Conventional Fossil Fuel Extraction, Associated Biogeochemical Processes, and Topography Influence Methane Groundwater Concentrations in Appalachia.

The production of fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal, retains a dominant share in US energy production and serves as a major anthropogenic source of methane, a greenhouse gas with a high warming potential. In addition to directly emitting methane into the air, fossil fuel production can release methane into groundwater, and that methane may eventually reach the atmosphere. In this study, we collected 311 water samples from an unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production region in Pennsylvania and an oil and gas (O&G) and coal production region across Ohio and West Virginia. Methane concentration was negatively correlated to distance to the nearest O&G well in the second region, but such a correlation was shown to be driven by topography as a confounding variable. Furthermore, sulfate concentration was negatively correlated with methane concentration and with distance to coal mining in the second region, and these correlations were robust even when considering topography. We hypothesized that coal mining enriched sulfate in groundwater, which in turn inhibited methanogenesis and enhanced microbial methane oxidation. Thus, this study highlights the complex interplay of multiple factors in shaping groundwater methane concentrations, including biogeochemical conversion, topography, and conventional fossil extraction.

Cholecalciferol (D3) Versus Ergocalciferol (D2) in Older Adults.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in very few food sources. It is produced endogenously from ultraviolet light from the sun striking the skin and then triggering vitamin D synthesis and activation. Vitamin D helps promote calcium absorption in the gut, maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate levels, promotes bone growth, modulates cell growth, and has many other roles. There have been an increasing number of people, especially in older adults, with vitamin D deficiency. This is in part a result of a reduction of sun exposure as people age, increase in use of sunscreen, and other factors. This article highlights the roles of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) versus ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) supplementation for practicing pharmacists.

Elevated liver enzymes resulting from an interaction between Raltegravir and Panax ginseng: a case report and brief review.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, some evidence has arisen supporting the usefulness of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng, fam. Araliaceae) as a complementary remedy in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. However, its role in current therapeutics remains unclear. METHODS: The patient was admitted for an acute elevation of liver enzymes, marked jaundice, and significant weight loss after taking ginseng-based tablets starting approximately 39 days prior. His past medical history (PMH) was also significant for HIV+, long-term hepatitis C, an episode of mitochondrial toxicity, and several comorbidities. His outpatient medications included raltegravir 400 mg plus lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily, aspirin 100 mg daily, and esomeprazole 40 mg daily as needed. RESULTS: The cessation of the ginseng lozenges led to a progressive improvement in the performance status and laboratory values. Both the Hansten and Horn nomogram and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method indicated that the association between the ginseng medicine and the liver injury was probable (six points). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that ginseng is involved in the episode through an interaction resulting in elevated plasma concentrations of raltegravir. As a consequence, clinicians should be alert when managing patients on other CYP3A4-metabolized drugs or previous liver-damaging conditions. However, larger studies are required to explicitly clarify these statements.

Comparison of serum ferritin and transferrin saturation values associated with two i.v. iron formulations in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: The effects of i.v. iron formulations on serum ferritin concentration (SFC) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) are compared in adult hemodialysis patients with anemia receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). METHODS: This study consisted of 215 patients who were receiving chronic hemodialysis, ESAs, and i.v. iron supplementation from November 2005 to November 2006. All patients received iron sucrose therapy from November 2005 to April 2006. Patients were then switched to sodium ferric gluconate. If the patient's SFC was <100 ng/mL and TSAT was <20%, then iron sucrose 100 mg i.v. at every hemodialysis for 10 doses or sodium ferric gluconate 125 mg i.v. at every hemodialysis for 8 doses was administered as loading doses. Maintenance doses of iron sucrose 60 mg or sodium ferric gluconate 62.5 mg were administered every two weeks if the SFC was 100-499 ng/mL and the TSAT was 20-29% or every four weeks if the SFC was 500-600 ng/mL and the TSAT was 30-45%. SFC and TSAT were measured every three months. RESULTS: More treatment courses resulted in target SFC and TSAT values during treatment with sodium ferric gluconate than iron sucrose, but neither difference was significant. The proportion of treatment courses resulting in SFCs of >600 ng/mL (above the target range) was significantly greater during treatment with iron sucrose than sodium ferric gluconate. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between iron sucrose and sodium ferric gluconate in the frequency in which SFC and TSAT values were within target ranges in hemodialysis patients with anemia receiving ESAs. Of the two drugs, iron sucrose was more likely to produce an SFC above the target range.

Caring for chronic kidney disease patients: focus on mineral and bone disorders.

This case study focuses on a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with mineral and bone disorders (MBD) and the relationship and management strategies used in treating CKD-MBD. The various risks and issues pertaining to the CKD stage 5 patient population are addressed, including CKD-MBD and renal osteodystrophy. Proper management of CKD-MBD with diet, dialysis, laboratory testing, and medications is discussed. An interdisciplinary team that includes the patient and family is crucial for effective management of MBD.