Calcium Chloride Concentration Research Articles

Influence of Sucrose, Boric Acid and Calcium Chloride on in vitro Pollen Germination and Tube Elongation of Alfalfa

Background: In a genetic breeding program, understanding the viability of pollen germination and pollen tube growth is an essential factor for artificial hybridization. Currently, little is known about the influence of sucrose, boric acid concentrations and calcium chloride on pollen viability in alfalfa. This study is valuable for providing information about pollen germination requirements to support further improvement of artificial pollination and breeding programs in alfalfa. Methods: The single-factor experimental and an orthogonal design method (L16 [4]3) was used to compare the effectiveness of key factors (e.g., concentrations of sucrose, boric acid and calcium chloride) to determine the pollen vigor of Medicago varia Martin. ‘Caoyuan No.1’and M. ruthenica L. Trautv. ‘zhilixing’ and to optimize the culture medium for in vitro pollen germination. Four different varieties were chosen to compare the diurnal variation of pollen vigor. Result: The four factors that influenced pollen germination in Medicago varia Martin. ‘Caoyuan No.1’and M. ruthenica L. Trautv. ‘zhilixing’ in order of significance are as follows: sucrose greater than H3BO3 greater than CaCl2. These variables influenced pollen tube growth in the following order: sucrose greater than H3BO3 greater than CaCl2. The optimal culture medium for promoting pollen vigor of Medicago varia Martin.‘Caoyuan No.1’ was 10% sucrose, 300 mon/L H3BO3 and 100 mon/L CaCl2; that of M. ruthenica L. Trautv. ‘zhilixing’ was 10% sucrose, 200 mon/L H3BO3 and 50 mon/L CaCl2. Among several species of alfalfa, ‘Caoyuan No.1’ shows the highest pollen vigor and the daily pollen activity curves of all varieties showed a single peak type.

Strength, Deformation Behavior, and Microstructure of Cement Paste Backfill with Calcium Chloride in Subzero Environments

This manuscript presents and discusses the results of an experimental study on the deformation behavior, strength, and microstructural development of cemented paste backfill (CPB) with chloride-bearing antifreeze (calcium chloride, CaCl2) in subzero environments. CPB samples with CaCl2 at various concentrations (0, 5, 15, and 35 g/L) were cured at different subzero temperatures (−1, −6, and −12°C) that represent temperatures to which CPBs may be exposed in mines located in permafrost or cold regions. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted after specific curing time (7, 28, 60, and 90 days). Moreover, microstructural analyses and monitoring experiments (for volumetric water content and matric suction) were performed. The results showed that the addition of calcium chloride antifreeze reduced the strength of CPB and had a significant impact on its stress–strain behavior and microstructural characteristics. Furthermore, it was also found that the strength of CPB decreased with an increase of calcium chloride concentration and subzero curing temperature. These findings provide important guidance for mine backfilling work of CPB with chloride-bearing antifreeze additives and productivity improvement in subzero environments.

Development of foam-based support material for coaxial bioprinting of ionically crosslinking bioinks

In this study, a foam-based method is developed for three-dimensional coaxial bioprinting of ionically crosslinking bioinks. This method introduces the crosslinker to the bioink in calcium chloride-albumin foam which eliminates the need for multiple crosslinking steps and offers an excellent control over the crosslinking rate and the diameter of the hollow fibers. The effects of the foam and alginate flow rates were investigated on the outer diameter and the wall thickness of the hollow fibers. Various structures were 3D printed and characterized by printability number and the method showed an excellent layer adhesion among printed layers. The effects of foam composition and the alginate concentration on the mechanical properties were assessed through breaking strain and filament collapse tests to determine the optimum composition for hollow fiber fabrication. The hollow fiber composed of 2% (w/v) sodium alginate that is crosslinked with a foam made of 1.07% (w/v) albumin and 1.07% (w/v) calcium chloride showed superior mechanical properties. Furthermore, the viability of co-incubation with Neuro-2a cells over seven days was investigated and no significant negative effect of the used concentrations of albumin and calcium chloride was observed on the viability of the cells.

Optimization of Calcium Alginate Hydrogel Bioencapsulation of Acinetobacter junii B6, a Lipopeptide Biosurfactant Producer

Background: Biosurfactants are derived from microbes, plants, and animals. Acinetobacter junii B6 is a lipopeptide biosurfactant producer previously investigated for its structure, physicochemical, and product aggregation properties. Objectives: In this study, we investigated and optimized the bioencapsulation of A. junii B6 in calcium alginate hydrogel. Methods: Acinetobacter junii B6 was encapsulated using calcium alginate hydrogel. The formulation of the hydrogel was optimized using a full factorial approach. Sodium alginate concentration, calcium chloride concentration, and hardening time were selected as the main factors, and surface tension was the response measure. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the bead's morphology. Results: Scanning electron microscope image showed rounded and smooth beads. The most biosurfactant production and reduced surface tension (35.98 mN/m) were observed at concentrations of 1% calcium chloride, (1%) sodium alginate, and 15 minutes of hardening time. Acinetobacter junii B6 can be encapsulated in alginate hydrogels producing biosurfactant at optimum experimental design. Conclusions: This represents a practical method for optimizing the bioencapsulation of A. junii B6 to produce biosurfactants.

Proliferation kinetics and mineralization properties of MC3T3‐E1 cells on whey protein isolate scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to assess the influence of scaffold composition and properties on the cellular proliferation and scaffold mineralization on a whey protein isolate (WPI) scaffold. Scaffolds of varying concentrations of WPI, calcium chloride, and amylopectin are seeded with cells, and growth curves are constructed from cell density measurements following incubation. Non‐linear regression yields kinetic growth parameters which are compared for quantitative assessment of scaffold performance. Scaffolds show biocompatibility and the ability to sustain a culture for the length of the study. For up to 14 days, the data are well described by exponential growth. Thereafter, saturation behavior appears, and the data fit well to a sigmoidal model. The seeding efficiency improves with increasing WPI concentration, peaking at 5 mM CaCl2, and decreases with added amylopectin. The growth constant is almost independent of scaffold composition, with possible increases with added CaCl2 and amylopectin. The retardation constant is independent of composition. Scaffolds cultured in differentiation and mineralization conditions, shows development of a mineralized matrix both on acellular scaffold surfaces and in osteoblast cultures. The ability of the unmodified WPI gel surfaces to promote the growth and differentiation of a model preosteoblast provides valuable trends and concentration effects for further scaffold design.

Optimization of calcium carbonate precipitation during alpha-amylase enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP).

The sand production during oil and gas extraction poses a severe challenge to the oil and gas companies as it causes erosion of pipelines and valves, damages the pumps, and ultimately decreases production. There are several solutions implemented to contain sand production including chemical and mechanical means. In recent times, extensive work has been done in geotechnical engineering on the application of enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP) techniques for consolidating and increasing the shear strength of sandy soil. In this technique, calcite is precipitated in the loose sand through enzymatic activity to provide stiffness and strength to the loose sand. In this research, we investigated the process of EICP using a new enzyme named alpha-amylase. Different parameters were investigated to get the maximum calcite precipitation. The investigated parameters include enzyme concentration, enzyme volume, calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration, temperature, the synergistic impact of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and CaCl2, Xanthan Gum, and solution pH. The generated precipitate characteristics were evaluated using a variety of methods, including Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was observed that the pH, temperature, and concentrations of salts significantly impact the precipitation. The precipitation was observed to be enzyme concentration-dependent and increase with an increase in enzyme concentration as long as a high salt concentration was available. Adding more volume of enzyme brought a slight change in precipitation% due to excessive enzymes with little or no substrate available. The optimum precipitation (87%) was yielded at 12 pH and with 2.5g/L of Xanthan Gum as a stabilizer at a temperature of 75°C. The synergistic effect of both CaCl2 and MgCl2 yielded the highest CaCO3 precipitation (32.2%) at (0.6:0.4) molar ratio. The findings of this research exhibited the significant advantages and insights of alpha-amylase enzyme in EICP, enabling further investigation of two precipitation mechanisms (calcite precipitation and dolomite precipitation).

The Combined Effect of Calcium Chloride and Cement on Expansive Soil Materials

In this study, the chemical stabilization of moderately to highly plastic expansive soil using calcium chloride with added cement is introduced as an effective alternative to the conventional approaches using a single additive such as lime, cement, or a by-product of industrial processes. Using only calcium chloride may lead to its leaching or dissolution over time, leaving a collapsing skeleton with weak bonds. The chemical effect produced by additives is dependent on the constituents of the stabilized soil and the curing period considered. Herein, calcium chloride concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 8% with the addition of 2% cement by dry weight of the soil were considered. The main objective of this study is to investigate the addition of a low amount of cement as a binder to improve the strength and durability of a chemically treated expansive soil. The engineering properties were investigated at 3 curing times: 3 days, 7 days, and 28 days. A laboratory investigation was carried out to investigate the effect of the addition of calcium chloride with cement on the swell potential, swell pressure, compression index, suction, and unconfined compressive strength. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) testing was conducted. The X-ray diffraction patterns were recorded to observe the mineralogy of the material. The results confirmed that calcium chloride with cement is very effective for stabilizing the expansive soil. A reduction in the swell potential by 8% and 25% and a reduction in swelling pressure by 28% and 37.4% were observed for 4% and 8% calcium chloride with cement addition. The compression index decreased with the increase in the calcium chloride content.

Establishment of A Three-Dimensional Culture Condition for The U266 Cell Line Based on Peripheral Blood Plasma-Derived Fibrin Gels.

The study of pathophysiology as well as cellular and molecular aspects of diseases, especially cancer, requires appropriate disease models. In vitro three-dimensional (3D) structures attracted more attention to recapitulate diseases rather than in vitro two-dimensional (2D) cell culture conditions because they generated more similar physiological and structural properties. Accordingly, in the case of multiple myeloma (MM), the generation of 3D structures has attracted a lot of attention. However, the availability and cost of most of these structures can restrict their use. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to generate an affordable and suitable 3D culture condition for the U266 MM cell line. In this experimental study, peripheral blood-derived plasma was used to generate fibrin gels for the culture of U266 cells. Moreover, different factors affecting the formation and stability of gels were evaluated. Furthermore, the proliferation rate and cell distribution of cultured U266 cells in fibrin gels were assessed. The optimal calcium chloride and tranexamic acid concentrations were 1 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml for gel formation and stability, respectively. Moreover, the usage of frozen plasma samples did not significantly affect gel formation and stability, which makes it possible to generate reproducible and available culture conditions. Furthermore, U266 cells could distribute and proliferate inside the gel. This available and simple fibrin gel-based 3D structure can be used for the culture of U266 MM cells in a condition similar to the disease microenvironment.

Formulation and evaluation of microspheres of anti-inflammatory drug diacerein prepared by ionotropic gelation method

The context of this research was to reduce the untoward effects of diacerein by preparing a microsphere formulation of the same. The ionotropic gelation method was adopted to prepare diacerein microspheres. This method involves the interaction of two ionic components under certain conditions. Among these two ionic components, at least one component must be a polymer. Simple interaction between ionic polymer with oppositely charged ion leads to the formation of microspheres. In this process, sodium alginate and Chitosan were used as polymers, whereas for the crosslinking process, calcium chloride was used. The prepared formulations of diacerein displayed mean particle size ranging from 106-542 µm, while the percentage yield ranged from 49-82. An increased concentration of calcium chloride and sodium alginate increases the particle size. However, an increased chitosan concentration was found to increase the drug entrapment efficiency of the microspheres. Further, phosphate buffer media (pH 6.8) in the USP paddle type dissolution apparatus were used for the percentage drug release study. Results showed that increased chitosan concentration slows the release of drugs from microspheres. We noted that the B3 formulation, which contains sodium alginate: Chitosan (1:3), showed the lowermost rate of drug release. Besides, SEM studies of the same formulation (B3) revealed that microspheres have spherical shapes with rough surfaces. It was observed that the B3 formulation showed a significant result in formulation evaluation studies; hence, it may be further considered an optimized formulation for preclinical evaluation

The Impact of Yeast Encapsulation in Wort Fermentation and Beer Flavor Profile.

The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, and consumers are increasingly searching for premium products that not only offer health benefits but a pleasant taste. A viable strategy to accomplish this is through the altering of sensory profiles through encapsulation of compounds with unique flavors. We used this approach here to examine how brewing in the presence of yeast cells encapsulated in alginate affected the sensory profile of beer wort. Initial tests were conducted for various combinations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride concentrations. Mechanical properties (i.e., breaking force and elasticity) and stability of the encapsulates were then considered to select the most reliable encapsulating formulation to conduct the corresponding alcoholic fermentations. Yeast cells were then encapsulated using 3% (w/v) alginate and 0.1 M calcium chloride as a reticulating agent. Fourteen-day fermentations with this encapsulating formulation involved a Pilsen malt-based wort and four S. cerevisiae strains, three commercially available and one locally isolated. The obtained beer was aged in an amber glass container for two weeks at 4 °C. The color, turbidity, taste, and flavor profile were measured and compared to similar commercially available products. Cell growth was monitored concurrently with fermentation, and the concentrations of ethanol, sugars, and organic acids in the samples were determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was observed that encapsulation caused significant differences in the sensory profile between strains, as evidenced by marked changes in the astringency, geraniol, and capric acid aroma production. Three repeated batch experiments under the same conditions revealed that cell viability and mechanical properties decreased substantially, which might limit the reusability of encapsulates. In terms of ethanol production and substrate consumption, it was also observed that encapsulation improved the performance of the locally isolated strain.

Roles of Process Parameters on the Ricinoleic Acid Production from Castor Oil by Aspergillus flavus BU22S

Ricinoleic acid is a biobased green chemical industrially produced from castor oil. Microbial conversion is a cleaner and greener approach to ricinoleic acid production from castor oil. These processes should be further optimized for a better yield of the product. Aspergillus flavus BU22S was used to convert castor oil into ricinoleic acid. The strain was isolated and identified by molecular biological techniques. It was found to be effective in the biotransformation of castor oil. The ricinoleic acid production and dry cell weight of the fungus were studied as functions of time. In this study, to increase the yield of ricinoleic acid and decrease the oil loss, which microorganisms utilizes in biomass production, response surface methodology (RSM) has been used for process optimization. The central composite design was used to optimize the predictor variables such as oil concentration (% w/v), glucose concentration (% w/v), and calcium chloride concentration (% w/v) to increase the overall yield of ricinoleic acid. A quadratic model was found to be the best fit to predict the responses of the experimental results. The model suggested that the concentrations of oil, glucose, and calcium chloride should be lower in order to increase the ricinoleic acid yield and minimize the oil loss. The bench scale studies of optimized conditions from RSM were also conducted. The yield of ricinoleic acid in batch and fed-batch culture studies was also compared. The yield of the ricinoleic acid in batch culture was 21.67 g/kg of total oil. The yield of ricinoleic acid in fed-batch culture in the absence of an external air supply was 46.77 g/kg of total oil. In this case, the oil loss was also reduced to only 12%.

The Impact of Calcium Chloride in Cementation Solution on Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation: A Systematic Review

This review aims to quantify the impact of calcium chloride in cementation solutions on Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP). Specific soil strength properties, such as the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test, permeability (k) and calcium carbonate content of the soil, form the basis of quantifying the test results. Relevant articles from various online databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global (PQDT), Mendeley and Google Scholar are obtained with search strings of suitable keywords. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used to screen and select related articles based on exclusion and inclusion characteristics. This review shows a positive correlation between calcium concentrations and soil strength properties, where higher concentrations of calcium solutions induce stronger bonding between soil particles due to better calcite precipitation. However, we also note a reversed correlation when the concentration of calcium solutions is higher than 1 M. This review also verifies that the MICP process enhances soil strength using optimum calcium chloride concentration to avoid soil brittleness. This result benefits other fields, such as agricultural and soil engineering.

Cytotoxicity and performance of Pectin/ Ferric vanadate oxide/ Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide foaming nano-system for drilling sustainable geothermal wells

The geothermal energy industry is exploring environmental friendly alternatives for the current foaming systems used in geothermal well drilling. In this study, Pectin/ Ferric vanadate/ Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide nanocomposites (P-FV-C) were fabricated through two stages. The structure analysis and thermal stability of the nanomaterials in both stages were confirmed by Fourier Transfer Infra-Red (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).The main objective is to decrease the cytotoxicity of CTAB without losing its foaming properties by incorporating the pectin heterogeneous vanadate oxide nanocomposite (P-FV) into the CTAB foaming system structure. The best results, in terms of foaming properties and cell viability, were exhibited for P-FV-C5 when the weight ratio of P-FV to CTAB was 1:1. The cytotoxicity results revealed that the cell viability increased from 4.47 to 79.58% for 1 µg/ml of pure CTAB and P-FV-C5 respectively. The temperature and period of aging didn't obviously affect the foaming properties (foam volume and drainage half time) for the P-FV-C nanocomposites unlike the pure CTAB, of which foaming properties were drastically decreased. For CTAB (1.0 wt.%), the foam volume decreased from 700 to 300 ml and the drainage half time decreased from 30 to 16 min when the temperature increased from 150 to 200 °C after dynamic aging for 16 h. At the same previous conditions and concentration, P-FV-C5 showed stable foaming properties (foam volume = 700 ml and drainage half time= 45 min). The foam volume was decreased from 761 to 695 ml and drainage half time was stable by increasing the aging period from 8 to 24 h at 200 °C for P-FV-C5 (1.0 wt.%) while the foam volume decreased from 789 to 253 ml and the drainage half time decreased from 30 to 14 min for pure CTAB at the same conditions and concentration. Also, the drainage half time was decreased from 40 to 15 min by increasing the calcium chloride content from 1 to 5 wt.% while it was stable for P-FV-C5 nanocomposite. These results were explained based on the surface and rheological properties of the nanocomposites. The above findings indicate that the P-FV-C5 nanocomposite could attain environmental and operational success while drilling high temperature and salinity geothermal wells.

Optimization and evaluation of the process variable’s effect on color and turbidity removal from coffee processing wastewater: Using a photoelectrochemical oxidation process

Background: Coffee is the foundation of Ethiopia’s economy, but the wastewater generated by coffee processing cannot be properly treated, therefore, causing various environmental problems. Methods: In this research, electrochemical oxidation(ECO) and photo electrochemical oxidation(PECO) are combined with UV and hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2 O2 ) to reduce organic compounds in coffee processing effluent with color and turbidity effect. The effects of various experimental parameters such as hydrogen solubility (pH), sodium chloride and calcium chloride (NaCl and CaCl2 ) concentrations, current and electrolysis time, and H2 O2 dose were investigated. Results: The results were investigated and analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM) and Microsoft Excel. The color (99.6%) and turbidity (99.4%) were removed by combining ECO with UV/ H2 O2 , which produces high amounts of hydroxyl ions (OH- ), oxidizes large amounts of contaminants, and increases efficiency. These results were obtained at pH 7, current of 0.40 AMP, and 1.5 g CaCl2 after 40 minutes of electrolysis. The operating factors were pH, electrolyte dosage, time, current and H2 O2 , which plays a major role in increasing the removal capacity of photoelectrochemical oxidation for coffee processing waste water treatment. CaCl2 was once more wonderful in the removal of organic compounds from coffee processing effluents. Conclusion: Therefore, the introduction of this ultraviolet light is a powerful oxidant with H2 O2 , which can improve pollution control. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a 95% confidence interval can be used to determine the magnitude of the independent variable.

Influence of Cross-Linking Conditions on Drying Kinetics of Alginate Hydrogel.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked polymeric networks capable of a large amount of fluid retention in their structure. Hydrogel outputs manufactured using additive manufacturing technologies are exposed to water loss, which may change their original shape and dimensions. Therefore, the possibility of retaining water is important in such a structure. In this manuscript, kinetic analysis of water evaporation from sodium alginate-based hydrogels exposed to different environmental conditions such as different temperatures (7 and 23 °C) and ambient humidity (45, 50 and 95%) has been carried out. The influence of the cross-linking method (different calcium chloride concentration-0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 M) of sodium alginate and cross-linking time on the water loss was also considered. Studies have shown that a decrease in the temperature and increase in the storage humidity can have a positive effect on the water retention in the structure. The storage conditions that led to the least weight and volume loss were T 7 °C and 95% humidity. These experiments may help in selecting the appropriate hydrogel preparation method for future applications, as well as their storage conditions for minimum water loss and, consequently, the least change in dimensions and shape.

Identification and Authentication of Milk Using Digital Colormetry of Indicator Test Systems, Smartphone, and Chemometric Analysis

A simple and an available method is proposed for the identification and authentication of milk using a test device, a smartphone, and chemometric analysis. For the identification by the region of origin and the species of milk (cow, goat, sheep, etc.) and authentication (authenticity, falsification of milk), acid-base indicator papers and test papers are used to determine the total hardness and total alkalinity of water and chloride and sulfate ions. Two indicator systems are proposed. In the first test system, 16 indicator zones are used, of which 12 zones are acid-base indicators with a color change in the pH range of 3–9, and 4 are indicator zones, the color change of which depends on the concentration of calcium ions and chloride, sulfate, carbonate, and hydrocarbonate ions. The second test system uses fluorescent indicators, as well as the intrinsic fluorescence of milk on cellulose paper and a thin silica layer. In this case, the indicator zones of the matrix are irradiated with monochromatic ultraviolet light (365 nm) after applying milk samples to them. A device and a method for measuring the colorimetric characteristics of test systems using a smartphone are proposed. The data array (the sum of the RGB channel values) is processed using the XLSTAT software. The use of chemometric analysis made it possible to establish the authenticity of milk, identify it by the region of origin, and reveal facts of milk falsification by dilution with water, the use of vegetable fats, and emulsification with surfactants. The manufacturers of pasteurized milk were identified and a possibility of determining its fat content by the data array of RGB colorimetric parameters is proved

Effect of Post-Harvest Treatments on Quality Characteristics of Carrots During Storage

Background: Carrot due to its versatility in culinary uses is considered to be one of the most preferred vegetable. The carrot in Pakistan ranks third among winter vegetables, but due to adoption of improper postharvest techniques and storage, it leads to a great reduction in its quality.
 Objective: The study was carried out to assess the effect of different treatments on quality characteristics of carrot.
 Methodology: The study was carried out at the Laboratory of Farm Structures, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan. Freshly harvested mature carrots free from damage and fungal attack were obtained from field. The carrot samples were subjected to different post-harvest treatments i.e. 40 ºC hot water dip for 2 minutes, 50 ºC hot water dip for 2 minutes, 0.4% concentration of calcium chloride (CaCl2) dip for 2 minutes and tap water.
 Results: The results revealed that moisture content and firmness decreased with increasing storage duration, whereas weight loss, fungal incidence and total soluble solids increased with increasing storage duration. The carrots treated with 0.4% concentration of CaCl2 dip for 2 minutes had maximum moisture content (78.32%) and firmness (4.12 lbs), with minimum weight loss (41.33%), fungal incidence (38.14%) and total soluble solids (10.43%), followed by 40 ºC hot water dip for 2 minutes, 50 ºC hot water dip for 2 minutes and tap water.
 Conclusion: The carrots treated with 0.4% concentration of CaCl2 dip for 2 minutes showed better quality characteristics at the end of storage. The adoption of this treatment should therefore be encouraged in the developing countries for extending the quality characteristics of carrots.

Optimization of the Alizarin Red S Assay by Enhancing Mineralization of Osteoblasts.

The alizarin red S assay is considered the gold standard for quantification of osteoblast mineralization and is thus widely used among scientists. However, there are several restrictions to this method, e.g., moderate sensitivity makes it difficult to uncover slight but significant effects of potentially clinically relevant substances. Therefore, an adaptation of the staining method is appropriate and might be obtained by increasing the mineralization ability of osteoblasts. In this study, cell culture experiments with human (SaOs-2) and murine (MC3T3-E1) osteoblasts were performed under the addition of increasing concentrations of calcium chloride (1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mM) or calcitonin (1, 2.5, 5, and 10 nM). After three or four weeks, the mineralization matrix was stained with alizarin red S and the concentration was quantified photometrically. Only calcium chloride was able to significantly increase mineralization, and therefore enhanced the sensitivity of the alizarin red S staining in a dose-dependent manner in both osteoblastic cell lines as well as independent of the cell culture well surface area. This cost- and time-efficient optimization enables a more sensitive analysis of potentially clinically relevant substances in future bone research.

Study of the possibility of reservoir water solutions as a well-killing fluid using

The possibility and expediency of using reservoir and oilfield wastewater in areas of depleted and exhausted deposits in oil production for the preparation of liquids used for well killing, cement slurry mixing; table salt suitable as a food product producing. Based on laboratory studies, it has been found out that from one ton of water, on average, 180–210 kg of well killing fluid and 140–150 kg of common salt can be obtained, and dilution of heavy brine with fresh technical water can significantly increase the cement stone strength when fixing wells. The carried out simulation tests indicate that there is no deterioration in the reservoir properties of productive formations when they come into contact with heavy brines and the possibility of using such brines as a well killing fluid. A method has been developed for well-killing fluid and sodium chloride obtaining from oil field formation waters, including the initial formation water of calcium chloride type purification from mechanical impurities, oil residues, bringing its density to the concentration of calcium chloride, at which sodium chloride precipitates. Keywords: reservoir water; well killing fluid; table salt; cement stone strength; sodium chloride salting.

The Neurospora crassa PCL-1 cyclin is a PHO85-1 (PGOV) kinase partner that directs the complex to glycogen metabolism and is involved in calcium metabolism regulation.

Cyclins are a family of proteins characterized by possessing a cyclin box domain that mediates binding to cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) partners. In this study, the search for a partner cyclin of the PHO85-1 CDK retrieved PCL-1 an ortholog of yeast Pcls (for Pho85 cyclins) that performs functions common to Pcls belonging to different cyclin families. We show here that PCL-1, as a typical cyclin, is involved in cell cycle control and cell progression. In addition, PCL-1 regulates glycogen metabolism; Δpcl-1 cells accumulate higher glycogen levels than wild-type cells and the glycogen synthase (GSN) enzyme is less phosphorylated and, therefore, more active in the mutant cells. Together with PHO85-1, PCL-1 phosphorylates in vitro GSN at the Ser636 amino acid residue. Modeling studies identified PHO85-1 and PCL-1 as a CDK/cyclin complex, with a conserved intermolecular region stabilized by hydrophobic and polar interactions. PCL-1 is also involved in calcium and NaCl stress response. Δpcl-1 cells are sensitive to high NaCl concentration; on the contrary, they grow better and overexpress calcium responsive genes under high calcium chloride concentration compared to the wild-type strain. The expression of the calcium-responsive CRZ-1 transcription factor is modulated by PCL-1, and this transcription factor seems to be less phosphorylated in Δpcl-1 cells since exhibits nuclear location in these cells in the absence of calcium. Our results show that PCL-1 locates at different cell regions suggesting that it may determine its activity by controlling its intracellular location and reveal an interesting functional divergence between yeast and filamentous fungus cyclins.