Sodium Bicarbonate Research Articles

Detection of powder samples based on UV Raman-fluorescence spectroscopy

Rapid and accurate analysis of powder samples is crucial for public safety and food security. Raman spectroscopy, noted for its many advantages, traditionally faces issues of low sensitivity and limited detection information when analyzing powder samples. This paper explores a detection method for powder samples using ultraviolet (UV) Raman-fluorescence spectroscopy. By leveraging the principles of Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, a combined detection optical path was designed. Utilizing a 266 nm laser as the system light source, a UV Raman-fluorescence spectroscopy detection setup was constructed and seven representative powder samples were analyzed. The experimental results demonstrate that the setup effectively detects the Raman spectral features of inorganic powders like baking soda and extracts the fluorescence spectral features of organic powders such as 1,2,4,5-tetramethyltoluene. Additionally, it accurately analyzes the Raman and fluorescence spectral features of amino acids and glyphosate preparation powders. For complex powder samples with issues such as “substances with the same spectrum” and “complex and similar spectra”, UV Raman-fluorescence spectroscopy enhances spectral information dimensions, compensating for the limitations of traditional Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, a convolutional neural network algorithm was employed to analyze the measured data of the seven powder samples increased the average recognition accuracy (AVG) from 62.53% to 98.41%. This improvement further validates the effectiveness of the proposed method in recognizing the properties of powder samples.

The Effects of a Novel Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion System on Repeated 4km Cycling Time Trial Performance in Well-Trained Male Cyclists.

A novel sodium bicarbonate (SB) product has come to market named the "Bicarb System" (M-SB; Maurten AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). It claims to minimise gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort whilst still improving exercise performance. To investigate the effects of M-SB ingestion on repeated 4km cycling time trials (TT1 and TT2) in well-trained male cyclists. The study recruited ten well-trained cyclists (maximal oxygen uptake ( ): 67 ± 4mlkg-1min-1 BM; peak power output (PPO) at : 423 ± 21 W) to take part in this randomised, crossover and double-blinded study. Following one visit to determine , participants completed a second visit to identify individual time to peak blood bicarbonate (HCO3-) (ITTP) in a rested state. Visit three was a familiarisation trial mimicking the experimental procedures. Visits four to seven consisted of completing 2 × 4km cycling TTs separated by 45min passive recovery, following one of either: 0.3gkg-1 BM M-SB, 0.21gkg-1 BM sodium chloride (placebo; PLA) in vegetarian capsules (size 00), or a control trial (CON). Supplements (M-SB or placebo) were ingested pre-exercise at their respective ITTP. Performance in TT1 was faster in the M-SB condition compared with TT1 in CON (- 5.1s; p = 0.004) and PLA (- 3.5s; p < 0.001). In TT2, performance was also significantly faster in the M-SB condition compared with CON (- 4.4s; p = 0.018) or PLA (- 4.1s; p = 0.002). Total aggregated GI symptoms were generally low and not significantly different between PLA and the M-SB conditions for a range of symptoms. The ingestion of M-SB improves repeated 4km cycling TT performance and the recovery of acid-base balancebetween bouts, whilst causing minimal GI discomfort.

Optimizing Soaking and Boiling Time in the Development of Tempeh-like Products from Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Tempeh is a fermented soybean food with high nutritional value, culinary versatility, and palatability. Its popularity is rising because it aligns with the trend towards sustainable and healthy plant-based diets. However, consumers have exhibited a strong preference for local ingredients over soy. Faba bean is a promising raw material in Scandinavia due to its high protein, dietary fiber, and phytochemical content. In this study, we evaluated the effects of soaking media (vinegar, water and sodium bicarbonate with or without lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) on boiling time and physicochemical properties of faba bean-based tempeh. We demonstrated that sodium bicarbonate, with and without LAB, significantly reduces the boiling time of faba beans (7–8 min), while beans soaked in vinegar and water with and without LAB require longer boiling times for tempeh production (&gt;16 min). Texture analysis has revealed notable variations among the samples, with statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) observed across the majority of the measured attributes. Our study has demonstrated that faba beans are suitable for tempeh production and expand the sources of possible raw materials. However, further studies are needed to investigate consumers’ preferences and expectations towards faba bean-based tempeh.

Chronic nonspecific cheilitis associated with tislelizumab treatment in a patient with a history of tongue squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

BackgroundChronic nonspecific cheilitis is a complex condition characterized by persistent lip peeling and discomfort. This case report explores the clinical progression of a patient with history of tongue squamous cell carcinoma and subsequent Tislelizumab treatment, presenting with persistent lip peeling.Case presentationA patient with a history of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (T2N0M0), treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and Tislelizumab, presented with six months of persistent lip peeling. Clinical examination revealed distinct features of chronic nonspecific cheilitis with infectious angular cheilitis (Oral Candidiasis). A tailored treatment plan, emphasizing oral hygiene practices and local treatments with Sodium Bicarbonate, Tacrolimus ointment, and Chlortetracycline ointment. Follow-up visits demonstrated sustained improvement, highlighting the significance of individualized approaches.ConclusionsThis case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing oral manifestations in patients with a history of cancer and immunotherapy. The patient’s response to treatment suggests that a multifaceted approach, combining local therapy with lifestyle modifications, can be effective in managing chronic nonspecific cheilitis associated with immunotherapy. Routine follow-up appointments, guided by personalized medicine principles, contribute to sustained patient well-being.

Valpalf®: A New Nutraceutical Formulation Containing Bovine Lactoferrin That Exhibits Potentiated Biological Activity.

As a nutraceutical, bovine lactoferrin (bLf), an iron-binding glycoprotein involved in innate immunity, is gaining elevated attention for its ability to exert pleiotropic functions and to be exceptionally tolerated even at high dosages. Some of bLf's activities, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, are tightly linked to its ability to both chelate iron and enter inside the cell nucleus. Here, we present data about Valpalf®, a new formulation containing bLf, sodium citrate, and sodium bicarbonate at a molar ratio of 10-3. In the present study, Valpalf® exhibits superior iron-binding capacity, resistance to tryptic digestion, and a greater capacity to accumulate into the nucleus over time when compared to the native bLf alone. In agreement, Valpalf® effectively reduces interleukin(IL)-6 levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and modulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase 1 and 2, in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-stimulated monocytes. Of note, this potentiated bioactivity was corroborated in a retrospective study on the treatment of anemia of inflammation in hereditary thrombophilic pregnant and non-pregnant women, demonstrating that Valpalf® improves hematological parameters and reduces serum IL-6 levels to a higher extent than bLf alone.

Effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on ventilatory and cerebrovascular responses in resting heated humans.

Hyperthermia stimulates ventilation in humans. This hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation may be mediated by the activation of peripheral chemoreceptors implicated in the regulation of respiration in reaction to various chemical stimuli, including reductions in arterial pH. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that during passive heating at rest, the increases in arterial pH achieved with sodium bicarbonate ingestion, which could attenuate peripheral chemoreceptors activity, mitigate hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation. We also assessed that the effect of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on cerebral blood flow responses, which are associated with hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation. Twelve healthy men ingested a sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg body weight) or sodium chloride (0.208 g/kg). One hundred minutes after the ingestion, the participants were passively heated using hot-water immersion (42°C) combined with a water-perfused suit. Increases in esophageal temperature (an index of core temperature) and minute ventilation (VE) during the heating were similar in the two trials. Moreover, when VE is expressed as a function of esophageal temperature, there were no between-trial differences in the core temperature threshold for hyperventilation (37.9 ± 0.3 vs. 38.0 ± 0.4°C, P = 0.338), and sensitivity of hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation as assessed by the slope of the core temperature-VE relation (13.7 ± 14.9 vs. 15.8 ± 15.6 L/min/°C, P = 0.748). Furthermore, middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (an index of cerebral blood flow) decreased similarly with heating duration in both trials. These results suggest that sodium bicarbonate ingestion does not mitigate hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation and the reductions in cerebral blood flow index in resting heated humans.

Anaesthetic effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, baking soda) and its effect on Hematological parameters of three spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii, Castelnau 1861) broodstock

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the optimal concentration of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and its effect on the Hematological parameters of three-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) broodstock. Using a Completely Randomized Design, 150 broodstock (weight: 180 ± 10 g) were immersed in nine NaHCO3 concentrations (0–50 g/L) in triplicate. Induction and recovery times were recorded, and Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), and Hemoglobin (Hb) were measured. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) were calculated. Induction time decreased and recovery time increased with higher NaHCO3 concentrations, without any mortality. A 10 g/L concentration only significantly affected RBC and PCV. At 45 and 50 g/L there were significant changes to MCH, while significant increase was observed at 10 and 15 g/L in Hb and WBC, respectively. The optimal concentrations established for routine handling in hatcheries were 30 and 35 g/L.

A longitudinal assessment of major mouthwashes used in alleviating pain and xerostomia among advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients receiving chemoradiotherapy.

This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the overall efficacy of mouthwashes in oral mucositis pain and mucositis xerostomia in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) at different phases throughout treatment. A longitudinal study enrolled 79 advanced NPC subjects receiving CCRT. The subjects were interviewed prospectively three times over 7 weeks for pain and xerostomia scores based on the various types of mouthwash used. The median pain score difference and median xerostomia score difference were utilised to determine mouthwash superiority. Participants completed three interviews, during which 480 instances of mouthwash use were observed throughout different phases of the treatment period. The results showed that the median pain scores between mouthwashes differed significantly, H-Stat(3) = 30.0, 25.7 and 26.0, respectively, with p < 0.001 for all three interviews. The pain score reductions of lidocaine mouthwash (median = 2, interquartile range (IQR) = 3, 2 and 2.75 over the three interviews, respectively) were significantly higher than those of benzydamine and sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes. There were no significant differences between the studied mouthwashes in their xerostomia score reductions. Lidocaine mouthwash was superior in managing oral mucositis pain at all phases throughout the entire chemoradiotherapy treatment for advanced NPC patients. There was insufficient evidence to determine the preferred mouthwash for treating oral mucositis xerostomia.

LACTOFERRIN IN THE TREATMENT OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY.

Interstitial cystitis (IC), defined as a painful bladder syndrome (PBS), is a chronic condition that manifests itself as a suprapubic pain associated with an enhancing of frequency/urgency of urination, and for which there is no cure. Here, we present a retrospective pilot study on women affected from IC/PBS and treated with bovine lactoferrin (bLf). A total of 31 women, affected (20) or unaffected (11) from hereditary thrombophilia (HT), presented the median of 6 episodes of IC/PBS during the 6 months before the study. Treatment consisted of 17 weeks of orally administered Valpalf® capsules, containing bLf plus sodium bicarbonate and citrate. Out of 31 patients, only 3 women had one episode of IC/PBS during the follow-up period, while no episode was observed in 28 women. In the HT group, a significant decrease in both serum IL-6 and D-dimers was found after Valpalf® treatment. Moreover, in Valpalf®-treated women, cystoscopy revealed a global improvement in the appearance of the bladder, especially in term of inflammation/irritation and presence of Hunner ulcers. Even if our results must be corroborated by randomized double-blinded controlled trials on a larger number of patients, our observations indicate that bLf treatment is efficient in relieving IC/PBS symptoms, without side effects.

Sodium Bicarbonate In In-Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Literature Review.

Cardiac arrest is a common cause of death worldwide. Sodium bicarbonate (SB) has commonly been used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to correct metabolic acidosis (MA). However, the existence of evidence about its administration remains controversial. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effectiveness of SB in patients with in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We searched Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for studies that used SB in cardiac arrest, from November 1962 until December 2023. A totalof 372 records were identified and 12 studies were included. Despite few studies suggesting that SB may improve outcomes inprolonged CPR, the overall data revealed that SBwas associated with lower rates of ROSC andoutcomes.This review conceded that there is limited evidence to warrant the use of SB during CPR other than under specific conditions, which include hyperkalemic cardiac arrest, severe cardiotoxicity, or overdose due to tricyclic antidepressants. In conclusion, SB is not recommended for conventional use in patients with cardiac arrest. Further studies should be performed to determine whether ithasany benefit in these scenarios.

Chemical gasification: An alternative approach to invitro maturation of bovine oocytes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chemical gasification and HEPES as alternative systems to pH control during invitro maturation on bovine oocytes competence. Groups of 20 bovine cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were randomly distributed and cultured for 24 h in one of the following experimental groups: (i) chemical reaction (ChRG) system: CO2 generated from sodium bicarbonate and citric acid reaction (ii) culture media TCM-HEPES (HEPES-G); and (iii) control group (CNTG) in conventional incubator. After invitro maturation (IVM), the COCs were invitro fertilized (IVF), and invitro cultivated (IVC) in a conventional incubator. We evaluated oocyte nuclear maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rates, in addition to the relative mRNA expression of BAX, BMP-15, AREG and EREG genes in oocytes and cumulus cells. The proportion of oocytes in metaphase II was higher in CNTG and ChRG (77.57% and 77.06%) than in the HEPES-G (65.32%; p = .0408 and .0492, respectively). The blastocyst production was similar between CNTG and ChRG (26.20% and 28.47%; p = .4232) and lower (p = .001) in the HEPES-G (18.71%). The relative mRNA expression of BAX gene in cumulus cells was significantly higher (p = .0190) in the HEPES-G compared to the CNTG. Additionally, the relative mRNA expression of BMP-15 gene was lower (p = .03) in oocytes from HEPES-G compared to the CNTG. In conclusion, inadequate atmosphere control has a detrimental effect on oocyte maturation. Yet, the use of chemical gasification can be an efficient alternative to bovine COCs cultivation.

Factors predicting the return of spontaneous circulation rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in China: Development and evaluation of predictive nomogram

BackgroundThis study aimed to construct and internally validate a probability of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate nomogram in a Chinese population of patients with cardiac arrest (CA). MethodsPatients with CA receiving standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were studied retrospectively. The minor absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and multivariable logistic regression evaluated various demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. A predictive nomogram was constructed and evaluated for accuracy and reliability using C-index, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsA cohort of 508 patients who had experienced CA and received standard CPR was randomly divided into training (70 %, n = 356) and validation groups (30 %, n = 152) for the study. LASSO regression analysis and multivariable logistic regression revealed that thirteen variables, such as age, CPR start time, Electric defibrillation, Epinephrine, Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), CPR Compression duration, The postoperative prothrombin (PT) time, Lactate (Lac), Cardiac troponin (cTn), Potassium (K+), D-dimer, Hypertension (HBP), and Diabetes mellitus (DM), were found to be independent predictors of the ROSC rate of CPR. The nomogram model showed exceptional discrimination, with a C-index of 0.933 (95 % confidence interval: 0.882–0.984). Even in the internal validation, a remarkable C-index value of 0.926 (95 % confidence interval: 0.875–0.977) was still obtained. The accuracy and reliability of the model were also verified by the AUC of 0.923 in the training group and 0.926 in the validation group. The calibration curve showed the model agreed with the actual results. DCA suggested that the predictive nomogram had clinical utility. ConclusionsA predictive nomogram model was successfully established and proved to identify the influencing factors of the ROSC rate in patients with CA. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, adjusting the emergency treatment based on the influence factors on ROSC rate is suggested to improve the treatment rate of patients with CA.

Influence of Green Chemical Treatments on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Poly(3‐Hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐Hydroxyhexanoate)–Agave Americana Fibers Biocomposites

AbstractThis work aims at investigating the effect of two eco‐friendly chemical treatments of Agave Americana fibers (AAFs) on morphology and mechanical properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) biocomposites prepared by melt compounding. Acid citric and sodium bicarbonate treatments are used separately to modify the fiber surface before their incorporation into PHBHHx matrix at 30 wt%. The study reveals through SEM observations that the fracture surface of untreated PHBHHx biocomposite shows a poor fiber‐matrix adhesion with the presence of many microvoids at interface and also some fibers pullout. However, less surface defects with a finer morphology are observed on the treated biocomposite samples resulting in improved tensile and flexural properties compared with neat polymer, being however, more pronounced for those modified with sodium bicarbonate. The study highlights the beneficial effect of the green treatments investigated to enhance the mechanical properties of PHBHHx biocomposites.

Evaluation of drinking water quality and associated health risks in Adama City, Ethiopia

Drinking water deterioration causes to risk of public health which is essential to supply safe water to the public. This study assessed groundwater quality and health risks in Adama City by analyzing groundwater and chlorine samples. Ion photometry techniques detected anions and cations, ensuring accuracy with quality control protocols. Water Quality Index (WQI) and chlorine decay modeling via WaterGEMs assessed water quality. Hazard index (HI) calculations evaluated exposure risks; Pearson correlation analyzed physicochemical relationships. Findings highlighted water quality and hazards. Aquachem software analyzed Adama's groundwater, revealing high total alkalinity and potassium exceeding WHO limits. Other parameters (nitrate, nitrite, chloride, fluoride, and sulfate) met WHO standards. Sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and boron also complied. Multivariate analysis showed significant parameter associations. Water types included Ca–Na–HCO3 (27.27 %), Na–Ca–HCO3 (36.36 %), Na–Ca–Mg–HCO3, Na–HCO3 (9.09 % each), and Na–Mg–HCO3 (18.18 %). Drinking Water Quality Index rated boreholes as "Good." Health risk assessments found no significant fluoride, iron, or manganese risks across ages. Chlorine residual analysis indicated 74 % had levels below WHO recommendations, prompting chlorine dosing adjustments. Findings inform groundwater management in Adama City.

Eco‐Friendly Chemical Modification of Agave Americana Fibers for Biocomposite Properties Enhancement

AbstractChemical treatments are used to remove hydrophilic OH groups and surface particles from the fiber surface for increasing aspect ratio of fibers and subsequently, mechanical properties. In this paper, the effect of two eco‐friendly chemical treatments on morphology, chemical structure, and thermal stability of Agave Americana fibers (AAFs) is investigated. The first chemical treatment of AAF is based on citric acid (C6H8O7) to substitute OH groups contained in AAF by ester groups, while the second one involves sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to remove the lignin and hemicellulose components with the aim to promote good fiber‐matrix adhesion. Attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) data shows that both treatments are efficient to remove hemicelluloses and a part of lignin contained in AAF resulting in a rough and clean fiber surface. Thermal stability of AAF has clearly increased by NaHCO3 treatment compared to untreated one, unlike C6H8O7, which reduces this property. The study highlights the possibility of substituting conventional polluting chemical treatments with environmentally friendly ones to modify the surface of plant fibers for polymer composites reinforcement.

Kidney and Cardiovascular Protection Using Dietary Acid Reduction in Primary Hypertension: A Five-Year, Interventional, Randomized, Control Trial

BackgroundHigh fruit and vegetable diets are associated with reduced chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease but are infrequently used in hypertension treatment. Low acid diets are also associated with reduced chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, and fruits and vegetables or oral sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) lowers dietary acid. MethodsWe randomized 153 hypertensive macroalbuminuric patients receiving pharmacologic chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease protection to get fruits and vegetables, oral NaHCO3, or Usual Care. We assessed the course of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular disease risk indices over five years. ResultsChronic kidney disease progression was slower in participants receiving fruits and vegetables or oral NaHCO3 than Usual Care [mean (SE)] [−1.08 (0.06) and −1.17 (0.07) vs. −1.94 (0.11) mL/min/1.73m2/ year, respectively, P’s< .001). Yet, systolic blood pressure was lower, and cardiovascular disease risk indices improved more in participants receiving fruits and vegetables than in those receiving NaHCO3 or Usual Care. These cardiovascular benefits of fruits and vegetables were achieved despite lower doses of pharmacologic chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease protection. ConclusionThe trial supports fruits and vegetables as foundational hypertension treatment to reduce chronic kidney disease progression and cardiovascular disease risk.

Bicarbonate concentration influences carbon utilization rates and biochemical profiles of freshwater and marine microalgae.

Selecting the optimal microalgal strain for carbon capture and biomass production is crucial for ensuring the commercial viability of microalgae-based biorefinery processes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying bicarbonate concentrations on the growth rates, inorganic carbon (IC) utilization, and biochemical composition of three freshwater and two marine microalgal species. Parachlorella kessleri, Vischeria cf. stellata, and Porphyridium purpureum achieved the highest carbon removal efficiency (>85%) and biomass production at 6gL-1 sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), while Phaeodactylum tricornutum showed optimal performance at 1gL-1 NaHCO3. The growth and carbon removal rate of Scenedesmus quadricauda increased with increasing NaHCO3 concentrations, although its highest carbon removal efficiency (∼70%) was lower than the other species. Varying NaHCO3 levels significantly impacted the biochemical composition of P. kessleri, S. quadricauda, and P. purpureum but did not affect the composition of the remaining species. The fatty acid profiles of the microalgae were dominated by C16 and C18 fatty acids, with P. purpureum and P. tricornutum yielding relatively high polyunsaturated fatty acid content ranging between 14% and 30%. Furthermore, bicarbonate concentration had a species-specific effect on the fatty acid and chlorophyll-a content. This study demonstrates the potential of bicarbonate as an effective IC source for microalgal cultivation, highlighting its ability to select microalgal species for various applications based on their carbon capture efficiency and biochemical composition.

The Effect of Oral Care Protocols on Mucositis in Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Aims: Standard oral care protocols can reduce the incidence of mucositis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the "Oral Care Protocol" containing sodium bicarbonate or saline on mucositis development, degree, and duration in pediatric cancer patients. Methods: This study is a blind, parallel trial design, randomized controlled study. Patients (n = 43) who received inpatient chemotherapy treatment for more than three days at the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit were included. The oral care protocol with saline was given to the patients in the control group (n = 22), and the oral care protocol with sodium bicarbonate was given to the patients in the study group (n = 21). The primary outcome was the development of mucositis. The secondary outcomes were mucositis degree, patient data at the time of mucositis development, and the duration of mucositis. The characteristics of the patients in the study and control groups and the data of patients with and without mucositis were compared with Fisher's exact test, t-test, and chi-square analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the study and control groups in terms of mean age, gender, diagnosis, relapse status, treatment stage, risk group, and treatment protocols. Mucositis developed in 18.2% of the patients in the control group and 9.5% of the patients in the study group. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of mucositis development, degree, and duration. Conclusions: The oral care protocol with sodium bicarbonate can be used to prevent mucositis in pediatric cancer patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCTXXX.

Availability of antidotes for drug poisonings and doctors’ perspectives thereof

Drug poisoning is an important area of study in South Africa as a treatable cause of mortality. While research has been conducted on poisoning, there is a paucity of literature on the availability of antidotes in South Africa. The objectives of this study were to assess the availability of antidotes in selected teaching hospitals in the Southern Gauteng City-Region and to explore doctors’ experiences of antidote supply. The availability of antidotes in the emergency departments (EDs) and pharmacies was assessed and recorded using a data sheet that was completed in person at each of the teaching hospitals. A questionnaire exploring experiences of antidote supply was distributed to 126 doctors working in the EDs. Our results indicate that N-acetylcysteine, atropine, diazepam, clonazepam, sodium bicarbonate, vitamin K, calcium gluconate, naloxone, ethanol, and pyridoxine were present in all EDs; activated charcoal was present in 80%; lorazepam, glycopyrrolate, and calcium chloride in 60%; freeze-dried plasma in 40%; glucagon and desferrioxamine in 20%; and fresh frozen plasma, hydroxocobalamin, sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, sodium calcium edetate, and intralipid were not present in any of the EDs. Doctors reported organophosphate poisoning and paracetamol overdose as the most common drug poisonings (81.7% and 14.3% of 126 respondents, respectively). Most doctors experienced no supply issues for N-acetylcysteine, calcium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, or pyridoxine (85.7%, 83.3%, 87.3%, and 75.4% of 126 respondents, respectively). The antidotes to the most common poisonings reported by doctors were present in all EDs. However, concerns were raised about consistency of supply, which will be an important avenue for further research.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults—a single-center experience

BackgroundThe survival benefit of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in adult patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency and potential prognostic factors of VV-ECMO for severe ARDS in adults by evaluating our institutional experience and results.Materials and methodsThis research studied ARDS patients receiving VV-ECMO between June 2011 and May 2023. The inclusion criteria were PaO2/FiO2 < 100 mmHg at FiO2 of 1.0. Retrospective data was analyzed to identify factors associated with successful ECMO weaning and hospital discharge survival.ResultsA total of 18 patients were included in this study, with 7 cases (38.9%) successfully weaned from ECMO and 5 cases (27.8%) surviving hospital discharge. The overall complication rate was 77.8%. After treatment with VV ECMO, there were statistically significant improvements in both PaO2 and PaCO2 (P < 0.05). Patients in the successful weaning group had a lower pTB value, less accumulative volume of sodium bicarbonate during ECMO, and lower accumulative volume of intravenous immunoglobulin in the hospital compared to the unsuccessful weaning group (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared to the non-survivors, the survivors had less severe acidosis, higher mean arterial pressure before ECMO, a lower level of pCr, and a lower pTB value during ECMO (all P < 0.05).ConclusionECMO can effectively promote oxygenation and carbon dioxide (CO2) removal in patients with severe ARDS. Early initiation of ECMO with appropriate management could benefit in reducing comorbidities and mortality.