Growth Kinetics of Zr-4 in Sodium Bisulphite: Solvent Studies

Abstract: Anodization of zircaloy-4 in 0.1 M sodium bisulphite has been carried out. Kinetics of anodic oxidation of zircaloy-4 has been studied at a constant current density of 8 mA.cm -2 and at room temperature. The plots of formation voltage vs. time, reciprocal capacitance vs. time and reciprocal capacitance vs. formation voltage were drawn. From these plots, formation rate, current efficiency and differential field were calculated. The addition of solvent (Ethylene glycol) showed better kinetic results. For 20, 40, 60 and 80% aquo-glycolic media, the dielectric constant values are low leading to the marked improvement in the kinetics

A Study of Serum Paraoxonase And Malondialdehyde in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Treatment is symptomatic till date. Early identification and monitoring of disease progression could prevent adverse complications. Oxidative stress is considered as one of the etiological factor resulting in lipid peroxidation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is formed as an end product of lipid peroxidation. It causes oxidation of LDL and eventually leads to membrane damage. This could be an indicator of oxidative stress. Paraoxonase (PON1) is a HDL associated esterase enzyme which exhibit antioxidative property by preventing lipoproteins from oxidative damage. Aim& Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate serum MDA and PON1 in normotensive pregnant women and in women with PIH and their role in predicting the severity of PIH. Materials and methods:  A case control study was done, in which 50 women were normotensive pregnant women (Group 1) and 50 were women diagnosed with PIH (Group 2). Group 2 was further divided into mild (n=28) and severe PIH(n=22). Serum MDA levels and PON1 activity were estimated. Data was analysed using Graph pad prism version 7.0. Unpaired t-test was performed to test the significance of difference between the two groups and the subgroups.Results: serum MDA levels were significantly elevated in Group 2(5.087 ± 1.245nmol/ml) when compared to Group 1(2.812 ± 0.7395nmol/ml). In subgroups, serum MDA levels were significantly higher in severe PIH than in mild PIH (P < 0.001). Serum PON1 activity was significantly decreased in Group 2(225.3 ± 39.65IU/L) when compared to Group 1(335 ± 71.69IU/L). Also, PON1 levels were significantly decreased in severe PIH than in mild PIH with P < 0.001.Conclusion: Serum MDA was elevated in PIH indicating increased oxidative stress. PON1 activity was decreased resulting in oxidant and antioxidant imbalance. Thus, serum MDA and PON1 can play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PIH and they can aid in detecting the severity of the disease. &nbsp