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Alkali metal doping of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is of great interest, both fundamentally to explore the effect of dopants on quasi-one-dimensional electrical systems and for energy applications such as alkali metal storage. We present an investigation with complementary photoemission and Raman spectroscopies, fully carried out in an ultra-high vacuum, to unveil the electronic and vibrational response of a forest of highly aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes by in situ potassium doping. The charge donation by the alkali adatoms induces a plasmon mode, and the density of states undergoes an energy shift consistent with electron donation and band filling of the multi-walled carbon nanotube band structure. The π-states in the valence band and the Raman peaks unveil an evolution that can be ascribed to charge donation and partially to a tensile strain exerted by the K adatoms on the carbon lattice. All these effects are thermally reversible, fostering these materials as a potential system for electronic charge harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion channels play key roles in human physiology and are important targets in drug discovery. The atomic-scale structures of ion channels provide invaluable insights into a fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms of channel gating and modulation. Recent breakthroughs in deep learning-based computational methods, such as AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, and ESMFold have transformed research in protein structure prediction and design. We review the application of AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, and ESMFold to structural modeling of ion channels using representative voltage-gated ion channels, including human voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel - NaV1.8, human voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channel - CaV1.1, and human voltage-gated potassium (KV) channel - KV1.3. We compared AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, and ESMFold structural models of NaV1.8, CaV1.1, and KV1.3 with corresponding cryo-EM structures to assess details of their similarities and differences. Our findings shed light on the strengths and limitations of the current state-of-the-art deep learning-based computational methods for modeling ion channel structures, offering valuable insights to guide their future applications for ion channel research.

The pursuit of advanced materials to meet the escalating demands of energy storage system has led to the emergence of vertical graphene (VG) as a highly promising candidate. With its remarkable strength, stability, and conductivity, VG has gained significant attention for its potential to revolutionize energy storage technologies. This comprehensive review delves deeply into the synthesis methods, structural modifications, and multifaceted applications of VG in the context of lithium–ion batteries, silicon-based lithium batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, sodium–ion batteries, potassium–ion batteries, aqueous zinc batteries, and supercapacitors. The review elucidates the intricate growth process of VG and underscores the paramount importance of optimizing process parameters to tailor VG for specific applications. Subsequently, the pivotal role of VG in enhancing the performance of various energy storage and conversion systems is exhaustively discussed. Moreover, it delves into structural improvement, performance tuning, and mechanism analysis of VG composite materials in diverse energy storage systems. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive look at VG synthesis, modification, and its wide range of applications in energy storage. It emphasizes the potential of VG in addressing critical challenges and advancing sustainable, high-performance energy storage devices, providing valuable guidance for the development of future technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Refeeding syndrome is the gravest possible medical complication in malnourished patients undergoing refeeding in the hospital. We previously reported that males with malnutrition secondary to eating disorders required more calories and had longer hospital stays than females; however, sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among male and female adolescents and young adults with eating disorders hospitalized for medical instability. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 558 patients aged 9-25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical instability between May 2012 and August 2020. Serum was drawn per standard of care between 5 and 7 am each morning and electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were defined as: hypophosphatemia (

INTRODUCTION: Information on whether race and ethnicity are associated with a greater risk of recurrent hyperkalemia is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the association between race or ethnicity and recurrent hyperkalemia in a population of US veterans. METHODS: This retrospective study used the US Veterans Affairs database to identify adults (aged ≥18 years) with at least one serum potassium measurement during the study period who ever experienced hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.0 mmol/L). The proportion of patients with hyperkalemia recurrence (≥1 subsequent event) within one year was determined for different race and ethnicity groups. The association between patient race and ethnicity and the risk of hyperkalemia recurrence within one year after the index hyperkalemia event was analyzed using competing risk regression. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,493,539 veterans with incident hyperkalemia (median age (interquartile range): 61.0 years (54.0, 71.0)), recurrence within one year occurred in 19.1% of Black, 16.0% of Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander, 15.1% of White, 14.9% of American Indian/Alaska Native, and 13.1% of Asian patient groups. Recurrent hyperkalemia occurred in 18.1% of Hispanic and 15.6% of non-Hispanic patient groups. In a fully-adjusted regression model, recurrent hyperkalemia risk was significantly higher in Black versus White patient groups (subhazard ratio (sHR), 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16-1.19; p< 0.0001) and in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic patient groups (sHR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.28-1.33; p< 0.0001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Among US veterans with incident hyperkalemia, the risk of recurrent hyperkalemia was higher in Black and Hispanic patient groups. This information may be useful for health system screenings to risk stratify patient groups and both guide the frequency of serum potassium monitoring and better understand the root causes of group differences.

Waste gourd shells enriched with ash-forming elements are selected as raw materials in this paper, discovering that the K and Ca compounds in the precursor not only exhibit the ability of self-forming pores, but also demonstrate catalytic graphitization of the hard carbon during the pyrolysis procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points We investigated acute effects of the Na+,K+‐ATPase (NKA) inhibitor, digoxin, on muscle NKA content and isoforms, arterial plasma [K+] ([K+]a) and fatigue with intense exercise. In a randomised, crossover, double‐blind design, 10 healthy adults ingested 0.50 mg digoxin (DIG) or placebo (CON) 60 min before cycling for 1 min at 60% V̇O2peak${{\dot{V}}_{{{{\mathrm{O}}}_{\mathrm{2}}}{\mathrm{peak}}}}$ then at 95% V̇O2peak${{\dot{V}}_{{{{\mathrm{O}}}_{\mathrm{2}}}{\mathrm{peak}}}}$ until fatigue. Pre‐ and post‐exercise muscle biopsies were analysed for [3H]‐ouabain binding site content without (OB‐Fab) and after incubation in digoxin antibody (OB+Fab) and NKA α1‐2 and β1‐2 isoform proteins. In DIG, pre‐exercise serum [digoxin] reached 3.36 (0.80) nM [mean (SD)] and muscle NKA–digoxin occupancy was 8.2%. Muscle OB‐Fab did not differ between trials, whereas OB+Fab was higher in DIG than CON (8.1%, treatment main effect, P = 0.001), whilst muscle NKA α1‐2 and β1‐2 abundances were unchanged by digoxin. Fatigue occurred earlier in DIG than CON [−7.7%, 2.90 (0.77) vs. 3.14 (0.86) min, respectively; P = 0.037]. [K+]a increased during exercise until 1 min post‐exercise (P = 0.001), and fell below baseline at 3–10 (P = 0.001) and 20 min post‐exercise (P = 0.022, time main effect). In DIG, [K+]a (P = 0.035, treatment effect) and [K+]a rise pre‐fatigue were greater [1.64 (0.73) vs. 1.55 (0.73), P = 0.016], with lesser post‐exercise [K+]a decline than CON [−2.55 (0.71) vs. −2.74 (0.62) mM, respectively, P = 0.003]. Preserved muscle OB‐Fab with digoxin, yet increased OB+Fab with unchanged NKA isoforms, suggests a rapid regulatory assembly of existing NKA α and β subunits exists to preserve muscle NKA capacity. Nonetheless, functional protection against digoxin was incomplete, with earlier fatigue and perturbed [K+]a with exercise. Intense exercise causes marked potassium (K+) shifts out of contracting muscle cells, which may contribute to muscle fatigue. Muscle and systemic K+ perturbations with exercise are largely regulated by increased activity of Na+,K+‐ATPase in muscle, which can be specifically inhibited by the cardiac glycoside, digoxin. We found that acute oral digoxin in healthy adults reduced time to fatigue during intense exercise, elevated the rise in arterial plasma K+ concentration during exercise and slowed K+ concentration decline post‐exercise. Muscle functional Na+,K+‐ATPase content was not reduced by acute digoxin, despite an 8.2% digoxin occupancy, and was unchanged at fatigue. Muscle Na+,K+‐ATPase isoform protein abundances were unchanged by digoxin or fatigue. These suggest possible rapid assembly of existing subunits into functional pumps. Thus, acute digoxin impaired performance and exacerbated plasma K+ disturbances with intense, fatiguing exercise in healthy participants. These occurred despite the preservation of functional Na+,K+‐ATPase in muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods Results Conclusion Lenvatinib mesylate (LEN) is an orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LEN therapy for HCC is associated with a high incidence of adverse events, including hypertension (HTN). However, the risk factors associated with LEN therapy remain unclear. This study investigated the incidence of LEN‐induced HTN (LENiHTN), and the relationship between HTN incidence and patient demographics in patients with HCC receiving LEN therapy.This was a single‐centre, retrospective study of patients with HCC who received LEN therapy between 19 April 2018 and 30 September 2020. The observation period was from 1 week before the start to 1 month after the end of LEN administration.Seventy‐five patients with HCC were enrolled. Any grade LENiHTN was found in 74.7% of patients. Among patients with LENiHTN, the use of 2 or more antihypertensive agents before starting LEN was less common (P = .007); serum potassium (K) and albumin–bilirubin score (ALBI) were lower (P = .013 and 0.038, respectively); and albumin (Alb) was higher (P = .025). The cut‐off values of K, Alb and ALBI for HTN were estimated at 4.1 mEq L−1, 3.1 g dL−1 and −1.736, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, low K (adjusted HR: 2.078) and low ALBI (adjusted HR: 2.845) were independent risk factors for LENiHTN.Low K, high Alb and low ALBI were independent risk factors for LENiHTN. Systematic evaluation of HTN risk and early intervention for HTN prevention among high‐risk patients can markedly enhance LEN therapy efficacy and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sample of sodium-potassium tantalate (Na0.5K0.5TaO3) system was examined and frequency dependence of dielectric constant was studied in the frequency range from 0.01 MHz to 10 MHz, at varying temperature from 20 °C to 523 °C. With increasing frequency, thedielectric constant was found decreasing, which indicate relaxational behavior of the diploes in this system. With varying temperature, sample was observed to follow Curie-Weiss law with dielectric constant being minimum at the Curie temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypokalemia is a common condition that has been well studied. In most patients, mild hypokalemia is asymptomatic, while those with moderate-to-severe hypokalemia tend to show more prominent symptoms. In patients with a potassium level of 2.5 milliequivalents/liter (mEq/L) or lower, symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, rhabdomyolysis, and myoglobinuria tend to arise. These manifestations can lead to more debilitating consequences, such as renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis or respiratory failure secondary to muscle weakness. Other symptoms such as ileus, nausea, and vomiting, as well as cardiac arrhythmia and abnormalities, are also associated. Here we would like to present a patient with a potassium level of 1.4 mEq/L secondary to furosemide who presents to the emergency department with only complaints of muscle spasms for the past few days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding stress declines oxygen availability in roots that induce hypoxia stress in plants, thereby severely decline plant growth. Study was undertaken to clarify how potassium supplementation alleviates flooding stress in cotton plants. We applied potassium (K) fertilizer in pot soils at different levels; K0 = Control (No K), K1 = 30 mg kg−1, K2 = 60 mg kg−1 and K3 = 80 mg kg−1 with different duration of flooding stress s. D0 = Normal irrigation (0 day flooding), D1 = three days flooding, D2 = six days flooding, D3 = nine days flooding, D4 = twelve days flooding. The K supplementation (80 mg kg−1) in soil with 3-day flooding stress showed better combination for mitigating flooding stress. The supplementation of K3 dose (80 mg kg−1) alleviated flooding against 3-day initial flooding (D1) of which physiological traits showed better response compared to prolonged flooding stress (12-day flooding stress). The result suggests that K-involving flooding stress mitigation strategy in cotton plants was active for initial flooding stress (3-day flooding stress), while it was not fully active for pronged (upto 12-day flooding stress). Furthermore, we found K significantly improved antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic performance, yield attributes, and lint quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of nutrients in the soil is a dynamic process that can fluctuate between states of deficiency and excess, causing significant stress on plants. In response to this stress, plants have evolved several physiological strategies to adapt and cope with these fluctuations. These strategies are aimed at improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization while minimizing the negative impact of nutrient stress. In this paper we explore the important roles and regulation of nutrient transporters in plant adaptation, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and sulfur transporters. The paper discusses the mechanisms through which plants utilize these transporters to adapt to nutrient deficiencies and optimize nutrient uptake and utilization. The paper presents a comprehensive review of current understanding in these areas, highlighting their importance for plant growth and development, as well as their potential applications in agriculture. Additionally, the paper identifies research gaps and suggests future directions for research. In this review, we contribute to understanding the complex mechanisms that underpin plant adaptation and nutrition, and provides valuable insights for improving crop production and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Bi/Bi 2 O 3 nanoscale particles embedded in N -doped carbon sheets was fabricated. • Two-phase of Bi/Bi2O3 give an alloying/transformation dual-channel mechanism. • The Bi/Bi 2 O 3 @CN-700 anode exhibits visible potassium storage performance. Bismuth-based materials have attracted interest in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). However, the large volume expansion prevents further use of bismuth-based materials for potassium storage. This work employs a two-step synthesis method to innovatively synthesize of Bi/Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticles assembled on N -doped porous carbon sheets (Bi/Bi 2 O 3 @CN). The layered structures with uniformly shaped and N -doped porous carbon skeleton buffer the expansion of Bi and the Bi/Bi 2 O 3 particles increase the capacity of potassium storage. In brief, the Bi/Bi 2 O 3 @CN served as anode in half-cell of PIBs have a good rate capacity of more than 234.7 mAh/g at 20 A/g. The specific capacity retention was 73 % compared with 322.16 mAh/g at 1 A/g, demonstrating good holding capacity for diverse current densities. The cycle also displays 163 mAh/g after 1500 cycles at 2 A/g in the KPF 6 metal salt solution, showing its potential as one of the anode materials in PIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conventional management (CM), substantial fertilization and flooding irrigation, has led to soil acidification, the decrease in soil bacterial diversity in bamboo forests. Integration of water and fertilizer management (IWF) can effectively improve the efficiency of water and fertilizer use, but its effect on soil environment, especially on microbial community, is still unclear. Methods: Here, we used next-generation high-throughput sequencing to compare soil properties and bacterial communities through different fertilization and irrigation methods under IWF and CM. Results: Compared to the control group, CM significantly reduced soil pH and bacterial diversity, while IWF improved soil nutrition status, increased soil bacterial diversity and soil pH to a level similar to the control group. Compared with CM, IWF also improved the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and copiotrophic bacteria community in the soil, and the bacterial community in IWF was similar to CK. The structure of the bacterial community was also significantly correlated with soil organic matter, total nitrogen, hydrolyzable nitrogen, and available potassium, while soil bacterial diversity was mainly associated with soil hydrolyzable nitrogen. Conclusions: IWF can play an important role in preventing soil acidification, the loss of soil bacterial diversity, and improving the structure of the bacterial community under specific conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic manure plays an important role in soil fertility, microbial communities and sustainable agricultural strategies. In organic cultivation of crops, manures are mostly used without any calculation of the nutrients added to soil through their application. The quantities of nutrients supplied by the organic manures to the crop have to equalize the quantity of nutrients supplied by inorganic chemical fertilizers, in order to replace chemical fertilizers in organic farming. Since the organic manures release nutrients slowly into the soil over a period of time, the availability of nutrients to the standing crop requires precise estimation. In the present study, the amount of nutrients available in the soil as well as in all the manures was calculated. Moreover, the study included metagenomic analysis of different organic manures used by farmers and gives an insight to the role the microbiome plays in plant growth. Using a formula of STCR‐IPNS (soil test crop response integrated plant nutrition system), the quantities of different combinations of organic manures required to supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) to sunflower plants were calculated. Organic manure combinations using animal bone meal, neem cake, farmyard manure and vermicompost recorded better growth and yield responses in sunflower plants compared to inorganic chemical fertilizers. Based on the estimation of NPK in the individual manures and in the soil, pot experiments were carried out to understand the effect of organic manures as well as inorganic fertilizers in the vegetative and reproductive growth of sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers aim to increase the yield of their crops by reducing their expenses. This prompts farmers to resort to smart farming practices. These practices facilitate the measurement and detection of nutrients in soil to maximize harvest with a low-cost sensor employing electrochemical and optical techniques. Potassium is a crucial macronutrient for the growth of plants. The excess or need for potassium in the soil can pose a risk to plants and the environment. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct soil monitoring to determine the quantity of soil fertilizer. ISFETs are among the most affordable and miniaturized sensors and are specific to one target ion. Although it is not time-consuming and requires an immediate response, the ISFET requires special calibration and sample preparation. This study tested ISFET on Moroccan soil potassium using a new technique of minimal sample preparation without needing a laboratory machine to extract soil using distilled water. The results indicate that the microsensor ISFET provided accurate results on solutions prepared in the laboratory with a correlation factor of 90%, and R² greater than 80% when estimating potassium levels in soil extracts. ISFET can therefore be used as an alternative method for potassium estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nematodes are the most abundant soil metazoans, occupying multiple trophic levels in the soil food web and playing an important role in soil function. Research on the biogeographic distribution patterns of soil nematode communities and their drivers has received greater attention. However, the distribution characteristics of soil nematode communities along the elevational gradient in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China remain unclear. In this study, four elevational gradients (1750–1900, 1900–2100, 2100–2350 and 2350–2560 m) were established on Luoshan Mountain, Ningxia, an arid and semi-arid region in Northwest China, and soil nematodes in the soil layers of 0–10, 10–20 and 20–40 cm were investigated using the improved Baermann funnel method. The results revealed a monotonically decreasing trend in the total number of soil nematodes along the elevational gradient and soil layer depth, decreasing by 63.32% to 79.94% and 73.59% to 86.90%, respectively, while the interactions were not obvious. A total of 1487 soil nematodes belonging to 27 families and 32 genera were identified across the elevational gradient, with Helicotylenchus as the dominant genus, accounting for 10.43% of the total number of nematodes, and bacterivore nematodes as the main trophic groups, accounting for 32.39% to 52.55% of the relative abundance at each elevation, which increased with increasing elevation. Soil nematode community diversity, richness and maturity indices were relatively low at high elevation and decreased by 44.62%, 48% and 54.74%, respectively, with increasing soil layer depth at high elevations. Compared to low elevations, high-elevation soils experienced greater disturbance, reduced structural complexity and nutrient enrichment of the soil food web, and a shift in soil organic matter decomposition from bacterial to fungal pathways as elevation increased. Finally, redundancy analysis showed that soil pH, bulk density, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium were the main soil factors affecting the composition of soil nematode communities, which well explained the differences in nematode communities at different elevations and soil depths. This study can be used as basic information for further research on soil biota in this mountainous region, expanding our further understanding of the spatial ecology of soil nematodes in the arid and semi-arid mountain ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To study the effects of different nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium ratios on the agronomic traits,yield and quality of Yunyan 99 in the Shangluo tobacco growing area of Shaanxi. The reserch would clarify the optimal economic fertilization amount for Yunyan 99 in the Shangluo tobacco planting area and provide theoretical and technical support for its production. [Method] Nine treatments were set according to L9(3 4 ) for orthogonal test,including nitrogen application rates (97. 2,108. 0 and 118. 8 kg / hm² ),phosphorus application rates (83. 7,93. 0 and 102. 3 kg / hm² ),and potassium application rates(179. 55,199. 50 and 219. 45 kg / hm² ). [Result] The results showed that when the nitrogen application rate was 118. 8 kg / hm²,the dry matter accumulation of tobacco plants was the highest,and the total amount of aroma substances in cured tobacco(B3F and C2F grades)was the highest,what’s more,the yield,output value and the proportion of first-class tobacco were the highest. When the phosphorus application rate was 93. 0 kg / hm²,the chemical composition score of C3F grade tobacco was the highest,the total amount of aroma substances in B2F grade tobacco was the highest,and the yield,output value were the highest. When the potassium application rate was 199. 50 kg / hm²,the chemical composition score and total aroma matter of C3F grade cured tobacco leaves were higher,while total aroma matter of B2F grade tobacco leaves were the highest,yield,output value and the proportion of top grade tobacco leaves were the highest. [Conclusion] When the nitrogen application rate was 118. 8 kg / hm²,phosphorus application rate was 93. 0 kg / hm²,and potassium application rate was 199. 50 kg / hm²,the agronomic traits,quality of cured tobacco,yield and quality of Yunyan 99 are better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypothesis/Objectives Animals Methods Results Conclusions and Clinical Importance Limited information is available on electrolyte abnormalities in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE).Report the prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in cats with CIE compared to other gastrointestinal disorders, and determine their association with disease and outcome variables in cats with CIE.Three hundred twenty‐eight client‐owned cats from 2 referral hospitals: CIE (132), alimentary small cell lymphoma (29), acute gastroenteritis (48), and healthy controls (119).Retrospective study comparing serum electrolyte concentrations at time of diagnosis among the 4 groups of cats, and associations with clinical signs, intestinal mucosal fibrosis scores, treatment subclassification and outcome in CIE.Cats with CIE had lower sodium and higher potassium concentrations and lower sodium: potassium ratios compared with healthy cats (P < .001, P = .01, and P < .001, respectively). Cats with CIE and a duodenal mucosal fibrosis score of 2 had lower sodium and lower total calcium concentrations compared with cats that had a score of 0 (P = .02 and P = .01). Cats with CIE and a colonic mucosal fibrosis score of 1 had higher potassium concentrations and lower sodium: potassium ratios compared with cats that had a score of 0 (P = .03 and P = .01). Cats with CIE that died as a result of their disease had higher potassium concentrations and lower sodium: potassium ratios compared to cats that were alive (P = .02 and P = .01).Electrolyte abnormalities occur with CIE and, in particular, in cats with higher fibrosis scores and worse outcomes. Further research should aim to determine the pathogenesis of these findings and identify novel therapeutic targets for cats with CIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related decline occurs in most brain structures and sensory systems. An illustrative case is olfaction. The olfactory bulb (OB) undergoes deterioration with age, resulting in reduced olfactory ability. A decline in olfaction is also associated with early symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying reasons are unclear. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is expressed in the projection neurons (PNs) of the OB–the mitral and tufted (M/T) cells. Primary M/T cells from Mitf mutant mice show hyperactivity, potentially attributed to the reduced expression of a key potassium channel subunit, Kcnd3 /Kv4.3. This influences intrinsic plasticity, an essential mechanism involving the non-synaptic regulation of neuronal activity. As neuronal hyperactivity often precedes neurodegenerative conditions, the current study aimed to determine whether the absence of Mitf causes degenerative effects during aging. Aged Mitf mutant mice showed reduced olfactory ability without inflammation. However, an increase in the expression of potassium channel subunit genes in the OBs of aged Mitf mi-vga9/mi-vga9 mice suggests that during aging, compensatory mechanisms lead to stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects memory and cognition, characterized by neuronal loss and currently lacking a cure. Mutations in PSEN1 (Presenilin 1) are among the most common causes of early-onset familial AD (fAD). While changes in neuronal excitability are believed to be early indicators of AD progression, the link between PSEN1 mutations and neuronal excitability remains to be fully elucidated. This study examined iPSC-derived neurons (iNs) from fAD patients with PSEN1 mutations S290C or A246E, alongside CRISPR-corrected isogenic cell lines, to investigate early changes in excitability. Electrophysiological profiling revealed reduced excitability in both PSEN1 mutant iNs compared to their isogenic controls. Neurons bearing S290C and A246E mutations exhibited divergent passive membrane properties compared to isogenic controls, suggesting distinct effects of PSEN1 mutations on neuronal excitability. Additionally, both PSEN1 backgrounds exhibited higher current density of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels relative to their isogenic iNs, while displaying comparable voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel current density. This suggests that the Nav/Kv imbalance contributes to impaired neuronal firing in fAD iNs. Deciphering these early cellular and molecular changes in AD is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a small pulp shrub, which prefers to grow on a soilless culture. For soilless culture, nutritional management remains typically vital for blueberry production. However, the effect of different nutritional treatments on blueberry growth and production is largely unknown. This study was designed to investigate to formulate a specific nutritional treatment for blueberry. The results showed that NH4+-N: NO3−-N ratios significantly affected the growth, nutrient uptake, physiological characteristics, and flowering, as well as the fruiting characteristics of blueberry plants. The number of shoots and top projection area was increased considerably by 25:75 treatment. In contrast, 50:50 treatment promotes plant height, shoot length, and stem thickness, increasing chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic capacity, and P, Ca, and Mg in leaves. In contrast, 50:50 treatment promotes the flowering fruiting rate and prolongs the blueberry flowering period. The maximum soluble sugar contents were noted in 25:75, while maximum starch contents were reported in the 50:50 treatment. The treatments 100:0 and 75:25 promote early flowering and accelerate fruit set. Notably, NH4+-N: NO3−-N ratios; 50:50 treatment significantly encourages plant growth, nutrient uptake, chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic capacity, and fruit setting rate in blueberry plants. These findings suggested that NH4+-N: NO3−-N ratios 50:50 is the most appropriate treatment that significantly promotes vegetative growth and enhances production in blueberry plants. This study provides valuable information for improved blueberry production under a controlled environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NHX1 gene encodes a Na+/H+ antiporter located in the tonoplast membrane, which plays critical role in regulating plant salt tolerance. It is also involved in the uptake and accumulation of K in plants; however, its precise mechanism is unknown. In this research, we elucidated the physiological basis underlying the increases in K content induced by NHX1. We evaluated main agronomic traits, leaf K content, K+ uptake kinetics, and root morphological and physiological characteristics from field-planted and hydroponic plants. We included a wild-type tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) variety (K326) and three transgenic tobacco lines (NK7, NK9, NK10) that overexpress AtNHX1 from Arabidopsis thaliana. Results demonstrated that the agronomic performance of the AtNHX1 -overexpressing tobacco lines was similar to K326 in field and hydroponic settings. The three AtNHX1 -overexpressing tobacco lines had significantly higher leaf K contents than K326. Under hydroponic condition, enhanced K uptake capacity and a larger maximum K uptake rate were seen in AtNHX1 -overexpressing tobacco lines. AtNHX1 -overexpressing lines also exhibited significantly superior root morphological and physiological traits relative to K326, including root biomass, root volume, absorption area, root activity, cation exchange capacity, soluble protein content, and H+-ATPase activity. Overexpression of AtNHX1 in tobacco significantly improves the K uptake and accumulation. Therefore, leaf K content greatly increased in these transgenic lines in the end. Our findings strongly suggest that AtNHX1 overexpression increased leaf K content by boosting the capacity of enriching K in tobacco roots, thereby advancing the understanding of the function of AtNHX1. NHX1 is closely related to K uptake and accumulation in plants. AtNHX1 -overexpressing tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) exhibited significantly higher leaf K content than the wild-type tobacco variety K326. The AtNHX1 -overexpressing tobacco has significantly improved root morphology and physiology compared to the wild-type variety K326. AtNHX1 -overexpressing tobacco showed higher V max levels in roots than the wild-type variety K326. Overexpression of AtNHX1 is able to increase leaf potassium content by boosting the ability of enriching potassium in tobacco roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present monograph discusses the possibility of BCS-based biowaivers for immediate release pharmaceutical products containing raltegravir potassium, which is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Raltegravir potassium can be assigned to BCS class II or IV since this compound has low solubility and uncertain permeability. Therefore, according to the ICH M9 guideline, it is not recommended to apply BCS-based biowaiver to approval of immediate release solid dosage forms of raltegravir potassium, either for new generic versions or when moderate to major changes in composition and/or the manufacturing method of the product are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycyrrhizin‐enriched extracts from licorice root are associated with numerous health benefits and are widely used in phytotherapy. There is evidence that ingesting glycyrrhizin beyond threshold concentrations can impact the metabolism of cortisol, inhibiting its conversion to an inactive form, cortisone, via 11‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. A consequence can be a form of hypermineralocorticoidism, with elevated potassium excretion and associated hypertension, as demonstrated in rats and humans. Here, 3 orally dosed concentrations of glycyrrhizin (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg bodyweight/day) were assessed over 28 days in dogs. As the current guidelines reflect a lack of reliable data in this species, our aim was to provide relevant information for doses above the current guidelines. The specific purpose of this study was to demonstrate that an intake of licorice with a known therapeutic benefit to dogs does not cause hypermineralocorticoidism in this species. No changes in blood pressure, nor electrolyte excretion were observed in the dogs given these three glycyrrhizin concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of solid solutions in the KNd(SO4)2·H2O–SrSO4·0.5H2O system, synthesized from aqueous solutions of KCl, NdCl3, SrCl2, and H2SO4, was studied by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Coefficients of calibration dependences for intensity vs. element concentrations were calculated for Nd, Sr, and K by the least-squares technique. A linear approximation function was used in determining potassium and a parabolic approximation function was recommended in determining neodymium and strontium. The obtained dependences are characterized by low (<1%) relative approximation errors. In the analytical ranges (wt %) for K 0.863−8.892, Sr 8.41−38.03, and Nd 5.296−29.30, the standard deviations were 0.012−0.028, 0.008−0.098, and 0.05−0.27 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyponatraemia is a prevalent electrolyte disturbance observed in critically ill patients. The rapid correction of low plasma sodium levels by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) carries the risk of developing osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), which can be prevented by implementing an individualized CRRT method. Aim: This study aims to introduce a CRRT protocol for the safe and gradual correction of severe hyponatraemia. Study Design: This retrospective case series study was conducted in an intensive care unit (ICU). All four patients with severe hyponatraemia (<125 mmol/L) and renal failure between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, were treated by CRRT with sterile water and regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA). Data on patient demographics, laboratory biochemical parameters, urine outputs and CRRT‐related adverse events were collected. Laboratory parameters and urine outputs were compared by paired t‐tests before and after CRRT. Results: After CRRT, sodium levels were significantly increased (112.7 ± 6.7 vs. 141.9 ± 2.8 mmol/L, p =.005). Abnormal urine outputs, potassium, creatinine and bicarbonate were corrected (p for all <.05). Safe and gradual correction of hyponatraemia and internal environmental dysregulation was achieved in all patients without any complications related to CRRT, particularly ODS. Conclusion: It is a novel and simple strategy to correct severe hyponatraemia effectively while ensuring the safety of patients that can be easily implemented by experienced nurse staff. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The sterile water‐based protocol for postfilter dilution is safe to correct severe hyponatraemia with RCA and can be easily performed by experienced critical care nurses according to the precalculated formula. CRRT‐trained, experienced ICU nurses are competent to initiate and adjust sterile water infusion discretely to prevent overcorrection of hyponatraemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential elements for plant growth and are the primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers. However, the extent to which these nutrients individually limit plant growth is still unclear, as is the influence of their interactions. Using a meta‐analysis approach, plant growth was found to be co‐limited by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that multiple nutrient additions are primarily additive, with the exception of synergistic effects observed with NP additions on plant growth. These findings are important as they provide a timely and valuable reference for assessing the ecosystem‐scale consequences of increasing nutrient deposition caused by human activities. Summary: Numerous field studies and a few meta‐analyses have confirmed that terrestrial primary production is individually or jointly limited by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Meanwhile, a recent synthesis emphasized that potassium (K) limitation in terrestrial ecosystems is more widespread than previously thought. However, it remains unclear whether N, P, and K co‐limit terrestrial production and how their interactions influence plant growth.Therefore, we conducted a globally comprehensive synthesis of a total 2877 observations to explore the individual and interactive effects of N, P, and K additions on plant growth.We found that N, P, K, NP, NK, PK, and NPK additions significantly increased aboveground biomass production (AGP) by 30.8%, 15.3%, 12.3%, 68.4%, 36.5%, 21.1%, and 78.7%, respectively. The combined addition of multiple nutrients resulted in a larger increase in AGP than a single addition of nutrients. These findings suggested that terrestrial production is widely co‐limited by N, P, and K. However, no significant responses of belowground biomass production (BGP) to nutrient additions were observed. Except for synergistic interactions between N and P additions, the responses of AGP to other pairs of nutrient additions were predominantly additive.This meta‐analysis highlights the importance of multiple‐nutrient limitation in regulating terrestrial primary production while pointing out that non‐additive effects (including synergistic and antagonistic) of multiple‐nutrient additions on terrestrial production are relatively rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Na+ accumulates in the skin, interfering with the body's salt and water balance. • Prediction of plasma [Na+] after treatment of dysnatremias is often inaccurate. • Total body water, plasma [Na+] and changes herein partly explain this inaccuracy. • Tissue Na+ accumulation may contribute to the inaccurate plasma [Na+] prediction. Rapid correction of dysnatremias can result in neurological complications. Therefore, various formulas are available to predict changes in plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]) after treatment, but these have been shown to be inaccurate. This could be explained by sodium acumulation in skin and muscle tissue, which is not explicitly considered in these formulas. We assessed the association between clinical and biochemical factors related to tissue sodium accumulation and the discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma [Na+]. We used data from an intensive care unit (ICU) cohort with complete data on sodium, potassium, and water balance. The predicted plasma [Na+] was calculated using the Barsoum-Levine (BL) and the Nguyen-Kurtz (NK) formula. We calculated the discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma sodium and fitted a linear mixed-effect model to investigate its association with factors related to tissue sodium accumulation. We included 594 ICU days of sixty-three patients in our analysis. The mean plasma [Na+] at baseline was 147±6 mmol/L. The median (IQR) discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma [Na+] was 3.14 mmol/L (1.48, 5.55) and 3.53 mmol/L (1.81, 6.44) for the BL and NK formulas, respectively. For both formulas, estimated total body water (p=0.027), initial plasma [Na+] (p<0.001) and plasma [Na+] change (p<0.001) were associated with the discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma [Na+]. In this ICU cohort, initial plasma [Na+], total body water, and plasma [Na+] changes, all factors that are related to tissue sodium accumulation, were associated with the inaccurateness of plasma [Na+] prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD) that was misdiagnosed as Hirschsprung's disease, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery. Topics discussed include the clinical presentation and genetic factors of CCD, diagnostic challenges associated with distinguishing CCD from similar conditions, and the management strategies that can be employed to treat the disorder effectively.

Patients with myotonia congenita suffer from slowed relaxation of muscle (myotonia), due to hyperexcitability caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ClC-1 chloride channel. A recent study suggested that block of large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+- activated K+ channels (BK) may be effective as therapy. The mechanism underlying efficacy was suggested to be lessening of the depolarizing effect of build-up of K+ in t-tubules of muscle during repetitive firing. BK channels are widely expressed in the nervous system and have been shown to play a central role in regulation of excitability, but their contribution to muscle excitability has not been determined. We performed intracellular recordings as well as force measurements in both wild type and BK−/− mouse extensor digitorum longus muscles. Action potential width was increased in BK−/− muscle due to slowing of repolarization, consistent with the possibility K+ build-up in t-tubules is lessened by block of BK channels in myotonic muscle. However, there was no difference in the severity of myotonia triggered by block of muscle Cl− channels with 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid (9AC) in wild type and BK−/− muscle fibers. Further study revealed no difference in the interspike membrane potential during repetitive firing suggesting there was no reduction in K+ build-up in t-tubules of BK−/− muscle. Force recordings following block of muscle Cl− channels demonstrated little reduction in myotonia in BK−/− muscle. In contrast, the current standard of care, mexiletine, significantly reduced myotonia. Our data suggest BK channels regulate muscle excitability, but are not an attractive target for therapy of myotonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aril paleness is a physiological disorder that might be related to genetics, climate, and orchard management, and is progressed to negatively influence the quality of pomegranates in Iran. The final fruits are not economically valuable for costumers and not exportable. Thus, the present research investigated the intensity of aril paleness disorder in different cultivars including Shisheh Kab, Malas-e-Saveh, and Malas-e-Yazdi cultivated in Birjand, Southern Khorasan, Iran. Treatments included spraying potassium sulfate concentrations of 0 (control), 3 and 5% at late summer (exactly at aril color change stage) on trees for two consecutive years. Fruit and aril weight, anthocyanins, and phenols significantly increased on treated fruit compared to control. Comparison among cultivars indicated that the lowest amounts of quality parameters were observed in Shisheh Kab. Considering the multiple variables that affect the severity of the aril paleness, attention to cultivar type, climate, and the use of nutritional elements based on the soil and leaf analysis was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is the most important crop in India and additionally the hub of food security of the worldwide population. Integrated application of manures and fertilizers played a pivotal role for improvement of soil physico-chemical properties under different cropping systems as well as nutrient accumulation and grain yield in rice. The present investigation was conducted in sandy loam soil at Agronomy Research Farm of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during 2018–2019 having sub-humid climate. Field experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of two date of transplanting, which were allotted to main plots and three combinations of nutrient management options allotted for sub plots on rice crop (var. Naveen). Among all the plant parts, leaf showed higher accumulation of nitrogen (3.69, 1.92%), stem showed higher accumulation of both phosphorus (0.43, 0.35%) and potassium (2.59, 2.09%) than other plant parts during vegetative stages, while panicle showed higher accumulation of nitrogen (1.22%), phosphorus (0.28%) during harvesting stages of the rice crop. Significantly higher nitrogen accumulation in different plant parts were optimized under Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR) + Green Manure (GM; Sesbania rostrata) (0.99, 0.46, 1.28%) method of nutrient management, while phosphorus (0.10, 0.11, 0.28%) and potassium (1.00, 1.64, 0.33%) accumulation were found to be significantly higher in different plant parts under STBFR + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) method of nutrient management. Thus, early transplanting and application of STBFR + GM/FYM could be recommended for higher nutrient accumulation in rice crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report room‐temperature bulk plasticity mediated by dislocations in single‐crystal cubic potassium tantalate oxide (KTaO3), contrasting the conventional knowledge that single‐crystal KTaO3 is susceptible to brittle fracture. A mechanics‐based combinatorial experimental approach using cyclic Brinell indentation, scratching, and uniaxial bulk compression consistently demonstrates room‐temperature dislocation plasticity in KTaO3 from the mesoscale to the macroscale. This approach also delivers tunable dislocation densities and plastic zone size. Scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis underpins the activated slip system to be <110> {11¯$\bar{1}$0}. Given the growing significance of KTaO3 as an emerging electronic oxide and the increasing interest in dislocations for tuning the physical properties of oxides, our findings are expected to trigger synergistic research interest in KTaO3 with tunable dislocation densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied plithogenic statistics to evaluate how different doses of guinea pig manure affect the cultivation of Opuntia ficus-indica (commonly known as prickly pear) and soil quality. It was determined that 7.5 tons/ha, referred to as treatment T3, is the optimal dose, as it maximizes the growth and production of the plant, improves plant height, and increases the production of buttons and berries. T3 also optimized organic matter and adjusted the pH to ideal levels, maintaining a nutritional balance that ensures the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This balance enhances agricultural production without sacrificing soil sustainability. In conclusion, the research showed that T3 provides the best performance, improving soil quality without the risks associated with higher doses. This underscores the need to carefully calibrate organic fertilizers to maximize efficiency and minimize negative environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) rapidly and reversibly matches lung ventilation (V) and perfusion (Q), optimizing oxygen uptake and systemic oxygen delivery. HPV occurs in small pulmonary arteries (PA), which uniquely constrict to hypoxia. Although HPV is modulated by the endothelium the core mechanism of HPV resides in PA smooth muscle cells (PASMC). The PASMC’s mitochondrial oxygen sensor lies within the electron transport chain (ETC) and includes NDUFS2 in ETC Complex-I. PASMC mitochondria respond to hypoxia by varying production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide in proportion to alveolar oxygen tension. Hypoxic ROS inhibition results in a state of reduction which triggers a redox-mediated inhibition of oxygen-sensitive, voltage-gated, potassium channels, including Kv1.5 and Kv2.1. Kv channel inhibition depolarizes the PASMC, opening of large-conductance calcium channels (CaL), elevating cytosolic calcium and activating the contractile apparatus. HPV is strongest in small PAs where sensors (hypoxia-responsive mitochondria) and effectors (oxygen-sensitive K+ channels) are enriched. Oxygenation at birth reverses fetal HPV, contributing to the rapid neonatal drop in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). A similar mitochondrial-K+ channel sensor-effector mechanism exists in the ductus arteriosus (DA), however in DASMC it is oxygen-induced increases in mitochondrial ROS that inhibit DASMC K+ channels, causing DA constriction. Atelectasis and pneumonia elicit HPV, which optimises V/Q matching, increasing systemic oxygenation. Whilst HPV in response to localized hypoxia in a single lung lobe does not increase PA pressure; global airway hypoxia, as occurs with altitude or sleep apnea, causes pulmonary hypertension. HPV can be inhibited by drugs, including calcium channel blockers, or used to maintain a dry operative field during single lung anesthesia for lung surgery. HPV does not normally cause lung edema but excessive, heterogenous HPV contributes to high altitude pulmonary edema. HPV is suppressed in COVID-19 pneumonia by a SARS-CoV-2 mitochondriopathy. HPV is a component of the body’s homeostatic oxygen sensing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K) deficiency reduces cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, development, lint yield, and fiber quality. The study's objective was to compare the effects of K fertilizer rate on cotton plant height (CPH), yield, and fiber quality in three cotton cultivars. Three cotton cultivars studied were NG 5711 B3XF (C1), PHY 480 W3FE (C2), and FM 1953GLTP (C3). Granular K fertilizer was surface broadcast and incorporated 1 week before planting at 34, 50, and 67 kg ha−1. The CPH and canopy width were measured from 30 to 105 days after planting. The cotton CPH increased by 13%, 17%, and 12% in 2020 and by 6%, 4%, and 8% in 2021 with 34, 50, and 67 kg ha−1 K fertilizer rates compared to control. The K application increased cotton canopy width by 39% in 2021 compared to 2020. The K application at 50 kg ha−1 yielded significantly more cotton yield than the control in 2020. The cotton lint yield increased by 25%, 34%, and 9% in 2020 and by 4%, 17%, and 11% in 2021 with 34, 50, and 67 kg ha−1 K fertilizer application rates than control. The cotton fiber staple length and color grade increased significantly with the 50 kg ha−1 K application rate than the control in 2020. Cultivars significantly impacted Col‐Rd and Col‐b in 2020 and 2021. This study shows that fertilizer‐K application improves not only yield, but also staple length and color grade in rainfed cotton crops. Core Ideas: Cotton cultivars positively responded to potassium (K) fertilization in the soil above the critical level.Potassium application resulted in greater cotton yield and quality during dry years.Cultivar FM 953GLTP responded better with K treatment.Inconsistent responses to K among cultivars warrant more studies across soils and climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Studies have shown that consistent reductions of 2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) for the general normotensive population can result in significant decreases in mortality from heart disease and stroke. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment for magnesium and potassium supplementation, having previously discovered that both reduce SBP by −2.79 and −2.10 mm Hg, respectively. Methods: Placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials examining the effects of magnesium and potassium supplementation on SBP were identified. Pairwise meta-analyses with subgroups for dosage and treatment duration were run. Results: Magnesium at dosages of ≤360 mg/day and durations greater than 3 months reduced SBP by −3.03 and −4.31 mm Hg, respectively. Potassium at dosages of ≤60 mmol/day and durations greater than 1 month reduced SBP by −2.34 and −2.80 mm Hg, respectively. Conclusions: Both supplements demonstrated greater reductions in SBP for the general population at lower dosages and longer treatment durations. Future studies are needed to validate these findings and provide tailored recommendations. These studies could investigate varying dosages over long-term follow-up to provide robust data on optimal dosages and treatment durations, as our findings were limited due to reliance on previously published trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to potassium persulfate's excessive reaction speed and severe impact on the soil environment, slowing down the reaction rate and reducing its environmental impact is an important but challenging matter. Hence, microencapsulation technology was taken to modify potassium persulfate, and potassium persulfate microcapsules were used to remediate the PAHs-contaminated soil. The results of XRD and an infrared spectrum identified that the core material (potassium persulfate) exists after being encapsulated by the wall material (stearic acid), and there was no chemical reaction between the core material and wall material. The results of the sustained release effect and kinetic equation showed that the release rate of the potassium persulfate microcapsules was close to 60% after 48 h, and it had a good sustained-release effect compared with previous studies. The results of the radical probe revealed that the free radicals produced from potassium persulfate microcapsules activated by Fe2+ were the main reasons for the degradation of PAHs, and SO4−· played the most important major role in the degradation of PAHs, followed by ·OH, and the reducing substances also played an auxiliary role. The results also suggested that potassium persulfate microcapsules not only degraded PAHs in soil (53.6% after 72 h) but also had fewer negative effects on the environment, and they even promoted the growth and development of microorganisms and increased the germination rate of seeds due to the slow-release effect of the microcapsules. This work reveals the degradation mechanism of potassium persulfate microcapsules and provides a new amendment of potassium persulfate in the remediation of PAHs-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amendment significantly improves soil structure and promotes crop growth. To combat soil degradation and low crop yields in facility agriculture, it is crucial to study the optimal application rate of amendments. This study analyzed the effects of biochar, vermicompost, and mineral-source potassium fulvic acid on the stability of aggregate structure, soil nutrient content, and tomato yield in cambisols, providing a theoretical basis for improving the soil quality of plastic greenhouses in Southern China. A pot experiment on tomato cultivation was carried out in yellow-brown soil in plastic greenhouses. The experiment included eight treatments: 1% biochar (B1); 3% biochar (B3); 5% biochar (B5); 3% vermicompost (V3); 5% vermicompost (V5); 0.1% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F1); 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F2); and the control condition without adding soil amendments (CK). The results showed that the biochar and vermicompost treatments effectively reduced soil bulk density and increased total soil porosity. Compared to the control, treatments with soil amendments significantly increased soil pH and had different effects on soil nutrients: F2 showed the most significant improvement in the content of available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, with an increase of 133.33%, 834.59%, and 74.34%, respectively; B3 treatment had the highest increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), while B5 treatment had the highest organic matter content. Compared to the CK, the particle size of the biochar treatment was mainly 0.053~0.25 mm, while the V3, F1, and F2 mainly occurred with a particle size > 0.25 mm; and V3 has the best aggregate stability. Biochar, vermicompost, and mineral potassium fulvic acid can all promote tomato yield, with the F2 and V3 treatments having a yield increase effect of over 30%. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation analysis showed a highly significant positive correlation between geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD), water-stable macroaggregate content (R0.25), and a positive correlation between alkaline-dissolved nitrogen, available phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon content, and aggregate stability indicators. Adding 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid optimizes cambisols' properties, enhances aggregate formation and stability, boosts tomato yield, and shows great application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report room‐temperature bulk plasticity mediated by dislocations in single‐crystal cubic potassium tantalate oxide (KTaO3), contrasting the conventional knowledge that single‐crystal KTaO3 is susceptible to brittle fracture. A mechanics‐based combinatorial experimental approach using cyclic Brinell indentation, scratching, and uniaxial bulk compression consistently demonstrates room‐temperature dislocation plasticity in KTaO3 from the mesoscale to the macroscale. This approach also delivers tunable dislocation densities and plastic zone size. Scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis underpins the activated slip system to be <110> {11¯$\bar{1}$0}. Given the growing significance of KTaO3 as an emerging electronic oxide and the increasing interest in dislocations for tuning the physical properties of oxides, our findings are expected to trigger synergistic research interest in KTaO3 with tunable dislocation densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizers have a significant influence on the forming of the circulation of substances and energy in soils, agroecological state of lands, as well as the quality of agricultural products. Fertilizers and ameliorants, as some of the most effective means of restoring soil fertility, have a considerable influence on the agroecological condition and agrochemical indicators of arable soils in the process of their agricultural usage. The article researched such ecological aspects of using mineral fertilizers as changing the chlorine content in soil solution, potassium, calcium and magnesium content in soil intake complex as well as gross sodium content in soil after continuous usage of fertilizers in field crop rotation. The experimental part of the work was done in continuous stationary experiment in the field rotation of grain and beet crops with a set of crops traditional for the region defined in 1964. It was defined that the chlorine of fertilizers does not produce stable compounds in soil and migrates a lot in its profile. Using fertilizers in field crop rotation in a dose of 45-135 kg of K2O/ha does not contribute to chlorine increase in physiologically active 1.5 m deep soil layer. At continuous fertilizer usage, there have been essential changes in the ashed fertile soil in the composition of its intake complex - the number of calcium and magnesium exchangeables has decreased, which entails worsening of the physical and chemical qualities and as a result leads to decreasing fertility level. The research results have evinced that the ratio between magnesium and potassium in a soil intake complex drops to 2.6-3.6 as a result of continuous potassium with fertilizer usage, according to the checking data without fertilizer application it makes up - 4.2, which corresponds to optimal ratio of Mg: K = 2-5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the risk factors of postoperative severe hyperkalemia after total parathyroidectomy (TPTX) without auto-transplantation in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods: Data on 406 consecutive patients who underwent TPTX without auto-transplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command between January 2013 and January 2023, were prospectively collected. Then, patients were divided into the training set (n=203) and the validation set (n=203) in a ratio of 1:1 by timeline. The patients were divided into severe hyperkalemia group and non-hyperkalemia group according to the postoperative serum kalium level >6.0 mmol/L with ECG changes or serum kalium level ≥6.5 mmol/L. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with postoperative severe hyperkalemia after TPTX. The predictive performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) and calibration curve. Decision curve and clinical impact curve analyses were used to validate the clinical application of the value. Results: The incidence of postoperative severe hyperkalemia was 15.5% in all patients, 17.2% and 13.8% in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The risk factors associated with postoperative severe hyperkalemia was higher preoperative kalium level. The optimal cut-off value for preoperative serum kalium level was 5.0mmol/L according to the ROC curve. The area under the curve (AUC) achieved good concordance indexes of 0.845 (95%CI, 0.776-0.914) in the training cohort. The sensitivities were 0.829 (95%CI: 0.663-0.934) and 0.857 (95%CI: 0.673-0.960) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The specificities were 0.798 (95%CI: 0.729-0.856) and 0.720 (95%CI:0.647-0.785) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curve exhibited a good consistency between actual observations and predicted severe hyperkalemia in the training and validation cohorts. Conclusions: Our study found that the preoperative kalium levels is only a risk factor for postoperative severe hyperkalemia in patients undergoing TPTX for secondary hyperparathyroidism. The threshold for preoperative serum kalium levels is 5.0mmol/L that can serve as a useful indicator for identifying patients with severe hyperkalemia after surgery. These results provide valuable suggestion for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to establish optimal double-cooking condition using response surface methodology that maintained hardness while maximizing potassium reduction rate. The experimental design was based on the first cooking time (4.5–5.5 min) and rinsing time (20–60 s) through central composite design. This study suggested an optimal double-cooking condition of 5.5 min for first cooking and 57.57 s for rinsing. The model corroborated that the double-cooking condition significantly influenced dependent variables, including potassium reduction rate, hardness, and color (b-value). As the first cooking time increased, the potassium reduction rate increased and the hardness and b-value decreased. SEM revealed that double-cooked potato had more organized and netted structure. This structure could be helpful to maintain hardness, but relatively large amount of potassium could be leached out. The established optimal double-cooking condition for potatoes holds promise for broadening the dietary options for chronic kidney disease patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Renin is a marker of blood volume. There is no consensus on the validity of plasma renin measurement for adjusting mineralocorticoid (MC) substitution in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). Objective This work aimed to investigate if plasma renin could be used to adjust MC substitution in patients with PAI. Methods A total of 150 patients with at least one measurement of plasma renin followed for PAI at 2 tertiary expert centers between 2008 and 2022 were retrospectively included. As supraphysiological hydrocortisone might have additional MC activity, we integrated the individual hydrocortisone dose to obtain the MC equivalent dose (Eq-MC). Renin less than 20 mIU/L was considered oversubstituted, renin between 20 and 60 mIU/L as correctly substituted, and renin over 60 mIU/L as undersubstituted. Results The mean dose of fludrocortisone was 82.3 ± 46 μg/day. Plasma renin was abnormal in 56.7% of cases (7 patients oversubstituted and 78 patients undersubstituted). Abnormalities in electrolyte levels were observed in only 12.7% of patients. Plasma renin correlated negatively with sodium (P <.01) and systolic blood pressure (P =.026), and positively with potassium (P <.01). Doses changes in Eq-MC had a statistically significant effect on renin levels (P =.0037), with an increase of MC dose correlating with a decrease in renin level and vice versa; no correlation was observed using electrolytes or blood pressure. Conclusion Plasma renin correlates with electrolytes and blood pressure. While dose changes significantly alter renin levels, electrolytes and blood pressure do not, suggesting that renin may provide more information about MC replacement therapy than electrolytes and blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The ability to accumulate nutrients is a hallmark for living creatures and plants evolved highly effective nutrient transport systems, especially for the uptake of potassium (K+). However, plants also developed mechanisms that enable the rapid extrusion of K+ in combination with anions. The combined release of K+ and anions is probably an ancient extrusion system, as it is found in the Characeae that are closely related to land plants. We postulate that the ion extrusion mechanisms have developed as an emergency valve, which enabled plant cells to rapidly reduce their turgor, and prevent them from bursting. Later in evolution, seed plants adapted this system for various responses, such as the closure of stomata, long‐distance stress waves, dropping of leaves by pulvini, and loading of xylem vessels. We discuss the molecular nature of the transport proteins that are involved in ion extrusion‐based functions of plants and describe the functions that they obtained during evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K) is the primary limiting nutrient for cassava, being essential to achieve sustainably satisfactory cassava yields in low K reserve sandy soils that require proper K fertilization to avoid depleting the soil K reserve. Soil K dynamics, the growth, and yield responses of cassava were investigated using varying K fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 kg K2O/ha). Four on-farm experiments were conducted in major cassava-producing areas, Northeast Thailand during 2019–2021 year. Cassava responded positively to K, producing yield increases up to 132%, with the highest tuber yield obtained being in the range 100–125 kg K2O/ha. Mineral K was the main K source for cassava grown without K fertilization, which resulted in the poorest growth and yield quantities. Potassium fertilization significantly promoted the uptake of K by cassava, especially in the tuber, causing a negative K balance due to the large removal from the soil, even when the K fertilizer compensated to some degree. Potassium use efficiency of cassava was low, particularly with K fertilization at the highest rate, which reflected intense leaching of the soil. The critical level of soil-available K, identified using a linear-plateau model, was 40.55 mg/kg for 90% relative yield, suggesting the potential to increase K use efficiency through better fertilization guidelines. Our findings suggested that K fertilization of cassava annually is advisable for better yields and to avoid progressive depletion of the soil K capital, even though the residual K from K fertilizer contributed to available K in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

137Cs diffused into the environment due to a nuclear power plant accident has caused serious problems for safe crop production. In plants, Cs+ is similar in its ionic form to K+. Cs+ is absorbed and transported mainly by the K+ transport mechanism. However, the full picture of the genes contributing to Cs+ transport and the transport mechanism of rice is still unclear. This study focused on OsHKT2;1, a candidate Cs+ transporter under low K+ conditions. To verify the ability of OsHKT2;1 to transport Cs+, the OsHKT2;1 mutant (hkt2;1) was grown in a 137Cs-contaminated paddy field in Fukushima. The 137Cs concentration in hkt2;1 aboveground was higher than in the wild type (WT), and the K concentration in these samples did not change between WT and hkt2;1, whereas the Na concentration was lower in hkt2;1. Uptake experiments with radioactive tracers (22Na+, 43K+, and 137Cs+) in hydroponic systems with different elemental compositions showed a negative correlation between Na+ and Cs+ accumulation in rice shoot cultivated under low K+ conditions. These results indicated that OsHKT2;1 does not directly contribute to Cs+ uptake but is an important factor in regulating Cs+ translocation by controlling Na+ accumulation. This indicates the possibility of controlling rice Cs content by regulating the Na+ environment during cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nematodes are the most abundant soil metazoans, occupying multiple trophic levels in the soil food web and playing an important role in soil function. Research on the biogeographic distribution patterns of soil nematode communities and their drivers has received greater attention. However, the distribution characteristics of soil nematode communities along the elevational gradient in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China remain unclear. In this study, four elevational gradients (1750-1900, 1900-2100, 2100-2350 and 2350-2560 m) were established on Luoshan Mountain, Ningxia, an arid and semi-arid region in Northwest China, and soil nematodes in the soil layers of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm were investigated using the improved Baermann funnel method. The results revealed a monotonically decreasing trend in the total number of soil nematodes along the elevational gradient and soil layer depth, decreasing by 63.32% to 79.94% and 73.59% to 86.90%, respectively, while the interactions were not obvious. A total of 1487 soil nematodes belonging to 27 families and 32 genera were identified across the elevational gradient, with Helicotylenchus as the dominant genus, accounting for 10.43% of the total number of nematodes, and bacterivore nematodes as the main trophic groups, accounting for 32.39% to 52.55% of the relative abundance at each elevation, which increased with increasing elevation. Soil nematode community diversity, richness and maturity indices were relatively low at high elevation and decreased by 44.62%, 48% and 54.74%, respectively, with increasing soil layer depth at high elevations. Compared to low elevations, high-elevation soils experienced greater disturbance, reduced structural complexity and nutrient enrichment of the soil food web, and a shift in soil organic matter decomposition from bacterial to fungal pathways as elevation increased. Finally, redundancy analysis showed that soil pH, bulk density, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium were the main soil factors affecting the composition of soil nematode communities, which well explained the differences in nematode communities at different elevations and soil depths. This study can be used as basic information for further research on soil biota in this mountainous region, expanding our further understanding of the spatial ecology of soil nematodes in the arid and semi-arid mountain ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 7% of the Earth’s land surface is affected by salinity, resulting in significant agricultural losses. Salt stress is characterized by the presence of an elevated concentration of soluble salts within the root zone, leading to the development of osmotic stress and ion toxicity in the plant throughout its growth. The presence of elevated levels of salt in soil is a significant abiotic stress factor that has a detrimental impact on the growth, development, and production of agricultural crops. The issue of salt stress arises as a significant matter when agricultural fields, which were once fertile and productive, experience a more pronounced salinization due to both human activity and natural factors. Sodic soils have a detrimental impact on plant growth due to elevated soil pH levels and unfavorable physical properties caused by an excessive accumulation of exchangeable sodium ions. Sodium ions (Na+) have been found to exert significant deleterious effects on plant growth due to their harmful impact on plant metabolism via suppressing enzyme activities. The maintenance of plant growth and yield development relies on the activation of enzymatic processes in the cytoplasm, which requires an appropriate ratio of potassium (K+) to sodium (Na+). The reclamation of salt-affected soils is necessary in order to restore their productivity and hence enhance food production. Various strategies have been employed for the effective management of saline-alkali soils. These approaches encompass leaching, incorporation of diverse organic and inorganic amendments, mulching, and the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops. Hence, the current study is centered on multiple facets of salt-affected soils, their impact on plant life, and diverse strategies for rehabilitating salt affected soils in order to improve the capacity for agricultural yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]