Sodium Bicarbonate Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of 0.9% Normal Saline Versus Acetate-Gluconate-Based Balanced Solution on Acid-Base Status and Postoperative Liver Function in Donor Hepatectomy Patients.

Background Live donor liver transplantation, a widely practiced procedure, involves resecting a portion of a healthy donor's liver for transplantation. Despite advancements, it poses challenges like cardiovascular instability and electrolyte imbalances, with maintaining acid-base balance being critical. This study compares the effects of 0.9% normal saline and PlasmaLyte A® on acid-base status and postoperative liver function. Methodology This prospective observational study was conducted over one year among 40 healthy adults aged 18-60 years undergoing donor hepatectomy. Patients were alternately allocated to receive either 0.9% saline (Group 1; n = 20) or PlasmaLyte A® (Group 2; n = 20). Key parameters, including acid-base status, hemodynamic parameters, and postoperative liver function, were monitored at various intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with appropriate statistical tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study included 40 patients, with 20 in each group. No significant differences were observed between the groups concerning age, gender, weight, hemodynamic parameters, and urine output. However, significant differences were found in acid-base parameters. Group 2 showed better preservation of acid-base balance with higher pH and HCO₃ levels. Patients in Group 1 exhibited a significant decrease in HCO₃ levels during surgery, while those in Group 2 maintained a more stable metabolic profile. Furthermore, nine patients in Group 1 required sodium bicarbonate supplementation for metabolic acidosis, compared to only three in Group 2. Postoperative liver function tests revealed no significant differences between the two groups, although a trend toward better outcomes was observed in Group 2. Conclusions PlasmaLyte A® demonstrated superior preservation of acid-base balance compared to 0.9% normal saline, with less need for bicarbonate supplementation. While liver function outcomes were similar, the balanced solution showed a trend toward better metabolic stability, suggesting it may offer safer and more effective fluid management in liver transplantation surgery.

Evaluation of Aluminum and Magnesium Absorption Following the Oral Administration of an Antacid Suspension Containing Magaldrate in Healthy Women Under Fed Conditions.

Antacids are commonly used during pregnancy, and they are approved for the relief of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) during pregnancy. However, there are no reports of the quantification of the absorption of aluminum and magnesium in the antacid magaldrate in women. The aim of this study was to quantify the rate and magnitude of absorption of aluminum and magnesium in magaldrate. An open-label, controlled, randomized, one-treatment study with a two-group design was conducted in healthy women in a fed state. The volunteers had a standard breakfast, and 30min later, they were given a single-medication sachet containing 500mg of sodium alginate, 267mg of sodium bicarbonate, 800mg of magaldrate, and 120mg of simethicone (groupA, n = 8) or no medication (groupB, n = 2). Blood samples were obtained 36h before and up to 12h after antacid administration. The method used for quantification was inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. There was no absorption of aluminum in any of the blood samples from the healthy volunteers who received the drug or in those from the control group. Magnesium was detected at normal concentrations. These findings suggest that the use of this antacid is safe and without risk in healthy women, including pregnant women. Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT06367452.

The optimization and validation of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method to analyze the concentration of acetate, propionate and butyrate in human plasma or serum

Fermentation-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)44SCFA: short-chain fatty acids. are potential mediators of the health benefits associated with dietary fiber intake. SCFA affect physiological processes locally in the gut and on distant organs via the systemic circulation. Since SCFA are used as energy source for colonocytes and substrate for the liver metabolism, their concentrations in the systemic circulation are low. Therefore, quantification of systemic SCFA requires sensitive analytical techniques. This article covers the optimization and validation of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method to measure systemic SCFA concentrations following derivatization with 2,4-difluoroaniline (DFA)55DFA: 2,4-difluoroaniline. and extraction in ethyl acetate. Sample preparation was optimized by varying the amount of DFA, coupling agent 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, ethyl acetate and sodium bicarbonate, which is used to quench derivatization. In addition, evaporation of the samples using a vacuum concentrator resulted in less contamination, notably of acetate, compared to drying with N2 gas. The method showed excellent linearity with coefficient of variation (R2) > 0.99 and a good precision (relative standard deviation < 20 %) and accuracy. Finally, systemic concentrations of SCFA in human plasma samples could successfully be determined.

Feed additives supplementation: a potential strategy to ameliorate heat stress in sheep

Abstract Given a significant climate-flexible and socio-economic role in developing nations, environmental heat stress imposes a major financial impact on sheep production systems globally endangering their production, reproduction, and growth. In this regard, the adverse effects of heat stress on sheep production systems have to be addressed through adoption of effective heat alleviation measures like animal management, nutritional management and genetic interventions of which the nutritional interventions seems to be the most cost effective way to alleviate heat stress. Nutritional manipulation for heat stress alleviation in sheep involves the use of antioxidant supplements (Vitamin B; Vitamin E and Selenium; Selenium; Zinc sulphate and folic acid; Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc; Naringin; Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis; Açai oil and Brown seaweed like Ascophyllum nodosum and Sargassum latifolium). Further, electrolyte supplements (Dietary Electrolyte Balance (DEB); Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate; Sodium hydroxide) have a beneficial effect on thermal responses, respiratory activities, gas exchange parameters, rumen fermentation, blood buffering capacity and acid-base balance. The mineral mixture supplements (Mineral blocks; Mineral mixture and antioxidants; Chromium; Zinc) play a crucial role in increasing the efficiency of antioxidant defence system, immunity-related parameters, production, reproduction, feed digestibility and insulin sensitivity. Probiotic supplements (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cervisiae, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus lactis, Bacillus subtilis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Pediococcus cerevisiae, Megaspha eraelsdenii, Bacillus licheniformis, Aspergillus oryzae, Schizochytrium limacinum, Trichoderma reesei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) improve lactational performance, dietary energy utilization and productivity. The probiotics (live Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharide plus b-glucans) used in heat stress alleviation improve dietary energy utilisation. Furthermore, the vital role of herbal supplements (Rosemary, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Clove, Naringin, Chestnut tannins, Giloy stem powder, Curcumin, Rocket oil (watercress oil), Flaxseed, Cornus, Oregano, Thyme, Chamomile flowers, Moringa oleifera, Betaine) has been highlighted to promote feed intake, antioxidant status, growth performance, feed utilization, reproductive performance and immune response. Effective adoption of nutritional strategies can thus ensure sustainable sheep production in this changing climate scenario.

Safety and Tolerability of ShigActive™, a Shigella spp. Targeting Bacteriophage Preparation, in a Phase 1 Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Bacterial diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract continue to be a major worldwide cause of human morbidity and mortality. Among various enteric pathogens, Shigella spp. are some of the most common and deadly bacterial pathogens. They are responsible for ~125 million worldwide cases of shigellosis, and ~14,000 deaths annually, the majority in children under the age of 5 and occurring in developing countries. Preventing and treating shigellosis with conventional drugs (e.g., vaccines and antibiotics) has proven to be very difficult. Here, we assessed the safety and tolerability of ShigActive™, a lytic bacteriophage preparation targeting Shigella spp., in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 1 clinical trial. Ten participants randomized 4:1 received ShigActive™ or placebo co-administered with sodium bicarbonate orally three times daily for 7 days. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were observed for 29 days. Fifty percent of the subjects receiving ShigActive™ reported mild GI-related symptoms, while one participant experienced moderate fatigue. No serious or medically attended AEs occurred through day 90. Additionally, no significant differences in GI-associated inflammatory mediators or fecal microbiome changes were observed between placebo- and ShigActive™-treated subjects, or from a participants' baseline value. The results of this first-in-human (FIH) randomized, controlled Phase 1 trial of ShigActive™ demonstrate that it is safe and well tolerated when orally administered with no significant differences compared to placebo controls.

Significant performance enhancement of Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors based on microwave-assisted pyrolyzed active carbon via synergistic effect of NaHCO3 activation and CNT networks

Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) represents a promising technological approach for large-scale energy storage with the combined advantages of supercapacitors and zinc-ion batteries. Unfortunately, it is still challengeable to quickly fabricate low-cost, high-performance carbonaceous cathode materials at relatively low temperature. To address such issues, herein, taking waste Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EUO) wood as an example, we present a novel microwave-assisted carbonization (MWC) approach at relatively low temperature to quickly prepare active carbon, and we present a synergistic strategy to significantly enhance the electrochemical performance by introducing sodium bicarbonate activation (SA) and constructing conductive carbon nanotubes (CNT) networks. The MWC-SA@CNT hybrid exhibits outstanding specific capacitance of 344.2 F/g at 0.2 A/g within three-electrode system, much better than conventional high-temperature pyrolyzed AC, MWC carbon, and MWC-SA carbon. The superior performance of MWC-SA@CNT can be attributed to the synergistic effect of its large specific surface area of 1102.7 m2/g, high mesoporous percentage of 53.5%, and rich –OH and CO groups due to microwave-assisted carbonization and sodium bicarbonate activation, and rich electron transport paths due to the presence of CNT networks. Furthermore, ZIHSCs assembled by MWC-SA@CNT cathode could delivers impressive performance with excellent capacity (194.37 mA h/g at current density of 1 A/g), energy density (142.30 Wh/kg), and durability (capacitance retention rate of 97.65% after 5000 cycles). This work offers a rapid and low-temperature method for preparing wood-based active carbon with rich nanopores and strong conductivity to improve performance of Zinc ion storage.

Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in NBCe1-B/C-Knockout Mice.

Congenital proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA) is a rare systemic disease caused by mutations in the SLC4A4 gene that encodes the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter, NBCe1. The major NBCe1 protein variants are designated NBCe1-A, NBCe1-B, and NBCe1-C. NBCe1-A expression is kidney-specific, NBCe1-B is broadly expressed and is the only NBCe1 variant expressed in the heart, and NBCe1-C is a splice variant of NBCe1-B that is expressed in the brain. No cardiac manifestations have been reported from patients with pRTA, but studies in adult rats with virally induced reduction in cardiac NBCe1-B expression indicate that NBCe1-B loss leads to cardiac hypertrophy and prolonged QT intervals in rodents. NBCe1-null mice die shortly after weaning, so the consequence of congenital, global NBCe1 loss on the heart is unknown. To circumvent this issue, we characterized the cardiac function of NBCe1-B/C-null (KOb/c) mice that survive up to 2 months of age and which, due to the uninterrupted expression of NBCe1-A, do not exhibit the confounding acidemia of the globally null mice. In contrast to the viral knockdown model, cardiac hypertrophy was not present in KOb/c mice as assessed by heart-weight-to-body-weight ratios and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area. However, echocardiographic analysis revealed reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and intraventricular pressure-volume measurements demonstrated reduced load-independent contractility. We also observed increased QT length variation in KOb/c mice. Finally, using the calcium indicator Fura-2 AM, we observed a significant reduction in the amplitude of Ca2+ transients in paced KOb/c cardiomyocytes. These data indicate that congenital, global absence of NBCe1-B/C leads to impaired cardiac contractility and increased QT length variation in juvenile mice. It remains to be determined whether the cardiac phenotype in KOb/c mice is influenced by the absence of NBCe1-B/C from neuronal and endocrine tissues.

Rheological properties of model emulsions containing oleosomes

AbstractIn the presented research, oleosomes were obtained from unroasted hazelnuts in an aqueous environment with a pH of 9.5, adjusted using sodium bicarbonate. Model emulsions were then prepared to contain oleosomes in proportions of 15, 25, and 35%. Rheological and viscosity analyses were conducted on these model emulsions, focusing on elastic and viscous modulus values. The results of the analyses, which revealed that an increase in the oleosome content in the model emulsions correlated with a concurrent increase in emulsion viscosity as well as in the elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli, demonstrate the significant impact of oleosome concentration on the rheological properties of the emulsions. All samples exhibited a G′ &gt; G″ relationship, indicating their semi-solid nature. Moreover, an increase in the oleosome content was found to result in a higher consistency index for the product, while the flow index remained largely unchanged.

Modeling and simulation for the sustainable recovery of aromatics (BTX) from petrochemical industrial wastewater.

Petrochemical wastewater is a major industrial source of pollution that produces a variety of toxic organic and inorganic pollutants, naturally present or added during the process. These pollutants are a serious threat to the soil, water, environment, and human being due to their complex and hazardous nature. Glycols such as monoethylene glycol (MEG), diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), and aromatics (BTX-benzene, toluene, and xylene) are the most common organic impurities present in petrochemical wastewater. The objective of this paper is to recover aromatics and water from petrochemical industrial wastewater. The reclamation process is used to remove inorganic impurities such as heavy metals Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Al, Ni, As, Cr, Cu, Cd, and K and salts. In the present work, 1% sodium bi-carbonate (NaHCO3) is used to precipitate the inorganic impurities present in the wastewater at 40°C atmospherically. Aspen Hysys simulation software is used for modeling and simulation for the treatment process using NRTL (non-random-two-liquid) thermodynamic model. The process generated from Aspen Hysys is validated with lab experiments. To support global sustainable development, this study is focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling separation techniques such as centrifuge separation and vacuum distillation have been used. The characterization of regenerated water was performed using ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy) to determine the reduction in heavy metals. It was found that > 99.5% of heavy metals were removed. The regeneration of these aromatics is necessary for economic and environmental reasons so that it can be reused to avoid its disposal in and contamination of natural environments.

A novel method for gas-solid contact visualization and efficiency quantification in dry fixed-bed desulfurization

A novel method for the visualization of gas–solid contact states and the quantitative evaluation of contact efficiency in the dry fixed-bed desulfurization process is proposed in this study. This method utilizes the chromogenic properties of phenolphthalein (PP) on the surfaces of various sodium salt products during the sodium bicarbonate dry desulfurization process, enabling visualization of gas–solid contact status. Samples of desulfurization products are photographed, and ImageJ software is employed for image processing to calculate color residual rates, thereby quantifying gas–solid contact efficiency. The specific operating conditions that produced the best visualization effect of gas–solid contact states were determined through experimentation, including: an appropriate PP solid content of ≤ 0.336 % for ultrafine NaHCO3 with D90 = 6.14 μm; a steam volume ratio of approximately 13.94 % to 24.46 %, a temperature inside the reactor of 110 °C–175 °C. Moreover, the fading effect of the indicative sodium-based absorbent was consistent across SO2 concentrations from 850 mg/m3 to 5100 mg/m3, with higher concentrations reducing the time needed for visualizing gas–solid contact and quantifying efficiency. The gas–solid contact efficiency (Egs = 87.85 %) calculated by the method showed a small deviation of only 0.55 % from the efficiency (E’gs = 88.4 %) calculated based on sulfur capacity, validating the method’s reliability. The study’s outcomes present a novel method for analyzing the gas–solid contact state, which can serve future efforts in the design optimization of dry fixed-bed desulfurization reactors.

The effect of salt differences on the production of toothpaste enriched through baking soda (NaHCO3) and ascorbic acid (C6H8O6)

Abstract Salt is a compound with the main composition in the form of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) which has antibacterial properties. The antibacterial properties of salt can be utilized in toothpaste. Toothpaste with the addition of salt can also be enriched with baking soda (NaHCO3) and ascorbic acid/vitamin C (C6H8O6). This study aims to determine the effect of salt differences in toothpaste enriched through baking soda (NaCHO3) and ascorbic acid (C6H8O6). The salt addition treatment used is 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. The addition of salt to toothpaste enriched through baking soda (NaHCO3) affects organoleptic, antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans is included in the category of weak to moderate inhibitory, homogeneous results, viscosity values that have been in accordance with SNI 12-3524-1995, pH values with a range of 10.33-10.41, and foam formation values with a range of 0.6-1.70 cm. The addition of salt to toothpaste enriched through ascorbic acid (C6H8O6) affects organoleptic, antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans which is included in the category of weak inhibitory, homogeneous results, viscosity values close to SNI 12-3524-1995, pH values with a range of 9.1-10, and foam formation values of 0.8-1.55 cm.

Sex-dependent responses to acute sodium bicarbonate different dose treatment: A randomized double-blind crossover study

ObjectivesThis study quantified blood bicarbonate (HCO3−) kinetics and gastrointestinal upset to determine the gender-related ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (0.15-, 0.25- and 0.35 gSB·kgFat-free mass (FFM)–1) in high intensity functional training. DesignDouble-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover. MethodsThirty female and male athletes performed two bouts of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnTPRE-HIFT and WAnTPOST-HIFT) interspaced with two 3-min bouts of Wall Balls and Burpees 120min after ingestion of three sodium bicarbonate doses. Blood HCO3− was determined pre-ingestion, after supplementation and before/post exercise. Gastrointestinal upset was evaluated 120min post-ingestion. Control (CTRL) measurements were performed. ResultsThere were significant gender×treatment interactions for: changes in blood HCO3− at 60min post-ingestion (p=0.014; η2p=0.104; at 0.15gSB·kgFFM−1 males experienced higher increase than females); peak power (p=0.015; η2p=0.103) and average power (p=0.005; η2p=0.124) during WAnTPOST-HIFT, and changes in peak power between the Wingate Anaerobic Test bouts (p=0.049; η2p=0.081). Sodium bicarbonate compared to PLA had no significant impact on Wall Balls and Burpees performance. The dose of 0.35gSB·kgFFM−1 resulted in higher less severe gastrointestinal symptoms compared to CTRL and 0.15gSB·kgFFM−1 (p=0.001; W=0.178); and higher total gastrointestinal upset compared to CTRL, PLA and 0.15gSB·kgFFM−1 (p<0.001; W=0.323). ConclusionsThere were dose- and gender-related differences in extracellular buffering capacity and ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate. The study suggested a detrimental impact of gastrointestinal upset on performance.

Investigating the mildew and yeast in the bakeries of Abhar City, Iran

The presence of mold and yeast in bread leads to contamination in bread. Cancer and estrogenic abnormalities in humans are among the diseases caused by fungal and mold mycotoxins in bread.Bread production waste was estimated at about 30 % in Iran country. A comprehensive and specific image study of the sanitary condition of bread and bakeries in Abhar city has not been done. The purpose of this study was to determine the contamination resulting in yeast and mildew on bread supplied in Abhar City bakeries, to examine the sanitary condition of bakeries, and to provide the food security of Iranians. As well as determining the impact of health status variables and the location of bakeries on mold and fungal contamination. This research was done in the bakeries of Abhar in the period of February 1, 2022 to July 1, 2022. Evaluation of mold and yeast load of 61 breads from 61 bakeries was done using sterile potato dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol plates. In order to check the hygiene status of the bakery environment, modified form of Article 13 with 56 items equal to 56 scores was completed. Variables such as baking soda, sodium dithionite, salt percentage, to evaluate mildew and yeast, and the sanitary condition of bakeries were analyzed. After evaluating health status, the score range was divided based on a 4-point Likert scale. All results were compared with the standard and contamination level of each restaurant. 31 of 60 samples (51.6 %) showed mold and yeast infection. 17 bakeries of the 61 bakeries surveyed (43 %) received 100 % points in the five sections (individual health of 14 items, food hygiene of 10 items, tools and equipment of 16 items, building sanitation of 16 items, and disinfection). 49 samples (80.3 %) of 61 breads evaluated by chemical standard such as amount of baking soda were favorable. Sixty samples (98.4 %) of 61 breads complied with the chemical standard of sodium dithionite. 5 samples (8.3 %) of the 61 breads had excess salt levels. 33 samples out of 61 tested (54.1 %) were infected with mold and yeast. Of these, 26 (78.7 %) belonged to serotypes producing toxin A. The bread quality in some bakeries in Abhar City is poor and infected with mold and yeast. Careful monitoring and monitoring of the health status of bakeries, along with training sessions for bakery staff, will lead to improved baking health.

Comparing the Efficacy of 8.4% and 7.5% Buffered Lidocaine during Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar- A Split Mouth Double Blinded Randomized Controlled Study.

Conventional injection technique with adrenaline during removal of impacted third molar of mandible had proportionally increased pain during administration with slow onset of action and shorter duration of anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to compare the effective nature of 8.4% and 7.5% buffered lidocaine hydrochloride during surgical removal of mandibular impacted third molar. This prospective crossover study included 50 patients requiring bilateral removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Group I included 50 impacted mandibular third molars that were administered with 8.4% buffered lidocaine hydrochloride and group II included 50 impacted mandibular third molars were administered with 7.5% buffered lidocaine hydrochloride. The outcome variables were pain on injection, time of onset of anesthesia, and duration of action of anesthesia. The above parameters were recorded by the investigator and statistically analyzed through Chi-square test using SPSS software. Patients in group I had mild pain (1.02) and patients in group II (5.74) had moderate pain with a statistical significance of p< 0.05 for group I respectively. The mean onset of action of anesthesia in group I was 0.08 seconds and 0.59 seconds in group II (p< 0.05). The duration of anesthesia was 342.51 minutes from group I and 122.06 minutes in group II (p< 0.05) respectively. Lidocaine hydrochloride buffered with 8.4 % sodium bicarbonate was found to be more effective in reduction of pain during injection, also had a faster onset of action and longer duration of the action of anesthesia when compared to 7.5% buffered lidocaine hydrochloride.

Manufacturing natural soap-base (Multiclean) with the addition of wuluh starfruit extraction (Averrhoa)

Starfruit extract is used as a base for making natural soap that is more environmentally friendly and beneficial for health. The aim of this study is to identify the optimal conditions for adding starfruit extract to natural soap production, which involves citric acid and surfactant components. The method involves maceration and extraction of starfruit to obtain citric acid by immersing it in 80% ethanol. The soap is produced using a hot process at temperatures between 70-80°C with three formulas: F1 (200:200:10), F2 (225:175:15), and F3 (250:150:20), representing different ratios of virgin coconut oil (VCO), olive oil, and starfruit extract, respectively. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is used as an alkali at a concentration of 30%. After the soap is made, MES (a plant-based surfactant), sodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7) as a preservative, and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as a cleanser are added. Testing of the three soap formulas showed they all meet Indonesian National Standards (SNI). Among 20 respondents, F1 was rated the highest in terms of color, scent, and softness. It had 83% foam stability, 0.85% moisture content, a pH of 8, and 0.001% free alkali content. These results suggest that consumer preference is influenced by the starfruit extract content.

Sodium Bicarbonate Tolerance During Seedling Stages of Maize (Zea mays L.) Lines

ABSTRACT(1) Soil alkalinization and salinization represent a growing global challenge. Maize (Zea mays L.), with its relatively low tolerance to salt and alkali, is increasingly vulnerable to saline‐alkali stress. Identifying maize genotypes that can withstand salinity and alkalinity is crucial to broaden the base of salt‐alkali‐tolerant maize germplasm. (2) In this study, we screened 65 maize germplasm resources for alkali stress using a 60 mM NaHCO3 solution. We measured fifteen morphological and physiological indices, including seedling height, stem thickness, and leaf area. Various analytical methods—correlation analysis, principal component analysis, subordinate function analysis, cluster analysis, stepwise discriminant analysis, and ridge regression analysis—were used to assess the seedling alkali tolerance of these maize germplasm resources. The physiological indices of six tested maize varieties were analyzed in greater detail. (3) The findings revealed complex correlations among traits, particularly strong negative associations between conductivity and root traits such as length, volume, surface area, diameter, and number of branches. The 15 evaluation indices were reduced to 7 principal components, explaining 77.89% of the variance. By applying affiliation functions and weights, we derived a comprehensive evaluation of maize seedling alkali tolerance. Notably, three germplasms—Liang Yu 99, Bi Xiang 638, and Gan Xin 2818—demonstrated significant comprehensive seedling alkali tolerance. Cluster analysis grouped the 65 maize germplasm resources into four distinct categories (I, II, III, and IV). The results of the cluster analysis were confirmed by multiclass stepwise discriminant analysis, which achieved a correct classification rate of 92.3% for 60 maize genotypes regarding alkalinity tolerance. Using principal component and ridge regression analyses, we formulated a regression equation for alkali tolerance: D‐value = −1.369 + 0.002 * relative root volume + 0.003 * relative number of root forks + 0.006 * relative chlorophyll SPAD + 0.005 * relative stem thickness + 0.005 * relative plant height + 0.001 * relative conductivity + 0.002 * relative dry weight of underground parts. Under sodium bicarbonate stress, morphological indices and germination rates were significantly reduced, germination was inhibited, photosynthetic pigment levels in maize leaves decreased to varying degrees, and the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) significantly increased. Alkali stress markedly enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities in maize varieties, with alkali‐resistant varieties exhibiting a greater increase in antioxidant enzyme activities than alkali‐sensitive varieties under such stress. (4) By screening for alkali tolerance in maize seedlings, the identified alkali‐tolerant genotypes can be further utilized as suitable donor parents, thereby enhancing the use of alkali‐tolerant germplasm resources and providing theoretical guidance for maize cultivation in saline‐alkaline environments.

Assessing the Influence of Urine pH on the Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin and Fosfomycin in Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Murine Models of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in the Lower Urinary Tract.

In vitro studies have suggested that acidic pH may reduce and increase the efficacy of ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin, respectively, when used to treat Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. We assessed the effects of acidic, neutral, and alkaline urine pH on the efficacy of optimized ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin dosages in UTI murine model of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice with adjusted urine pH were inoculated with E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains, and the efficacy was assessed based on the bacterial concentrations in tissues and fluids at 72 h, with respect to untreated controls. At acidic urine pH, both antimicrobials were effective, achieving similar reductions in E. coli concentrations in the kidneys in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice and in K. pneumoniae in immunocompetent mice. At a neutral urine pH, both therapies reduced the presence of E. coli in the kidneys of immunocompetent mice. However, in immunocompromised mice, antimicrobials were ineffective at treating E. coli infection in the kidneys at a neutral urine pH and showed reduced efficacy against K. pneumoniae at both acidic and neutral urine pH. The results showed no correlation between urine pH and antimicrobial efficacy, suggesting that the reduced effectiveness is associated with the animals' immunocompetence status.

Machine learning-assisted optimization of food-grade spirulina cultivation in seawater-based media: From laboratory to large-scale production

The shortage of food and freshwater sources threatens human health and environmental sustainability. Spirulina grown in seawater-based media as a healthy food is promising and environmentally friendly. This study used three machine learning techniques to identify important cultivation parameters and their hidden interrelationships and optimize the biomass yield of Spirulina grown in seawater-based media. Through optimization of hyperparameters and features, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, along with the recursive feature elimination (RFE) model demonstrated optimal performance and identified 28 important features. Among them, illumination intensity and initial pH value were critical determinants of biomass, which impacted other features. Specifically, high initial pH values (>9.0) mainly increased biomass but also increased nutrient sedimentation and ammonia (NH3) losses. Both batch and continuous additions could decrease nutrient losses by increasing their availability in the seawater-based media. When illumination intensity exceeded 200 μmol photons/m2/s, it amplified the growth of Spirulina by mitigating the light attenuation caused by a high initial inoculum level and counteracted the negative effect of low temperature (<25 °C). In large-scale cultivation, production efficiency would be reduced if illumination was not maintained at a high level. High salinity and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) addition promoted carbohydrate accumulation, but suitable dilution could keep the required protein content in Spirulina with relatively low media and production costs. These findings reveal the interactive influence of cultivation parameters on biomass yield and help us determine the optimal cultivation conditions for large-scale cultivation of Spirulina-based seawater system based on a developed graphical user interface website.

Preparation of PdNi bimetallic loaded amino modified porous carbon material catalyst based on chitosan and its applications

The utilization efficiency of palladium-based catalysts has sharply increased in many catalytic reactions. However, numerous studies have shown that preparing alloys of palladium with other metals has superior catalytic activity than pure palladium. Additionally, hierarchical porous carbon has gradually developed into an excellent carrier for loading bimetallic nanoparticles. In this study, we firstly pyrolyzed chitosan, sodium bicarbonate and nickel nitrate to create highly dispersed porous carbon materials doped with Ni NPs. The carbon materials were then grafted with silane coupling agent (APTMS) to afford them with amino groups on the surface. Taking advantage of the fact that Pd2+ can react with Ni in spontaneous reduction reaction, Pd was deposited on the surface of Ni to produce PdNi bimetallic-loaded carbon catalysts containing amino groups. The resulting catalysts were examined by a series of characterizations and were found to have a hierarchically porous structure and large specific surface area, which increased the number of active sites of the catalysts. In comparison to other Pd catalysts, the PdNi/HPCS-NH2 catalysts displayed remarkable activity for Suzuki coupling reaction and hydro reduction of nitroaromatics, which exhibited a high turnover frequency value (TOF) of 37,857 h−1 and 680.9 h−1, respectively. These were mainly due to the high dispersion of the PdNi NPs and the superior structure of the carriers. Moreover, the catalysts did not experience a significant decline in activity after ten cycles. All in all, this investigation has created a new approach for the fabrication of novel carriers for Pd catalysts, which is in line with the concept of green chemistry and recyclable.

Assessing the Limit of CO2 Storage in Seawater as Bicarbonate-Enriched Solutions.

The dissolution of CO2 in seawater in the form of bicarbonate ions is an attractive alternative to storage in geological formations, on the condition that the storage is stable over long periods and does not harm the marine environment. In this work, we focus on the long-term chemical stability of CO2 absorbed in seawater as bicarbonate by monitoring the physico-chemical properties of the solutions (pH, dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity) in six different sets of experiments on both natural and artificial seawater lasting up to three months. The bicarbonate treatment of natural seawater consists of mixing it with pre-equilibrated solutions obtained from the reaction of CO2 and Ca(OH)2, with the same pH as natural seawater. This was achieved with a pilot plant working with tons of seawater, while small-scale laboratory experiments were carried out by adding sodium bicarbonate to artificial seawater solutions. If the increase in the overall carbon concentration in the final mixture does not exceed a critical threshold (about 1000-1500 μmol/L), the resulting bicarbonate-rich solutions are found to be stable for over three months.