Search

Biochar influences soil biophysicochemical processes and nutrient availability, yet the effects of different biochar and soil water dynamics on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) retention in the soil-plant systems remain unknown. Maize plants were grown in split-root pots filled with clay loam soil amended with wheat straw pellet biochar (WSP) and softwood pellet biochar (SWP) at 2% (w/w) and were either irrigated daily to 90% of water-holding capacity (FI) or irrigated with 70% volume of water used for FI to the whole root-zone (DI) or alternately to half root-zone (PRD) from the fourth leaf to grain-filling stage. Compared to the unamended controls, biochar amendment enhanced plant biomass and water-use efficiency, particularly when combined with PRD. Although the WSP amendment tended to decrease soil net N mineralization rate, it significantly increased C and N retention in the soil-plant systems. Compared to DI, PRD significantly increased soil respiration rate while lowering soil total organic C content. Moreover, PRD increased soil inorganic N content, which might be related to increased mineralization of soil organic C (SOC) and soil organic N (SON). Such effects might implicate that PRD outperformed DI in enhancing the mineralization of soil organic matter. Although PRD alone might not be a sustainable irrigation method because of greater C and N losses, biochar addition could alleviate these undesirable effects via depressing SOC and SON mineralization. Biochar amendment, especially WSP combined with PRD, could be a promising practice to increase maize growth and water-use efficiency while sustaining C and N retention in the soil-plant systems.Highlightscenter dot Effects of biochar addition and irrigation regimes on C and N retention in the soil-plant systems of maize were investigated.center dot Biochar increased plant N retention and maize growth. Partial root-zone drying (PRD) irrigation increased soil respiration rate and soil organic C and N mineralization.center dot Biochar addition combined with PRD improved maize growth, water-use efficiency, and sustained C and N retention in the soil-plant systems.

The aim of this study was to investigate the photoactivity of dioxide titanium (TiO2) nanotube films depending on different structure factors including pore size, tube length, tube wall thickness and crystallinity. Aqueous p-nitroaniline was used as a probe to assess the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide nanotube layers under UV irradiations. Self-organized titanium dioxide nanotube thin films were prepared by electrochemical anodization of titanium (Ti) foils and Ti thin films sputtered onto silicon (Si). The amorphous as-formed titanium nanotube layers were then annealed at different temperatures ranging from 450 to 900 °C in order to form crystalline phases. The structure and the morphology of the films were characterized by surface analysis techniques and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the resulting TiO2 thin films was evaluated by monitoring the UV degradation of p-nitroaniline by UV spectrophotometry and by determining nitrification yields of by ion chromatography. The highest photocatalytic activity was exhibited for titanium nanotubes annealed at 450 °C. The presence of rutile -obtained for an annealing temperature of 900 °C—appeared to reduce the photodegradation yield of p-nitroaniline. Finally, the TiO2 nanotubes obtained from Ti foils revealed the most efficient photocatalytic properties.

The increase in life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of osteoporosis, characterized by an imbalance in bone remodeling. Several drugs are used for its treatment, but most promote undesirable side effects. The present investigation evaluated the effects of two low concentrations of grape seed extract (GSE) rich in proanthocyanidins on MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. The cells were cultured in an osteogenic medium and divided into control (C), 0.1 µg/mL GSE (GSE0.1), and 1.0 µg/mL GSE (GSE1.0) groups to evaluate cell morphology, adhesion, and proliferation, in situ alkaline phosphatase (ALP) detection, mineralization and immunolocalization of osteopontin (OPN). The data obtained were analyzed by statistical tests for a significance of 5%. Cell morphology was maintained with both GSE concentrations, whereas cell adhesion significantly increased within three days in all groups. Cell proliferation increased significantly at seven days of culture, followed by a significant decrease in all experimental periods, with no statistical difference among them. In situ detection of ALP and mineralization increased with time, but within each period, no statistical differences among groups were observed. The expression of osteopontin was distributed regularly with more intensity after 24 hours in the GSE0.1 group. After three days, OPN expression was more intense in the control group, followed by GSE0.1 and GSE1.0 groups. Data obtained suggest that low concentrations of GSE do not affect the morphology and may stimulate the functional activity of osteoblastic cells. Resumo O aumento da expectativa de vida tem levado a uma maior incidência de osteoporose, caracterizada por um desequilíbrio na remodelação óssea. Vários medicamentos são utilizados para o seu tratamento, contudo, a maioria promove efeitos colaterais indesejáveis. A presente investigação avaliou os efeitos de duas baixas concentrações de extrato de semente de uva (GSE) rico em proantocianidinas em células osteoblásticas MC3T3-E1. As células foram cultivadas em meio osteogênico e divididas em grupos controle (C), 0,1 µg/mL de GSE (GSE0.1) e 1,0 µg/mL de GSE (GSE1.0) para avaliar morfologia, adesão e proliferação celular, detecção in situ de fosfatase alcalina (ALP), mineralização e imunolocalização da proteína osteopontina (OPN). Os dados obtidos foram analisados por testes estatísticos para um nível de significância de 5%. A proliferação celular aumentou significativamente aos sete dias de cultura, seguido de uma diminuição significativa em todos os períodos experimentais, sem diferença estatística entre eles. A detecção in situ de ALP e mineralização aumentou com o tempo, mas dentro de cada período não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. A morfologia celular foi mantida com ambas as concentrações de GSE, enquanto a adesão celular aumentou significativamente aos três dias em todos os grupos. A expressão de osteopontina distribuiu-se regularmente com maior intensidade após 24 horas no grupo GSE0.1. Após três dias, a expressão de OPN foi mais intensa no grupo controle, seguida pelos grupos GSE0.1 e GSE1.0. Os dados obtidos sugerem que baixas concentrações de GSE não afetam a morfologia e podem estimular a atividade funcional das células osteoblásticas.

Bu çalışmada, Astrazon Red FBL boyasının sulu çözeltilerinin yüksek enerji ile etkileşimi sonrası renk giderimi ve detoksifikasyonu farklı deneysel koşullar altında (hava, doygun O2, 2.6 mM H2O2) araştırılmıştır. Bu kapsamda renk giderme, mineralizasyon, detoksifikasyon, pH, KOİ ve BOİ5 parametreleri takip edilmiştir. Biyobozunurluk (5 günlük biyolojik oksijen ihtiyacı/kimyasal oksijen ihtiyacı -BOD5/COD-) oranı, tüm çözeltiler için 2 kGy ışınlamada artmıştır. Astrazon Red FBL çözeltilerinin mineralizasyonunu ve renk giderimini sağlamak üzere hava için 5 kGy ve pH 9, doygun O2 için 5 kGy ve pH 11, 2.6 mM H2O2 için 7 kGy ve pH 11, optimum ışınlama koşulları olarak bulunmuştur. Yüksek enerjili ışınlarla muamele edilen Astrazon FBL çözeltilerinin toksisitesini ölçmek için microtox bioassay testi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Hava, doygun O2 ve H2O2 çözeltileri için sırasıyla %81.2, %86.7 ve %56.3 oranlarında 5, 5 ve 7 kGy'de toksisite azalması sağlanmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucu olarak, Astrazon Red FBL tekstil boyasının ışınlama teknolojisi ile arıtımının gerçekleştirilebileceği tespit edilmiştir., In this study, decoloration and detoxification of Astrazon Red FBL dye solutions using gamma rays have been examined at different environments (air, O2 saturated, 2.6 mM H2O2). In this context, the decoloration, mineralization, detoxification, pH, COD and BOD5 parameters were followed. Biodegradability ( 5 days of biological oxygen demand/ chemical oxygen demand -BOD5/COD-) ratio has been improved up on 2 kGy irradiation for all solutions. Optimum irradiation conditions were found to be 5 kGy pH 9 for air, 5 kGy pH 11 for O2 saturated, 7 kGy pH 11 for 2.6 mM H2O2 to provide mineralization and decoloration of Astrazon Red FBL solutions. Microtox bioluminescent test was conducted to measure the toxicity of Astrazon FBL solutions treated with high energetic rays. Toxicity reduction has been achieved at 5, 5 and 7 kGy in the range of 81.2, 86.7 and 56.3 % for air, O2 saturated and H2O2 solutions, respectively. As a result of study, it is found that Astrazon Red FBL dye could be treated by irradiation technology.

The Ba, Pb and Zn ore deposit Pleše near Ljubljana is one of the formerly productive mines. The stream sediments were sampled and analysed by XRF to establish the effect of grain size, mineralization, and downstream location of sampling sites on geochemical composition based on various statistical analyses. Statistical analyses of the geochemical data confirm the impact of mineralization. The parametric t-test, non-parametric Mann-Whitney test and cluster analysis showed only minor differences in the geochemical composition of the samples with different grain sizes (< 0.063 mm and 0.063-2 mm). The parametric and non-parametric correlation coefficients as well as cluster analysis indicate that the contents of Si, Al, K, Rb, and Fe are associated with weathered rock forming minerals such as micas, and clay minerals, whereas Nb and Zr are associated with minerals resistant to weathering. Ca and Mg are associated with carbonates. S, Ba, Sr, Pb, Zn, and Mn indicate local mineralization with sulphates and sulphides. The results of the t-test and analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney tests and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA of the groups established by the cluster analysis confirm that the contents of Ba, Pb and Sr have a statistically significant influence on the classification of the cluster group - i.e., the influence of sediment mineralization. There are no differences in elemental contents in the sediment samples downstream. The statistical approach to evaluate the geochemical data has proven useful and provides a good basis for further interpretation. V rudišču Pleše v okolici Ljubljane so v preteklosti pridobivali Ba, Pb in podrejeno Zn. Vpliv velikosti zrn, mineralizacije in lokacije vzorčevanih točk dolvodno na geokemično sestavo sem določala v vzorcih potočnega sedimenta, katerega geokemična sestava je bila določena z metodo XRF. Statistična analiza podatkov geokemične sestave je potrdila mineralizacijo vzorcev potočnega sedimenta. Rezultati parametričnega t-testa, neparametičnega Mann-Whitney-jevega testa in clustrske analize so pokazali, da se geokemični sestavi vzorcev frakcij

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crop widely cultivated in the state of São Paulo, and the sustainable management of nitrogen (N) nutrition is crucial to improving productivity and the environment, which calls for a reliable means of predicting potentially available soil N. A study was undertaken to evaluate and compare biological and chemical indices of potential N availability for a diverse set of 17 soils collected in the northwest region of São Paulo state. For this purpose, mineralization assays were performed at three distinct temperatures, and chemical assessments were carried out using the Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT) and by fractionation of hydrolysable soil N. In addition, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine dry matter and N accumulation in the aboveground parts of maize plants. Potentially available N estimated by the incubation methods increased with increasing temperature and was strongly correlated with N uptake (r = 0.90). Hydrolysable N fractions varied widely among the soils studied and were more variable for amino sugar N than for other fractions. Potentially available N estimated by the ISNT was highly correlated with hydrolysable amino acid N and amino sugar N (r = 0.95–0.96) and also with plant dry matter accumulation (r = 0.82) and N uptake (r = 0.93). The ISNT has potential to improve fertilizer N recommendations for maize production in Brazil, provided that the test values are interpreted relative to an appropriate calibration database, planting density, and other factors affecting crop N requirement.

The photocatalytic Fenton process, which produces a strong oxidant in the form of hydroxyl radicals, is a useful method to degrade organic contaminants in water. The Fenton reaction uses hydrogen peroxide and Fe2+ ions under relatively acidic conditions (typically pH 2–3) to maintain solubility of the iron catalyst but is troublesome due to the large volumes of decontaminated yet highly acidic water generated. Starch-stabilized iron (Fe2+/Fe3+) oxide nanoparticles were synthesized to serve as a colloidal catalyst system as the hydrophilic starch effectively prevents precipitation of the nanoparticles under conditions closer to neutrality. To evaluate the usefulness of this catalyst system for the photo-Fenton degradation of methylene blue as a model dye, the preparation protocol used and the iron loading in the starch were varied. The photocatalytic Fenton reaction was investigated at pH values up to 4. Not only were the starch-stabilized catalysts able to decolorize the dye but also to mineralize it in part, that is, to degrade it to carbon dioxide and water. The catalysts could be reused in several degradation cycles. This demonstrates that starch is an efficient stabilizer for iron oxide nanoparticles in aqueous media, enabling their use as environmentally friendly and cost-effective photo-Fenton catalysts. These starch-stabilized iron nanoparticles may also be useful to degrade other dyes and pollutants in water, such as pesticides.

Contains fulltext : 291236.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) OBJECTIVES: Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a common craniofacial birth defect caused by genetic as well as environmental factors. The phenotypic spectrum of CLP also includes submucous clefts with a defect in the palatal bone. To elucidate the contribution of vitamin A, we evaluated the effects of the vitamin A metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells (MEPM). SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: MEPM cells were isolated from the prefusion palates of E13 mouse embryos from three different litters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEPM cells were cultured with and without 0.5 μM ATRA in osteogenic medium. Differentiation was analysed by the expression of osteogenic marker genes and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity after 1, 2, and 7 days. The expression of Wnt marker genes was also analysed. Mineralization was assessed by alizarin red staining after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. RESULTS: The bone marker genes Sp7, Runx2, Alpl, and Col1a1 were inhibited 10% ± 2%, 59% ± 7%, 79% ± 12% and 57% ± 20% (P

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a genetic disorder characterized by systemic calcification of elastin fibers. Additionally, PXE is associated with an increased risk of stroke. It has been hypothesized that this may be caused by accelerated (intracranial) atherogenesis, as a consequence of specific genetic mutations underlying PXE. Hence, we compared the distribution and burden of intracranial atherosclerosis between PXE patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Fifty PXE patients and 40 age-and-sex-matched healthy controls (without previous ischemic cerebrovascular disease) underwent 3T MRI to visualize atherosclerotic intracranial vessel wall lesions (VWLs). We compared the presence and burden of VWLs (total and for the anterior cerebral, middle cerebral, intracranial internal carotid, posterior cerebral, and basilar arteries separately) between PXE patients and healthy controls using logistic (presence versus absence) and negative binomial regression models (VWL count) adjusted for relevant confounders. All regressions included group (PXE patients vs. healthy controls) as independent variable. RESULTS: We found that 34 (68.0%) PXE patients and 28 (70.0%) healthy controls had a VWL (odds ratio for presence 1.06 [95%CI 0.38-2.91]). In addition, the total burden of VWLs was similar between PXE patients (68 VWLs) and healthy controls (73 VWLs, incidence rate ratio for count 0.81 [95%CI 0.55-1.20]). Findings were similar when analyses were stratified for artery. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution and burden of intracranial atherosclerosis were similar between PXE patients and healthy controls. This implies PXE and its underlying mutations do not involve increased (intracranial) atherogenesis and that vascular calcification or other mechanisms explains the increased stroke risk in PXE. ispartof: ATHEROSCLEROSIS vol:350 pages:19-24 ispartof: location:Ireland status: published

Soil organic matter (SOM) has a critical role in regulating soil phosphorus (P) dynamics and producing phytoavailable P. However, soil P dynamics are often explained mainly by the effects of soil pH, clay contents, and elemental compositions, such as calcium, iron, and aluminum. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms of how SOM influences phytoavailable P in soils is required for establishing effective agricultural management for soil health and enhancement of soil fertility, especially P-use efficiency. In this review, the following abiotic and biotic mechanisms are discussed; (1) competitive sorption between SOM with P for positively charged adsorption sites of clays and metal oxides (abiotic reaction), (2) competitive complexations between SOM with P for cations (abiotic reaction), (3) competitive complexations between incorporation of P by binary complexations of SOM and bridging cations with the formation of stable P minerals (abiotic reaction), (4) enhanced activities of enzymes, which affects soil P dynamics (biotic reaction), (5) mineralization/immobilization of P during the decay of SOM (biotic reaction), and (6) solubilization of inorganic P mediated by organic acids released by microbes (biotic reaction). Graphical Abstract

A field experiment was designed to determine the effect of mineralized nitrogen (N) through the decomposition of leafy biomass of agroforestry tree species as residues to underscore its uptake by maize under Sudan savannah conditions. The experiment was laid out as 3 x 4 x 2 factorial in a split-split plot design with three replicates for two cropping seasons. The factors considered include: control, biomass species (Albizia lebbeck and Parkia biglobosa) as main plots, four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1) as sub-plots, and two maize varieties (DMR-ESR-7 and 2009 EVAT) as sub-sub plots. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Chemical composition of A. lebbeck biomass had higher average contents of N (32.4 g kg-1) and C (186.4 g kg-1) and lower average C: N ratio (57.5) than P. biglobosa and this affected their decomposition rates, hence, A. lebbeck decomposed faster than P. biglobosa. 56 % of N in the litter bags were released within the first 2 weeks of biomass incorporation and progressively increased up to 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Total N uptake by maize was lowest (2.8 kg N ha-1) in P. biglobosa and was highest (8.6 kg N ha-1) in A. lebbeck amended plots. It is then concluded that total N uptake by maize crop increased rapidly between 4-6 WAP, and the impact was obvious in plots amended with A. lebbeck biomass than in P. biglobosa plots during the two cropping seasons., Um experimento de campo foi projetado para determinar o efeito do nitrogênio mineralizado (N) através da decomposição da biomassa foliar de espécies de árvores agroflorestais como resíduos para destacar sua absorção pelo milho em condições de savana do Sudão. O experimento foi estabelecido como fatorial 3 x 4 x 2 em um delineamento de parcelas subdivididas com três repetições para duas safras. Os fatores considerados incluem: controle, espécies de biomassa (Albizia lebbeck e Parkia biglobosa) como parcelas principais, quatro níveis de fertilizante nitrogenado (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1) como subparcelas e duas variedades de milho (DMR -ESR-7 e EVAT 2009) como sub-subparcelas. Os dados foram analisados por meio de Análise de Variância (ANOVA). A composição química da biomassa de A. lebbeck apresentou maiores teores médios de N (32,4 g kg-1) e C (186,4 g kg-1) e menor relação C:N média (57,5) do que P. biglobosa e isso afetou suas taxas de decomposição, portanto, A. lebbeck se decompôs mais rápido que P. biglobosa. 56% do N nos sacos de lixo foram liberados nas primeiras 2 semanas de incorporação da biomassa e aumentaram progressivamente até 10 semanas após o plantio (WAP). A absorção total de N pelo milho foi menor (2,8 kg N ha-1) em P. biglobosa e maior (8,6 kg N ha-1) em parcelas corrigidas de A. lebbeck. Conclui-se então que a absorção total de N pela cultura do milho aumentou rapidamente entre 4-6 WAP, e o impacto foi óbvio em parcelas alteradas com biomassa de A. lebbeck do que em parcelas de P. biglobosa durante as duas safras.

The analysis of anthropogenic factors influencing the state of natural water is carried out in the work. The need for a detailed study of the impact of urban areas on river water quality is noted. The study of the state of one of the main rivers of Poltava region in the area of about 100 km during the winter-spring period on the parameter of mineralization. The influence of individual settlements on the water status of the Vorskla River is considered. There was a gradual increase in river water pollution in the studied area and an increase in mineralization from 660 to 820 mg/l (February) and from 500 to 580 mg /l (April) (Sr = 2%). It was found that the greatest anthropogenic impact on the state of the Vorskla River is in the area of Poltava - Novi Sanzhary. The influence of surface runoff on changes in surface and groundwater quality of Poltava region is shown.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:40:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Estimating mineralization rates is one of the best ways to predict N availability over time. However, different methods can lead to distinct predictions, especially when different production systems are used. The aim of this study was to compare biological and chemical methods commonly used to estimate the potentially available N in a soil cultivated with maize in succession to cover crops and N fertilization. The experimental area has been cultivated with cover crops (jack bean, velvet bean, millet and spontaneous vegetation) and N fertilization (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha−1) since the year 2000 in a split-plot design with cover crops as the main treatments and N rates as secondary treatments. The biological evaluation of N mineralization was performed by means of an aerobic incubation of soil samples, while the chemical methods were either by the use of saline ((Ca(H2PO4)2, CaCl2, KCl) and Illinois soil test and direct steam distillation (DSD). Soil C and N contents were not affected by the cover crops, even after sixteen years of cultivation. The utilization of N by maize plants was affected by cover crops, especially for jack bean, while N fertilization led to a maximum absorption point, estimated in 158 kg N ha−1. The methods for evaluating the potentially available N behaved differently among treatments. The DSD method has significantly correlated with maize N uptake and yield, which demonstrates that it was the most promising method to estimate the potentially available N, although it is not yet calibrated for all agricultural systems. Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias da Unesp Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, Jaboticabal Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Sul de Minas Gerais Centro de Aquicultura da Unesp Bairro Rural, Jaboticabal Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias da Unesp Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, Jaboticabal Centro de Aquicultura da Unesp Bairro Rural, Jaboticabal

Soft robotics has attracted great attention owing to their immense potential especially in human-robot interfaces. However, the compliant property of soft robotics alone, without stiff elements, restricts their applications under load-bearing conditions. Here, biohybrid soft actuators, that create their own bone-like rigid layer and thus alter their stiffness from soft to hard, are designed. Fabrication of the actuators is based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with an Au film to make a soft substrate onto which polypyrrole (PPy) doped with poly(4-styrenesulfonic-co-maleic acid) sodium salt (PSA) is electropolymerized. The PDMS/Au/PPy(PSA) actuator is then functionalized, chemically and physically, with plasma membrane nanofragments (PMNFs) that induce bone formation within 3 days, without using cells. The resulting stiffness change decreased the actuator displacement; yet a thin stiff layer couldnot completely stop the actuators movement, while a relatively thick segment could, but resulted in partial delamination the actuator. To overcome the delamination, an additional rough Au layer was electroplated to improve the adhesion of the PPy onto the substrate. Finally, an alginate gel functionalized with PMNFs was used to create a thicker mineral layer mimicking the collagen-apatite bone structure, which completely suppressed the actuator movement without causing any structural damage. Funding Agencies|Japanese Society of the Promotion of Science, JSPS [BR170502]; KAKENHI [JP20H04534]; Japan Science and Technology Agency, JST; Swedish Research Council [F17603]; Promobilia Foundation [201808330454]; China Scholarship Council [JPJSBP 120209923]; JSPS [MG2019-8171]; STINT; Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education [JPMJFR210X]; [VR2014-3079]

Результаты наблюдений в начале лета (16—21 июня) 2022 г. на нескольких акваториях Волго-Балтийского водного пути выявили пространственные различия распределения в этой водной системе показателей химического состава воды: минерализации, содержания главных ионов, микроэлементов и фосфора. Результаты позволили оценить экологическое состояние входящих в эту водную систему рек и озер. Показано, что от озер Ладога и Онего к югу — реках Шексне и Волге, повышается минерализация вод, что обусловлено природными факторами. Вода всех акваторий имеет гидрокарбонатно-кальциевый состав. С севера на юг растет влияние на состояние акваторий антропогенного фактора, что проявляется в повышенном содержании в воде некоторых микроэлементов и фтора. Микроэлементы повсеместно представляют следующий ряд: Fe > Sr > >Mn > Ba > B > Zn > Cu > Pb > As. Концентрации Fe, Cu и Mn в водах рек Шексны, Волги и Свири превышают рыбохозяйственные нормативы, а иногда и значения кларков. Что отражает влияние как природных условий, так и антропогенного фактора (г. Череповец). Серьезно различаются северная и южная части Волго-Балтийского пути содержанием в воде его акваторий фосфора. Высокое его содержание в воде — индикатор евтрофирования водоемов и, соответственно, ухудшения их экологического состояния. В воде олиготрофных озер Ладога и Онего оно было минимальным (менее 0,01 мг/л Р), а максимальным — в р. Волга, г. Углич (0,06 мг/л Р). В августе 2021 г. содержание фосфора в водах Волги в районе гг. Мышкина и Ярославля было очень высоким — 0,4—0,5 мг/л Р, что означало их гиперевтрофию. Причина которой — поступление фосфора в реку со стоком с территорий городов при возможном участии в этом речного туристического флота [1]., The results of observations at the beginning of summer (June 16—21, 2022) at several the water areas of the Volga-Baltic Waterway revealed the spatial differences of distribution in the water system of indicators of chemical composition of water: mineralization, the content of main ions, trace elements and phosphorus. The same indicators determine the differences in the ecologic a state of the water areas. The results showed that from north to south, that is, from lakes Ladoga and Onego to the rivers of Sheksna and Volga, the mineralizaion of water increases in consequence of changes in natural conditions. All waters have a hydrocarbonate-calcium composition. From north to south, the impact of antropogenic factor on the water areas is increasing, which is due to natural factors and is manifested in the content of trace elements and phosphorus in the waters. Everywhere trace elements represent the following series: Fe > Sr > Mn > Ba > B > Zn > Cu > Pb > As. The content of Fe, Mn, Cu and others, in the waters of the Sheksna, Volga and Svir rivers exceed fishery standards, and sometimes the values of clarks for the rivers of the world. Which reflects the influence of natural conditions and antropogenic affects (the city of Cherepovets). The content of phosphorus in the water significantly differs in the northern and southern water areas of the Volga-Baltic Waterway. Its high content in water is an indicator of the eutrophication of the water bodies and, accordingly, the deterioration of their ecological condition. In the waters of oligotrophic lakes Ladoga and Onego, it was minimal (< 0,01 P tot, mg/l), and the maximum (0,06 P tot, mg/l) was in the Volga River, the city of Uglich. In August 2021, in the areas of the cites Myshkin and Yaroslavl, the phosphorus content in the water reached 0,4—0,5 mg/l, which mean its hypertrophy, the reason for which is the intake of phosphorus with runoff from the territory of the cities with the possible impact of the river tourist fleet on it [1].

Воды неокомского водоносного комплекса, к которому относятся воды пластов группы АС месторождения Западной Сибири (месторождение N), охарактеризованы небольшим количеством глубинных проб со значительным разбросом минерализации. Поэтому проведен дополнительный анализ устьевых проб попутно добываемой воды, который показал зашумленность исходной выборки проб из-за смешения пластовой воды с закачанными в пласт технологическими жидкостями и водами системы заводнения. После отсева некорректных проб оставшаяся часть данных указывает на более слабую минерализацию по сравнению с принятой. Это свидетельствует о наличии неопределенности в величине минерализации пластовой воды на данном месторождении и необходимости проведения дополнительного, более качественного отбора глубинных проб воды., The waters of the neocomian aquifer complex, which includes the waters of the Achimov strata of the AS group of the deposit N, are characterized by a small number of deep samples with a significant spread of mineralization. Therefore, an additional analysis of wellhead samples of produced water was carried out, which showed that the initial sample was noisy due to mixing of formation water with process fluids injected into the formation and water of the waterflooding system. After screening out incorrect samples, the rest of the data indicates a weaker mineralization compared to the accepted one. This indicates the presence of uncertainty in the value of formation water salinity at this field and the need for additional, better sampling of deep water samples.

Carlin-type gold deposits in northern Nevada are inferred to overlie concealed late Eocene plutons, which are increasingly thought to have provided magmatic input to the meteoric water-dominated fluids from which the gold was precipitated. The Larderello, Monte Amiata, and Latera geothermal systems in the Northern Apennines of southern Tuscany and northern Latium, central Italy, may represent Pliocene to present-day analogues because of their demonstrated association with subsurface plutons and jasperoid-hosted antimony-gold mineralization. The plutons, which at depths of >5–7 km remain at least partially molten, continue to supply heat and magmatic fluids to the meteoric water-dominated geothermal systems. Formerly mined antimony deposits of Pliocene or younger age are exposed on the peripheries of the CO2 ± H2S-emitting geothermal systems, and antimony sulfides are still actively precipitating. Stibnite and submicroscopic gold in disseminated pyrite, along with Au/Ag of

Different from the reported catalysts such as metallic glasses ribbons and ball-milled high entropy alloy powder, high entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA NPs) have attracted wide attention for compelling and functional catalytic properties to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye. CoCrXFeNi (X = Al, Cu, Mn) HEA NPs with different loadings were synthesized by impregnation-adsorption method on activated carbon (AC). Nanoscale HEA NPs with maximized configuration mixing entropy are composed of a single solid-solution face-centered cubic (FCC) phase and the nanocomposites show distinctive porous architectures and large specific surface area (average SBET = 632.7 m2/g) for 10 wt.% loadings. The reaction rates ( k o b s ) of 10 wt.% CoCrAlFeNi and CoCrMnFeNi HEA NPs-AC for MB degradation are 0.1998 and 0.1830 min−1 and show comparable intrinsic catalytic performance to amorphous ribbons and HEA powders. The HEA NPs can effectively decompose MB molecule via nanoscale galvanic cell effect which provides a promising material in dye decomposition and mineralization.

Background/purpose MTA is used to induce hard tissue regeneration in various procedures. This study evaluated the biocompatibility and mineralization potential of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) containing calcium fluoride (CaF2). To verify if the change of components affected physical properties, the setting time, solubility, and surface roughness were measured. Materials and methods Human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were treated with powder and set MTA containing CaF2 (0, 1, 5, and 10 wt %). The proliferation of HDPCs was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mineralization potential of HDPCs was investigated with the relative gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (ColI), osteocalcin (OCN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For investigating the physical properties, setting time and solubility were tested. Surface profiles of material were analyzed by a non-contact surface profiler and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results MTA-5% CaF2 mixtures increased the proliferation and the mineralization-related gene expression of HDPCs to a greater degree than pure MTA. The addition of CaF2 to MTA delayed the setting, but the difference was only significant in the MTA-10% CaF2. Solubility and surface roughness was not altered. Conclusion The addition of more than 5% CaF2 can be considered to increase the regeneration potential of pulp cells without adverse effects on physical property.

Chah Mura mining area in Semnan province is located 30 km southwest of Shahroud and 20 km north of Torud village with an area of 35 km2 and includes a part of 1:250,000 Torud plate. Structurally, this area is located in the northeastern part of Central Iran and in the center of the volcanic-intrusive arc of Torud-Chah Shirin. Rock units of the area are volcanic and pyroclastic, depending on the Eocene age. Exposed assemblages in the Chah Mura area, based on field and laboratory studies, can be divided into basalt, andesite, andesite-basalt, trachyandesite, trachyandesibasalt and small outcrops of pyroclastic units in the form of agglomerates and sediments of sandstone and conglomerate. Volcanic rocks are influenced by sub-volcanic masses younger than Eocene with an intermediate to basic composition, and their predominant textures are granular, porphyroid with microcrystalline to microintragranular background. Finally, the units are cut by dikes. In this area, mineralization is mainly in the control of sub-faults and subvolcanic massifs. Mineralization is in the form of vein-veinlet, filling empty and scattered space in the oxidation-supergen stage. Mineral sequences include pyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, digenite and covellite, cuprite, tenorite, natural copper, malachite, azurite, and iron oxides and hydroxides. Geochemical studies indicate that copper does not correlate well with any of the base metals and depositing elements. Copper shows only a relative correlation with silver. Micrometric studies of fluid inclusions in samples from this area indicate dilution as a result of mixing hydrothermal solutions with atmospheric fluids in formation of this reserve.

As a global public health focus, oral health plays a vital role in facilitating overall health. Defected teeth characterized by exposure of dentin generally increase the risk of aggravating oral diseases. The exposed dentinal tubules provide channels for irritants and bacterial invasion, leading to dentin hypersensitivity and even pulp inflammation. Cariogenic bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on dentin are responsible for tooth demineralization and caries. It remains a clinical challenge to achieve the integration of tubule occlusion, collagen mineralization, and antibiofilm functions for managing exposed dentin. To address this issue, an epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and poly(allylamine)-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (PAH-ACP) co-delivery hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) nanosystem (E/PA@HMS) was herein developed. The application of E/PA@HMS effectively occluded the dentinal tubules with acid- and abrasion-resistant stability and inhibited the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans. Intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen fibrils and remineralization of demineralized dentin were induced by E/PA@HMS. The odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp cells with high biocompatibility were also promoted. Animal experiments showed that E/PA@HMS durably sealed the tubules and inhibited biofilm growth up to 14 days. Thus, the development of the E/PA@HMS nanosystem provides promising benefits for protecting exposed dentin through the coordinated manipulation of dentin caries and hypersensitivity. ispartof: BIOACTIVE MATERIALS vol:23 pages:394-408 ispartof: location:China status: published

Post-orogenic back-arc magmatism is accompanied by hydrothermal ore deposits and mineralizations derived from mantle and crustal sources. We investigate Zannone Island (ZI), back-arc Tyrrhenian basin, Italy, to define the source(s) of mineralizing hydrothermal fluids and their relationships with the regional petrological-tectonic setting. On ZI, early Miocene thrusting was overprinted by late Miocene post-orogenic extension and related hydrothermal alteration. Since active submarine hydrothermal outflow is reported close to the island, Zannone provides an ideal site to determine the P-T-X evolution of the long-lived hydrothermal system. We combined field work with microstructural analyses on syn-tectonic quartz veins and carbonate mineralizations, X-ray diffraction analysis, microthermometry and element mapping of fluid inclusions (FIs), C, O, and clumped isotopes, and analyses of noble gases (He-Ne-Ar) and CO2 content in FIs. Our results document the evolution of a fluid system of magmatic origin with increasing mixing of meteoric fluids. Magmatic fluids were responsible for quartz veins precipitation at similar to 125 to 150 MPa and similar to 300 degrees C-350 degrees C. With the onset of extensional faulting, magmatic fluids progressively interacted with carbonate rocks and mixed with meteoric fluids, leading to (a) host rock alteration with associated carbonate and minor ore mineral precipitation, (b) progressive fluid neutralization, (c) cooling of the hydrothermal system (from similar to 320 degrees C to similar to 86 degrees C), and (d) embrittlement and fracturing of the host rocks. Both quartz and carbonate mineralizations show noble gases values lower than those from the adjacent active volcanic areas and submarine hydrothermal systems, indicating that the fossil-to-active hydrothermal history is associated with the emplacement of multiple magmatic intrusions., Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 23 (10), ISSN:1525-2027

17β-estradiol (E2) is the natural estrogen with the most significant potential for endocrine disruption in the biota of aquatic ecosystems at trace concentrations. It is, therefore, essential to study treatments for water polluted with E2 that would guarantee its complete elimination and mineralization. Denitrification is a biological process shown to have the capacity to completely biodegrade drugs, such as ampicillin. This work is aimed to evaluate the biotransformation of 17β-estradiol by employing a denitrifying sludge. The assays performed were: (I) abiotic with 3.5 mg E2-C L−1 and (II) denitrifying with 10 mg CH3COO−-C L−1 as the reference, 10 mg E2-C L−1 as the sole electron donor, and a mixture of (mg L−1) 10 E2-C with 10 CH3COO−-C at C N−1 of 1.1. The E2-C and NO3−-N consumption efficiencies were greater than 99%, and HCO3−-C and N2 production yields were close to 1 in all assays. The denitrifying sludge could biodegrade up to 10 mg E2-C L−1 as the sole electron donor and when mixed with 10 mg CH3COO−-C L−1. No intermediate metabolites were generated from the process.

ABCC6 promotes ATP efflux from hepatocytes to bloodstream. ATP is metabolized to pyrophosphate, an inhibitor of ectopic calcification. Pathogenic variants of ABCC6 cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a highly variable recessive ectopic calcification disorder. Incomplete penetrance may initiate disease heterogeneity, hence symptoms may not, or differently manifest in carriers. Here, we investigated whether incomplete penetrance is a source of heterogeneity in pseudoxanthoma elasticum. By integrating clinical and genetic data of 589 patients, we created the largest European cohort. Based on allele frequency alterations, we identified two incomplete penetrant pathogenic variants, c.2359G>A (p.Val787Ile) and c.1171A>G (p.Arg391Gly), with 6.5% and 2% penetrance, respectively. However, when penetrant, the c.1171A>G (p.Arg391Gly) manifested a clinically unaltered severity. After applying in silico and in vitro characterization, we suggest that incomplete penetrant variants are only deleterious if a yet unknown interacting partner of ABCC6 is mutated simultaneously. The low penetrance of these variants should be contemplated in genetic counseling.

The present study sought to compare the performance of a composite based on association between the TiO2 P25 and zinc phthalocyanine (TiO2/FtZn 1.6%), and TiO2 P25 in the photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of the dye Ponceau 4R (C.I. 16255), P4R. The result in laboratory scale presented by composite, in the absence of hydrogen peroxide, is about three times higher than that presented by TiO2 P25, resulting in 50% of mineralization dye after 120 minutes of reaction. This performance has been attributed to the synergy between zinc phthalocyanine aggregates and the surface of the catalyst. Additional studies conducted in laboratory scale to define the most appropriate concentration of hydrogen peroxide to accelerate the mineralization of P4R, were made using just the composite. It was observed that when a concentration of 0.1 mL/L (9.7 x 10-4 M or 33 mg of H2O2 per litre of solution) in terms of H2O2 was used, the performance of the reaction was improved. The role of the pH of the medium on the degradation and mineralization of P4R, promoted by the composite and also by TiO2 P25, was also evaluated. To P4R degradation, pH showed no significant effect. However, for mineralization the best performance occurred at pH 6.0 in both cases. Photocatalytic tests on a large scale, made under action of solar radiation using a CPC (Compound Parabolic Collector) reactor under the best conditions of pH and concentration of H2O2, defined in laboratory scale, reinforce the higher efficiency of the composite TiO2/FtZn 1.6%. O presente estudo buscou comparar o desempenho de um compósito baseado na associação entre o TiO2 P25 e ftalocianina de zinco (TiO2/FtZn 1.6%), e o TiO2 P25, na degradação e mineralização fotocatalítica do corante Ponceau 4R (P4R) (C.I. 16255). O resultado em escala de bancada apresentado pelo compósito, na ausência de peróxido de hidrogênio, é cerca de três vezes superior ao apresentado pelo TiO2 P25, resultando em uma mineralização de cerca de 50% do corante após 120 minutos de reação. Esse desempenho tem sido atribuído à sinergia entre agregados de ftalocianina de zinco e a superfície do catalisador. Estudos adicionais conduzidos em escala de laboratório visando definir a concentração mais adequada de peróxido de hidrogênio para acelerar a mineralização do P4R, foram feitos usando apenas o compósito. Observou-se que quando uma concentração de H2O2 igual a 0.1 mL/L (9,7 x 10-4 M ou 33 mg de H2O2 por litro de solução) foi usada, o desempenho da reação foi melhorado. O papel do pH do meio sobre a degradação e mineralização do P4R, promovida pelo compósito e também pelo TiO2 P25, em escala de bancada, foi avaliado. Para a degradação do P4R, o pH não mostrou efeito significativo. No entanto, para a mineralização, o melhor desempenho ocorreu a pH 6 em ambos os casos. Testes fotocatalíticos em larga escala, feitos sob ação de radiação solar usando um reator CPC (Compound Parabolic Collector), nas melhores condições de pH e concentração de H2O2 definidas em escala de laboratório, reforçam a eficiência superior do TiO2/FtZn 1,6%. Mestre em Química

Proteins are the main N compounds and are important sources of both C and N for plants and microbes. Triple-labeled dissolved organic N obtained from white clover shoots was separated into five different molecular weight (Mw) size fractions (> 1 kDa). In this study, we investigated the mineralization of and the presence of C and N remaining in soil solution over 14 days across different soil pH values. The evolved CO2 decreased by increasing Mw, suggesting an apparent bottleneck in the decomposition of organic N above Mw 30 kDa. The initial parallel loss of 13C and 15 N from soil was followed by an increase in dissolved 15 N describing a two-phase process of organic N turnover. The first-phase concerns the removal of organic N whereas the second-phase concerns the release of inorganic N. Microbial N and C use efficiency was increased with increasing Mw size suggesting the importance of organic N quality in predicting the impact on soil C and N cycling.

Vessel calcification is characterized by the precipitation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) in the vasculature. Currently, no causal therapy exists to reduce or prevent vessel calcification. Studying the underlying pathways within vascular smooth muscle cells and testing pharmacological intervention is a major challenge in the vascular research field. This study aims to establish a rapid and efficient working protocol for specific HAP detection in cells and tissue using the synthetic bisphosphonate fluorescence dye OsteoSense™. This protocol facilitates especially early quantification of the fluorescence signal and permits co-staining with other markers of interest, enabling smaller experimental set-ups with lesser primary cells consumption and fast workflows. The fluorescence-based detection of vascular calcification with OsteoSense™ combines a high specificity with improved sensitivity. Therefore, this methodology can improve research of the pathogenesis of vascular calcification, especially for testing the therapeutic benefit of inhibitors in the case of in vitro and ex vivo settings.

Antibiotics are detected worldwide in the aquatic environment, with continuously rising concentrations. Antibiotics in the environment have the potential to damage ecosystems and contribute to the development of resistance. Whilst a few antibiotics, such as some β-lactams, are eliminated by effluent treatment, others, such as fluoroquinolones, are not or just partially removed and enter the environment. Therefore, approaches are needed to tackle those problems at the compound level. Benign by design (BbD), an important part of green pharmacy, has the goal to integrate environmental fate and end-of-use considerations at the very beginning, i.e., into the design of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Hence, pharmaceuticals should be designed to be sufficiently active and stable during storage and usage but should degrade after excretion into the environment, so that they cannot cause any adverse effects. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are important broad-spectrum antibiotics. They are known to be persistent in the environment and to be neither inactivated nor degraded or even mineralized during sewage treatment. The addition of new substituents via amidation, like glucosamine moieties, at the carboxylic group of FQs, led to better antimicrobial activity compared to its parent compounds against various microorganisms. To investigate if the addition of sugar moieties could improve the overall environmental biodegradability of FQs, eight novel quinolone and fluoroquinolone analogs conjugated with 1,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucosamine and 2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose have been investigated regarding their ready biodegradability (OECD 301D/F) and their degradation pathways have been analyzed. According to the OECD 301D test, none of the substances could be classified as readily biodegradable. However, the O-acetyl analogs did undergo a partial degradation of the O-acetyl glucosamine moiety, via stepwise deacetylation and the degradation of the whole glucosamine moiety. The degradation resulted in Fluoroquinolone-3-carboxamide derivatives. Those insights could be further used as input for fragment-based design of benign APIs that will degrade once they reached the environment.

In a systemic effort to survive environmental stress, organ systems fluctuate and adapt to overcome external pressures. The evolutionary drive back toward homeostasis makes it difficult to determine if an organism experienced a toxic exposure to stress, especially in early prenatal and neonatal periods of development. Previous studies indicate that primary human teeth may provide historical records of experiences related to stressors during that early time window. To assess the molecular effects of early life adversity on enamel formation, we used a limited bedding and nesting (LBN) mouse model of early life adversity (ELA) to assess changes in the enamel organ gene expression and enamel matrix mineralization. On average, postnatal day 12 (P12) ELA mice weighed significantly less than the controls. When adjusted for animal weight, ELA molar enamel volume was reduced as compared with the controls, and the relative mineral density of molar enamel was significantly increased. There were no obvious changes in enamel matrix crystal morphology or structure in ELA as compared with the control mouse enamel. RNAseq showed extracellular matrix organization to be the most significantly affected GO and reactome pathways, whereas butanote metabolism was the most significantly altered KEGG pathway. Transcripts expressing the enamel matrix proteins amelogenin (Amelx) and enamelin (Enam) were among the top 4 most differentially expressed genes. When evaluating molecular mechanisms for the changes in gene expression in ELA enamel organs, we found significantly increased expression of Dlx3, while transcripts for clock genes Per1 and Nrd1 were downregulated. These findings support the possibility that the developing enamel organ is sensitive to the pressures of early life adversity and produces molecular and structural biomarkers reflecting these challenges.

Phosphorus is a ubiquitous and one of the most common elements found in living organisms. Almost all molecules containing phosphorus in our body exist as analogs of phosphate salts or phosphoesters. Their functions are versatile and important, being responsible for forming the genetic code, cell membrane, and mineral components of hard tissue. Several materials inspired from these phosphorus-containing biomolecules have been recently developed. These materials have shown unique properties at the biointerface, such as nonfouling ability, blood compatibility, lubricity, mineralization induction capability, and bone affinity. Several unfavorable events occur at the interface of materials and living organisms because most of these materials have not been designed while taking host responses into account. These unfavorable events are directly linked to reducing functions and shorten the usable periods of medical devices. Biomimetic phosphorus-containing polymers can improve the reliability of materials in biological systems. In addition, phosphorus-containing biomimetic polymers are useful not only for improving the biocompatibility of material surfaces but also for adding new functions due to the flexibility in molecular design. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the control of biointerfacial phenomena with phosphorus-containing polymers. We especially focus on zwitterioninc phosphorylcholine polymers and polyphosphoesters., Graphical abstract

Nitrogen deficiency can severely limit sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grain yield and quality. Our objective was to evaluate N diagnosis methods based on: (a) pre-plant soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3––N) test (PPSNT) and soil N mineralized in short-term anaerobic incubation (Nan), (b) Greenness index (GI) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measured at 6 (V6) and 12 (V12) leaves, and (c) grain nitrogen concentration (Nc). Seventeen experiments were carried out between 2010 and 2019 in Argentina, evaluating nine N rates (0, 30, 40, 60, 80, 90, 120, 150, and 160 kg N ha–1). The GI, NDVI, N sufficiency index and relative normalized difference vegetation index (NDVIr) were determined at V6 and V12 growth stages. On average, yield response to N was 492 kg ha–1 and Nc response was 0.25% in 9 and 11 responsive experiments, respectively. The inclusion of Nan improved the PPSNT diagnosis method. The critical N availability (PPSNT + fertilizer N) threshold was 115 kg N ha–1 for experiments with low Nan (60 mg kg–1). The NDVIr at V12 allowed monitoring the crop N status with a 0.95 critical threshold. The Nc adequately diagnosed N deficiencies and the critical threshold was 2.26%. Also, Nc was predicted from the ratio between N availability and grain yield (R2=.39). Our results would allow to better estimate N availability to recommend adequate N fertilizer rates for sunflower aiming to optimize grain yield and quality, and minimize the economic and environmental cost of fertilization. Fil: Tovar Hernandez, Sergio. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina Fil: Diovisalvi, Natalia Verónica. Fertilab; Argentina Fil: Carciochi, Walter Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina Fil: Izquierdo, Natalia Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina Fil: Sainz Rozas, Hernan Rene. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina Fil: García, Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina Fil: Reussi Calvo, Nahuel Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Fertilab; Argentina

Implant loosening remains a major clinical challenge for osteoporotic patients. This is because osteoclastic bone resorption rate is higher than osteoblastic bone formation rate in the case of osteoporosis, which results in poor bone repair. Strontium (Sr) has been widely accepted as an anti-osteoporosis element. In this study, we fabricated a series of apatite and Sr-substituted apatite coatings via electrochemical deposition under different acidic conditions. The results showed that Ca and Sr exhibited different mineralization behaviors. The main mineralization products for Ca were CaHPO4·2H2O and Ca3(PO4)2 with the structure changed from porous to spherical as the pH values increased. The main mineralization products for Sr were SrHPO4 and Sr5(PO4)3OH with the structure changed from flake to needle as the pH values increased. The in vitro experiment demonstrated that coatings fabricated at high pH condition with the presence of Sr were favorable to MSCs adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. In addition, Sr-substituted apatite coatings could evidently inhibit osteoclast differentiation and fusion. Moreover, the in vivo study indicated that nano-needle like Sr-substituted apatite coating could suppress osteoclastic activity, improve new bone formation, and enhance bone-implant integration. This study provided a new theoretical guidance for implant coating design and the fabricated Sr-substituted coating might have potential applications for osteoporotic patients., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights ∙ Ca2+ and Sr2+ showed different mineralization behaviors in acidic environments. • Apatites fabricated at high pH conditions were beneficial to MSCs growth. • Sr-substituted apatite exhibited superior anti-osteoclast activity ability. • Sr-substituted apatite facilitated osteogenesis, bone growth, and osseointegration.

Актуальность исследования обусловлена необходимостью полезного использования попутно добываемых с нефтью пластовых вод в качестве основы для приготовления минерализованных соленасыщенных буровых растворов при бурении на месторождениях Восточной Сибири. Цель: исследовать и предложить полимерные системы буровых растворов на основе пластовых вод Восточной Сибири. Объекты: пластовая вода Даниловского и Ичединского нефтегазоконденсатных месторождений, рецептуры и компоненты современных систем полимерных буровых растворов. Методы: инструментальные методы определения параметров буровых растворов по ГОСТ 33213-2014 и РД 39-00147001-773-2004 (фильтрационные и реологические свойства); описание образцов, сравнение характеристик с растворами-аналогами. Результаты. Изучены и описаны физико-химические характеристики пластовых вод; приготовлены полимерные системы буровых растворов на основе чистой и разбавленной пластовой вод; проведены сравнительные исследования приготовленных растворов с растворами, применяющимися в настоящее время при строительстве скважин в Восточной Сибири; представлена описательная характеристика растворов и выдвинуты теории по взаимодействию используемых реагентов с пластовой водой. Установлено, что за счет высокого содержания хлоридов кальция и магния в пластовой воде процесс растворения полимерных реагентов может приостанавливаться, что приводит к полной потере всех вязкостных, фильтрационных и реологических свойств буровых растворов; содержание в пластовой воде в достаточном количестве магния (≥10 г/л) гарантирует получение гидрогель-магниевых буровых растворов; применение попутных пластовых вод позволит снизить материальные и временные затраты, связанные с насыщением раствора на поверхности, одновременно предупредить кавернообразование и в значительной степени предотвратить растворимость соленосных пород. The relevance of the research is caused by the need for the beneficial use of formation water, produced simultaneously with oil, as the basis for preparing highly mineralized drilling fluids when drilling in fields in Eastern Siberia. The main aim of the research is to study and propose polymer systems of drilling fluids based on formation waters of Eastern Siberia. Objects: formation water of the Danilovskoe and Ichedinskoe oil and gas condensate fields, formulations and components of modern polymer drilling fluid systems. Methods: instrumental methods for determining drilling muds parameters according to State Standard 33213-2014 and guidance document RD 39-00147001-773-2004 (filtration and rheological properties); description of samples, comparison of characteristics with similar solutions. Results. The authors have studied and described the physicochemical characteristics of formation water; prepared polymer systems of drilling fluids based on pure and diluted formation water; carried out comparative studies of the prepared solutions with the solutions currently used in the construction of wells in Eastern Siberia. Descriptive characteristics of drilling solutions and theories on the interaction of the used reagents with formation water are presented. It was found that due to the high content of calcium and magnesium chlorides in the formation water, the process of dissolving polymer reagents can be suspended, which leads to a complete loss of all the viscosity, filtration and rheological properties of drilling fluids; a sufficient amount of magnesium in the produced water (≥10 g/l) ensures that hydrogelmagnesium drilling fluids obtaining; the use of associated formation water will reduce material and time costs associated with saturation of the solution on the surface, at the same time prevent cavern formation and to a large extent prevent the solubility of saline rocks.

Pacitan area is known as Tertiary volcanic arc in Java, as the result of subduction zone of the Indian-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate since Oligocene. It was superimposed volcanism which formed a wide area of hydrothermal alteration zone, resulting potential ore metals mineralization, such at Temon and its vicinities, Pacitan Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. The aim of study was to analyze hydrothermal alteration and ore metal mineralization zones. Method was surface mapping, thin section analyses, mineragraphic analyses and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. Field study observed denuded and deformed volcanic crater geomorphology. There are ore placer deposits within the sand dunes of Grindulu River, which it consists of andesitic lava and breccia of Early Oligocene Mandalika Formation; Early Miocene lithic and vitric tuffs; and dacitic intrusion. The dikes of dacite as the last of volcanism was the host rock controlling the zonation of alteration and mineralization stages. Oblique normal faults and shear faults were cross over dilating formed fractures, which were as bodies to depositing the ore metals. There are (zone 1st) the argillic clay consists of quartz+alunite+dickite+kaolinite±illite with vuggy structures, (zone 2nd) the argillic clay consists of quartz+montmorillonite±illite zone with quartz vents, brecciated and sulfide massive, and (zone 3rd) as the chloritized zone with low grade and supergene on the edge of hydrothermal alteration. It was fluid overprinted that very acid to the core of zone 1st (pH2-4) into more netral pH 4-6 (zone 2nd) and (pH5-6) in the edge zone 3rd. The potentials ore metal mineralization are Fe and Cu by pyrite, chalcopyrite, hematite, and covellite. Other potential ore metal mineralization was also from enargite by the supergene alteration.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a known endocrine disrupter and was detected in surface waters. We investigated the mineralization of BPA by electrochemical oxidation. Six different types of electrodes, including the boron-doped diamond (BDD), platinum (Pt), and mixed metal oxide (MMO) electrodes; RuO2–IrO2, RuO2–TiO2, IrO2–Ta2O5, and Pt–IrO2, were compared as the anode material. Total organic carbon (TOC) was analyzed to monitor the mineralization efficiency of BPA. BDD achieved 100% BPA mineralization efficiency in 180 min and at a current density of 125 mA/cm2, whereas the TOC removal efficiency of Pt was 60.9% and the efficiency of MMO electrodes ranged between 48 and 54%. BDD exhibited much lower specific energy consumption, which corresponds to a lower energy cost (USD63.4 /kg TOC). The effect of operational parameters showed that the BDD anode was much more affected by the current density, initial BPA concentration, and electrolyte concentration than the other parameters such as the stirring speed and interelectrode distance. HIGHLIGHTS BDD, Pt, RuO2–IrO2, RuO2–TiO2, IrO2–Ta2O5, and Pt–IrO2 were compared as the anode material.; BDD performed better than MMO anodes for the mineralization of BPA.; BDD anode showed 100% TOC removal efficiency in 180 min.; Current efficiency of BDD was 2.53 times higher than Pt and 3.7 times than MMOs.; The specific energy consumption was higher for MMO electrodes.

Fluorinated ionic liquids are cutting-edge materials investigated for electrolytic media for energy-related applications. Although their industrial usages are being spread, waste treatment techniques for these materials are not well established, because they are thermally and chemically stable, owing to the presence of strong carbon-fluorine bonds, and incineration produces hydrogen fluoride gas, which seriously damages incinerators. We describe herein our recent efforts to decompose fluorinated ionic liquids to F− ions (i.e., mineralization) by use of superheated water, with the aim for closing the loops on fluorine element. A methodology that enables complete mineralization of the ionic liquids bearing [(CF3SO2)2N]− anion moiety is demonstrated.

Talc deposits of Jahazpur, Rajasthan, hosted by dolomite, are one of the largest high-quality talc deposits in India. In the present study, we use AVIRIS-NG datasets to study the link between the spatial pattern of talc mineralization, associated alteration minerals, and iron-oxide enrichment. It is noted that the majority of talc-bearing areas are characterized by the presence of clay minerals, such as an intimate mixture of kaolinite and muscovite, illite, dickite (indicative of phyllic and argillic alteration), and also enhanced iron enrichment. The talc-bearing zones are located adjacent to quartz-rich lithologies, and they are aligned along the Jahazpur thrust. Based on mineralogical and geological evidence, hydrothermal alteration of dolomites by silica and iron-rich fluid is proposed as major factorcontrolling talc mineralization. This study has implications for the identification of prospective zones of talc mineralization using imaging spectroscopy.

Drip irrigation under plastic mulch is widely used and leads to periodic drying–rewetting (DW) cycles in Xinjiang, Northwest China. However, the effect of different wet and dry alternation types on soil inorganic nitrogen transformation is not clear. Studying these issues not only provides reference for the formulation of fertilization and irrigation systems but is also of great significance for reducing non-point source pollution. An incubation experiment was conducted in 2018 in Baotou Lake farm in Korla City, Xinjiang, with drip-irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The treatments were designed comprising three parts: (1) DW intensity (Q100, Q90, Q80, Q70, Q60); (2) DW frequency (P3d, P5d, P7d, P9d, P11d); and (3) soil wetting time (P1m, P3m, P5m). The results revealed that the contents of the NH4+ and NO3− decreased with the increase in the DW intensity and were highest in the Q100 treatment. The rate of net N mineralization decreased with the increase in the DW intensity. The highest rate (7.02 mg kg−1 d−1) was found in the Q70 treatment in the wet to dry process and 3.03 mg kg−1 d−1 in the Q60 treatment in the dry to wet process, respectively. The contents of the NH4+ and NO3− were higher with the higher DW frequency (P3d). The rate of net N mineralization decreased with the increase in the DW frequency and was highest in the P3d treatment in the wet to dry process and the P5d treatment in the dry to wet process, respectively. The soil wetting time was longer with the content of NH4+, NO3−, and N mineralization (P5m). The rate of net N mineralization was higher with the longer soil wetting time in the wet to dry process and the shorter soil wetting time from the dry to wet process. These results demonstrate that a reasonable DW intensity, DW frequency, and soil wetting time could not only effectively promote nitrogen transformation and the absorption of nitrogen but also reduce the nitrogen losses under drip irrigation.

Background. Volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits (VMS) are the most important sources of Cu and Zn; they account for a large share of the world production of Pb, Ag, Au, Se, Te, Bi and Sb, as well as small amounts of many other metals. The polymetallic VMS deposits of economic value of varying degrees are known in the rocks of the Los Pasos Cretaceous Formation, Cuba.Aim. To show the potential of the Cretaceous volcanic deposits of Central Cuba for gold, silver, copper, zinc and lead deposit prospecting.Materials and methods. The study characterises the San Fernando, Independencia, Antonio, Los Cerros VMS deposits and the Boca del Toro and El Sol ore occurrences located in the Los Pasos Formation. The similarities and differences in the mineral and elemental composition and structures of the ores of these objects are described, which underlie the assessment of their economic importance.Results. The latitudinal zoning of VMS and noble metal mineralisation of the Central Cuban ore region is outlined. In the west, copper-VMS deposits with accompanying gold ore objects prevail. In the east, copper-zinc VMS deposits with barite and gold-silver objects are widespread.Conclusions. It is necessary to assume the different erosional sections corresponding to the blocks of the Cretaceous volcanic arc of Central Cuba, which is larger in the west and smaller in the east. Proceeding from the presence of veinlet gold ores, their confinement to tectonic zones and the lack of correlation between noble and chalcophile metals at the San Fernando deposit, as well as significantly different gold-silver ratios in the considered ore objects, it could be assumed that some of the gold-silver ores were formed after VMS. The obtained Au/Ag ratios are close to the ores of the high sulphidation type (high sulphide ores) from similar ore regions of Venezuela and the Kur-il island arc. In this regard, one can expect hidden gold deposits in the west and gold-silver deposits in the east of the studied area.

Biological nitrification inhibition is a plant‐mediated rhizosphere process where natural nitrification inhibitors can be produced and released by roots to suppress nitrifier activity in soil. Nitrification is one of the critical soil processes in the nitrogen (N) cycle, but unrestricted and rapid nitrification in agricultural systems can result in major losses of N from the plant–soil system (i.e., by NO3− leaching and gaseous N emissions). In this study, we explored the potential efficacy of biological nitrification inhibitors (linoleic acid [LA] and linolenic acid [LN]) and a proven efficient synthetic (dicyandiamide [DCD]) nitrification inhibitor on N dynamics, nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in a highly nitrifying soil. 14C‐labelled LA, LN and DCD mineralization was determined in a parallel experiment to explore the fate of inhibitors after application. We found that LA and LN had no effect on soil NH4+ concentrations, but significantly decreased NO3− concentrations. Soil that received DCD had lower NO3− and higher NH4+ concentrations than the control (soil without nitrification inhibitors). LA and LN increased the cumulative N2O and CO2 emissions when they were applied at high concentrations (635 or 1,270 mg kg−1 dry soil). LA and LN had a much greater mineralization rate than that of DCD: 47–56%, 37–61% and 2.7–5.5%, respectively, after 38 days incubation. We conclude that in contrast to the direct inhibition of nitrification caused by DCD, addition of LA and LN may cause apparent nitrification inhibition by promoting microbial immobilization of soil NH4+ and/or NO3−. Future studies on nitrification inhibitors need to clearly differentiate between the direct and indirect effects that result from addition of these compounds to soil.

The goal of the European Nitrate Directive 91/676/CEE is to mitigate or prevent water pollution associated with the nitrogen (N) cascade. Vegetable crops have a high risk of nitrate leaching during autumn and winter. Information about the fate of N from artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.)) residues is reviewed and then supplemented with a three-year study with 15N-labelled residues in an artichoke-cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. cv. botrytis) rotation in six lysimeters. After three years, 6% of N in artichoke residues was leached, 8% was exported by crops, while 86% remained in the lysimeter. Summed over the rotation, 16% of artichoke-residue N was absorbed by artichoke and 14% by cauliflower. Total aboveground N uptake by all crops during the entire rotation ranged from 370 to 534 kg N ha−1, of which 207–311 kg N ha−1 returned to the soil as residues. Increasing N-recycling efficiency and reducing the risk of N leaching while conserving crop productivity requires capturing N mineralized from soil organic N. Cauliflower performs this capture effectively during the drainage period. A break crop should be introduced after the first and second harvests of artichoke to further synchronize N mineralization and uptake and reduce leaching risk during the rotation.

In this work, pillared bentonite with Al−Fe (Al−Fe−PILC) was synthesized and used as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst in the oxidation of tartrazine azo-dye in an aqueous solution. The modification of bentonite with the Al-Fe mixed system in a concentrated medium, with ultrasound assisted intercalation was carried out, and the obtained catalyst was characterized by XRF, XRD, and N2 adsorption at 77 K. The oxidation of tartrazine with Al−Fe−PILC, using different amounts of H2O2, expressed as a multiple (1, 3, 6, and 9) of a stoichiometry amount required to completely oxidize the dye was evaluated. The reaction of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of the dye with 400 mg of Al−Fe−PILC and 6 times the stoichiometric amount of H2O2 at 25 °C, reached 98.2±1.8% of decolorization, 51.9±1.9% of TOC removal and 71.5±1.8% of TN removal. Results of this study show that the oxidation of tartrazine increased with the amount of H2O2 up to a certain limit. This oxidation process can be considered as an alternative for treating wastewater containing azo-dye because the reaction takes place under mild experimental conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure). Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:19:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 A simple, efficient, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive synthesis route was developed to obtain a magnetic nano-hybrid (GH) based on graphene and cobalt ferrite. Water with a high content of natural organic matter (NOM) was used as solvent and a source of carbon. The presence of NOM in the composition of GH was confirmed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, which evidenced the formation of graphene, as also corroborated by XRD analyses. The diffractograms and TEM images showed the formation of a hybrid nanomaterial composed of graphene and cobalt ferrite, with crystallite and particle sizes of 0.83 and 4.0 nm, respectively. The heterogeneous electro-Fenton process (EF-GH) achieved 100% degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in 50 min, with 80% mineralization in 7 h, at pH 7, using a current density of 33.3 mA cm−2. The high catalytic performance was achieved at neutral pH, enabling substantial reduction of the costs of treatment processes. This work contributes to understanding the role of NOM in the synthesis of a magnetic nano-hybrid based on graphene and cobalt ferrite, for use in heterogeneous catalysis. This nano-hybrid has excellent potential for application in the degradation of persistent organic pollutants found in aquatic environments. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] Chemistry Department Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) Chemical Engineering Department Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) Institute of Chemistry UNESP National Institute of Alternative Technologies for Detection Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactive Materials (INCT-DATREM), P.O. Box 355 Institute of Chemistry UNESP National Institute of Alternative Technologies for Detection Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactive Materials (INCT-DATREM), P.O. Box 355

Titanium (Ti) is a widely used biomaterial for dental implants because of its outstanding biocompatibility for hard tissues. Osseointegration, the interaction between implanted biomaterials and living cells in bone, is essential for successful implantation. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a plant-derived phytochemical with low toxicity and side effects and has various effects that can be applied as a therapeutic substance. The MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the Ti surface in medium with or without 14 μg/ml RA were used to test RA effects on osteoblast differentiation, cell viability and mineralization during differentiation. RA treatment increased osteoblast differentiation, cell viability and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on Ti surface during differentiation, upregulating Runx-2 and OPG, but downregulating RANKL. This study suggest that RA should be applied as an effective functional and therapeutic substance to enhance osseointegration of osteoblast cells by increasing differentiation, mineralization, and bone formation through the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway during the differentiation in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the Ti surface.

Bone-forming osteoblasts have been a cornerstone of bone biology for more than a century. Most research toward bone biology and bone diseases center on osteoblasts. Overlooked are the 90% of bone cells, called osteocytes. This study aims to test the hypothesis that osteocytes but not osteoblasts directly build mineralized bone structures, and that defects in osteocytes lead to the onset of hypophosphatemia rickets. The hypothesis was tested by developing and modifying multiple imaging techniques, including both in vivo and in vitro models plus two types of hypophosphatemia rickets models (Dmp1-null and Hyp, Phex mutation mice), and Dmp1-Cre induced high level of β-catenin models. Our key findings were that osteocytes (not osteoblasts) build bone similar to the construction of a high-rise building, with a wire mesh frame (i.e., osteocyte dendrites) and cement (mineral matrices secreted from osteocytes), which is a lengthy and slow process whose mineralization direction is from the inside toward the outside. When osteoblasts fail to differentiate into osteocytes but remain highly active in Dmp-1-null or Hyp mice, aberrant and poor bone mineralization occurs, caused by a sharp increase in Wnt-β-catenin signaling. Further, the constitutive expression of β-catenin in osteocytes recaptures a similar osteomalacia phenotype as shown in Dmp1 null or Hyp mice. Thus, we conclude that osteocytes directly build bone, and osteoblasts with a short life span serve as a precursor to osteocytes, which challenges the existing dogma.

There are widespread mineralized systems, occurrences, deposits that occurred in the South Gobi, Mongolia, where many of them already undergone mining activity. However, not all of them have a pre-mining environmental assessment. The Shuteen area is one of these highly prospective areas for mining; due to the porphyry copper system observed, prospecting and exploration projects have been carried out since 1980. Numerous prospecting and exploration works have been done during 1997–2007 and suspended last decade because of economic and political reasons. The area is located in a Gobi-desert environment and wind plays a main role in the transport and mobility of the elements. This research was conducted to assess the environmental condition of the area, based on soil, dry river sediment, and drinking water geochemistry. We are expecting the area has a naturally high concentration of some heavy metals in soil, concerning the geology and mineralization. The results show that the heavy metal content in the soil does not exceed the permissible limit of the Mongolian National standard on soil quality. Whereas, the water samples contain F- above the permissible limit guided in the Mongolian National Standard on drinking water quality. The unusual chemical composition of the water is related to the soil composition characteristic of the Gobi region. They are characterized by low alkali, high salinity and mineral/water ratios are high. Environmental assessment surveys determine the characterization of an areal geochemical base prior the development of later exploration or mining project, might have affect it and establish the initial environmental status.

Bone has a complex microenvironment formed by an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed mainly of mineralized type I collagen fibres. Bone ECM regulates signaling pathways important in the differentiation of osteoblast-lineage cells, necessary for bone mineralization and in preserving tissue architecture. Compared to conventional 2D cell cultures, 3D in vitro models may better mimic bone ECM and provide an environment to support osteoblastic differentiation. In this study, a biomimetic 3D osteoid-like dense collagen gel model was used to investigate the role of the nuclear protein menin plays in osteoblastic differentiation and matrix mineralization. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that when expressed at later stages of osteoblastic differentiation, menin modulates osteoblastogenesis and regulates bone mass in adult mice. To investigate the role of menin when expressed at earlier stages of the osteoblastic lineage, conditional knockout mice in which the Men1 gene is specifically deleted early (i.e., at the level of the pluripotent mesenchymal stem cell lineage), where generated and primary calvarial osteoblasts were cultured in plastically compressed dense collagen gels for 21 days. The proliferation, morphology and differentiation of isolated seeded primary calvarial osteoblasts from knockout (Prx1-Cre; Men1f/f) mice were compared to those isolated from wild-type (Men1f/f) mice. Primary calvarial osteoblasts from knockout and wild-type mice did not show differences in terms of proliferation. However, in comparison to wild-type cells, primary osteoblast cells derived from knockout mice demonstrated deficient mineralization capabilities and an altered gene expression profile when cultured in 3D dense collagen gels. In summary, these findings indicate that when expressed at earlier stages of osteoblast differentiation, menin is important in maintaining matrix mineralization in 3D dense collagen gel matrices, in vitro.

This research was funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III grants (PI18-00803, PI21/01069 and PI18-01235), co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) and by Junta de Andalucia grant (PI-0268-2019). In addition, VC-B is supported by postdoctoral fellowship from Junta de Andalucia (RH-0141-2020) and JMV-S and SG-S are funded by predoctoral fellowships from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CM19/00188 and FI19/00118 respectively). CG-F and RS-dT are funded by postdoctoral Sara Borrell fellowship and Research investigator grant in the framework of the youth guarantee Program from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the University of Granada with co-funding by FEDER respectively (CD20/00022 and 8110 grant number). GM-N is supported by the predoctoral program from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (FI17/00178) and PR is a Ramon y Cajal Researcher from the MINECO (RYC-2015-18383) at GENyO and University of Granada. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results., Hypophosphatasia (HPP) a rare disease caused by mutations in the ALPL gene encoding for the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase protein (TNSALP), has been identified as a potentially under-diagnosed condition worldwide which may have higher prevalence than currently established. This is largely due to the overlapping of its symptomatology with that of other more frequent pathologies. Although HPP is usually associated with deficient bone mineralization, the high genetic variability of ALPL results in high clinical heterogeneity, which makes it difficult to establish a specific HPP symptomatology. In the present study, three variants of ALPL gene with uncertain significance and no previously described (p.Del Glu23_Lys24, p.Pro292Leu and p.His379Asn) were identified in heterozygosis in patients diagnosed with HPP. These variants were characterized at phenotypic, functional and structural levels. All genetic variants showed significantly lower in vitro ALP activity than the wild-type (WT) genotype (p-value, Instituto de Salud Carlos III European Commission PI21/01069 PI18-01235 CM19/00188 FI19/00118 FI17/00178 PI18-00803, European Commission, Junta de Andalucia PI-0268-2019 RH-0141-2020, University of Granada, European Commission CD20/00022 8110, Spanish Government RYC-2015-18383

Dysfunction of bone-forming cells, osteoblasts, is one of the causes of osteoporosis. Accumulating evidence has indicated that oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) designed from genome sequences have the potential to regulate osteogenic cell fate. Such osteogenetic ODNs (osteoDNs) targeting and activating osteoblasts can be the candidates of nucleic acid drugs for osteoporosis. In this study, the ODN library derived from the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG genome was screened to determine its osteogenetic effect on murine osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1. An 18-base ODN, iSN40, was identified to enhance alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts within 48 h. iSN40 also induced the expression of osteogenic genes such as Msx2, osterix, collagen type 1, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. Eventually, iSN40 facilitated calcium deposition on osteoblasts at the late stage of differentiation. Intriguingly, the CpG motif within iSN40 was not required for its osteogenetic activity, indicating that iSN40 functions in a TLR9-independent manner. These data demonstrate that iSN40 serves as a novel osteogenetic ODN (osteoDN) that promotes osteoblast differentiation. iSN40 provides a potential seed of the nucleic acid drug that activating osteoblasts for osteoporosis therapy., Article, Nanomaterials. 12(10) : 1680 (2022)