Bicarbonate Solution Research Articles

An intensive study on pesticides contamination and its removal in fruits and vegetables collected from Ghaziabad, India

These days pesticides are extensively applied in agriculture to increase productivity; although these pesticides increase productivity but also have a negative impact on the consumer. Thus, pesticide exposure in agricultural products must be decreased. The present study attempted to assess pesticide residues in samples of apple, tomato, and brinjal and determine the efficacy of washing solutions in pesticide removal. For sample preparation, the QuEChERS method was employed, and prepared samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results of the study revealed that among the collected samples, 58.33 percent samples were showing lower pesticide residues as compared to the maximum residue limit (MRL) while 12.5 percent of the samples were showing higher pesticides residues as compared to the suggested MRL. Further, from the collected fruits and vegetable samples, the presence of the chlorantraniliprole, carbendazim, beta endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, malathion, carbaryl, thiomethoxam, DDT, and flubendiamide were detected in the range of 0.0–1.41 mg/kg. Among the detected pesticides, chlorpyrifos and flubendiamide were the most commonly detected pesticides. Effectiveness of different washing solutions was studied, which indicated a significant reduction in residues of all the washing solutions compared with the control (p < 0.05) and concluded that ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate solution was very effective in pesticides removal compared with water and chemical alone.

Caesium and iodine release from spent mixed oxide fuels under repository relevant conditions: Initial leaching results

Autoclave leaching experiments are conducted on three well-characterised, irradiated, and cladded mixed oxide fuel-rod segments with burnups ranging from 29 GWd/tHM to 52 GWd/tHM to investigate the instant release fraction of fission gases and long-lived fission products and to assess the long-term fuel matrix corrosion. The segments are exposed to bicarbonate solutions as reference groundwater at neutral pH and a synthetic young cementitious water at pH 13.5 under reducing atmosphere (4 vol% H2 in Ar at 40 bar pressure), since 2018. The initial leaching results for the fission products caesium and iodine as representative elements of the instant release fraction were found to depend on the leachate composition as well as on the fuel burnup.Graphical abstract

PH-taxis drives aerobic bacteria in duodenum to migrate into the pancreas with tumors

As oral or intestinal bacteria have been found in pancreatic cystic fluid and tumors, understanding bacterial migration from the duodenum into the pancreas via hepato-pancreatic duct is critical. Mathematical models of migration of aerobic bacteria from the duodenum to the pancreas with tumors were developed. Additionally, the bacterial distributions under the pH gradient and those under flow were measured in double-layer flow based microfluidic device and T-shaped cylinders. Migration of aerobic bacteria from the duodenum into pancreas is counteracted by bile and pancreatic juice flow but facilitated by pH-taxis from acidic duodenum fluid toward more favorable slightly alkaline pH in pancreatic juice. Additionally, the reduced flow velocity in cancer patients, due to compressed pancreatic duct by solid tumor, facilitates migration. Moreover, measured distribution of GFP E. coli under the pH gradient in a microfluidic device validated pH-tactic behaviors. Furthermore, Pseudomonas fluorescens in hydrochloride solution, but not in bicarbonate solution, migrated upstream against bicarbonate flow of > 20 μm/s, with an advancement at approximately 50 μm/s.

Simultaneous determination of monochloropropanediol esters and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils by acidic transesterification-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

建立了一种气相色谱-质谱同时测定植物油中3-氯丙二醇酯、2-氯丙二醇酯和缩水甘油酯的方法。称取0.25 g样品,依次加入内标工作液、四氢呋喃和酸性溴化钠溶液,50 ℃水浴反应15 min,加入6 g/L碳酸氢钠溶液终止反应,使用正己烷提取,上层液经氮气吹干后用四氢呋喃溶解。随后加入1.8%(v/v)硫酸-甲醇溶液于40 ℃恒温水浴中反应16 h,加入饱和碳酸氢钠溶液终止反应。样液再经过净化、衍生、提取、氮吹后,以1 mL正己烷定容,过膜,进样测定。采用毛细管气相色谱柱DB-5MS(30 m×0.25 mm×1 μm)分离,程序升温,电子轰击电离(EI)源检测,在选择离子扫描模式下,以保留时间和特征离子信息进行定性分析,内标法定量。结果表明,3-氯丙二醇酯、2-氯丙二醇酯和缩水甘油酯在0.01~0.80 mg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数(r2)均在0.999以上,方法的检出限(S/N=3)和定量限(S/N=10)分别为25、25、20 μg/kg和75、75、60 μg/kg。选取4种不同基质类型的样品,在低、中、高3个不同添加水平下的平均回收率为89.0%~98.7%,相对标准偏差(RSD)在2.05%~7.81%之间。采用该方法测定了市售112份植物油样本,其中有84份样本检出3-氯丙二醇酯、2-氯丙二醇酯和缩水甘油酯。与已建立的国家标准方法(GB 5009.191-2016)和行业标准方法(SN/T 5220-2019)相比,该方法所采用的酸性酯交换法可避免副反应(碱性条件下3-氯丙二醇、2-氯丙二醇及3-溴丙二醇向游离态缩水甘油转化)的发生,同时该方法也弥补了国家标准和行业标准无法对3-氯丙二醇酯、2-氯丙二醇酯和缩水甘油酯同时进行测定的缺失。该方法实验操作更高效,结果更准确、重复性更好,对我国植物油中3-氯丙二醇酯、2-氯丙二醇酯和缩水甘油酯污染水平的控制、检测标准的制定和生产工艺的优化具有一定的理论和现实意义。

Underestimation of Dry Matter of Anaerobic Media with High Bicarbonate Concentration

In the anaerobic digestion world, the dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) contents of the samples are major data for the design, handling, and maintenance of the processing of biogas plants. Volatile compounds, such as volatile fatty acids and ammonia, are likely to volatilize during drying at 105 °C and, thus, distort DM values; they have been described at length in the literature. On the other hand, the partial decomposition of bicarbonate, present in the digestion media, has been little described in the scientific literature. In this work, it appears that, in accordance with the stoichiometry of the partial decomposition of bicarbonate into CO2 and H2O, about 37% is volatilized as early as 70 °C and a fortiori at 105 °C, whether in aqueous solutions of pure bicarbonate or in different real digester media. With freeze-drying, no degradation of bicarbonate was observed, confirming the thermo-dependence of this reaction. This decomposition leads to an underestimation of DM measurements and some erroneous DM mass balances. It also led to an indirect overestimation of the OM, when expressed as a percentage of the DM.

Hydrolytic Proteins of Sugarcane: The Q Enzyme

A polysaccharide branching factor, apparently identical with the Q enzyme of potatoes, has been extracted from sugarcane leaves and partly characterized. Procedures used successfully by other workers to isolate the Q enzyme from potato extracts failed to yield the branching system free from other catalysts of sugarcane. A preparation satisfactory for characterization studies was obtained by precipitating protein from water extracts with lead acetate, eluting the precipitate with bicarbonate solution, and fractionating the bicarbonate extract with ammonium sulfate. The Q enzyme was precipitated between 0 and 35-percent saturation, at pH 7.2 and 22°C. The 0 to 35-percent fraction was virtually free of acid phosphatase and ß-amylase. Traces of starch phosphorylase (P enzyme) were present but caused no difficulty in the absence of phosphate buffers. However, an amylase of the a type was present, which interferred seriously with Q enzyme measurements in acid media, particularly in the area of pH 4 to 5. Q enzyme was moderately active between pH 6.5 and 9.0, with optimum pH at approximately 7.5. The α-amylase was very weak at pH values higher than 6.5. Soluble potato starch was employed as substrate throughout these studies. Optimum concentration was 2.0 to 2.5 mg./ml. of digest, α-amylase was most active against 0.5 mg./ml. of digest. Q enzyme experienced an 85-percent inhibition by lead ions, 0.5 mg./ml., when acting upon a substrate level of 0.25 mg./ml. of digest. Increasing the starch concentration to 2.5 mg./ml. partly removed the lead effects, indicating that the inhibition was competitive. Fluoride, 0.025 mg./ml., completely eliminated α-amylase activity at pH 7.5, but had little effect at pH 4.0. α-amylase was also suppressed by copper. Dialysis against distilled water had little effect upon Q enzyme, but strongly retarded amylase after 6 and 10 hours. Twenty-two-hour dialysis caused no further changes in either enzyme. The most favorable temperature tested with Q enzyme was 30°C, although the system was fairly active at temperatures as low as 7°C. α-amylase was not active at 7°C, but achieved the maximum rate measured at 26°C. A series of sugarcane tissues was tested for Q enzyme, including meristem, leaves +1 and +2, leaves +6 and +7, sheaths +1 and +2, 8 to 10 nodes, and 8 to 10 internodes. Activity was far greater in leaves +6 and +7 than any other tissue tested, α-amylase was most active in the meristem preparations. Electrophoresis studies showed that the 0 to 35-percent fraction was composed of at least three distinct protein constituents. These were presumed to represent Q enzyme, α-amylase, and starch phosphorylase. The significance of Q enzyme in sugarcane is briefly discussed. A diagram is presented to illustrate the role of the polysaccharide branching factor in relation to the starch -and sucrose-forming pathways.

Pyrite oxidation by nitrate and nitrite in sodium bicarbonate solution under anoxic and abiotic conditions

Pyrite reactivity with nitrate and nitrite was assessed in long-term batch tests to assess its possible oxidation in anoxic conditions at pH 8.5, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This was done in the frame of compatibility studies of nitrate-containing radioactive waste with a pyrite-containing clay host rock for geological disposal. Abiotic pyrite suspensions were prepared under inert atmosphere in 15 mM bicarbonate medium, as this simulates the inorganic carbon and pH conditions in the pore water of Boom Clay, which is a potential host rock for geological disposal in Belgium. Two forms of pyrite powder were used, formed via different genetic pathways and exhibiting a different morphology, namely pyrite obtained by crushing a large crystal cluster and pyrite extracted from Boom Clay by flotation. The reactivity of these two pyrite forms with nitrate and nitrite is reported and compared. Overall, after 2–2.5 years under abiotic conditions and inert atmosphere, no significant reaction between crushed pyrite and nitrate was detected, while a very limited reaction was observed between Boom Clay pyrite and nitrate. Between pyrite and nitrite, which is known to be more reactive than nitrate, a slow reaction took place for both forms of pyrite, with no significantly higher reactivity with the Boom Blay pyrite. The variability between the replicates of Boom Clay pyrite were also larger than for crushed pyrite. Overall, nitrate and nitrite induced a very limited, if any, oxidation reaction of the pyrite powders. These observations are important in assessing the safety of geological disposal of nitrate-containing radioactive waste.

Evaluation of the efficacy of the anti-ulcer oral mucosal protective agent RADoralex® in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced oral mucosal reactions induced during treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antiulcer oral mucosal protectant-RADoralex® in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced oral mucosal reactions elicited during intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A total of 90 patients with locally advanced NPC who developed post-treatment grade 1 oral mucositis were selected for this study. They were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 44) treated by mouth rinsing with the RADoralex® during radiochemotherapy and the control group (n = 43) treated by mouth rinsing with sodium bicarbonate solution, and the patients’ oral mucosal conditions, quality of life, weight change and oral pain levels were analyzed. The incidence of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0 grade 2 and grade 3 oral mucositis were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Compared to the control group, the time to progression, and the time from the end of treatment to oral mucosa healing in the experimental group was significantly shorter. The experimental group lost 8.66 ± 3.543% of their body weight during treatment period, while the control group lost 12.53 ± 4.284% (p < .001). From the beginning the 3rd week of treatment to the 2nd week after the end of treatment, the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS) scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .05). RADoralex® significantly reduced the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in patients with locally advanced NPC during radiochemotherapy, delayed the progression of oral mucositis.

Ultraviolet radiation and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) preservatives for inactivation of Aspergillus niger in vitro and corn dough

Corn is the main cereal produced in the world, it is also used for direct human consumption and for the production of various food products; however, it is prone to being contaminated by fungi, especially by mycotoxin producers. Aspergillus spp. is a contaminant fungus related to postharvest of stored grains, especially in corn. This study evaluated the effect of Ultraviolet radiation (UV) and Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) treatments on the inhibition of mycelial growth of A. niger (GIBI_00056) in vitro and in corn (Zea mays L.) dough. For the in vitro study, UV radiation and solutions of citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium benzoate, and ascorbic acid were used, which were added to PDA agar in which A. niger was inoculated and evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h. Subsequently, the best treatment was selected and applied in different concentrations in an A. niger inoculated corn dough, thus evaluating the incidence of contamination at 24, 48, and 72 h. The sodium bicarbonate and sodium benzoate solutions had the best effect on the inhibition of A. niger in vitro compared to the control, whereas the other treatments evaluated did not show differences in the mycelial inhibition. In the corn dough inoculated with A. niger, the effect of sodium bicarbonate depended on the concentration used; the lowest incidence of contamination of the microorganism at 72 h was 0% with 1.8 and 2.7% (w/w) of sodium bicarbonate, whereas the highest was for the control with 100% incidence. The potential of sodium bicarbonate to inactivate A. niger growth in vitro and corn dough was observed.

Ветеринарно-санитарная экспертиза сырого молока при использовании консервантов для лабораторных исследований

In this scientific work presents the results of veterinary and sanitary examination of raw milk during canning of samples intended for laboratory testing. The effect of a solution of potassium bicarbonate, glycerin, a food additive nizin, a biologically active additive "Yagel" and beeswax on the organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of milk was studied. It was found that the organoleptic parameters of milk were not changed and remained consistent with the indicators of fresh milk for 3 days only when preserving chilled samples with a natural food additive nizin (E-234). The density of the milk under study was not affected by potassium bicarbonate, nizin and wax; only nizin contributed to the preservation of the original acidity value. None of the tested substances affected the preservation of the initial total contamination of milk. Nizin at room temperature had a preservative effect only on the 1st day of the experiment. Based on the cost of preservatives, it is most economically advantageous to use potassium bicarbonate, nisin and wax. All preservatives, except potassium bicarbonate, are safe. Nizin showed the best test results for the preservation of organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of raw milk samples, subject to storage of 8 °C.

STUDIES ON THE LIQUID PHASE EXTRACTION AND SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF 6-CHLORO3-HYDROXY-7-METHYL-2-(2’-FURYL) -4H-CHROMEN-4-ONE COMPLEX OF PALLADIUM(II)

6-Chloro-3-hydroxy-7-methyl-2-(2’-furyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (CHMFC) has been suggested to be a good colorforming chemical agent for palladium determination in traces in its divalent oxidation state. In 0.025-0.040 M sodium bicarbonate solution, CHMFC forms a yellow complex of the M:L ratio 1:1 on reaction with CHMFC. The various variables affecting the sensitivity of the formed complex are studied and an investigation of foreign ions is additionally done. The presented method of determination of palladium is effectively applied in Pd-charcoal catalyst, alloys, water samples from different sources and synthetic mixtures with an equitable degree of accuracy.

Mechanical performance of aloe vera/dharbai-based hybrid epoxy composites with enhanced NaHCO3 treatment

Natural materials have recently been used as reinforcing compounds. Natural fibres used as reinforcements include aloe vera and dharbai fibre. These fibres, as reinforced composites, require particular treatment to promote interaction with their matrices. This current investigation aims to resolve the combinational effect of sodium bicarbonate-based surface enhancement behaviour on the mechanical attributes of Aloe vera and dharbai-based hybrid natural composites. Both reinforcements were immersed in a 5–10% weight ratio sodium bicarbonate solution for an extended period of time to achieve the goals. Normally, the compression moulding system was utilized to fabricate the composites. The findings of this study have a favourable impact on the interaction of fibre and matrix, enhancing the composite strength. Compared to untreated fibre, a 10% sodium bicarbonate solution treatment yields positive outcomes for all mechanical properties (tensile and flexural). Furthermore, increasing the percentage resulted in small changes to the glass transition and through maximum altitudes. Examining the worn surface of composite materials validated the beneficial influence of the specified percentage of chemical solution.

Comparison of the alkalizing abilities between 1.35% sodium bicarbonate solutions with and without dextrose in healthy calves.

The present study aimed to clarify the alkalizing ability of 1.35% isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution (ISBS), which did not contain dextrose, compared with that of 1.35% isotonic bicarbonate sodium solution containing 4.03% dextrose (ISBD) in healthy calves. The calves were intravenously administered with 20.7 mL/kg of the solutions for 30 min as the volume required to correct base deficit of 10 mM. ISBS increased the blood pH, HCO3-, and base excess from 7.44 ± 0.02, 29.6 ± 1.9 mM, and 5.3 ± 2.1 mM to 7.49 ± 0.02, 36.9 ± 2.3 mM, and 13.5 ± 2.6 mM respectively (P<0.05). These factors for the ISBD group increased from 7.41 ± 0.02, 29.0 ± 1.1 mM, and 4.5 ± 1.3 mM to 7.43 ± 0.02, 33.5 ± 1.9 mM, and 9.5 ± 1.7 mM (P<0.05), respectively. Furthermore, in the ISBD group, the relative plasma volume and blood glucose level increased while the K+ level decreased, which did not occur in the ISBS group. Therefore, the results revealed that ISBS had better alkalizing ability in calves than ISBD.

Preliminary observation of the use of sodium bicarbonate solution as an adjunct in the treatment of coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19): prognosis improvement in patients requiring intensive care / Observação preliminar do uso de solução de bicarbonato de sódio como coadjuvante no tratamento da doença coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19): melhora do prognóstico na necessidade de terapia intensiva

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the use of sodium bicarbonate solution as an adjunct in the treatment of critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A group of 76 patients were followed up, of which 44 received treatment with a sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) solution along with the conventional treatment, and 32 patients used only the conventional treatment. Results: In patients treated, there was an improvement in radiological findings, a decrease in opacity and bilateral consolidations, as well as reduced length of stay in the ICU, and mortality. Conclusion: The use of NaHCO3 solution as an adjunct in the treatment of COVID-19 improved prognosis compared to conventional treatment.

Antitumor efficacy of an isolated hind legperfusion with a pH-increased solution in thePliss’ lymphosarcoma graft rat model

Background: The technique of regional isolated perfusion makes it possible to increase local levels of an anti-tumor agent, to perform the treatment procedure under hypothermia or hyperthermia, to reduce or even eliminate any systemic effect of a cytostatic on the patient. In this context, the use of isolated perfusion to modify the pH milieu of the tumor seems to be a promising strategy that could potentially ensure the anti-tumor effect.&#x0D; Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a rat limb perfusion with 4% NaHCO3 solution in vivo in the Pliss' lymphosarcoma rat graft model.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The experiment was carried out in Wistar rats with Pliss' lymphosarcoma graft. The isolated limb was perfused with an isotonic sodium chloride solution (the control group) or a 4% sodium bicarbonate solution (the treatment group). The following parameters were assessed: tumor node growth over time, survival rate, hematology analysis at various time points of the experiment, and histological examination of autopsy samples from the tumor.&#x0D; Results: Median survival in the group perfused with 4% NaHCO3 (N = 6) was 17.2 days, whereas in the non-perfused group (the pathogenesis group) (N = 4) and in the group perfused with isotonic saline (N = 5) they were 13.2 and 13.6 days, respectively. The risk of death in the treatment group was lower compared to that in the control group (Cox regression model, hazard ratio 0.129; 95% confidence interval 0.0280.583; p = 0.0079). There were no significant differences in the tumor growth rate over time in the perfused groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: A single exposure of the tumor micro-milieu in the model with isolated perfusion of the limb with Pliss' lymphosarcoma graft does not lead to any changes in the tumor growth kinetics, but is associated with a change in the animal survival.

Effect of Water-Based Disinfectants or Air-Drying on Dimensional Changes in a Thermoplastic Orthodontic Aligner.

The polymer structure of thermoplastic materials currently used to make aligners is altered by the oral conditions and this negatively affects their capacity to move teeth. This study aimed to compare different options for storing aligners when not in use by superimposing successive 3D images to identify which storage method least affects material shape and weight. Fifty PET-G aligners, produced using the CA Digital method, were divided into four groups (1A, 1B, 1C, and 2D) and were stored for 18 h a day in artificial saliva at 37 °C. Then, to mimic their storage conditions when not in use, aligners in group 1A were immersed for the remaining 8 hours a day in bicarbonate solution, those in group 1B in chlorhexidine solution, those in group 1C in distilled water, and those in group 2D were stored dry. The samples were scanned at the baseline (before the immersion cycles began) and again two weeks later. The digital scans were superimposed and the median deformation, its variability, and weight differences were recorded for each group. Statistical analysis showed aligner deformation (expansion) in all three groups stored in wet conditions, with a statistically significant difference between groups 1A and 1C. Aligners in group 2D shrank slightly, and to a significantly greater degree with respect to group 1C. Variability in the degree of deformation was similar among the three groups stored in wet conditions, but significantly greater in group 2D. Weight gains were recorded in all four groups, the smallest in group 2D and the largest in group 1A. Storing aligners in dry conditions promoted lower deformation in the material, involving a slight shrinkage, whereas wet storage conditions caused an expansion of the aligner, especially when distilled water is used.

Acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2): A solution of hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate as an expectorant for recanalization of the respiratory tract and blood oxygenation in respiratory obstruction (review)

The immediate cause of death of patients in the final stage of a new coronavirus infection is hypoxia, which develops due to respiratory obstruction. In accordance with the standard of treatment of patients with the most severe atypical pneumonia with COVID-19, artificial lung ventilation and extrapulmonary blood oxygenation are used to preserve their lives. However, these methods do not eliminate airway obstruction, one of the causes of which is mucus hypersecretion. The review shows that a new vector for the search and development of medicines for the drug elimination of hypoxia in respiratory obstruction has been identified in Russia. The high prospects of solutions of hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate with original physicochemical properties and local mechanisms of action providing urgent recanalization of the respiratory tract and oxygenation of blood in respiratory obstruction caused by blockage of the respiratory tract with thick sputum, mucus, pus and blood are shown. Domestic inventions are indicated, the essence of which is the basis of this scientific direction. Original formulations of solutions of hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate are given, as well as new technologies for their local application, providing urgent dissolution of mucus, sputum, pus and blood with simultaneous immediate release of oxygen gas.

Fabrication of an Electrically Conductive Adhesive for Skin Mounted Bioelectronic Devices

Background: Skin mounted bioelectronics are difficult to integrate with the skin since biocompatible adhesives are not conductive or unsuitable for long-term use. Skin conformability is essential but strong adhesives can damage soft tissue in younger and frail individuals as well as the device during removal. Developing a noninvasive long-lasting biocompatible conductive adhesive for skin that can be used with bioelectronics allows for better treatment options and the improvement of patient outcomes.&#x0D; Methods: This study creates a soft hydrogel using graphene oxide flakes (GO) and polyvinyl alcohol. Networked GO is reduced in a solution of sodium dithionite and sodium hydroxide to form a conductive network within the hydrogel. Adhesive properties are achieved by incorporating a polyacrylic acid polymer into the hydrogel with the addition of N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHS) groups to the polymer. NHS reacts with amine groups found on tissue to form covalent bonds that can be released with a biocompatible trigger solution of sodium bicarbonate and glutathione.&#x0D; Results: Hydration of the hydrogel at 65°C demonstrated that the hydrogel swelled anistropically with swelling ratios of 1.05/1.06/5.5 (length/width/thickness). This showed that the hydrogel can integrate into various surfaces without deformation. The hydrogel demonstrated an impedance of 106.1~164.6 Ω⋅m (20~500 Hz), which is comparable to conventional devices. The hydrogel was chemically bound to amine functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and glass. Peel test showed peak adhesion forces of 100.5 N⋅m-1(Force⋅Width-1) when bound to PDMS or glass. Signal quality of the hydrogel showed that the hydrogels demonstrated ECG and EMG signals comparable to commercially available materials.&#x0D; Conclusions: The importance of this study is to create a soft material that bonds between electrodes and skin. The results demonstrate that the hydrogel has electrical characteristics comparable to conventional electrodes for use in ECG and EMG. In addition, it can create adhesion via chemical bonds that can be released on demand.

Fast release from clad and declad spent UOX PWR fuel segments in a bicarbonate solution under anoxic conditions

For the safety assessment of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) in disposal conditions, it is crucial to determine the fast release of the potentially critical radionuclides (e.g. 129 I, 137 Cs, 99 Tc, 93 Mo, 90 Sr…) upon contact with water. To underpin the quantification of this fast release, leaching experiments were performed at SCK CEN on a PWR UOX fuel from the Belgian Tihange 1 reactor, with a rod average burnup of 50.5 MWd.kg −1 HM, an estimated fission gas release of 14% and an average linear power rate of 321 W.cm −1 . Tests were carried out with durations up to one year, with clad and declad spent fuel samples, in a NaCl/NaHCO 3 solution at room temperature for a period of one year, in a set-up designed to prevent the intrusion of airborne oxygen. In the test with the declad segment, the exposed surface area was much larger than in the test with the clad segment. As a result, in the first days of leaching, the release of all radionuclides was larger for the declad segment than for the clad segment, except for Tc. After one year, the cumulated release from the declad and clad segments are similar, except for Tc, as a result of air intrusion leading to a higher oxidation and concomitant dissolution resumption, more pronounced for the clad than for the declad segment. For the declad segment, the Tc and Mo concentrations decrease, suggesting reduction to less soluble species in spite of the air intrusion. The release of 129 I is similar to the fission gas release, while the release of 137 Cs is lower, but still accelerated compared to the UO 2 matrix. The release of 99 Tc, 95-98 Mo (representative of 93 Mo) and 90 Sr is only slightly higher than the matrix dissolution rate. All determined released fractions are in line with the reported values of the literature.

ACID NEUTRALIZING CAPACITY AND ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF SELECTED SOLVENT EXTRACT FROM VARIOUS INDIGENOUS PLANTS

Medicinal plants have been representing a rich source of antimicrobial agent as well as can be used as antacid in various ayurvedic preparations. Hence the present study was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial potential and antacid properties of selected six plant extracts. The plant extracts such as Methanolic extracts of Cassia tora (MECT), Methanolic extracts of Pithecellobium dulce (MEPD), Chloroform extracts of Butea monosperma (CEBM), Butanolic extracts of Pongamia pinnata (BEPP), Water extracts of Tephrosia purpurea (WETP), Methanolic extracts of Mucuna pruriens (MEMP) were selected for the study. The neutralization capacity in vitro was performed using the titration method of Fordtran’s model. The antimicrobial activity was performed by using the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by broth dilution method. The consumed volumes of artificial gastric juices to titrate to pH 3.0 for water, Sodium bicarbonate, MECT, MEPD, CEBM, BEPP, WETP and MEMP extracts solutions were found to be 1.3±0.02, 34.22±0.59*, 8.26±0.08*, 10.58±0.09*, 9.6±0.1*, 7.35±0.05, 9.36±0.09* and 9.88±0.06* respectively. The highest activity of plant extract has been shown in MECT and was found to be 25.00 mm diameter of zone of inhibition against E. coli at the concentration of 250 μg/disc followed by 24.00 mm diameter of zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa at concentration of 250 μg/disc. Against Gram positive organism, the MECT and MEPD possess 21.00 mm and 20.00 mm diameter of zone of inhibition respectively against M. Lutues at concentration of 250μg/disc. The MIC values were found in the range of 50-500μg/ml against the tested organisms. The acid neutralizing capacity was found to be higher in MEPD and MEMP extracts among all the selected extract. The highest in vitro antimicrobial activity was found in MECT extract against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.