Effect Of Calcium Source Research Articles

Effect of calcium sources on enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation to solidify desert aeolian sand

Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is a promising technique for soil reinforcement. To select a suitable calcium source and a suitable solution amount for aeolian sand stabilization using EICP, specimens treated with different solution amounts (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 L/m2). Surface strength, crust thickness, calcium carbonate content (CCC) and water vapor adsorption tests were performed to evaluate the effect of two calcium sources (calcium acetate and calcium chloride) on aeolian sand solidification. The plant suitability of solidified sand was investigated by the sea buckthorn growth test. The suitable calcium source was then used for the laboratory wind tunnel test and the field test to examine the erosion resistance of solidified sand. The results demonstrated that Ca(CH3COO)2-treated specimens exhibited higher strength than CaCl2-treated specimens at the same EICP solution amount, and the water vapor equilibrium adsorption mass of Ca(CH3COO)2-treated specimens was less, indicating that Ca(CH3COO)2-solidified sand was more effective and had better long-term stability. In addition, plants grown in Ca(CH3COO)2-treated sand had greater seedling emergence percentage and higher average height, which indicated that calcium acetate is a more suitable calcium source for EICP treatment. Furthermore, the surface strength and crust thickness of solidified sand increased with increasing the solution amount. For sand treated with 3 L/m2 of solution, the excessive strength and thickness of the crust made plants growth difficult, and the performance of sand treated with more than 2 L/m2 of solution significantly improved. Thus, the solution amount of 2–3 L/m2 is suggested for engineering applications. The sand solidified using EICP in the field could effectively mitigate wind erosion and facilitate the growth of native plants. Therefore, EICP can be combined with vegetative method to achieve long-term wind erosion control in the future.

Roles of bacteria and extracellular polymeric substance in calcium carbonate formation: insights from the effects of calcium source and deposition rate on nucleation

Microbially induced calcium carbonate has attracted a lot of attention due to its wide range of applications. As a class of microorganisms that can produce carbonic anhydrase, Bacillus mucilaginous has been used in dust control, anti-efflorescence and self-healing concrete. However, due to the differences in the morphology and formation process of calcium carbonate in practical applications, it is difficult to distinguish the role of microbial induction. Therefore, this paper focuses on microbial nucleation under different calcium source conditions, in particular by examining the cells and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) separately. The results indicate that both cell and extracellular polymers can be used as nucleation sites, and the negative electrical properties of the cell wall and extracellular polymers will have an electrostatic attraction for calcium ions. Cells are deeply involved in crystal formation and induce the development of spherical crystals, especially when the calcium ion concentration in the environment remains consistently low. While the rate of crystal deposition is too fast, the cells are massively adsorbed to the surface instead of providing nucleation. In contrast, EPS has no drastic effect on morphology and crystal form, and organic acids competed with microbial induction. This study may provide useful evidence for the further recognition and identification of biogenic carbonate precipitation.

Effects of calcium sources and magnesium ions on the mechanical behavior of MICP-treated calcareous sand: experimental evidence and precipitated crystal insights

Effects of calcium sources and magnesium ions on the mechanical behavior of MICP-treated calcareous sand: experimental evidence and precipitated crystal insights

Effects of Calcium Source, Inulin, and Lactose on Gut-Bone Associations in an Ovarierectomized Rat Model.

ScopeOsteoporosis poses a health challenge especially for postmenopausal women. This study aims to explore nutritional strategies to counteract bone demineralization in ovarierectomized (OVX) rats.Methods and ResultsOVX rats (n = 49) are fed with one of six different diets, where two different calcium sources (dairy calcium or calcium carbonate) are provided alone or in combination with either inulin (5%) or lactose (0.5%). In addition, a calcium‐deficient diet is included. Calcium supplementation increases intestinal concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the abundance of fecal Acinetobacter and Propionibacterium. Accompanied with these effects, rats fed with calcium‐fortified diets have higher bone mineral density, bone mineral content and femur mechanical strength, lower serum levels of bone markers, and lower expression of calcium absorption‐related genes (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 6 (TRPV6), calcium‐binding protein (CaBP) compared with control. Inulin supplementation results in a markedly increased production of intestinal SCFAs, a decreased intestinal pH, an increased abundance of Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium, and an increased expression of Trpv6. Inulin and lactose show beneficial effects on spine bone.ConclusionCalcium modulates gut microbiome composition and function. A pronounced effect of inulin on metabolic activity in the gastrointestinal tract is evident, and lactose supplementation decreases jejunal pH that might be associated with slightly enhanced bone mineralization.

Effects of Calcium Source on Calcium-Metabolic Parameters in Healthy Women and Men

Background/Objectives: Calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health. We compared 24-hour urinary calcium-excretion (Uca/24hrs), during dietary calcium steady-state condition, for different calcium-sources and effects of vitamin D, age and sex. Subjects/Methods: Fifty-two healthy pre- and postmenopausal women and men completed the regimens: placebo, calcium carbonate (400mg) +18μg vitamin D, calcium carbonate (400mg) +38μg vitamin D and 400mg calcium phosphate (milk). Uca/24hrs was measured during dietary calcium steady state as a surrogate measure of calcium-absorption. Serum-calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, Procollagen Type 1 N-terminal Pro- Peptide (P1NP) and C-terminal Telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) were measured. Results: Mean daily intake of calcium for the study group ± SD was 1105 ±396 mg. Mean-Uca ± SD: placebo 5.19 ± 2.04 mmol/24hrs, milk 5.88 ± 2.39 mmol/24hrs, (CaCO3+D) 6.19 ± 2.34 mmol/24hrs and (CaCO3 + DD) 6.26 ± 2.32 mmol/day. Uca were higher for all regimens compared to placebo (p <0.001), no difference was found between regimens. CTX was lower during all regimens compared to placebo (p <0.001): placebo 450 ± 243 μg/L, Milk 377 ± 248 μg/L, (CaCO3+D) 392 ± 266 μg/L and (CaCO3+DD) 361 ± 232 μg/L. Conclusions: Uca was higher during supplementation with calcium compared to placebo. Supplementation with calcium reduced bone resorption significantly without effecting PTH. Menopausal status, sex and supplement with vitamin d demonstrated no effect on calcium excretion.

Effect of calcium sources and particle sizes on performance characteristics, age at first egg and blood parameters of egg type chicken

The importance of Calcium to animals in general and egg type chicken in particular has been of interest to researchers for a long time. This interest in calcium varies from the search for the optimal sources of calcium for egg type chicken in their feed, a search for the optimal or ideal calcium in their feed, as well as the influence of calcium (positive and negative) on egg production and metabolism. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using different calcium sources (eggshell, limestone and oyster shell) and particle sizes (<1mm, 1-2mm and 2-3.8mm) in the diets of 540, one day old pullet chicks (Nera Black) up to pre - laying phase in a 3 x 3 factorial design consisting of nine dietary treatments. There were 60 birds per treatment replicated thrice with 20 birds each. Three isocaloric and isonitrogenious diets with three calcium particles sizes were formulated for each of the calcium sources totaling nine diets. The experiment comprised of starter (2-9 weeks), grower (10-17 weeks) phase and pre- laying (18-22 weeks) respectively. The levels of oyster shell, limestone and egg shell were adjusted so that the level of calcium in the chick and grower mashes was 1%. Growers mash was also used for pre-laying phase. Data were collected on growth performance, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase and age at first egg. Diets containing eggshell of particle size <1mm produced birds with the highest (p<0.05) final live weight (523.64g) at the starter phase and also had the best overall live weight (1476.62g) at 17 weeks. Diets that contained eggshell of particle size 1-2mm recorded the highest (p<0.05) value for serum calcium (8.82mg/dl) and alkaline phosphatase (53.55u/l). Birds in this group were the first to start laying. It can be concluded that rapid improvement in growth could be achieved by the inclusion of eggshell of particle size (<1mm) in the diets as the main calcium source and eggshell of particle size (1-2mm) for older pullet to enhance early egg production.

Recycled aggregate mortar enhanced by microbial calcite precipitation

The reuse of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is hampered by its high water absorption and weak bonds with new cement paste. This problem is more severe for recycled fine aggregates (RFAs) that are involuntarily generated during the production of recycled coarse aggregates. To explore the feasibility of reusing RFAs in construction, microbial carbonate precipitation (MCP) is presented in this study to consolidate the RFAs derived from CDW. The effects of calcium sources on bacterially induced MCP were investigated, and the efficiency of MCP for improving RFAs was evaluated in terms of physical and mechanical properties. Results show calcium chloride is an optimal calcium supplement that is useful for generating calcium carbonate, as compared with the effect of calcium nitrate. MCP treatment has improved the quality of RFAs, with decreases in water absorption, crushing value and the powder content. Furthermore, mortars containing 100% treated RFAs exhibited better workability and improved compressive strength, with a maximum increment of 32% after 28 d of curing. The pore structures of mortars containing modified RFAs were densified, with decreased porosities detected by the mercury intrusion porosity method. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed the precipitation of calcium carbonate on the RFAs.

Effect of Calcium Source and Irrigation on Soil and Plant Cation Concentrations in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

ABSTRACT Calcium improves seed formation and development of peanut kernels. Two primary sources of Ca fertilization in peanut are gypsum (CaSO4) and dolomitic lime (CaMg[CO3]2+CaCO3). Objectives of this research are to determine whether gypsum, lime, or application of both influences pH, extractable [Ca], [Mg], and [K] in the soil along with nutrient absorption, yield, and total sound mature kernels (TSMK) in peanut pods in irrigated compared to non-irrigated conditions. Experiments conducted in Tifton, GA in 2016 and 2017 evaluated Ca treatments with no supplemental Ca fertilizer, gypsum (330 kg Ca/ha) applied at first bloom, lime (897 kg Ca/ha) applied at planting, and lime (897 kg Ca/ha) applied at planting followed by gypsum (330 kg Ca/ha) applied at first bloom. Irrigating increased soil pH, [Ca] and [Mg] in pods, plus yield and TSMK of peanut. Irrigation also decreased [K] in pods, which was correlated with increased pod [Ca]. Soil pH and soil [Ca], [Mg], and [K] were influenced by fertilizer treatment, along with [Ca] and [Mg] in pods. Applications of lime increased pH and soil [Ca]. Lime also increased soil [Mg] when applied alone, but not when gypsum was also included. Application of gypsum reduced soil [Mg] when applied alone, but not when lime was included. The inclusion of both lime and gypsum reduced soil [K] compared to no application. These results display the competition of cations in soil. In peanut pods, using lime and gypsum increased [Ca] compared to no application, or only lime. However, when only gypsum was used, it reduced [Mg] in pods compared to a lime application or no fertilization. Although Ca fertilization did not affect yield, TSMK was greater when lime followed by gypsum were applied in sequence than where neither were applied in 2016. It is important to realize that applications of Ca can also influence concentrations of other cations important for growth. Peanut growers are encouraged to conduct soil tests to ensure soil [Mg] is not deficient or borderline before choosing to apply gypsum, and may require a supplemental Mg fertilizer if dolomitic lime was not applied.

Effect of calcium sources in the diets of adult cats on urinary parameters and acid-base balance

ABSTRACT: Calcium is a macroelement that is part of the mineral composition of the diet of companion animals, and is considered a cation of strong alkalizing power, increasing urinary pH. Calcium salts have different solubilities and depending on the anion to which calcium is associated with, it can be more or less absorbed, modifying the pH of the urine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of calcium sources on alkalinization of urinary pH, as well as excretion of urinary electrolytes and acid-base balance of adult cats. An extruded diet for cats was selected, and had 160mEq/kg of calcium from the sources of either calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or calcium gluconate (C12H22CaO14) added. In the control treatment there was no addition of calcium sources, resulting in three treatments. Nine adult cats were used, mixed breed, in two experimental periods, with six replicates per treatment. Animal average age was 4±1.3 years old and average weight was 3.96±0.71kg. The cats remained in metabolic cages for an adaptation period of seven days, followed by six days of urine total collection, with volume, density, pH and calcium concentration (g/d) measurements. The acid-base balance was studied by blood gas analysis of venous blood. The two sources of calcium alkalinized the urine (P<0.001). However, calcium gluconate had less alkalinization power compared to the calcium carbonate (P<0.05). Urinary calcium was not affected by treatments, and represented less than 0.5% of calcium intake. The experiment showed that calcium, although an alkaline cation and considered strong influencer of the EB of the diet, cannot be evaluated individually, because depending on its associated anion it may have greater or lesser influence on cats urine pH.

The effects of calcium source and concentration on performance, bone mineralisation and serum traits in male broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age

In total, 840 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used to evaluate the effects of seven dietary calcium (Ca) concentrations (4.0, 5.5, 7.0, 8.5, 10.0, 11.5 and 13.0 g/kg, at a fixed concentration of 4.0 g/kg of non-phytate phosphorus) and two calcium sources (oyster shell and limestone) on broiler chicken Ca requirements for optimal growth rate and bone mineralisation from 1 to 21 days of age. All chickens were randomly distributed into 14 treatment groups (seven treatments of each Ca source), each being replicated four times, with 15 birds per each replicate. Results indicated that Ca source and Ca source × Ca concentration interaction had no significant (P > 0.05) effects on birds average feed intake, but increasing Ca concentration to >8.5 g/kg significantly deteriorated average feed intake. Average weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly influenced by Ca source × Ca concentration interaction, whereby high concentrations of Ca from oyster shell resulted in a poorer performance for both criteria than did those from limestone. Serum Ca, P and total protein were not affected by Ca source. However, increasing Ca concentrations had adverse effects on serum P concentration (P < 0.05). Toe ash, tibia ash and phosphorus concentrations at 21 days were not influenced by Ca source, but were depressed as dietary Ca concentration increased (P < 0.05). A broken-line regression analysis indicated that the Ca requirements to optimise average weight gain and tibia ash when limestone was used as a Ca source were 5.54 and 6.58 g/kg of diet respectively, and 5.80 and 6.43 g/kg of diet respectively, when oyster shell was used. In conclusion, the results indicated that Ca concentration, more than Ca source, has a significant influence on broiler chicken performance and bone mineralisation, all of which deteriorate when the dietary Ca concentration exceeds 8.5 g/kg at the constant available-phosphorus concentration of 4.0 g/kg.

Effect of calcium source and particle size on the true ileal digestibility and total tract retention of calcium in broiler chickens

The influence of calcium (Ca) source and particle size on true ileal digestibility coefficient (TIDC) of Ca and apparent total tract retention coefficient (ATTRC) of Ca in broilers was assessed. Four experimental diets containing limestone and oyster shell, each as fine (<0.5mm) and coarse (1–2mm) particles, were fed to broiler chickens from 21 to 24days of age. A Ca- and phosphorus-free diet was used to determine the ileal endogenous Ca losses. Limestone and oyster shell were obtained from commercial sources and ground to pass through a set of sieves to obtain the fine and coarse particles. Titanium dioxide was incorporated in all diets as an indigestible marker. Each experimental diet was randomly allotted to six replicate cages (eight birds per cage). Apparent ileal digestibility coefficient and ATTRC of Ca were calculated using the indicator method and the TIDC values were calculated by correcting for endogenous Ca losses. Ileal endogenous Ca losses were determined to be 115mg/kg of dry matter intake. The main effect of Ca source and the interaction between Ca source and particle size were not significant (P>0.05) for the TIDC and ATTRC of Ca. Both TIDC and ATTRC of Ca were influenced (P<0.05) by particle size, with coarser particles increasing the digestibility and retention values. Increased particle size increased the TIDC of Ca in limestone from 0.38 to 0.62 and that of oyster shell from 0.33 to 0.56. The corresponding increases in ATTRC of Ca were from 0.44 to 0.66 in limestone and from 0.40 to 0.60 in oyster shell. Calcium concentration in the gizzard contents of birds was higher (P<0.05) for limestone as compared to oyster shell and increased with increase in particle size. Calcium concentration in the gizzard contents was strongly correlated with the TIDC (r=0.81; P<0.01) and ATTRC (r=0.82; P<0.01) of Ca. A strong correlation (r=0.80, P<0.01) was also observed between TIDC and ATTRC of Ca.

Effect of calcium sources as foliar applications on fruit quality of peach cultivars

Effect of calcium sources as foliar applications on fruit quality of peach cultivars

Effects of Calcium Source on Biochemical Properties of Microbial CaCO3 Precipitation.

The biochemical properties of CaCO3 precipitation induced by Sporosarcina pasteurii, an ureolytic type microorganism, were investigated. Effects of calcium source on the precipitation process were examined, since calcium source plays a key role in microbiologically induced mineralization. Regardless of the calcium source type, three distinct stages in the precipitation process were identified by Ca2+, NH4+, pH and cell density monitoring. Compared with stage 1 and 3, stage 2 was considered as the most critical part since biotic CaCO3 precipitation occurs during this stage. Kinetics studies showed that the microbial CaCO3 precipitation rate for calcium lactate was over twice of that for calcium nitrate, indicating that calcium lactate is more beneficial for the cell activity, which in turn determines urease production and CaCO3 precipitation. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the CaCO3 crystal as calcite, although scanning electron microscopy revealed a difference in crystal size and morphology if calcium source was different. The findings of this paper further suggest a promising application of microbiologically induced CaCO3 precipitation in remediation of surface and cracks of porous media, e.g., cement-based composites, particularly by using organic source of calcium lactate.

Effect of Calcium Sources and Particle Size on Performance and Eggshell Quality in Laying Hens

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different combination calcium sources and particle size on performance and egg shell quality in layer hens. In the experiment, 198 brown laying hens at 44 week of age were randomly assigned into 11 treatments groups. The experimental diets consisted of different calcium sources (Fine limestone, large limestone, large oyster shell and large egg shell) and their different combination. The experimental unit consisted of a groups of three hens, thus each treatment was replicated six times. Different calcium sources and particle size addition to the laying hens diet had no significantly effect on body weight gain, egg production, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg specific gravity, egg shell weight, egg shell thickness and egg shell breaking strength but egg weight had significantly affected by the treatments. The significantly highest egg weight was found in laying hens fed with 50 % fine limestone and 50 % large limestone. Dietary different Ca sources had a significant effect on Ca, P and Mg as mineral contents of eggshell and tibia. In the present study, when dietary large calcium sources (limestone, oyster shell and egg shell) had no effect on performance and eggshell quality parameters in laying hens. However, dietary containing at least 50 % large calcium sources had positive effect on mineral contents of tibia.

Effect of Calcium Source on Structure and Properties of Sol–Gel Derived Bioactive Glasses

The aim was to determine the most effective calcium precursor for synthesis of sol-gel hybrids and for improving homogeneity of sol-gel bioactive glasses. Sol-gel derived bioactive calcium silicate glasses are one of the most promising materials for bone regeneration. Inorganic/organic hybrid materials, which are synthesized by incorporating a polymer into the sol-gel process, have also recently been produced to improve toughness. Calcium nitrate is conventionally used as the calcium source, but it has several disadvantages. Calcium nitrate causes inhomogeneity by forming calcium-rich regions, and it requires high temperature treatment (>400 °C) for calcium to be incorporated into the silicate network. Nitrates are also toxic and need to be burnt off. Calcium nitrate therefore cannot be used in the synthesis of hybrids as the highest temperature used in the process is typically 40-60 °C. Therefore, a different precursor is needed that can incorporate calcium into the silica network and enhance the homogeneity of the glasses at low (room) temperature. In this work, calcium methoxyethoxide (CME) was used to synthesize sol-gel bioactive glasses with a range of final processing temperatures from 60 to 800 °C. Comparison is made between the use of CME and calcium chloride and calcium nitrate. Using advanced probe techniques, the temperature at which Ca is incorporated into the network was identified for 70S30C (70 mol % SiO(2), 30 mol % CaO) for each of the calcium precursors. When CaCl(2) was used, the Ca did not seem to enter the network at any of the temperatures used. In contrast, Ca from CME entered the silica network at room temperature, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, (29)Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and dissolution studies. CME should be used in preference to calcium salts for hybrid synthesis and may improve homogeneity of sol-gel glasses.

Effect of calcium source and exposure-time on basic caviar spherification using sodium alginate

Gelation speed is directly proportional to the concentration of calcium. Although the kinetics of gelation are altered by the source of calcium, the final alginate gel strength nor the resistance to calcium diffusion are altered. Calcium chloride reaches a gel strength plateau fastest (~100s), followed by calcium lactate (~500s) and calcium gluconoate (~2000s). Calcium chloride is the best option when the bitter taste can be masked and a fast throughput is required, while calcium gluconoate may have an advantage when the membrane thickness/hardness needs to be manipulated.

Effect of Different Calcium Sources and Calcium Intake on Shell Quality and Bone Characteristics of Laying Hens at Sexual Maturity and End of Lay

The influence of supplemental calcium given in flour or granular form and calcium intake on bone properties and egg characteristics of brown-egg laying hens was investigated at sexual maturity and at end of lay. Physical and mechanical bone characteristics were determined using 3-point and torsional tests. There was no effect of calcium source on the measured bone characteristics at sexual maturity. Bone breaking strength was positively correlated with both stiffness and total calcium intake. At 72 weeks, birds which had been offered additional calcium of either source exhibited considerably higher bone breaking strength than did control birds. Bone stiffness of birds offered limestone granules was significantly higher than control birds. Regression analysis showed strong relationships between calcium intake, bone stiffness and breaking strength. Shell quality was significantly better for birds consuming limestone in a granular form than for control birds. Shell quality for birds given limestone flour was intermediate between the other two groups. It is concluded that calcium supplementation increases egg quality, mechanical properties of the bone and as a consequence, may be able to reduce the risk of broken bones at the end of laying period. These effects are independent of the form of the supplemented calcium.

The effect of calcium source and particle size on the production performance and bone quality of laying hens

The efficacy of 3 local limestone sources as potential Ca sources for laying hens was studied. Limestone sources were assessed for in vitro solubility. Four Ca sources (control, A, B, or C) and 2 particle size combinations (ground, 100% ground; or mixed, 67% ground + 33% large particle) was used. The control consisted of a commercial ground limestone for the ground Ca source and oyster shell of the large particle Ca source. DeKalb laying hens were randomly placed in 32 battery cage units (n = 12/cage). At 19 wk of age, hens received 1 of 8 Ca source and particle size treatments (4 replicates/treatment) until 74 wk. Egg production, feed consumption, BW, and egg quality were measured throughout. Bone mineral density (by quantitative computed tomography), breaking strength, ash, and Ca were assessed at the end of lay. In vitro solubility was dependent upon Ca source and particle size (P < 0.0001) with oyster shell generally having a greater in vitro solubility than test limestone sources A, B, and C of similar particle sizes. Feed consumption (100 to 117 g/bird per day), BW (1,500 to 1,800 g), egg production (92% peak egg production), egg weight (55 to 67 g), and egg specific gravity (1.090 to 1.078) did not differ among hens fed the different Ca sources (P > 0.05). Tibia bone mineral density indicated the oyster shell treatment had a lower trabecular density than Ca source A; however, all other Ca sources had similar bone mineral density for all measures (P > 0.05). Hens fed the mixed Ca particle treatments consistently had greater feed consumption from 27 to 70 wk than those fed the 100% ground Ca source (P < 0.05). Bone mineralization was enhanced in hens that received the mixed Ca particle treatments (P < 0.05). Overall, the results of this study indicate that the local limestone sources A, B, and C would be suitable alternatives to current commercial sources of Ca for laying hens. In addition, large particle Ca did improve bone quality.

Effects of calcium sources and soluble silicate on bone metabolism and the related gene expression in mice

Objective The effects of five calcium (Ca) sources were compared for bone biochemical and mechanical properties and the related gene expression using mice, from the viewpoint of their soluble silicon (Si) content. Methods Weanling male mice were fed diets containing 1% Ca supplemented with CaCO 3 as the control (CT), coral sand (CS), fossil stony coral (FSC), fish bone (FC) and eggshell (EC) powders, and 50 ppm of Si in the CT diet for 6 mo. The mRNA expressions related to bone remodeling were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Soluble Si content was 9.83, 7.17, 2.48, 0.29, and 0.20 ppm for the CS, FC, FSC, EC, and Ca-deficient basal diets, respectively. Si, CS, and FSC, in order, significantly increased dry and ash weights, Ca and hydroxyproline contents, and alkaline phosphatase and decreased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and urinary excretion of hydroxyproline compared with the CT group. Si significantly increased and FC decreased femoral strength and stiffness. In the mRNA expression related to osteoblastogenesis, Si and CS significantly increased runt-related transcription factor 2. Si, CS, and FSC, in order, significantly decreased and FC and EC increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. In the mRNA expression related to osteoclastogenesis, Si and CS significantly increased and FC and EC decreased the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio, whereas Si and CS decreased transforming growth factor-β. Conclusion The results indicated that soluble silicate and CS, with the highest Si content among Ca sources, improved bone biochemical and mechanical properties through stimulation of gene expression related to osteoblastogenesis and suppression of that related to osteoclastogenesis.

HYDROPONIC FORCING OF TULIP USING A NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE

HYDROPONIC FORCING OF TULIP USING A NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE