This study investigated the physical properties of section-restoration mortar with calcium nitrite and carbon dioxide (CO2) nanobubble mixing water to develop materials and methods for the repair and reinforcement of cracks in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. As the calcium nitrite content increased, the generation rate and generated amount of nitrite-based hydration products increased, owing to the rapid reaction between NO2- ions in calcium nitrite and C3A(Al2O3). Further, the reaction with C3S and C2S was accelerated, thereby increasing the generation rates of Ca(OH)2 and C-S-H. Further, the large amount of Ca2+ ions in these hydration products reacted with CO32- ions in CO2 nanobubble water, thereby increasing the generation of calcite-based CaCO3 in the cement matrix. This appears to have affected the strength development and durability improvement via the densification of the structure. These results suggest that the performance of polymer cement mortar for repairing concrete structures can be improved if calcium nitrite and CO2 nanobubble water are properly combined and applied.

Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) show disorders in calcium metabolism. The α-klotho protein is predominantly expressed in tissues that are involved in calcium homeostasis, and lowered levels are associated with bone disease. Aim of the study. To study the associations between low α-klotho status and calcium metabolism in relation to iron status in children with TDT. Methods. α-klotho, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcyphosin, vitamin D3, phosphorous, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), as well as iron and erythron biomarkers were measured in 60 children with TDT and 30 healthy control children. Results. A meaningful part of TDT patients showed lowered α-klotho levels, and those children also showed low serum total and ionized calcium concentrations. TDT patients showed increased PTH, FGFR2, and calcyphosin and lowered vitamin D3 as compared with healthy children. The α-klotho levels were significantly correlated with total and ionized calcium (positively) and with iron overload biomarkers and the number of blood transfusions (inversely). Partial Least Squares path analysis showed that 40.1% of the variance in serum total calcium could be explained by the regression on α-klotho, vitamin D3 (both positively), and calcyphosin (inversely) and that the effects of the latter are mediated by iron overload and the number of blood transfusions. Conclusion. In TDT, iron overload and its consequences may induce lowered levels of α-klotho which in turn may lead to lower calcium thereby explaining at least in part the effects of TDT on bone metabolism including spontaneous pathological fractures, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and skeletal deformities.

Objectives: To evaluate atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and Sarcoplasmic Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA) levels in patients treated by epicardial thoracoscopic ablation for persistent AF. Background: Reduced levels of SERCA have been reported in the peripheral blood cells of patients with AF. We hypothesize that SERCA levels can predict the response to epicardial ablation. Methods: We designed a prospective, multicenter observational study to recruit, from October 2014 to June 2016, patients with persistent AF receiving an epicardial thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation. Results: We enrolled 27 patients; responders patients (n=15) did not present AF recurrence after epicardial ablation at 1-year follow-up. These patients displayed a marked remodeling of the left atrium, with a significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines, B type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), and over expression of SERCA as compared to baseline and to non-responders (p<0.05). Furthermore, mean AF duration (HR 1.235 [1.037-1.471], p<0.05), LAV (HR 1.755 [1.126-2.738], p<0.05), BNP (HR 1.945 [1.895-1.999], p<0.05), and SERCA (HR 1.763 [1.167-2.663], p<0.05) were predictive of AF recurrence. Conclusions: Our data indicate that baseline values of SERCA in patients with persistent AF might be predictive of failure to epicardial ablative approach. Intriguingly, epicardial ablation was associated with increased levels of SERCA in responders. Therefore, SERCA might be an innovative therapeutic target to improve the response to epicardial ablative treatments.

The current study investigated the impacts of light quality and different levels of fertility on mineral nutrient concentrations in shoot and root tissues of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra). ‘Green Lance’ Chinese kale were grown under: 1) fluorescent/incandescent light; 2) 10% blue (447 ± 5 nm) / 90% red (627 ± 5 nm) LED light; 3) 20% blue / 80% red LED light; and 4) 40% blue / 60% red LED light as sole-source lighting at two different levels of fertility. All plants were harvested 30 d after seeding, and shoot and root tissues were analyzed for mineral nutrients. Lighting and fertility interacted to influence kale shoot and root mineral nutrient concentrations. Results indicate sole-source LED lighting used in production can impact mineral nutritional values of baby leafy greens now popular for the packaged market.

Sixty years ago in the lab adjacent to Fred Sanger (1958 Nobel Prize for protein chemistry), I discovered the cell surface hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins. Nature keeps some of her secrets longer than others. It has taken many years to dissect the molecular function and biological role of extensins and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs). Extensins template the formation of new cell walls. AGPs remained baffling and enigmatic until a Eureka moment when computer prediction of AGP calcium binding depicted paired glucuronic acid residues and thus the likely role of a cell surface AGP-Ca²⁺capacitor: In conjunction with the auxin-activated proton pump that releases bound Ca²⁺ it led us to formulate the Hechtian Growth Oscillator as A Global Paradigm with a pivotal role in Ca²⁺ homeostasis. The ramifications are profound. They cannot be shrugged off with sceptical disdain but demand critical reappraisal of current dogma. Phyllotaxis is an ancient problem; it involves an essential role for auxin and the auxin efflux “PIN” proteins together with mechanotransduction of stress-strain as phyllotactic determinants. However, a general explanation remains elusive despite much effort, particularly by mathematicians. Here we propose a novel biochemical algorithm: Hechtian oscillator transduction of cell wall stress generates phyllotactic patterns quite independent of a mathematical approach. Plants simply use different rules and follow a different route.

Collagen type I production decreases with aging, leading to wrinkles and impaired skin function. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid-derived signaling molecule produced from arachidonic acid by cyclo-oxygenase, inhibits collagen production and induces matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) expression by fibroblasts in vitro. PGE2-induced collagen expression inhibition and MMP1 promotion are aging mechanisms. This study investigated the role of E-prostanoid 1 (EP1) in PGE2 signaling in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). When EP1 expression was inhibited by EP1 small interfering RNA (siRNA), there were no significant changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1)/MMP1 between siRNA-transfected NHDFs and siRNA-transfected NHDFs with PGE2. This result showed that EP1 is a PGE2 receptor. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation after PGE2 treatment significantly increased by ~2.5 times. In addition, PGE2 treatment increased the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration in NHDFs. These results indicated that PGE2 is directly associated with EP1 pathway–regulated ERK1/2 and inositol trisphosphate (IP₃) signaling in NHDFs.

Drosophila circadian circuit is one of the best described neural circuits but is complex enough to obscure our understanding of how it actually works. Animals’ rhythmic behavior, the seemingly simple outcome of their internal clocks, relies on the interaction of heterogeneous clock neurons that are spread across the brain. Direct observations of their coordinated network interactions can bring us forward in understanding the circuit. The current challenge is to observe activity of each of these neurons over a long span of time –hours to days– in live animals. Here we review the progress in circadian circuit interrogation powered by in vivo calcium imaging.

Objective: Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in MeCP2, a transcription factor. MeCP2 mutations cause abnormal expression of downstream genes and eventually lead to brain dysfunction. The role of MeCP2 in brain neural development remains unclear. To further elucidate this role, a MeCP2-null rat model was created with the CRISPR/cas9 system. Method: A MeCP2-cas9 vector was constructed and then microinjected into fertilized rat ova in vitro. Two mutations by CRISPR/cas9 were confirmed to cause deletions in exon 2 of MeCP2 via DNA sequencing, and protein expression was measured by Western blotting. Transcriptome data for three brain tissues, the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus, were obtained via next-generation sequencing. Results: MeCP2-null rats were successfully obtained, and preliminary analysis showed that the MeCP2-null rats exhibited motor dysfunction and anxious and depressed behaviour. In addition, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the three MeCP2-null brain tissues compared to wild-type rat brain tissues. In the rat cerebellum, 388 downregulated DEGs were mainly involved in the calcium ion signalling pathway and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. In the cerebral cortex, 386 upregulated DEGs were primarily involved in intracellular signal transduction, protein phosphorylation and the MAPK signalling pathway. In the hippocampus, the DEGs were related to the MAPK signalling pathway. Conclusion: We constructed a MeCP2-null rat model with unique features with CRISPR/cas9 technology to study RTT and analysed DEGs in three rat brain tissues to highlight potential targets for the development of new medicines.

In recent years, more attention has been paid to behavioral problems in children. However, for the most part, risk factors for these problems have yet to be determined. The current prebirth cohort study investigated the relationship between maternal calcium consumption during pregnancy and behavioral problems in five-year-old Japanese children. Subjects were 1199 mother-child pairs. Dietary intake was assessed using a diet history questionnaire. Emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, and peer problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for four behavioral problems under study according to the quartile of calcium intake, with the lowest quartile as the reference. Adjustment was made for maternal age, gestation at baseline, region of residence at baseline, number of children at baseline, maternal and paternal education, household income, maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy, maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, child's age, child's birth weight, postnatal secondhand smoke exposure at home during the first year of life, and breastfeeding duration. Higher maternal calcium intake during pregnancy was independently associated with a decreased risk of childhood emotional and hyperactivity problems; the adjusted ORs between extreme quartiles (95% CIs, P for trend) were 0.46 (0.27–0.79, 0.01) and 0.60 (0.37–0.97, 0.046). No such inverse associations were observed for childhood conduct problems or peer problems. Maternal calcium intake during pregnancy may decrease the risk of childhood emotional and hyperactivity problems.

Reducing the hardness of hard water is of great concern nowadays due to some adverse effects on water pipes, boilers and soap consumption. Using the method of biomineralization to precipitate calcium and magnesium ions to become carbonate minerals was one of the most important innovations for reducing the hardness of hard water. The present study sought to explore the physical and chemical conditions of carbonates bio-precipitation and the potential use of Bacillus licheniformis SRB2 strain (GenBank: KM884945.1) isolated from sludge sample of Moshui River (Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China) in reducing the hardness of hard waters by the induction of carbonate minerals. In this study, B. licheniformis SRB2 strain was identified based on the morphological, biochemical and 16S rDNA gene sequence homology analysis. The carbonate minerals induced by B. licheniformis bacteria in the liquid culture medium with 3% NaCl and Mg/Ca molar ratio of 0, 6, 8, 10 and 12 were investigated. The culture medium was inoculated with the bacterial liquid seed was set as the experimental group and the other culture medium was inoculated with the same volume of distilled water was set as the control group. The mineral phases, micromorphologies, and crystal structures were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray detector, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The bacterial concentrations and pH values of the solution were measured by a spectrophotometer and a pH meter, respectively. The urease secreted by B. licheniformis SRB2 was found to greatly increase the pH values of the liquid medium, which favored the formation of calcium carbonate.As a result, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ion concentrations decreased greatly due to the biomineralization of calcium carbonate and nesquehonite minerals in the presence of B. licheniformis SRB2 bacterium. There were only few calcium carbonates and no nesquehonite minerals in the control groups. It was also found that the minerals of nesquehonite induced by B. licheniformis SRB2 had a phenomenon of preferred orientation. What was more, even though Mg²⁺ ions inhibited the precipitation of Ca²⁺ ions, but under the action of B. licheniformis SRB2 bacteria, the inhibition effect was significantly declined. The bio-precipitation of calcium carbonate and nesquehonite minerals may represent a new method of pretreatment for the hardness reduction of hard water. The accomplished study is of certain interest for interpretation of the carbonates biomineralization in natural environment, and maybe also has a certain application value in the former processing of hard water

A novel composite consisting of fluorine-doped carbon and graphene double-coated LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4 (LMFP) nanorods, synthesized via a facile low temperature solvothermal method that employs a hybrid glucose and polyvinylidene fluoride as carbon and fluorine sources. As revealed by physicochemical characterization, F-doped carbon coating and graphene form a ‘point-to-surface’ conductive network, facilitating rapid electron transport and mitigating electrochemical polarization. Furthermore, the uniform thickness of the F-doped carbon coating alters the growth of nanoparticles and prevents direct contact between the material and the electrolyte, thereby enhancing structural stability. Strong electronegative F− is beneficial to inhibit the structural changes of LMFP caused by Li-insertion/extraction during charge/discharge, which effectively reduces the Jahn-Teller effect, and inhibits Mn dissolution. The distinctive architecture of LMFP/C-F/G cathode material exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, exhibiting an initial discharge capacity of 163.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and a constant Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% over 100 cycles. Notably, LMFP/C-F/G cathode material achieves an impressive energy density of 607.6 Wh kg−1 , surpassing that of commercial counterparts. Moreover, it delivers a reversible capacity of 90.3 mAh g−1 at a high current rate of 5 C. The high-capacity capability and energy density of the prepared materials give them great potential for use in next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

Background: Amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) have been identified as the main pathogenic agents in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Soluble Aβ oligomers, rather than monomer or insoluble amyloid fibrils, show membrane-binding capacity to red blood cells (RBCs) and trigger several morphological and functional alterations in RBCs that can result in impaired oxygen transport and delivery. Since bioactive lipids have been recently proposed as potent protective agents against Aβ toxicity, we investigated the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in signaling pathways involved in the mechanism underlying ATP release in Aβ-treated RBCs. Methods: In RBCs following different treatments, ATP, 2,3 DPG, cAMP levels, and caspase 3 activity were determined by spectrophotometric and immunoassay. Results: S1P rescued the inhibition of ATP release from RBCs triggered by Aβ through a mechanism involving caspase-3 and restoring 2,3 DPG and cAMP levels within the cell. Conclusions: These findings reveal the molecular basis of S1P protection against Aβ in RBCs and suggest new therapeutic avenues in AD.

Use of probiotic lactobacilli has been proposed as a strategy to mitigate damage associated to exposure to toxic metals. Their protective effect against cationic metal ions, such as those of mercury or lead, is believed to stem from their chelating and accumulating potential. However, their retention of anionic toxic metalloids, such as inorganic arsenic, is generally lower. Through the construction of mutants in phosphate transporter genes (pst) in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strains, coupled with arsenate [As(V)] uptake and toxicity assays, we determined that the incorporation of As(V), which structurally resembles phosphate, is likely facilitated by phosphate transporters. Surprisingly, inactivation in Lc. paracasei of PhoP, the tran-scriptional regulator of the two-component system PhoPR, a signal transducer involved in phosphate sensing, led to an increased resistance to arsenite [As(III)]. In comparison to the wild type, the phoP strain exhibited no differences in the ability to retain As(III), and there were no observed changes in the oxidation of As(III) to the less toxic As(V). These results reinforce the idea that specific transport, and not unspecific cell retention plays a role in As(V) biosorption by lactobacilli, while they reveal an unexpected phenotype for the lack of the pleiotropic regulator PhoP.

A notable REE mineralization in Europe is associated with the Ditrău Alkaline Massif (DAM) in the Eastern Carpathians (Romania). It is an expression of the latest hydrothermal phase in the DAM and is found in the form of mineralized carbonate veins cross-cutting the complex in the NW (Jolotca region) and the SE (Belcina region) parts of the DAM. In the Belcina veins monazite-(Ce), xenotime-(Y), apatite, together with Fe-Mg-rich carbonate, thorite, thorogummite, gedrite and plagioclase are rock-forming. Three different textural and chemical types of the monazite-(Ce) and the xenotime-(Y) document a three-stage evolution. The relative phosphate age succession (from older to younger) thereby is xnt1 > xnt2 (>)+ mnz1 + Fe2O3 + Fe-gedrite > mnz2 + Fe-dolomite (+ plagioclase) > mnz3 + xnt3 + apatite. Phosphate chemistry shows that these crystallized from hydrothermal fluids, whereby each phosphate type follows a separate evolutionary path recommending growth from (at least) 3 independent and successive hydrothermal fluids. Chemistry and pathways within the DAM suggest that these hydrothermal fluids could be derived from a subsurface carbonatitic intrusion. Mnz1,2 and xnt1,2 ages are tightly cluster at 215.8 ± 0.7 Ma (Norian, Upper Triassic). The third-generation phosphate ages are younger, but associated with large analytical uncertainties and did not deliver geologically useful ages. The mean age of ca. 216 Ma is interpreted as timing the Belcina REE mineralization, what together with the fluid chemistry, supports a model of the presence of a late-stage, independent carbonatitic intrusion about 10 Ma after the main igneous activity (ca. 235 - 225 Ma) forming the DAM, synchronous with extension-related magmatism in the region.

The flow behavior of the administrated fluid matrices demands careful assessments for stability as consumed by individuals with dysphagia. In the present study, we incorporate tapioca starch (TS), hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP), and xanthan gum (XG) as thickeners into different nectars (300±20 mPa.s) undergoing thermal processing and evaluated their stability. The thickened nectars presented better water holding and oil binding capacities at 25 ℃ than 4 ℃, and the nectars with TS provided the best results for both capacities as well as the highest solubility index and swelling power (p<0.05). All prepared nectars appeared to be shear-thinning fluids with yield stress closely fitting the power law and Casson models. XG-contained nectars presented a higher yield stress and consistency index. Matrices thickened by HDP exhibited a higher viscoelastic property compared to those thickened by TS during thermal processing. TS nectars presented viscous behavior, whereas HDP and XG nectars presented elastic behavior at 80 ℃ processing. The 3-min thermal processing HDP-nectars remained stable and met dysphagia-friendly requirements under 4 ℃ storage for 28 days regardless of the types of fluid bases (distilled water, sport drink, or orange juice). The employed thickeners present adequate physicochemical properties to be potentially utilized for producing dysphagia-friendly formulations.

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that suppresses plant growth; however, application of endophytic bacteria can increase resistance of plants against Cd, as well as improve plant growth. Two bacterial endophytic strains were isolated from Solanum nigrum and were identified as Serratia sp. AI001 and Enterobacter sp. AI002 by 16S DNA sequencing. Strains AI001 and AI002, tolerated up to 25 mg/mL Cd in broth culture and showed phosphate solubilization potential in Pikovskaya agar medium. AI001 and AI002 produced indole-3-acetic acid, which was confirmed by gas spectrometry-mass chromatography. Brassica plants stressed with 0, 5, 15, and 25 mg/L Cd showed significant decrease in plant growth, chlorophyll content and biomass, and significant increase in Cd dose-dependent electrolyte leakage. Inoculation of strain AI001 or AI002 significantly enhanced the plant growth attributes of shoot length, root length, chlorophyll content, and biomass as compared to those in uninoculated plants. Reduced glutathione contents in plants stressed with different concentrations of Cd also increased with inoculation of AI001 and AI002. The reason of Cd resistance enhancement in plants by inocula could be due to their greater plant growth promoting activities as well as their antioxidative response.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has a prevalence of 0.16%-0.34% and an incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 person-years, accounting for 1%-2% of all deaths in Western countries. Currently, no effective pharmacological therapies have been identified to slow TAA development and prevent TAA rupture. Large TAAs are treated with open surgical repair and less invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair, both of which have high perioperative mortality risk. Therefore, there is an urgent medical need to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TAA development and rupture to develop new therapies. In this review, we summarize animal TAA models including recent developments in porcine and zebrafish models: porcine models can assess new therapeutic devices or intervention strategies in a large mammal and zebrafish models can employ large-scale small-molecule suppressor screening in microwells. The second part of the review covers current views of TAA pathogenesis, with a focus on the roles of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) pathway and the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-elastin-contractile unit. The last part discusses TAA treatment options as they emerge from recent preclinical studies.

The Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel is implicated in various pathological conditions, including cardiac hypertrophy, epilepsy, autism, and chronic pain. Phosphorylation of Cav3.2 by multiple kinases plays a pivotal role in regulating its calcium channel function. The calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase, calcineurin, interacts physically with Cav3.2 and modulates its activity. However, it remains unclear whether calcineurin dephosphorylates Cav3.2, the specific spatial regions on Cav3.2 involved, and the extent of the quantitative impact. In this study, we elucidated the serine/threonine residues on Cav3.2 targeted by calcineurin using quantitative mass spectrometry. We identified six serine residues in the N-terminus, II-III loop, and C-terminus of Cav3.2 that were dephosphorylated by calcineurin. Notably, a higher level of dephosphorylation was observed in the Cav3.2 C-terminus, where calcineurin binds to this channel. Additionally, a previously known CaMKII-phosphorylated site, S1198, was found to be dephosphorylated by calcineurin. Furthermore, we also discovered that a novel CaMKII-phosphorylated site, S2137, underwent dephosphorylation by calcineurin. In CAD cells, a mouse central nervous system cell line, membrane depolarization led to an increase in the phosphorylation of endogenous Cav3.2 at S2137. Mutation of S2137 affected the calcium channel function of Cav3.2. Our findings advance the understanding of Cav3.2 regulation not only through kinase phosphorylation but also via calcineurin phosphatase dephosphorylation.

Dissolved calcium (Ca2+) concentrations in freshwater ecosystems are of growing concern as increasing levels have been implicated in altering the environmental conditions and biodiversity. Elevated Ca2+ levels and sporadic re-emergence and disappearance of invasive zebra mussels in Kentucky Lake in recent years served as a motivation for this study. The objective of this study was to determine Ca2+ spatial and temporal patterns in Kentucky Lake, selected tributary streams, and the Ohio River during and following a zebra mussel invasion. Over 1000 water samples were collected and analysed for dissolved calcium during 2018-2022. Approved analytical methods were followed for sampling and measuring dissolved calcium levels. Results revealed significant spatial and temporal patterns. Kentucky Lake Ca2+ levels varied between 15-25 mg/L depending on the sampling location and month/year. Kentucky Lake channel sites exhibited comparably higher concentrations of Ca 2+ than did most embayment and/or stream sites, indicating that tributary streams did not serve as primary sources of calcium to the lake. Dissolved calcium levels at main lake sites exceeded the threshold for zebra mussel growth and reproduction in 2018 during the time when zebra mussels were present. Calcium in lake water samples collected from 2019 through 2022 was at or just below the threshold. Temporal trend data showed a gradual increase in Ca2+ in Kentucky Lake throughout the study period but remaining at or below the threshold level considered critical for the zebra mussels’ reproduction and development. Calcium levels in the Ohio River site at Paducah were similar to Kentucky Lake reflecting the predominance of Tennessee River water, while levels at the Brookport site were consistent with values known to support zebra mussel populations. The elevated calcium levels in Kentucky Lake waters during the late winter and early spring months may be due to natural sources (mineral weathering) as well as human activities in the Tennessee River basin. This study emphasizes the need for continued calcium monitoring in the watershed to determine the potential for future zebra mussel outbreaks and potential influences on the lake ecosystem and its functions.

Plants have acquired sets of highly regulated and complex signaling pathways to respond to unfavorable environmental conditions during evolution. Calcium signaling, as a vital mechanism, enables plants to respond to external stimuli, including abiotic and biotic stresses, and coordinate the basic processes of the growth and development. In the present study, the calcium sensor families, including CBL and CIPK, were investigated in the halophyte plant, Aeluropus littoralis, with a comprehensive analysis. Here, six AlCBL genes, and twenty AlCIPK genes were presented. The analysis of the gene structure and conserved motifs, as well as physicochemical properties, showed that these genes are highly conserved during evolution. The expression levels of AlCBL genes and AlCIPK genes were evaluated under salt stress in leaf and root tissue. Based on the real-time RT-PCR results, AlCIPK gene family had a higher variation in mRNA abundance compared to the AlCBL gene family. The AlCIPKs were found to have a higher abundance in leaves than in roots. The results suggest that the interaction pattern of AlCBL genes with AlCIPK is tissue-specific, and different interactions can be expected in leaves and roots. Based on these patterns AlCIPK3.1 - AlCBL4.1 and AlCIPK1.2 - AlCBL4.4 can interact in root tissue, while the AlCBL10 has the potential to interact with the AlCIPK5, AlCIPK26 and AlCIPK12.3 in the leaf tissue. These findings provide valuable information on the structure and function of calcium sensor families in Aeluropus littoralis a halophyte plant, for future research on the biological function of CBLs and CIPKs on salt stress resistance.

Calcium signaling and lipid metabolism are crucial in the infection processes of Apicomplexans parasites. Thus, enzymes involved in these processes can be drug targets against Apicomplexans. For example, in malaria infection, in-depth research into lipid metabolic pathways is crucial in understanding the parasite's infection cycle, particularly during its erythrocytic infection cycle, which has been demonstrated to be a critical stage during the disease progression. Most enzymes that play critical roles in lipid synthesis and calcium signaling have been extensively studied; nonetheless, a vast knowledge gap still exists, especially on specific enzymes and their roles in the transmission and progression of the Apicomplexan parasites. Many types of infections caused by Apicomplexans are life-threatening and hard to treat. These intracellular parasites proliferate within parasitophorous vacuoles in their host cells. As the parasites multiply, they need to meet their high demand for nutrients such as amino acids and lipids. They can acquire nutrients through scavenging and biosynthesis. This review summarizes a few interesting, unique pathways in selected Apicomplexa and how such unique pathways can be targets for drugs.

Collapsibility is an inherent characteristic of loess, which is often treated by adding industrial materials such as cement and lime in engineering, it seriously damages the reclamation performance of soil. Degradable calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) has a good prospect in balancing soil stabilization and environmental protection. Therefore, this paper evaluates the collapsibility and mechanical characteristics of CLS improved loess based on the collapsibility test, grey correlation analysis, and unconfined compressive strength test. The results show that when the content is 3%, the stabilization effect is most obvious, and the collapsibility coefficient can be reduced by more than 95%. The order of grey correlation degree of collapsibility on each index is moisture content, void ratio, dry density, and CLS content from large to small. The unconfined compressive strength increases rapidly in the first 14 days and then decreases with the content. When the content is too high, the strength of improved loess is lower than that of plain loess. Combined with SEM, microstructure parameters, and X-ray diffraction analysis, the carbonate minerals can play the role of filling pores and connecting soil particles, which reduces the grain size of mineral composition and the thickness of the electric double layer and makes the structure more compact. The research results have scientific significance and application value for the ecological modification research and engineering application of soil.

The intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) modulation plays a key role in the regulation of cellular growth and survival in normal cells and failure of [Ca2+]i homeostasis is involved in tumor initiation and progression. Here we show that inhibition of Furin by its naturally occurring inhibitor the prodomain ppFurin in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells resulted in enhanced SOCE through TRPC6 activation that associated reduced cells malignant phenotype. Expression of ppFurin in a stable manner in MDA-MB-231 and the melanoma MDA-MB-435 cell lines inhibits Furin activity as assessed by in vitro digestion assays. Accordingly, cell transfection experiments, revealed that the ppFurin-expressing cells are unable to process adequately the PC substrates proVEGF-C and proIGF-1R. Compared to MDA-MB-435 cells, expression of ppFurin in MDA-MB-231 significantly induces Ca2+ entry which is impaired by silencing of TRPC6 expression. Analysis of TRPC6 activation revealed its up-regulated tyrosine phosphorylation in ppFurin-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells. The expression of ppFurin in MDA-MB-231 cells reduced their viability and ability to migrate and enhanced their sensitization to the apoptosis inducer hydrogen peroxide. These findings suggest that Furin inhibition by ppFurin may be a useful strategy to interfere with Ca2+ mobilization leading to breast cancer cells malignant phenotype repression and reduction of their resistance to treatments.

Muscle mass and strength decrease with aging, but habitual exercise can maintain muscle health. β-Hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate calcium (HMB) and black ginger (BG) are anti-oxidants that have been reported to improve muscle protein metabolism and energy production; these molecules may have synergistic effects. The senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model is a useful model of muscle aging. Therefore, in this study, we explored how the combination of habitual exercise, HMB, and BG affected muscle aging. We used 28-week-old SAMP8 mice divided into five groups: control, exercise (Ex), Ex+BG, Ex+HMB, and Ex+BG+HMB (Ex+Comb). Mice were required to run on a treadmill for 16 weeks at 5 days per week. In 44-week-old mice, grip strength tests and dissection were conducted. Muscle weight was measured, and the gastrocnemius muscle was subjected to quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Muscle mass and strength were preserved in the Ex+Comb group, and mitochondrial function was preserved through suppressing oxidative stress. Muscle protein synthesis signaling was improved in the Ex+Comb group. Autophagy and the ubiquitin system were normalized by Ex+Comb treatment. Overall, habitual exercise and HMB plus BG treatment maintained muscle health by suppressing oxidative stress, preserving mitochondrial function, and maintaining muscle protein metabolism in SAMP8 mice.

Pore Forming Toxins (PFTs), formed mainly by virulence factors of bacteria, belongs to Pore Forming Protein (PFP) family. Secreted as soluble monomers, they bind specific targets in membranes where their oligomerization and insertion place. Lysenin, a member of the PFTs, forms and oligomer after sphingomyelin binding, the so-called prepore, which become inserted forming a pore after a conformational change triggered by a pH decrease. In crowded conditions, oligomers tends to stay in prepore form because the prepore-to-pore transition is sterically blocked. In this study, we investigate the effect of calcium ions in those crowded conditions, finding that calcium act as a trigger for lysenin insertion. We localize the residues responsible for calcium sensitivity in a small α-helix. Our results are not only one of the few complete structural descriptions of prepore-to-pore transitions but the very first that involves a calcium triggering mechanism. The presence of glutamic or aspartic acids in the insertion domains could be an indication that calcium may be a general trigger for PFTs and more generally PFP.

In an attempt to correct misunderstandings this article brings together the observations on Calcium, Myosin Binding Protein-C and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the basic function of cardiac muscle. A finding of many years ago is reiterated in a novel enzyme kinetic format with defined rate limiting step which makes CaATP the apparent substrate of the actomyosin cross-bridge. The relationship of these kinetics to recent observations on disruption of myosin binding protein-C is described along with how this bears on the understanding of the related cardiomyopathies.

Evidence has been accumulated demonstrating that heavy metals may accumulate in various organs leading to tissue damage and toxic effects in mammals. In particular, the Central Nervous System (CNS) seems to be particularly vulnerable to cumulative concentrations of heavy metals, though the pathophysiological mechanisms is still to be clarified. In particular the potential role of oligodendrocyte dysfunction and myelin production after exposure to subtoxic concentration of heavy metals is to be better assessed. Here we investigated on the effect of sub-toxic concentration of several essential (Cu^{2 +}, Cr³⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺) and non-essential (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Al³⁺) heavy metals on MO3.13 and SHSY5Y human oligodendrocyte and neuronal cell lines (grown individually or in co-culture). In particular, exposure of both cell lines to heavy metals produced a reduced cell viability of co-cultured cell lines compared to cells grown separately. This effect was more pronounced in neurons which were more sensitive to metals than oligodendrocytes when the cells were grown in co-culture. On the other hand, a significant reduction of lipid component in cells occurred after their exposure to heavy metals, an effect accompanied by substantial reduction of the main protein that makes up myelin (MBP) in co-cultured cells. Finally, the effect of heavy metals in oligodendrocytes were associated to imbalanced intracellular calcium ion concentration as measured through the fluorescent Rhod-2 probe, thus confirming that heavy metals, even used at subtoxic concentrations, lead to dysfunctional oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, our data show, for the first time, that sub-toxic concentrations of several heavy metals lead to dysfunctional oligodendrocytes, an effect highlighted when these cells are co-cultured with neurons. The pathophysiological mechanism(s) underlying this effect is to be better clarified. However, imbalanced intracellular calcium ion regulation, altered lipid formation and, finally, imbalanced myelin formation seem to play a major role in early stages of heavy metal-related oligodendrocyte dysfunction.

Numerous protocols have been published for extracting DNA from phlebotomines. Nevertheless, their small size is generally an issue in terms of yield, efficiency, and purity, for large-scale individual sand fly DNA extractions when using traditional methods. Even though this can be circumvented with commercial kits, these are generally cost-prohibitive for developing countries. We encountered these limitations when analysing parasite infection in Lutzomyia spp. by PCR [1] and, for this reason, we evaluated various modifications on a previously published protocol ([2] and Acardi personal communication). The most significant variation was the use of a different lysis buffer [3] to which added Ca2+ (buffer TESCa), because this ion protects proteinase K against autolysis, increases its thermal stability, and could have a regulatory function for its substrate-binding site [4]. Individual sand fly DNA extraction success was confirmed by amplification reactions using internal control primers that amplify a fragment of the cacophony gene [5,6]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a lysis buffer containing Ca2+ has been reported for the extraction of DNA from sand flies.

β-dicalcium silicate (β-Ca₂SiO₄, or β-C₂S in cement chemistry notation) is one of the most important minerals in cement. An improvement of its hydration rate would be the key point for developing environmentally friendly cements with lower energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. However, there is a lack of fundamental understanding on the water/β-C₂S surface interactions. In this work we aim to evaluate the water adsorption on three β-C₂S surfaces at the atomic scale using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results indicate that thermodynamically favorable water adsorption takes place in several surface sites, with a broad range of adsorption energies (−0.78 to −1.48 eV), depending on the particular mineral surface and adsorption site. To clarify the key factor governing the adsorption, the electronic properties of water at the surface were analyzed. The partial density of states (DOS), charge analysis, and electron density difference analyses suggest a dual interaction of water with β-C₂S (100) surface: a nucleophilic interaction of the water oxygen lone pair with surface calcium atoms, and an electrophilic interaction (hydrogen bond) of one water hydrogen with surface oxygen atoms. Despite the elucidation of the adsorption mechanism, no correlation was found between the electronic structure and the adsorption energies.

Miscarriage due to blastocyst implantation failure occurs in up to two-thirds of all miscarriage cases in human. The calcium ion has been shown to be involved in many cellular signal transduction pathways as well as in the regulation of cell adhesion, which is necessary for the embryo implantation process. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDs) during early gestation results in disruption of intrauterine implantation and uterine reception, leading to implantation failure. In this study, ovarian estrogen (E2), bisphenol A (BPA), or 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), with or without ICI 182,780 (ICI) were injected subcutaneously from gestation day 1 to gestation day 3 post-coitus. The expression levels of the calcium transport genes were assessed in maternal uteri and implantation sites. The number of implantation sites was significantly low in the OP group, and implantation sites were absent in the E2 and EDs+ICI groups. There were different calcium transient transport channel expression levels in uterus and implantation site samples. The levels of TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression were significantly increased by EDs with/without ICI treatment in uterus. Whereas, TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression were significantly lower in implantation sites samples. NCX1 and PMCA1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by OP and BPA in the implantation site samples. Compared to vehicle treatment in uterus, both the MUC1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly high in all but the BPA group. Taken together, these results suggest that both BPA and OP can impair embryo implantation through alteration of calcium transport gene expressions and by affecting uterine receptivity.

Electrospinning is the versatile technique to generate large quantities of micro- or nano-fibers from a wide variety of shapes and sizes of polymer. Natural bone is a hierarchically composites with the dispersion of inorganic ceramic along organic polymer. The aim of this study, the electrospun poly (lactic acid) (PLA) mats coated with chitosan (CH) and calcium silicate (CS) powder were fabricated. The morphology, chemical composition, and surface properties of CS/CH-PLA composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro, the CS/CH-coated PLA mats increased the formation of apatite on the surface when soaking in cell cultured medium. During culture, the adhesion and proliferation of the human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on CS/CH-PLA were significantly promoted relative to those on PLA. Collagen I and fibronectin levels and promoted cell adhesion were observed upon an increase in CS content. Further, compared to PLA mats without CS/CH, CS10 and CS15 mats markedly enhanced the proliferation of hMSCs as well as their osteogenesis properties, which was characterized by bone-related gene expression. Our results demonstrated that the biodegradable and electroactive CS/CH-PLA mats had potential application as an ideal candidate for bone tissue engineering. Together, findings from this study clearly demonstrated that PLLA-C2S composite scaffold may function as an ideal candidate for bone tissue engineering.

The feasibility of using zeolites, synthesized from components found in municipal solid waste fly ash (MSW-FA), as sorbents for the recovery of nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) and heavy metals is critically assessed in this review. The inherent drawbacks of utilising a highly contaminated, variable, and relatively Al- and Si-dilute source such as MSW-FA to synthesize zeolites are discussed, and different methods to extract and decontaminate zeolite precursor materials from MSW-FA are considered. Ways to synthesize tailored zeolites and how their properties as well as the operational conditions impact the adsorption of cations such as ammonium and heavy metals are summarized. The use of surface-modified zeolites to adsorb nitrate and phosphate is also reviewed. And subsequently, approaches to utilise directly or recover for reuse the adsorbed compounds are considered, discussing potential challenges and mitigating measures related to leaching of unwanted compounds from the zeolites. Moreover, the possibility to regenerate the adsorption capacity of the zeolites for multiple adsorption cycles is considered. In the final chapter of the review a more general discussion of the main challenges and existing research gaps is provided, giving directions for recommended studies.

Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the body to neutralize them by antioxidant defense systems. Cells produce ROS as a control of physiological processes, but increasing ROS becomes pathological leading to non-specific and irreversible damage to biological molecules, such as DNA, lipid, and protein. Endogenous ROS are mainly produced by mitochondria during both physiological and pathological conditions, and enzymes, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX), xanthine oxidase (XO), lipoxygenase (LOX), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and monoamine oxidase (MAO). To neutralize ROS, the body employs enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense systems. The dietary intake of bioactive phenols, such as quercetin (Que), is a non-enzymatic system that can quench ROS and protect from pro-oxidative damage. In this review, we evaluate the ability of Que to target endogenous oxidant enzymes involved in ROS production and explore the mechanisms of action underlying its antioxidant properties. Que not only acts as a free radical scavenger by donating electrons through the negative charges in its phenolic and ketone groups, but it can effectively inhibit the activity of several endogenous oxidative enzymes, binding them with high affinity and specificity. Among all targets, Que showed the best results in molecular docking simulations with XO, followed by MAO-A, 5-LOX, NOX, and MPO. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of Que as a natural antioxidant therapy for oxidative stress-related diseases.

Background: Initial phases of molecular and cellular maladaptive bone response at early CKD remain mostly unknown. Methods: We induced mild CKD in SHRs by either arterial hypertension lasting six months (sham-operated rats, SO6) or in its’ combination with 3/4 nephrectomy lasting two and six months (Nx2 and Nx6, correspondently). Sham operated SHRs (SO2) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY2) with two-month follow-up served as controls. Animals were fed standard chow containing 0.6% phosphate. We measured creatinine clearance, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, renal interstitial fibrosis, inorganic phosphate (Pi) exchange, intact PTH and FGF23, Klotho, dickkopf-1, sclerostin. And assessed bone response by static histomorphometric indices and gene expression profiles. Results: Mild CKD groups had no increase in renal Pi excretion, FGF23 and PTH levels. Serum Pi, dickkopf-1, and sclerostin were higher in Nx6. Decrease in trabecular bone area and osteocyte number was obvious in SO6. Nx2 and Nx6 had additionally lower osteoblast number. The decline in eroded perimeter was only apparent in Nx6. Significant downregulation of genes related to Pi transport, MAPK, WNT, and BMP signaling accompanied histological alterations in Nx2 and Nx6. Conclusions: We found an association of mild CKD with histological and molecular features suggesting lower bone turnover, which occurred at normal levels of systemic Pi-regulating factors.

Followed by the aspect of respect for rights 20, the social and environmental issue has a score of 19.9, the dialogue issue is 19. In short, the proximity plan indicates that the policies used regarding the issue of generating employment and economic growth (Empresa Mantaro Perú SAC), continue to be the strategic variables in the first instance, but they are far from the social actors (rural communities of Aco, Vico, Cruz Pampa and others) and environmental (Junín environmental dialogue table) and Ombudsman's Office (rights) that are currently closer together. The actor from the Archbishop of Huancayo referred to communication is one of the driving variables of power. The proximity plan shows us that the policies used regarding the issue of generating employment and economic growth (Empresa Mantaro Perú SAC), continue to be the strategic variables in the first instance, but that they are far from the social actors (Rural Communities of Aco , Vico, Cruz Pampa and others) and environmental (Junín Environmental Dialogue Table) and Ombudsman's Office (rights) that are currently closer together. The actor from the Archbishop of Huancayo referred to communication is one of the driving variables of power. The proximity plan shows us that the policies used regarding the issue of generating employment and economic growth (Empresa Mantaro Perú SAC), continue to be the strategic variables in the first instance, but that they are far from the social actors (Rural Communities of Aco , Vico, Cruz Pampa and others) and environmental (Junín Environmental Dialogue Table) and Ombudsman's Office (rights) that are currently closer together. The actor from the Archbishop of Huancayo referred to communication is one of the driving variables of power. but they are far from the social actors (rural communities of Aco, Vico, Cruz Pampa and others) and environmental (Junín Environmental Dialogue Table) and the Ombudsman's Office (rights) that are closer together today. The actor from the Archbishopric of Huancayo referred to communication, is within the driving variables of power. but they are far from the social actors (rural communities of Aco, Vico, Cruz Pampa and others) and environmental (Junín Environmental Dialogue Table) and the Ombudsman's Office (rights) that are currently closer together. The actor of the Archbishopric of Huancayo referred to communication, is within the driving variables of power.

A human organism depends on stable glucose blood levels in order to maintain the metabolic needs. Glucose is considered as the most important energy source and glycolysis is postulated as a backbone pathway. However, when glucose supply is limited, ketone bodies and amino acids can be used to produce enough ATP. In contrast, for the functioning of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) glucose is essential and cannot be substituted by other metabolites. PPP generates and maintains levels of NADPH needed for reduction of oxidized glutathione and protein thiols, synthesis of lipids and DNA as well as for xenobiotic detoxification, regulatory redox signaling and counteracting infections. Flux of glucose into a PPP, particularly under extreme oxidative and toxic challenges is critical for survival, whereas the glycolytic pathway is primarily activated when glucose is abundant, and there is lack of NADP⁺ that is required for activation of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase. An important role of glycogen stores in resistance to oxidative challenges is discussed. Current evidences explain disruptive metabolic effects and detrimental health consequences of chronic nutritional carbohydrate overload and provides new insights into positive metabolic effects of intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, exercise, and ketogenic diet through modulation of redox homeostasis.

An interdigitated electrode sensor was designed and microfabricated for measuring the changes in the capacitance of three phosphate selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) formulations, in order to provide hydroponics users with a portable nutrient sensing tool. The MIPs investigated were synthesised using different combinations of the functional monomers methacrylic acid (MAA) and N-allylthiourea, against the template molecules diphenyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate and trimethyl phosphate. A cross-interference study between phosphate, nitrate and sulfate was carried out for the MIP materials using an inductance, capacitance and resistance (LCR) meter. Capacitance measurements were taken applying an alternating current (AC) with a potential difference of 1 V root mean square (RMS) at a frequency of 1 kHz. The cross-interference study demonstrated a strong binding preference to phosphate over the other nutrient salts tested for each formulation. The size of template molecule and length of the functional monomer side groups also determined that a combination of a short chain functional monomer in combination with a template containing large R-groups produced the optimal binding site conditions when synthesising a phosphate selective MIP.

To investigate the effect of prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca) primed on seed germination and seedling growth of oilseed rape under salt stress, to alleviate the inhibition of soil salinization on the growth of oilseed rape, and to improve the sustainability of agricultural production. Using Huayouza 158R and Huayouza 62 as test materials, the regulation of seed germination and seedling growth under the stresses of 0, 100, and 150 mM NaCl (S0, S100, and S150) was investigated after the primed of Pro-Ca. We conducted six treatments, S0: non-primed + 0 mM NaCl, PCS0: Pro-Ca primed + 0 mM NaCl, S100: non-primed + 100 mM NaCl, PCS100: Pro-Ca primed + 100 mM NaCl, S150: non-primed + 150mM NaCl, Pro-Ca+S150: Pro-Ca primed + 150 mM NaCl. The results showed that salt stress inhibited seed germination and seedling growth, and Pro-Ca primed significantly increased the germination index and vigor index of oilseed rape seeds. The average germination time and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were significantly reduced, which resulted in the optimal initiation fiddling concentration of 8mg·L-1. The morphological parameters of oilseed rape decreased significantly under salt stress, with leaf area decreasing by 70.69% and 75.03% and total chlorophyll content decreasing by 18.55% and 18.68% at S150. With the rise of salt stress, the changes of each photosynthetic parameter were somewhat similar, and Pn, Gs, Ci, and Tr continued to decline, indicating that the effects of salt stress on photosynthesis in oilseed rape might be mainly attributed to stomatal restriction and inhibition of photosynthetic pigment synthesis. While Na+ and MDA contents increased significantly, reaching a peak at S150, indicating that Na+ content increased significantly under salt stress, which resulted in the slow growth of oilseed rape and weak plants under the influence of Na+ salt damage. After Pro-Ca primed, leaf area and photosynthetic pigment synthesis increased, and the initiation treatment promoted the rise of Pn, Gs, Ci, and Tr under salt stress. The Na+ content decreased by 7.29% and 6.96% in PCS100 compared with S100, decreased by 9.23% and 25.02% in PCS150 compared with S150, and increased in K+ and Mg2+ after Pro-Ca primed. At this time, the antioxidant enzyme activities increased, and the MDA content and relative conductivity decreased. It was concluded that Pro-Ca primed improved the photosynthetic capacity of oilseed rape by promoting leaf growth, stomatal opening, and photosynthetic pigment synthesis. At the same time, reducing Na+ content and promoting K+ and Mg2+ absorption and antioxidant enzyme activities together alleviate salt damage and improve salt tolerance of oilseed rape.

Understanding the molecular factors involved in the development of uterine myomas may result in the use of pharmacological drugs instead of aggressive surgical treatment. ANGPT1, CASR, and PTK2 were examined in myoma and peripheral tissues samples taken from women after myoma surgery and in normal uterine muscle tissue samples in the control group. Tests were performed using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry. No statistically significant differences in ANGPT1 expression between the tissue of the myoma, the periphery, and the normal uterine muscle tissue of the control group were recorded. The CASR value was reduced in the myoma and peripheral tissue and normal in the group of women without myomas. PTK2 expression was also lower in the myoma and periphery com-pared to healthy uterine myometrium. Calcium supplementation could have an effect on stop-ping the growth of myomas.

The success rate of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is influenced by various factors, including stone density, which is determined through computed tomography scans in Hounsfield Units (HU). Materials and method: This retrospective single-center study was conducted in King Fahad hospital. Sixty-seven adult patients with renal and ureteric stones were selected randomly and enrolled in the study. Their age ranged from 20 to 69 years. The patients were examined with non-contrast enhancement (NCCT) to assess the HU of stones, consequently, treated with ESWL. Results: of the 67 patients, 37.3% of the stones were completely fragmented, while 62.7% were partially fragmented. HU, location of the stone, a multiplicity of the stone, and patient age were significant factors contributing to stone fragility (p-values&lt; 0.05). The HU has a positive significant linear correlation with serum calcium (r= .28, p-value=.036), while serum acid has a negative correlation (r=-.55, p-value= &lt; .001). Thus, the probability of calcium-containing stones formation increased with increased HU. In contrast, uric acid stone formation is likely to develop with decreasing HU with serum uric acid. Renal stones in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not completely fragmented compared to those without clinical history. Conclusion: Mean HU, location of the stone, laterality, status of stone, and the number of ESWL sessions were the most significant factors affecting stone fragility. CT attenuation values can predict the composition of stones from serum calcium and uric acid examinations. Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus are risk factors for renal stone fragmentation.

(1) Background: The Gárdos channel (KCNN4) and Piezo1 are the best-known ion channels in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Nevertheless, the quantitative electrophysiological behavior of RBCs and its heterogeneity are still not completely understood.; (2) Methods: Here we use state-of-the-art biochemical methods to probe for the abundance of the channels in RBCs. Furthermore, we utilize automated patch-clamp, based on planar chips, to compare the activity of the two channels in reticulocytes and mature RBCs. Besides this characterization, we performed membrane potential measurements to demonstrate the effect of channel activity and interplay on the RBC properties.; (3) Results: Both, Gárdos channel and Piezo1, albeit their average copy number of activatable channels per cell is in the single digit range, can be detected by transcriptome analysis of reticulocytes. Proteomics analysis of RBCs could only detect Piezo1 but not the Gárdos channel. Furthermore, they can be reliably measured in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp method. While for the Gárdos channel the activity is higher in reticulocytes compared to mature RBCs, for Piezo1 the tendency is the opposite. While the interplay between Piezo1 and Gárdos channel cannot be followed using the patch-clamp measurements, it could be proved based on membrane potential measurements in populations of intact RBCs.; (4) Conclusions: We discuss the Gárdos channel and Piezo1 abundance, interdependencies and interactions in the context of their proposed physiological and pathophysiological functions, which are the passing of small constrictions, e.g., in the spleen, and their active participation in blood clot formation and thrombosis.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has almost 190 million tonnes produced in 2023. Tomato fruit suffer losses of up to 50% during harvest and transport, which causes financial hardship, reduces the amount of food available and causes environmental harm. Calcium plays an important role in cell wall strength. This work assessed the use of a calcium transport stimulants (MCAS) to increase the firmness of tomato fruit in the laboratory and the foliar application to tomato plants. Then handling damage was simulated. In the laboratory, the calcium with MCAS significantly increased the fruit firmness compared to the untreated and calcium without MCAS, which were not significantly different. When calcium with MCAS was applied to tomato plants foliarly before harvest, the calcium with MCAS treated fruit were significantly firmer than the untreated or calcium without MCAS treated fruit for up to 10 weeks after harvest, and this was achieved by applying only 0.91 kg ha-1 calcium. Finally, when fruit were exposed to a simulated drop, the calcium with MCAS treated fruit remained firmer than the undamaged fruit or dropped fruit with calcium without MCAS. Calcium with MCAS could significantly increase the fruit firmness and increase the shelf-life of tomatoes while applying less calcium.

A major route for influx of calcium ions into neurons uses the STIM-Orai1 voltage-independent channel. Once cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) elevates, it activates mitochondrial and endoplasmic calcium stores, to affect downstream molecular pathways. In the present study we employed a novel drug, Carbonyl Cyanide Chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a mitochondrial uncoupler, to explore the role of mitochondria in cultured neuronal morphology. CCCP caused a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i and, quite surprisingly, a massive increase in density of dendritic filopodia and spines in the affected neurons. This morphological change can be prevented in cultures ex-posed to calcium-free medium, to Orai1 antagonist 2APB, or to cells transfected with domi-nant-negative Orai1 plasmid. It is suggested that CCCP activates mitochondria through influx of calcium, to cause a rapid growth of dendritic processes

The research on calcium leaching of 3D printed cement pastes (3DPC) exposed in aggressive water is limited, and the mechanism underlying its effect needs to be better understood. The performance anisotropy of degraded 3DPC due to calcium leaching is investigated in this paper. Samples with aggregate micro fines (AMF) and fly ash (FA) were prepared. A 6 mol/L NH₄Cl solution was used in the accelerated experiment. At specific leaching durations, performances were tested on the samples in different leaching directions. Results show that the performances of 3DPC in aggressive water have a significant anisotropic behavior. The evolution of pore defects and hydration products mainly governs the performance anisotropy of degraded 3DPC. The remaining hydration products of the surface of 3DPC leached in the Z direction are less than the other two directions because calcium ions leached in the Z direction are difficult to be compensated through weak interfaces between layers.

Ca2+ is a crucial second messenger in plant cells, playing a vital role in various physiological and biochemical processes, including plant growth and development, photosynthesis, and enzyme regulation. Exogenous calcium concentration can have different effects on plant growth. This study aimed to investigate the optimal calcium concentration for the growth of four tree species, namely Pinus tabuliformis, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, Populus, and Morus alba seedlings, and whether the optimal calcium concentration varies among different tree species. The study utilized five calcium concentration gradients (0, 100, 200, 400, 800 mg·kg-1) for each species with three repeated treatments. Various growth indexes, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, water use efficiency, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed to determine each species' calcium concentration requirements. The results showed that exogenous calcium significantly affected the growth and development of each seedling. The growth, biomass, photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic products, photosynthetic pigments, water use efficiency, and antioxidant enzyme activity all increased initially and then decreased with increasing calcium concentration. Leaf calcium concentration also increased with the exogenous calcium content. Thus, there is an optimal calcium concentration for plant growth, and high or low calcium concentration is not conducive to plant growth. Furthermore, the study found that different tree species have varying optimal calcium concentrations. The optimal calcium concentration for Pinus tabuliformis, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, Populus, and Morus alba seedlings was 100, 100, 200, and 400 mg·kg-1, respectively. Finally, the study revealed that broadleaf species require higher calcium concentrations than coniferous species.

Even after debridement and chemical root canal preparation, multispecies bacterial biofilms can still be found in root canals and dentinal tubules. This demonstrates the necessity of using suitable antibacterial endodontic sealers. Due to their well-known biological qualities, calcium silicate based root canal sealers or “bioceramic’ sealers have recently been launched and can be successful in endodontic procedures. This study's objective was to compare the impact of CerasealR, Total Fill BC SealerR, Bio-C SealerR, AH Plus BioceramicR, K-biocerR and SealiteR on the elimination of a multispecies’ endodontic biofilm at 3, 7 and 14 days. Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Candida Albicans and Proteus Mirabilis were cultured on specific agars and later grown in Brain Heart Infusion broth on hydroxyapatite discs pretreated with collagen type 1 and incubated for 18 days. The resulting biofilm was then placed on a 10mm round shaped blotting paper set on a metallic net in a 6cm petri dish with an orthodontic bend filled with the calcium silicate based root canal sealer in direct contact with the biofilm. In all tested groups, the total bacterial count has significantly decreased between day 3 and day 14 (P<0.05) with no statistically significant differences among the different sealers’ groups at all time points. Sealite group was capable of decreasing the Candida Albicans count significantly between day 3 and day 14 (P<0.05) in comparison with the bioceramic groups. All sealers had antibacterial activity against the multispecies biofilm between day 3 and day 14.

Much evidence suggests a correlation between degeneration and mitochondrial impairment. Typical cases of degeneration can also be observed in physiological phenomena (aging) as well as in neurological neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. All these pathologies have as a common denominator the dyshomeostasis of mitochondrial bioenergy. Even neurodegenerative diseases show a bioenergetics imbalance in their pathogenesis or progression. Huntington's chorea and Parkinson's disease are both neurodegenerative diseases, but while Huntington's disease is a genetic, and progressive disease with early manifestation and severe penetrance, Parkinson's disease is a pathology with a multifactorial aspect. Indeed, there are different types of Parkinson/Parkinsonism. Many forms are early onset diseases linked to gene mutation, others can appear in young adults and senescent only post-injury, and a final group is idiopathic. Huntington's was defined as a hyperkinetic disorder, while Parkinson's is a hypokinetic disorder; but in the middle, there are a lot of similarities as well as neuronal excitability, the loss of striatal function, psychiatric comorbidity, etc. In the review, we would embrace the theories that both diseases start and develop in light of mitochondrial dysfunction. These dysfunctions act on energy metabolism and reduce the vitality of neurons in many different brain areas.

Much evidence suggests a correlation between degeneration and mitochondrial impairment. Typical cases of degeneration can also be observed in physiological phenomena (aging) as well as in neurological neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. All these pathologies have as a common denominator the dyshomeostasis of mitochondrial bioenergy. Even neurodegenerative diseases show a bioenergetics imbalance in their pathogenesis or progression. Huntington's chorea and Parkinson's disease are both neurodegenerative diseases, but while Huntington's disease is a genetic, and progressive disease with early manifestation and severe penetrance, Parkinson's disease is a pathology with a multifactorial aspect. Indeed, there are different types of Parkinson/Parkinsonism. Many forms are early onset diseases linked to gene mutation, others can appear in young adults and senescent only post-injury, and a final group is idiopathic. Huntington's was defined as a hyperkinetic disorder, while Parkinson's is a hypokinetic disorder; but in the middle, there are a lot of similarities as well as neuronal excitability, the loss of striatal function, psychiatric comorbidity, etc. In the review, we would embrace the theories that both diseases start and develop in light of mitochondrial dysfunction. These dysfunctions act on energy metabolism and reduce the vitality of neurons in many different brain areas.

In this work, polyacrylic acid-functionalized MCM-41 was synthesized, which was further interacted with calcium ions, to realize enhanced pH-responsive nanocarrier for sustained drug release. First, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared by the sol-gel method. Afterward, (3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) modified surface was prepared by using the post-grafting method, then polymerization of acrylic acid was proceeded. After adding calcium chloride solution, polyacrylic acid-functionalized MSNs with calcium-carboxyl ionic bonds in the polymeric layer, which can prevent the cargo from leaking out of the mesopore, were prepared. The structure and morphology of the modified nanoparticles (PAA-MSNs) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, etc. The controlled release of guest molecules was studied by using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The drug molecules-incorporated nanoparticles showed different releasing rates under different pH conditions. It is considered that our current materials have the potential as pH-responsive targeted nanocarriers in the field of medical treatment.

In the past decade, the idea that single populations of neurons support cognition and behavior has gradually given way to the realization that connectivity matters, and that complex behavior results from interactions between remote yet anatomically connected areas that form specialized networks. In parallel, innovation in brain imaging techniques has led to the availability of a broad set of imaging tools to characterize the functional organization of complex networks. However, each of these tools poses significant technical challenges and faces limitations, which require careful consideration of their underlying anatomical, physiological and physical specificity. In this review, we focus on emerging methods for measuring spontaneous or evoked activity in the brain. We discuss methods that can measure large-scale brain activity (directly or indirectly) with relatively high temporal resolution, from milliseconds to seconds. We further focus on methods designed for studying the mammalian brain in preclinical models, specifically in mice and rats. This field has seen a great deal of innovation in recent years, facilitated by concomitant innovation in gene editing techniques and the possibility of more invasive recordings. This review aims to give an overview of currently available preclinical imaging methods and an outlook on future developments. This information is suitable for educational purposes and for assisting scientists in choosing the appropriate method for their own research question.

For the first time, it is shown that inhaled ambient air-dust particles settled in the human lower respiratory tract induce lung calcification. Chemical- and mineral compositions of pulmonary calcium precipitates in the lung right lower-lobe (RLL) tissues of 12 individuals who lived in Upper Silesia Conurbation in Poland and who had died from causes not related to lung disorder were determined by transmission- and scanning electron microscopy. Whereas calcium salts in lungs are usually reported as phosphates, calcium salts precipitated in RLL are almost exclusively carbonates, i.e. Mg-calcite and calcite. These constitute 37% of 1652 mineral particles examined. Mg-calcite predominates in the submicron size range with the MgCO3 content up to 50 mol%. Magnesium plays a significant role in the lung mineralization, a fact so far overlooked. The calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) content in RLL is negligible. The predominance of carbonates is explained by increased CO2 fugacity in RLL. Carbonates enveloped inhaled mineral-dust particles, including uranium-bearing oxides, quartz, aluminosilicates, and metal sulfides. Three possible pathways for the carbonates precipitation on the dust particles are postulated: (1) precipitation of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) followed by its transformation to calcite; (2) precipitation of Mg-ACC followed by its transformation to Mg-calcite; (3) precipitation of Mg-free ACC causing a localized relative enrichment in Mg ions and subsequent heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth of Mg-calcite. The actual number of inhaled dust particles may be significantly greater than observed because of the masking effect of the carbonate coatings. There is no simple correlation between smoking habit and lung calcification.

Background: Vitamin D and calcium are important dietary compounds that affect bone mass, even if other minerals (potassium, zinc, etc.) and other vitamins (A, C and K) are also involved. Vitamin D and other minerals, in fact, play an important role in calcium homeostasis and calcium absorption. Hip fractures incidence is higher in western countries, where calcium is frequently included in human diet, while the occurrence of these fractures is lower in developing countries, where diets are often poor in calcium. This situation is known as the “calcium paradox”, and may be partially explained considering phosphate toxicity, that can induce a disorder of mineral metabolism. It is important to maintain adequate dietary calcium-phosphate balance in order to perform a healthy life, reducing the risk of osteoporotic fracture in older people. Vitamin D can also act as a hormone; vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is derived from the UV-B radiation of ergosterol, the vitamin D precursor naturally found in plants, fungi, and invertebrates. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is originated by sunlight exposure from 7-dehydrocholesterol, a precursor of cholesterol that can also act as a provitamin D3. Dietary intake of vitamin D3 is very important when skin is exposed for short times to ultraviolet B light (UV-B) one of the three kinds of invisible light rays together with UV-A and UV-C. This can be considered the usual situation in northern latitudes and in winter season, or the typical condition for older people and/or for people with very white delicate skin. Actually, the recommended daily intake of dietary vitamin D is strictly correlated with age, ranging from 5 μg for infants, children, teen-agers and adults, including women during pregnancy and lactation, to 15 μg for people over 65 years.

Windup, a progressive increase in spinal response to repetitive stimulations of nociceptive peripheral fibres, is a useful model to study central sensitization to pain. Windup is expressed by neurons in of both dorsal and ventral horn of the spinal cord. In juvenile rats, it has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro that windup depends on calcium-dependent intrinsic properties and their modulation by synaptic components. However, the involvement of these two components in the adult remain controversial. In the present study, by means of electromyographic and extracellular recordings, we show that windup in adult, in vivo, depends on a synaptic balance between excitatory NMDA receptors and inhibitory glycinergic receptors. We also demonstrate the involvement of L-type calcium channels in both the dorsal and ventral horn of the spinal cord. These results indicate that windup in adults is similar to juveniles rats and that windup properties are the same regardless spinal network, i.e. sensory or motor.

Morphogenesis remains a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. It remains a formidable problem viewed from many different perspectives of morphology, genetics, and computational modelling. We propose a biochemical reductionist approach that shows how both internal and external physical forces contribute to plant morphogenesis via mechanical stress-strain transduction from the primary cell wall tethered to the plasma membrane by a specific arabinogalactan protein (AGP). The resulting stress vector with direction defined by Hechtian adhesion sites, has a magnitude of a few picoNewtons amplified by a hypothetical Hechtian growth oscillator. This paradigm shift involves stress activated plasma membrane Ca2+channels and auxin-activated H+-ATPase. The proton pump dissociates periplasmic AGP-glycomodules that bind Ca2+. Thus, as the immediate source of cytosolic Ca2+ an AGP-Ca2+ capacitor directs vectorial exocytosis of cell wall precursors and auxin efflux (PIN) proteins. In toto these components comprise the Hechtian Oscillator and also the gravisensor. Thus interdependent auxin and Ca2+ morphogen gradients account for the predominance of AGPs. The size and location of a cell surface AGP-Ca2+ capacitor is essential to differentiation and explains AGP correlation with all stages of morphogenetic patterning from embryogenesis to root and shoot. Finally, evolutionary origins of the Hechtian Oscillator in the unicellular Chlorophycean algae reflect the ubiquitous role of chemiosmotic proton pumps that preceded DNA at the dawn of life.

Pollen tubes grow by spatially and temporally regulated expansion of new material secreted into the cell wall at the tip of the tube. A complex web of interactions among cellular components, ions and small molecule provides dynamic control of localized expansion and secretion. Cross-correlation studies on oscillating lily (Lilium formosanum Wallace) pollen tubes showed that an increase in intracellular calcium follows an increase in growth, whereas the increase in the alkaline band and in secretion both anticipate the increase in growth rate. Calcium, as a follower, is unlikely to be a stimulator of growth, whereas the alkaline band, as a leader, may be an activator. To gain further insight herein we reversibly inhibited growth with potassium cyanide (KCN), and followed the re-establishment of calcium, pH and secretion patterns as growth resumed. While KCN markedly slows growth and causes the associated gradients of calcium and pH to sharply decline, its removal allows growth and vital processes to fully recover. The calcium gradient reappears before growth restarts, however it is preceded by both the alkaline band and secretion, in which the alkaline band is slightly advanced over secretion. Thus the pH gradient, rather than the tip-focused calcium gradient, may regulate pollen tube growth.

Abstract: Composite sintered bodies comprising silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles dispersed in β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were prepared. The addition of nano-sized colloidal SiO2 to the β-TCP produced well-dispersed secondary phase nanoparticles that promoted densification by suppressing grain growth and increasing volume shrinkage of the sintered bodies. The SiO2 was found not to react with the β-TCP at 1120 °C and the substitution of silicon for phosphorous to produce a solid solution did not occur. This lack of a reaction is ascribed to the absence of avail-able calcium ions to compensate for the increase in charge associated with this substitution. The SiO2 nanoparticles were found to be present near the intersections of grain boundaries in the β-TCP. A β-TCP composite sintered body containing 4.0 wt% SiO2 exhibited a bending strength comparable to that of cortical bone and hence could potentially be used as a bone filling material.

RCH is known rapidly enhance cold tolerance of insects. Trehalose has been demonstrated to be one of the cryoprotectant in L. oryzophilus, an important invasive pest of rice in China. Trehalose synthesis mainly occurs through the TPS/TPP pathway in insects. In this study, LoTPS gene was cloned and characterized for the first time. Its expression and trehalose content changes elicited by RCH were investigated. Our results revealed that RCH not only increased the survival rate of adults but also upregulated the gene expression level of LoTPS and increased trehalose content under low temperature. We hypothesized upregulated LoTPS promoted trehalose synthesis and accumulation to protect adults from low-temperature damage. To further verify the function of LoTPS gene, we employed RNAi technology. Our findings showed that RCH efficiency disappeared and failed to increase the survival rate when the adults were fed dsRNA of LoTPS. Additionally, inhibiting LoTPS gene expression resulted in no significant difference in trehalose content between RCH and non-RCH treatments. Furthermore, the expression patterns of TRET and TRE were also affected. Collectively, these results indicate the critical role of LoTPS in L. oryzophilus cold resistance after RCH induction. LoTPS can enhance the survival ability by regulating trehalose metabolism. These findings contribute to further understanding of the role of TPS in insect cold resistance and invasiveness of L. oryzophilus. Moreover, RNAi of the LoTPS opens up possibilities for novel control strategies against L. oryzophilus in the future.

Phosphorus deficiency highly interferes with plant growth and development. Plants respond to the persistent P deficiency by coordinating the expression of genes involved in the alleviation of the stress. Promoters of phosphate transporter genes are of great choice for the development of genetically modified plants with enhanced phosphate uptake abilities, which improve crop yields in phosphate-deficient soils. In our previous study, the sugarcane phosphate transporter PHT1;2 gene, showed a significantly high expression under salinity stress. In this study, the Erianthus arundinaceus EaPHT1;2 gene was isolated and characterized using various in-silico tools. The deduced 542 amino acid residues have 10 transmembrane domains, with a molecular weight and isoelectric point of 58.9 kDa and 9.80, respectively. They displayed 71–96% similarity with Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays, and Saccharum hybrid. To elucidate the function of the 5’ regulatory region, the 1.1kb promoter was isolated and validated in tobacco transgenics under Pi stress. The EaPHT1;2 promoter activity was detected using the β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay. While the EaPHT1;2 promoter showed 3 to 4.2-fold higher expression than the most widely used CaMV35S promoter. The 5’ deletion analysis with and without 5’UTR regions, revealed that a small size 374 bp fragment with the highest promoter activity among 5′ truncated fragments, which was 2.7 and 4.2 times higher than the well-used CaMV35S promoter under normal and Pi-deprivation conditions, respectively. The strong and short promoter of EaPHT1;2 with 374 bp showed significant expression in low Pi-stress conditions and it could be a valuable source for the development of stress-tolerant transgenic crops

Bone growth plate abnormalities and skull shape defects are seen in hypophosphatasia, a heritable disorder in humans that occurs due to deficiency of Tissue Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase (TNAP, Alpl) enzyme activity. Abnormal development of the cranial base growth plates (synchondroses) and abnormal skull shapes have also been demonstrated in global TNAP-/- mice. To distinguish local vs. systemic effects of TNAP on skull development, we utilized P0-Cre to knockout TNAP only in cranial neural crest derived tissues using TNAP flox mice. Here we show that TNAP deficiency in cranial neural crest leads to leads to skull shape defects and deficient growth of the intersphenoid synchondrosis (ISS). ISS chondrocyte abnormalities included increased proliferation in resting and proliferative zones with decreased apoptosis in hypertrophic zones. ColX expression is increased, indicative of premature differentiation in the absence of TNAP. Sox9 expression is increased in both resting and prehypertrophic zones of mutant mice. Expression of PTHrP and IHH were also increased. Finally, cranial base organ culture revealed that inorganic phosphate (Pi) and pyrophosphate (PPi) have specific effects on cell signaling and phenotype changes in the ISS. Together, these results demonstrate that TNAP expression in growth plate chondrocytes is essential for normal development, and that the mechanism likely involves Sox9, PTHrP, IHH and PPi.

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of using solar energy to convert CO2 and H2O into O2 and energy-rich organic compounds, thus enabling sustainable production of a wide range of bio-products. More and more strains of cyanobacteria are identified that show great promise as cell platforms for the generation of bioproducts. However, strain development is still required to optimize their biosynthesis and increase titers for industrial applications. This review describes the most well-known and newest most promising strains available to the community and gives an overview of current cyanobacterial biotechnology and the latest innovative strategies used for engineering cyanobacteria. We summarize advanced synthetic biology tools for modulating gene expression and their use in metabolic pathway engineering to increase the production of value-added compounds, such as terpenoids, fatty acids, and sugars, to provide a go-to source for scientists starting research in cyanobacterial metabolic engineering.

Disrupted nutrient recycling is a significant problem for Europe, while phosphorus and nitrogen are wasted instead of being used for plant nutrition. Mineral phosphate is critical raw material, which contains environmentally hazardous elements such as cadmium and uranium. Therefore, phosphorus recovery from agricultural by-product streams is critically important key priority. Phosphorus recovery from food grade animal bone by-products have been applied researched since 2002 with objective driven evolution progress towards specialized pyrolysis processing technology and animal bone char product (ABC) developments in economical industrial scale. Different animal bone by-products tested under different conditions at 400 kg/h throughput capacity in the continuously operated 3R zero emission autothermal carbonization system. The different material core treatment temperatures (between >300°C and <850°C) were combined with different residence times under industrial productive processing conditions. It has been industrial demonstrated that material core treatment temperature <850°C with 20 minutes residence time is necessary to achieve high quality ABC with useful agronomic value. The output ABC product having concentrated >30% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and specific quality innovative fertilizer for agronomical efficient organic and low input farming applications as functional organic fertilizer, soil improver, growing medium and/or fertilizing product blend with high mineral phosphate fertiliser replacement value.

Nano- and microparticles are increasingly widely used in biomedical research and applications, particularly as specific labels and targeted delivery vehicles. Silica has long been considered the best material for such vehicles, but it has some disadvantages limiting its potential, such as the proneness of silica-based carriers to spontaneous drug release. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is an emerging alternative, being easily available, cost-effective, biocompatible material with high porosity and surface reactivity, which makes it an attractive choice for targeted drug delivery. CaCO3 particles are used in this field in the form of either bare CaCO3 microbeads or core/shell microparticles representing polymer-coated CaCO3 cores. In addition, they serve as removable templates for obtaining hollow polymer microcapsules. Each of these types of particles has its specific advantages in terms of biomedical applications. CaCO3 microbeads are primarily used due to their capacity for carrying pharmaceutics, whereas core/shell systems ensure better protection of the drug-loaded core from the environment. Hollow polymer capsules are particularly attractive because they can encapsulate large amounts of pharmaceutical agents and can be so designed as to release their contents in the target site in response to specific stimuli. This review focuses first on the chemistry of the CaCO3 cores, core/shell microbeads, and polymer microcapsules. Then, systems using these structures for the delivery of therapeutic agents, including drugs, proteins, and DNA, are outlined. The results of systematic analysis of available data are presented. They show that the encapsulation of various therapeutic agents in CaCO3-based microbeads or polymer microcapsules is a promising technique of drug delivery, especially in cancer therapy, enhancing drug bioavailability and specific targeting of cancer cells while reducing side effects. To date, research in CaCO3-based microparticles and polymer microcapsules assembled on CaCO3 templates has mainly dealt with their properties in vitro, whereas their in vivo behavior still remains poorly studied. However, an enormous potential of these highly biocompatible carriers for in vivo applications is undoubted. This last issue is addressed in depth in the Conclusion and Outlook sections of the review.

Introduction Urolithiasis, a prevalent urological condition (8-13% globally) exhibits regional variations, influenced by water quality, climate, health factors and diet. Sri Lanka with its tropical climate and dietary patterns is part of the "Stone Belt" of Asia. This study in Northern Sri Lanka examines urinary stone compositions and assesses the prevalence of metabolic disorders among urolithiasis patients. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted at tertiary urology centre from July 2022 to June 2023, focused on surgically treated urolithiasis patients. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained. Patient details and investigational findings were collected through questionnaires and data extraction forms. Stone analysis utilized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and detailed metabolic evaluation of 24 hour urine collection sample is carried out. Results This study followed 153 surgically treated urolithiasis patients, primarily male (64.3%), mean age 48.64. Ureteric colic (48.4%) was common, with kidney stones (45.8%) prevalent; 57.52% had recurrent stones. Diabetes mellitus (DM=23.5%) was the top comorbidity. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones (78.4%) were most frequent, followed by uric acid (12.4%). COM predominated in 40-59 age group. No significant gender-stone type association. 86.9% had metabolic abnormalities, notably hypocitraturia (60.1%). 23% had both hypocitraturia and hypomagnesuria. Some metabolic disorders showed gender differences, with a marginal age-metabolic disorders association (p < 0.061). Urine oxalate levels were normal with higher variability in males. Conclusion Middle-aged males with urolithiasis commonly presented with ureteric colic and predominantly had calcium oxalate monohydrate stones. Recurrent stones were common, often accompanied by metabolic abnormalities such as hypocitraturia and hypomagnesuria, with diabetes mellitus as the primary comorbidity.

The vagina is an essential component of the female reproductive system and is responsible for providing female sexual satisfaction. Vaginal smooth muscle contraction plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including sexual arousal, childbirth, and urinary continence. In pathophysiological conditions such as pelvic floor disorders, aberrations in vaginal smooth muscle function can lead to urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. A set of cellular and sub-cellular physiological mechanisms regulates the contractile properties of the vaginal smooth muscle cells. Calcium influx is a crucial determinant of smooth muscle contraction, facilitated through voltage-dependent calcium channels and calcium release from intracellular stores. Comprehensive reviews on smooth muscle biophysics are relatively scarce within the scientific literature, likely due to the complexity and specialized nature of the topic. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of alterations in the cellular physiology of vaginal smooth muscle contraction. The benefit associated with this particular approach is that conducting a comprehensive examination of the cellular mechanisms underlying contractile activation will enable the creation of more targeted therapeutic agents to control vaginal contraction disorders.

This study unveils verapamil's compelling cytoprotective and proliferative effects on pancreatic β-cells amidst diabetic stressors, spotlighting its unforeseen role in augmenting cholecystokinin (CCK) expression. Through rigorous investigations employing MIN6 β-cells and zebrafish models under type 1 and type 2 diabetic conditions, we demonstrate verapamil's capacity to significantly boost β-cell proliferation, enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and fortify cellular resil-ience. A pivotal revelation of our research is verapamil's induction of CCK, a peptide hormone known for its role in nutrient digestion and insulin secretion, which signifies a novel pathway through which verapamil exerts its therapeutic effects. Furthermore, our mechanistic insights reveal that verapamil orchestrates a broad spectrum of gene and protein expressions pivotal for β-cell survival and adaptation to immune-metabolic challenges. In vivo validation in a zebrafish larvae model confirms verapamil's efficacy in fostering β-cell recovery post-metronidazole inflic-tion. Collectively, our findings advocate for verapamil's reevaluation as a multifaceted agent in diabetes therapy, highlighting its novel function in CCK upregulation alongside enhancing β-cell proliferation, glucose sensing, and oxidative respiration. This research enriches the therapeutic landscape, proposing verapamil not only as a cytoprotector but also as a promoter of β-cell re-generation, thereby offering fresh avenues for diabetes management strategies aimed at pre-serving and augmenting β-cell functionality.

Serine proteases regulate cell functions through G protein-coupled protease-activated receptors (PARs). Cleavage of one peptide bond of the receptor amino terminus results in the formation of a new N-terminus ("tethered ligand") that can specifically interact with the second extracellular loop of the PAR receptor and activate it. Activation of PAR1 by thrombin (canonical agonist) and activated protein C (APC, noncanonical agonist) was described as biased agonism. Here we have supposed that synthetic peptide analogues to the PAR1 tethered ligand liberated by APC could have neuroprotective effects like APC. To verify this hypothesis a model of the ischemic brain impairment based on glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity in primary neuronal cultures of neonatal rats has been used. It was shown that nanopeptide NPNDKYEPF-NH2 (AP9) effectively reduced the neuronal death induced by Glu. The influence of AP9 on cell survival was comparable to that of APC. Both APC and AP9 reduced the dysregulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis in cultured neurons induced by excitotoxic Glu (100 µM) or NMDA (200 µM) concentrations. PAR1 agonist synthetic peptides might be a noncanonial PAR1-agonist and a basis of novel neuroprotective drugs for disorders related to Glu excitotoxicity such as brain ischemia, trauma and some neurodegenerative diseases.

High concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), and sulphate (SO42-) are fre-quently found in saline soils. Crop plants cannot successfully develop and produce because salt stress impairs the uptake of calcium, potassium, and water into plant cells. Different intracellular and extracellular ionic concentration changes by salinity, including those of calcium, potassium, and protons. These cations serve as stress signaling molecules in addition to being essential for ionic homeostasis and nutrition. Maintaining an appropriate K+: Na+ ratio is one crucial plant mechanism for salt tolerance, which is a complicated trait. Another important mechanism is the ability for fast extrusion of Na+ from the cytosol. Calcium is established as a ubiquitous secondary messenger, which transmits various stress signals into metabolic alterations that cause adaptive responses. When plants are under stress, the cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration can rise to 10 times or more from its resting level of 50-100 nanomolar. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are linked to the calcium alterations, and are produced by stress. Depending on the type, frequency and intensity of the stress, the cytosolic calcium signals oscillate, are transient, or persist for a longer period and exhibit specific "signatures". Both the input and efflux of Ca2+ from the cytosol affect the length and amplitude of the signal. According to several reports, under stress calcium alterations can occur not only in the cytoplasm of the cell but also in the cell walls, nucleus and other cell organelles and the calcium waves propagate through the whole plant. Here, we will focus on how wheat and other important crops absorb Na+, K+ and Cl- when plants are under salt stress, as well as how calcium, potassium, and pH cause intracellular signaling and homeostasis. Similar mechanisms in the model plant Arabidopsis will also be considered.

Phosphocalcium metabolism disorders have emerged as potential complications in individuals recovering from COVID-19. This abstract provides a concise summary of the current understanding of phosphocalcium metabolism disturbances post-COVID, their prevalence, clinical manifestations, and underlying mechanisms. The impact of COVID-19 on phosphorus, calcium, and parathyroid hormone levels is discussed, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and appropriate management strategies. The abstract emphasizes the need for further research to enhance our understanding of these disorders and improve post-COVID patient care.

Aldehydes are natural volatile aroma compounds generated by the Maillard reaction of sugars and amino acids in food and affect the flavor of food. They have been reported to exert taste-modifying effects, such as increases in taste intensity at concentrations below the odor detection threshold. The present study examined the taste-enhancing effects of short-chain aliphatic aldehydes, such as isovaleraldehyde (IVAH) and 2-methylbutyraldehyde, attempted to identify the taste receptors involved. The results obtained revealed that IVAH enhanced the taste intensity of taste solutions even under the condition of olfactory deprivation by a noseclip. Furthermore, IVAH activated the calcium-sensing receptor CaSR in vitro. Receptor assays on aldehyde analogues showed that C3-C6 aliphatic aldehydes and methional, a C4 sulfur aldehyde, activated CaSR. These aldehydes functioned as a positive allosteric modulator for CaSR. The relationship between the activation of CaSR and taste-modifying effects was investigated by a sensory evaluation. Taste-modifying effects were found to be dependent on the activation state of CaSR. Collectively, these results suggest that short-chain aliphatic aldehydes function as taste modulators that modify sensations by activating orally expressed CaSR. We propose that volatile aroma aldehydes may also partially contribute to the taste-modifying effect via the same molecular mechanism as kokumi substances.

This work presents the production and incorporation of calcium hydrolyzed nano-solutions at three concentrations (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) in alkali-activated gold mine tailings (MTs) from Arequipa, Perú. A first activator solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 10M was used. The calcium hy-drolyzed nano-solutions acted as a secondary activator and as additional calcium resource for the alkali-activated materials (AAMs) based on the low-calcium gold MTs. High-resolution trans-mission electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (HR-TEM/EDS) analyses were carried out to characterize the morphology, size, and structures of the calcium hydrolyzed na-noparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses then were used to understand the chemical bonding interactions in the calcium hydrolyzed nanoparticles and in the AAMs. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) were performed to study the structural, chemical, and phase compositions of the AAMs; uniaxial compressive tests evaluated the compressive strength of the reacted AAMs; and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses measured the porosity changes at nanostructure level in the AAMs. The results indicate that each increase in the concentration of the calcium hydrolyzed nano-solution had a direct/proportional effect on the mechanical properties of the AAMs samples. The AAMs with 3 wt.% calcium-hydrolyzed nano-solution had the highest compressive strength value of 15.16 MPa, which represented an increase of 62% compared to the original system without nanoparticles and aged under the same conditions of 70°C for seven days. These results provide useful information about the positive effect of calcium-hydrolyzed nanoparticles on gold MTs and their conversion into sustainable building materials through alkali activation.

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. In addition to the typical gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or chronic abdominal pain, CD may also present a wide spectrum of manifestations, including low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. This review aims to describe the role of CD in the development of skeletal alterations, underlying important clinical aspects and therapeutic implications. The etiopathology of bone lesions in CD is multifactorial and their management is challenging. Here, we provide gastroenterologists and orthopedics with an up-to-date overview on the link between CD and osteoporosis to improve the management of the CD condition.

The current pandemic is urgently demanding to discover alternative materials capable of inactivate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Calcium alginate is a crosslinked hydrophilic biopolymer with an immense range of biomedical applications due to its excellent chemical, physical and biological properties. In this study, the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of calcium alginate in the form of films were studied. The results showed that these films are biocompatible in human keratinocytes and are capable of inactivating enveloped viruses such as bacteriophage phi 6 with a 1.43-log reduction (94.92% viral inactivation) and SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant with a 1.64-log reduction (96.94% viral inactivation) in virus titers. The antiviral activity of these calcium alginate films can be attributed to its negative charge density that may bind to viral envelopes inactivating membrane receptors.

Spider toxin SNX-482 is a cysteine-rich peptide that interferes with calcium channel activity by binding to voltage-sensing domains of CaV2.3 subtype. Two general binding mechanisms are present in nature: direct binding from the aqueous phase or through lateral diffusion from the membrane, the so-called reduction in dimensionality mechanism. In this work, via coarse-grained and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we have systematically studied the spontaneous partitioning of SNX-482 with membranes of different anionic compositions and explored via diffusional analysis both binding mechanisms. Our simulations revealed a conserved protein patch that inserts within the membrane, a preference for binding towards partially negatively charged membranes, and that electrostatics drives membrane binding. Finally, diffusivity calculations showed that the toxin diffusion along the membrane plane is an order of magnitude slower than the aqueous phase suggesting that the critical factor in determin-ing the SNX-482-CaV2.3 binding mechanism is the affinity between the membrane and SNX-482

The current pneumonia epidemic could evolve into a pandemic on a global scale if not effectively contained. The COVID-19 virus possesses a 61-amino acid open reading frame resembling SARS-CoV virulence factor - ORF6 peptide. The isoleucine content is 15.9% in ORF6 of SARS-CoV versus 16.4% of that in SARS-CoV-2. Given the proton affinity in the carbonyl oxygen in isoleucine, augmented proton traffic can enhance proton-ion antiport and prompt cell swelling. Calorie restriction has been confirmed in animal studies to extend lifespan, and its underlying mechanism is not fully known. As the content of essential amino acids in the open reading frame of SARS-CoV-2 reaches 57.4%, a starch/vitamin diet served for short period of time does not give rise to essential amino acids and halts virion production, which could be adopted as prophylactic approach of many viral infections. Plant-based diet or fasting/boiled rice water can also minimize the intake of essential amino acids or all amino acids respectively. Furthermore, several proteins of SARS-CoV-2 possess high valine plus glycine content which is implicated in heart disease, justifying the aforementioned approaches.

Background: Nowadays investigations in the field of dental implants engineering are focused on bioactivity and osseointegration properties.Objective: In this study, the oxide-covered titanium was functionalized by vitamin D3 molecules via a simple self-assembly method with the aim to design more corrosion resistant and at the same time more bioactive surface.Methods: Surface properties of the D3-coated titanium were examined by scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, while a long-term corrosion stability during immersion in an artificial saliva solution was investigated in situ by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.Results: Results of all techniques confirmed a successful formation of the D3 vitamin layer on the oxide-covered titanium. Besides very good corrosion resistivity (~5 MΩcm² ) the D3-modified titanium surface induced spontaneous formation of biocompatible bone-like calcium phosphates (CaP).Conclusion: Observed in vitro CaP-forming ability as a result of D3-modified titanium/artificial saliva interactions could serve as a promising predictor of in vivo bioactivity of implant materials.

36 years after the publication of the important article by Busa and Nuccitelli on the variability of intracellular pH (pH_i) and the interdependence of pH_i and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), little research has been carried out on pH_i and calcium signaling. Moreover, the results appear to be contradictory. Some authors claim that the increase in [Ca²⁺]_i is due to a reduction in pH_i, others that it is caused by an increase in pH_i. The reasons for these conflicting results have not yet been discussed and clarified in an exhaustive manner. Variations in pH_i have a significant impact on the increase in [Ca²⁺]_i and hence on some of the basic biochemical mechanisms of calcium signaling. This paper focuses on the possible triggering role of protons, highlighting the mechanisms potentially involved and the open issues that could be clarified by research.

The most prevalent Ca2+-buffer proteins (CaBPs: parvalbumin—PV; calbindin—CaB; calretinin—CaR) are widely expressed by various neurons throughout the brain, including the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Even though their retinal expression has been extensively studied, a coherent assessment of topographical variations is missing. To examine this, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the mouse retina. We found variability in the expression levels and cell numbers for CaR, with stronger and more numerous labels in the dorso-central area. CaBP+ cells contributed to RGCs with all soma sizes, indicating heterogeneity. We separated 4-9 RGC clusters in each area based on expression levels and soma sizes. Besides the overall high variety in cluster number and size, the peripheral half of the temporal retina showed the greatest cluster number, indicating a better separation of RGC subtypes there. Multiple labels showed that 39% of the RGCs showed positivity for a single CaBP, 30% expressed two CaBPs, 25% showed no CaBP expression and 6% expressed all three proteins. Finally, we observed an inverse relation between CaB and CaR expression levels in CaB/CaR dually- and CaB/CaR/PV triple labeled RGCs, suggesting a mutual complementary function.

The total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents of fresh and wok-fried fat hen (Chenopodium album) leaves were extracted and measured using HPLC chromatography. The total oxalate content of the raw leaves was 1112.4 mg/100 g dry matter (DM), and the levels were significantly reduced by boiling (682.8 mg/100 g DM) or cooking the leaves in a wok (883.6 mg/100 g DM). The percentages of soluble oxalate contents in the total oxalates of the raw and boiled leaves were similar (mean 75%), while the proportion of soluble oxalate content in the wok-fried leaves were reduced to 53.4% of the total, giving a significant increase in the insoluble oxalate content of the wok-fried leaves. The percentage of insoluble calcium in the total calcium was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when the leaves were boiled but the insoluble oxalate content significantly increased (67.2%) in the wok-fried leaves when compared to the content of the original raw leaves. Processing the cooked leaves into pesto or extracting the juice gave final products that contained significantly reduced total and soluble oxalate contents. The addition of calcium chloride to the juice made a very small reduction in the soluble oxalate content in the juice.

This paper addresses the effect of both microstructure and relative humidity on the long-term creep properties of sustainable calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) cements. Those can be prepared by mixing amorphous calcium carbonate and vaterite with water. A larger starting amount of vaterite, X_V, within the mixture design gives a higher elasticity and resistance to the specimens due to the larger overall bridging area within the newly formed calcite crystals. Regarding creep properties for a given relative humidity, the amplitude of creep strain decreases with X_V, and makes the relation between the elastic modulus, E, and hardness, H, of the samples to be linear with the contact creep modulus, C. On the other hand, for a given composition, the amplitude of creep increases with the relative humidity, making the contact creep modulus, Ci, to rise exponentially with the elastic modulus, E, and hardness, H, of the specimens. The most probable creep mechanisms for this kind of cement seem to be a combination of microcraking in the early stages and dissolution and reprecipitation of calcite in the long-term (also known as pressure solution theory). The presence of water in pores with increasing relative humidity might enhance the local dissolution of calcite, and hence the creep amplitude.

Acid proteins capable of nucleating Ca2+ and displaying aggregation capacity play key roles in the formation of calcium carbonate biominerals. EF-hands are among the largest Ca2+-binding motif in proteins. Gad m 1, an Atlantic cod β-parvalbumin isoform, is a monomeric EF-hand protein that acts as a Ca2+ buffer in fish muscle and is able to form amyloids under acidic conditions. Since nucleating Ca2+ protein have a propensity to form extended β-strand structures, we wondered whether amyloid assemblies of a protein containing refolded EF-hand motifs were able to influence the in vitro calcium carbonate crystallization. Here we have used the Gad m 1 chain as model to generate monomeric and amyloid assemblies and analyze their effect on in vitro calcite formation. We found that only amyloid assemblies alter calcite morphology.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling lipid molecule involved in various cellular processes. It is important to develop a quantitative method for S1P to determine endogenous levels and to investigate its functions. Especially since S1P is a tiny lipid component of most biological samples, highly sensitive analysis by LC-MS/MS is required. The main challenge in S1P analysis by chromatography is peak broadening due to the presence of a polar phosphate and zwitterion formation in S1P. In this study, we used hydrogen fluoride (HF) to efficiently remove a phosphate and then analyzed the surrogate, sphingosine, as a sharp peak by LC-ESI-MS/MS. We optimized the dephosphorylation reaction in terms of reaction time, temperature, and HF concentration. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for dephosphorylated form of S1P and C17-S1P as internal standard at m/z transition 300.4&gt;282.4 (quantification ion), 300.4&gt;262.4 (qualification ion), 286.3&gt;268.2 (internal standard). This method was validated by essential parameters such as specificity, linearity, range, LOQ, LOD, accuracy, precision, and repeatability. To confirm this new method, we quantified S1P levels in various serum products (100.02 ~ 284.38 nM). To apply the method in vivo, we analyzed S1P in plasma and kidney tissues obtained from a chronic kidney disease (CKD) mouse model. S1P levels were increased only in CKD kidney tissue but not in plasma. In conclusion, by applying the dephosphorylation step with HF, we established a new sensitive LC-MS/MS quantitative method for S1P that can be applied to biological samples.

Achievement of solid fusion of the lumbosacral junction (L5-S1 level) is an important factor in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of injectable rhBMP-2 (a combination of Eschericia coli-derived rhBMP-2 and hydrogel type β-TCP carrier; NOVOSIS Inject) as a bone substitute for the fusion of lumbosacral junction. 20 patients (average age 69.1 years) diagnosed with ASD with sagittal imbalance who underwent surgical treatment including anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in the L5-S1 level were evaluated. Injectable rhBMP-2 was applied in L5-S1 ALIF and followed-up for 1-year. Solid fusion rates and changes of clinical outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Visual Analog Scale [VAS] of back and leg) were measured and analyzed at 6 and 12 months after surgery. All postoperative adverse events were evaluated about the association with injectable rhBMP-2. Fusion rates were 68.4% and 100% at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Compared to baseline, ODI were improved to 45.8% and 63.7%, VAS(back) were improved to 69.2% and 72.8%, and VAS(leg) were improved to 49.2% and 64.8% at 6 and 12 months after surgery (p&lt;0.001, respectively). There were no adverse events associated with injectable rhBMP-2. Thus, injectable rhBMP-2 may be a suitable choice of a bone graft substitute when achieving solid interbody fusion in the lumbosacral junction.

Dentin bonding is a key in restorative dentistry. Herein, we developed self-etching two-bottle adhesive system containing 10-methacryloyloxidecyl dihydrogen phosphate monomer (MDP) and the physical, mechanical, and biocompatible properties were evaluated. The characteristics of MDP were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The water sorption and solubility, the shear-bond strengths to dentin and enamel, and cytotoxicity tests were performed. The newly blended experimental group showed the lowest thickness and water sorption and solubility values. The shear bond strength to enamel and dentin were comparable to control groups (the three other products) all test groups showed 60% of cell viability. In this study, the properties of the newly synthesized adhesive are comparable with the others. The fundamental goal of this study is to get the MDP patent released, as it is intended for domestic production. For this purpose, this dentin adhesive was developed and compared with the commercial product.

The problem of effective immobilization of liquid radioactive waste (LRW) is key to the successful development of nuclear energy. The possibility of using magnesium potassium phosphate (MKP) compound for LRW immobilization on the example of nitric acid solutions containing actinides and rare earth elements (REE), including high level waste (HLW) surrogate solution is considered in the research work. Under the study of phase composition and structure of the MKP compounds obtained by the XRD and SEM methods, it was established that the compounds are composed of crystalline phases - analogues of natural phosphate minerals (struvite, metaankoleite). The hydrolytic stability of the compounds was determined according to the semi-dynamic test GOST R 52126-2003. Low leaching rates of radionuclides from the compound are established, including a differential leaching rate of ²³⁹Pu and ²⁴¹Am - 3.5 × 10^-7 and 5.3 × 10^-7 g/(cm²∙day). As a result of the research work it was concluded that the MKP compound is promising for LRW immobilization and can become an alternative material combining the advantages of easy implementation of the technology like cementation and the high physical and chemical stability corresponding to a glass-like compound.

This study explored the feasibility of fluoride removal from simulated semiconductor industry wastewater and its recovery as calcium fluoride using fluidized bed crystallization. The continuous reactor showed best performance (>90% fluoride removal and >95% crystallization efficiency) at a calcium to fluoride ratio of 0.6 within first 40 days of continuous operation. The resulting particle size increased by more than double during this time along with a 36% increase in the seed bed height indicating deposition of CaF2 onto the silica seed. The SEM-EDX analysis showed the size and shape of the crystals formed along with high amount of Ca-F ions presence. The purity of the CaF2 crystals were determined to be 91.1% though ICP-OES analysis. Following the continuous experiment, different process improvement strategies are explored. The addition of excess amount of calcium resulted in an additional 6% fluoride removal, however, compared to this single stage process, a two-stage approach was found to be better strategy to achieve a low effluent fluoride concentration. The fluoride removal reached 94% with this two-stage approach under optimum condition of 4 + 1 h HRT combinations and a [Ca2+]/[F-] ratio of 0.55 and 0.7 for the two reactors, respectively. CFD simulation showed the impact of inlet diameter, bottom-angle shape and width and height ratio of the reactor on mixing inside reactor and possibility of further improvement in reactor performance by optimizing the FBR configuration.

Human RAD51 protein (HsRad51)-promoted DNA strand exchange, a crucial step in homologous recombination, is regulated by proteins and calcium ions. The activator protein Swi5-Sfr1 and Ca2+ ions stimulate different reaction steps and induce a perpendicular orientation of DNA bases in the presynaptic complex. To investigate the importance of base orientation in the strand exchange reaction, we examined the Ca2+ concentration dependence of strand exchange activities and structural changes in the presynaptic complex. Our results show that optimal D-loop formation (strand exchange with closed circular DNA) requires Ca2+ concentrations greater than 5 mM, while 1 mM is sufficient for strand exchange between two oligonucleotides. The structural change, which is evidenced by an increase in fluorescence intensity of poly(dεA) (a poly(dA) analog), reaches a plateau at 1 mM Ca2+. Meanwhile, the linear dichroism signal intensity at 260 nm, which is indicative of rigid perpendicular DNA base orientation, requires >2 mM Ca2+ for saturation and thus correlates with the stimulation of D-loop formation. Therefore, Ca2+ exerts two different effects. Thermal stability measurements suggest that HsRad51 binds two Ca2+ ions with KD values of 0.3 mM and 2.5 mM, implying that one step is stimulated by one Ca2+ bond and the other by two Ca2+ bonds. We further discuss the parallels between Mg2+ activation of RecA and Ca2+ activation of HsRad51.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death pathway that involves depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels and iron-mediated lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis is experimentally caused by inhibition of the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT, which depletes cells of GSH, or by inhibition of Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), a key regulator of lipid peroxidation. The events that occur between GPx4 inhibition and the execution of ferroptotic cell death are currently a matter of active research. Previous work has shown that calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) mediated by ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels contributes to ferroptosis-induced cell death in primary hippocampal neurons. Here, we used SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which do not express RyR channels, to test if calcium release mediated by the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) channel plays a role in this process. We show that inhibition of GPx4 by RAS Selective Lethal Compound 3 (RSL3) generated an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased cytoplasmic and mitochondrial calcium levels, increased lipid peroxidation and caused cell death. The RSL3-induced calcium signals were inhibited by Xestospongin B, an inhibitor of the ER-resident IP3R calcium channel, by decreasing IP3R levels with carbachol and by IP3R1 knock-down. The intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM inhibited RSL3-induced calcium signals, which were not affected by extracellular calcium depletion. We propose that GPx4 inhibition activates IP3R-mediated calcium release in SH-SY5Y cells, leading to increased cytoplasmic and mitochondrial calcium levels, which in turn stimulate the production of ROS and induce lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic cell death in a noxious positive feedback cycle.

The review presents the most developed by date hypotheses on the mechanisms of the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields (LFMF) on organisms. Biophysical models that explain the resonance-like responses of biological systems to LFMF with a specific frequency and amplitude are described. Two groups can be distinguished among these models: one considers ions-cofactors of proteins as the primary targets for the LFMF influence, and the other regards the magnetic moments of particles in biomolecules. Attention is paid to the dependence of resonance-like LFMF effects on the cell type. A radical-pair mechanism of the magnetic field's influence on biochemical processes is described with the example of cryptochrome. Conditions for this mechanism's applicability to explain the biological effects of LFMF are given. A model of the influence of LFMF on radical pairs in biochemical oscillators, which can explain the frequency-amplitude efficiency windows of LFMF, is proposed.

This review article deals with the design of bioactive calcium phosphate coatings deposited on metallic substrates to produce bone implants. The bioceramic coating properties are used to create a strong bonding between the bone implants and the surrounding bone tissue. They provide a fast response after implantation and increase the lifespan of the implant in the body environment. The first part of the article describes the different compounds belonging to the calcium phosphate family and their main properties for applications in biomaterials science. The calcium to phosphorus atomic ratio (Ca/P)at. and the solubility (Ks) of these compounds define their behavior in a physiological environment. Hydroxyapatite is the gold standard among calcium phosphate materials, but other chemical compositions/stoichiometries have also been studied for their interesting properties. The second part reviews the most usual deposition processes to produce bioactive calcium phosphate coatings for bone implant applications. Plasma spraying is the main industrial process, but magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, electrospray deposition, electrophoretic deposition, and electrodeposition are also widely studied in academic and industrial research. The last part describes the main physicochemical properties of calcium phosphate coatings and their impact on the bioactivity of bone implants in a physiological environment.

Ecological ternary cements (ECP) were perpared with powders of phosphogypsum (PG), fly ash (FA) and portland cement (PC). The evolution mechanism of the hydration product structure was characterized through macro and micro experiments.The thermodynamic characteristics of solid phase, solid solution phase and aqueous solution in process of hydration about phosphogypsum-fly ash-cement ternary cementitious system were studied based on the Gibbs-free-energy C-S-H thermodynamic model and GEM-Selektor software, and compared with experimental results. The results show that in the hydration reaction the thermodynamic interaction between mineral single-phase and hydration products plays an important role in the spatio-temporal distribution of ions in the cementitious system. The values of CaO、SiO2Hand H2Ohyd gradually increased with the increase of Ca/Si ratio, while the values of CaOext and H2OOH showed a positive proportional relationship, and the values of SiO2H and SiO2 showed an inverse proportional relationship. GEM-Selektor is accurate in the simulation calculation of the total amount of AFt and AFm mineral phases which quantitatively analysis the correlation between C-S-H gels formation and C3S with complex decomposition ion groups.

Context: Persea Americana is reported to have medicinal value. Calcium Carbide (CaC2), a fruit-ripening agent, has been shown to be toxic to body organs. Objective: To determine the effect of avocado seed extract (ASE) on CaC2-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methodology: Four experimental groups, each of 5 adult wistar rats were fed respectively with normal diets (group A); 250mg/kg ASE (group B); 100mg/kg CaC2 (group C); combination of 100mg/kg CaC2 and 250mg/kg ASE – group D. Changes in the rats’ behaviours, body weights, and liver function were assessed over 21 days. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The cumulated rat weights, rat liver weights and serum liver enzyme levels for groups B, C, and D rats were compared to group A. Results: Abnormal behavior was most observed in group C rats. Rats in group A showed a significant increase in weight before and three weeks following administration of feeds while rats in groups B, C, and D showed significant decrease in weight – more marked in group C rats. Only the mean liver weights of rats in group C showed significant decrease compared to that in group A, p = 0.001. Similarly, only the cumulated liver enzyme levels of rats in group C demonstrated significant increase when compared to group A rats - indicating hepatotoxicity. Conclusion In this study, hepatotoxicity occurred in CaC2-administered rats. However, the combination of CaC2 and ASE showed no liver toxicity indicating a mitigating effect of ASE to CaC2-induced hepatotoxicity.

Reducing the amount of precipitation in summer in the Chernozems area alters soil organic matter (SOM). To compensate for the lack of moisture, farmers are introducing new agricultural technologies such as no-till cultivation. In turn, no-till practices influence the composition of SOM. We examined the impacts of the rise of aridity and no-till technology on the chemical composition of bioavailable and recalcitrant pools of OM. The properties of SOM were assessed using double-shot pyrolysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The thermolabile substances that are volatilised in the first stage of pyrolysis (300°C) are considered the bioavailable pool. Accordingly, substances are obtained in the second pyrolysis stage (500°C) were attributed to the recalcitrant pool. Identified in both steps of pyrolysis, products were assigned to different chemical groups (lignin-derivative, polysaccharide-fragments, indoles, etc.) and relative abundances were calculated. In work for the separation of substances, a polar column was used for chromatography of the thermolabile fraction. With an increase in aridity in Сhernozems, the content in the bioavailable pool of polysaccharide fragments decreased and the proportion of indoles increased. In the recalcitrant pool, the abundance of six-membered rings with nitrogen and aromatic compounds decreases at the same time the contents of unsubstituted and O-substituted acyclic compounds as well as pyridine increases. The influence of the NT was more noticeable in the recalcitrant OM. The NT practice promotes biological activity and to rich in nitrogen compounds the bioavailable OM; this process contributes to the accumulation of carbon in the recalcitrant OM.

Aquatic animals have unique physiological mechanisms to absorb and retain minerals from their diets and water. Research and development in the area of mineral nutrition of farmed fish and crustaceans have been relatively slow and major gaps exist in the knowledge of trace element requirements, physiological functions and bioavailability from feed ingredients. Quantitative dietary requirements have been reported for three macroelements (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) and six trace minerals (zinc, iron, copper, manganese, iodine and selenium) for selected fish species. Mineral deficiency signs in fish include reduced bone mineralization, anorexia, lens cataracts (zinc), skeletal deformities (phosphorus, magnesium, zinc), fin erosion (copper, zinc), nephrocalcinosis (magnesium deficiency, selenium toxicity), thyroid hyperplasia (iodine), muscular dystrophy (selenium) and hypochromic microcytic anaemia (iron). An excessive intake of minerals from either diet or gill uptake causes toxicity and therefore a fine balance between mineral deficiency and toxicity is vital for aquatic organisms to maintain their homeostasis either through increased absorption or excretion. Release of minerals from uneaten or undigested feed and from urinary excretion can cause eutrophication of natural waters, which requires additional consideration in feed formulation. The current knowledge in mineral nutrition of fish is briefly reviewed.

Novel molecular pinball machines of the plasma membrane control cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels that regulate plant metabolism. [https://youtu.be/zABg7LiBk88] Essential components involve: 1. an auxin-activated proton pump; 2. arabinogalactan glycoproteins (AGPs); 3. Ca²⁺ channels; 4. auxin-efflux “PIN” proteins. Typical pinball machines release pinballs that trigger various sound and visual effects. However, in plants “proton pinballs” eject Ca²⁺ bound by paired glucuronic acid residues of numerous glycomodules in periplasmic AGP-Ca²⁺. Freed Ca²⁺ ions flow down the electrostatic gradient through open Ca²⁺ channels into the cytosol thus activating numerous Ca²⁺-dependent activities.Clearly cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels depend on activity of the proton pump, the state of Ca²⁺ channels and size of the periplasmic AGP-Ca²⁺ capacitor: Proton pump activation is a major regulatory focal point tightly controlled by the supply of auxin: auxin efflux carriers conveniently known as “PIN” proteins [null mutants are pin-shaped!] pump auxin from cell to cell. Mechanosensitive Ca²⁺ channels and their activation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) are yet another factor regulating cytosolic Ca²⁺.Cell expansion also triggers proton pump/pinball activity by mechanotransduction of wall stress via Hechtian adhesion thus forming a Hechtian oscillator that underlies cycles of wall plasticity and oscillatory growth.Finally, Ca²⁺ homeostasis of plants depends on cell surface external storage as source of dynamic Ca²⁺, unlike the internal ER storage source of animals where the added regulatory complexities ranging from vitamin D to parathormone contrast with the elegant simplicity of plant life. This paper summarises a sixty year Odyssey.

Beta cells couple stimulation by glucose with insulin secretion and impairments in this coupling play a central role in diabetes mellitus. To clarify the effect of cAMP and the role of Epac2A in intracellular calcium signals and intercellular coupling, we performed functional multicellular calcium imaging in beta cells in mouse pancreas tissue slices after stimulation with glucose and forskolin in wild-type and Epac2A knock-out mice. Increased cAMP evoked calcium signals in otherwise sub-stimulatory glucose and beta cells from Epac2A knock-out mice displayed a faster activation. During the plateau phase, beta cells from Epac2A knock-out mice displayed a slightly higher active time in response to glucose compared with wild-type littermates, and increased cAMP increased the active time via a large increase in oscillation frequency and small decrease in oscillation duration in both Epac2A knock-out and wild-type mice. Functional network properties during stimulation with glucose did not differ in Epac2A knock-out mice, but the presence of Epac2A was crucial for the protective effect of increased cAMP in preventing a decline in beta cell functional connectivity with time. Finally, increased cAMP prolonged beta cell activity during deactivation in an Epac2A-independent manner.

Calcium carbonate cements have been synthesized by mixing amorphous calcium carbonate and vaterite powders with water to form a cement paste and study how mechanical strength is created during the setting reaction. In-situ XRD was used to monitor the transformation of ACC and vaterite phases into calcite and a rotational rheometer was used to monitor the strength evolution. There are two characteristic time scales of the strengthening of the cement paste. The short timescale of the order 1 hour is controlled by smoothening of the vaterite grains, allowing closer and therefore adhesive contacts between the grains. The long timescale of the order 10-50 hours is controlled by the phase transformation of vaterite into calcite. This transformation is, unlike in previous studies using stirred reactors, found to be mainly controlled by diffusion in the liquid phase. The evolution of shear strength with solid volume fraction is best explained by a fractal model of the paste structure.

Background: We investigated ion channels at the skin, including peripheral nerve endings, which serve as output machines and molecular integrators of many pruritic inputs mainly received by multiple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Methods: Based on the level of chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP), subjects were divided into two groups: non-CKD-aP (no or slight pruritus; n=12) and CKD-aP (mild, moderate, or severe pruritus; n=11). Skin samples were obtained from the forearm or elbow during operations on arteriovenous fistulas. We measured ion channels expressed at the skin, including peripheral nerve endings by RT-PCR: Nav1.8, Kv1.4, Cav2.2, Cav3.2, BKCa, Anoctamin1, TRPV1, TRPA1, and ASIC. Results: Expression of Cav3.2, BKCa, and anoctamin1 was significantly elevated in patients with CKD-aP. On the other hand, expression of TRPV1 was significantly reduced in these patients. We observed no significant difference in the levels of Cav2.2 or ASIC between subjects with and without CKD-aP. TRPA1, Nav1.8，and Kv1.4 were not expressed. Conclusions: It was concluded that this greater difference in expression of ion channels at the skin tissue including specific for cutaneous peripheral nerve endings in CKD patients with CKD-aP may increase generator potential related to itching.

Matrix Metaloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an extracellular Zn²⁺ protease specific to type I and IV collagens. Its expression is associated with several inflammatory, degenerative, and malignant diseases. Conformational properties, domain movements, and interactions between MMP-2 and its associated metal ions were characterized using a 1.0 µs molecular dynamics simulation. Dihedral principle component analysis revealed 10 families of conformations with the greatest degree of variability occurring in the link region connecting the catalytic and hemopexin domains. Dynamics cross correlation analysis indicated domain movements corresponding to opening and closing of the hemopexin domain in relation to the fibronectin and catalytic domains facilitated by the link region. Interaction energies were calculated using the MMPBSA-interaction entropy analysis method and revealed strong binding energies for the catalytic Zn²⁺ ion 1, Ca²⁺ ion 1, and Ca²⁺ ion 3 with significant conformational stability at the binding sites of Zn²⁺ ion 1 and Ca²⁺ ion 1. Ca²⁺ ion 2 diffuses freely away from its crystallographically defined binding site. Zn²⁺ ion 2 plays a minor role in conformational stability of the catalytic domain while Ca²⁺ ion 3 is strongly attracted to the highly electronegative sidechains of the Asp residues around the central β-sheet core of the hemopexin domain.

Hypertension is a common and growing medical problem that leads to enormous cardiovascular and kidney disease worldwide. While many drugs exist to treat hypertension, there is large individual variation in how a given individual responds to different agents, which contributes to dismal rates of hypertension control. While demographic factors predict which drugs may work better in certain individuals, a great degree of this variation has a genetic basis. In recent years, genome wide association studies have begun to identify specific gene variants that predict drug response to particular agents. This review identifies the major genetic variants influencing antihypertensive response that have emerged from this growing body of work. For novel genetic variants without a previously known biologic basis in blood pressure, it is crucial to validate initial findings in subsequent studies. This information may eventually lead to a more personalized approach to hypertension management that will improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes. The integration of this large amount of data and its real world application will be highly challenging, but strategies to accomplish this are discussed.

There have been a great number of investigations about the influence of weak magnetic fields on biological systems, such as isolated cells and whole organisms. This is also a subject of considerable medical concern since old epidemiologic observations have indicated a possible tumorigenic effect of these fields. Their mechanism of action, however, is not firmly established. A large number of biological effects of electromagnetic fields have been attributed either to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or to the entrance Ca²⁺ in the cell. A new biochemical pathway is proposed that covers these two possibilities: the primary effect of the magnetic field would be by the mechanism of radical pairs resulting in the production of ROS; these could activate the ion channels TRPM2 producing cellular inflow of Ca²⁺, which would induce the calcium dependent effects. Thus, a large number of biological effects observed up to the present could be explained.