High Concentrations Of Ca Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of phytochemical, in vitro antioxidant activities and elemental composition of the fruit, leaves, and stem bark of Tetrapleura tetraptera

Introduction: Nowadays, medicinal plants are widely accepted as a better option than synthetic medications due to their lower cost and little to no side effects. The current study aimed to compare the elemental composition, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant efficacy of n-hexane extracts derived from Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit, stem bark, and leaves. Methods: The fresh fruits, leaves, and stem bark of the plant were collected and dried. The dried samples were pulverized and exhaustively extracted with n-hexane. The extracts were screened for both qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents. Antioxidant parameters such as Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Property (FRAP) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were also carried out. The elemental analysis of the various organs was also evaluated using standard protocols. Results: The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenes, resins, and phenolswas revealed in the phytochemical data. The stem bark of T. tetraptera has higher concentrations of alkaloids and flavonoids than the leaf and fruit, according to a quantitative examination of the phytochemical elements of the plant. The stem bark had the highest Total Phenolic Content at 1000 µg/mL, whereas the leaves had the lowest TPC at 200 µg/mL.At a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, the stem bark exhibited the greatest activity of total flavonoid (TFC) in the plant extracts, followed by the fruits and leaves. At 1000 µg/mL concentration, the FRAP test revealed the maximum activity in the stem bark. Generally speaking, when concentration rises, so do the TPC, TFC, and FRAP activities. Compared to the standard ascorbic acid (2.76 µg/mL), stem bark exhibited the highest level of DPPH antioxidant activity, with an IC 50 of 13.34 µg/mL. The elemental analysis revealed that the stem bark had the highest concentrations of Ca, Mg, and Fe, followed by the fruit and leaves, in that order.Conclusion: This research result has established that the plant, T tetraptera can be standardized and offer an alternative eco-friendly drug for immunity building. The stem barks are underutilized, however, its phytochemical studies and other investigations pointed to its potential in the cosmeceutical industries and medicine. Keywords: Antioxidant activity, ethnomedicine, ferric-reducing assay, medicinal plant

Metallurigical Analysis of Third to Fifth Century Swords with Ring Pommels Excavated in the Asan-Cheonan Region

This study conducts a metallurgical analysis of three swords with ring pommels (Hwandu sword) manufactured during the Proto–Three Kingdoms period and the Baekje period and excavated from the Asan and Cheonan. Specifically, we carried out analyses based on a metallurgical microscope, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. the swords were made of bloomery iron produced through direct smelting and formed by hammering hypoeutectoid steel. It was also confirmed that other heat treatment techniques than shaping were not applied to them. In addition, all of them have a high carbon content and the crystal grains are well refined, so it is believed that the hardness and strength are high. Moreover, the analytic results of nonmetallic inclusions, No.2 swords have glassy slag and the others verified the existence of fayalite and wüstite on the glassy matrix. And a high Ca content overall. The results of comparing the swords with other swords with ring pommels excavated from the corresponding region indicated that heat treatment techniques were not applied to these artifacts despite the existence of such techniques. Thus, we analyze that the study subjects were produced as ceremonial items rather than weapons. Furthermore, the calculation results of ratios, such as CaO/SiO<sub>2</sub> and (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub>)/(CaO/SiO<sub>2</sub>), indicate that the study subjects were produced based on a similar smelting processing system. Based on the analytic results, this study also suggests a possibility of the addition of slag generation agents or the use of iron ores with a high Ca content.

Geochemical proxies of the gryphon breccia of mud volcanoes in East Azerbaijan: regularities in the distribution of chemical elements and spatial characteristics of sedimentation

The paper is devoted to the study of the patterns of distribution of major oxides and trace elements in the gryphon breccia of 12 active mud volcanoes located in various oil and gas regions (Absheron, Gobustan and Lower Kura) of Azerbaijan. Interpretations of the chemical elements found in gryphon breccia samples have allowed the composition of their source rocks, sedimentation conditions, and sedimentation areas to be determined. Purpose. The main goal of the study is to conduct geochemical studies of gryphon breccias belonging to various oil and gas regions, determine spatial patterns, achieve their explanation, and at the same time determine the conditions for the deposition of mud sediments. Methods. The chemical composition of mud volcanic breccia samples was analyzed using an “S8 TIGER Series 2” spectrometer and an “Agilent 7700 Series ICP-MS” mass spectrometer. Based on the results obtained, in addition to identifying patterns in the areas, modern approaches based on geochemical interpretation were used to explain them. The results on the genesis of breccias are consistent with the results of the published literature on the development of geodynamic and paleobasin conditions in the region. Results. Samples with the lowest Si content are characteristic of the Lower Kura mud volcanoes, where the youngest (Quaternary) deposits are recorded. In samples from these mud volcanoes, relatively high contents of Mg and P are also noticeable. High contents of Ca are characteristic of volcanoes located near the Caspian Sea. These mud volcanoes are also rich in trace elements such as Li, Ga, Rb, Zr, Mo, Cs, Pr, Tl, Pb, Th, U and others, but depleted in Ni, Sr, Ba and etc. Conclusions. Plagioclase-rich source rocks and oxygen-dominated paleobasin environments played a key role in the formation of breccia deposits belonging to the mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan. Geochemical proxies make it possible to link the paleobasin conditions of the formation of the gryphon breccia of the most mud volcanoes of South and Central Gobustan with the continental setting, especially in comparison with some volcanoes of the Lower Kura, as well as Gobustan and Absheron, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea and relatively close to it. The breccias of mud volcanoes located at a relatively large distance from the modern sea boundary and in the steepest northern part of the Lower Kura are associated with marine conditions, as are breccias of mud volcanoes located in the south of this tectonic zone (subjected to intense subsidence) and at a short distance from the Caspian Sea, may be due to geological factors.

Sol-gel derived B2O3-CaO borate bioactive glasses with hemostatic, antibacterial and pro-angiogenic activities.

Sol-gel borate bioactive glasses (BGs) are promising ion-releasing biomaterials for wound healing applications. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of binary B2O3-CaO borate BGs (CaO ranging from 50 to 90 mol%) using a sol-gel-based method. The influence of CaO content in B2O3-CaO borate BG on morphology, structure and ion release behavior was investigated in detail. Reduced dissolution (ion release) and crystallization could be observed in borate BGs when CaO content increased, while the morphology was not significantly altered by increasing CaO content. Our results evidenced that the ion release behavior of borate BGs could be tailored by tuning the B2O3/CaO molar ratio. We also evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity, hemostatic, antibacterial and angiogenic activities of borate BGs. Cytocompatibility was validated for all borate BGs. However, borate BGs exhibited composition-dependent hemostatic, antibacterial and angiogenic activities. Generally, higher contents of Ca in borate BGs facilitated hemostatic activity, while higher contents of B2O3 were beneficial for pro-angiogenic activity. The synthesized sol-gel-derived borate BGs are promising materials for developing advanced wound healing dressings, given their fast ion release behavior and favorable hemostatic, antibacterial and angiogenic activities.

Extractability indices for screening coal combustion byproduct feedstocks for recovery of rare earth elements

A simple, standardized test is needed to screen coal combustion byproducts to determine their suitability for large-scale extraction and recovery of rare earth elements (REE). An ideal commercial process for acid extraction of the lanthanides will employ short residence times with no external heating of the reactor, and minimum quantities of a commodity acid. In this work, a rapid screening test mimicking these conditions was established by using (1) 2 M hydrochloric acid at (2) 20:1 Liquid: Solid ratio and (3) ambient temperature with (4) a reactor residence time of 15 min. The test was applied to seventeen different fly, bottom, landfilled or ponded ashes. REE recovery is directly correlated with Ca and Mg content, and inversely correlated with particle size. Fly ashes derived from sub-bituminous coals are ideal feedstocks due to their relatively high Ca content (> 10%) and small particle sizes, leading to as high as 73% REE recovery after only a 15-min leaching at room temperature with 2 M HCl. After a brief grinding step to break up agglomerates that may be >1 cm in diameter, REE recovery from ponded ash of up to 71% is achieved.

Evaluation of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on salivary flow and composition in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy

Assess the impact of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on xerostomia, salivary flow rate (SFR) and composition in patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). Thirty patients undergoing RT (65 Gy) for HNC were enrolled. Saliva and xerostomia evaluations collected pre- and post-PBMT-RT. PBMT involved irradiation of extra and intraoral points, 15-20 sessions, 2-3 times/week. SFR, trace elements, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, xerostomia, and pH were analyzed. The average age was 60.7 years. After treatment, there was not a significant reduction in SFR and there was no difference on xerostomia. Significant reductions in Al, Cd, Fe, Ni, P, and Sb concentrations were observed, along with a significant increase in Mg concentration. Sample data were organized into 3 groups based on a self-organizing map. Low concentrations of Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, S, Sr, and Zn were the primary discriminatory factors for group A, while group B consisted of post-PBMT-RT samples with high concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Na, and S. PBMT prevented a significant reduction in SFR and xerostomia induced by radiation therapy. These findings suggest that PBMT prevents salivary gland damage minimizing the decline in salivary flow.

Acid controlled washing of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash: Extraction of calcium inhibiting heavy metals and reaction kinetics

Washing method has attracted much attention in the research of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash treatment and resource utilization. However, the controlled leaching of heavy metals and the extraction of recyclable calcium in the washing process are still blank. Acid controlled washing was conducted with different acids, concentrations, times and temperatures to extract calcium while inhibiting heavy metals. The mechanism was investigated by reaction kinetics calculation and washed fly ash characterization. The high Ca concentration of 37,420 mg/L while the low heavy metal concentrations of around or <1 mg/L were achieved at 25 °C for 60 min under a liquid-solid ratio (L/S) of 3/1 in 1.5 M HCl. The reaction kinetics of acid controlled washing conformed the layer diffusion control. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis indicated that the rate-limiting step was the diffusion of ions through the product layer. Simultaneously, the washing solution enriched in Ca, Na and K and the washed fly ash, which met the standard requirements (HJ 1134–2020) for leach toxicity, both had the potential for further resource utilization.

Elemental concentrations of seven types of green vegetables grown on small-scale farmlands in rural areas of Japan: Differences according to the type and place of production

We collected seven types of green vegetables produced in 11 areas of Japan and analyzed their elemental concentrations. Halogen analyses were performed with and without prior chemical treatment. The most popular type of spinach exhibited the highest concentrations of Mg, K, and Zn, and the lowest concentrations of alkaline earths (Ca and Sr) and halogens (Cl and Br). Japanese mustard spinach, the second most consumed type of spinach in Japan, exhibited the highest concentrations of P, S, Ca, Fe, and Br and adequate amounts of other essential elements. The other five green vegetables had unique elemental concentrations. In particular, radish had the highest concentrations of Ca, Na, and Cl and the lowest concentrations of Mg, P, Cu, and Zn. Leaves and stalks were separately analyzed. Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn concentrations tended to be higher in leaves, and K, Na, and Rb concentrations were higher in stalks. Halogen (Cl and Br) concentrations in Japanese mustard spinach produced on farmland near the coast were remarkably high, suggesting an effect of sea salt. However, even in green vegetables produced near the coast, halogen uptake clearly differed by production area. The concentrations of Cl and Br in Japanese mustard spinach produced in two coastal areas were very high and were not removed by washing, but were mostly lost after boiling samples from Taneichi for 3[Formula: see text]min. In contrast, there was no difference in Na concentrations among vegetables produced in coastal and inland areas. The concentrations of essential elements such as Mg, Ca, and Fe were clearly higher in green vegetables from small- versus large-scale production areas, perhaps attributable to differences in the farming methods employed.

Factors and processes controlling hydrochemistry and evaporitic deposits in hypersaline wetland‐shallow lake systems

AbstractThree wetland‐shallow lakes were studied with the aim of analysing the processes and factors that control hydrochemistry and evaporite deposits in them in basins of the Pampean Plain, Argentina. In this sense, water balances and analysis of the water content of the lakes with normalized water difference index were made, and geologic‐geomorphological characteristics and groundwater flows were defined. Groundwater, surface water and evaporite samples were taken, along with sediment samples from wetland‐shallow lakes and surroundings. In situ pH, electrical conductivity and temperature, and laboratory chemical determinations of major ions of the water were measured. x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM)‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses of evaporite and sediment samples were carried out. The results obtained allow the identification of two different systems. One of them is represented by Leubucó wetland‐lake basin, which is topographically higher and smaller than the other system, with Na‐HCO3 and Na‐Cl/SO4 groundwater inflows, with high concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+. In periods of high evaporation, the regional water table drops, and due to its topographic position, the lake dries. These determine the formation of thick layers of halite associated with magnesium salts on surface, and gypsum layers interbedded with clastic sediments. The other system involves de la Sal and Chasilauquen wetland‐lake basins, which have larger extensions. They receive Na‐HCO3 and Na‐Cl/SO4 groundwater inflow, but with low Mg2+ and Ca2+. Their lower topographic position determines that even during deficit periods, the water table intercepts the lakes surface and therefore, lakes have a shallow surface water level almost all the year, which is hypersaline, Na‐Cl type. These systems only have thin evaporite crusts, composed of halite and thenardite at the edges of the lakes, and the formation of Ca‐Mg sulfates is not observed. It is concluded that topographic position, basins size, geology, groundwater inflow and evaporation are the main processes and factors controlling hydrochemistry and evaporitic deposits.

The Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle.

Skeletal muscle is the tissue directly involved in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Glucose is the primary energy substrate for contracting muscles, and proper metabolism of glucose is essential for health. Contractile activity and the associated Ca2+signaling regulate functional capacity and muscle mass. A high concentration of Ca2+and the presence of calmodulin (CaM) leads to the activation of calcineurin (CaN), a protein with serine-threonine phosphatase activity. The signaling pathway linked with CaN and transcription factors like the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is essential for skeletal muscle development and reprogramming of fast-twitch to slow-twitch fibers. CaN activation may promote metabolic adaptations in muscle cells, resulting in better insulin-stimulated glucose transport. The molecular mechanisms underlying the altered insulin response remain unclear. The role of the CaN/NFAT pathway in regulating skeletal muscle hypertrophy is better described than its involvement in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Thus, there are opportunities for future research in that field. This review presents the role of CaN/NFAT signaling and suggests the relationship with insulin-resistant muscles.

Dietary supplementation of vitamin D3 and calcium partially recover the compromised time budget and circadian rhythm of lying behavior in lactating cows under heat stress

Heat stress (HS) impedes cattle behavior and performance and is an animal comfort and welfare issue. The objective of this study was to characterize the time budget and circadian rhythm of lying behavior in dairy cows during HS and to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin D3 and Ca. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows (42.2 ± 5.6 kg milk/d; 83 ± 27 d in milk) housed in tiestalls were used in a split-plot design with the concentration of dietary vitamin E and Se as main plots (LESe: 11.1 IU/kg and 0.55 mg/kg, and HESe: 223 IU/kg and 1.8 mg/kg, respectively). Within each plot cows were randomly assigned to (1) HS with low concentrations of vitamin D3 and Ca (HS, 1,012 IU/kg and 0.73%, respectively), (2) HS with high concentrations of vitamin D3 and Ca (HS+D3/Ca; 3,764 IU/kg and 0.97%, respectively), or (3) thermoneutral pair-fed (TNPF) with low concentrations of vitamin D3 and Ca (1,012 IU/kg and 0.73%, respectively) in a Latin square design with 14-d periods and 7-d washouts. Lying behavior was measured with HOBO Loggers in 15-min intervals. Overall, cows in HS spent less time lying per day relative to TNPF from d 7 to 14. Daily lying time was positively correlated with milk yield, energy-corrected milk yield, and feed efficiency, and was negatively correlated with rectal temperature, respiratory rate, fecal calprotectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein. A treatment by time interaction was observed for lying behavior: the time spent lying was lesser for cows in HS than in TNPF in the early morning (0000-0600 h) and in the night (1800-2400 h). The circadian rhythm of lying behavior was characterized by fitting a cosine function of time into linear mixed model. Daily rhythmicity of lying was detected for cows in TNPF and HS+D3/Ca, whereas only a tendency in HS cows was observed. Cows in TNPF had the highest mesor (the average level of diurnal fluctuations; 34.2 min/h) and amplitude (the distance between the peak and mesor; 17.9 min/h). Both the mesor and amplitude were higher in HS+D3/Ca relative to HS (26.6 vs. 25.2 min/h and 3.91 min/h vs. 2.18 min/h, respectively). The acrophase (time of the peak) of lying time in TNPF, HS, and HS+D3/Ca were 0028, 0152, and 0054 h, respectively. Lastly, a continuous increase in daily lying time in TNPF was observed during the first 4 d of the experimental period in which DMI was gradually restricted, suggesting that intake restrictions may shift feeding behavior and introduce biases in the behavior of animals. In conclusion, lying behavior was compromised in dairy cows under HS, characterizing reduced daily lying time and disrupted circadian rhythms, and the compromised lying behavior can be partially restored by supplementation of vitamin D3 and Ca. Further research may be required for a more suitable model to study behavior of cows under HS.

Chemical composition of fogwater collected at four sites in North- and Mount-Lebanon during 2021

A field campaign is established at four sites in North-Lebanon (Akkar district) and Mount-Lebanon (Keserwan district) for the first time between February and June 2021 using the Caltech Active Strand Cloud Collector (CASCC). Overall, 14 fog events are sampled, of which 5 samples from Fnaideq, 5 samples from Beit Younes, 1 sample from Qamouaa, and 4 samples from Bzomar. Their mean liquid water content (LWC) varies between 0.023 and 0.045 g m−3, their mean conductivity (K) varies between 53.3 and 2210 μS cm−1, and their pH varies between 6.5 and 7.8. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) varies between 7.4 and 82.6 ppm. DOC shows a good correlation with magnesium and chloride, and no relationship with the liquid water content (LWC). The total average ionic concentrations (TIC) in Fnaideq, Qamouaa, Beit Younes, and Bzomar are respectively 3106.9, 4112.2, 4972.4, and 5969.1 μEq L−1. TIC shows a negative correlation with LWC (r2 = 0.7), suggesting that an increase in the LWC with dilute the solute concentration. The fog water in Lebanon is characterized by high concentrations of Ca2+ (35% of the measured TIC), Na+ (20%), Cl− (12%), NH4+ (11%), and Mg2+ (11%). The contribution of the acidic ions (SO42− and NO3−) from industrial and vehicular sources is minimum (respectively of 3% and 1%). NH4+, originating from the scavenging of gaseous ammonia and particulate ammonium nitrate and sulfate and from agricultural activities, and Ca2+‏, originating from the scavenging of coarse particles, act as acid neutralizers and are the main cause for the relatively basic pH of fogs in Lebanon. The contribution of Ca2+ and Mg2+ to sea-salt is found to be negligible, whereas the contribution of SO42− to sea salt is higher. Zn and Ni are the most two abundant heavy metals at all sampling sites. Their concentrations vary respectively between 137.6 and 349.7 μg L−1 (mean of 211.8 μg L−1) and between 38.2 and 585.5 μg L−1 (mean of 197.6 μg L−1). They account together for an average of 58% of the total elemental concentration. The high enrichment factors (higher than 100) for Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, and Cd suggest significant anthropogenic contamination at the sampling sites. The ionic sources are also determined by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Two principal components (PCs) that account together for 62% of the total variance are identified by PCA. High ionic loadings are observed indicating a well-mixed mixture of local anthropogenic sources (factories, motor vehicle emissions, sea transportation, agriculture, combustion, civil construction, etc.) and some natural sources (sea and crust/soil).

Exploring Genetic Variability for Health benefiting Grain Nutritional Traits in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

In the present study variability parameters and association of grain mineral (Ca and Mg) with yield and its attributing traits were determined for fifty pearl millet genotypes at CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif 2020. Grain Ca content, grain yield/plant and dry fodder yield/plant were found to have high heritability along with genetic advance as percent of mean. A positive correlation was found for grain yield with 1000- seed weight but a negative and non-significant correlation with Ca and Mg content of grain indicating that these could be improved without compromising grain yield/plant. Highly significant and positive association between Ca and Mg content suggested that both these traits can be simultaneously improved. The lines viz., HMC-94-2, GP-69, GP-80, GP-70 and HMC-283 with high grain yield/plant (&gt;30g) along with moderately high grain Ca (&gt;115 mg/kg) and Mg (&gt;1600 mg/kg) content were identified in present study.

Fabrication and Properties of a Biodegradable Zn-Ca Composite.

In recent years, Zn and its alloys have become some of the most promising degradable metals as in vivo implants due to their acceptable biocompatibility and more suitable degradation rate compared with Mg-based and Fe-based alloys. However, the degradation rate of Zn-based materials after implantation in the body for orthopedic applications is relatively slow, leading to long-term retention of the implants after fulfilling their missions. Moreover, the excessive release of Zn2+ during the degradation process of Zn-based implants usually leads to high cytotoxicity and delayed osseointegration. To provide a feasible solution to the problem faced by Zn-based implants, a Zn-Ca composite was fabricated by an air pressure infiltration method in this work. The XRD pattern of the composite suggests that the composite is fully composed of Zn-Ca intermetallic compounds. The degradation tests in vitro show that the composite has a much higher degradation rate than pure Zn, and the high Ca content regions in the composite can preferentially degrade as sacrificial anodes. In addition, the composite can efficiently induce Ca-P deposition during immersion tests in Hank's solution. Cytotoxicity tests indicate that L-929 cells exhibit around 82% cell viability (Grade 1) even after being cultured in the 100% extract prepared from the Zn-Ca composite for 1 day and show excellent cell viability.

Phase Formation and Stabilization Behavior of Ca-PSZ by Post-Heat Treatment II: CaOx-ZrO2(1 − x) (x = 5–10 mol%)

The effects of CaO content and post-heat treatment were investigated on the phase stability and mechanical and thermal properties of Ca-PSZ. ZrO2 specimens with 5–10 mol% CaO were sintered, and post-heat treatment was performed at 1200 °C for 100 h. Subsequently, to test and analyze the crystal structure and the microstructure, the mechanical and thermal properties of the specimens were evaluated. All specimens were partially stabilized by 5–10 mol% CaO (5CSZ–10CSZ) in a mixed monoclinic and tetragonal phase; however, peaks of the secondary phase of CaZrO3 were observed in 10CSZ. The ratio of the monoclinic phase decreased from 62.50% (5CSZ) to 21.02% (10CSZ) as the CaO content increased. Additionally, the monoclinic phase ratio decreased from 59.38% (5CSZ) to 19.57% (9CSZ) after the post-heat treatment; an increase to 24.84% was observed for 10CSZ. An increase in Vickers hardness from 676.02 to 1256.25 HV and flexural strength from 437.7 to 842.7 MPa was observed with increasing CaO content. The post-heat treatment resulted in further increases in these values as the CaO content increased from 5CSZ to 9CSZ; however, the Vickers hardness and flexural strength of 10CSZ decreased by approximately 8% and 9%, respectively. The thermal expansion coefficient exhibited the same tendency as the mechanical properties. This coefficient increased from 8.229 × 10−6 to 9.448 × 10−6 K−1 with increasing CaO content and was enhanced after the post-heat treatment in 5CSZ to 9CSZ; however, the thermal expansion coefficient of 10CSZ decreased by approximately 4% after the post-heat treatment. The mechanically and thermally stable tetragonal phase increased, and the monoclinic phase decreased as the doped Ca replaced the Zr sites, as was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The post-heat treatment and the increased Ca addition further facilitated the replacement of Zr sites by Ca. However, at high Ca concentrations of 10CSZ, an equilibrium phase of CaZrO3 was formed as a secondary phase at the post-heat treatment temperature, resulting in low performance.

Carbonated eclogitic component beneath eastern China revealed by olivine phenocrysts in nephelinites

Carbonates subducted into the mantle alongside mafic material play a critical role in the deep cycling of carbon. This recycled oxidized carbon strongly affects the physical properties of the mantle, changes the local mantle oxidation state, and enhances its ability to melt. Olivine phenocrysts, which are the first to crystallize from mantle-derived magma, record the lithology of the mantle source and provide a new perspective on CO2-rich mantle domains. Here we present data for olivine phenocrysts from Cenozoic nephelinites from eastern China, which have extremely high Ca (1108–6575 ppm) and Mn (1595–5065 ppm) and low Fo (71–85) contents and differ from olivine crystallized from CO2-poor mantle-derived melts (e.g., peridotitic or pyroxenitic mantle-derived melts; Ca < 3000 ppm, Mn < 2500 ppm). This can be explained if the olivine phenocrysts are in equilibrium with melts derived from a carbonated eclogite source, because melts produced experimentally from carbonated eclogite have high Ca and Mn and low MgO contents. The nephelinites have lower δ26Mg (−0.46‰ to −0.37‰) and higher δ66Zn (0.40‰ to 0.56‰) values compared with normal (MORB-source) mantle, lending further support to the influence of carbonated components during the formation of the nephelinites. Decreases in the Ca and Mn contents of the olivine phenocrysts with increasing Fo contents are due to mixing between the initial melt and a reacted melt produced by melt–peridotite interaction during ascent. Our findings demonstrate that the signature of carbonated eclogite in the mantle can be recorded by olivine compositions. This highlights the importance of olivine phenocrysts for tracing CO2-rich lithologies in the mantle and that high Ca and Mn contents of olivine phenocrysts suggest a carbonated eclogite source.

Comparative study of calcium phosphate deposition on nanotubular and sandblasted large grit acid-etched titanium substrates

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in biomedical applications due to their excellent properties such as biocompatibility, good corrosion resistance, low density, and high elastic modulus. However, their bioinert behavior often results in prolonged osseointegration periods. Therefore, surface modification techniques have been investigated to improve the bioactivity of titanium. In this study, the morphological and chemical properties of sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched (SLA), and nanotubular (NT) surfaces were investigated before and after the deposition of calcium phosphate (CaP) compounds by a chemical conversion method. Various techniques were used to characterize these surface modifications applied to titanium, including microhardness tests, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, grazing angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the SLA surface was rougher than the NT surface, and the hydrophilic behavior of both samples was enhanced after immersion in NaOH and chemical conversion. The higher concentration of Ca, P, and phosphate functional groups on the NT surface indicates that a greater amount of CaP was deposited on this surface. The CaP-modified NT surface exhibited a favorable surface topography and chemical composition, which may be advantageous for use in titanium dental implants. In addition, in vitro assays showed that the samples prepared here are promising candidates for biomedical use, as they exhibited high cell viability, non-toxicity, and osteogenic properties.

Optimizing directional recovery of high-bioavailable phosphorus from human manure: Molecular-level understanding and assessment of application potential

Phosphorus (P) recovery from human manure (HM) is critical for food production security. For the first time, a one-step hydrothermal carbonation (HTC) treatment of HM was proposed in this study for the targeted high-bioavailable P recovery from P-rich hydrochars (PHCs) for direct soil application. Furthermore, the mechanism for the transformation of P speciation in the derived PHCs was also studied at the molecular level. A high portion of P (80.1∼89.3%) was retained in the solid phase after HTC treatment (120∼240°C) due to high metal contents. The decomposition of organophosphorus (OP) into high-bioavailable orthophosphate (Ortho-P) was accelerated when the HTC temperature was increased, reaching ∼97.1% at 210°C. In addition, due to the high content of Ca (40.45±2.37 g/kg) in HM, the HTC process promoted the conversion of low-bioavailable non-apatite inorganic (NAIP) into high-bioavailable apatite inorganic P (AP). In pot experiments with pea seedling growth, the application of newly obtained PHCs significantly promoted plant growth, including average wet/dry weight and plant height. Producing 1 ton of PHCs (210°C) with the same effective P content as agricultural-type calcium superphosphate could result in a net return of $58.69. More importantly, this pathway for P recovery is predicted to meet ∼38% of the current agricultural demand.

Investigating the role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum vs. spontaneous fermentation in improving nutritional and consumer safety of the fermented white cabbage sprouts.

Brassicaceae sprouts are promising candidates for functional food because of their unique phytochemistry and high nutrient density compared to their seeds and matured vegetables. Despite being admired for their health-promoting properties, white cabbage sprouts have been least explored for their nutritional significance and behavior to lactic acid fermentation. This study aimed to investigate the role of lactic acid fermentation, i.e., inoculum vs. spontaneous, in reducing intrinsic toxicants load and improving nutrients delivering potential of the white cabbage sprouts. White cabbage sprouts with a 5-7cm average size were processed as raw, blanched, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-inoculated fermentation, and spontaneous fermentation. Plant material was dehydrated at 40°C and evaluated for microbiological quality, macronutrients, minerals, and anti-nutrient contents. The results indicate L. plantarum inoculum fermentation of blanched cabbage sprouts (IF-BCS) to increase lactic acid bacteria count of the sprouts from 0.97 to 8.47 log CFU/g. Compared with the raw cabbage sprouts (RCS), inoculum fermented-raw cabbage sprouts (IF-RCS), and spontaneous fermented-raw cabbage sprouts (SF-RCS), the highest content of Ca (447mg/100g d.w.), Mg (204mg/100g d.w.), Fe (9.3mg/100g d.w.), Zn (5mg/100g d.w.), and Cu (0.5mg/100g d.w.) were recorded in IF-BCS. L. plantarum-led fermentation of BCS demonstrated a reduction in phytates, tannins, and oxalates contents at a rate of 42%, 66%, and 53%, respectively, while standalone lactic acid fermentation of the raw sprouts reduced the burden of anti-nutrients in a range between 32 and 56%. The results suggest L. plantarum-led lactic acid fermentation coupled with sprout blanching is the most promising way to improve the nutritional quality and safety of the white cabbage sprouts.

Process Optimization and Biomethane Recovery from Anaerobic Digestion of Agro-Industry Wastes

Among the sustainable initiatives for renewable energy technologies, anaerobic digestion (AD) is a potential contender to replace fossil fuels. The anaerobic co-digestions of goat manure (GM) with sorghum (SG), cotton gin trash (CGT), and food waste (FW) having different mixing ratios, volumes, temperatures, and additives were optimized in single and two-stage bioreactors. The biochemical methane potential assays (having different mixing ratios of double and triple substrates) were run in 250 mL serum bottles in triplicates. The best-yielding ratio was up-scaled to fabricated 2 L bioreactors. The biodegradability, biomethane recovery, and process efficacy are discussed. The co-digestion of GM with SG in a 70:30 ratio yielded the highest biomethane of 239.3 ± 15.6 mL/gvs, and it was further up-scaled to a two-stage temperature-phased process supplemented with an anaerobic medium and fly ash (FA) in fabricated 2 L bioreactors. This system yielded the highest biomethane of 266.0 mL/gvs, having an anaerobic biodegradability of 67.3% in 70:30 GM:SG co-digestion supplemented with an anaerobic medium. The BMP of the FA-amended treatment may be lower because of its high Ca concentration of 205.74 ± 3.6. The liquid fraction of the effluents can be applied as N and P fertigation. The Ca concentration was found to be 24.3, 25.1, and 6.3 g/kg in GM and GM:SG (TS) and SG solid fractions, respectively, whereas K was found to be 26.6, 10.8, and 7.4 g/kg. The carbon to nitrogen ratio of solid fraction varied between 2.0 and 24.8 for return to the soils to enhance its quality. This study involving feedstock acquisition, characterization, and their anaerobic digestion optimization provides comprehensive information and may assist small farmers operating on-farm anaerobic digesters.