Source Of Ca Research Articles

Transformation of dolomite powder into value added fertilizer and its effect on growth and yield of tomato plant

In Dolomite industry, various purposes have led to the generation of large amount of dolomite powder during mechanical processing. Dolomite is a rich source of Ca and Mg and XRF analysis showed the presence of certain micro and ultra micro plant nutrients in it. In the raw form these nutrients are not in easily plant accessible form. In the present research, dolomite powder was converted into easily plant accessible form and its value-added fertilizer is formed by mixing vermicompost with chemically converted dolomite powder. Three types of experiments- control (simple soil), control with compost (soil + vermicompost), and different percentages [X, 2X, 3X, 4X & 5X (X= 3%)] of value-added fertilizer with soil were performed on growth and yield of tomato plant. It was found that among all treatments, 5X showed maximum plant growth, crop yield with increased biomass.

Mineral nutrients and protein composition of non-conventional food plants (Pereskia aculeata Miller, Sonchus oleraceus L. and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott)

Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller), taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) and serralha (Sonchus oleraceus L.) are non-conventional food plants found in Brazil that could be included in the human diet, but they are not produced on large-scale. However, they have risen in popularity, due to their association with high nutritional values. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the mineral and protein composition of raw and cooked plants from assorted locations. The cooking process did not affect the mineral and protein results on dry mass basis. Furthermore, high variations in mineral composition were observed for different locations. Comparing the results with conventional plants composition databases, the protein content of ora-pro-nobis and taioba were significantly higher than values of spinach. Taioba was the plant that presented more minerals with higher concentrations when compared to the conventional plants. The protein contribution per serving of these plants to the Dietary Reference Intake ranged from 1.1 % to 7 %. Regarding the minerals, cooked taioba can be a source of Ca, Mg, and Cu and high in Mn (11–33 % to DRI). Cooked ora-pro-nobis can be classified as a source of Ca, Mg and Mn (16–29 % to DRI). While the contributions from serralha were less than 11 % of the DRI. These results demonstrate that these non-conventional food plants are an alternative food source that could be better exploited, improving dietary diversity.

359 Optimization of calcium inclusion levels in diets fed to growing and finishing beef cattle

Abstract Calcium (Ca) is a mineral that has an essential role in many biochemical pathways and functions of beef cattle. Limestone is the primary supplemental source of Ca in diets fed to growing and finishing cattle in the United States. Preliminary data indicated that inclusion of dietary Ca above the NASEM (2016) requirements as well as mean and modal concentrations reported by the most recent survey of consulting nutritionists may improve average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (gain to feed ration; G:F) of finishing beef cattle. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to determine the optimal concentration of Ca in growing and finishing diets when limestone was the supplemental source of added Ca. A database was constructed containing 89 treatment means from 23 experiments published from 1963 to 2024 where dietary Ca inclusion via limestone represented treatments. Search parameters to construct the database included a combination of Ca, limestone, performance, efficiency, ADG, G:F, feedlot cattle, finishing cattle, growing cattle, and backgrounding cattle. Data were analyzed in JMP Pro 17 using a mixed model to determine linear and quadratic relationships between dietary Ca and ADG, DMI, or G:F with citation as a random effect. An economic sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine variables most influential to the dietary Ca concentration projected to minimize cost of gain using the above models. Concentration of dietary calcium was selected as the explanatory variable for the models rather than limestone because a greater proportion of variation was accounted for in the response variables prior to the citation adjustment (Ca R2 0.05 to 0.25; limestone R2 0.06 to 0.21). Diet Ca concentration and DMI were unrelated (P ≥ 0.75), but diet Ca was related to both ADG (R2 = 0.84; RMSE = 0.36; P ≤ 0.03) and G:F (R2 = 0.74; RMSE = 0.01; P < 0.01) in a quadratic fashion. Maximum ADG occurred when Ca was included at 1.20% of diet DM; approximately 2.6-fold greater than Ca requirements estimated by NASEM (2016). Cost of gain was minimized when Ca was 1.35% of diet DM. Sensitivity analysis revealed Ca concentration to minimize cost of gain was sensitive to changes in DMI, ADG, days on feed, ration cost and cost of yardage. These results provide further evidence that it may be beneficial to feed a greater amount of Ca than currently recommended by the NASEM (2016) for growing and finishing cattle. Future pen-scale feeding trials are warranted to validate the results of this meta-analysis and to determine the dose response of cattle fed graded levels of Ca. Future research should also be conducted to determine the mechanism of action responsible for the observed improvements in animal performance and efficiency resulting from feeding an increased amount of dietary Ca.

Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Calcium and Phosphorus in Feed Ingredients for 21-Day-Old Broilers.

This study aimed to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in various feed ingredients using the direct method. This study comprised eight experimental diets: a Ca-P-free diet and seven experimental diets, each containing monocalcium phosphate (MCP), dicalcium phosphate (DCP), monosodium phosphate (MSP) + limestone, corn, and soybean meal (SBM) as the sole sources of Ca and/or P. These diets provided 4.21 g/kg of non-phytate P from MCP, DCP, or MSP, and the MSP + limestone diet included 7.50 g/kg of Ca. The corn and SBM diets formulated to determine P digestibility maintained a dietary Ca/total P ratio of 1.4 through the addition of limestone. Chromic oxide was added to the diets as an indigestible index. On day 18, 256 male and 256 female broilers were individually weighed and randomly assigned to eight treatments, each with four replicates for each sex (eight birds per cage). This allocation followed a randomized complete block design based on body weight. On day 21, the birds were euthanized using carbon dioxide, and ileal digesta samples were collected from the distal two-thirds section of the ileum. No significant interactions between the experimental diets and sex regarding the SID of Ca or P were detected, and no effect of sex on the SID was observed. The standardized ileal Ca digestibility of MCP, DCP, limestone, corn, and SBM was found to be 84.7%, 70.1%, 52.6%, 88.6%, and 81.6%, respectively. The standardized ileal P digestibility of MCP, DCP, MSP, corn, and SBM was determined to be 91.8%, 76.8%, 94.4%, 73.1, and 88.4%, respectively. Given the variable digestibility of Ca and P across different feed ingredients, the consideration of the specific type of ingredients used in diet formulation is crucial.

Potentiality of eggshell waste in synthesis of functional metal-organic frameworks for fuel purification

Nitrogen containing compounds in the liquid fuel are well-known to cause serious corrosive action on the engines and plugging of filters with the formation of gummy compounds. Hence, the removal of nitrogenated compounds from the liquid fuel is highly demanded. The current study focused on the efficient removal of indole and quinoline (as nitrogenated compounds) by Ca based metal organic framework. Formerly, Ca based metal organic framework was synthesized using eggshell wastes as source of Ca by Solvothermal [Ca-BTC (s)] and Microwave [Ca-BTC (m)] techniques. Flower and shell plates like crystals were observed under microscope for the synthesized Ca-BTC (s) and Ca-BTC (m), respectively. Purification of liquid fuel from indole and quinoline by the obtained Ca-BTC was systematically investigated. The adsorption of nitrogenated compounds followed the second order reaction and Langmuir isotherm. Microwave technique showed to be more preferable rather than solvothermal technique, for preparation of Ca-BTC with significantly higher adsorption capacity, whereas, and the affinity was higher towards quinoline compared to indole. Meanwhile, for Ca-BTC (m), the estimated maximum adsorption capacity of indole and quinoline was 490.7 mg/g and 583.4 mg/g, respectively. After 4 regeneration cycles, the adsorption capacity Ca-BTC (m) was lowered by 29 % for indole and 24 % for quinoline. The obtained results confirmed the successful using of eggshell wastes in preparation of Ca-BTC with remarkable efficiency in the liquid fuel purification with quite good recyclability.

Agronomic Evaluation Study: Use of Caiapônia Shale as Magnesium Supplementation for Soybean (Glycine max) and Maize (Zea mays) Cultivation

The soil of the cerrado is acidic, with high levels of iron and aluminum, and has low fertility due to weathering, which removes elements such as magnesium. To increase the availability of magnesium, essential for various plant processes, an alternative is the use of agrominerals rich in this element. The objective of this work was the agronomic evaluation of the use of Caiapônia shale as magnesium supplementation for soybean and corn crops. It is characterized as Magnesium Silicate containing 18% Magnesium Oxide (MgO) in its composition, in addition to the minerals Montmorillonite, Albite and Ilite. The product was screened to 0.425 mm in sieve no. 40. The study was conducted at the School of Agronomy of the Federal University of Goiás, located in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, in a greenhouse in two soils: Red Latosol (LV) and Yellow Latosol (LA). The treatments of Caiapônia Shale (CS) were increasing doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg. ha-1 of MgO), in addition to the reference agrominerals, Dianutri (SiMg) and Ibar (MgO) and Wollastonite, source of Ca, with addition of MgO. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight treatments conducted in quadruplicate. The variables analyzed were magnesium and calcium content and pH in the soil. The Caiapônia Shale (CS) released Mg+2, increasing the availability of magnesium, especially in LV in the first year of soybean and residual in corn in the second year, while in LA it was efficient in the first year.

Apparent digestibility and calcium and phosphorus in urine after feeding different combinations of calcium and phosphorus sources to adult dogs.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the combination of a water-soluble calcium (Ca) source (CaCl2) with a water-soluble phosphorus (P) source (NaH2PO4*2H2O, diet soluble, SOL) in comparison to a water-insoluble P source (CaHPO4*2H2O, diet insoluble, INS) on apparent digestibility and renal excretion of Ca and P in dogs. The Ca intake was 226 mg/kg bodyweight (bw), the Ca/P ratio 1.9/1 in SOL and 2.0/1 in INS. The percentage of Ca from CaCl2 was 60% in SOL and 33% in INS. Eight adult Foxhound-crossbred dogs FBI, (3-5 years, bw 24-32 kg) were available. Standard digestion trials were carried out (10 days adaptation, 5 days total faecal collection). Spontaneously excreted urine was collected pre- and postprandially. In vitro water solubility of P in the mineral premixes was determined. The Ca digestibility was negative in both trials without significant differences between the groups. Apparent P digestibility was increased in group SOL (26% vs. 20% in INS). In both groups, P content in urine was higher pre- compared to postprandial, with higher concentrations in group SOL. The same was true for the P/Crea ratio. The water solubility of P in the mineral premixes used in the trials showed considerable differences: The P in premix INS was insoluble in water after 1 and after 90 min. By contrast, the P in the premix SOL was highly soluble (98%) after 1 minute. After 90 min, however, the P solubility decreased to 43%, suggesting the formation of insoluble CaP salts, presumably from CaCl2 and NaH2PO4*2H2O. In conclusion, in the present study, apparent Ca digestibility in dogs was not affected by the solubility of Ca and P, while P digestibility and renal P excretion increased.

A chemometric study comparing nutritional profiles and functional attributes of two botanical forms of Lablab Bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet)

Growing health awareness has stimulated a focus on natural immune enhancement. Lablab beans {Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet}, abundant in bioactive compounds, were investigated for protein, mineral, and vitamin profiles. This research specifically conducted a comparative analysis between two distinct botanical forms: Lablab purpureus var. typicus L. and L. purpureus var. lignosus L, focusing on their nutritional profiles. Among L. purpureus var. typicus L. genotypes, RCPD-6 exhibited the highest protein content (25.46 ± 0.29 g/100 g) followed by RCPD-1 (23.74 ± 0.26 g/100 g). In contrast, L. purpureus var. lignosus L., L. purpureus var. lignosus L. particularly genotype RCPD-22, had lower protein content (19 ± 0.15 g/100 g). Significant variations in Fe content were observed within L. purpureus var. typicus L., ranging from 5.97 ± 0.01 to 10.5 ± 0.02 mg/100 g, with RCPD-2 reported the highest. Zn content ranged from 1.7 ± 0.01 to 3.65 ± 0.02 mg/100 g in both forms. The calcium content in L. purpureus var. typicus L. genotypes are found to be high, ranging from 372.72 ± 0.02 mg/100 g to 458.75 ± 0.03 mg/100 g, suggesting that var. typicus holds promise as a significant dietary source of Ca. P content exhibited variability, ranging from 317.12 ± 0.01 to 460.07 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. L. purpureus var. typicus L. shows correlated levels of protein/Zn, vitamins A/C, and antioxidant activities (DPPH/ABTS) suggesting targeted breeding for co-improved health benefits. It is noteworthy that L. purpureus var. typicus L., whose pods are consumed as vegetables, exhibits higher nutritional content in terms of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. This clearly suggests that L. purpureus var. typicus L. surpasses L. purpureus var. lignosus L. in nutritional value. To strengthen findings, chemometric techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) were employed for differentiation between the two botanical forms. These methods highlight the disparities in their nutritional profiles and functional characteristics. PCA analysis demonstrated that the first three components encapsulated 80.67 % of the overall variability. Meanwhile, AHC grouped cultivars into two major clusters which can be divided into two sub-groups based on the evaluated parameters. The data obtained provide a significant contribution to the scientific evaluation of the two botanical forms of lablab bean, particularly in terms of their nutritional profiles and functional attributes.

On-Site Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction to Hydroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide for Sulfuryl Fluoride Solution Hydrolysis

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) has been largely used as a postharvest fumigant replacing methyl bromide (widely recognized among ozone-depleting substances). Sulfuryl fluoride, however, is a potent greenhouse gas with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of ~ 5000 for a 100-year time zone far higher than that of carbon dioxide and methane. Ongoing pilot work showed that SO2F2 fumes vented from fumigation chambers can be captured and hydrolyzed by hydroxide (OH-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution at pH ~12 in a scrubber with a complete conversion into SO4 2- and F- as waste salts. The purchase, shipment, storage, and handling of concentrated stocks of H2O2 and NaOH for use in SO2F2 hydrolysis involve cost and safety concerns. Herein, we present an on-site, facile, and cost-effective pathway for the electrochemical production of OH- and H2O2 in large enough concentrations to fully degrade ~ 95% of SO2F2 captured. In that, we employed a commercial carbon catalyst that produced 250 mM H2O2 at pH 12.6 within 4 h with a Faradaic efficiency of 98.8% for O2 reduction to H2O2. We also propose a facile approach via surface oxidation of abundant carbon materials to significantly enhance both activity and selectivity for OH- and H2O2 production under electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction. These findings provide new insights in the on-site production of industrial chemicals by means of clean, facile, and environmentally friendly electrochemical pathway. Moreover, the capability of recycling the hazardous SO2F2 fumes and using the SO4 2- and F- waste products as free sources of electrolyte can’t be overemphasized.

Calcium and phosphorus digestibility in broilers as affected by varying phytate concentrations from corn

Dietary phytate P (PP) concentration impacts Ca and P digestibility in broilers. Research was conducted to determine the impact of increasing concentration of dietary PP, with and without phytase, on broiler standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Ca and P. Digestible (Dig) Ca and P were calculated by multiplying SID and the analyzed dietary Ca and P concentrations. The experiment was a factorial arrangement of 2 phytase (0 and 1,000 U/kg) and 4 PP (0.16, 0.23, 0.29, and 0.34%) concentrations. Treatments were fed for 36 h from 20 to 22 d of age (4 b/pen, n ≥ 7 replicate pens/treatment). Different ratios of corn and corn germ were used to achieve the desired PP concentrations. A limestone with 800 µm geometric mean diameter was used as the sole Ca source to achieve 0.7% Ca in the final diets (96% Ca from limestone). An additional diet was fed that was N, Ca- and P-free, for the determination of endogenous losses of each nutrient. Distal ileal digesta were pooled from all birds in a pen. There were no interactions between PP and phytase on SID Ca or Dig Ca from limestone. Irrespective of phytase inclusion, increasing PP from 0.16 to 0.34% decreased SID Ca from 53.8 to 38.1% (P < 0.05). The SID Ca averaged 41.5 and 51.4% in diets containing 0 and 1000 U phytase/kg, respectively, across all PP concentrations (P < 0.05). Interactions were seen between PP and phytase on SID and Dig P (P < 0.05) with SID P of 31.1, 24.0, 20.1, and 16.3% for broilers fed 0.16, 0.23, 0.29, and 0.34% PP diets without phytase, respectively. When phytase was included at 1000 U/kg, SID P was 89.9, 87.5, 73.9 and 60.4% for diets containing 0.16, 0.23, 0.29 and 0.34% PP, respectively (P < 0.05). Overall, phytase improved SID Ca and P independent of PP concentration. However, with increasing PP concentration, both SID Ca and P were negatively affected.

Dynasore modulates store-operated calcium entry and mitochondrial calcium release in corneal epithelial cells

Dysregulation of calcium homeostasis can precipitate a cascade of pathological events that lead to tissue damage and cell death. Dynasore is a small molecule that inhibits endocytosis by targeting classic dynamins. In a previous study, we showed that dynasore can protect human corneal epithelial cells from damage due to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) exposure by restoring cellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Here we report results of a follow-up study aimed at identifying the source of the damaging Ca2+. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a cellular mechanism to restore intracellular calcium stores from the extracellular milieu. We found that dynasore effectively blocks SOCE in cells treated with thapsigargin (TG), a small molecule that inhibits pumping of Ca2+ into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Unlike dynasore however, SOCE inhibitor YM-58483 did not interfere with the cytosolic Ca2+ overload caused by tBHP exposure. We also found that dynasore effectively blocks Ca2+ release from internal sources. The inefficacy of inhibitors of ER Ca2+ channels suggested that this compartment was not the source of the Ca2+ surge caused by tBHP exposure. However, using a Ca2+-measuring organelle-entrapped protein indicator (CEPIA) reporter targeted to mitochondria, we found that dynasore can block mitochondrial Ca2+ release due to tBHP exposure. Our results suggest that dynasore exerts multiple effects on cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, with inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ release playing a key role in protection of corneal epithelial cells against oxidative stress due to tBHP exposure.

Relative availability of five inorganic magnesium sources in non-pregnant non-lactating Holstein cows.

Inorganic sources of Mg are commonly used in dairy cow diets, but their availability varies significantly. This study assessed the relative availability of 4 commonly used inorganic Mg sources and a novel alkalinizing proprietary mineral blend [PMB; Multesium (GLC Minerals, LLC, Green Bay, WI, USA)]. The study was a duplicated 6 × 6 Latin square, with 12 nonlactating, non-pregnant Holstein dairy cows assigned to a square based on BW and parity. Cows were fed 90% of their voluntary DMI (diet contained 0.21% Mg). Each experimental period lasted 7 d. On d 2 of each period, urinary catheters were fitted. Total urine collection started on d 3 for 48 h with samples collected and measured every 12 h. On d 4, 30 g of Mg were administered as boluses with gelatin capsules: negative control (one empty capsule), magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), calcium magnesium hydroxide [CaMg(OH)4], calcium magnesium carbonate [CaMg(CO3)2], and PMB [a blend of Ca and Mg sources that includes CaMg(CO3)2, CaMg(OH)4, and MgO]. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 12, and 24 h after treatment administration on d 4 of each treatment period. Urine and blood samples were analyzed for Mg and Ca concentration. Statistical analyses were conducted with PROC GLIMMIX including treatment, time, period, square, treatment × time, treatment × period, and time × period as fixed effects, and cow nested within square as a random effect in the model. Urinary Mg excretion for 4 of the Mg sources studied [PMB, MgO, CaMg(OH)4, and MgSO4] increased significantly, representing an increase of at least 40.8% relative to control. The supplementation of CaMg(CO3)2 did not significantly increase relative to control. There were no significant changes in blood Mg concentration with treatment; but, a significant treatment × time effect was observed. Calcium-rich sources [PMB, CaMg(OH)4, CaMg(CO3)2] had lower blood Mg concentrations at 12 or 24 h after treatment than control and CaMg(CO3)2. Based on urinary Mg excretion 24 h after treatment, 4 of the Mg sources evaluated (including PMB) showed a similar availability, however, the availability of the commercial CaMg(CO3)2 source included in our study was similar to the negative control (no-supplemented cows).

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite and strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite for bone replacement and osteoporosis treatment

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is an inorganic component exhibiting bioactivity similar to that of natural bone. However, it is not resorbed by osteoclasts during bone remodelling due to its lack of bio-resorption property. This can be enhanced by the substitution of other element presented in bone mineral. In this research work, hydroxyapatite (HAp) and strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAp) were synthesized by a precipitation method. Calcium nitrate tetra hydrate [Ca(NO3)2•4H2O], disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4), and Strontium nitrate [Sr(NO3)2] were used as Ca, PO4 and Sr sources, respectively. Molar ratio Ca/P=1.67 was used to synthesize HAp, where (Ca+Sr)/P=1.67 was used to synthesize strontium substituted-HAp (Sr-HAp). The reaction was carried out at room temperature. The results show that pure HAp and Sr-HAp were formed with nanometer-sized particles. Sr substitution in the HAp lattice results in an increase in both the lattice disorder and crystal aspect ratio. The results of in vitro bioactive testing using simulated bodily fluid also showed that both HAp and Sr-HAp have high bioactive, with the Sr-HAp sample having the greater bioactive. Therefore, HAp and Sr-HAp have great potential for biological applications.

Coffee with Cordyceps militaris and Hericium erinaceus Fruiting Bodies as a Source of Essential Bioactive Substances.

Drinking coffee is a daily routine for many people. Supplement manufacturers have proposed adding powdered Cordyceps militaris, known for its ergogenic and immunostimulating properties, and Hericium erinaceus, known for its nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulating properties, to coffee. The aim of this work was to compare the bioactive substances in three types of coffee: machine-brewed, instant, and traditionally brewed, prepared with the addition of H. erinaceus and C. militaris fruiting bodies. The analysis of bioactive substances was performed using AAS and RP-HPLC methods. Among the control samples of coffee, traditionally brewed coffee was the best source of bioelements. Considering the mushroom species tested, the best additional source of Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, K, and Ca was C. militaris. A slightly higher Fe content was determined for H. erinaceus. With the addition of C. militaris, the amounts of 4-feruloylquinic acid (18.6 mg/200 mL) and 3,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid (3.76 mg/200 mL) also increased. In conclusion, the C. militaris species has been proven to be a better source of bioactive substances as a coffee additive in the daily diet. The combination of brewed coffee and the tested mushrooms seems to be the most beneficial in terms of health-promoting effects.

Effect of temperature on binding process of calcium carbonate concrete through aragonite crystals precipitation

This study investigated the impact of temperature on the strength development of calcium carbonate concrete (CCC) comprising calcium carbonate and concrete waste. CCC exhibited its highest compressive strength when manufactured at temperatures between 60 and 70 °C, thereby demonstrating strengths 1.5 and 2.7 times greater than those achieved at 40 and 90 °C, respectively. At this temperature range (60–70 °C), CCC showed the highest amount of precipitated aragonite with large acicular aragonite crystals, which decreased the porosity of CCC. This temperature range governed the homogeneous distribution of calcium carbonate deposition within the CCC specimen. Moreover, the carbonated cement paste particles within the CCC continuously underwent aqueous carbonation, thereby providing an additional Ca source for calcium carbonate precipitation in CCC. At high temperatures, this process promotes the precipitation of Ca ions as needle-like aragonite crystals during reprecipitation with accelerating the transformation of calcium carbonate polymorphs. The CCC strength arose from the deposition of calcium carbonate from input calcium bicarbonate solution and the reprecipitation of calcium carbonate during aqueous carbonation. The calcium carbonate precipitation from aqueous carbonation accounts for 30 % of the total calcium carbonate precipitation of CCC. Needle-like aragonite crystals functioned as interlocking bridges between the particles and frame connections, effectively strengthening the CCC composite.

Effect of recycled fine powder as a calcium source on fresh and hardened properties of geopolymer mortar

This study explores the efficacy of Recycled Fine Powder (RFP) derived from construction and demolition waste as a sustainable substitute for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as a Calcium (Ca) source in geopolymer mortar. Fresh properties of Geopolymer Mortar (GPM) were evaluated in terms of slump-flow, initial-final setting time, whereas hardened properties were evaluated in terms of Compressive Strength (CS), Water Absorption (WA), porosity, acid attack, and dry shrinkage at both ambient and heat curing. Results indicate that the RFP performs well in all mixes. However, mix C10R10 shows the overall best results, as 17% higher compressive strength was observed as compared to mix C20R0, which further increases to 88% when compared to mix C0R0. Thus, RFP provides sufficient Ca content as an activator in GPM.

Occurrence and health risk assessment of mineral composition and aflatoxin M1 in cow milk samples from different areas of Sicily, Italy

This study aimed to determine 16 mineral elements (Cd, Pb, As, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, K, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Se) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80) for Hg evaluation. Aflatoxin M1 was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) in cow milk samples. This research considered 180 milk samples, 20 by province (Palermo, Catania, Messina), collected for a period of three years (2020–2022) to assess the potential risks for consumer, the safety status and nutritional quality related to mineral intake by consuming of milk. All samples showed a Pb concentration below the limit reported by European Regulation 915/2023. Cadmium and Hg concentrations were below the Limit Of Quantification (LOQ) in all samples analyzed. The milk samples analyzed proved to be a good source of Ca (up to 44.5 % of the dietary reference values), with well percentages also for Na (up to 7.6 %), K (up to 23.1 %) and Mg (up to 11.1 %). Regarding trace elements, the results reported that chromium requires attention; its value was always higher than 168.8 % in all samples analyzed. Levels of arsenic and lead were up to 20.2 % and up 7.1 % respectively. Aflatoxin M1 concentrations were below the limit of detection (< 0,009 mcg/kg) in all milk analyzed. Therefore, further studies are needed to safeguard consumer health, the quality of the product and to assess the state of animal health.

Fabrication of a Cancer Cell Aggregate Culture Device That Facilitates Observations of Nutrient and Oxygen Gradients.

Three-dimensional cell culture spheroids are commonly used for drug evaluation studies because they can produce large quantities of homogeneous cell aggregates. As the spheroids grow, nutrients supplied from outer spheroid regions render the inner spheroid areas hypoxic and hyponutrient, which makes them unobservable through confocal microscopy. In this study, we fabricated a cancer cell aggregate culture device that facilitates the observation of nutrient and oxygen gradients. An alginate gel fiber was created in the cell culture chamber to ensure a flow path for supplying the culture medium. A gradient of nutrients and oxygen was generated by positioning the flow channel close to the edge of the chamber. We devised a fabrication method that uses calcium carbonate as a source of Ca2+ for the gelation of sodium alginate, which has a slow reaction rate. We then cultured a spheroid of HCT116 cells, which were derived from human colorectal carcinoma using a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator. Fluorescence observation suggested the formation of a hypoxic and hyponutrient region within an area approximately 500 µm away from the alginate gel fiber. This indicates the development of a cancer cell aggregate culture device that enables the observation of different nutrition and oxygen states.

Dynamic performance of combined biochar from co-pyrolysis of pig manure with invasive weed: Effect of natural aging on Pb and As mobilization in polluted mining soil

Due to the natural biochar aging, the improvement of soil quality and immobilization of soil pollutants achieved by biochar may change; understanding the dynamic evolution of the in situ performance of biochar in these roles is essential to discuss the long-term sustainability of biochar remediation. Therefore, in this study, combined biochar from co-pyrolysis of pig manure and invasive Japanese knotweed – P1J1, as well as pure pig manure – PM – and pure Japanese knotweed – JK – derived biochar were applied to investigate their remediation performance in a high As- and Pb-polluted soil with prolonged incubation periods (up to 360 days). Biochar application, especially P1J1 and PM, initially promoted soil pH, dissolved organic carbon, and EC, but the improvements were not constant through time. The JK-treated soil exhibited the highest increase of soil organic matter (OM), followed by P1J1 and then PM, and OM did not change with aging. Biochar, especially P1J1, was a comprehensive nutrient source of Ca, K, Mg, and P to improve soil fertility. However, while soluble cationic Ca, K, and Mg increased with time, anionic P decreased over time, indicating that continuous P availability might not be guaranteed with the aging process. The total microorganism content declined with time; adding biochars slowed down this tendency, which was more remarkable at the later incubation stage. Biochar significantly impeded soil Pb mobility but mobilized soil As, especially in PM- and P1J1-treated soils. However, mobilized As gradually re-fixed in the long run; meanwhile, the excellent Pb immobilization achieved by biochars was slightly reduced with time. The findings of this study offer fresh insights into the alterations in metal(loid)s mobility over an extended duration, suggesting that the potential mobilization risk of As is reduced while Pb mobility slightly increases over time.

Dolomitic lime and silicate in no‐till: Nutritional status, soil fertility, and soybean agronomic performance

AbstractLimestone is the most widely used agricultural input for soil acidity correction and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) fertilization. However, other materials have the potential to fulfill these purposes, such as steel slags, also known as silicates. Silicates have higher solubility than limestone, serving as agents for increase pH in no‐till, in addition to being a source of Ca, Mg, and silicon (Si). This study aimed to compare the effects of surface application of dolomitic lime and calcium magnesium silicate on soil chemical properties, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] nutritional status, and grain yield under no‐till. The experiment was installed in the northwest Paraná State, Brazil, on a Rhodic Eutrustox. Lime and silicate rates were applied by broadcasting before the sowing of soybean. Silicate treatment increases soil Ca2+, pH, and base saturation up to a depth of 0.10 m. By contrast, liming effects on soil chemistry were restricted to the 0.05 m top layer after 24 months of application. The acidity correction and Ca2+ supply to greater soil depths and the increased leaf Si as a beneficial element provided by silicate treatment contributed to increasing soybean yield in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons. Lime application, regardless of the rate, did not improve soybean yield. Waste from the steel industry can be used as acidity correctives and source of Si, Ca, and Mg, improving the agronomic performance of soybean.