Sodium Bicarbonate Research Articles

Study of the Connection Between Yogyakarta – Sleman Groundwater Basin and Pajangan Hill (as a Non-Groundwater Basin Area) Using Groundwater Geochemistry and Isotope

Abstract This study investigates the hydrological connectivity between the Yogyakarta-Sleman Groundwater Basin (GWB) and the non-groundwater basin (non-GWB) area of Pajangan Hill using geochemical and isotopic methods. A total of 28 groundwater samples were analyzed for major ion content and isotopic composition, sampled from shallow wells, deep wells, and springs. Ion chromatography and cavity ring-down spectrometry were employed for analysis. The findings reveal that groundwater in Pajangan Hill predominantly consists of calcium bicarbonate, while Yogyakarta-Sleman GWB includes calcium bicarbonate, calcium nitrate, and sodium bicarbonate. Isotopic analysis indicates that water samples close to the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) likely originate from local rainwater infiltration, maintaining their original isotopic composition. Despite some geochemical similarities, based on classification and composition analysis, significant differences in major ion concentration values suggest no hydrogeological connection between the two regions. The distinct lithologies, limestone in Pajangan Hill, and young volcanic deposits of Merapi in Yogyakarta-Sleman GWB further support this conclusion, indicating no hydrological connectivity between these areas.

A new strategy for the comprehensive utilization of wastewater from the production of soda ash by sodium sulfate-based ammonia-soda process

The production of soda ash by the ammonia-soda process using carbon dioxide and ammonia for sodium sulfate is an effective method to realize the comprehensive utilization of waste resources of sodium sulfate, but this method produces a large amount of wastewater whose main substances are sodium bicarbonate and ammonium sulfate, which limits the modular industrial application of the production of soda ash by sodium sulfate-based ammonia-soda process(SSA-Process). At present, the main utilization method for the wastewater from the production of soda ash by SSA-Process is evaporation crystallization method to deal with the by-products of sodium sulfate and ammonium sulfate, which is a low-value, complex and energy-consuming process, so is an urgent need for a low-cost, high-value, short-process method to comprehensively utilize wastewater from the production of soda ash by SSA-Process. Based on the application theory of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in the traditional ammonia-soda process, this present study systematically investigated the causticization law and mechanism of Ca(OH)2 in a simulated wastewater from the production of soda ash by SSA-Process. On this basis, a new process of Ca(OH)2 segmented causticization was developed to realize the comprehensive utilization of wastewater from production of soda ash by SSA-Process. The results showed that this process enabled a highly efficient ammonia cycle for cost reduction and the production of high purity ultrafine calcium carbonate products and sodium sulfate solids, as well as calcium-based raw material for building materials.

Mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming of macrophages and T cells enhances CD47 antibody-engineered oncolytic virus antitumor immunity

BackgroundAlthough immunotherapy can reinvigorate immune cells to clear tumors, the response rates are poor in some patients. Here, CD47 antibody-engineered oncolytic viruses (oAd-αCD47) were employed to lyse tumors and activate...

Intraoperative Use of Sodium Bicarbonate Ringer's Solution Instead of Sodium Lactate Ringer's Solution to Reduce Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation and Improve Postoperative Recovery During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study.

To investigate the effect of sodium bicarbonate Ringer's solution (BRS) on the degradation of endothelial glycocalyx components in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during cardiac surgery, and to evaluate its impact on endothelial glycocalyx preservation and postoperative recovery. A total of eight patients scheduled for elective CPB heart surgery were included and randomly divided into two groups: the sodium lactate Ringer's solution (LRS) group and the BRS group. ELISA was used to measure plasma concentrations of syndecan-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and TGF-β at predefined time points: T0 (before induction of anesthesia), T3 (immediately after weaning from CPB), T5 and T6 (24 and 72hours postoperatively). Serum creatinine concentrations were measured within 48hours postoperatively. The incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) was assessed three days after surgery. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time, duration of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital stay were also documented. The BRS group had significantly lower plasma concentrations of syndecan-1 at T3 (7.98 [7.43, 8.92] ng/mL vs 9.54 [8.4, 10.73] ng/mL, P < 0.001) and T5 (4.20 [3.31, 4.96] ng/mL vs 5.40 [3.95, 6.55] ng/mL, P = 0.001) in comparison with the LRS group (P<0.01). Syndecan-1 levels in both groups were similar at T6 (3.18 [2.88, 3.5]ng/mL vs 3.12 [2.77, 3.45] ng/mL, P > 0.05). Additionally, MMP-9, MMP-3, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly lower at T3 and T5 in the BRS group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) or POD (P > 0.05). BRS has the potential to reduce glycocalyx degradation in patients undergoing heart valve surgery with CPB. However, both groups demonstrated similar post-postoperative clinical outcomes, including the rates of AKI and POD.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLOATING BIOADHESIVE TABLET OF GLYBURIDE FOR DIABETES

The Floating tablets of Glyburide were prepared by granulation technique based on effervescent approach. HPMC and polyethylene oxide were used as polymer, for gas generation sodium bicarbonate was used. Talc, avicel, and magnesium stearate were used. In the present study, on the basis of results it was concluded that with increase in the concentration of polymers decrease the drug release profile. On the other hand there was no effect on release of drug by changing the HPMC viscosity grades. Increased sodium bicarbonate concentration can decrease the floating lag time and there is no significant change on drug release profile. So by using appropriate concentration of polymer and sodium bicarbonate can develop sustained release floating tablet.

Unveiling the degradation mechanisms in silicon heterojunction solar cells under accelerated damp-heat testing

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells have become one of the mainstream solar cells in the current photovoltaic market due to their high efficiency. Still, concerns about their long-term reliability are seen as a potential issue restricting further marketisation. In particular, the sensitivity of silicon heterojunction solar cells to high temperatures and moisture is a concern. Sodium (Na) in combination with humidity is widely considered one of the causes of degradation in silicon heterojunction solar cells. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind Na-induced decay remains lacking. This study will investigate humidity-induced degradation of industrial SHJ solar cells at elevated temperatures using various sodium-containing salts [sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), sodium chloride (NaCl), and sodium nitrate (NaNO3)] to improve our fundamental understanding of Na-induced degradation. We will show that SHJ solar cells exposed to NaHCO3 and NaCl show a significant reduction in efficiency, while solar cells exposed to NaNO3 show minimal degradation. Further analysis indicates that NaHCO3 may interact with the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer, leading to a reduction in surface passivation and a deterioration of the metal-TCO interface. NaCl primarily affects the Ag contact, resulting in a reduction of the adhesion of the screen-printed contact. Moreover, the TCO composition, particularly the oxygen content, influences its chemical tolerance. These results show that Na-related degradation is more complicated than initially thought. The chemistry is strongly influenced by the negative ions, as well as the composition of TCO and metal paste. These factors are determined by the bill of materials and the contaminants introduced during cell/module fabrication and operation of the SHJ module. The findings of this paper may lead to the development of new accelerated testing protocols for SHJ technology to ascertain long-term reliability in the field.

Are Dental Prophylaxis Protocols Safe for CAD-CAM Restorative Materials? Surface Characteristics and Fatigue Strength

The surface of dental materials is exposed to various prophylaxis protocols during routine dental care. However, the impact of these protocols on the functional properties of the material’s surface remains unclear. This study investigates the influence of different dental prophylaxis protocols on the surface properties and their effect on the mechanical performance of CAD-CAM restorative materials. Discs (Ø = 15 mm, thickness = 1.2 mm) were fabricated from resin composite (RC, Tetric CAD), leucite-reinforced (LEU, IPS Empress CAD), lithium disilicate (LD, IPS e.max CAD), and zirconia ceramics (ZIR, IPS e.max ZirCAD MT). The materials were subjected to six prophylactic treatments: untreated (CTRL), prophylactic paste fine (PPF), prophylactic paste coarse (PPC), pumice stone (PS), air abrasion with sodium bicarbonate jet (BJ), and ultrasonic scaling (US). Biaxial flexural fatigue tests, along with fractographic, roughness, and topographic analyses, were conducted. No significant changes in fatigue strength were observed for RC, LD, and ZIR under any prophylaxis protocols. However, LEU subjected to BJ treatment exhibited significantly reduced fatigue strength (p = 0.004), with a 22% strength reduction compared to the monotonic test and substantial surface alterations. Surface roughness analyses revealed increased roughness for RC treated with PPF, PPC, and PS compared to CTRL (p &lt; 0.05), while LD exhibited decreased roughness following PPF, PS, and US treatments (p &lt; 0.05). In ZIR, only the BJ protocol increased roughness (p = 0.001). In conclusion, dental prophylaxis protocols do not significantly affect the mechanical strength of RC, LD, and ZIR materials, thus allowing any protocol to be used for these materials. However, for LEU ceramics, the BJ protocol should be avoided due to its effect of reducing fatigue strength and damaging the surface.

Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Benzbromarone Combined with Sodium Bicarbonate Tablets in the Treatment of Hyperuricemia

Aims/Background Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. If left untreated, hyperuricemia can progress to gout, which manifests as acute arthritic attacks, and may also lead to uric acid nephrolithiasis and other renal conditions. This widespread condition poses significant risks to human health and quality of life. This study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using benzbromarone in combination with sodium bicarbonate tablets for the treatment of gout associated with hyperuricemia. Methods The study reviewed the electronic medical records (EMR) of 150 patients with gout and hyperuricemia who were admitted to our hospital between May 2018 and December 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a control group and a research group. The control group received oral sodium bicarbonate tablets, while the research group was treated with oral benzbromarone tablets in addition to sodium bicarbonate tablets. The study compared the treatment outcomes and adverse reactions between the two groups, as well as assessed changes in blood-related indicators, the number of tophi, pain levels, and quality of life before and after treatment. Results The research group demonstrated a higher total effective rate compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Post-treatment, the research group exhibited significantly lower levels of serum uric acid (UA), serum creatinine (Scr), and urea (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, this group had fewer tophi and lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Quality of life scores were also significantly higher in the research group (p &lt; 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of adverse drug reactions between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion The combination of benzbromarone and sodium bicarbonate tablets is highly effective in treating gout associated with hyperuricemia. This treatment not only reduces uric acid levels and the number of tophi but also enhances renal function, alleviates pain, and improves the overall quality of life for patients.

The Use of Acetazolamide to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Cancer on High-Dose Methotrexate Treatment: A Retrospective Pilot Analysis.

Background: High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) chemotherapy is associated with a significant risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Acetazolamide is thought to increase methotrexate solubility via urinary alkalinisation, potentially reducing the risk of crystalline nephropathy. A tertiary hospital has included acetazolamide in its HDMTX protocols, although data on the risks and benefits are limited. This study evaluated the role of acetazolamide in managing patients receiving HDMTX and identified risk factors for AKI. Methods: The retrospective cohort pilot study included consecutive hospital patients who received HDMTX (≥500 mg/m2). Data collected from digital medical records included demographics, comorbidities, methotrexate dosages and serum concentrations, and pathology results. The development of AKI was defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Relationships between variables and AKI were initially assessed using Mann-Whitney U-tests and chi-square tests, and significant variables were further analysed using logistic regression to identify independent predictors of AKI. Results: Among 66 HDMTX treatment cycles in 31 patients, AKI occurred in 0/7 cycles with acetazolamide versus 14/59 cycles without (p = 0.33). Increasing age, the presence of hypertension, and concurrent use of beta-lactam antibiotics were associated with the development of AKI. Age was identified as the strongest independent risk factor for AKI (odds ratio 1.12, p = 0.034). Conclusions: Optimising management protocols, especially for older patients, is essential to reduce AKI risk during HDMTX therapy. While acetazolamide did not appear to reduce the risk of AKI, this pilot study was limited by a small sample size. Large randomised controlled trials are needed to assess efficacy and patient outcomes.

Evaluation of six phosphorus extraction methods for compliance testing of recycled P fertilizers

Phosphorus (P) recycling for fertilizer production addresses the dependency on phosphate rock and mitigates P losses to the environment. However, predicting plant-available P in recycled fertilizers is challenging due to their diverse chemical composition. This study aimed at identifying the most suitable P extraction method for fertilizer compliance testing, considering their correlation with actual fertilization efficiency, as well as their simplicity, throughput, recognition and cost. Studies on fertilizer P compliance testing often lack recommendations on minimum P extractability threshold values. Here, thresholds are calculated based on actual fertilization efficiency of a large, chemically diverse set of recycled P fertilizers, many of which are already marketed. Thirty recycled P fertilizers were extracted with H2O, neutral ammonium citrate (NAC), electro-ultrafiltration (EUF), ferrihydrite-filled membranes (iron bag; IB), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). The mineral replacement value (MRV) of the fertilizer set was previously evaluated in three pot experiments at a fertilization rate of 50 mg kg−1 soil. MRV correlations with the extractions methods showed similar results for all besides H2O, which cannot be a reliable indicator for P availability. Fertilizers were classified as efficient or inefficient based on their MRV exceeding or falling below 60 % of the triple superphosphate reference value. The minimum P extractability threshold value (MPETV) for each method was based on the efficiency classification and it minimized the number of misclassified fertilizers. NAC, with a 60 % extractable minimum P threshold value, was the most adequate method for compliance testing, despite its overestimation of iron phosphate availability.

Impact of GRAS compounds applied by ultrasonic nebulization on decay control and quality parameters in Persian lime.

The application of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances for postharvest fungal control of fruit is an alternative to the conventional use of synthetic fungicides. In this study, two GRAS compounds were applied by ultrasonic nebulization (USN) to lime fruit for the control of Penicillium italicum, the cause of blue mold. Lime fruits were treated with sodium bicarbonate (1, 2, 3% w/v), acetic acid (0.5, 1, 1.5% w/v) and sterile distilled water by USN for 5, 10-15min. The effect of the USN treatments was evaluated in vitro, selecting the agent with the best effect. In vivo, the incidence and severity of blue mold disease and lime fruit quality parameters were evaluated. Although sodium bicarbonate inhibited P. italicum in vitro tests, USN treatments with acetic acid significantly inhibited 75.4% of mycelial growth and 100% of P. italicum germination. USN treatments (1% and 1.5% acetic acid) reduced disease incidence and severity (preventive and curative tests) on fruit stored at 25°C; however, at 15°C there was no significant difference with respect to USN of sterile distilled water. Lime quality parameters were not adversely affected by USN treatments with acetic acid. The application of 1 or 1.5% acetic acid by USN appears to be a promising option for the control of blue mold disease in Persian lime fruits.

Chloride removal and bicarbonate replacement by isotonic sodium bicarbonate-based continuous hemodiafiltration: a novel method to correct severe metabolic acidosis.

Previous reports highlighted the efficacy of hemofiltration utilizing isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution as replacement fluid for severe metabolic acidosis. This approach corrects metabolic acidosis by eliminating chloride and supplementing bicarbonate. Here, we present the results of an in vitro study aimed at determining the effect of Isotonic sodium bicarbonate-based Continuous HemoDiafiltration (IBB-CHDF). Conventional Continuous HemoDiaFiltration (CHDF) and IBB-CHDF utilized aqueous solutions mimicking blood's electrolyte composition. To assess the efficacy and safety, we compared serial changes in pH, HCO3-, Na+, and K+ concentrations. Blood flow rate was 100mL/min, and the dialysis fluid flow rate maintained 1.0 L/h for both CHDF and IBB-CHDF. Replacement flow rates ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 L/h for CHDF and 0.1 to 1.5 L/h for IBB-CHDF. At a replacement flow rate of 0.5 L/h with IBB-CHDF, bicarbonate increased from 14.7 mEq/L to within the physiological range (25.9mEq/L), whereas in conventional CHDF, the post-treatment bicarbonate concentration did not increase (16.5mEq/L). The maximum bicarbonate concentration achieved was 22.0mEq/L at a replacement flow rate of 1.5 L/h in conventional CHDF. Notably, in IBB-CHDF, the sodium concentration remained constant at 150mEq/L, 10mEq/L higher than conventional CHDF, and did not escalate despite increasing the replacement flow rate. IBB-CHDF effectively corrects metabolic acidosis without inducing sodium and water overload by eliminating excess chloride while providing bicarbonate.

Application of Microbial Antagonists in Combination with Sodium Bicarbonate to Control Post-Harvest Diseases of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) and Plums (Prunus salicina Lindl.)

Postharvest diseases cause considerable losses of fruits and vegetables during transportation and storage, and synthetic fungicides are the first option for their prevention. However, promising alternatives to chemical fungicides are currently available, and several post-harvest diseases can be controlled using microbial antagonists. This study utilised a comprehensive methodology to assess the antagonistic and synergistic interactions between four yeasts and two bacteria in conjunction with sodium bicarbonate (SB) during the treatment of sweet cherries and plums. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of microbial antagonists and sodium bicarbonate on fruits. The in situ treatments showed a protective effect exerted by the antagonists P. guillermondii and H. uvarum, and their combination with SB. However, in vivo studies did not indicate enhanced efficacy when combined with this compound. In conclusion, the use of microbial antagonists in conjunction with SB has been successful in preventing post-harvest rot of cherries and plums. Tests conducted on live organisms have shown that microbial antagonists are viable alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the control of stone fruit rot.

Results of the experimental study of the antimicrobial activity of therapeutic waters from various wells managed by the federation of trade unions of Uzbekistan

Introduction. Currently, in addition to the traditional use of mineral waters (MW) for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract and renal diseases, they are also used to correct metabolic disorders, normalize lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. However, many of its properties remain poorly studied, and there is a very limited number of works in the scientific literature concerning the analysis of their antibacterial action. Aim. Study of sensitivity of common microorganisms to the action of some MW. Materials and methods. The following test samples from different wells (DW) served as materials for determining the antimicrobial activity of mineral waters: Sample 1. Sodium bicarbonate weakly alkaline mineral water from SW No. 7 (Chinobod Sanatorium, Tashkent); Sample 2. Radon mineral water mineral water from SW No. 2 (Abu Ali ibn Sino Sanatorium, Samarkand Region); Sample 3. Iodine-bromine mineral water from SW No. 4 (Chartak Sanatorium, Namangan Region); Sample 4. Sulfate-sulfur mineral water from SW No. 14 (Chimen Sanatorium, Fergana Region); Sample 5. Concentrated iodine-bromine brine from SCW No. 2 (Chartak Sanatorium, Namangan Region). Results and discussion. Sample No. 5 (concentrated brine) showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 22 ± 0.26 and 18 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. Also, sample No. 4 (Sanatorium Chimen DW No = 14, sulfate-sulfur mineral water) showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 16 ± 0.11 mm. The samples did not show antimicrobial activity against the other test cultures. The antimicrobial action of water samples was determined by the agar diffusion method against some types of opportunistic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and the yeast fungus Candida albicans. All microorganism cultures were obtained from the collection of the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The determination was achieved through the use of the agar diffusion method on a dense nutrient medium. Conclusion. It was found that sample No. 5 concentrated brine «Iodine-shifo» from the Chartak Sanatorium showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, i. e. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 22 ± 0.26 and 18 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. Also, sample No. 4 sulfate-sulfur mineral water from the Chimen Sanatorium showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 16 ± 0.11 mm. The samples did not show antimicrobial activity against the other test cultures.

Buffered 4% Articaine Reduces Pain and Enhances Anesthesia in Maxillary Third Molar Extractions: A Randomized, Double-Blind Split-Mouth Study.

Background/Objectives: Buffered local anesthetics are suggested to enhance patient comfort and anesthetic efficacy during dental procedures. However, their advantages over non-buffered solutions in maxillary third molar extractions remain under-investigated. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study aimed to compare the efficacy of buffered versus non-buffered 4% articaine in terms of pain, anesthetic onset, and the duration of anesthesia during maxillary third molar extractions. Methods: Each participant randomly received two buccal infiltrations on two single appointments to extract maxillary third molars: one with 4% articaine buffered with sodium bicarbonate and the other with non-buffered 4% articaine. Pain during injection, post-extraction pain, onset time, and the duration of anesthesia were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS; 0-10). Results: Fifty adult participants (23 males and 27 females) with a mean age of 21.6 years were included in the study. Buffered 4% articaine significantly reduced injection pain (mean VAS: 3.12 ± 1.36 vs. 4.2 ± 0.3, p = 0.0001) and post-extraction pain (mean VAS: 4.4 ± 1.75 vs. 5.76 ± 1.78, p = 0.0002) compared to non-buffered articaine. Additionally, buffered articaine demonstrated a faster onset of anesthesia (mean time (seconds): 85.92 ± 27.37 vs. 126.86 ± 33.15, p < 0.0001) and a longer duration of anesthesia (mean duration (minutes): 70.4 ± 13.64 vs. 51.4 ± 7.2, p < 0.0001). Regarding gender's factor, the comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in pain perception between males and females for either injection pain or post-extraction pain. Conclusions: Buffered 4% articaine provides superior anesthetic efficacy compared to non-buffered 4% articaine, enhancing patient comfort by reducing pain, accelerating onset, and prolonging the duration of anesthesia during maxillary third molar extractions.

Preliminary Studi of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Photoelectrochemical for CO2 Conversion to Methanol Using CuO-modified Dark TiO2 Nanotubes Array as Cathode

The increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels can lead to climate change and adversely affect human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to capture CO2 and convert it into a more valuable substance, such as methanol. In this study, we established a tandem system involving dye-sensitized solar cells and photoelectrochemical (DSSC-PEC), which included the PEC zone using CuO/dark TiO2 nanotube array (CuO/dTNA) as the dark cathode where CO2 reduction takes place, and Co-Pi/blue TiO2 nanotube array (Co-Pi/bTNA) as the counter photoanode. For the DSSC zone, N719/TNA was used as the photoanode, I-/I3- electrolyte, and Pt/FTO as the cathode. The tandem system was constructed by connecting the PEC cathode to the DSSC photoanode and the PEC photoanode to the DSSC cathode using silver wire. Under solely visible light induction and water containing sodium bicarbonate electrolyte saturated with CO2, the proposed devise produced methanol at 1.292 μmol/hour. Keyword: Carbon dioxide, copper oxide, dark TiO2 nanotube, DSSC-PEC

Why physicians use sodium bicarbonate during cardiac arrest: A cross-sectional survey study of adult and pediatric clinicians

BackgroundDespite recommendations against routine use, sodium bicarbonate (SB) is administered in approximately 50% of adult and pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). MethodsCross-sectional electronic survey of adult and pediatric attending physicians at two academic hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts. The survey included two IHCA vignettes. Additional open- and closed-ended items explored clinician beliefs surrounding intra-arrest SB and perspectives on a hypothetical clinical trial comparing SB with placebo. ResultsOf the 356 physicians invited, 224 (63 %) responded. Of these, 54 (24 %) said they would “probably” or “definitely give” SB in Scenario 1 (10-minute asystolic arrest) compared to 110 (49 %) for Scenario 2 (20-minute asystolic arrest; p < 0.001). The most frequently reported indications for SB were: hyperkalemia (78 %); metabolic acidosis (76 %); tricyclic anti-depressant overdose (71 %); and prolonged arrest duration (64 %). Of the 207 (92 %) respondents who reported using intra-arrest SB in at least some circumstances, the most common reasons for use were: “last ditch effort” in a prolonged arrest (75 %) and belief that there were physiologic benefits (63 %). When asked of the importance of a clinical trial to guide intra-arrest SB use, 188 (84 %) respondents felt it was at least of average importance, and 140 (63 %) said they would be “somewhat” or “very comfortable” enrolling patients in a trial comparing SB and placebo in IHCA. ConclusionsPhysicians reported practice variations surrounding cardiac arrest management with SB. Respondents commonly cited metabolic acidosis and prolonged arrest duration as indications for intra-arrest SB, despite not being supported by the American Heart Association’s advanced life support guidelines.

Efficacy of a Herbal Toothpaste During Active Periodontal Treatment: A Clinical Study.

Backgound/Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of a herbal toothpaste containing Aloe vera (test group) compared with a sodium bicarbonate toothpaste (active control group) and a standard toothpaste (benchmark group) on periodontitis treatment outcomes. Methods: Fifty-four periodontitis patients were randomly allocated into three groups. The patients received mechanical instrumentation and instruction on oral hygiene using a toothbrush with the toothpastes and dental floss. The patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), week 4 (T1), and week 12 (T2) after complete scaling and root planing. During the visits, the plaque score (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed and analyzed. Results: The comparison groups had similar PS and BOP means at baseline. At T1 and T2, both scores were reduced; however, there was no significant difference in PS among the three groups. A significant reduction in BOP among the groups was observed (p < 0.01) at T1. The PDs in all groups were significantly reduced after treatment. The CAL reduction was greater in the test group compared with the benchmark and the active control group. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the mean CAL among time points in the benchmark and the active control groups. Conclusions: The herbal toothpaste containing Aloe vera significantly decreased gingival inflammation, PD, and CAL over the standard and active control toothpaste in periodontitis patients during active periodontal treatment.

Novel flexible and active expanded-starch films enriched with Agrifood waste via microwave irradiation

Expanded materials possess valuable properties for food packaging, including thermal insulation and lightweight. However, developing sustainable alternatives with the potential to replace lightweight petroleum-based plastics is highly challenging. Starch biopolymer is a promising sustainable candidate due to its compostable character, great foamability and processability. Moreover, its chemical characteristics allow its combination with agrifood wastes to promote the circular economy and provide active properties. Most of the starch foams reported with low density are processed via extrusion and they are notably brittle and rigid, restricting their application. In this work, different expanded starch biocomposites, without or enriched with 40 wt.% orange peel (OP), were fabricated using 30 s of microwave (MW) irradiation, acquiring different properties depending on the main blowing agent used (i.e., water, sodium bicarbonate or expandable microspheres). These samples were fully characterized in terms of morphology, density, expansion degree, water uptake and solubility, mechanical properties, migration and antioxidant properties. Remarkably, the final expanded materials reached a considerably low density of 0.3 g/cm3 and they exhibited exceptional flexibility, overcoming the important drawback of starch foams. Finally, the benefits of adding 40 wt.% of agrifood waste were not only environmental, but OP increased the expansion capacity and gave outstanding antioxidant properties.

PH-Dependent migratory behaviors of neutrophil-like cells in a microfluidic device with controllability of dissolved gas concentrations

Inflammatory microenvironments often become acidic (pH < 7.4) due to tissue oxygen deprivation and lactate release in glycolysis by activated immune cells. Although neutrophils are known to accumulate in such microenvironments, the effects of pH on their migration are not fully understood. Here, we first investigated the pH control around cultured cells with a microfluidic device, which was equipped with two gas channels above three parallel media channels. By supplying gas mixtures with predefined carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations to the gas channels, the gas exchange adjusted the dissolved CO2 and affected the chemical equilibrium of sodium hydrogen carbonate in the cell culture medium. A pH gradient from 8.3 to 6.8 was generated along the media channels when gas mixtures containing 1% and 50% CO2 were supplied to the left and right gas channels, respectively. Neutrophil-like differentiated human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) were then seeded to the fibronectin-coated media channels and their migratory behaviors were quantified while varying the pH. The cell migration became more active and faster under high pH than under low pH conditions. However, no directional migration along the pH gradient was detected during the three-hour observation. Thus, the microfluidic device is useful to elucidate pH-dependent cellular dynamics.