendid alfonsino (Beryx splendens), alfonsino (Beryx decadactylus), forkbeard (Phycis phycis), offshore rockfish (Pontinus kuhlii) and common mora (Mora moro). Moisture, ash, crude protein, total sugars, total fat, fatty acid profile, sodium and salt content were assessed. B. splendends, P. kuhlii and P. bogaraveo presented the highest values for crude protein, while P. kuhlii and B. decadactylus presented the biggest value for crude fat. All species were classified as lean. Sodium and salt contents were higher in H. dactylopterus. This study showed the high nutritional value presented in azorean demersal fish species. Nevertheless, B. splendens, H. dactylopterus, P. kuhlii and B. decadactylus revealed higher values of lipid quality indices.

Improving Iron Content in Sustainable Mycoprotein Production through Seawater Fermentation

The growing global population and rising protein demand are straining freshwater resources. Fusarium venenatum (Fv) mycoprotein offers a sustainable protein alternative, with environmental efficiency and potential health benefits. However, its low iron content remains a concern, especially for vegetarians and vegans. This study introduces a sustainable approach, employing seawater as a fermentation medium for Fv production. Our analysis reveals that mycoprotein derived from SEA Fv exhibits elevated levels of sodium and calcium, with a notably high iron content (2.2 mg/100g wet weight). The sodium content, while 3.31 times higher than in non-seawater fermentation, remains within recommended daily intake parameters. No plasticizers or heavy metals were detected in the SEA Fv cell body, minimizing long-term toxicity risks from seawater use. A unique metabolite, dihydroorotic acid, was identified from an in-house library of 774 metabolites, serving as an internal biomarker for seawater-based production methods. An acute safety study condensing 600g of SEA Fv to simulate high mycoprotein digestion showed no effects on key physical behaviors or major organs, including the heart and lungs. This positions the product as a viable protein alternative with enhanced iron content, highlighting seawater-based fermentation as a sustainable method for future food production and industry progress.

Clinical characteristics of 30 children with severe acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection

AbstractBackgroundTo describe the characteristics of pediatric patients with severe COVID‐19 in China and identify the clinical variables associated with cardiovascular involvement, severe neurological complications, and disease prognosis.MethodsA retrospective surveillance study were conducted from December 1 to 31, 2022, in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were abstracted by medical record review and were further analyzed according to different manifestations.ResultsA total of 30 children (median age, 27.5 months; 36.7% female) met the criteria for the diagnosis of severe COVID‐19. The top five presented symptoms were fever, convulsions, cough, polypnea, and fatigue. Compared with shock absent patients, the cardiovascular involved patients had different laboratory features, including elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactic acid levels, and abnormalities in coagulation parameters. Higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, AST, lactic dehydrogenase, creatinine, lactic acid, and abnormal coagulant function were more common in patients with severe neurological complications and patients who died during hospitalization. Higher lymphocyte counts and serum sodium concentrations were also observed in non‐survivors.ConclusionSevere COVID‐19 pediatric patients had varied clinical characteristics. Laboratory features associated with cardiovascular involvement, severe neurological complications, and adverse outcomes may facilitate early identification of the severe patients.

Comparative study of the effectiveness of tolvaptan versus urea in patients with hyponatremia caused by SIADH

Background and objectivesHyponatraemia is common in elderly and hospitalised patients, often caused by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan and urea in patients with hyponatraemia and SIADH. Materials and methodsAn observational cohort study was conducted on 198 patients with SIADH and hyponatraemia (Na+ <135 mmol/L) at the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra from January 2015 to May 2022. Of these, 86 were treated with tolvaptan (average dose of 7.5 mg) and 112 with urea (average dose of 15 g). The primary outcome was the normalisation of sodium levels (Na ≥ 135 mmol/L). ResultsThe tolvaptan group showed higher sodium concentrations at the end of therapy compared to the urea group (ME = 136, IQR = 135-137 vs. ME = 134, IQR = 132-137; p < 0.001). The time to normalise sodium was shorter with tolvaptan (4 ± 3.4 days) compared to urea (6 ± 3.6 days; p = 0.03). A higher percentage of patients achieved sodium normalisation with tolvaptan (83.72% vs. 59.82%; p = 0.005). Tolvaptan had more adverse effects, such as dry mouth, thirst, and sodium overcorrection, while urea caused dysgeusia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. There were no significant differences in mortality between the groups. ConclusionsTolvaptan was more effective and quicker than urea in normalising sodium levels, though it showed a higher percentage of adverse effects, which did not require discontinuation of the drug.

Uses of Urban Sewer Water for Agriculture in Nanded City, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: Estimating the effluent's quality is crucial for much wastewater research, as wastewater's chemical and physical characteristics influence its amount and usability. Field observations regarding the source or circumstances of wastewater occurring, the source of pollution, and other relevant factors that may impact wastewater quality are considered when assessing wastewater quality. The sustainability of wastewater for use is evaluated based on factors including pH, EC, TDS, hardness, total alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, sodium, and potassium. The assessment of sewer sustainability for irrigation is contingent upon its electrical conductivity and sodium content. These investigations were conducted in 2022 and 2023. Water samples gathered from industrial effluent, primarily used in farmlands and solely in the nearby areas, were examined in this study.

Assessment of Health and Well-Being Effects Associated With the Challenging Drinking Water Situation in the Gaza Strip: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Household Survey Study.

The water supply in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, has been unstable and under strain for decades, resulting in major issues with drinking water quality, reliability, and acceptability. In 2018, between 25% and 30% of Gazans did not have regular access to running water. The progressive deterioration of water infrastructure and concerns over the quality of piped water have resulted in a complex mix of drinking water sources used in the Gaza Strip. The challenges of safe water provision in the Gaza Strip could potentially have severe adverse effects on the population's health and well-being. The main objectives of this survey are to determine the quality of drinking water at the household level and to investigate the association of various health outcomes with water quality at the household level in the Gaza Strip. We conducted a cross-sectional household survey in the North Gaza, Gaza, and Rafah governorates between January and March 2023. We selected a subsample of households from a representative cross-sectional survey conducted in the Gaza Strip in 2020 with persons aged 40 years and older. From each household in the 2023 survey, we invited 3 individuals (2 older than 40 years and 1 between 18 and 30 years) to participate. The face-to-face interview included questions on drinking water, mental health and well-being, self-reported diagnoses for selected diseases, use of antibiotics, and knowledge about antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, we measured each participant's blood pressure. We sampled drinking water from each household and analyzed the samples for microbial contamination, nitrate, sodium, and mineral content. In total, we visited 905 households and interviewed 2291 participants. In both age groups, more female participants were interviewed. A total of 56.60% (914/1615) were aged ≥40 years, and 58.9% (398/676) were aged between 18 and 30 years. We obtained water samples from nearly all households (902/905, 99.8%). The results are expected to be published in several papers in 2025. The extensive survey components, coupled with drinking water testing and building on an existing survey, allowed us to identify a broad set of potential impacts on health and well-being and to track changes over time. This study intends to identify humanitarian and development interventions that could impact the population served most. However, we completed data collection before the escalation of violence in October 2023. Given the impact of the still ongoing conflict, the initial intent of this work is no longer valid. However, the results emerging from the survey may still serve as a valuable baseline to assess the impacts of the current escalations on physical and mental health and on drinking water quality. In addition, our findings could provide important information for rebuilding the Gaza Strip in a more health-promoting way. DERR1-10.2196/63415.

Predictive factors associated with short-term mortality in cats with feline infectious peritonitis treated with remdesivir or GS-441524 or both.

Although most cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) respond to treatment with remdesivir or GS-441524 or both with uneventful clinical courses, some die despite treatment. Identify predictive factors associated with short-term mortality in cats with FIP treated with IV remdesivir or PO GS-441524 or both. A total of 108 client-owned cats with FIP. Retrospective multicenter study using data collected from medical records. Factors associated with short-term mortality, defined as death within 84 days, were identified. Univariate analysis a t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess patient characteristics and clinicopathological variables between survivors and nonsurvivors. The short-term mortality rate was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6%-19.7%). Univariate analysis identified plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH; P < .001) and bilirubin concentration (P = .001) as being significantly increased in nonsurvivors, whereas concentrations of albumin (P = .003), total protein (P = .03), sodium (P = .005), and potassium (P = .005) were significantly lower. Additionally, nonsurvivors were significantly less likely to be febrile (≥39.4°C; P = .006). Of these variables, only plasma LDH activity ≥323 U/L, a cut-point determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, was significantly associated with short-term mortality by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 15.30; 95% CI, 1.18-198.00; P = .04). Increased plasma LDH activity might be useful for predicting short-term mortality, guiding monitoring, and establishing prognosis in cats with FIP.

Agromeliorative Methods of Preserving Fertility of Chernozem Soils of Fruit Plantations under Conditions of Irrigation with Mineralized Water

The effectiveness of agro-reclamation techniques for preserving the fertility of chernozem soils of fruit plantations under conditions of irrigation with mineralized waters in the conditions of the steppe zone of fruit growing in the Krasnodar Territory in irrigated intensive plantations of apple varieties of winter ripening on a low-growing rootstock M9 was studied. The effect of the use of chemical meliorants (phosphogypsum), soil mulching, application of water-soluble organo-mineral fertilizers through a drip irrigation system and a combination of these agricultural techniques on the basic agrochemical and physico-chemical properties of ordinary chernozem was studied. In fruit plantations, with drip irrigation with mineralized waters, the use of a complex of agro-reclamation techniques contributed to the normalization of the reaction of the soil environment, a decrease in the accumulation of water-soluble sodium salts in the root layer of ordinary chernozem by 39.7%, a decrease in the content of exchangeable sodium in the zone of local soil moisture by 33–34%, an increase in the content of mobile phosphorus in the soil under droppers by 18.9% compared with traditional zonal cultivation technology.

The index of maximum sweat ion reabsorption rates of sweat glands does not correlate to whole-body sweat sodium concentration in exercising young healthy men.

Factors explaining individual variations in whole-body sweat sodium ion concentration ([Na+]) during exercise are not fully understood. Galvanic skin conductance (GSC) reflects the electrical properties of the skin influenced by sweat rate (SR) and the presence of ions. Initiation of increases in this response to elevating sweating may reflect exceeding the maximal capacity of sweat ion reabsorption in sweat glands. We investigated whether the SR threshold for increasing GSC, an indirect measure of maximum ion reabsorption rates of sweat glands, explains the variations in whole-body sweat [Na+]. Thirty young healthy males cycled for 90 min at incremental exercise intensities of 30, 45, and 60% peak oxygen uptake (30 min each) in the heat (32°C, 50%RH). Whole-body sweat [Na+] was measured using a whole-body washdown technique. The SR threshold for increasing GSC was determined from the relationship between the local SR (ventilated capsule) and GSC on the forearm and chest. The average whole-body sweat [Na+] was 42.8 ± 18.9 (range, 14.4-81.0) mmol L-1, and the SR threshold for increasing GSC was 0.29 ± 0.20 (range, 0.02-0.62) and 0.35 ± 0.30 (range, 0.01-1.40) mg cm-2 min-1 for the forearm and chest, respectively. Whole-body sweat [Na+] was not correlated with the SR threshold for increasing GSC in the forearm or chest (r2 {less than or equal to} 0.001, P {greater than or equal to} 0.921). We conclude that the SR threshold for increasing GSC at the forearm and chest does not explain the individual variation in whole-body sweat [Na+] during exercise in the heat.

Methanolic Extract of Cannabis sativa Ameliorates Rifampin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Tubular Necrosis in Rats

Purpose: The study was conducted for the renal protective activity of the methanolic extract of Cannabis sativa against renal toxicity induced by rifampin injection in rats. This study selected Cannabis sativa, a member of the Cannabinaceae family, for its widespread use in treating gout, constipation, pain, insomnia, kidney inflammation, and other diseases. The results showed decreased levels of serum urea, creatinine, sodium (Na), and potassium (K) inhibited the induced toxicity. Histopathological examination revealed that the kidney was protected from the marked necrosis of renal tubules caused by rifampin. Methodology: Forty Wister white (albino) rats weighing 100-150 gm were used. We produced renal toxicity by injecting rifampin i/p- at a dose rate of 0.8 mL/kg BW for 28 days, which led to nephrotoxicity. We administered the plant extract by simultaneously administering a methanolic extract of Cannabis sativa orally at dose rates of 300 and 600 mg/kg for 28 days. Findings: Rifampin-induced nephrotoxicity increased potassium, urea, and creatinine levels while decreasing sodium levels. When Cannabis sativa is administered with rifampin, sodium concentrations increase. A decrease in potassium, urea, and creatinine accompanies the increase in sodium levels. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: Flavonoids may be responsible for the nephroprotective effect of Cannabis sativa extract; therefore, more research to identify the active component is necessary.

Association between hyponatremia and disease severity in pediatric urinary tract infections

BackgroundAcute urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease in pediatrics, with around 8% of girls and 2% of boys experiencing a UTI by age 7y/o. UTIs can range from asymptomatic bacteriuria to acute pyelonephritis (APN) in severe cases involving renal parenchymal infection. UTI patients admitted to the pediatric ward usually have more severe clinical presentation, compared to those treated in the outpatient settings. Therefore, it will be helpful to have markers that predict the severity of the disease and the likelihood of having APN.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review on all pediatric UTI/APN patients treated in the inpatient setting at a Medical Center from October 2012 to September 2022. Patients were assigned to the “hyponatremia” or “eunatremia” group according to their serum sodium concentrations. Detailed information, including renal echo, blood, and urine test results, were collected for the analysis of multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsThe study included 344 patients, of which 99 (28.8%) had hyponatremia, and 245 (71.2%) had normal serum sodium levels. The hyponatremia group had higher APN frequency, renal echo abnormality, and higher CRP level. In multivariable analysis, hyponatremia was independently associated with increased serum glucose (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03, p = 0.0365) and CRP levels (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01, p = 0.0417), without a significant increase in APN frequency as the final diagnosis.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that hyponatremia in pediatric UTI patients may indicate a more severe disease, such as APNs, higher CRP levels, or renal echo abnormalities. The complex mechanisms underlying hyponatremia and its predictive value for disease severity warrant further investigation.

Chloride removal and bicarbonate replacement by isotonic sodium bicarbonate-based continuous hemodiafiltration: a novel method to correct severe metabolic acidosis.

Previous reports highlighted the efficacy of hemofiltration utilizing isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution as replacement fluid for severe metabolic acidosis. This approach corrects metabolic acidosis by eliminating chloride and supplementing bicarbonate. Here, we present the results of an in vitro study aimed at determining the effect of Isotonic sodium bicarbonate-based Continuous HemoDiafiltration (IBB-CHDF). Conventional Continuous HemoDiaFiltration (CHDF) and IBB-CHDF utilized aqueous solutions mimicking blood's electrolyte composition. To assess the efficacy and safety, we compared serial changes in pH, HCO3-, Na+, and K+ concentrations. Blood flow rate was 100mL/min, and the dialysis fluid flow rate maintained 1.0 L/h for both CHDF and IBB-CHDF. Replacement flow rates ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 L/h for CHDF and 0.1 to 1.5 L/h for IBB-CHDF. At a replacement flow rate of 0.5 L/h with IBB-CHDF, bicarbonate increased from 14.7 mEq/L to within the physiological range (25.9mEq/L), whereas in conventional CHDF, the post-treatment bicarbonate concentration did not increase (16.5mEq/L). The maximum bicarbonate concentration achieved was 22.0mEq/L at a replacement flow rate of 1.5 L/h in conventional CHDF. Notably, in IBB-CHDF, the sodium concentration remained constant at 150mEq/L, 10mEq/L higher than conventional CHDF, and did not escalate despite increasing the replacement flow rate. IBB-CHDF effectively corrects metabolic acidosis without inducing sodium and water overload by eliminating excess chloride while providing bicarbonate.

Mitigation of Salt Stress in Lactuca sativa L. var. Gentile Rossa Using Microalgae as Priming Agents

Using renewable biomass in agriculture, particularly microalgae as a biostimulant, offers economic and environmental sustainability benefits by reducing costs, improving nutrient cycling, and enhancing water use efficiency. Microalgae contain bioactive compounds that boost crop tolerance to environmental stresses, including salinity. Saline soils, characterized by elevated sodium chloride (NaCl) levels, negatively impact many crops, resulting in low productivity and high remediation costs. Therefore, this study evaluates the biostimulant properties of a microalgae-based commercial preparation (MR) on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants grown hydroponically and exposed to saline stress. The extract was chemically characterized through elemental analysis, lipid composition (gas chromatography with flame ionization detector—GC-FID), the determination of functional groups (Fourier Transformed Infrared—FT-IR), structure (1H,13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance—NMR), with their hormone-like activity also assessed. Lettuce plants were treated with or without the microalgae blend, in combination with 0, 50 mM, or 100 mM NaCl. The contents of nutrients, soluble proteins, chlorophylls, and phenols, as well as the lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and root traits of lettuce plants, were estimated. The microalgae applied to salt-stressed plants resulted in a significant increase in biomass, protein, and chlorophyll contents. Additionally, significant effects on the secondary metabolism and mitigation of salinity stress were observed in terms of increased phenol content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation. The potassium (K+) content was increased significantly in plants treated with 100 mM NaCl after addition of microalgae, while the content of sodium (Na+) was concurrently reduced. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that using microalgae can be a potent approach for improving the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L. under saline stress conditions.

Increased ambient temperature and hyponatraemia presentations: A ten-year retrospective study at an Australian hospital.

To determine the relationship between ambient air temperature and the incidence of hyponatraemia in a heat-prone region. We conducted a retrospective study that correlated serum sodium concentrations documented at The Austin Hospital in Melbourne over ten years from January 2014 to December 2023, with publicly available temperature data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Serum sodium concentrations and incidence of hyponatraemia admissions when correlated to temperature, and following heatwave events, defined as temperature above 30°C over five consecutive days. Over this period, 45718 low serum sodium results were identified from 26557 unique patients. Serum sodium concentrations in January (Australian Summer) were 0.55mmol/L lower (95% CI 0.36 to 0.77, p < 0.001) compared to September (Australian early Spring). Women had lower sodium concentrations compared to men (-0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.12, p<0.001), as did patients older than 80 years when compared to those younger than 65 years (-0.39 mmol, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.29, p<0.001). Hospital admissions with hyponatraemia were more frequent during summer months. Profound hyponatraemia admissions (sodium ≤125 mmol/L) were more frequent following a heatwave, compared to without (7.6% vs 6.5%, p=0.04). Our study demonstrates that serum sodium concentrations are lower and profound hyponatraemia-related hospital admissions higher when ambient temperatures are warmer. This suggests that hyponatraemia is a climate associated health issue. Local public health advice for water consumption during heatwaves should consider this risk, and prompt action to limit climate change is required to mitigate this risk.

Advancements in Antiviral Therapy: Favipiravir Sodium in Nasal Formulation.

Favipiravir (FPV) is an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) known to have lower solubility in aqueous solvents. In the current study, efforts were made to generate a crystalline Favipiravir Sodium Salt (NaFPV) for enhanced solubility in aqueous media. The in-house generated NaFPV was characterized by NMR studies and its sodium content was determined by Flame Emission Spectroscopy (FES) as a confirmation of salt formation. Its solubility was determined where-in the solubility of NaFPV in water was about 100 times greater than FVP. FPV and NaFPV nasal spray formulations were prepared and its activity was determined against human coronavirus (hCoV) 229E strain. In the anti-hCoV assay as compared to FPV, NaFPV showed almost threefold higher anti-viral activity than its unmodified counterpart. Accelerated stability and spray pattern characteristics of both the formulations were studied. Interestingly, NaFPV showed higher physical stability during storage at conditions 40 ± 2°C/ 75% ± 5% RH. The nasal spray formulations of both FPV and NaFPV showed ideal plume geometry and spray pattern of acceptablespecifications. Due to its improvement in terms of solubility, NaFPV will have higher rate and extent of absorption, and faster onset of the therapeutic effect and may appear to be a feasible alternative to regular favipiravir for use in solid dosage forms.

Effects of Funneliformis mosseae on the growth and rhizosphere bacterial communities of Astragalus adsurgens and Stipa grandis under combined cadmium and salt stress

The phytoremediation efficiency of heavy metal‐contaminated saline soils is limited by low plant biomass and low accumulation of salt or heavy metals. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can directly promote plant growth or indirectly affect plant growth by regulating rhizosphere microbial communities; however, few studies have investigated the regulation of AMF on rhizosphere bacteria in heavy metal‐contaminated saline soils. This study investigated the effects of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) on the growth and rhizosphere bacteria in Astragalus adsurgens Pall. and Stipa grandis P. Smirn. in cadmium (Cd)‐contaminated saline soils. The results revealed that F. mosseae improved the growth of the two grasses through distinct strategic mechanisms. In A. adsurgens, F. mosseae decreased shoot sodium ion (Na+) and Cd concentrations, increased Na+, Cd, and nutrient accumulations, enhanced the stability of the interaction network of the top 15 bacterial species with significant differences, and resulted in higher resistance of bacteria to external disturbances. F. mosseae increased the relative abundances of Paludibaculum, Pedomicrobium, and Aquicella, which positively correlated with biomass, Na+, and Cd accumulations. In S. grandis, F. mosseae promoted Na+, Cd, and nutrient accumulations and regulated interactions among the top 15 bacterial species with significant differences. Total nodes, total links, and average degree of the network increased, indicating a closer and more complex relationship between bacteria. F. mosseae increased the relative abundance of Devosia, Exiguobacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Aliihoeflea, which positively correlated with biomass, Na+, and Cd accumulations. This study presented data to support plant‐mediated remediation of heavy metal‐contaminated saline soils using AMF symbiosis.

Making Sense of the Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Foods, Obesity, and Other Chronic Diseases

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is a food category within the NOVA system. The key feature of UPFs are foods that have been highly processed and contain various additives, especially those that are industrially produced. It is claimed that UPFs are inherently unhealthy. The classification system is highly controversial. This paper critically evaluates the evidence. In stark contrast to conventional systems for food classification, the NOVA system disregards the nutritional values of foods. As a result, many foods generally considered to be healthy are included as UPFs, whereas many unhealthy foods are excluded. Epidemiological studies, mainly prospective cohort studies, have consistently reported an association between the intake of UPFs and risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, common mental disorders (especially depression), and all-cause mortality. A similar association has been reported for cancer and hypertension, but the supporting evidence is weaker. The most plausible explanation for this is that the associations are largely due to a limited number of unhealthy foods, such as processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. Studies of the relationship between UPFs and obesity present a different picture. There is much evidence that suggests that UPFs play a major causal role in obesity. The high contents of fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and sodium commonly present in UPFs makes these foods hyperpalatable. In addition, UPFs typically have a high energy density. As a result of these two features of UPFs, most people consume an excessive energy intake when presented with UPFs. Because UPFs include a wide range of foods, many of which are healthy, it is likely that while many UPFs are obesogenic, many others are not.

Effects of heat stress on global DNA methylation and blood parameters of two strains of laying hens.

This study aimed to determine the global levels of DNA methylation and alterations in hematological and electrolytic parameters of two strains of laying hens subjected to heat stress and thermal comfort in climatic chambers. The experiment was conducted in two climate chambers with 192 laying hens of two strains: Dekalb White and Dekalb Brown. After the seven-day adaptation period, each climate chamber was programmed to a thermal condition for 28 consecutive days: Comfort (THI = 73.8) and Heat Stress (THI = 85.9). Blood samples were collected weekly. At each collection, a total of three milliliters of venous blood was collected from the ulnar wing or jugular vein. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, with a 2 × 2 factorial scheme with split plots. Blood glucose, complete blood count, pH, ionized calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and global DNA methylation were evaluated. Stress increased chloride levels but did not affect the other evaluated blood parameters. At 28days of the experiment, the Dekalb Brown strain showed higher levels of leukocytes and hematocrit and lower concentrations of chloride and sodium compared to the Dekalb White strain. Leukocyte levels, plasma protein, sodium, and ionized calcium remained above reference values for both strains. There were no methylation differences between temperature treatments, but a significant difference was observed between strains at 28days of the experiment. Methylation patterns were independent of the evaluated blood parameters in this study but dependent on the bird strain, suggesting that strains respond with different biological mechanisms to heat adaptation. The absence of correlation does not completely exclude a causal relationship, and further studies are needed to investigate possible physiological and biological associations of blood and how strains respond to different heat adaptive mechanisms.

Saline versus balanced crystalloids for hydration post-kidney biopsy.

Isotonic fluids are becoming the standard for hydration and maintenance fluid therapy, but there is no consensus on the optional choice among the different types of isotonic solution. This study is a single-center, non-randomized controlled trial at Kobe University Hospital, Japan, between April 2021 and March 2023. The study included pediatric patients aged 1-19years who underwent kidney biopsies. From April 2021 to March 2022, 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) was administered, and from April 2022 to March 2023, balanced crystalloids were used. The primary outcome was the occurrence of hyponatremia (< 137mEq/L) after a kidney biopsy. Secondary outcomes included other electrolyte balances, blood gas parameters, creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (Cr-eGFR), and arginine vasopressin concentrations (UMIN Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN 000044330). Of 61 patients enrolled, 2 were excluded, leaving 34 in the saline group and 25 in the balanced crystalloid group. No hyponatremia occurred, and serum sodium concentrations were similar between both groups (138.7 vs. 138.9mEq/L, P = 0.08). The saline group showed a greater increase in serum chloride (+ 1.7 vs. + 0.2, P < 0.01) and a greater decrease in HCO3- concentrations (- 0.6 vs. + 0.9, P < 0.01). There were minimal changes in pH (- 0.01 vs. - 0.01, P = 0.99) and Cr-eGFR (- 1.5 vs. + 1.1mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.96) in both groups. During pediatric kidney biopsy, both saline and balanced crystalloids were effective in preventing hyponatremia. Although saline infusion results in higher serum chloride concentrations and lower blood HCO3- concentrations than balanced crystalloids infusion, the clinical significance was minimal.