Unlocking the potential of amorphous calcium carbonate: A star ascending in the realm of biomedical application

Calcium-based biomaterials have been intensively studied in the field of drug delivery owing to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Calcium-based materials can also deliver contrast agents, which can enhance real-time imaging and exert a Ca2+-interfering therapeutic effect. Based on these characteristics, amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), as a brunch of calcium-based biomaterials, has the potential to become a widely used biomaterial. Highly functional ACC can be either discovered in natural organisms or obtained by chemical synthesis However, the standalone presence of ACC is unstable in vivo. Additives are required to be used as stabilizers or core-shell structures formed by permeable layers or lipids with modified molecules constructed to maintain the stability of ACC until the ACC carrier reaches its destination. ACC has high chemical instability and can produce biocompatible products when exposed to an acidic condition in vivo, such as Ca2+ with an immune-regulating ability and CO2 with an imaging-enhancing ability. Owing to these characteristics, ACC has been studied for self-sacrificing templates of carrier construction, targeted delivery of oncology drugs, immunomodulation, tumor imaging, tissue engineering, and calcium supplementation. Emphasis in this paper has been placed on the origin, structural features, and multiple applications of ACC. Meanwhile, ACC faces many challenges in clinical translation, and long-term basic research is required to overcome these challenges. We hope that this study will contribute to future innovative research on ACC.

Determination of dimethyl carbonate in workplace air by solvent desorption-gas chromatography / 中国职业医学

Objective: To establish a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for determination of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in workplace air. Methods: The air samples were collected using activated carbon tubes, desorbed by carbon disulfide, separated by dimethylpolysiloxane capillary columns, and detected by a flame ionization detector. Results: The linear range of DMC was 2.14 to 1.07×104 mg/L, and the correlation coefficient was greater than 0.999. The detection limit was 0.14 mg/L, the lower limit of quantification was 0.47 mg/L, the minimum detection concentration was 0.10 mg/m3, and the minimum quantification concentration was 0.32 mg/m3 (based on 1.5 L workplace air). The average desorption efficiency of the method was 96.2% to 102.0%. Both the within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were 0.9% to 2.3%. The samples could be stored for at least seven days at four celsius degree. Conclusion: This method shows high desorption efficiency, high sensitivity, good precision and is simple in using. It can be used for the determination of DMC in workplace air.

Converting bacteria into autologous tumor vaccine via surface biomineralization of calcium carbonate for enhanced immunotherapy

Autologous cancer vaccine that stimulates tumor-specific immune responses for personalized immunotherapy holds great potential for tumor therapy. However, its efficacy is still suboptimal due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM). Here, we report a new type of bacteria-based autologous cancer vaccine by employing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) biomineralized Salmonella (Sal) as an in-situ cancer vaccine producer and systematical ITM regulator. CaCO3 can be facilely coated on the Sal surface with calcium ionophore A23187 co-loading, and such biomineralization did not affect the bioactivities of the bacteria. Upon intratumoral accumulation, the CaCO3 shell was decomposed at an acidic microenvironment to attenuate tumor acidity, accompanied by the release of Sal and Ca2+/A23187. Specifically, Sal served as a cancer vaccine producer by inducing cancer cells' immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promoting the gap junction formation between tumor cells and dendritic cells (DCs) to promote antigen presentation. Ca2+, on the other hand, was internalized into various types of immune cells with the aid of A23187 and synergized with Sal to systematically regulate the immune system, including DCs maturation, macrophages polarization, and T cells activation. As a result, such bio-vaccine achieved remarkable efficacy against both primary and metastatic tumors by eliciting potent anti-tumor immunity with full biocompatibility. This work demonstrated the potential of bioengineered bacteria as bio-active vaccines for enhanced tumor immunotherapy.

The ion partition detected in homeopathically manufactured medicine cuprum metallicum and controls

Homeopathy is highly controversial. The main reason for this is its use of very highly dilute medicines (high homeopathic potencies, HHP), diluted beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. Research using Nano Tracking Analysis has demonstrated the presence of particles in HHPs. This study aims to verify the results of a previous publication that identified the ionic composition of these particles in all dilutions. We used Scanning Electron Microscopy & Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to examine dilutions of a commonly used homeopathic medicine, an insoluble metal, Cuprum metallicum, for the presence of particles (NPs). The homeopathic medicines tested were specially prepared according to the European pharmacopoeia standards. We compared the homeopathic dilutions/dynamizations of copper with simple dilutions and dynamized lactose controls. We observed an ionic diversity common to all preparations including HHPs but also significant differences in the relative quantity of each ion between manufacturing lines of homeopathic copper and lactose controls. The probability that the observed differences could have occurred chance alone (especially above Avogadro limit) can be rejected at p < 0.001. The essential component of these homeopathic medicines is sodium hydrogen carbonate, modulated by some other elements and by its quantity, size and shape. Homeopathic medicines made of Cuprum metallicum do contain material with a specific ionic composition even in HHPs diluted beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. This specificity can be attributed to the manufacturing process. This material demonstrates that the step-by-step process (dynamized or not) does not match the theoretical expectations of a dilution process. The starting material and dilution/dynamization method influences the nature of these NPs. Further measurements are needed on other raw materials using the same controls (solvent and simply diluted manufacturing lines) to support these findings. The role of sodium bicarbonate must be carefully studied in the future.

The Materiality of Homeopathic Medicines. DynHom Research Program

Homeopathy is controversial because using highly dilute medicines (high homeopathic potencies, HHP) beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. Previous publications [1,2] using NMR relaxation revealed the involvement of nanobubbles and/or nanoparticles and/or nanometric superstructures in high potentizations. Nano Tracking Analyse (NTA) demonstrated the presence of particles in HHPs [3,4]. WithSEM-EDX [5] we observed an ionic diversity common to all preparations including HHPs and significant differences in the relative quantity of each ion between different homeopathic manufacturing lines and controls. FTIR spectroscopy [6] shows that the molecular composition is that of carbonates, primarily sodium bicarbonate.Methods:To observe the materiality of homeopathic medicines a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. In collaboration with several universities,we canobserve these medications with NMR, NTA, SEM-EDX, FTIR, pH,and EPA. Results:The essential component of all already studied homeopathic medicines is sodium hydrogen carbonate modulated by some other elements in a specific quantity, size,and shape. The probability that the observed results could have occurred just by random chance can be rejected(significantlyabove the Avogadro limit) p < 0,001.Conclusions:The homeopathic medicines do contain material with a specific ionic composition even in HHPs diluted beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. This specificity can be attributed to the manufacturing process. These results demonstrate that the step-by-step process (dynamized or not) does not match the theoretical expectations in a dilution process. The starting material and dilution/dynamization method influencethe nature of these NPs. The role of carbonates and sodium bicarbonate must be carefully studied in the future. Its aqueous solution is alkaline in nature but itis an amphoteric compound, which means that the compound has both acidic as well as alkaline character. The reaction with acids results in sodium salts and carbonic acid and the reaction with the basic solution producescarbonates and water. Specific electric fields are indeed detectable.

LA DUREZA TOTAL DEL AGUA AFECTA LA MUDA, CALCIFICACIÓN, CRECIMIENTO Y SUPERVIVENCIA DE Cryphiops caementarius (PALAEMONIDAE) / The total water hardness affects molting, calcification, growth and survival of Cryphiops caementarius (Palaemonidae)

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de diferentes niveles de dureza total del agua en la muda, calcificación del exoesqueleto, crecimiento y supervivencia de Cryphiops caementarius. Los camarones machos fueron colectados del río Pativilca (Lima, Perú) y cultivados en recipientes individuales dentro de acuarios (55 L). Se emplearon cuatro niveles de dureza total del agua (100, 200, 300 y 400 mg CaCO3 L-1), con tres repeticiones, respectivamente. Los camarones cultivados en agua con dureza de 300 mg L-1 tuvieron menor periodo de muda (26,7 días) y mayor frecuencia de mudas (tres mudas). El contenido de calcio del exoesqueleto del camarón incrementó (p < 0,05) de 25 a 31 % en agua con dureza de 100 y 400 mg L-1, respectivamente. El mayor grosor del exoesqueleto (144 -jm en cefalotórax y 131 μm en abdomen) fue obtenido en agua con dureza de 400 mg L-1 y el menor grosor (93 -jm en cefalotórax y abdomen) en 100 mg L-1. El crecimiento en longitud fue mayor (p < 0,05) en agua con durezas de 200 y 300 mg L-1. El crecimiento en peso fue similar (p > 0,05) entre tratamientos. La mayor supervivencia (> 94,4 %) se mantuvo en agua con durezas de hasta 300 mg L-1 y la menor supervivencia (77,8 %) fue con 400 mg L-1. La dureza total del agua de 200 y 300 mg L-1 es conveniente para el cultivo del camarón, pero dureza del agua mayor o menor a este rango afectan la muda, el crecimiento y la supervivencia por deficiencia o exceso de calcio acumulado, respectivamente en el exoesqueleto del camarón.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of different levels of total hardness on the molting, calcification of exoskeleton, growth and survival of Cryphiops caementarius prawn. Male prawns were collected from Pativilca river (Lima, Peru) and cultivated in individual containers inside aquariums (55 L). Four levels of the total hardness of water (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg CaCO3 L-1) were used, with three repetitions, respectively. Prawns cultured in water with hardness of 300 mg L-1 has a shorter molting period (26.7 days) and a higher frequency of molts (three molts). The calcium content of the prawn exoskeleton increased (p < 0.05) from 25 to 31 % in water with hardness of 100 and 400 mg L-1, respectively. The greatest thickness of the exoskeleton (144 -jm cephalothorax and 131 -jm abdomen) was obtained in water with a hardness of400 mg L-1 and the smallest thickness (93 -jm in the cephalothorax and abdomen) in 100 mg L-1. The growth in length was greater (p < 0.05) in water with hardness of 200 and 300 mg L-1. The weight growth was similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. The highest survival (> 94.4 %) was maintained in water with hardness up to 300 mg L-1 and the lowest survival (77.8 %) was at 400 mg L-1. The total hardness of 200 and 300 mg L-1 is suitable for prawn farming, but hardness high or lower than this range affects the molting, growth and survival due to deficiency or excess of accumulated calcium, respectively, in the prawn exoskeleton.

Efficacy of quetiapine fumarate combined with lithium carbonate in the treatment of bipolar disorder in 30 patients / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of quetiapine fumarate combined with lithium carbonate in the treatment of bipolar disorder and its effect on cognitive function.Methods:Sixty patients with bipolar disorder, who received treatment in Zhuji Fifth People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019, were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either lithium carbonate (control group, n = 30) or quetiapine fumarate combined with lithium carbonate treatment (combined treatment group, n = 30). All patients received 4 weeks of treatment. Manic and depressive symptoms pre- and post-treatment, clinical efficacy, cognitive function, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Fasting venous blood was taken before and 4 weeks after treatment to measure superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels. Results:The scores of the Bech-Rafaelsdn Mania Rating Scale (BRMS) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) in each group were significantly decreased after treatment compared with before treatment ( t = 10.39, 12.47, both P < 0.001). The score of the Mini-Mental State Examination in each group significantly increased after treatment compared with before treatment ( t = 8.36, 14.52, both P < 0.001). The scores of BRMS and HAMD post-treatment were significantly lower in the combined treatment group than in the control group ( t = 5.86, 5.54, both P < 0.001). The score of MMSE post-treatment was significantly higher in the combined treatment group than in the control group ( t = 2.40, P = 0.020). The response rate was significantly higher in the combined treatment group than in the control group ( Z = 2.16, P = 0.030). After treatment, serum MDA level significantly decreased in each group compared with before treatment ( t = 8.72, 15.47, both P < 0.001). After treatment, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels were significantly increased in each group compared with before treatment (SOD: tcontrol group = 2.84, P = 0.006, tcombined treatment group = 4.05, P < 0.001; CAT: tcontrol group = 5.20, P < 0.001, tcombined treatment group = 9.86, P < 0.001; GSH-Px: tcontrol group = 2.67, P = 0.010, tcombined treatment group = 3.71, P = 0.001). Serum MDA level post-treatment was significantly lower in the combined treatment group than in the control group ( t = 12.38, P < 0.001). Serum SOD and CAT levels post-treatment were significantly higher in the combined treatment group than in the control group ( tSOD = 2.24, P = 0.029; tCAT = 2.72, P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the combined treatment and control groups [20.00% (6/30) vs. 16.67% (5/30), χ2 = 1.02, P = 0.907). Conclusion:Quetiapine fumarate combined with lithium carbonate can greatly improve clinical symptoms and cognitive function and reduce the over-activation of oxidative stress in patients with bipolar disorder. The combined therapy is of certain clinical application value.

Magnesium valproate for the treatment of bipolar disorder in 40 patients / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of magnesium valproate versus lithium carbonate in the treatment of bipolar disorder and their effects on serum indexes and quality of life. Methods:80 patients with bipolar disorder treated in the Fifth People's Hospital of Zhuji City from March 2017 to May 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either lithium carbonate (control group, n = 40) or magnesium valproate (treatment group, n = 40) for 3 months. Efficacy,serum indexes, and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results:Total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [95.0% (38/40) vs. 75.0% (30/40), χ2 = 6.28, P = 0.012]. There were no significant differences in tumor necrosis factor-α, uric acid, total bilirubin, and albumin levels between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-α and uric acid levels in each group were decreased after treatment compared with before treatment (both P < 0.001). Total bilirubin and albumin levels in each group were increased after treatment compared with before treatment (both P < 0.001). Tumor necrosis factor-2 and uric acid levels measured after treatment were (136.5 ± 6.2) ng/L and (307.9 ± 15.2) μmol/L, respectively in the observation group, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(148.9 ± 7.5) ng/L, (335.6 ± 18.9) μmol/L in the control group, t = 12.20, 7.22, both P < 0.001]. Total bilirubin and albumin levels measured after treatment were (11.0 ± 2.3) μmol/L and (45.5 ± 3.6) g/L, respectively in the observation group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(8.4 ± 2.1) μmol/L, (42.8 ± 3.0) g/L, t = 5.28, 3.64, both P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in scores of all dimensions of quality of life between the two groups before treatment (all P > 0.05). Scores of all dimensions of quality of life in each group increased after treatment compared with befor treatment (all P < 0.001). Scores of physical functioning, physical role functioning, bodily pain, vitality, social role functioning, emotional role functioning, and mental health measured after treatment were (75.2 ± 4.4) points, (71.9 ± 4.6) points, (76.2 ± 4.7) points, (71.8 ± 3.9) points, (66.8 ± 4.0) points, (75.9 ± 4.4) points, (70.5 ± 3.9) points, and (69.9 ± 4.0) points respectively in the observation group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(68.0 ± 4.0) points, (65.5 ± 4.3) points, (69.8 ± 4.0) points, (66.5 ± 3.5) points, (61.8 ± 3.5) points, (68.1 ± 4.0) points, (64.1 ± 3.6) points, (63.3 ± 3.9) points, t = 7.66, 6.43, 6.56, 6.40, 5.95, 8.30, 7.63, 7.47, all P < 0.001]. Conclusion:Magnesium valproate for the treatment of bipolar disorder can improve the antioxidant capacity, inhibit immune-inflammatory injury, improve abnormal metabolism, effectively control the symptoms of depression and mania,and improve the quality of life. Magnesium valproate is more effective than lithium carbonate in the treatment of bipolar disease.

Advances of enzymes related to microbial cement / 生物工程学报

Microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) refers to the natural biological process of calcium carbonate precipitation induced by microbial metabolism in its surrounding environment. Based on the principles of MICP, microbial cement has been developed and has received widespread attention in the field of biology, civil engineering, and environment owing to the merits of environmental friendliness and economic competence. Urease and carbonic anhydrase are the key enzymes closely related to microbial cement. This review summarizes the genes, protein structures, regulatory mechanisms, engineering strains and mutual synergistic relationship of these two enzymes. The application of bioinformatics and synthetic biology is expected to develop biocement with a wide range of environmental adaptability and high performance, and will bring the MICP research to a new height.

Hipocalcemia posterior a tiroidectomía total: Análisis de dosis para suplemento rutinario profiláctico / Hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy: Dose analysis for routine prophylactic supplementation

Introducción. La hipocalcemia es la complicación más frecuente de la tiroidectomía. La profilaxis con calcio/calcitriol es una alternativa costo-efectiva, sencilla y expedita para disminuir esta situación, sin alterar la función paratiroidea residual. Lo que no está claro es si hay superioridad de una dosis frente a otra, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el comportamiento entre diferentes esquemas de profilaxis para hipocalcemia. Métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de adultos operados en un hospital de cuarto nivel, entre febrero de 2017 y diciembre de 2020. Se calculó la tasa de síntomas, la hipocalcemia e hipercalcemia bioquímica en el control postquirúrgico durante las siguientes dos semanas. Se hizo análisis bivariado y multivariado entre dosis de calcio/calcitriol, otros factores asociados y los desenlaces mencionados. Resultados. Se incluyeron 967 pacientes. El 10 % presentaron síntomas. No hubo diferencias significativas en el calcio sérico del control posquirúrgico entre los grupos con distintas dosis de calcio. La dosis de carbonato de calcio >3600 mg/día y el calcio en las primeras 24 horas de cirugía se asociaron a la presencia de síntomas. La dosis de calcitriol <1 mcg/día y el bocio aumentaron el riesgo de hipocalcemia bioquímica, mientras que la dosis de 1,5 mcg/día lo disminuyó. Ninguna variable evaluada se asoció a hipercalcemia bioquímica. Conclusiones. Podemos establecer que dosis altas de carbonato de calcio no se asocian con menos hipocalcemia bioquímica, lo cual está a favor de usar dosis intermedias (3600 mg/día). De forma similar, la dosis de calcitriol de 1,5 mcg/día disminuye el riesgo de este desenlace. La identificación de variables que aumentan o disminuyen el riesgo de hipocalcemia posterior a tiroidectomía, como bocio o el nivel de calcio en las primeras 24 horas para este estudio, pueden determinar ajustes individuales en la dosis rutinaria profiláctica de calcio/calcitriol.

Introduction. Hypocalcemia is the most frequent complication of thyroidectomy. Calcium/calcitriol prophylaxis is a cost-effective, simple and expeditious alternative to reduce this situation, without altering residual parathyroid function. It is not clear whether there is superiority of one dose over another, so the objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior between prophylaxis doses for hypocalcemia. Methods. Retrospective cohort study of adults operated in a fourth level hospital, between February 2017 and December 2020. The rate of symptoms, biochemical hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia was calculated in the post-surgical control during the following two weeks. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed between calcium/calcitriol dose, other associated factors, and the mentioned outcomes. Results. Out of the 967 patients included, 10% presented symptoms. There were no significant differences in postoperative control serum calcium between the groups with different doses of calcium. The dose of calcium carbonate > 3600 mg/day and calcium in the first 24 hours of surgery were associated with the presence of symptoms. The dose of calcitriol <1 mcg/day and goiter increased the risk of biochemical hypocalcemia, while the dose of 1.5 mcg / day decreased it. No variable evaluated was associated with biochemical hypercalcemia. Conclusion. We can establish that high doses of calcium are not less associated with biochemical hypocalcemia, which is in favor of intermediate doses (i.e. 3600mg/day). In a similar way, the calcitriol dose of 1.5mcg/day decreases the risk of this outcome. The identification of variables that increase or decrease the risk of this complication (goiter or the 24h serum calcium in this study) can decide settings in the rutinary prophylactic dose of calcium/calcitriol.

Terapia a longo prazo com lítio e o risco de danos renais: revisão integrativa da literatura / Long-term lithium therapy and the risk of kidney damage: integrative literature review

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os potenciais efeitos adversos nos rins associado ao tratamento de longo prazo com lítio em pacientes com transtorno bipolar, a partir de uma revisão integrativa literatura. Os artigos foram identificados nas bases de dados SciELO, Medline (Pubmed) e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), publicados entre 2010 e 2021. Aplicados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, identificaram-se 18 artigos para a análise. Verificou-se que o tratamento com lítio durante um período prolongado está associado à redução da taxa de filtração glomerular, porém, outras variáveis devem ser consideradas como idade e comorbidades associadas. Por outro lado, não foi associado evolução da doença renal crônica em estágio terminal por uso do medicamento. A investigação dos estudos revelou que a droga em doses terapêuticas e com monitoramento laboratorial contínuo não demonstrou toxicidade ou efeitos colaterais severos nos rins sendo a sua descontinuação relacionada com exarcebações do humor. [au]

This study aimed to assess the potential adverse effects on the kidneys associated with long-term lithium treatment in patients with bipolar disorder, based on an integrative literature review. The articles were identified in the SciELO, Medline (Pubmed) and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, published between 2010 and 2021. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 articles were identified for analysis. It was found that treatment with lithium for a prolonged period is associated with a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate, however, other variables must be considered, such as age and associated comorbidities. On the other hand, evolution of end-stage chronic kidney disease due to drug use was not associated. The investigation of the studies revealed that the drug at therapeutic doses and with continuous laboratory monitoring did not show toxicity or severe side effects in the kidneys and its discontinuation was related to mood exacerbations. [au]

Fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth reinforced with different mineral aggregate-based materials

Abstract This study assessed the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth reinforced with calcium aluminate cement (CAC) or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) containing calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3). The microstructural arrangement of the cements and their chemical constitution were also evaluated. Forty-eight canines simulating immature teeth were distributed into 6 groups (n=8): Negative control - no apical plug or root canal filling; CAC - apical plug with CAC; CAC/nano-CaCO3 - apical plug with CAC+5% nano-CaCO3; MTA - apical plug with MTA; MTA/nano-CaCO3 - apical plug with MTA+5% nano-CaCO3; and Positive control - root canal filling with MTA. The fracture resistance was evaluated in a universal testing machine. Samples of the cements were analyzed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to determine their microstructural arrangement. Chemical analysis of the cements was performed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The fracture resistance of CAC/nano-CaCO3 was significantly higher than the negative control (p<0.05). There was no significant difference among the other groups (p>0.05). Both cements had a more regular microstructure with the addition of nano-CaCO3. MTA samples had more calcium available in soluble forms than CAC. The addition of nano-CaCO3 to CAC increased the fracture resistance of teeth in comparison with the non-reinforced teeth. The microstructure of both cements containing nano-CaCO3 was similar, with a more homogeneous distribution of lamellar- and prismatic-shaped crystals. MTA had more calcium available in soluble forms than CAC.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a resistência à fratura de dentes imaturos simulados reforçados com cimento de aluminato de cálcio (CAC) ou trióxido agregado mineral (MTA) contendo nanopartículas de carbonato de cálcio (nano-CaCO3). O arranjo microestrutural dos cimentos e sua constituição química também foram avaliados. Quarenta e oito caninos simulando dentes imaturos foram distribuídos em 6 grupos (n=8): Controle negativo - sem plug apical ou obturação do canal radicular; CAC - plug apical com CAC; CAC/nano-CaCO3 - plug apical com CAC + 5% nano-CaCO3; MTA - plug apical com MTA; MTA/nano-CaCO3 - plug apical com MTA + 5% nano-CaCO3; e Controle positivo - obturação dos canais radiculares com MTA. A resistência à fratura foi avaliada em máquina universal de ensaios. Amostras dos cimentos foram analisadas em Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura (MEV) para determinar seu arranjo microestrutural. A análise química dos cimentos foi realizada por Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva de Raio-X (EDS). A resistência à fratura de CAC/nano-CaCO3 foi significativamente maior do que o controle negativo (p<0,05). Não houve diferença significativa entre os outros grupos (p>0,05). Ambos os cimentos apresentaram microestrutura mais regular com a adição de nano-CaCO3. As amostras de MTA apresentaram mais cálcio disponível em formas solúveis do que CAC. A adição de nano-CaCO3 ao CAC aumentou a resistência à fratura dos dentes em comparação aos dentes não reforçados. A microestrutura de ambos os cimentos contendo nano-CaCO3 foi semelhante, com uma distribuição mais homogênea de cristais de formato lamelar e prismático. MTA apresentou mais cálcio disponível nas formas solúveis do que CAC.

Ex Vivo Analysis of MTA FLOW® Biomineralization and Push-Out Strength: A Pilot Study / Análisis ex vivo del proceso de biomineralización y resistencia al desplazamiento del MTA FLOW®: Estudio piloto

Abstract: This study evaluated the biomineralization processes and push-out strength of MTA Flow® with radicular dentine in three different consistencies. The push-out test was performed on an ex vivo model, using 2mm thick dentin discs from the middle third of the root with standardized cavities of 1.5 mm. Samples were filled with MTA-Angelus (Angelus Dental, Brazil), Biodentine (Septodont, France), MTA Flow® Putty (Ultradent, USA), MTA Flow® Thick or MTA Flow® Thin. The samples were divided into 3 groups: subgroup 1 (n=5), analysis of the biomineralization process; 2 (n=20), evaluation of the bonding strength and push-out resistance; and 3 (n=5), evaluation of the cement/ dentin interface. The samples filled with Biodentine had a higher precipitation of carbonate apatite. However, there was no significant difference between MTA-Angelus, MTA Flow® Putty, or Thick (p=0.0536), but there was a significant difference in the Thin group (P<0.05). The samples with Biodentine displayed the greatest release of calcium ions. The formation of a partially carbonated intermediate apatite layer was observed in all groups. Zones of biomineralization were observed at the interface but were not continuous. After 72 hours, a significant difference was found between the Biodentine and MTA Flow® Thin groups (p=0.0090) in the push-out test. The samples submerged in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 15 days showed a significant difference between all groups and MTA Flow® Thin (p=0.0147). Putty or Thick consistencies presented a similar bonding strength to MTA-Angelus and Biodentine. MTA Flow® Putty and Thick consistencies show a good adaptation to dentin, similar to MTA-Angelus. However, the thickness of the interface was lower compared to that of Biodentine. MTA Flow® Thin, despite their tubular infiltration, results in gaps and a defective peripheral seal.Therefore, MTA Flow®, in Putty or Thick consistencies, presents a biomineralization process and push-out strength similar to MTA Angelus and Biodentine, however, both characteristics decreases considerably in Thin consistency.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar, en un modelo ex vivo, el proceso de biomineralización y fuerza de adhesión del MTA Flow® en sus tres diferentes consistencias por medio de la prueba de resistencia al desplazamiento (Push-out). Se utilizaron discos de dentina de 2mm de espesor del tercio medio radicular con cavidades estandarizadas de 1.5mm de diámetro, las cuales se obturaron con diferentes materiales entre ellos: MTA Angelus (Angelus Dental, Brasil), Biodentine (Septodont, Francia), MTA Flow® Consistencia Putty (Ultradent, E.E.U.U), MTA Flow® Consistencia Thick (Ultradent, E.E.U.U) y MTA Flow® Consistencia Thin (Ultradent, E.E.U.U). Las muestras se sometieron al proceso de biomineralización y a pruebas de Push-out. Las muestras obturadas con Biodentine promovieron una mayor precipitación de apatita carbonatada, sin embargo, no se presentó diferencia estadística significativa con respecto al MTA Angelus, MTA Flow® Putty ni Thick (p=0.0536). No obstante, si presentó una diferencia significativa con respecto al grupo de MTA Flow® consistencia Thin (P<0.05). Las muestras con Biodentine presentaron la mayor liberación de iones calcio. De acuerdo a las pruebas de resistencia al desplazamiento, a las 72 horas post-obturación, solamente se encontró diferencia significativa entre las muestras obturadas con Biodentine y las correspondientes al MTA Flow consistencia Thin (p=0.0090), sin embargo las muestras sumergidas 15 días en PBS presentaron diferencia significativa entre todos los grupos con respecto al MTA Flow Thin (p=0.0147). En general se observaron zonas de biomineralización en la interface, sin embargo, no fueron continuas. Se concluye que el MTA Flow en consistencia Putty o Thick presenta un proceso de biomineralización y una resistencia al desplazamiento similar al MTA Angelus y al Biodentine, sin embargo, esta última disminuye considerablemente en presentación Thin.

Heavy Metal Analysis and Evaluation of Geotechnical Plant System of Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis in Typical Karst Area / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety of heavy metals in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis and its rhizosphere soil and bedrock in epiphytic culture imitated wild rock fissure. The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in carbonate-black limestone-Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis system in the study area were analyzed. Method:Samples of biennial Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis， black calcareous soil and carbonate rocks were collected from fracture-epiphytic culture in karst area of Guizhou province. The contents of Cu， Pb， As， Cd in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis， and Cu， Pb， As， Cd， Cr in soil and bedrock were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. The detection conditions were as follows：plasma power of 1 550 W， feedback power of 2 W， sampling depth of 9 mm， atomization chamber temperature at 2 ℃， analysis mode of full quantitative， and double charge of <1.5%. Hg content in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry， and Hg content in soil and bedrock was determined by mercury analyzer. SPSS 26.0 software was used to analyze the test data. Result:The contents of Cu， Pb， As， Cd and Hg in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis were all within the safety threshold. The contents of Pb， As， Cd， Hg and Cr in black calcareous soil were higher than the corresponding background values of Chinese soil （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， Cd in black calcareous soil was slightly polluted， while Cr， Cu， As， Pb and Hg were clean. The contents of Cu， As， Pb， Cd， Hg and Cr in carbonate rocks were significantly lower than those in black calcareous soil （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The order of heavy metals in black calcareous soil affected by parent rock was Hg>Cd>Cu>As>Cr>Pb. The bioconcentration factor （BCF） of heavy metals in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis was in the order of Cu>Cd>Pb=Hg>As， but the BCFs of these five heavy metals were all low （all <10%）. The contents of Cu， Pb， Cd and Hg in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis increased slightly with the increase of heavy metal content in the rhizosphere soil， while the content of As decreased with the increase of As content in the rhizosphere soil. In addition to Cu content in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis， the migration characteristics of Pb， As， Cd and Hg in the system of carbonate-black limestone-Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis showed consistency. Conclusion:The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in geotechnical plant system in the study area show obvious inheritance. The characteristics of high content， low activity and low pollution risk of heavy metals in black limestone soil and low BCF are the main factors affecting the safety threshold of five heavy metals in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis.

A four-protein metabolon assembled by a small peptide protein creates the pentacyclic carbonate ring of aldgamycins

Organic carbonates (OCs) are a class of compounds featured by a carbonyl flanked by two alkoxy/aryloxy groups. They exist in either linear or cyclic forms, of which the majority encountered in nature adopt a pentacyclic structure. However, the enzymatic basis for pentacyclic carbonate ring formation remains elusive. Here, we reported that a four-protein metabolon (AlmUII-UV) assembled by a small peptide protein (AlmUV) appends a reactive

Calcium supplementation and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women: a study in South Brazil / Suplementação de cálcio e doença cardiovascular em mulheres na pós-menopausa: um estudo no Sul do Brasil

Objective: To evaluate the link between calcium supplementa- tion and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women (aged 55 years or older). Methods: A standardized questionnaire was employed to collect data about calcium supplements, eart di- sease, and demographic of women attended at Primary Care in the South Region of Brazil. Generalized linear regression models were performed to evaluate the association and adjust for poten- tial confounders. Results: Overall, 1,057 women completed the questionnaire. Information about calcium supplementation was present in 1,035 questionnaires. The mean ± standard deviation of the age of participants was 67.2±7.6 years. The frequency of calcium supplementation was 18.6%. There was no association between heart failure, stroke, and ischemic heart disease and cal- cium supplementation (prevalence ratio; 95% confidence interval of 0.3; -0.9-0.4, -0.2; -0.8-0.4 and -0.5; -1.0-0.02, respectively. Con- clusions: Our study did not find an association of higher risk of cardiovascular disease in women using calcium supplementation at Primary Care in South Brazil.

Objetivo: Avaliar a ligação entre a suplementação de cálcio e doença cardiovascular em mulheres na pós-menopausa (com 55 anos ou mais). Métodos: Um questionário padronizado foi em- pregado para coletar dados sobre suplementos de cálcio, doenças cardíacas e demográficos de mulheres que frequentavam a Aten- ção Primária na Região Sul do Brasil. Modelos de regressão linear generalizada foram realizados para avaliar a associação e ajustar os potenciais fatores de confusão. Resultados: No total, 1.057 mulheres responderam ao questionário. As informações sobre su- plementação de cálcio estavam presentes em 1.035 questionários. A média ± desvio-padrão da idade dos participantes foi de 67,2 ± 7,6 anos. A frequência de suplementação de cálcio foi de 18,6%. Não houve associação entre insuficiência cardíaca, acidente vas- cular cerebral e doença cardíaca isquêmica e suplementação de cálcio (razão de prevalência; intervalo de confiança de 95% de -0,3; -0,9-0,4, -0,2; -0,8-0,4 e -0,5; -1,0-0,02, respectivamente). Con- clusão: Nosso estudo não encontrou associação de maior risco de doença cardiovascular em mulheres em uso de suplementação de cálcio na Atenção Primária no Sul do Brasil.

Experimental Studies to Define the Role of Calcium (Ca2+) and Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Blockers (vCa-CCB) against Neurosteroid Induced Obesity

Introduction:Obesity is closely associated with various types of illness, primarily caused by more calorie intake than body burn. In adipocytes, Calcium (Ca2+) is an important second messenger involved in theregulation of many physiological functions which are essential for survival. In the present research, we have investigated the role of Ca2+ions in obesity by manipulating cytosolic Ca2+ion concentration by selective blocking/advancing the Ca2+ions through the voltage-gated calcium channels. Voltage-gated calcium channel (vCa) plays a key role in regulating intracellular and extracellular Ca2+concentration.Cytoplasmic level of Ca2+was manipulated by supplying calcium carbonateand by using vCa blockers i.e. nifedipine-(N-type-vCa-CCB) and ethosuximide (T-type, vCa-CCB).Methods:Obesity was induced by progesterone in female mice and test drugs were co-administered with progesterone whereas sibutramine was used as standard. The treatment was carried out for 28 days, during and afterthetreatment periodvarious parameters were studied viz food consumption, change in body weight and temperature, the effect on WAT (white adipose tissue, adiposity index, histology of fat pad) and fecal lipid content.Results:Calcium carbonate treated group has shown promising effects in the decrease in body weight by increasing fecal lipid content and lipolysis which was reflected by an increase in body temperature. Ethosuximide also offered significant protection by decreasing the food intake but has not shown any notable effect on fecal fat content, whereas nifedipine has not offered any protection against the obesity induced by neurosteroid.Conclusion:Calcium carbonate has significant anti-obesity activity by including thermogenesis, and increasing fecal lipid content

Comparative analysis of bile components in patients with different types of gallstones / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To study the relationship among bile components and different gallstone types through comparing and analyzing gallbladder bile contents in patients with different types of gallstones.Methods A retrospective study of 542 consecutive patients with gallstones or gallbladder polyps was conducted.The stone composition type and 14 kinds of bile components from these patients were analyzed.The bile parameters consisted of potassium (K +),sodium (Na+),chlorine (Cl-),calcium (Ca2+),bicarbonate (HCO3-),magnesium (Mg2+),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),total bilirubin (TBIL),total bile acid (TBA),cholesterol (CHO),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pH.Finally,the content of these bile components among the different types of stones and gallbladder polyps were compared.According to the composition determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),the gallstone patients were divided into five groups.Results Compared with other groups,the content of K +,GGT,ALP,TBIL,TBA and CHO in the calcium carbonate stone group were lower (P ＜ 0.05),while the levels of C1-,HCO3-and value of PH were higher (P ＜0.05).Furthermore,CHO content in the cholesterol stone group was higher than other groups (P ＜ 0.05)except for the gallbladder polyp group (P ＞ 0.05).In addition,there was no difference in bile contents among the pigment gallstone group,mixed stone group and polyp group (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions In gallstone patients,the bile components of patients with calcium carbonate stones is significantly different.The high cholesterol content in bile is the main feature of cholesterol stone patients,and there is no significant difference in bile composition between patients with pigment stones and mixed stones.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of magnesium aluminate, lansoprazole, amoxicillin and furazolidone in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related gastric ulcer / 中国综合临床

Objective@#To investigate the efficacy and safety of magnesium aluminium carbonate, lansoprazole, amoxicillin and furazolidone in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related gastric ulcer.@*Methods@#From March 2016 to December 2017, 120 patients with HP related gastric ulcer who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the digestive department of Linxi Hospital of Kailuan general hospital.They were divided into observation group and control group with random number table method, 60 cases in each group.The control group was given lansoprazole+ amoxicillin+ furazolidone triple therapy.On this basis, the observation group was added with magnesium aluminum carbonate.The clinical efficacy, clearance rate of Helicobacter pylori, the level of VEGF and EGF in gastric juice were compared between the two groups.@*Results@#The total clinical effective rate of the observation group was 95.0% (57/60), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (83.3%) (50/60). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.23, P<0.05). The comprehensive symptom scores of the two groups decreased significantly with the treatment time (observation group: before treatment(9.6±2.2), treatment 2 weeks (5.5±1.5), treatment 4 weeks (4.3±1.2), treatment 6 weeks (3.1±0.8), control group (9.4±2.5), treatment 2 weeks (7.2±1.3), treatment 4 weeks (6.6±1.4), treatment 6 weeks (4.5±1.0)), and observation group syndrome scores There was significant difference between the two groups (Finter-group=23.54, Pinter-group<0.05; Fintra-group=87.62, Pintra-group<0.05; Finteraction=8.47, Pinteraction<0.05). After treatment, VEGF level in gastric juice of the two groups increased significantly after treatment.In the observation group( (429.4±128.5) pg/ml )was significantly higher than that in the control group( (380.3±137.2) pg/ml, t=2.02, P<0.05). The EGF level in gastric juice of the two groups increased significantly after treatment.In the observation group( (658.1±164.0) pg/ml )was significantly higher than that in the control group ((583.5±135.1) pg/ml, t=2.72, P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 6.7% (4/60) in the observation group and 8.3% (5/60) in the control group.There was no significant difference (χ2=0.12, P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#The treatment of Helicobacter pylori related gastric ulcer with the combination of aluminum carbonate, lansoprazole, amoxicillin and furazolidone can obviously improve the clinical symptoms and promote the regeneration of ulcer mucosa.

Improvement program on pretreatment of acid decalcified tissue in hematoxylin-eosin staining / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the treatment conditions of acid decalcified specimens and improve the poor quality of sections and unclear structure of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining caused by the change in pH in tooth and hard tissue after acid decalcification.@*METHODS@#A total of 20 cases of oral pathological specimens that contain hard tissues were decalcified and treated with routine treatment, concentrated ammonia water immersion treatment, and saturated lithium carbonate solution immersion treatment. The quality and HE staining effects of hard tissue sections treated with different methods were compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared with routine treatment, lithium carbonate saturated solution treatment showed complete sections. Hematoxylin is strongly stained, the nucleus is clear, and the cytoplasm is bright.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Soaking acid decalcified specimens in lithium carbonate saturated solution before embedding in dehydration can neutralize the acidic environment of the tissue. The quality of sections and HE staining effect are improved and are suitable for the pretreatment of acid decalcified tissue samples of oral pathology.