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Background: Developing a drug delivery system that can transport a higher concentration to the target cells can improve therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to develop a novel delivery system for acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic Acid (AKBA) using chitosan-sodium alginate–calcium chloride (CS-SA-CaCl2) nanoparticles. The objectives were to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of these nanoparticles against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of AKBA. Results: With an extraction efficiency of 12.64%, AKBA was successfully extracted from the gum resin of B. serrata. The nanoparticle delivery system exhibited superior cytotoxicity against HT29 cells compared to free AKBA, AKBA extract (BA-Ex), and 5-FU. Furthermore, the nanoformulation (nano-BA-Ex) induced apoptosis in HT29 cells more effectively than the other treatments. In vivo results showed that nanoformulation inhibited chemically induced colon tumorigenesis in mice and significantly reduced the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACFs). Conclusions: The developed CS-SA-CaCl2 nanoparticles loaded with AKBA extract exhibit potential as a potent drug delivery mechanism for the colorectal cancer model. Nano-BA-Ex is a promising strategy for enhancing the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of BA derivatives. With its multiple effects on cancer cells and controlled drug release through nanocapsules, nano-BA-Ex stands out as a compelling candidate for further preclinical and clinical evaluation in CRC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In high-acuity situations such as cardiac arrest, clinicians rely on prepared medications stocked in code carts to provide timely and accurate pharmacotherapy. We examined shortage trends for medications commonly used in code carts. Methods Drug shortage data from 2001 to 2022 were retrieved from the University of Utah Drug Information Service (UUDIS) to characterize shortages reported for commonly used code cart medications. Data extracted included the number of shortages, shortage duration, drug characteristics, and reason for the shortage. Results From 2001 to 2022, 71 drug shortages for code cart medications were reported. The number of new shortages peaked in 2010, and the number of total shortages peaked in 2010. At the end of the study period, 61 (84.7%) shortages had been resolved. For resolved shortages, the mean shortage duration was 18.2 months. The drug with the greatest number of reported shortages was dextrose (10 total), the drug with the longest resolved shortage was calcium chloride injection (116 months), and the drug with the longest active shortage was atropine injection (165 months at the end of the study period). Throughout the entire study period, only 2 suppliers provided commercially available prefilled syringes of dextrose for stocking on code carts. The most common reason for shortages, when reported, was manufacturing delays. Conclusion Medications commonly used in code carts were frequently impacted by drug shortages, which have the potential to impact patient care. Institutional protocols for mitigation and larger efforts to promote a more resilient drug supply chain are critical to ensure patient safety and quality care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Table grape viticulture, due to the impact of climate change, will have to face many challenges in the coming decades, including resistance to pathogens and physiological disorders. Our attention was focused on fruit cracking due to its ubiquitous presence in several species. This study explores the effects of three different treatments on the epidermis and cuticle of table grape berries by evaluating the impact of the girdling technique on various fruit quality parameters, including cuticle thickness, sugar content, acidity, color, bunch weight, and rheological properties. The treatments were (1) calcium chloride (CaCl2), (2) calcium chloride + salicylic acid (CaCl2 + SA), and (3) calcium chloride + Ascophyllum nodosum (CaCl2 + AN), with and without girdling, plus an untreated control. This research was conducted over the 2021–2022 growing season in a commercial vineyard in Licodia Eubea, Sicily, Italy. The results indicate significant variations in cuticle thickness and other qualitative traits throughout the growth and ripening phases, with notable differences depending on the treatment used. This study's findings suggest that specific treatments can influence the structural integrity of the grape cuticle, potentially impacting the fruit's susceptibility to cracking and overall marketability. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of chemical treatments and cultural techniques in enhancing fruit quality and resistance to environmental stresses in table grape cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many bio‐hydrogels are prepared thanks to the addition of divalent ions. These gels usually exhibit partial ionic selectivity, a feature is leveraged to instigate an osmotic flow during the gelation process across a range of bio‐hydrogels. A simple experimental setup consisting a glass capillary filled by the reactant solution is taken as an advantage, brought into contact with a reservoir of calcium chloride. Direct observation allows to characterize the gelation kinetics, the permeability and the selectivity of several gels, including some made of protein aggregates, pectin, and alginate. It is shown that these intrinsic properties, coupled with appropriate gelation kinetics, intricately govern the osmotic flow induced by the chemical potential difference of the calcium chloride ions imposed during gel formation, consistent with the Kedem–Kashalsky equation. The forming gel acts as a semi‐permeable membrane for calcium chloride ions. The consequences of this osmotic flow are of potentially great interest since it triggers an increase of the gel concentration close to its boundary, opening the road to their spontaneous structuration. The formation of this dense shell is well accounted for the combination of a mass balance and a kinetic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the hemostatic performance and safety of ActiClot (ATC), a new flowable hemostatic agent, through in vivo tests. Methods: ATC was compared with the commercially available FLOSEAL®. ATC consists of carboxymethyl starch, thrombin, and sorbitol powders in Syringe I, and a calcium chloride solution in Syringe II. In vivo evaluation used rat liver bleeding and porcine heart bleeding models. Safety was assessed using a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Results: ATC significantly reduced hemostasis time (70.00 ± 7.35 s) compared to gauze control (240.63 ± 32.31 s) in the rat liver model, showing a 70% reduction. There was no significant difference between ATC and FLOSEAL® (58.75 ± 13.42 s). In the porcine heart model, both agents achieved 100% hemostasis within 3 min, with no significant difference in success rates within 2 min (ATC 87.5%, FLOSEAL® 75%). The gauze control group failed in all tests. The rat subcutaneous implantation model showed no visual ATC observation after 48 h, indicating biocompatibility, with no inflammation observed. Conclusions: ATC demonstrated effective hemostatic performance similar to FLOSEAL® in two in vivo models, with faster hemostasis in the rat liver model. It also showed excellent safety and biocompatibility, indicating its potential for surgical and emergency bleeding control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum polyphenols, as a natural active ingredient, have many potential health benefits. Through microcapsule embedding technology, the stability and efficacy of sorghum polyphenols can be improved. The study targets sorghum polyphenols as the active ingredient, uses sodium alginate solution to prepare sorghum polyphenol microcapsules, and conducts single factor orthogonal experiments, thermogravimetric analysis, and determination of sorghum polyphenol release rate. Through single factor investigation and orthogonal test combination, it is found that when the mass fraction of calcium chloride is 2. 5%, the mass fraction of sodium alginate is 2. 25%, the mass fraction of sorghum polyphenols is 0. 3%, the embedding time is 0. 5 h, and the mass fraction of chitosan is 1. 5%, the embedding rate of microcapsules could reach 87. 19%. The results show that polyphenols are the most important factor affecting the embedding rate, followed by chitosan, while sodium alginate, calcium chloride, and embedding time has relatively small effect. The microcapsules prepared under the optimal combination conditions have a tighter embedding structure and good embedding effect. The release time of microcapsules in intestinal fluid is shorter and more efficient than in gastric fluid, with a maximum release rate of 83. 16%. This rapid release can effectively prevent changes in sorghum polyphenols during the release process in the body and improve the utilization rate of active substances by the human body. The microencapsulation of sorghum polyphenols can provide scientific basis for the deep processing and subsequent property research of sorghum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinnia elegans L. is a cut flower, to improve the growth parameters of this flower salicylic acid (SA) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) can act as growth stimulants. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of pre-harvest SA and CaCl2 treatments in extending the vase life, quality and quantity of cut Zinnia flowers. Therefore, completely randomized design was made with SA at the rate of 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L and CaCl2 at the rate of 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L with 3 replicates in each treatment. Changes in growth morphology (such as shoot length, root length, dry weigh of root and plant, fresh weight of root and plant, total number of flowers and total number of flower cluster per plant), Physiology (chlorophyll content, PPO activity and protein) and phosphorous and potassium concentration were checked. The research study led to following conclusions that the foliar application of calcium chloride @ 1.5 mg/L + salicylic acid @ 0.5 mg/L resulted in highest growth parameters of Zinnia. The quality parameters like chlorophyll, total protein, phosphorous and catalase content also showed maximum value during the course of the study. It can be concluded in nutshell that calcium chloride in combination with salicylic acid results in better growth and quality of zinnia under the agro-climatic conditions of Lahore. These results suggest that SA and CaCl2 could be used as potential growth promoters to improve quantity and quality of Zinnia elegans L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed wound healing increases the wound's vulnerability to possible infections, which may have lethal outcomes. The treatments available can be effective, but the urgency is not fully encompassed. The drug repositioning strategy proposes effective alternatives for enhancing medical therapies for chronic diseases. Likewise, applying wound dressings as biodegradable membranes is extremely attractive due to their ease of application, therapeutic effectiveness, and feasibility in industrial manufacturing. This article aims to demonstrate the pleiotropic effects during insulin repositioning in wound closure by employing a biopolymeric membrane-type formulation with insulin. We prepared biopolymeric membranes with sodium alginate cross-linked with calcium chloride, supported in a mixture of xanthan gum and guar gum, and plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol. Human insulin was combined with poloxamer 188 as a protein stabilizing agent. Our investigation encompassed physicochemical and mechanical characterization, antioxidant and biological activity through antibacterial tests, cell viability assessments, and scratch assays as an in vitro and in vivo wound model. We demonstrated that our biopolymeric insulin membranes exhibited adequate manipulation and suitable mechanical resistance, transparency, high swelling capability (1100%), and 30% antioxidant activity. Furthermore, they exhibited antibacterial activity (growth inhibition of S. aureus at 85% and P. aeruginosa at 75%, respectively), and insulin promoted wound closure in vitro with a 5.5-fold increase and 72% closure at 24 h. Also, insulin promoted in vivo wound closure with a 3.2-fold increase and 92% closure at 10 days compared with the groups without insulin, and this is the first report that demonstrates this therapeutic effect with two administrations of 0.7 IU. In conclusion, we developed a multifunctional insulin-loaded biopolymeric membrane in this study, with the main activity derived from insulin's role in wound closure and antioxidant activity, augmented by the antimicrobial effect attributed to the polymer poloxamer 188. The synergistic combination of excipients enhances its usefulness and highlights our innovation as a promising material in wound healing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complement mediated interference with the detection of antibodies targeting HLA is a known limitation of the single antigen bead (SAB) Luminex assay. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is currently the serum treatment of choice in most histocompatibility laboratories to block complement activation by chelating calcium. The purpose of this study was to investigate a serum with an antibody reactivity to HLA‐DQ6, 7, 8 and 9 molecules, in the Luminex SAB assay, that was inhibited by treatment with EDTA. Serum was from a 55‐year‐old highly sensitised female renal transplant candidate that contained, among others, antibodies to an epitope containing the 74EL eplet, shared by HLA‐DQ6, DQ7, DQ8 and DQ9 molecules. Serum samples were treated with EDTA, dithiothreitol (DTT), or heat prior to testing by SAB assay. EDTA‐treated serum was also tested after the addition of calcium chloride (CaCl2). HLA‐DQ‐specific antibodies were isolated by adsorption/elution method using three informative donor cells and were tested in the absence or presence of EDTA. The antibody reactivity against HLA‐DQ6, DQ7, DQ8 and DQ9 in the SAB assay was significantly inhibited by treating serum and eluates with EDTA and was restored by addition of CaCl2. The study represents the first description of a calcium‐dependent epitope in HLA molecules. The relevance of this finding is that the treatment of sera with EDTA could lead to false‐negative reactions in the SAB assay, which may compromise virtual crossmatching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studied the micropropagation of fegra fig (F. palmata Forssk.) during which we experienced the incidence of shoot-tip necrosis (STN). STN was evident during the shoot elongation stage, which was regenerated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine. To alleviate SNT, we conducted a series of experiments and supplemented the medium with calcium chloride (40, 80, and 120 mg/L), ascorbic acid (50, 100, and 150 mg/L), silver nitrate (1, 2, and 3 mg/L), and boric acid (9.3, 12.4, and 15.5 mg/L). Results showed that all the treatments controlled STN at varying levels, and supplementation of medium with 3 mg/L silver nitrate reduced the incidence of STN from 80% to 24%. The regenerated shoots were rooted on the same medium with incubation of cultures in the dark for 3 weeks and subsequent 4 weeks of incubation under 16/8-hour light/dark photoperiod. The growth parameters (number of shoots and roots, length of the main shoot and root, fresh and dry weights), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), and relative water content of plantlets were restored with the application of 3 mg/L silver nitrate to the medium. Incubation of cultures initially in the dark followed by 16/8-hour light incubation facilitated axillary shoot elongation. On the basis of our findings, it is recommended to culture the regenerated axillary shoots of fegra fig onto MS medium containing 3% sucrose, 1.5 mg/L activated charcoal, and 3 mg/L silver nitrate to manage STN effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potatoes are regarded very prone to chloride toxicity, and the application of sulfate‐based potassium fertilizers is therefore recommended. However, in several studies, no significant differences between KCl and K2SO4 on tuber yield and starch concentration were found. In addition, plant shoots occasionally showed more pronounced stress symptoms after sulfate compared to chloride treatment. Aims: This study aimed to identify reasons for enhanced stress occurrence of potato plants after K2SO4 instead of KCl fertilization. Methods: We conducted a pot experiment with the potato cultivar Marabel, which showed to be chloride‐resistant in our previous study, and applied 1 g K or 2 g K either as K2SO4 or KCl. Plant shoots were analyzed for nutrients, sugars, and antioxidative capacity shortly before start of flowering (intermediate harvest), and tubers were harvested at physiological maturity and their starch concentration and yield were determined. Results: With sulfate‐based K fertilization, the start of flowering and ripening as well as the achievement of physiological maturity occurred earlier than with KCl supply. However, the accelerated development of K2SO4‐treated plants did not affect shoot fresh and dry mass shortly before flowering and at maturity, showing similar values as in the KCl treatment. With 2 g K as K2SO4, the potato plants produced much larger and less than half the number of tubers compared to 2 g K as KCl, resulting in a significantly reduced tuber fresh mass. Tuber starch concentration as well as starch yield per plant were not significantly affected by the kind of K fertilization. In plant shoots shortly before flowering, calcium and magnesium concentrations were significantly decreased, combined with a significant increase in antioxidative capacity after application of 2 g K as K2SO4 compared to KCl. Sugar concentrations and contents in potato shoots at flowering were mostly unaffected by the kind of K fertilizer. Conclusions: Stronger toxicity symptoms and growth inhibition after sulfate compared to chloride application, combined with a significant increase in antioxidative capacity, provide evidence for sulfate‐induced oxidative stress. A higher production of organic anions such as succinate may be involved in the stress reaction. This needs to be investigated in more detail in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are health concerns with regard to the consumption of sodium. Excessive consumption of sodium is suspected to cause high blood pressure, among other things. Therefore, sodium should be reduced or replaced during the production of food. In the present study, in the first part, raw fermented sausages from pork and turkey meat, produced with reduced NaCl concentrations, were investigated. In a second part, the salts, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride were added to the sausages, replacing 50% of NaCl. To elucidate, if the reduction or replacement influences the quality of the sausages, physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the products were analyzed. The data show that a reduction of sodium chloride partly influences the hardness and water activity results of raw fermented sausages, made from pork and turkey meat, the redness and nitrite content of the pork sausages, and the ripening losses and total viable counts of the turkey products. Raw fermented sausages with potassium, magnesium, and calcium as partial substitutes for sodium had differing water activity, pH, hardness, and microbiological results using pork and differing pH, hardness, and microbiological results using turkey meat. A bactericidal effect was observed in raw fermented sausages with calcium chloride in inoculation tests with Listeria monocytogenes due to the pH reduction due to calcium. The results indicate that reduction and replacement of NaCl can influence the final products. Therefore, the producers should carefully evaluate before alteration the NaCl content, if this change influences the product acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of CaO/SiO 2 ratio (basicity) and CaCl 2 addition amount on the properties of CaO–MgO–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 –CaCl 2 glass-ceramics (GC) were investigated. When sintered at 825 °C, the increase in basicity from 0.35 to 0.75 reduced the porosity of GCs from 1.1 to 0.8 vol%, but the increase of CaCl 2 addition amount from 5 to 10 wt% increased the porosity from 0.8 to 7.0 vol%. The main crystalline phase of GC changed from augite (Ca(Mg 0 · 7 Al 0.3) (Si 1 · 7 Al 0.3)O 6) to Ca 10 Al 12 Cl 2 Si 5 O 37 by increasing the CaCl 2 addition amount to 7.5 wt%. The increase in CaCl 2 addition had adverse effects on the bending strength and Vickers hardness, while the rise in basicity deteriorated the bending strength but had little impact on the Vickers hardness. This study may have a guiding significance for preparing slag-based GCs and treating CaCl 2 -containing wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of ultrasound treatment or calcium chloride (CaCl2) addition on the physical properties of jelly formulations. Elastic modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), tan δ, shear modulus, yield stress (τ0), phase angle (δ), and gel strength were the parameters selected to describe the requirements of jelly printing, such as fidelity, shape retention, and extrudability. Ultrasound treatment of the jelly formulation without pectin increased the G' and shear moduli values, while decreasing the δ and gel strength. The addition of CaCl2 to the jelly formulation with pectin increased the G', G", shear modulus, τ0, and gel strength but lowered the tan δ and δ values. Both ultrasound treatment and CaCl2 addition improved the jelly printing requirements and demonstrated the potential to control the physical properties of jelly formulations for 3D printing using fused deposition modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION This study aimed to improve the stability and utilization of sulforaphene (SFE) and to enhance the intestinal stability and pH‐sensitive release of SFE in the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve this objective, calcium chloride (CaCl2) was used as a crosslinking agent to fabricate novel SFE‐loaded gellan gum (GG)‐ε‐polylysine (ε‐PL) pH‐sensitive hydrogel microspheres by using the ionic crosslinking technique.The molecular docking results of GG, ε‐PL, and SFE were good and occurred in the natural state. The loading efficiency (LE) of all samples was above 70%. According to the structural characterization results, GG and ε‐PL successfully embedded SFE in a three‐dimensional network structure through electrostatic interaction. The swelling characteristics and in vitro release results revealed that the microspheres were pH‐sensitive, and SFE was mainly retained inside the hydrogel microsphere in the stomach, and subsequently released in the intestine. The result of cytotoxicity assay showed that the hydrogel microspheres were non‐toxic and had an inhibitory effect on human colon cancer Caco‐2 cells.Thus, the hydrogel microspheres could improve SFE stability and utilization and achieve the intestinal targeted delivery of SFE. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbents are promising materials for applications in atmospheric water harvesting, thermal energy storage, and passive cooling, thereby addressing central challenges related to water scarcity and the global energy transition. Recently, hygroscopic hydrogel composites have emerged as high‐performance sorbents. However, many of these systems are fabricated with unsustainable and costly sorbent materials, which hinders their wide deployment. Here, the synthesis of high‐performance, cost‐efficient polyacrylamide hydrogels loaded with unprecedented amounts of calcium chloride is demonstrated. To this end, the swelling procedure of polyacrylamide hydrogels in aqueous calcium chloride solutions is optimized. The achievable salt loading in the hydrogel is characterized as a function of temperature, calcium chloride concentration in the swelling solution, and the hydrogel preparation conditions. The obtained hydrogel‐salt composites are shown to be stable under repeated sorption‐desorption cycling and enable water uptakes of 0.92 and 2.38 grams of water per gram of dry materials at 30% and 70% relative humidity, respectively. The resulting cost‐performance ratio substantially exceeds lithium chloride‐based systems. Further, the mechanistic insights on hydrogel salt interactions can guide the design of sustainable and low‐cost sorbent materials for future applications in water and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents an extensive comparative analysis of the experimental results of chemical stabilisation of clayey soil in laboratory conditions by comparing the effects of adding conventional stabilisers (lime, cement binder), stabilisers that can be considered as waste material (fly ash, rock flour), as well as alternative chloride-based materials (ferric chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride) on the geomechanical properties of the soil. With the aim of determining the stabiliser optimal content in the mixture with the soil, in the first part of the research, the effects of stabilisation of clayey soil of medium plasticity using the considered stabilisers with different percentage share on the change in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and pH value of the soil at different time intervals after the treatment were analysed. In the second part of the research, additional tests were conducted on soil samples with optimal content for each of the considered stabilisers by monitoring changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. These include Atterberg's limits (liquid limit and plasticity limit), modulus of compressibility in the oedometer, California bearing ratio (CBR), and swelling potential at different time intervals after the chemical treatment to determine the durability of stabilisation effects. The results of the conducted research reveal that each of the conventional, waste, and alternative materials considered as chemical stabilisers contributes to the improvement of the geomechanical properties of the clayey soil, primarily in terms of increasing the bearing capacity and reducing the swelling of the treated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved electroosmotic method is proposed in this paper to enhance the non-uniform effect and efficiency of electroosmotic process. Such method is electroosmotic flow with injection of calcium chloride through the anode, followed by injection through the central tube (a tube at the midpoint between the anode and the cathode) with a suitable time interval between injections. Experimental results indicate that using this method can significantly improve the non-uniform reduction in water content throughout the soil, mitigate the formation of cracks in the anode section, and therefore considerably inhibit the increase in the electric resistance. After treatment, the drained water could be raised to 3.59 times more than that of pure electroosmotic flow, and 1.3 times that of simultaneous injection through both the anode and the central tube with considerably slight increase in power consumption. Moreover, the area of cementation was also expanded, approximately twice larger than that of pure electroosmotic flow and one and a half that of simultaneous injection. It is also worth noting that the proposed method performs better with the same power consumption. The results demonstrate that electroosmotic flow with a suitable time interval between injections could improve the efficiency of electroosmotic process and expand the treatment region in soils, hence can be a promising and economic technique for soil improvement in practical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrogel is a three-dimensional structural body with a polymer network that effectively absorbs and stabilizes a wide range of small molecules and ions, thereby reducing the precipitation of metal ions from the matrix. In this study, we successfully prepared a hydrogel named N-GQDs/CuS/Cv-CNNs-70-2 (abbreviated as NCCH-X) by employing the chemical cross-linking method of sodium alginate and calcium chloride and conducted an in-depth study on the morphological and optoelectronic properties of the hydrogel with different photocatalyst contents, as well as on its effectiveness at removing hexavalent chromium Cr(VI). The study's findings indicated that the composite photocatalyst exhibited high treatment efficiency for chromium-containing wastewater when the photocatalyst content was NCCH-10. The hydrogel achieved a high removal rate of 96.37% with a Cr(VI) concentration of 100 mg L−1 under visible light irradiation for 60 min. Moreover, the unique hydrogel structure effectively avoids the precipitation of excessive Cu2+, which reduces the possibility of the lethal risk of copper to organisms in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn strawberry cultivation, a variety of factors influence production and fruit quality. Yield is the most crucial component in fruit production. Chemical fertilizers are typically used to boost yields, however because of their high production costs, negative effects on the environment and human health, organic fertilizers or natural amendments are being utilized instead of chemical fertilizers. The primary goals of substituting chemical fertilizers with bioorganic formulations made from natural sources for fruit production are to lower costs of production and maintain fruit production sustainability. Therefore, to study the impact of these bioorganic formulations the current investigations were conducted in open field conditions under sub humid mid hills conditions of Himachal Pradesh with 12 treatment combinations and three replicate plots. The tested plants were given various combinations of bioorganic formulations [Jeevamrit (JE) and Ghanjeevamrit (GHA)] as a source of nutrients. When compared to conventional practices, statistically significant improvements were discovered in the parameters of yield and nutrient content in the soil and plant. Significant higher yield (21.13 tonnes/ha), soil nutrients and total microbial content was recorded in T4. The results of this study provide support to the recommendation that bioorganic formulations, such as the tested ones, be used on their own or in combination as a substitute for chemical fertilizers in plant nutrition for the production of strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uveal melanoma (UM) represents a rare tumor of the uveal tract and is associated with a poor prognosis due to the high risk of metastasis. Despite advances in the treatment of UM, the mortality rate remains high, dictating an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. The current study introduces the first in vivo analysis of the therapeutic potential of calcium electroporation (CaEP) compared with electrochemotherapy (ECT) with bleomycin in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model based on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The experiments were conducted as monotherapy with either 5 or 10 mM calcium chloride or 1 or 2.5 µg/mL bleomycin in combination with EP or EP alone. CaEP and ECT induced a similar reduction in proliferative activity, neovascularization, and melanocytic expansion. A dose-dependent effect of CaEP triggered a significant induction of necrosis, whereas ECT application of 1 µg/mL bleomycin resulted in a significantly increased apoptotic response compared with untreated tumor grafts. Our results outline the prospective use of CaEP and ECT with bleomycin as an adjuvant treatment of UM, facilitating adequate local tumor control and potentially an improvement in metastatic and overall survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bio-based chemical gel was proposed for removing glue from wooden artifacts. • Calcium alginate and GPTMS silane construct a chemical and water-retentive network. • The chemical network of CA-GPTMS allowed for no gel residues after application. • CA-GPTMS gel showed comparable removal ability than agar but more water-retention. Aged animal glues degrade and weaken over time, resulting in flakes and cracks on the material employed by wooden manufacturers and luthiers. Because of this deterioration, conservators and restorers remove aged water-soluble glues with a water swab, smoothing enough to clean them mechanically and putting on new reversible glues. However, it raises the question of whether a water swab can control moisture delivery while removing glue from wood, a hygroscopic and water-sensitive material. This study formulated a chemically crosslinked film-forming hydrogel based on sodium alginate (SA) with (3-Glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and calcium chloride, named as CA-GPTMS to construct a retentive gel. Synthesized gel materials were characterized using several methods: liquid state NMR, FTIR-ATR, and SEM-EDS analyses were involved in examining the cross-linking process, while moisture and mechanical properties were examined to understand its suitability for the cleaning application process. The strategies for applying the CA-GPTMS gel on wood surface were to selectively soften the glue and to remove it as well as leave no residues on the wood surface. The cleaning process was investigated by using different techniques, i.e., stereomicroscopy, reflection-FTIR, and SEM-EDS. Compared to traditional rigid Agar gel, the CA-GPTMS gel appeared successfully resistant to destruction and was suitable for application on highly water-sensitive surfaces. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has the potential to have less hazardous impacts on the environment compared with traditional reinforcement technologies. In this paper, the mechanical property and cementing mechanism of MICP-treated mortar (MTM) are studied, and the double-layer rigid soaking mold is invented to prepare high-strength MTM samples. The effects of the cementation solution concentration (CSC), the concentration ratio of urea to calcium chloride (CRUC), aggregate particle size, and soaking time on the mechanical properties of MTM are researched. The results show that the strength of the MTM sample increases first and then decreases with the increase of CSC. The mean UCS of MTM samples reaches the peak of 8.19 MPa when the CSC is 1.5 M. The strength performance of MTM samples is relatively better when the CRUC is 1. For MTM samples with graded particle size, the sample with the particle size of 0.4–0.8 mm has the highest strength of 5.03 MPa. For MTM samples with full particle size, the mean UCS increases from 1.18 to 12.88 MPa with the increase of the maximum particle size from 0.2 to 2 mm. The MTM sample with full particle size has a higher strength when the maximum particle size is larger than 0.8 mm. The strength of MTM samples increases within 9 days over the soaking time and then tends to be stable at the later stage. The calcium carbonate mineral in the MTM sample is mainly calcite and a small amount of vaterite, and the strength of MTM is positively correlated with its CaCO3 content. The CaCO3 content of the sample shows a high surrounding and low middle distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a silver nanocomposite semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogel using sodium alginate-g-polyacrylamide (Ag@Alg-g-PAAm). The silver nanoparticles were synthesized in the presence of sodium alginate and sunlight. The first network was formed thermally with N, N´-Methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker, and the second network was created using calcium chloride for networking of sodium alginate. The resulting Ag@Alg-g-PAAm product was characterized using FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, TEM, and TG analysis. In addition, in vitro drug release studies were conducted for Epirubicin, an anticancer drug, at pHs 5.4 and 7.4 at 37 ˚C. The release of Epirubicin from Ag@Alg-g-PAAm was higher at pH 5.4 compared to pH 7.4. These findings align with the swelling behavior of Ag@Alg-g-PAAm, where greater swelling occurred at pH 5.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultrasound (us) for the determination of main component (NaCl) and main admixtures (CaCl2, MgCl2) of natural brine was investigated. The NaCl content was determined using us of ultrahigh frequency (10 to 25 MHz with the optimum at 20–22 MHz) and of 20 W·cm−2 intensity. The admixture concentrations were determined with the simultaneous application of us of ultrahigh (10–25 MHz) and low (18–23 kHz) frequencies at intensities of 20 and 1.3–1.5 W·cm−2, respectively. This approach reduced the lower determination boundary down to 0.1 g·dm−3, i.e., by a factor of 5. An analytical routine of complex determination of sodium chloride and macroimpurities content in brines of different origin was developed using sonoluminescence spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to construct hydrogel filaments of varying diameters and investigate their behavior over time. Hydrogels were synthesized using different concentrations of sodium alginate and gelatin. The wet spinning technique was employed to produce the hydrogel filaments, utilizing syringes with varying needle sizes and calcium chloride as a crosslinking agent. The filaments were subjected to electromechanical tensile testing to assess their mechanical strength. Additionally, degradation tests were conducted in water to evaluate the porosity of the hydrogel material. The results showed that filaments produced with larger gauge needles exhibited higher electromechanical traction and reduced elongation, while those produced with smaller gauge needles displayed lower resistance to traction but higher stretchability. Storage time did not significantly impact the behavior of the filaments, indicating their durability over time. Moreover, the swelling and degradation tests demonstrated that hydrogels with higher sodium alginate concentrations absorbed liquid faster and degraded more slowly, whereas those with lower gelatin concentrations absorbed liquid more slowly but degraded at a faster rate. In conclusion, the developed hydrogel filaments exhibited varying electromechanical strengths depending on their diameters. Furthermore, they retained their properties over time and their absorption and degradation characteristics were influenced by the composition of the hydrogel material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysms are clinical entities that can develop and affect human aorta; and although in most cases they have an asymptomatic course, these pathological dilatations can lead to a lethal outcome when rupture occurs, thus the establishment of predictors is crucial for death prevention. Essential events that take place in the vessel wall have been identified and described, such as inflammation, proteolysis, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. Porcine and ovine models have been useful for the development and evaluation of endovascular devices of the aorta. However, since the worldwide introduction and adoption of these minimally invasive techniques for aneurysm repair, there is lesser availability of diseased aortic tissue for molecular, cellular, and histopathological analysis, therefore over the last three decades it has been proposed various small species models that have allowed the focal induction of these lesions for the study of physiopathological mechanisms and possible useful biomarkers as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. The present review article presents and discusses the animal models available as their applications, characteristics, advantages, and limitations for the development of preclinical studies, and their importance in the comprehension of this pathology in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to synthesize dual‐crosslinked chitosan‐alginate nanocomposites (Cs‐Alg/IO NCs) using green‐synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IO, Fe3O4 NPs) for drug delivery application. The NCs, formed via ionotropic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) as crosslinking agents for Cs and Alg, respectively, and further characterized for physiochemical properties. The presence of Fe3O4 NPs and 5‐Fluorouracil (5FU) increased hydrodynamic size (153.12 ± 0.57 to 207.64 ± 3.59 nm). Morphological studies revealed NC agglomeration within nanoscales. 5FU‐loaded Cs‐Alg/IO NCs (Cs‐Alg/IO 5FU NCs) exhibited superparamagnetic behavior and sustained drug release under various pH conditions. Cytotoxicity assays on colon cancer cells (HCT116 and HT‐29) and normal colon cells (CCD‐112) indicated higher cancer cell selectivity (selectivity index, SI = 1.91) in 2D models. Elevated IC50 values in 3D models were linked to lower drug loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Overall, the study highlights the potential of dual‐crosslinked biopolymer NCs with green‐synthesized Fe3O4 NPs for developing an anticancer drug delivery system in colorectal cancer treatment. Highlights: Synthesis of 5FU‐loaded dual crosslinked Cs‐Alg/IO NCs and Cs‐Alg IPN.Physicochemical characterization of cross‐linked magnetic nanocarriers.Investigation of sustained drug release using superparamagnetic nanocarriers.Evaluation of selective cytotoxicity for Cs‐Alg/IO 5FU NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca2+), a second messenger, plays a crucial role in plant growth and development as well as in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this work, we explored the role of exogenous calcium in alleviating cold stress and examined the relationship between calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium channel blockers, lanthanum chloride (LaCl3), in tea plants under cold stress at the physiological and transcriptional levels. Exogenous Ca2+ partially offsets the negative impacts of cold stress which increased the tolerance of tea plants by significantly raising the photochemical efficiency of PSII, protective enzyme activities, and the ABA content, which reduced the relative electrical conductivity (REC) level and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. At the transcriptome level, exogenous Ca2+ significantly enhanced the expression of key genes involved in cold response pathways. Nevertheless, LaCl3 treatment not only significantly inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), but also increased cold damage. This study aims to provide essential insight into the role of exogenous Ca2+ in tea plants responding to cold stress, and to better understand the molecular mechanisms that facilitate Ca-mediated cold tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Dalian Polytechnic University is the property of Journal of Dalian Polytechnic University Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The pozzolanic reaction of fly ashes with calcium-based additives can be effectively used to solidify and chemically stabilize (S&S process) highly concentrated brines inside a cementitious matrix. However, complex interactions between the fly ash, the additive, and the brine typically affect the phases formed at equilibrium, and the resulting solid capacity to successfully encapsulate the brine and its contaminants. Here, the performances of two types of fly ash (a Class C and Class F fly ash) are assessed when combined with different additives (two types of cement, or lime with and without NaAlO2), and two types of brine (NaCl or CaCl2) over a range of concentrations (0 ≤ [Cl-] ≤ 2 M). The best performing matrices - i.e., the matrices with the highest Cl-containing phases content - were identified using XRD and TGA. The experimental results were then combined with thermodynamic modeling to dissociate the contribution of the fly ash from that of the additives. All results were implemented in a machine learning model that showed good accuracy at predicting the fly ash degree of reaction, allowing for the robust prediction of extended systems performance when combined with thermodynamic modeling.

Abstract An improved electroosmotic method is proposed in this paper to enhance the non-uniform effect and efficiency of electroosmotic process. Such method is electroosmotic flow with injection of calcium chloride through the anode, followed by injection through the central tube (a tube at the midpoint between the anode and the cathode) with a suitable time interval between injections. Experimental results indicate that using this method can significantly improve the non-uniform reduction in water content throughout the soil, mitigate the formation of cracks in the anode section, and therefore considerably inhibit the increase in the electric resistance. After treatment, the drained water could be raised to 3.59 times more than that of pure electroosmotic flow, and 1.3 times that of simultaneous injection through both the anode and the central tube with considerably slight increase in power consumption. Moreover, the area of cementation was also expanded, approximately twice larger than that of pure electroosmotic flow and one and a half that of simultaneous injection. It is also worth noting that the proposed method performs better with the same power consumption. The results demonstrate that electroosmotic flow with a suitable time interval between injections could improve the efficiency of electroosmotic process and expand the treatment region in soils, hence can be a promising and economic technique for soil improvement in practical engineering.

• The red color of the dragon fruit pulp and peel is due to the accumulation of betacyanins. • The betacyanin accumulated calli were encapsulated using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. • The synseeds were cold stored for 6 months at 4.0 °C temperature. • The synseeds were germinated and calli formed on nutrient media. • The betacyanin-loaded synseeds could be stored, transported, and directly used as inoculum for cell cultures to produce betacyanin. The red color of dragon fruit pulp and peel is due to the accumulation of betacyanins. In the present study, callus cultures were established using in vitro germinated seedlings of the white dragon fruit plant (Selenicereus undatus). Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 2.0 mg/L was used to induce red-colored friable callus (92.0 % response). The betacyanin accumulated calli were harvested and encapsulated using sodium alginate (NaC 6 H 7 O 6) and calcium chloride (CaCl 2). These synseeds were cold stored for 6 months at 4.0 °C temperature. The stored synseeds were germinated on 2.0 mg/L BAP in the medium. The highest germination rate (88 %) of synseeds was achieved with 3 % sodium alginate polymerized with 75 mM calcium chloride, resulting in firm, uniform, and round synseeds. The betacyanin-loaded synseeds could be stored, transported, and directly used as inoculums for the extensive proliferation of calli and cell cultures for the commercial production of betacyanin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to screen for meat tenderization treatment methods targeting a large number of eliminated laying hens in poultry farms, the ultrasound combined with calcium chloride and biological enzyme methods were used to tenderize chicken breast meat. The shear force was chosen as the key indicator, and the optimal ultrasound parameters were selected. The texture, water retention, protein distribution, total thiol and amino acid contents as well as the microstructure changes were mainly analyzed. Results showed that the optimal ultrasound parameters were ultrasound of 240 W, frequency of 22 kHz, water bath temperature of 35 ℃, and treatment time of 10 minutes. Compared to the untreated group, the shear force of chicken breast meat significantly decreased (P

AbstractThe present article reviews the uses of the biopolymer chitosan (CH) and its derivatives as versatile biomaterials for potential drug delivery systems, as well as for tissue engineering applications, analgesia and treatment of arthritis. CH and its derivatives, as natural antimicrobial agents, can be applied in biomedical, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical applications. Its antimicrobial activity depends on many factors, such as its molecular size, source, associated components, concentration and type of microorganism. In addition, in our research described here, we prepared and characterized the dynamic viscosity and the rheological properties of a biopolymer material based on CH/CaCl2 in solution. The dynamic viscosity and shear stress were measured under the influence of an increasing CH concentration of 1 to 10 g/l and an increasing temperature of 288.15 to 318.15 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride attack severely impacts the performance of reinforced concrete. The total and free chloride ion concentration (CIC) of self-compacting concrete (SCC) prepared with three supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) – fly ash (FA), blast furnace slag (BS) and silica fume (SF) – were measured by accelerated salt immersion tests. The apparent chloride diffusion coefficient (CDC) at any exposure time and erosion depth were calculated using the Boltzmann–Matano method. The influence of the type and content of SCM, the water–binder ratio (W/B) and the type of salt solution on CIC and CDC were investigated. Both the introduction of SCM and the reduction of W/B effectively reduced the CIC. The SCM that most effectively reduced CIC was SF, followed by BS and then FA. Free CIC was reduced to a greater degree than total CIC in FA and BS concrete, but the opposite was true for SF concrete. The presence of calcium chloride in salt solution increased total CIC while reducing free CIC. Apparent free CDC dropped over exposure time and initially increased with erosion depth but eventually stabilised. A model of apparent free CDC considering time–depth dependency was created, which shows that time reduction factors of CDC is greater in SCC containing SCM than in control SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels with an addition of graphene oxide (GO) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) crosslinked by calcium chloride solution were investigated as potential materials for osteochondral tissue regeneration. The influence of various ratios of the nanoadditives in the natural derived polymer matrix on the thermal, physiochemical and biological properties was studied. Two thermal characterization methods (DSC and TGA) were employed to examine the thermal properties of the materials and provide information regarding the different types of water within the hydrogel structure. These parameters are crucial for the assessing and understanding of the adsorption/desorption processes in hydrogels and also impact their biocompatibility. The effect of GO and HAp addition on thermal characteristics of alginate hydrogel is reported, as well as the nanoadditives polymer chains interaction, as evidenced by FTIR results. The compression test confirmed that the nanoadditives, uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix, improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogels, but only up to a certain content of additives. The composite hydrogels exhibited a very low friction coefficient. Both GO and HAp also enhanced chemical stability of alginate hydrogels under in vitro conditions. Biological assays demonstrated that most of the tested hydrogel extracts were not cytotoxic to hUC-MSCs, but they can affect the proliferation rate of the cells. Developed materials may present an intriguing alternative for osteochondral tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purification treatment is needed to control the concentration of SO42+ and Ca2+ in brine to solve the problem of low electrolysis efficiency for the electrolysis of KCl solution in the chlor-alkali industry. However, the traditional barium method to remove SO42+ faces the problem of high cost and environmental pollution. Herein, inexpensive and environmentally friendly anhydrous calcium chloride was used as the precipitant to replace barium chloride. The conditions for SO42+ removal at room temperature were optimized by studying the precipitant doping ratio, reaction time, and stirring speed. The results indicated that the concentration of SO42+ in brine could be reduced to less than 5 g L-1 at a raw material ratio of nCa2+ to nSO42+ of 1.1: 1, a stirring speed of 300 rpm, and a reaction time of 120 min. Ca2+ in the solution could be removed by introducing carbon dioxide, and the removal rate of Ca2+could reach 99.89% by adjusting the pH of the solution to an appropriate value. This work paves a new way for efficient brine refining to boost sustainable development in the chloralkali industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term horticultural experiment was conducted at two geographically distinct sites in southern Missouri in 2011-15 to study the response of American elderberry [Sambucus nigra (L.) subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli] to various soil nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels. Three commercially available elderberry cultivars ('Adams II', 'Bob Gordon', and 'Wyldewood') were used. The three cultivars were each assigned to 16 of 48 four-plant plots in a completely randomized manner at each site. Four replications of four N fertilizer treatments (0, 56, 112, 169 kg-ha21 N) were randomly assigned to each cultivar's plots and applied for 4 years (2012-15). Fruit yields, plant growth, phenology, and pest incidence were determined each year. Fruit quality was assessed by analyzing basic juice characteristics as well as organic acids, carbohydrates, anthocyanins, and polyphenols from 2012-14 samples. Leaf tissue analysis determined the plants' mineral contents in 2012-14. Most factors evaluated were significantly affected by site, year, and cultivar, whereas the effects of N fertilizer treatment were less definitive. Fruit yields and plant growth increased with increasing N levels. For example, plants fertilized with 0, 56, 112, and 169 kg-ha21 N produced 123, 137, 155, and 161 fruiting cymes per plot (5.8 m2), respectively. The eriophyid mite incidence was higher on fertilized plants, but other pests were not influenced by the N treatment. Basic fruit juice characteristics (soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, polyphenols) were not influenced by the N treatment, whereas total anthocyanins were statistically higher in unfertilized plants. Levels of organic acids and carbohydrates in juice varied statistically among N treatments, but patterns were difficult to discern. Leaf N concentrations were correlated with N fertilizer levels--2.75% N with the highest fertilizer level compared with 2.55% N in unfertilized plants. Leaf levels of most other macronutrients varied, but consistent patterns did not emerge, and none of the micronutrients was different among N treatments. Although elderberry plants responded positively to increased N fertilizer levels in terms of plant growth and fruit yield, genetics (cultivar) and environment (site, year) were more influential on most other experimental factors evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) management is a key component to maintaining high productivity of northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and nitrogen is often supplied by applying ammonium-based fertilizers. It can also be supplied through mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM), although the amount released by SOM is difficult to predict and not always considered in the development and implementation of N fertility programs. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to estimate the timing and magnitude of net N mineralization from SOM throughout the growing season, identify soil properties that can be measured commercially and used to predict net N mineralization across a range of SOM, and determine whether N requirements for maximizing yield and fruit quality of blueberry vary across soils with different amounts of SOM. The laboratory experiment was conducted for 6 months using soil samples collected from 10 representative commercial blueberry fields in northwest Washington. The soils contained 2% to 42% soil organic carbon (SOC). The mean net N mineralization rates were fastest during the first 3 to 4 months of incubation, corresponding to the period during which N uptake reaches its maximum in blueberry. Results indicated that the soil total N may be a useful predictor of the N supply from SOM (6.34 ± 1.13 kg-ha21 increase in net N mineralization with each 0.1% increase in total N), but there was substantial variability in the N supply that could not by explained by the total N (P < 0.001; r2 5 0.433). The field experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2021 and included four mature, regionally representative, commercial fields of 'Duke' blueberry. The fields contained 3% to 28% SOC and were each fertilized with low, medium (control), or high N rates, corresponding to 33 to 50, 67 to 84, or 102 to 118 kg-ha21 N per year, respectively. Although soil inorganic N levels suggested that N mineralization was substantial at sites with higher SOM, sites with lower SOM did not require more fertilizer N than those with higher SOM. Under the conditions of this experiment, even the lowest N rates were sufficient to sustain production for at least 3 years at each site. The findings of this study indicate that SOM may be an important contributor to N fertility in managed blueberry systems, and that yield and fruit quality can be maintained across various N fertilizer rates, including at rates <50 kg-ha21 N. However, the long-term impacts of reducing N application rates remain unclear, and future research should monitor long-term changes in plant health and soil fertility associated with reduced N applications across diverse soils and production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lychee tree (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) still needs adequate nutritional management and fertilization recommendations in Brazil. An adequate supply of nutrients for the lychee tree is the main requirement contributing to higher-quality fruit production. This work aimed to evaluate nutrient leaf contents in the phenological stages of the "Bengal" lychee tree. The experiment was conducted with the "Bengal" cultivar in the period corresponding to the years 2019–2022 at the São Manuel Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FCA), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP). The investigation collected leaf samples the plant's four phenological stages. It evaluated the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. The design was completely randomized, conducted in split plots (4 × 3), stage × cycle, with 10 repetitions. The plots represented phenological stages: full flowering (FF), fruit maturity (FM), 40 days after harvest (PC), and vegetative phase (VP). The subplots represented the evaluation cycles: cycle 1 (2019/2020 harvest), cycle 2 (2020/2021 harvest), and cycle 3 (2021/2022 harvest). There were climatic differences between the three evaluation cycles (years); the most significant water deficit was in 2020. There was a difference in nutrient content between production cycles and lychee tree phenological stages. The average contents in the leaves, at the different sampling times, followed the macronutrient order N > K>Mg > Ca > P>S, and Mn > Fe > B>Zn > Cu for the micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this brief report, omitting the step of dissolving sodium alginate with water, directly mixing sodium alginate powder with calcium chloride powder sufficiently, and gelatinizing sodium alginate by the impregnation method improve the characteristics of sodium alginate gel which is in the form of jelly and has poor mechanical properties. In this paper, micron-sized gel particles were prepared by slow impregnation method using mixed powder of sodium alginate and calcium chloride. The preparation method is simple and low-cost, and can be used for the recovery of rare earth ions from aqueous solutions. The SAG-2 gel prepared at a mass ratio of sodium alginate to calcium chloride of 1:1 showed the best adsorption performance; the particle size varies from 50 to 200 µm. The adsorption capacities of SAG-2 for La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), and Nd(III) were 334.1, 349.8, 360.1, and 364.5 mg g−1 at pH = 5. The adsorption equilibrium was reached in 35 min. The kinetic study showed that the adsorption process was chemisorption and the adsorption isotherm was well fitted with the Freundlich model. The adsorption mechanism was explored using FTIR and XPS characterization, indicating that both -OH and -COOH functional groups were involved in adsorption. The desorption of rare earths by different eluents was explored and the recyclability of the adsorbent was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-in-one injection strategy has been developed recently as an efficient method in microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). In this method, engineers try to delay the beginning of precipitation and consequently distribute reagents homogeneously on a soil mass. In this article, a series of experiments have been carried out to modify all-in-one solution strategy and promote its uniformity. Primarily, the concentration of all-in-one solutions was optimized and the result showed that all-in-one solution with a 2 M concentration of urea/calcium chloride was completely consumed. The short columns treated by one-time one-pore volume (PV) injection of 2 M all-in-one solution provided approximately 450 kPa in UCS test. In the second step, magnesium substitution for calcium was investigated to improve the strength and homogeneity of biocementation. This substitution raised the UCS by approximately 70%, and 800 kPa was acquired. XRD analysis confirmed that Mg2+ changes the mineralogy of precipitation from vaterite to aragonite. Hence, the higher strength of columns treated with the magnesium-substituted solutions is attributed to the higher hardness of aragonite crystals than that of vaterite. Finally, the bacterial transport of all-in-one solutions showed that magnesium substitution for 20% of calcium cations, enhances its potential to provide a homogeneous biocement on large-scale projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Treatment of immature necrotic teeth is a problematic situation. Conventional root canal therapy is challenging and leaves a weak, fragile, and undeveloped tooth for lifetime. Purpose: This review was aimed to assess the outcome of available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of platelet concentrates (PC) in dentine-pulp complex regeneration. Materials and Method: In this systematic review, an electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google scholar databases. A further manual search was performed on the list of related articles in order to ensure inclusion of potentially missed articles in earlier electronic search. Those proved RCTs matched with the standard criteria were included following an initial assessment of abstracts and the text independently by the reviewers. Results: From the total 602 harvested articles, only 13 met the criteria and were evaluated with 11 having parallel design and 2 split mouth. Only one study featured low risk of bias, while three had moderate risk and the rest were at high risk of bias. Six studies had used platelet rich plasma (PRP), 4 employed platelet rich fibrin (PRF), one utilized injectable platelet rich fibrin (I-PRF), and three used both PRF and PRP for their experimental groups while blood clot (BC) was used as the control group for all. The success rate was reported at 87.3% judged by the absence of pathologic signs and symptoms. Conclusion: Dentin wall thickening, root lengthening and apex closure were higher in PC groups, however, these differences were not statistically significant in reported studies. It can be concluded that PCs promote the pulp tissue revitalization and continuation of root development. However, a consensus on its potency for true pulp regeneration is yet to be reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]