Management of calcium and phosphate in biofluids is key to maintaining physiological mineral homeostasis (i.e., appropriate mineralization of hard tissues and an absence of mineral deposition in soft tissues). This review describes and contrasts the ways vertebrates manage calcium phosphate in two biological fluids (breast milk and serum) and illustrates the benefits of mineral sequestration by proteins. In milk, phosphoprotein-sequestered calcium magnesium phosphates provide nutritional support, whereas in serum, protein-sequestered calcium phosphates control transport and delivery of calcium and phosphate to tissues for biological function or excretion. In addition, subsets of sequestered phosphates in serum have been identified as culprits underlying ectopic deposition of calcium phosphates and toxicity.

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.

The aim of the study was to determine the maximum safe concentration of calcium and phosphate in neonatal parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions when various combinations of inorganic and organic salts are applied. Twelve PN solutions for neonatal use were aseptically prepared. Increasing concentration of inorganic and organic calcium and phosphate were added to the standard formulas. Each admixture was separately tested according to following conditions; after mixing, 37°C for 24 h, and maximum safe combination of calcium and phosphate were stored at 4°C for 30 days and followed by 24 h at 37°C. Visual inspections against a black and white contrast background, microscopic observation of undiluted PN solutions as well as the membrane filter after filtration of the PN solution, pH evaluation, and spectrophotometry at 600 nm were examined in triplicate. Safe maximum concentration of organic and inorganic calcium and phosphate was proposed individually for each composition of parenteral nutrition solutions. Surprisingly organic calcium with organic phosphate showed precipitation but over the therapeutic range. The protective effect of amino acid was observed and higher concentrations of calcium and phosphate were free of precipitation.

The development of magnesium calcium phosphate bone cements (MCPCs) have garnered big attention. MCPCs are bioactive and biodegradable and have appropriate mechanical and antimicrobial properties for use in reconstructive surgery. In this study, the cement powders based on a (Ca + Mg)/P = 2 system doped with Zn2+ at 0.5 and 1.0 wt.% were obtained and investigated. After the mixing with a cement liquid, structural and phase composition, morphology, chemical structure, setting time, compressive strength, degradation behavior, solubility, antibacterial activities, and in vitro behaviour of the cement materials were examined. A high compressive strength of 48 ± 5 MPa (mean ± SD) was achieved for the cement made from Zn2+ 1.0-wt.%-substituted powders. The Zn2+ introduction led to antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains, with an inhibition zone diameter up to 8 mm. Biological assays confirmed that the developed cements are cytocompatible and promising as a potential bone substitute in reconstructive surgery.

The injectable hydrated calcium phosphate bone-like paste (hCPP) have been developed with suitable nanoscale characteristics and unindered injection through 23G standard needles. In vitro assays showed the cytocompatibility of hCPP with mesenchymal embryonic C3H10T1/2 cell cultures. The hCPPs were identified to be composed of aggregated nano-sized particles with sphere-like shapes with low crystallinity. The ability of serum proteins (FBS) to adsorb on hCPP particles was also studied. The hCPP demonstrated high protein adsorption capacity, thereby indicating its potential in various biomedical applications. The results of the in vivo assay upon subcutaneous injection in Wistar rats indicated the nontoxicity and biocompatibility of experimental hCPP, as well as the gradual resorption of hCPP, comparable to the period of bone regeneration. The data obtained are of great interest for the development of commercial highly effective osteoplastic materials for bone tissue regeneration and augmentation.

Inspired by the process of bone formation in living organisms, many studies have been conducted to develop organic-inorganic composite materials by generating calcium phosphate crystals within solutions or dispersions of polymers with appropriate functional groups. Bones are composite materials consisting of organic polymers (mainly Type I collagen), carbonated apatite, and water, with volume fractions 35-45%, 35-45%, 15-25%, respectively. Carbonated apatite in bone contributes to rigidity, while organic polymers and water contribute to toughness. The inorganic crystal, carbonated apatite, is a plate-shaped crystal with dimensions of 50 nm × 25 nm × 1-4 nm, generating a significant organic-inorganic interface due to its nanoscale size. This interface is believed to absorb externally applied forces to dissipate mechanical energy to thermal energy. Creating such nanometer-scale structures using top-down approaches is challenging, making bottom-up methods like co-precipitation of polymer and inorganic crystals more suitable. In this account, efforts to develop eco-friendly mechanical materials using biomass such as cellulose and starch based on the bottom-up approach to bone-like composites are described.

The combination of calcium phosphates (CaP) with bioactive glasses (BG) has received an increased interest in the field of bone tissue engineering. In the present work, biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP) obtained by hydrothermal transformation (HT) of cuttlefish bone (CB) were coated with a Sr-, Mg- and Zn-doped sol-gel derived BG. The scaffolds were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The initial CB structure was maintained after HT and the scaffold functionalization did not jeopardize the internal structure. The results of in vitro bio-mineralization after immersing the BG coated scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed extensive formation of bone-like apatite onto the surface of the scaffolds. Overall, the functionalized CB derived BCP scaffolds revealed promising properties for their use in bone tissue engineering field.

3D plotting is an additive manufacturing technology enabling biofabrication, thus the integration of cells or biologically sensitive proteins or growth factors into the manufacturing process. However, most (bio-)inks developed for 3D plotting were not shown to be processed into clinical relevant geometries comprising critical overhangs and cavities, which would collapse without a sufficient support material. Herein, we have developed a support hydrogel ink based on methylcellulose (mc), which is able to act as support as long as the co-plotted main structure is not stable. Therefore, 6 w/v %, 8 w/v % and 10 w/v % mc were allowed to swell in water, resulting in viscous inks, which were characterized for their rheological and extrusion properties. The successful usage of 10 w/v % mc as support ink was proven by multichannel plotting of the support together with a plottable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) acting as main structure. CPC scaffolds displaying critical overhangs or a large central cavity could be plotted accurately with the newly developed mc support ink. The dissolution properties of mc allowed complete removal of the gel without residuals, once CPC setting was finished. Finally, we fabricated a scaphoid bone model by computed tomography data acquisition and co-extrusion of CPC and the mc support hydrogel.

The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize a novel Methacrylate- functionalized Calcium Phosphate (MCP) used as a bioactive compound for innovative dental composites. The characterization was accomplished by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRDA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and EnergyDispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The incorporation of MCP as a bioactive filler in esthetic dental composite formulations and the ability of MCP containing dental composites to promote precipitation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the surfaces of those dental composites was explored. The translucency parameter, depth of cure, degree of conversion, ion release profile, and other physical properties of composites were studied with respect to the amount of MCP added to the composites. Composites containing 3 Wt.%, 6 Wt.%, and 20 Wt.% MCP were evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days. The progress of surface precipitation of hydroxyapatite on MCP-containing dental composites was studied by systematically increasing the MCP content in the composite and the time of specimen storage in Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered solution with calcium and magnesium. It was found that there was a direct correlation between the percentage of MCP in a composite formulation, the amount of time the specimen was stored in PBS, and the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the composite’s surface

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) can be caused by mutations in PSEN1 that encodes presenilin-1, a component of the gamma-secretase complex that cleaves amyloid precursor protein. Alterations in calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and glutamate signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of FAD, however it has been difficult to assess in humans whether or not these phenotypes are the result of amyloid or tau pathology. This study aimed to assess early calcium and glutamate phenotypes of FAD by measuring the Ca2+ response of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons bearing PSEN1 mutations to glutamate and the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists NMDA, AMPA and kainate compared to isogenic control and healthy lines. The data shows that in early neurons, even in the absence of amyloid and tau phenotypes, FAD neurons exhibit increased Ca2+ responses to glutamate and AMPA, but not NMDA or kainate. Together this suggests that PSEN1 mutations alter Ca2+ and glutamate signaling as an early phenotype of FAD.

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.

The collapsible loess will rapidly soften and lose its bearing capacity when soaked in water. Under a mild condition (20°C), the biomimetic inorganic agent, Diammonium phosphate (DAP), reacts with calcite in the collapsible loess, producing a stronger bonding material, hydroxyapatite (HAP), to modify and stabilize the soil. Uniaxial compression, permeability tests and morphological analysis using XRD and SEM/EDX microscopy were carried out to assess the effectiveness of DAP stabilization on the collapsible loess. The results indicated that HAP improved the inter-particle bonding within loess, filled the pores within particles, reduced the permeability, and consequently mitigated collapsibility of loess. The compressive strength of DAP-treated loess increased as DAP concentration increased. Following 28-days curing, the compressive strength of the loess treated with a 3.0 mol/L DAP solution was six times greater than that of the untreated group. DAP's reinforcement effect on loess was superior to that of cement. The compressive strength of DAP-treated loess was about double that of cement-treated loess and the permeability coefficient was reduced by more than 50% at equivalent solid content. Furthermore, DAP generated 68% fewer carbon emissions compared to Portland cement. Considering eco-friendly and sustainable development, DAP offers a more competitive alternative for modification and stabilization of loess.

One way to reduce the negative impact of human activity on the natural environment is to use natural, easily available and relatively cheap to produce compounds in industrial processes. One such compound is naturally occurring calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This compound has adsorption properties so that it can be an alternative to commonly used adsorbents. The aim of this work is to determine the possibility of using CaCO3 to remove pharmaceutical substances such as sulfadiazine and tetracycline from water. The CaCO3 used in this work was synthesised using our own method, which allows the production of CaCO3 particles with nanometric size. In the conducted research, calcium carbonate was used in the form of a suspension in purified solutions and as an inorganic filling of the developed membranes. The mass of pharmaceutical substances removed from their aqueous solutions was determined in the tests carried out. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that CaCO3 has the ability to adsorb both tetracycline and sulfadiazine. In suspension tests, the mass of the removed substances per unit mass of adsorbent was 1.52 mg/g and 6.85 mg/g, respectively. In turn, in the case of the process using the developed membranes, the mass of the removed substances per unit mass of adsorbent was 232 mg/m2 and 524 mg/g, which is a several times greater increase in the mass of the removed substance compared to the process using an unmodified membrane.

With the rapid development of tumor immunotherapy, nanoparticle vaccines have attracted much attention as a potential therapeutic strategy. The potential role of the mannose-modified lipid calcium phosphate nanoparticle vaccine in enhancing the anti-tumor immune response was investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mannose modification on the immune response of nanoparticles in regulating the tumor microenvironment through systematic review and analysis and to explore its potential clinical application in tumor therapy. Currently, despite the potential advantages of nanoparticle vaccines in immunotherapy, achieving an effective immune response in the tumor microenvironment remains a challenge. Tumor immune escape and overexpression of immunosuppressive factors limit its clinical application. Therefore, this study will explore how to intervene in the immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment through mannose-modified lipid calcium phosphate nanoparticle vaccines so as to improve the immunotherapy effect of tumor patients and provide new ideas and strategies for the field of tumor therapy.

The search for sustainable resources remains a subject of global interest and the conversion of the abundantly available bivalve shell wastes to advanced materials is an intriguing method. By grinding, each shell of bivalves (cockle, mussel, and oyster) was transformed to the same crystal type of calcite phase of CaCO3, revealed by FTIR and XRD results. Each individual shell powder was reacted with H3PO4 and H2O to prepare Ca(H2PO4)2•H2O giving an anorthic crystal structure. The mixture of each shell powder and its produced Ca(H2PO4)2•H2O was heated at 900 °C for 3 h, giving rhombohedral crystal -Ca3(PO4)2 powder. FTIR and XRD results of the CaCO3, Ca(H2PO4)2•H2O, and Ca3(PO4)2 prepared from each shell powder are quite similar showing no impurities. Thermal behaviors of CaCO3 and Ca(H2PO4)2•H2O produced from each shell are slightly different. Particle sizes and morphologies of all products are significantly different, affected by the kind of shells used. Overall, the bivalve shell wastes were successfully converted to CaCO3, Ca(H2PO4)2•H2O, and Ca3(PO4)2 by a simple, rapid, environmentally benign, and cost-effective approach, which can be a huge potential in many industries providing both economic and ecological benefits according to the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model.

In the paper, the effect of voltage increasing (from 500 VDC up to 650 VDC) on the structure and chemical composition of porous coating on titanium made by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation, is presented. In the present paper, phosphates based coatings enriched with calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper in electrolyte based on 1 L of 85% concentrated H3PO4 with additions of Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, and Mg(NO3)2∙6H2O, and Zn(NO3)2∙6H2O, and Cu(NO3)2∙3H2O, are described. The morphology, chemical and phase composition, are evaluated using SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, GDOES. Based on all the analyses, it was found out that the PEO coatings are porous and enriched with calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. They consist mainly of the amorphous phase, which is more visible for higher voltages, and it is correlated with the increasing of the total PEO coating thickness (the higher the voltage, the thicker the PEO coating). However, for 650 VDC an amorphous phase and titanium substrate was also recorded with a signal from Ti2P2O7 crystalline, that was not observed for lower voltages. It was also found out that all the obtained coatings may be divided in three sub-layers, i.e. porous, semiporous, and transition one.

We aimed to evaluate the association between daily dietary calcium intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). This cross-sectional study included 12,348 women aged 45–70 years who had reached natural menopause. They were classified into three groups according to daily dietary calcium intake: < 400 mg, 400–800 mg, and >800 mg. The risks of CVD, stroke, angina, and myocardial infarction were assessed in each group. Further, we performed subgroup analysis according to the post-menopause duration (≤10 vs. >10 postmenopausal years). We performed logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, menopausal age, income, urban area, education, insulin use, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, high alcohol intake, smoking, exercise, oral contraceptive use, and hormonal therapy use. Calcium intake level was not significantly associated with the risk of CVD in the total population and the ≤10 postmenopausal years subgroup. However, in the >10 postmenopausal years subgroup, daily calcium intake >800 mg was associated with significantly decreased risks of all CVD (odds ratio [OR], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11–0.64), stroke (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.42), and myocardial infarction (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11–0.64). Our findings suggest that a dietary calcium intake of >800 mg/day decreases the risk of CVD events in women who have been menopausal for >10 years.

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

Arylmagnesium and -calcium reagents are easily accessible, however, ether degradation processes limit the storability especially of the calcium-based heavy Grignard reagents. Ortho-bound substituents with phosphanyl donor sites usually block available coordination sites and stabilize such complexes. The reaction of bromo-2,6-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene (1a) with magnesium in tetrahydrofuran yields [Mg{C₆H₃-2,6-(CH₂PPh₂)₂}₂] (2) after recrystallization from 1,2-dimethoxyethane. However, the similarly performed reduction of bromo- (1a) and iodo-2,6-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene (1b) with calcium leads to ether cleavage and subsequent degradation products. α-Deprotonation of THF yields 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene. Furthermore, the insoluble THF adducts of dimeric calcium diphenylphosphinate halides, [(thf)₃Ca(X)(µ-O₂PPh₂)]₂ [X = Br (3a), I (3b)], precipitate verifying ether decomposition and cleavage of P-C bonds. Ether adducts of calcium halides [such as [(dme)₂(thf)CaBr₂] (4)] form supporting the initial Grignard reaction and a subsequent Schlenk-type dismutation reaction.

To address the insufficient mechanical properties of calcined phosphogypsum, this research aims to investigate the utilization of basalt fiber and calcium carbonate whiskers as reinforcing agents. The study examines their impact on the flexural and compressive strength, toughness, water resistance, and tensile strength of calcined phosphogypsum. In the individual tests, basalt fibers with different lengths (3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 18 mm) were added at dosages of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% respectively. The findings demonstrate that basalt fiber effectively enhances the flexural and compressive strength, toughness, and tensile strength of calcined phosphogypsum, albeit potentially compromising water resistance. Among the various fiber lengths, the 6 mm fibers exhibit the most advantageous influence on the performance of calcined phosphogypsum. A subsequent test was conducted to investigate the impact of cross-scale fibers on the properties of calcined phosphogypsum by mixing 6 mm basalt fibers and calcium carbonate whiskers. The results illustrate that calcium carbonate whisker refines the pores, thereby improving the flexural strength and toughness of calcined phosphogypsum. Furthermore, it compensates for the water resistance limitations associated with the sole utilization of basalt fiber while further augmenting the tensile strength and strain capacity. However, it should be noted that increasing the dosage of both calcium carbonate whiskers and basalt fibers concurrently leads to increased porosity of phosphogypsum and reduced compressive strength.

The effect of dentin pretreatment with desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate on the retention of laser-sintered cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr)-based crowns was examined. Forty molars were prepared using a standardized protocol. The Co-Cr crowns were produced using selective laser melting. The teeth were either pretreated with the desensitizing paste or not pretreated. After one week, each group was cemented with glass ionomer cement (GIC) or zinc phosphate cement (ZPC). Surface areas of the teeth were measured before cementation. After aging, the cemented crown-tooth assemblies were tested for retentive strength using a universal testing machine. The debonded surfaces of the teeth and crowns were examined at 2.7× magnification. Pretreating the dentin surfaces with the desensitizing paste before cementation with GIC or ZPC did not affect the retention of the Co-Cr crowns. The retention of the GIC group (6.04±1.10 MPa) was significantly higher than that of the ZPC group (2.75±1.25 MPa). The predominant failure mode for the ZPC and for the nontreated group of the GIC was adhesive cement-dentin; for the GIC-treated group, it was adhesive cement-crown. The desensitizing paste can be safely used to reduce postcementation sensitivity without reducing the retentive strength of Co-Cr crowns cemented with GIC or ZPC.

Hypertension is a frequent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and the prevalence rate is continuously rising. Multiple pathophysiological mechanisms are responsible for hypertension, necessitating a combination of drugs from different classes for best management. Combination therapy is five times more effective in decreasing blood pressure compared to escalating the dose of a single agent. As per the ACCOMPLISH trial analysis, coupling a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor with a calcium channel blocker is more effective than the combination of a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor with diuretics in reducing major cardiovascular events, cardiovascular-related mortality, and the progression of chronic kidney disease. The renin-angiotensin system can be suppressed by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), resulting, in decreased vascular smooth muscle contraction, heart performance, and reduced aldosterone synthesis. Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting L-type calcium channels, reducing heart performance via negative inotropic, chronotropic, and bathmotropic effects, along with reducing vascular smooth muscle contraction. Diuretics exert their antihypertensive impact by changing body fluid volume and electrolytes. Initially, hypertension treatment commences with a single medication but often, different classes of two or more antihypertensive medications are necessary for achieving the target blood pressure goal. Sometimes, for Resistant hypertension four different classes of antihypertensive medications are necessary to reach the target blood pressure goal.

Phosphate (Pi) starvation is a critical factor limiting crop growth, development, and productivity. Rice (Oryza sativa) R2R3-MYB transcription factors function in the transcriptional regulation of plant responses to various abiotic stresses and micronutrient deprivation, but little is known about their roles in Pi starvation signaling and Pi homeostasis. Here we identified the R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene OsMYB58, which shares high sequence similarity with AtMYB58. OsMYB58 expression was induced more strongly by Pi starvation than by other micronutrient deficiencies. Overexpressing OsMYB58 in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice inhibited plant growth and development under Pi-deficiency conditions. In addition, overexpression of OsMYB58 in plants exposed to Pi deficiency strongly affected root development, including seminal root, lateral root, and root hair formation. Overexpressing OsMYB58 strongly decreased the expression of the rice microRNAs, OsmiR399a and OsmiR399j. By contrast, overexpressing OsMYB58 strongly increased the expression of rice PHOSPHATE 2 (OsPHO2), whose expression is repressed by miR399 during Pi starvation signaling. OsMYB58 functions as a transcriptional repressor of the expression of its target genes, as determined by a transcriptional activity assay. These results demonstrate that OsMYB58 negatively regulates OsmiR399-dependent Pi starvation signaling by enhancing OsmiR399s expression.

Abstract. Graphene family (GF)-Calcium phosphate (CaP) composites, holds great potential as components of bone regeneration materials. GF nanomaterials can be modified physically as well as chemically, which are to be biomimetic, mechanically to be hard due to their capability to support exceptional mechanical, thermal and electronic properties. These biocompatible GF composites coated on the calcium phosphate can enhance and tolerate stem cell growth and differentiation, proliferation into various lineages or interact with bioorganisms. The development in CF-CaP materials and their physicochemical/biointeractions and strategies towards osteoblasts is a great concern to promote faster healing and reconstructions of large bone imperfections or defects. In this review, we explain the influence of the CF-CaP and summarize recent developments on designing CF-CaP architectures as multifunctional bone regeneration platforms. We have also explored the typical biological applications concerning these CF-CaP based bioactive nanocomposites. Furthermore, the future viewpoints and evolving challenges will also be emphasized. Due to the shortage of full-length reviews in this emerging research field, this review would be caught great attention and encourage various new chances across a wider range of disciplines.

Enzymes reliant on pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the metabolically active form of vitamin B6, hold significant importance in both biology and medicine. They facilitate various biochemical reactions, particularly in amino acid and neurotransmitter metabolisms. Vitamin B6 is absorbed by organisms in its non-phosphorylated form and phosphorylated within cells by pyridoxal kinase (PLK) and pyridox-(am)-ine 5'-phosphate oxidase (PNPOx). The flavin mononucleotide dependent PNPOx enzyme converts pyridoxine 5'-phosphate and pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate into PLP. PNPOx is vital for both biosynthesis and salvage pathways in organisms producing B6 vitamers. However, for those depending on vitamin B6 as nutrient, PNPOx participates only in the salvage pathway. Transferring PLP produced by PNPOx to client apo-enzymes is indispensable for their catalytic function, proper folding and targeting to specific organelles. PNPOx activity deficiencies due to inborn errors lead to severe neurological pathologies, particularly neonatal epileptic encephalopathy. PNPOx enzymes from different organisms maintain PLP homeostasis through highly regulated mechanisms, including structural alterations throughout the catalytic cycle and allosteric PLP binding influencing substrate transformation at the active site. Despite shared features, species-specific regulations are evident among PNPOx enzymes.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CAS), as a chloroplast thylakoid membrane protein, involved in the process of [Ca2+] ext-induced [Ca2+]cyt increase (CICI) in the plant. However, the underlying mechanism regulating this process is lacking. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that CAS may perform additional roles in the plant. Here, we provide an update covering the multiple roles of CAS in stomatal movement regulation and calcium signaling in the plant. We also analysis the possible phosphorylation mechanism of CAS by light and discuss the role of CAS in abiotic stress (drought, salt stress) and biotic stresses (plant immune signaling). Finally, we provide a perspective for future experiments which are required to fill gaps in our understanding of the biological function of CAS in the plant.

This study evaluated the effect of newly introduced calcium silicate-based temporary intracanal medicament Bio-C Temp and calcium hydroxide-based material UltraCal XS on the release of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) from root canal dentin. Twenty-two intact and fully developed human premolars from patients aged 15 – 18 were shaped and irrigated according to the current clinical recommendations. The teeth were then gently split in half, and the root canal dentin of paired samples was covered with Bio-C Temp or UltraCal XS. After 3 weeks of incubation, the specimens were conditioned with 17% EDTA and the collected solution was subjected to quantification of released TGF-β1 by performing ELISA. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s test, was selected to determine the statistically significant differences between the groups at the 0.95 confidence level. The highest mean value of released TGF-β1 (1993.1 pg/ml) was detected in the control group, where root canal dentin was conditioned with 17% EDTA alone. Regarding experimental groups, Bio-C Temp released a statistically significant higher amount of TGF-β1 (282.14 pg/ml) compared to UltraCal XS (114.28 pg/ml; p = 0.0158). Bio-C Temp affected the release of growth factors from root canal dentin less than UltraCal XS and may therefore serve as an intracanal medicament for regenerative endodontic procedures.

Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_v) channels play pivotal roles in regulating gene transcription, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release. In order to meet the spatial and temporal demands of visual signaling, Ca_v channels exhibit unusual properties in the retina compared to their counterparts in other areas of the nervous system. Here, we review current concepts regarding the specific subtypes of Ca_v channels expressed in the retina, their intrinsic properties and forms of modulation, and how their dysregulation could lead to retinal disease.

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.

Phosphorus (P) is the second-most important element after nitrogen that is required for plant growth. Although this element is abundant in most soils, it is rarely available in plant-accessible forms since most of it normally exists in soil in insoluble forms such as phosphates. In conventional agriculture, P is normally supplied as chemical fertilizer to satisfy plant P requirements. This, to a large extent, boosts plant production. However, chemical fertilizers are costly, have a huge carbon footprint, and are environmentally-unsustainable owing to the high energy requirements during their synthesis. Besides, P-containing agricultural run-offs contribute hugely to the eutrophication of water bodies and environmental degradation. Moreover, plants can consume only a small amount of chemically-supplied P since between 75 and 90% of this form of P normally get precipitated into complexes and rapidly become fixed in soil. These issues and concerns necessitate research into alternative and viable ways of supplying P to plants. Rhizobacteria have for decades been investigated in vivo and in planta as suitable tools in sustainable agriculture due to the plant-growth-promoting activities such as nutrients’ solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and production of phytohormones. Although a lot of research has been done on different nutrients-solubilizing rhizobacteria and their potential in sustainable agriculture, their mechanisms of action and prospects in sustainable agriculture remain to be fully understood. This review particularly focuses on the P solubilizing rhizobacteria and evaluates their diversity, mechanisms of action, and prospects in sustainable agriculture based on the present and future scenario of their application. Such information is useful in determining their potential and evaluating their prospects in promoting sustainable agricultural systems.

The Doig Phosphate Zone (DPZ) is a phosphate-bearing marine unit located at the base of the Doig Formation, in the Triassic section of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The DPZ has a maximum thickness of 90 m and extends across northeastern British Columbia and western central Alberta. In this study we characterize the significance and interpret the origin of apatite in the DPZ, through mineralogical and geochemical analyses, thin section study and field emission-scanning electron microscopy. The occurrence of apatite in the DPZ is not evenly distributed, but restricted to discrete 10 to 20 cm thick beds, located near the base of the DPZ. Phosphorites are of two types: grainstones composed primarily of unconformity-bounded coated grains, and intraclastic phosphorites composed of detrital silt-sized grains and apatite coated grains in a cryptocrystalline phosphatic matrix. The phosphorite beds are records of stratigraphic condensation due to low detrital input during transgression. The erosionally-truncated phosphatic coated grains and intraclasts are interpreted to be a result of various phases of phosphatization, exhumation, erosion reworking, winnowing and redeposition in alternating quiescence and storms or bottom currents. The abundance of pyrite and chalcophile trace elements, as well as the low concentration of proxy elements for organic matter productivity and preservation, are further evidences of stratigraphic condensation, with sulfidic pore water development and extensive organic recycling promoted by biological activity during the long exposure times. The phosphorites were formed under oxygenated water conditions, as suggested by the depletion in Ce and presence of a diverse benthic fauna.

The increasing use of energy resources recovered from the subsurface environments and the resulting carbon imbalance in the environment has motivated the need to develop thermodynamically downhill pathways to convert and store CO₂ as water insoluble calcium or magnesium carbonates. While previous studies extensively explored aqueous routes to produce calcium and magnesium carbonates from CO₂, there has been a limited scientific understanding of the phase evolution and textural changes during the direct gas-solid conversion routes to produce calcium carbonate from calcium hydroxide, which is one of the abundant constituents of alkaline industrial residues. With increasing interest in developing integrated pathways for capturing, converting and storing CO₂ from dilute flue gases, understanding the compositions of the product phases as they evolve is essential for evaluating the efficacy of a given processing route. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the phase evolution and the corresponding textural changes as calcium hydroxide is converted to calcium carbonate under the continuous flow of CO₂ at an ambient pressure of 1 atm and on heating continuously from 30 °C to 500 °C using in-operando wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements.

(1) Background: After the discovery and application of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii channelrhodopsins, the optogenetic toolbox has been greatly expanded with engineered and newly discovered natural channelrhodopsins. However, channelrhodopsins of higher Ca2+ conductance or more specific ion permeability are still in demand. (2) Methods: In this study, we mutated the conserved aspartate of the transmembrane helix 4 (TM4) within Chronos (Stigeoclonium helveticum channelrhodopsin = ShChR) and PsChR (Platymonas subcordiformis channelrhodopsin) and compared them with published ChR2 (C. reinhardtii channelrhodopsin-2) aspartate mutants. (3) Results: We found that the ChR2 D156H mutant (XXM) showed enhanced Na+ and Ca2+ conductance, which was not noticed before, while the D156C mutation (XXL) influenced the Na+ and Ca2+ conductance only slightly. Furthermore, the D173H mutant of PsChR showed a much improved photocurrent, compared to wildtype, and even higher Na+ selectivity to H+ than XXM. PsChR D173H also showed a strongly enhanced Ca2+ conductance, more than 2-fold that of the calcium translocating L132C of ChR2 (CatCh). (4) Conclusions: We found that mutating the aspartate of the TM4 to histidine influences the ion selectivity of channelrhodopsins. With the large photocurrent and enhanced Na+ selectivity and Ca2+ conductance, XXM and PsChR D139H are promising powerful optogenetic tools, especially for Ca2+ manipulation.

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

Ceramic samples based on b-calcium pyrophosphate b-Ca2P2O7 were prepared using firing at 900, 1000, and 1100 oC from powders of g-calcium pyrophosphate g-Ca2P2O7 with preset molar ratios Ca/P=1; 0,975 and 0,95. To prepare powders of g-calcium pyrophosphate g-Ca2P2O7 with preset molar ratio Ca/P=1; 0,975 and 0,95 powder mixtures based on calcium lactate pentahydrate Ca(C3H5O3)2⋅5H2O and, monocalcium phosphate monohydrate Ca(H2PO4)2⋅H2O were treated in an aqua medium in mechanical activation conditions, dried, disaggregated in acetone, and heat-treated at 600 oC. The phase composition of powder mixtures after treatment if planetary mill in aqua medium included both brushite CaHPO4⋅2H2O or monetite CaHPO4, and starting salts. The phase composition of all powder mixtures after disaggregation in acetone in planetary mill included monetite CaHPO4 and starting salts. After heat treatment at 600 oC according to the XRD data phase composition of all powder mixtures was presented by g-calcium pyrophosphate g-Ca2P2O7. The grain size of ceramics increased both with the growth of firing temperature and with decreasing of molar ratio Ca/P of powder mixtures. Calcium polyphosphate (t melt =960–968 oC) formed from monocalcium phosphate monohydrate Ca(H2PO4)2⋅H2O acted like a liquid phase sintering additive. It was confirmed by tests in vitro, that prepared ceramic materials with preset molar ratio Ca/P=1; 0,975 and 0,95 and phase composition presented by b-calcium pyrophosphate b-Ca2P2O7 according to XRD data were biocompatible and could maintain bone cells proliferation.

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.

High dietary phosphate intake and poor adherence to phosphate-binding-therapy elevate the risk of hyperphosphatemia in maintenance hemodialysis (HD; MHD) patients. Therefore, chronic kidney disease-related mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) indicators increase; consequently, risks of CKD-MBDs and inflammation are elevated. This double-blind, randomized control trial intervention study was designed to investigate the possibility of reducing blood CKD-MBD indicators and modulating inflammatory indicators by consuming low-phosphate (LP) meals accompanied by a minimum dose of a calcium-based phosphate binder (CaCO3). MHD patients were recruited and randomly assigned to an LP meal group (LP group) or a control group. After initial data collection, blood collection, and dietary counseling, subjects were asked to consume a washout diet for 1 week. During the washout diet period, subjects consumed their usual diet but took 1 tablet of calcium carbonate (1CaCO3) as a phosphate binder with each meal. After the washout diet period, subjects in the LP group and control group respectively consumed LP meals and regular meals twice a day for 1 week. Meat in the LP meals was boiled before the regular cooking process, but meat in control meals was not. All meals were supplied by a central kitchen so that the contents of phosphate and other nutrients could be identified. In total, 40 MHD patients completed the study program. After 1 week of the dietary intervention, the blood Ca x P product and dietary phosphate had significantly decreased in the LP group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The LP group had significantly lower variations in dietary phosphate intake, blood calcium, Ca x P product, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α than the control group by comparing differences between after the dietary intervention and the baseline (△after intervention - baseline, p<0.05). The increase in dietary phosphate intake (△3rd - 2nd dietary phosphate intake) augmented the increase in the TNF-α level by 6.24-fold (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 6.24 [1.12~34.92], p<0.05). These results highlighted the conclusion that LP meals accompanied by a minimum dose of CaCO3 downregulated pro-inflammation by reducing CKD-MBD indicators which was triggered by decreasing dietary phosphate intake.

To maintain an optimal body content of phosphorus throughout postnatal life, variable phosphate absorption from food must be finely matched with urinary excretion. This amazing feat is accomplished through synchronised phosphate transport by myriads of ciliated cells lining the renal proximal tubules. These respond in real time to changes in the phosphate and composition of the renal filtrate, and to hormonal instructions. How they do this has stimulated decades of research. New analytical techniques, coupled with incredible advances in computer technology, have opened new avenues for investigation at a sub-cellular level. There has been a surge of research into different aspects of the process. These have verified long held beliefs and are also dramatically extending our vision of the intense, integrated, intracellular activity which mediates phosphate absorption. Already, some have indicated new approaches for pharmacological intervention to regulate phosphate in common conditions, including chronic renal failure and osteoporosis, as well as rare inherited biochemical disorders. It is a rapidly evolving field. The aim here is to provide an overview of our current knowledge, to show where it is leading, and where there are uncertainties. Hopefully this will raise questions and stimulate new ideas for further research.

This work proposes a methodology for the design, development, optimisation, and evaluation of amorphous rosuvastatin calcium tablets (BCS class II drug). The main goal was to ensure rapid disintegration and high dissolution rate of the active ingredient, thus enhancing its bioavailability. The design started from a careful selection of excipients, which due to their characteristics and proportions within the formulation allowed the use of their properties such as fluidity or granulometric distribution. The formulation was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) methods. The galenic SeDeM methodology was used to establish the profile of the active ingredient-excipient mixture and guarantee its suitability for producing tablets by the direct compression method. The results demonstrate that the amorphous rosuvastatin calcium tablets formulation developed made it possible to obtain cost-effective tablets by direct compression with optimal pharmacotechnical characteristics that showed a remarkable disintegration and dissolution rate. The manufactured tablets complied with the pharmacopoeia guidelines regarding uniformity of weight, tablet hardness, thickness, friability, in vitro disintegration time and dissolution profile.

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.

Background: Previous papers have developed a statistical mechanics of neocortical interactions (SMNI) fit to short-term memory and EEG data. Adaptive Simulated Annealing (ASA) has been developed to perform fits to such nonlinear stochastic systems. An N-dimensional path-integral algorithm for quantum systems, qPATHINT, has been developed from classical PATHINT. Both fold short-time propagators (distributions or wave functions) over long times. Previous papers applied qPATHINT to two systems, in neocortical interactions and financial options. Objective: In this paper the quantum path-integral for Calcium ions is used to derive a closed-form analytic solution at arbitrary time that is used to calculate interactions with classical-physics SMNI interactions among scales. Using fits of this SMNI model to EEG data, including these effects, will help determine if this is a reasonable approach. Method: Methods of mathematical-physics for optimization and for path integrals in classical and quantum spaces are used for this project. Studies using supercomputer resources tested various dimensions for their scaling limits. In this paper the quantum path-integral is used to derive a closed-form analytic solution at arbitrary time that is used to calculate interactions with classical-physics SMNI interactions among scales. Results: The mathematical-physics and computer parts of the study are successful, in that there is modest improvement of cost/objective functions used to fit EEG data using these models. Conclusions: This project points to directions for more detailed calculations using more EEG data and qPATHINT at each time slice to propagate quantum calcium waves, synchronized with PATHINT propagation of classical SMNI.

The use of phosphate-solubilizing fungi in coffee cultivation is an alternative with which to reduce the use of fertilizers. The objective of this study was to analyze the mechanisms involved in the phosphorus solubilization of the fungal strains and to evaluate the effect of a phosphate-solubilizing strain on the coffee plants. For this, phosphorus-solubilizing fungal strains were selected for evaluation of their solubilization potential and phosphatase activity. Coffee plants were inoculated in the field with a phosphate solubilizing strain, and soil and foliar soluble phosphorus, as well as coffee bean yield, were quantified. Of the 151 strains analyzed, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium waksmanii, and Penicillium brevicompactum showed the highest solubilization. Aspergillus niger and P. waksmanii presented the highest soluble phosphorus values; however, P. brevicompactum showed the highest phosphatase activity. The P. brevicompactum strain inoculated on the coffee plants did not favor foliar phosphorus content but increased the soil soluble phosphorus content in two of the coffee plantations. The plants inoculated with the phosphate solubilizing strain showed an increase in coffee bean weight on all plantations, although this increase was only significant in two of the three selected coffee plantations.

Although most cases of COVID-19 are paucisymptomatic, severe disease is characterized by immune dysregulation, with a decreased type I interferon response, increased inflammatory indicators, surging IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα suggestive of cytokine storm, progressive lymphopenia, and abnormal blood clotting. Factors determining susceptibility to severe disease are poorly understood, although mortality correlates with increasing age and co-morbidities including diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) tends to be insufficient in populations particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, including the elderly, the institutionalized, and people with diabetes and CVD, and PLP becomes further depleted during infection and inflammation. In turn, low PLP results in immune imbalance, as PLP is an essential cofactor in pathways regulating cytokine production, in particular type I interferons and IL-6, and in lymphocyte trafficking and endothelial integrity. Furthermore, normalizing PLP levels attenuates abnormalities in platelet aggregation and clot formation. Finally, PLP insufficiency induces excess secretion of renin and angiotensin, and hypertension. In inflammatory disease, pharmacological doses of PLP decrease circulating TNFα, IL-6 and D-dimer, and animal studies demonstrate that supplemental PLP shortens the duration and severity of viral pneumonia. Severe COVID-19 manifests as an imbalance in the immune response and the clotting system. Pharmacological PLP supplementation may therefore mitigate COVID-19 symptoms by alleviating both the immune suppression underlying viral spread and the pathological hypersecretion of inflammatory cytokines, as well as directly bolstering endothelial integrity and preventing hypercoagulability.

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.

The homeostasis of cellular calcium is fundamental for many physiological activities, while calcium levels maintain inhomogeneous within cells. During the onset of asthma, epithelial and inflammatory cells secrete platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), inducing proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle (ASM) to the epidermal layer, narrowing the airway. The regulation of ASM cells by PDGF is closely related to the conduction of calcium signals. In this work, we generated subcellular-targeted FRET biosensors to investigate calcium regulations at different compartments of ASM cells. PDGF-induced cytoplasmic calcium [Ca2+]C increase was attributed from both extracellular calcium influx and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium [Ca2+]ER release, which was partially regulated by PLC-IP3R pathway. Interestingly, removal of extracellular calcium influx led to inhibited ER calcium release, likely through inhibitory effect on calcium-dependent activation of ER ryanodine receptor. Inhibition of L-type calcium channel on plasma membrane, or SERCA pump on ER resulted in both reduced [Ca2+]C and [Ca2+]ER from PDGF stimulation, while IP3R channel inhibition led to reduced [Ca2+]C only. Inhibited SERCA pump caused immediate [Ca2+]C increase and [Ca2+]ER decrease, indicating an active calcium exchange between cytosol and ER storage in resting cells. PDGF-induced calcium at outer mitochondrial membrane sub-region showed similar regulatory response to cytosolic calcium, not influenced by inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel. Therefore, our work identified calcium flow pathways among extracellular medium, cell cytosol, and ER by regulatory calcium channels. Particularly, extracellular calcium flow has an essential function to fully activate ER calcium release.

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.

Psychiatric disorders are mental, behavioral or emotional disorders. These conditions are prevalent, one in four adults suffer from any type of psychiatric disorders world-wide. It has always been observed that psychiatric disorders have a genetic component, however new methods to sequence full genomes of large cohorts have identified with high precision genetic risk loci for these conditions. Psychiatric disorders include, but are not limited to, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Several risk loci for psychiatric disorders fall within genes that encode for voltage-gated calcium channels (Ca_Vs). Calcium entering through Ca_Vs is key for multiple neuronal processes. In this review, we will summarize recent findings that link Ca_Vs and their auxiliary subunits to psychiatric disorders. First, we will provide a general overview of Ca_Vs structure, classification, function, expression and pharmacology. Next, we will summarize tools and databases to study risk loci associated with psychiatric disorders. We will examine functional studies of risk variations in Ca_V genes when available. We will review pharmacological evidence of the use of Ca_V modulators to treat psychiatric disorders. Our review will be of interest for those studying pathophysiological aspects of Ca_Vs.

Synthetic bone made of calcium phosphate is widely used for the clinical treatment of bone defects caused by trauma and bone tumors. Although synthetic bone is easy to use, its effects are only partial depending on the size and location of the bone defect, and there are many treatment options other than the use of synthetic bone. Various biodegradable polymers that are being considered for use as scaffolds for regenerative medicine are also being considered for use as synthetic bones; however, commercial synthetic bone products with performance comparable to that of calcium phosphate bioceramics have not yet been clinically applied. This review introduces the practice of bone regeneration therapy with synthetic bone and recent research on bone regeneration therapy with biodegradable polymers.

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.

We simulate elementary calcium release events (sparks) in a single calcium release unit in ventricular myocyte. Previously developed and tested electron-conformational model of the stochastic dynamics of RyR-channels is integrated to the calcium dynamics model in the cardiac cell. This approach allows to observe RyRs opening/closing in details on the macromolecular level during the calcium dynamics course. We simulate calcium diffusion in the dyadic space and “domino-like” RyR’s activation during the so-called “calcium induced-calcium release process”. Ca²⁺ sparks initiation, spread and termination are investigated in the computer experiments. Sparks’ initiation and termination rate dependence on the Ca²⁺ diffusion velocity is observed. We show that sarcoplasmic reticulum lumen local depletion and RyR’s stochastic attrition could be the reasons of Ca²⁺ spark termination.

Herein, activated red mud particles are used as an adsorbent for adsorbing phosphorus. Different concentrations of HCl and deionized water are used for desorption tests, and the optimal desorption mechanism is investigated. The Langmuir isothermal model and pseudo-second-order kinetic linear model produce consistent results: the desorption is dominated by the surface desorption of the monomolecular layer, and chemical desorption limits the rate of surface desorption. The desorption thermodynamics indicates that the desorption of phosphorus by the desorbent is spontaneous and high temperature promotes desorption. The particle diffusion model demonstrates that the removal of phosphorus in the form of precipitation from the surface of an activated hematite particle adsorbent occurs primarily via a chemical reaction, and an analysis of the microscopic morphology indicates that the desorption process is primarily accompanied by the dissolution of the metal element Ca, followed by Al and Fe. The desorbent reacts with the active elements in red mud, and the vibration of the [SiO4]2− group calcite or aragonite group of calcium–iron garnet in the functional group disappears. The intensity of the wave peaks of the PO43− groups decreases considerably. Thus, desorption primarily involves the chemical desorption of the monomolecular layer.

The present study aims at deposition of zinc phosphate coatings with the incorporation of nano Titanium dioxide particles by chemical phosphating method. Zinc phosphate coatings were developed on low carbon steel by using nano TiO2 in the standard phosphating bath. The Coated low carbon steel samples were assessed for corrosion studies using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarisation techniques in 3.5% NaCl solution. Chemical composition of the coatings was analysed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Significant variations in the coating weight, porosity and corrosion resistance were observed with the addition of nano TiO2 in the phosphating bath. Corrosion rate of nano TiO2 incorporated chemical phosphate coated samples was found to be 3.5 mpy which was 4 times less than the bare uncoated low carbon steel (~14 mpy). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies revels in the reduction of porosity in nano TiO2 phosphate coated samples. It was found that nano TiO2 particles in the phosphating solution yielded phosphate coatings of higher coating weight, greater surface coverage and enhanced corrosion resistance than the normal zinc phosphate coatings (developed using normal phosphating bath).

Introduction: This study aims to elucidate the clinical diagnostic value of S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta (S100B) in epilepsy, a topic of ongoing debate among European and Asian epilepsy research centres.Methods and analysis: A structured long-term research plan was developed, comprising three phases. Phase one involves observational studies investigating the correlation between S100B levels in serum or cerebrospinal fluid and epilepsy. Phase two integrates observational and randomised controlled data to establish baseline S100B levels across diverse epilepsy demographics, underpinning the predictive value of S100B for epilepsy. Phase three focuses on randomised controlled trials to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of S100B as an epilepsy biomarker.Ethics and dissemination: All enrolled patients will provide written consent. The ethics committee of the Second People’s Hospital of Gansu Province, Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University, China, approved the study (GSSEY2022-KY009-01).Registration: The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023425431).

Climate change and the increasing frequency of high-temperature events are significant threats to global crop yields. To address this, a comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to heat shock (HS) is essential. Signaling pathways involving calcium (Ca2+), a versatile second messenger in plants, encode information through temporal and spatial variations in ion concentration. Ca2+ is detected by Ca2+-sensing effectors, including channels and binding proteins, which trigger specific cellular responses. At elevated temperatures, the cytosolic concentration of Ca2+ in plant cells increases rapidly, making Ca2+ signals the earliest response to HS. In this review, we discuss the crucial role of Ca2+ signaling in raising plant thermotolerance and we explore its multifaceted contributions to various aspects of the plant HS response.

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.

This study explores the potential of titanium disulfide (TiS2) as an active material for aqueous calcium-ion batteries (CIBs). We investigate the electrochemical redox reactions of calcium ions within TiS2 and assess its suitability for use in aqueous CIBs. Additionally, we examine the im-pact of different electrolyte concentrations on TiS2 electrode reactions. Our findings reveal that TiS2 exhibits distinct charge-discharge behaviors in various aqueous calcium-ion electrolytes. Notably, at higher electrolyte concentrations, TiS2 effectively suppresses the hydrogen genera-tion reaction caused by water decomposition, demonstrating its potential as an active material for aqueous CIBs. In-situ X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the intercalation of Ca2+ ions be-tween TiS2 layers during charging. This confirmation is groundbreaking, as it represents the first experimental evidence of calcium ions being electrochemically inserted between TiS2 layers from aqueous solutions, signifying a previously unreported achievement and strongly suggesting TiS2's applicability in aqueous CIBs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis further supports the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the TiS2 electrode surface, contributing to the suppression of electrolyte decomposition reactions. Furthermore, we investigate the influ-ence of anions in the electrolyte on charge-discharge behavior. Our findings suggest that the choice of anion coordinated with Ca2+ ions affects SEI formation and cycling performance. Un-derstanding the role of anions in SEI formation is crucial for optimizing aqueous CIBs. In con-clusion, this research underscores TiS2's potential as an active material for aqueous calcium-ion batteries and emphasizes the importance of electrolyte composition in influencing SEI formation and battery performance. These findings contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies.

For voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC), its α2δ subunits are traditionally considered to be auxiliary subunits that regulates VGCC trafficking to the plasma membrane. The antiepileptic, antinociceptive and anxiolytic gabapentin (GBP) has previously been shown to bind the VGCC α2δ subunits with high affinity to disrupt VGCC trafficking. Yet, the interaction between GBP and α2δ still remains poorly understood from a structural point of view. For instance, it is not clear yet what the structural implication is of α2δ-1-bound GBP against VGCC trafficking. With a set of experimental data-driven structural analysis of the VGCC α2δ-1 and its ligand GBP, this article postulates for the first time that: 1), α2δ-1 bound GBP stabilizes the α2δ-1-GBP complex structure; 2), α2δ-1 bound GBP restrains the conformational flexibility of α2δ-1; 3), α2δ-1-bound GBP establishes an electrostatic axis consisting of Q535 (Gln535)-R241 (Arg241)-GBP (gabapentin)-D452 (Asp452), which constitutes an energetically favourable contribution towards the structural stability of the α2δ-1-GBP complex and helps restrains the conformational flexibility and local structural rigidification of α2δ-1; and 4), GBP-induced local conformational inflexibility and structural rigidification of α2δ-1 is one key step in the pharmacological disruption of VGCC trafficking by GBP.

To investigate the effect of acidic nanoparticles on proton conductivity, permeability and fuel cell performance, a commercial Nafion® 117 membrane was impregnated with zirconium phosphates (ZrP) and sulfated zirconium (S-ZrO2) nanoparticles. The tensile test, water uptake, methanol crossover, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to assess the ca-pacity of nanocomposite membrane to function in a fuel cell. The modified Nafion® membrane obtained the higher water uptake and a lower water content angle than the commercial Nafion® 117 membrane, indicating that it has a greater impact on conductivity. Under strain rates of 40, 30 and 20 mm/min, the nanocomposite membranes demonstrate more stable thermal deterioration and higher mechanical strength, which offers tremendous promise for fuel cell applications. When compared to 0.113 S/cm and 0.013 S/cm, respectively, of commercial Nafion® 117 and Nafion® ZrP membranes, the modified Nafion® membrane with ammonia sulphate acid had the highest proton conductivity of 7.891 S/cm. When tested using a direct single cell methanol fuel cell, it had the highest power density of 183 m. cm-2 which is better than commercial Nafion® 117 and Nafion® ZrP membranes.

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency reduces nodule formation and development in different legume species including common bean. Despite the significant progress in the understanding of the genetic responses underlying the adaptation of nodules to Pi deficiency, it is still unclear whether this nutritional deficiency interferes with the molecular dialog between legumes and rhizobia, if so, what part of the molecular dialog is impaired? In this study, we provide evidence demonstrating that Pi deficiency negatively affects critical early molecular and physiological responses required for a successful symbiosis between common bean and rhizobia. We demonstrated that the infection thread formation and the expression of PvNSP2, PvNIN, and PvFLOT2, genes controlling the nodulation process, were significantly reduced in Pi-deficient common bean seedlings. Further transcriptional analysis revealed that the expression of hormones-related genes is compromised in Pi-deficient seedlings inoculated with rhizobia. Additionally, we showed that regardless of the presence or absence of rhizobia, the expression of PvRIC1 and PvRIC2, two genes participating in the autoregulation of nodule number, was higher in Pi-deficient seedlings than in control seedlings. The data presented in this study shed light on the understanding of how Pi deficiency impacts the early steps of the symbiosis between common bean and rhizobia.

In Acropora, the complex canals in a coral colony connect all polyps into a holistic network to collaborate in performing biological processes. There are various types of canals, including calice, axial canals, and other internal canals, with structures that are dynamically altered during different coral growth states due to internal calcium transport. However, few studies have considered the regulation of calcium transport in Acropora. In this study, we investigated the morphological changes of the axial canal in six Acropora muricata samples by high resolution micro-computed tomography, observing the patterns of the axial canal during the processes of new branch formation and truncated branch rebuilding. We visualized the formation of a new branch from a calice and deposition of the iconic hexactin skeletons in the axial canal. Furthermore, the diameter and volume changes of the axial canal in truncated branches during rebuilding processes were calculated, revealing that the volume ratio of calcareous deposits in the axial canal exhibit significant increases within the first three weeks, returning to levels in the initial state in the following week. This work indicates that the axial canal can transport calcium to form hexactin skeletons in a new branch and rebuild the tip of a truncated branch. The calcium transport along canal network regulates various growth processes, including budding, branching, skeleton forming, and self-rebuilding of an Acropora colony. Understanding the changes in canal function under normal and extreme conditions will provide theoretical guidance for restoration and protection of coral reefs.

Background: Since circa 1980, a model of neocortical interactions, Statistical Mechanics of Neocortical Interactions (SMNI) has been successful in calculating many experimental phenomena, including fits to electroencephalographic (EEG) data in attention tasks, using an importance-sampling code Adaptive Simulated Annealing (ASA). The SMNI model is developed in the context of classical path-integrals, which affords intuitive insights as well as direct numerical benefits, e.g., using the effective Action as a a cost/objective function for parameter fits to data. Objective: Previous authors have fit affective EEG data to neural-network models. This project seeks to use models based on physics and biology to fit this same data. Previous work showed improvements in fits to EEG for attention states; this project extends these methods to affective states. Method: Path integrals are used in both classical and quantum contexts. Classical path integrals are used to define a cost/objective function to fit data, and quantum path integrals are used to derive a closed-form analytic expression for Ca-ion waves in the presence of a magnetic vector potential which is generated by highly synchronous neuronal firings which give rise to EEG. ASA is used to fit EEG data. Results: The mathematical-physics and computer parts of the study are successful, in that cost/objective functions used to fit EEG data using these models are consistent with previous work published by other authors. However, since the SMNI model includes these quantum effects, this is another reason to continue examining these issues. The results here are consistent, not better, than previous work using neural-network models, albeit only one parameter was used here, instead of multiple filters and kernels used previously on such data. Conclusion: Although these quantum effects are highly speculative, explicit calculations have shown them to be consistent with experimental data, at least to date. The current supercomputer project extends this model to affective/emotion data. Results from several authors using neural-network approaches at individual electrode sites show some predictive capabilities; the results given here are consistent with these other results. However, since the SMNI model includes these quantum effects, this is another reason to continue examining these issues.

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.

Protons are gaining increasing attention as neurotransmitters due to their extraordinary abilities to rapidly transfer electrical charge, mobilize cellular calcium and modulate ion channels. How all this is possible is currently the subject of in-depth studies and discussions concerning not only neurophysiology, but also biological materials for artificial intelligence. In this short review, some biochemical mechanisms are described by which protons, in combination with calcium, can initiate firing in sensory neurons and transmit impulse across synapses. Furthermore, mechanisms are put forward concerning how three neurotransmitters, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine, are able to generate protons. The results of the numerous experimental works taken into consideration indicate that protons can play a fundamental role both in the generation and in the transmission of the nerve impulse.

Cancer cells show an increased glutamine consumption. The glutaminase (GLS) enzyme controls a limiting step in the glutamine catabolism. Breast tumors, especially the triple negative subtype, have a high expression of GLS. Our recent study demonstrated that GLS activity and ammonia production are inhibited by Sirtuin 5 (SIRT5). We have developed MC3138, a selective SIRT5 activator. Treatment with MC3138 mimicked the deacetylation effect mediated by SIRT5 overexpression. Moreover, GLS activity is regulated by inorganic phosphate (Pi). Considering the interconnected role of GLS, SIRT5 and Pi for cancer growth, our hypothesis is that activation of SIRT5 and reduction of Pi could represent a valid anti-tumoral strategy. Treating cells with MC3138 and lanthanum acetate, a Pi chelator, decreased cell viability and clonogenicity. We also observed a modulation of LC3 and ULK1 with MC3138 and lanthanum acetate. Interestingly, inhibition of mitophagy marker BNIP3 was observed only in the presence of MC3138. Such autophagy and mitophagy modulation was accompanied by an increase of cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, our results show how SIRT5 activation and/or Pi binding can represent a valid strategy to inhibit cell proliferation by reducing glutamine metabolism and mitophagy leading to a deleterious accumulation of ROS.

Calcium (Ca2+) ions act as second messenger, regulating several cell functions. Mitochondria are critical organelles for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+. Mitochondrial calcium (mtCa2+) uptake is ensured by the presence in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex, a macromolecular structure composed of pore-forming and regulatory subunits. MtCa2+ uptake plays a crucial role in the regulation of oxidative metabolism and cell death. Many evidences demonstrate that dysregulation of mtCa2+ homeostasis can have serious pathological outcomes. In this review, we briefly discuss the molecular structure and the function of the MCU complex and then we focus our attention on human diseases in which a dysfunction in mtCa2+ has been showed.

Abstract: Calcium-based catalysts are of a high interest for glycerol polymerization due to their high catalytic activity and large availability. However, their poor stability under reaction conditions is an issue. In the present study, we investigated the stability and catalytic activity of Ca-hydroxyapatites (HAps) as one of the most abundant Ca-source in nature. A stochiometric, a Ca-deficient and a Ca-rich HAps have been synthetized and tested as catalysts in the glycerol polymerization reaction. Deficient and stochiometric HAps exhibited a remarkable 100% selectivity to triglycerol at 15 % of glycerol conversion at 245 °C after 8 h of reaction in the presence 0.5 mol.% of catalyst. Moreover, under the same reaction conditions, Ca-rich HAp showed a high selectivity (88 %) to di- and triglycerol at a glycerol conversion of 27 %. Most importantly, these catalysts were unexpectedly stable towards leaching under the reaction conditions based on the ICP-OES results. However, based on the catalytic tests and characterization analysis performed by XRD, XPS, IR, TGA-DSC and ICP-OES, we found that HAps can be deactivated by the presence of the reaction products themselves, i.e., water and polymers.

Numerous types of oligonucleotide modifications have been developed since automated synthesis of DNA/RNA became a common instrument in the creation of synthetic oligonucleotides. Despite the growing number of types of oligonucleotide modifications under development, only a few of them, and moreover, their combinations have been studied wide enough in terms of their in-fluence on the properties of corresponding NA constructions. In the present study, a number of oligonucleotides with combinations of 3′ end lipophilic (single cholesteryl or pair of dodecyl residues) and phosphate backbone modifications were synthesized. The influence of the combi-nation of used lipophilic groups with phosphate modifications of various nature and different position on the efficiency of cell penetration was evaluated. Obtained results indicate that even a couple of phosphate modifications are able to affect a set of oligonucleotide properties in a complex manner and can remarkably change cellular uptake. These data clearly show that the strategy of using different patterns of modification combinations has great potential for the ra-tional design of oligonucleotide structures with desired predefined properties.

The sepiolite/ZrO2 composites were prepared by sepiolite (Sep) modification with zirconium propoxide in toluene, at room temperature for 24 h (Sep –ZrI) or 95 °C for 4h (sample Sep –ZrII). The efficiency of the obtained adsorbents for the removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions at initial pH = 4 and pH = 8, was investigated. Characterization of the samples showed that higher temperature of synthesis for shorter time provided slightly higher content of amorphous Zr-phase, which was deposited on sepiolite fibers as a thin layer and agglomerated nanoparticles. Compared to Sep, the composites had lower point of zero charge and higher specific surface area and pore volume. The adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo second-order model. The adsorption capacities of the composites were approximately the same at both initial pH and higher at initial pH = 4 than at pH = 8. The XPS and ATR-FTIR of Sep-ZrI before and after adsorption identified the formation of inner-sphere complexes as the mechanism of phosphate adsorption. The slow release during desorption with NaOH solution confirmed strong bonds of phosphates with the surface of the composites.

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.

In this review article, we present the major insights from and challenges faced in the acquisition, analysis and modeling of astrocyte calcium activity, aiming at bridging the gap between those fields to crack the complex astrocyte \enquote{Calcium Code}. We then propose strategies to reinforce interdisciplinary collaborative projects to unravel astrocyte function in health and disease.

In the past decade, under the background of the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality era, the rapid development of new energy vehicles has put forward higher requirements for the performance of strike forces such as battery cycle life, energy density and cost. Lithium-ion batteries have gradually become the mainstream of electric vehicle power batteries due to their excellent energy density, rate performance and cycle life. At present, the most widely used cathode materials for power batteries are lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and ternary nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM). However, these materials exhibit the bottlenecks that limit the improvement and promotion of power battery performance. In this review, the performance characteristics, cycle life attenuation mechanism (including structural damage, gas generation and active lithium loss, etc.) and improvement methods (including surface coating and element-doping modification) of LFP and NCM batteries are reviewed. Finally, the development prospects of this field are proposed.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice grains is posing a significant threat to global food security. To restrict the transport of Cd in the soil-rice system, an efficient way is to use the ionomics strate-gy. Since calcium (Ca) and Cd have similar ionic radii, their uptake and translocation may be linked in multiple aspects in rice. However, the underlying antagonistic mechanisms are still not fully understood. Therefore, we first summarized the current knowledge on the physiological and molecular footprints of Cd translocation in plants and then explored the potential antagonistic points between Ca and Cd in rice, including exchange adsorption on roots, plant cell wall compo-sition, co-transporter gene expression, and transpiration inhibition. This review provides sugges-tions for the Ca/Cd interacting study in rice and introduces the ionomics research to better control the accumulation of Cd in plants.

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.

The remarkable adsorption capacity of graphene derived materials has prompted their examination in composite materials suitable for deployment in treatment of contaminated waters. In this study, crosslinked calcium alginate – graphene oxide beads were prepared and activated by exposure to pH 4 by using 0.1M HCl. The activated beads were investigated as novel adsorbents for the removal of organic pollutants (Methylene Blue dye and the pharmaceuticals Famotidine and Diclofenac) with a range of physicochemical properties. Effects of initial pollutant concentration, temperature, pH and adsorbent dose were investigated and kinetic models were examined for fit to the data. Maximum adsorption capacities q_max obtained were 1334, 35.50 and 36.35 mg g^-1 for the uptake of Methylene blue, Famotidine and Diclofenac respectively. The equilibrium adsorption had an alignment with Langmuir isotherms while the kinetics were most accurately modelled using a pseudo- first –order and second order models according to the regression analysis. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG^◦, ΔH^◦ and ΔS^◦ were calculated and the adsorption process was determined to be exothermic and spontaneous.

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.

Strontium (Sr) is a trace element in human body that able to promote bone formation and inhibit bone absorption. The conversion coating of strontium phosphate (Sr-P) on the surface of titanium (Ti) can improve its biological properties, and has a wide application prospect in the fields of dentistry and orthopedics. In this present study, Sr-P coatings with SrHPO4 and Sr3(PO4)2 crystals on Ti are prepared by phosphate chemical conversion (PCC) treatment. And the effect of pH on the properties of Sr-P coatings is researched. The results prove that phase composition, morphology and corrosion resistance of coated Ti are different with the pH values in PCC solution. The morphologies of conversion deposition on Ti change from plat-like to cluster-like, and then homogeneous microcrystals, as pH value changed from 2.50 to 3.25. Only discrete SrHPO4 crystals are generating on substrate at lower pH value, while relative stable Sr3(PO4)2 and SrHPO4 crystals are growing and subsequently forming an integrated coating on Ti as pH is higher than 2.50. The corrosion resistance of coated Ti improves comparing with that of bare Ti because of forming Sr-P coatings with Sr3(PO4)2 phase. In addition, it is indicated that the Sr-P coatings can improve the adhesion and differentiation of BMSCs.

The intricate functionality of the vertebrate retina relies on the interplay between neurotransmitter activity and calcium dynamics, offering important insights into de-velopmental processes, physiological functioning, and disease progression. Neuro-transmitters orchestrate cellular processes to shape the behavior of the retina under diverse circumstances. Despite research to elucidate the roles of individual neuro-transmitters in the visual system, there remains a gap in our understanding of the holistic integration of their interplay with calcium dynamics in the broader context of neuronal development, health, and disease. To address this gap, the present review explores the mechanisms used by the neurotransmitters glutamate, GABA, glycine, dopamine, and acetylcholine and their interplay with calcium dynamics. This con-ceptual outline is intended to inform and guide future research, underpinning novel therapeutic avenues for retinal-associated disorders.

In 2021 the total world cement production was estimated at 4.1 billion tonnes and the annual CO2 emissions from cement plants reached almost 2.8 billion metric tonnes. In the last years many ef-forts have been made for manufacturing low-CO2 cements. In this regard, a great attention has been paid towards calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements for both their peculiar technical prop-erties and the environmentally friendly features mainly related to their manufacturing process. Moreover, the use of blended cements composed by CSA binders and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) could represents a powerful tool for both reducing the CO2 footprint and pro-ducing more durable environmentally friendly materials. In this paper, the possibility of using reservoir sediments (RS), calcined at 830°C, as SCMs in blended-CSA cements was investigated. Four binders were submitted to hydration and physico-mechanical tests for curing periods com-prised in the interval 4 hours-56 days. X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and differential thermal–thermogravimetric analyses were employed as main characterization techniques. It was found that thermally treated RS are very interesting inasmuch as their utilization allows a CSA clinker dilution, thus implying both a decrease of CO2 emissions and a reduction of costs related to CSA cement production.

Calcium sulfate (CS) materials containing terbium ions at 0, 1.0, or 2.0 mol.% were obtained by mechanochemical synthesis. According to X-ray diffraction data, the powder materials are characterized by the presence of a CaSO4×0.5H2O phase, while Tb3+ is incorporated into the lattice at ≤1.0 mol.%. Specific surface area enlarged from 2.1 to 22.5 m2/g as crystallite size decreased from 68 to 31 nm and the Tb3+ concentration increased up to 1.0 mol.%. Thermal analysis showed that terbium slightly raises the temperature of CaSO4×2H2O-to-CaSO4 transition. The presence of Tb3+ did not affect the solubility of the CS cements. Furthermore, after 7 days of soaking of the materials in a simulated body fluid, a calcium phosphate layer formed corresponding to a hydroxyapatite phase, in contrast to the pure cements. Luminescent properties were studied by excitation at 276 nm. The recorded emission peaks of the CS materials indicated that the luminescence of the samples is green and blue, with the most intense luminescence observed for samples containing 1.0 mol.% Tb3+. The developed materials can find applications in medicine as bioimplants for the regeneration and restoration of bone tissue with a possibility of noninvasive monitoring of the bone restoration process.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant macronutrient; however, its availability is often limited in soils. Plants have evolved complex mechanisms for efficient phosphate (Pi) absorption, which are responsive to changes in external and internal Pi concentration, and orchestrated through local and systemic responses. To explore these systemic Pi responses, here, we identified AtMYB44 as a phloem-mobile mRNA, an Arabidopsis homolog of Cucumis sativus MYB44, that is responsive to the Pi-starvation stress. qRT-PCR assays revealed that AtMYB44 was up-regulated and expressed in both shoot and root in response to Pi-starvation stress. The atmyb44 mutant displayed higher shoot and root biomass, compared to wild-type plants, under Pi-starvation conditions. Interestingly, the expression of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;2 (PHT1;2) and PHT1;4 was enhanced in atmyb44 in response to a Pi-starvation treatment. A split-root assay showed that AtMYB44 expression was systemically regulated, under Pi-starvation conditions and, in atmyb44, systemic controls on PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression were moderately disrupted. Heterografting assays confirmed graft transmission of AtMYB44 transcripts, and PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression was decreased in heterografted atmyb44 rootstocks. Taken together, our findings support the hypothesis that mobile AtMYB44 mRNA serves as a long-distance Pi response signal, which negatively regulates Pi transport and utilization in Arabidopsis.

Surface treatment of implants facilitates osseointegration, with nanostructured surfaces exhibiting accelerated peri-implant bone regeneration. This study compared bone-to-implant contact (BIC) in implants with hydroxyapatite (HA), sand-blasted and acid-etched (SLA), and SLA with calcium (Ca)-coated (XPEED®) surfaces. Seventy-five disk-shaped grade 4 Ti specimens divided into three groups were prepared, with 16 implants per group tested in New Zealand white rabbits. Surface characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), digital microscopy, and a contact angle analyzer. Cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion were assessed using MC3T3-E1 cells. Apatite formation was evaluated using modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) incubation. After 4 weeks of healing, the outcomes reviewed were BIC, bone area (BA), removal torque tests, and histomorphometric evaluation. Microstructure analysis revealed irregular pores across all groups, with the XPEED group exhibiting a nanostructured Ca-coated surface. Surface characterization showed a crystalline CaTiO3 layer on XPEED surfaces, with evenly distributed Ca penetrating the implants. All surfaces provided excellent environments for cell growth. The XPEED and SLA groups showed significantly higher cell density and viability with superior osseointegration than HA (p < 0.05); XPEED exhibited the highest absorbance values. Thus, XPEED surface treatment improved implant performance, biocompatibility, stability, and osseointegration.

Heavy metals contamination in groundwater often occurs in various industrial processes. Stud-ies have confirmed that polysulfide could reduce hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium, achieving the effect of in-situ stabilization. For other heavy metals contamination in groundwa-ter, whether polysulfide also had a stabilizing ability to achieve in-situ remediation. This re-search focused on heavy metals except for chromium that often contaminated in groundwater, including lead, nickel, zinc, copper, and cadmium to explore the feasibility of using calcium polysulfide (CaSx) as an in-situ stabilization technology for these heavy metals contamination groundwater. Results showed that CaSx had a great removal efficiency for heavy metals lead, nickel, zinc, copper, and cadmium. However, for nickel, zinc, copper and cadmium, when CaSx was added excessively, complexes would be formed, causing the result of re-dissolve and this would also reduce the removal efficiency. Since it is difficult to accurately control the dosage of agents for in-situ groundwater remediation, the concentration of re-dissolved nickel, zinc, cop-per, and cadmium may not be able to meet the groundwater control standards. CaSx had high lead removal efficiency, and it would not cause re-dissolution due to excessive CaSx dosing. CaSx can be used as an in-situ stabilization technique for lead contaminated groundwater.

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.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative olfactory disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Alterations in the hexosamine or glucose-related pathways have been described through AD progression. Specifically, an alteration in glucosamine 6 phosphate isomerase 2 (GNPDA2) protein levels has been observed in olfactory areas from AD subjects. However, the biological role of GNPDA2 in neurodegeneration remains unknown. Using mass-spectrometry, multiple GNPDA2 interactors were identified in human nasal epithelial cells (NECs) mainly involved in intraciliary transport. Moreover, GNPDA2 overexpression induced an increment in NEC proliferation rates, accompanied by transcriptomic alterations in Type II interferon signalling or cellular stress responses. In contrast, the presence of beta-amyloid or mutated Tau-P301L in GNPDA2-overexpressing NECs induced a slow-down in the proliferative capacity in parallel with a disruption in protein processing. The proteomic characterization of Tau-P301L transgenic zebrafish embryos demonstrated that GNPDA2 overexpression interfered with collagen biosynthesis and RNA/protein processing, without inducing additional changes in axonal outgrowth defects nor neuronal cell death. In humans, a significant increase in serum GNPDA2 levels was observed across multiple neurological proteinopathies (AD, Lewy body dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, mixed-dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) (n=187). These data shed new light on GNPDA2-dependent mechanisms associated to the neurodegenerative process beyond the hexosamine route.

A Staudinger reaction on solid phase between an electronodeficit organic azide such as sulfonyl azide, and the phosphite triester formed upon phosphoramidite coupling is a convenient method for chemical modification of oligonucleotides at the internucleotidic phosphate position. In this work, 4-carboxybenzenesulfonyl azide either with a free carboxy group or in the form of an activated ester such as pentafluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, or pentafluorobenzyl ester were used to introduce a carboxylic acid function to the terminal or internal internucleotidic phosphate of an oligonucleotide via Staudinger reaction. A subsequent treatment with excess primary alkyl amine followed by usual work-up, after prior activation with a suitable peptide coupling agent such as HBTU/HOBt in the case of a free carboxyl, afforded amide-linked oligonucleotide conjugates in good yields including multiple conjugations of up to the exhaustive modification at each phosphate position for a weakly activated pentafluorobenzyl ester, whereas more strongly activated and, thus, more reactive aryl esters provided only single conjugations at the 5′-end. The conjugates synthesized include those with di- and polyamines that introduce a positively charged side-chain to potentially assist intracellular delivery of the oligonucleotide.

Conclusion: When applied to the air-abraded Filtek™ Bulk Fill Flowable Restorative composite surface, 10-MDP-containing adhesives perform better than 10-MDP-free adhesives. The binding strength was unaffected by the 10-MDP-containing adhesives' chemical makeup. The bond strength endurance of adhesives containing 10-MDP decreases with age. Keywords: keyword 1; keyword 2; keywords: low-viscosity bulk fill composite, universal adhesives, self-etch adhesive, 10-MDP, aging, bond strength.

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.

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>282.4 (quantification ion), 300.4>262.4 (qualification ion), 286.3>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.

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.

The aim of this systematic review is to describe and to identify prospect of β-Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP) as Alveolar Bone Grafting (ABG) in Cleft Lip/Palate (CL/P) or alveolar bone cleft defect. A systematic review protocol based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020) was drafted. The literature search was conducted with MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science/ ISI-Web of Knowledge, Scopus and Cochrane Library with English language and no publication year limits. The keywords yielded a total of 5824 publications. There are 3196 suitable articles to evaluate after removing duplicates and languages. Afterward, 1315 studies left after doing title and abstract reading. In addition, 85 full-articles were assessed for eligibility. The read the complete texts of those papers and eventually chose 20 that matched the inclusion requirements. Thirteen of the twenty studies included in this systematic review had a low risk of bias, one had a high risk of bias, and six had moderate bias which not report the randomization. β-TCP as ABG is biocompatible, visible and practical, offers a less invasive procedure, and does not interfere with orthodontic treatment. β-TCP as synthetic ABG can be the alternative to autologous bone grafts with several terms and conditions. Improvement of β-TCP efficacy for ABG in CL/P or alveolar bone cleft defects can be done by a tissue engineering approach combining β-TCP with growth factor, mesenchymal stem cells, or other graft materials and modification of β-TCP physical properties.

Despite significant research efforts, the question of whether rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations (C_a) affect leaf respiration remains unanswered. Here, I reanalyse published hydrogen isotope abundances in starch glucose of sunflower leaves. I report that, as C_a increases from 450 to 1500 ppm, respiration by the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in chloroplasts increases from 0 to ≈ 5% relative to net carbon assimilation. This is consistent with known regulatory properties of the pathway. Summarising recent reports of metabolic fluxes in plant leaves, a picture emerges in which mitochondrial processes are distinctly less important for overall respiration than the oxidative pentose phosphate pathways in chloroplasts and the cytosol. Regulatory properties of these pathways are consistent with observations of lower-than-expected stimulations of photosynthesis in response to increasing C_a. Reported advances in understanding leaf respiratory mechanisms may enable modelling and prediction of respiration effects (inter alia) on biosphere-atmosphere CO₂ exchange and plant performance under climate change.

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) is a precursor of biological apatite crystals that has attracted attention as a possible bone substitute. On the other hand, few studies have examined this material at the experimental level due to the limitations of OCP mass production. Recently, mass production technology of OCP was developed, and the launch of OCP bone substitutes is occurring. In this study, the bone regeneration capacity of OCP products was compared with two of the most clinically used materials: heat-treated bovine bone (BHA) and sintered biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). Twelve rabbits were used, and defects in each tibia were filled with OCP, BHA, BCP, and left unfilled as control (CON). The tibias were harvested at 4 and 12 weeks, and 15 μm slides were prepared using the diamond grinding method after being embedded in resin. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate the bone regeneration ability and mechanism. The OCP showed significantly higher resorption and new bone formation in both periods analysed (p<0.05). Overall, OCP bone substitutes can enhance bone regeneration significantly by activating osteoblasts and a rapid phase transition of OCP crystals to biological apatite crystals (mineralisation), as well as providing additional space for new bone formation by rapid resorption.

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.

A new label-free molecular probe for luminescent nucleotide detection in neutral aqueous solution is presented. Phosphate-containing molecules such as nucleotides possess vital role in cell metabolism, energy economy, and signaling. Thus the monitoring of nucleotide concentration and nucleotide related enzymatic reactions is of high importance. Two component lanthanide complex formed from Tb(III) ion carrier and light harvesting antenna, readily distinguishes nucleotides containing different number of phosphates and enable direct detection of enzymatic reactions converting nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) to nucleotide di/monophosphate or the opposite. Developed sensor enables the detection of enzymatic activity with a low nanomolar sensitivity, as highlighted with K-Ras and apyrase enzymes in there hydrolysis assays performed in high throughput screening compatible 384-well plate format.

This study aims to investigate utilizing Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), a by-product of sugar beet, as a soil stabilizer for addressing settlement issues beneath pavements. Various tests were conducted to assess the engineering properties of PCC-stabilized subgrades using PCC obtained from Amalgamated Sugar Cooperation in Twin Falls, Idaho. Local loess samples, like those found beneath pavements, were collected for testing purposes. Initial tests involved evaluating the unconfined compressive strength of compacted loess samples, followed by tests on samples mixed with different weight percentages of PCC. The results revealed a significant average increase of 10% to 28% in the strength of loess samples stabilized with 5% PCC compared to the strength of the native soil. The chemical composition and microstructure of PCC were further analyzed through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDX), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Tests conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). XRD analysis indicates the presence of calcium carbonate and silica. EDX analysis unveiled a carbon content of 9% by weight in PCC, which could contribute to the carbon footprint when it breaks down. Additionally, SEM images displayed an irregular microstructure and particle shape of PCC. Furthermore, the inclusion of PCC improved the resistance of loess to saturation collapse.

Emerging evidence indicates that intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels and their regulatory proteins play essential roles in normal stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cancer cells that retain characteristics similar to stem cells and play an essential role in cancer progression. Recent studies have reported that the Orai3 calcium channel plays an oncogenic role in human cancer. However, its role in CSC remains underexplored. In this study, we explored the effects of Orai3 in the progression and stemness of oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Orai3 expression was increased in a stepwise manner during the progression of OSCC. In addition, Orai3 was highly enriched in CSC populations of OSCC. Ectopic Orai3 expression in non-tumorigenic immortalized oral epithelial cells increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, acquiring malignant growth and CSC properties. Conversely, silencing of endogenous Orai3 in OSCC cells suppressed CSC phenotype, indicating a pivotal role of Orai3 in CSC regulation. Moreover, Orai3 markedly increased the expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1), a stemness transcription factor. Orai3 and ID1 were highly expressed in CSCs compared to non-CSCs, implying the functional importance of the Orai3/ID1 axis in CSC regulation. Furthermore, suppression of ID1 abrogated CSC phenotype in the cell with ectopic Orai3 overexpression and OSCC. Our study reveals that Orai3 is a novel functional CSC regulator in OSCC and further suggests that Orai3 plays an oncogenic role in OSCC by promoting cancer stemness via ID1 upregulation.

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 pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is one of three major pathways involved in glucose metabolism, regulated by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), controlling NADPH formation. NADPH, in turn, regulates the balance of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. G6PD dysfunction, affecting PPP, is implicated in neurological disorders, including epilepsy. However, PPP's role in epileptogenesis and ROS production during epileptic activity remains unclear. To clarify these points, we conducted electrophysiological and imaging analyses on mouse hippocampal brain slices. Using the specific G6PD inhibitor G6PDi-1, we assessed its effects on mouse hippocampal slices, examining intracellular ROS, glucose/oxygen consumption, and ROS production during synaptic stimulation and in the 4AP epilepsy model. G6PDi-1 increased basal intracellular ROS levels and reduced synaptically induced glucose consumption but had no impact on ROS production from synaptic stimulation. In the 4AP model, G6PDi-1 didn't significantly alter spontaneous seizure frequency or H2O2 release amplitude but increased the frequency and peak amplitude of interictal events. These findings suggest that short-term PPP inhibition has a minimal impact on synaptic circuit activity.

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.

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.