High Calcium Concentrations Research Articles

Metabolomic Profile of Arthrospira platensis from a Bulgarian Bioreactor-A Potential Opportunity for Inclusion in Dietary Supplements.

The present study aims to elucidate the metabolomic profile of Arthrospira platensis grown in a bioreactor in Bulgaria. The results show that Arthrospira platensis has a high content of mannose, 137.02 mg g-1, and vitamin A (retinol)-10.3 μg/100 g. High concentrations of calcium, sulfur, and zinc distinguish its elemental composition. The freeze-dried powder contained 15.81 ± 0.45% dietary fiber, 50.16 ± 0.25% total protein content, and 1.22 ± 0.11% total fat content. Among the unsaturated fatty acids with the highest content is α-linolenic acid (25.28%), while among the saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid prevails (22.55%). Of the sterols in the sample, β-sitosterol predominated. There is no presence of microcystins LR, RR, YR, and nodularin. Therefore, Arthrospira platensis grown in a Bulgarian bioreactor is safe for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Many of the organic compounds found have applications in medicine and pharmacology and play an important role in biochemical processes in the body. Therefore, Arthrospira platensis grown in Bulgaria has a high potential for use as an independent food supplement or in combination with other natural products.

Regeneration of the apical region of the tooth after the treatment of destructive periodontitis with cement resorption

Aim. Destructive changes in the tissues of the tooth and periodontium entail resorption of the hard tissues of the tooth in the apical region. The goal is to identify morphological changes in root tissues with destructive periodontitis and resorption phenomena after the treatment of the tooth with calcium-containing preparations using a scanning electron microscope. Materials and methods. Examination of teeth treated for destructive forms of periodontitis with apical resorption was performed using a JSM-6490LV scanning electron microscope (JEOL, Japan) with an energy-dispersive attachment INCA Penta FETx3 (OXFORD Instruments, England). Results. In the apical part of the root there is a cellular mixed layered cementum. The dentin and the dentin-cementum junction are highly calcified. On top of them is cellular cement with lacunae of cementoblasts. The relief of the zone of cell-free cement has a wavy structure, consists of dense collagen fibers with a high content of calcium. With external root resorption, we observe extensive destruction of the cementoblast layer. An area of newly formed cementum was found inside the apical foramen. On the apical surface, where the resorption covered the dentin layer, there was an area of newly formed cementum. Its cellular layer consisted of round-shaped cells rising above the tissue of a homogeneous structure, smoothly flowing into the spongy tissue denting the bone. Discussion. It can be assumed that prolonged use of calcium-containing drugs leads to calcification. The presence of dense connective tissue in the periodontium indicates regenerative processes. The control of cement formation remains uncertain. Conclusions. Perhaps we are seeing a reparative atypical regeneration of the cement of the apical part of the tooth root. Dentinal calcification. In the lateral parts of the apical region, there is an outer layer of cementum with no cementoblasts. An increase in the thickness of the cement was noted. It can be assumed that we observe the phenomenon of osteogenesis in the area of strong resorption.

Contaminated Water Effects on Human Health: A Case of Pakistan

It is vital to have clean water for a healthy lifestyle. Drinking polluted and dirty water causes millions of people to perish. This study's goal was to investigate the effects of tainted water on Rahim Yar Khan's population's health. Rahim Yar Khan's water management and monitoring are subpar, and the city's subsurface water is unfit for drinking because high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, chloride, hardness, and heavy metal are present. The data's empirical component was gathered from hundred replyers in Rahim Yar Khan. The interview schedule was the tool utilized in this study's with the help of purposive sampling for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied to the data analysis. This study examined public perceptions of the negative health effects after consuming contaminated water and the results shows that high level of diseases are increasing in that selected area just because of drinking contaminated water, some people seemed concerned because of poor hygiene measures for drinking water. The results of this study shows high level of health risk in that selected area for human health.

Effect of Physico-Chemical Parameters and Inorganic Nutrient Ions in Relation with Seasonal Algal Diversity of River Ichhamati, West Bengal, India.

The present study reflects seasonal algal diversity as a source of food for fishes in the river Ichhamati during October 2021 to August 2022. To understand the seasonal algal pattern in the river Ichhamati, physicochemical parameters of river water such as Hardness, Conductivity, pH, Total Dissolve Solids, Turbidity, Dissolve Oxygen, Salinity, Turbidity, Total Alkalinity, Salinity, Biological Oxygen Demand as well as biologically significant inorganic ion concentrations in river water namely sodium, potassium, calcium, carbonate, bicarbonate, nitrate, chloride were also evaluated during study period. It is found that physico-chemical parameters and inorganic ions in river water play an important and significant role in seasonal algal growth. Throughout the study period it was established that river Ichhamati is not very rich in floral diversity. During study time it was observed that dominant group of algae in this river are Chlophytes, Cyanophytes and Bacilariophyceae, including Species of Oscillatoria Nostoc, Klebsormidium, Spirogyra, Lyngbya, Chlorococcum, Chlorella, Diatoms in all seasons. During spring, summer and monsoon Conductivity, salinity, TDS and hardness of river water is high. Ichhamati contained adequate Na+, K+ and NO3- in summer and monsoon season. High rate of bio-mineralisation during winter was found due to presence of high calcium ion concentration and also high TDS along with high salinity as well as high hardness of river water.

Chemical profiling and dermatological and anti-aging properties of Syzygium jambos L. (Alston): evidence from molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and in vitro experiments.

The phytoconstituents of the aqueous extract from Syzygium jambos L. (Alston) leaves were defined using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS and the antioxidant, anti-aging, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activities of the extract were in silico and in vitro investigated. The antioxidant activities were performed using in vitro DPPH and FRAP assays as well as H2-DCFDA assay in HaCaT cells in which oxidative stress was induced by UVA radiation. Anti-aging activity was tested in vitro, using aging-related enzymes. The antibacterial, anti-biofilm and inhibitory effects on bacterial mobilities (swarming and swimming) were assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that S. jambos aqueous extract contained 28 phytochemicals belonging to different metabolite classes, mainly phenolic acids, gallic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and ellagitannins. Mineral content analysis showed that S. jambos leaves contained moderate amounts of nitrogen, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc, relatively low amounts of phosphorus and copper, and high concentration of calcium and iron. The extract displayed strong antioxidant activities in vitro and inhibited UVA-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. Docking the major compounds identified in the extract into the four main protein targets involved in skin aging revealed an appreciable inhibitory potential of these compounds against tyrosinase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and collagenase enzymes. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulations were adopted to confirm the binding affinity of some selected compounds towards the target enzymes. The extract exhibited pronounced in vitro anti-aging effects, compared to kojic acid and quercetin (the reference compounds). It also inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa, counteracted its ability to form biofilm, and impeded its swarming and swimming mobilities. Altogether, these findings strongly propose S. jambos leaves as a promising source of bioactive metabolites for the development of natural cosmeceutical and dermatological agents.

Green heterogeneous catalysts derived from fermented kola nut pod husk for sustainable biodiesel production

ABSTRACT The use of green heterogeneous catalysts that are obtained from waste agricultural biomass can make the production of biodiesel more economical. In this research, three solid base heterogeneous catalysts (Catalyst A, B, and C) were synthesized from kola nut pod husks, and the synergistic effects of the elemental composition on catalytic activities for biodiesel production were studied. The results revealed a high surface area of Catalysts A, B, and C at 419.90 m2/g, 430.54 m2/g, and 432.57 m2/g, respectively. Their corresponding pore diameters are 3.53 nm, 3.48 nm, and 3.32 nm, showing that the catalysts are mesoporous in nature. The X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) results revealed the presence of a variety of alkaline earth metals and their corresponding metal oxides in substantial amounts. Catalyst A was produced with the highest concentration of calcium at 40.84 wt.% and calcium oxide at 68.02 mole%. The substantial concentration of other elements, such as potassium, magnesium, and aluminum, and their corresponding metal oxides are the proof of high catalytic activity of the produced green catalysts. The high CaO contents of all three produced catalysts and their high surface areas indicate their strong potential for good catalytic activities applied to the synthesis of biodiesel.

Potential use of food waste in food processing to add nutritional value

Every year the waste from leftover food increases. Based on the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP) in 2021, 20.9 million tonnes of food waste is produced per year. One of the largest contributors to food waste in Southeast Asia is Indonesia. Most of the waste is generated from the household sector. Examples of food waste generated by the household sector are fruit peels, eggshells and bones. Fruit peels contain good nutrition for the body, such as starch, fiber, polyphenols, etc. Banana peel has a calcium content of 715 mg/100 g and a high starch content of 10.32%. Durian peel contains a lot of lignin, cellulose and starch. Red dragon peel has the potential to be developed as an antioxidant source. Red dragon peel is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. Eggshell and bone waste has a high content of calcium which is good for health. Duck eggshells contain 10.11% calcium, 6.41% chicken eggs and 9.69% quail eggs. Judging from the nutritional content, food waste such as fruit peels, egg shells and bones have the potential to be used as additives in food processing to increase the nutritional value.

Stability of individualized neonatal parenteral nutrition admixtures with fish oil and high calcium content.

Introduction: the stability of total parenteral nutrition admixtures for neonates (TPNAn) has been questioned in relation to the interaction between calcium and fish oil emulsions. Aim: the aim of this study was to check the stability (particle size < 1 µm) of different individualized TPNAn prepared with fish-oil emulsion and containing calcium at concentrations ranging from 10 to 20 mmol/L. Methods: admixtures analyzed: twelve different formulations with SMOFlipid® 20 % (conserved for 24 h and for 96 h), three formulations with Lipoplus® 20 % (conserved for 96 h) and three formulations with SMOFlipid® 20 % with Multi-12K1® Pediatric (conserved for 96 h). Two bags were compounded for each formulation and conservation period. Measurements on each admixture bag: particle standardized diameter by laser diffraction technique and pH by a calibrated pH-meter. Data analysis with mixed linear regression models. Results: maximum particle size was < 0.8 µm for all investigated admixtures. Lipid concentration of 5 g/L and sodium and potassium concentration of 100 mmol/L slightly increased the proportion of particles > 0.6 µm. Ninety six hours storage also increased the percentage of particles > 0.6 µm (+0.143 ± 0.07; p = 0.038) but did not influence other parameters. No association with calcium composition was observed. Amino acid content was inversely correlated with pH (-0.83; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: the studied individualized parenteral nutrition admixtures for newborns that contain fish oil emulsions and meet cation requirements are stable for at least 96 hours.

Nowe, obfite stanowisko Elodea nuttallii (Hydrocharitaceae) na Pomorzu Gdańskim

The invasive alien hydrophyte Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) H. St. John was found in Gdańsk (Opływ Motławy – ATPOL square DA8078 and DA8088) from July to September 2023 (Figs 1, 2). This is the first abundant locality of this species in Gdańsk Pomerania. This new invasive plant in Gdańsk Pomerania grew in waters with high calcium concentration (66.1 mg Ca dm–3), varying depths (0.4–2.5 m) and salinity (0,1–1.0‰).

Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacterium Exopolysaccharide, Biological, and Nutritional Evaluation of Probiotic Formulated Fermented Coconut Beverage.

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), play a crucial role in enhancing the texture and stability of yoghurt by forming a protective matrix that helps to maintain its rheological and sensory characteristics. The search for a dairy alternative for the lactose-intolerant populace is a necessity, and the use of probiotic LAB and their EPS to formulate fermented coconut beverage (FFCB) will be of added advantage. The production and characterization of EPS from a LAB strain isolated from yoghurt, its probiotic and antioxidant potential, and its application in the production of probiotic FFCB were investigated. The EPS produced by the isolate was characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray. The antioxidant potential of the EPS was determined. The isolate probiotic potential, such as tolerance to low pH, bile salts, gastric pH, autoaggregation, coaggregation, antimicrobial potential, and antibacterial activity, was evaluated, and the isolate was identified using 16S rRNA. The LAB strain and the EPS were used for the formulation of probiotic FFCB, and the proximate mineral composition of the enriched yoghurt was determined. Isolate W3 produced 6204.50 mg/L EPS. The EPS produced by the LAB was spherical with a coarse surface. Hydroxyl, carboxyl, and α-pyranose were the major functional groups present in the EPS. Eight monosaccharides were present in glucose, which has the highest molar ratio. The EDX spectra ascertain the presence of carbon, oxygen (carbohydrate), and other elements. The purified EPS exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. DPPH, FRAP, TAC, and TPC of the EPS ranged from 42.36% to 75.88%, 2.48 to 5.31 μg/mL, 1.66 to 3.57 μg/mL, and 1.42 to 2.03 μg/mL, respectively. The LAB strain exhibited moderate tolerance to low pH, bile salts, gastric juice, good autoaggregation (13.33%), coaggregation (0%-59.09%) with E. coli, and varied sensitivity to different antibiotics used. The isolate is hemolysis, deoxyribonuclease (DNase), and lecithinase negative, possesses characteristics of probiotics, and could have the ability to confer health benefits. The LAB strain has a 100.0% pairwise identity to Pediococcus acidilactici. The FFCB has pH, lactic acid, specific gravity, total soluble solids (TSSs), and vitamin C content ranging from 5.81 to 6.8, 10.8 to 55.8 mg/L, 0.910 to 1.394 kg/m3, 0.136 to 0.196 °Bx, and 0.26% to 0.66%. The formulated beverage fermented with a commercial starter had the highest lactic acid at Day 7 of storage. The FFCB sample with the commercial starter and the probiotic strain had the highest ash and crude fiber content (1.3%, 0.68%). The FFCB fortified with EPS showed the highest protein content (4.6%). The formulated yogurt samples fortified with the highest concentration of EPS had the highest calcium content after 7 days of storage (162.31 ± 0.01a). In conclusion, EPS produced by Pediococcus acidilactici was a heteropolymeric EPS with good antioxidant activity, and the LAB strain exhibited a good starter for producing FFCB enriched with EPS. The FFCB has good nutritional characteristics and could serve as a functional and natural nutraceutical food for the lactose intolerance population.

Electrospun Propolis-coated PLGA Scaffold Enhances the Osteoinduction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Major injuries that are caused by trauma and cancer can not be repaired through bone remodeling. The goal of bone regeneration by tissue engineering approaches is to fabricate bone implants in order to restore bone structure and functions. The use of stem cells and polymer scaffolds provides the conditions for tissue regeneration based on tissue engineering. This study aimed to fabricate a combined matrix of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and propolis extract, which is a mixture of pollen and beeswax collected by bees from certain plants and has long been used in traditional herbal medicine, to promote the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose- derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). The scaffold was fabricated through electrospinning and was immersed in a propolis extract solution. Then, AD-MSCs were cultured and differentiated into the osteogenic lineage. The cell viability on the scaffold was evaluated by MTT assay. Osteogenic differentiation of the seeded stem cells was detected by evaluating calcium content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the expression of bonespecific genes. The viability of cells was not affected by propolis-coated and uncoated fabricated scaffolds, while higher calcium content, ALP activity, and expression of RUNX-2, type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteonectin were observed in cells differentiated on propolis-coated PLGA scaffold on days 7, 14, and 21 of differentiation compared to PLGA scaffold. The results of this study showed that the presence of propolis in the scaffold could lead to better cell attachment and strengthen the osteoinduction process in stem cells.

IMPACT OF ADVERSE SUGARCANE PRODUCTION CONDITIONS ON MINERAL COMPOSITION AND MICROBIAL LOAD IN JAGGERY

Minerals are most important components of jaggery compared to centrifugal sugar which is nothing but sucrose. Jaggery rich in iron along with other minerals like calcium, phosphorus and zinc can be formidable source in the diet. However, the cane quality used for jaggery making makes it more tenable to embed the nutrients in it as a source of minerals. The poor-quality cane makes it deprived of the vital minerals in jaggery. An experiment conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C.Farm, Mandya has revealed that higher total salts of 3.16 g 100g-1 was recorded in cane of saline soil and cane of sodic soil (3.08 g 100g-1) conditions compared to cane from normal soils. Higher calcium content was recorded in cane of moisture stress condition (83.77 mg 100g-1) followed by cane of normal soil on research station (82.80 mg 100g-1). lowest magnesium content was recorded in lodged cane conditions (58.00 mg 100g-1). The higher iron content was recorded in cane of shaded area (11.46 mg 100g-1) followed by cane of normal soil on research station (11.26 mg 100g-1). The higher sodium content was recorded in cane of sodic soil (97.47 mg 100g-1). The higher ash content was recorded in cane of shaded area (3.63 %) which is a negative factor. However, the phenolic content of jaggery was not influenced by production conditions. The higher bacterial count (7.47 CFU 10-5 g-1) and fungal count (7.36 CFU 10-4 g-1) was recorded in lodged cane compared to normal soils. Jaggery from cane of normal soil on farmer’s field (129 days) could be stored for longer period over lodged cane (34.67 days) and cane of saline soil (32.67 days) conditions.

Biochemical composition of sheep milk of different breeds during the summer lactation period.

The article presents the results of the study of biochemical composition of sheep milk in the summer lactation period for 4 sheep breeds. According to research results, 18 amino acids were found in sheep milk. During the summer lactation period, the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, both the Ordabasy breed and the South Kazakh merino exhibit higher levels (ranging from 6349 to 6989) compared to the Kazakh fine-fleeced and meat Merino breeds (ranging from 5835 to 5500). When analyzing sheep milk, a tendency towards a higher content of vitamin A (59.91 μg/100 g) and B6 (73.0 μg/100 g) was noted. The highest calcium content was found in the milk of the Kazakh fine-fleeced sheep, while the lowest was observed in the South Kazakh merino breed. Better milk productivity, along with increased fat and protein content, has been noted in sheep of the Ordabasy and South Kazakh merino breeds.

Isolation and study of cyanobacterial cultures from oil refinery wastewaters

Wastewater from oil refineries, as well as other chemical industries, has specific features. Phototrophic microorganisms are commonly used to treat wastewater containing toxic components, such as oil and petroleum products. Cultivating microalgae and cyanobacteria in nutrient-rich wastewater can yield high biomass for simultaneous biotreatment, making it a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach. This study investigated the species composition of microalgae in wastewater from oil refineries in the Atyrau region. The results showed that Cyanophyta representatives dominated the microalgae composition in the enrichment culture. The presence of cyanobacteria in the wastewater was attributed to the high nutrient and calcium content of the organic matter. An axenic culture of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. was isolated to study its ability to grow and degrade different concentrations of motor oil. The results indicate the potential of Anabaena sp. strain in remediating aquatic environments contaminated with petroleum products.

Влияние защитного покрытия на процессы коррозии металлических контейнеров для иммобилизации высокоактивных радиоактивных отходов

The article explores nickel-based protective coatings and their influen e on high-temperature changes occurring on the inner surface of steel containers designed for HLW immobilization provided their interaction with the melts of model waste form materials. It evaluates the corrosion behavior of container surfaces with a nickel-based protective coating depending on its application method, i.e., galvanic and chemical. The study indicates the factors governing the corrosion depth, i.e., the depth to which the container steel surface may get altered depending on 4 different waste form material compositions. The study demonstrates high efficien y of the galvanic method in terms of nickelbased protective coating application and the major influen e that high sodium and calcium content has on the depth of corrosion penetration into container surface.

Study on anionic-nonionic mixed surfactant for enhanced oil recovery in a hypersaline reservoir.

Hypersaline reservoirs are characterized by high salinity and high calcium and magnesium concentration. In order to enhance oil recovery of the hypersaline reservoirs, a specialized ternary mixed surfactant system composed of nonionic alkanolamide surfactants and anionic surfactant was developed in this study. Through careful analysis and optimization, lauric acid diethanolamide (LDEA), octanoic acid diethanolamide (ODEA), and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) were identified as promising candidates for the surfactant compounding system, and formed a ternary surfactant system composed of LDEA, ODEA, and SDS with the mass ratio of 4.64 : 0.66 : 1.00. Experimental results revealed that the interfacial tension of the system was consistently below 10-2 mN m-1 and could even reach ultra-low levels (10-3 mN m-1) under conditions of calcium and magnesium ion content of 2000 mg L-1, surfactant concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.3 wt%, temperature ranging from 50 to 80 °C, and salinity ranging from 20 000 to 50 000 mg L-1. Furthermore, the mixed surfactant system exhibited favorable wetting capacity and emulsifying power. The static adsorption capacities of the mixed surfactant on oil sands were less than 2 mg g-1. This study offered a novel strategy for the actual exploitation of reservoirs with high calcium-magnesium and high salinity.

Different calcium ion concentrations affect epithelial mesenchymal transformation of human peritoneal mesothelial cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress

To study the effects of different calcium ion concentrations on epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) via endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). HPMC cell line HMrSV5 was cultured in vitro and treated in groups. The cells in the control group, high calcium group 1, and high calcium group 2 were treated with medium containing calcium ion concentrations of 1.25, 1.75, and 2.25 mmol/L, respectively. The solvent control group was treated with medium containing 1.25 mmol/L physiological calcium ion concentration and 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the high calcium+solvent group was treated with medium containing 2.25 mmol/L calcium ion concentration and 0.1% DMSO, the high calcium+4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) group was treated with medium containing 2.25 mmol/L calcium ion concentration and 1 mmol/L ERS inhibitor 4-PBA, and each group was treated for 48 hours. Morphological changes of cells in each group were observed under light microscope. The expressions of epithelial cell phenotype marker zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and mesenchymal cell phenotype marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the cells were observed by immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of EMT marker genes E-cadherin, ZO-1, α-SMA and Vimentin were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expressions of ERS marker proteins phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (p-eIF2α), transcription activating factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were detected by Western blotting. Compared with the control group, the morphology of HMrSV5 cells became slender and fibrotic, the fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 increased, and the fluorescence intensity of α-SMA decreased in high calcium 1 and high calcium 2 groups, indicating that the cells transformed from epithelial cells to mesenchyme cells. The mRNA expressions of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were significantly decreased, while the mRNA expressions of α-SMA and Vimentin and the protein expressions of p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP were significantly increased, moreover, the expressions of the above marker genes or proteins in the high calcium 2 group was more obvious than those in the high calcium 1 group [E-cadherin mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.53±0.05 vs. 0.75±0.09, ZO-1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.42±0.06 vs. 0.69±0.06, α-SMA mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 1.81±0.16 vs. 1.32±0.14, Vimentin mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 2.05±0.22 vs. 1.48±0.16, p-PERK protein (p-PERK/β-actin): 0.81±0.09 vs. 0.59±0.06, p-eIF2α protein (p-eIF2α/β-actin): 0.87±0.10 vs. 0.50±0.06, ATF4 protein (ATF4/β-actin): 0.93±0.10 vs. 0.72±0.06, CHOP protein (CHOP/β-actin): 0.79±0.09 vs. 0.46±0.04, all P < 0.05]. Compared with the solvent control group, the morphological changes of cells, the expressions of EMT marker genes and ERS marker proteins after high calcium ion concentration of 2.25 mmol/L were consistent with those in the high calcium 2 group than control group. Compared with the high calcium+solvent group, the cell morphology recovered the characteristics of polygonal and pebble-like epithelial cells in the high calcium+4-PBA group, the fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 increased, the fluorescence intensity of α-SMA decreased, and the mRNA expressions of E-cadherin and ZO-1 in the cells were significantly increased [E-cadherin mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.86±0.09 vs. 0.57±0.04, ZO-1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.81±0.06 vs. 0.48±0.05, both P < 0.05], the mRNA expressions of α-SMA and Vimentin and the protein expressions of p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP were significantly decreased [α-SMA mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 1.21±0.13 vs. 1.77±0.15, Vimentin mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 1.30±0.14 vs. 1.94±0.20, p-PERK protein (p-PERK/β-actin): 0.38±0.04 vs. 0.92±0.11, p-eIF2α protein (p-eIF2α/β-actin): 0.34±0.05 vs. 1.05±0.13, ATF4 protein (ATF4/β-actin): 0.57±0.06 vs. 0.97±0.11, CHOP protein (CHOP/β-actin): 0.51±0.04 vs. 0.90±0.12, all P < 0.05]. High calcium ion concentrations of 1.75 mmol/L and 2.25 mmol/L promote EMT of HPMC via activating ERS.

Leveraging calcium-NOM complexation phenomenon as RO fouling mitigation strategy during treatment of lake water

Organic fouling during reverse osmosis (RO) is exacerbated by the presence of calcium up to a limit where extremely high calcium concentration results in lesser fouling due to formation of large organic-calcium aggregates with lower cake resistance. Therefore, this work leveraged on this phenomenon and used calcium chloride as coagulant (at varying concentration) to reduce membrane fouling while enhancing NOM removal. Membrane cleaning efficiency through calcium-EDTA chelation which disintegrates the fouling layers was explored. RO fouling was performed with sodium alginate solutions and lake water. The fouled membranes were soaked in 0.1 ​mM EDTA (1 ​h) and backwashed with water to remove the fouling layer. Alginate fouling was worsened (45–85 ​%) by increase in calcium concentration up to 5 ​mM but lessened at > 5 ​mM calcium concentration (35–15 ​%). Similar observations were made when filtering lake water, except that lesser fouling was observed at calcium concentrations greater than 15 ​mM. Membrane soaking in EDTA enhanced cleaning efficiency leading to over 90 ​% flux recovery for both alginate and late water. However, prolonged membrane exposure to 10 ​mM calcium resulted in slight decline in membrane salt rejection (<2 ​% change) and tensile stress (1.3–1.1 ​N/mm2), while the membrane flux increased (<3 ​% change). Finally, NOM removal improved with calcium addition (up to 90 ​%) – key in reducing potential formation of disinfection by-products due to addition of disinfection agents. The proposed use of calcium as a common coagulant/chelating agent for fouling mitigation/remediation during advanced membrane filtration has a potential for wider application and commercialization.

The effect of Ficoll 70 on thermally-induced and chemically-induced conformational transitions of an RTX protein is quantitatively accounted for by a unified excluded volume model.

A unified excluded volume model based upon the effective hard particle approximation is developed and used to quantitatively model previously published experimental measurements of the effect of adding high concentrations of an "inert" polymer, Ficoll 70, on conformational transitions of the toxin protein RCL that are induced by addition of calcium at constant temperature or by increasing temperature in the absence and presence of high calcium concentrations. The best-fit of this model, which accounts quantitatively for all of the published data to within experimental precision, yields an estimate of the volume of solution excluded to Ficoll by each of four identified conformational states of RCL: H - the most compact conformation adopted in the limits of high calcium concentration and low temperature, H* - the conformation adopted in the limits of high calcium concentration and high temperature, A - the conformation adopted in the limits of low (or no) calcium at low temperature, and A* - the conformation adopted in the limits of low calcium and high temperature. Ficoll exclusion volumes increase in the order H < H* < A < A*. These results are discussed in the context of the physiological functions of the RTX proteins, which are involved in the secretion process and the calcium-induced folding of bacterial virulence factors.

Evaluation of the proximate composition, minerals, and heavy metals of brown seaweeds: Sargassum wightii and Sargassum thunbergii collected from the Mandapam coastal regions, Tamil Nadu

A vital renewable resource for the marine environment, seaweed naturally supplies nutrients and has several health benefits. The nutritional properties of seaweed compounds have yet to be well investigated; much research has been done on their chemical and biological makeup. Seaweeds provide an alternate supply of these essential nutrients, including protein, fibre, and necessary and non-essential trace elements. In the present study, two brown seaweeds-Sargassum wightii and Sargassum thunbergii,collected from the Mandapam coastal region of Tamil Nadu, were assessed for their proximate composition, minerals, and heavy metals.The findings on dry weight basis showed that carbohydrates (65.1–67.9%) predominated in the proximal analysis, followed by ash content (12.5–16.3%). On a dry weight basis, the critical trace elements found in seaweeds, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), were between 8.14–12.41 ppm, 3.95–4.86 ppm, and 648.92-898.45 ppm, respectively. Both seaweeds have a very high calcium (Ca) concentration, ranging from (14,805.08-16,235.62) ppm. The seaweed species did not contain any measurable levels of dangerous heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), beryllium (Be), lead (Pb), or mercury (Hg). The results demonstrated how seaweed or marine macroalgae may be helpful for essential nutrient supply.