Uncertainty Evaluation of Soil Heavy Metal(loid) Pollution and Health Risk in Hunan Province: A Geographic Detector with Monte Carlo Simulation.

Research on soil heavy metal(loid) pollution and health risk assessment is extensive, but a notable gap exists in systematically examining uncertainty in this process. We employ the Nemerow index, the health risk assessment model, and the geographic detector model (GDM) to analyze soil heavy metal(loid) pollution, assess health risks, and identify driving factors in Hunan Province, China. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method is utilized to quantitatively evaluate the uncertainties associated with the sampling point positions, model parameters, and classification boundaries of the driving factors in these processes. The experimental findings reveal the following key insights: (1) Regions with high levels of heavy metal(loid) pollution, accompanied by low uncertainty, are identified in Chenzhou and Hengyang Cities in Hunan Province. (2) Arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) are identified as the primary contributors to health risks. (3) The GDM results highlight strong nonlinear enhanced interactions among lithology and other factors. (4) The input GDM factors, such as temperature, river distance, and gross domestic product (GDP), show high uncertainty on the influencing degree of soil heavy metal(loid) pollution. This study thoroughly assesses high heavy metal(loid) pollution in Hunan Province, China, emphasizing uncertainty and offering a scientific foundation for land management and pollution remediation.

A case report of hypokalemic periodic muscular weakness secondary to Sjögren's syndrome with distal renal tubular acidosis.

Key Clinical Message: An underlying autoimmune condition should be suspected in patients who presented with periodic muscular weakness secondary to distal RTA that leads to hypokalemia because distal RTA is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome. Abstract: A 22-year-old female presented with a sudden onset of bilateral weakness in both upper and lower limbs. The patient had a history of muscular weakness secondary to hypokalemia and dryness of the eyes for the last 3 years. Laboratory investigations revealed decreased potassium and metabolic acidosis. Further investigations confirmed distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and Sjögren's syndrome. A diagnosis of distal RTA secondary to Sjögren's syndrome was made. Her potassium levels were replaced, and she was discharged with oral potassium supplements, steroids, and artificial tears.

Fahr's Syndrome Secondary to Primary Hypoparathyroidism Presenting With Seizures and the Role of Steroid Therapy.

Background: Fahr's syndrome a rare neurological condition characterized by an abnormal basal ganglia calcification. The condition has both genetic and metabolic causes. Here, we describe a patient who had Fahr's syndrome and basal secondary to hypoparathyroidism, and her calcium level raised after the administration of steroid therapy. Case report: We presented a case of a 23-year-old female with seizures. Associated symptoms included headache, vertigo, disturbed sleep, and reduced appetite. Her laboratory workup revealed hypocalcemia and low parathyroid hormone level, computed tomographic (CT) scan of the brain showed diffuse calcification in the brain parenchyma. The patient was diagnosed as a case of Fahr's syndrome secondary to hypoparathyroidism. The patient was started on calcium and calcium supplementations along with anti-seizure therapy. Her calcium level raised after the initiation of oral prednisolone and she remained asymptomatic. Conclusion: Steroid could be considered as an adjunct therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplementation in patient whose Fahr's syndrome is secondary to primary hypoparathyroidism.