Ginsenoside Rb1 Pretreatment Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia by Reducing Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Ⅱ-Medicated Calcium Release

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 and assess whether these protective effects are related to calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseⅡ(Ca MKⅡ).Methods:A myocardial ischemia(IS)rat.model and a myocardial H9 C2 cell hypoxia model were established.MI was induced by occluding the left anterior descending artery for 120 min.Ginsenoside Rb1(10 mg/kg)was administered 30 min before ischemia induction,and the treatment continued for 7 days.Results:In the rat IS injury model,ginsenoside Rb1 reduced myocardial infarct size,mean left ventricular diastolic pressure,incidence of arrhythmia,and levels of serum creatine kinase,lactate dehydrogenase,and malondialdehyde.However,the mean left ventricular systolic pressure,and maximal rising and falling rates of ventricular pressure(±dp/dtmax)increased.In the myocardial H9 C2 cell hypoxia model,ginsenoside Rb1 reduced intracellular calcium concentrations([Ca2+]i)during hypoxia,and markedly reversed the hypoxia-induced decrease in cell survival.Ginsenoside Rb1 was involved in the downregulation of CaMKⅡand the ryanodine receptor,as well as hypoxia-induced H9 C2 cell survival.Conclusion:The findings of the present study suggest that ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates MI injury in rats,partially through the downregulation of CaMKⅡexpression.

Mediation by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II of suppression of GABA_A receptors by NMDA

Using nystatin-perforated whole-cell recording configuration, the modulatory effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-activated whole-cell currents was investigated in neurons freshly dissociated from the rat sacral dorsal commissural nucleus (SDCN). The results showed that: (i) NMDA suppressed GABA- and muscimol (Mus)-activated currents (IGABA and IMUS), respectively in the Mg2+-free external solution containing 1 μmol/L glycine at a holding potential (VH) of -40 mV in SDCN neurons. The selective NMDA receptor antagonist, D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV, 100 μmol/L), inhibited the NMDA-evoked currents and blocked the NMDA-induced suppression of IGABA; (ii) when the neurons were incubated in a Ca2+-free bath or pre-loaded with a membrane-permeable Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA AM (10 nmol/L), the inhibitory effect of NMDA on IGABA disappeared. Cd2+ (10 μmol/L) or La3+(30 μmol/L), the non-selective blockers of voltage-dependent calcium channels, did not affect the suppression of IGABA by NMDA application; (iii) the suppression of IGABA by NMDA was inhibited by KN-62, a cal-cium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor. These results indicated that the inhibition of GABA response by NMDA is Ca2+-dependent and CaMKII is involved in the process of the Ca2+-dependent inhibition.

NECAB family of neuronal calcium-binding proteins in health and disease

The N-terminal EF-hand calcium-binding proteins 1–3(NECAB1–3) constitute a family of predominantly neuronal proteins characterized by the presence of at least one EF-hand calcium-binding domain and a functionally less well characterized C-terminal antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain. All three family members were initially discovered due to their interactions with other proteins. NECAB1 associates with synaptotagmin-1, a critical neuronal protein involved in membrane trafficking and synaptic vesicle exocytosis. NECAB2 interacts with predominantly striatal G-protein-coupled receptors, while NECAB3 partners with amyloid-β A4 precursor protein-binding family A members 2 and 3, key regulators of amyloid-β production. This demonstrates the capacity of the family for interactions with various classes of proteins. NECAB proteins exhibit distinct subcellular localizations: NECAB1 is found in the nucleus and cytosol, NECAB2 resides in endosomes and the plasma membrane, and NECAB3 is present in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain, an evolutionarily ancient component, is akin to atypical heme oxygenases in prokaryotes but is not wellcharacterized in vertebrates. Prokaryotic antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domains typically form dimers, suggesting that calcium-mediated conformational changes in NECAB proteins may induce antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain dimerization, potentially activating some enzymatic properties. However, the substrate for this enzymatic activity remains uncertain. Alternatively, calcium-mediated conformational changes might influence protein interactions or the subcellular localization of NECAB proteins by controlling the availability of protein–protein interaction domains situated between the EF hands and the antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain. This review summarizes what is known about genomic organization, tissue expression, intracellular localization, interaction partners, and the physiological and pathophysiological role of the NECAB family.

Potassium and calcium channels in different nerve cells act as therapeutic targets in neurological disorders

The central nervous system, information integration center of the body, is mainly composed of neurons and glial cells. The neuron is one of the most basic and important structural and functional units of the central nervous system, with sensory stimulation and excitation conduction functions. Astrocytes and microglia belong to the glial cell family, which is the main source of cytokines and represents the main defense system of the central nervous system. Nerve cells undergo neurotransmission or gliotransmission, which regulates neuronal activity via the ion channels, receptors, or transporters expressed on nerve cell membranes. Ion channels, composed of large transmembrane proteins, play crucial roles in maintaining nerve cell homeostasis. These channels are also important for control of the membrane potential and in the secretion of neurotransmitters. A variety of cellular functions and life activities, including functional regulation of the central nervous system, the generation and conduction of nerve excitation, the occurrence of receptor potential, heart pulsation, smooth muscle peristalsis, skeletal muscle contraction, and hormone secretion, are closely related to ion channels associated with passive transmembrane transport. Two types of ion channels in the central nervous system, potassium channels and calcium channels, are closely related to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Accordingly, various drugs that can affect these ion channels have been explored deeply to provide new directions for the treatment of these neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on the functions of potassium and calcium ion channels in different nerve cells and their involvement in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, autism, and rare disorders. We also describe several clinical drugs that target potassium or calcium channels in nerve cells and could be used to treat these disorders. We concluded that there are few clinical drugs that can improve the pathology these diseases by acting on potassium or calcium ions. Although a few novel ion-channelspecific modulators have been discovered, meaningful therapies have largely not yet been realized. The lack of target-specific drugs, their requirement to cross the blood–brain barrier, and their exact underlying mechanisms all need further attention. This review aims to explain the urgent problems that need research progress and provide comprehensive information aiming to arouse the research community's interest in the development of ion channel-targeting drugs and the identification of new therapeutic targets for that can increase the cure rate of nervous system diseases and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions in other systems.

The calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN-93 protects rat cerebral cortical neurons from N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced injury

In this study, primary cultured cerebral cortical neurons of Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were treated with 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 μM calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN-93 after 50 μM N-methyI-D-aspartic acid-induced injury. Results showed that, compared with N-methyi-D- aspartic acid-induced injury neurons, the activity of cells markedly increased, apoptosis was significantly reduced, leakage of lactate dehydrogenase decreased, and intracellular Ca2＋ concentrations in neurons reduced after KN-93 treatment. The expression of caspase-3, phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and total calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II protein decreased after KN-93 treatment. And the effect was apparent at a dose of 1.0 pM KN-93. Experimental findings suggest that KN-93 can induce a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect, and that the underlying mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of caspase-3 and calmodulin- dependent protein kinase II expression.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulates colon cancer proliferation and migration via ERK1/2 and p38 pathways

AIM To investigate the role of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(Ca MKⅡ) in colon cancer growth,migration and invasion.METHODS Ca MKⅡ expression in colon cancer and paracancerous tissues was evaluated via immunochemistry. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels of Ca MKⅡin tissue samples and MMP2,MMP9 and TIMP-1 expression in the human colon cancer cell line HCT116 were assessed by q RTPCR and western blot. Cell proliferation was detected with the MTT assay. Cancer cell migration and invasion were investigated with the Transwell culture system and woundhealing assay.RESULTS We first demonstrated that CaMK Ⅱ was ove rexpressed in human colon cancers and was associated with cancer differentiation. In the human colon cancer cell line HCT116,the Ca MKII-specific inhibitor KN93,but not its inactive analogue KN92,decreased cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore,KN93 also significantly prohibited HCT116 cell migration and invasion. The specific inhibition of ERK1/2 or p38 decreased the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells.CONCLUSION Our findings highlight Ca MKⅡ as a potential critical mediator in human colon tumor development and metastasis.

Effects of Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase Ⅱ Inhibitor,KN-93,on Electrophysiological Features of Rabbit Hypertrophic Cardiac Myocytes

Cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in clinical settings and the incidence of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias are closely related.The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase(CaMK) Ⅱ inhibitor,KN-93,on L-type calcium current(I Ca,L) and early after-depolarizations(EADs) in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes.A rabbit model of myocardial hypertrophy was constructed through abdominal aortic coarctation(LVH group).The control group(sham group) received a sham operation,in which the abdominal aortic was dissected but not coarcted.Eight weeks later,the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) was evaluated using echocardiography.Individual cardiomyocyte was isolated through collagenase digestion.Action potentials(APs) and I Ca,L were recorded using the perforated patch clamp technique.APs were recorded under current clamp conditions and I Ca,L was recorded under voltage clamp conditions.The incidence of EADs and I ca,L in the hypertrophic cardiomyocytes were observed under the conditions of low potassium(2 mmol/L),low magnesium(0.25 mmol/L) Tyrode’s solution perfusion,and slow frequency(0.25-0.5 Hz) electrical stimulation.The incidence of EADs and I ca,L in the hypertrophic cardiomyocytes were also evaluated after treatment with different concentrations of KN-92(KN-92 group) and KN-93(KN-93 group).Eight weeks later,the model was successfully established.Under the conditions of low potassium,low magnesium Tyrode’s solution perfusion,and slow frequency electrical stimulation,the incidence of EADs was 0/12,11/12,10/12,and 5/12 in sham group,LVH group,KN-92 group(0.5 μmol/L),and KN-93 group(0.5 μmol/L),respectively.When the drug concentration was increased to 1 μmol/L in KN-92 group and KN-93 group,the incidence of EADs was 10/12 and 2/12,respectively.At 0 mV,the current density was 6.7±1.0 and 6.3±0.7 PA·PF-1 in LVH group and sham group,respectively(P>0.05,n=12).When the drug concentration was 0.5 μmol/L in KN-92 and KN-93 groups,the peak I Ca,L at 0 mV was decreased by(9.4±2.8)% and(10.5±3.0)% in the hypertrophic cardiomyocytes of the two groups,respectively(P>0.05,n=12).When the drug concentration was increased to 1 μmol/L,the peak I Ca,L values were lowered by(13.4±3.7)% and(40±4.9)%,respectively(P<0.01,n=12).KN-93,a specific inhibitor of CaMKII,can effectively inhibit the occurrence of EADs in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes partially by suppressing I Ca,L,which may be the main action mechanism of KN-93 antagonizing the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in hypertrophic myocardium.

MicroRNA-219 alleviates glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons by targeting calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ gamma

Septic encephalopathy is a frequent complication of sepsis,but there are few studies examining the role of micro RNAs（mi Rs） in its pathogenesis.In this study,a mi R-219 mimic was transfected into rat hippocampal neurons to model mi R-219 overexpression.A protective effect of mi R-219 was observed for glutamate-induced neurotoxicity of rat hippocampal neurons,and an underlying mechanism involving calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II γ（Ca MKIIγ） was demonstrated.mi R-219 and Ca MKIIγ m RNA expression induced by glutamate in hippocampal neurons was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（q RT-PCR）.After neurons were transfected with mi R-219 mimic,effects on cell viability and apoptosis were measured by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide（MTT） assay and flow cytometry.In addition,a luciferase reporter gene system was used to confirm Ca MKIIγ as a target gene of mi R-219.Western blot assay and rescue experiments were also utilized to detect Ca MKIIγ expression and further verify that mi R-219 in hippocampal neurons exerted its effect through regulation of Ca MKIIγ.MTT assay and q RT-PCR results revealed obvious decreases in cell viability and mi R-219 expression after glutamate stimulation,while Ca MKIIγ m RNA expression was increased.MTT,flow cytometry,and caspase-3 activity assays showed that mi R-219 overexpression could elevate glutamate-induced cell viability,and reduce cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity.Moreover,luciferase Ca MKIIγ-reporter activity was remarkably decreased by co-transfection with mi R-219 mimic,and the results of a rescue experiment showed that Ca MKIIγ overexpression could reverse the biological effects of mi R-219.Collectively,these findings verify that mi R-219 expression was decreased in glutamate-induced neurons,Ca MKIIγ was a target gene of mi R-219,and mi R-219 alleviated glutamate-induced neuronal excitotoxicity by negatively controlling Ca MKIIγ expression.

Tale of two kinases:Protein kinase A and Ca^(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ in pre-diabetic cardiomyopathy

Metabolic syndrome is a pre-diabetic state characterized by several biochemical and physiological alterations,including insulin resistance,visceral fat accumulation,and dyslipidemias,which increase the risk for developing cardiovascular disease.Metabolic syndrome is associated with augmented sympathetic tone,which could account for the etiology of pre-diabetic cardiomyopathy.This review summarizes the current knowledge of the pathophysiological consequences of enhanced and sustainedβ-adrenergic response in pre-diabetes,focusing on cardiac dysfunction reported in diet-induced experimental models of pre-diabetic cardiomyopathy.The research reviewed indicates that both protein kinase A and Ca^(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ play important roles in functional responses mediated byβ1-adrenoceptors;therefore,alterations in the expression or function of these kinases can be deleterious.This review also outlines recent information on the role of protein kinase A and Ca^(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ in abnormal Ca^(2+)handling by cardiomyocytes from diet-induced models of pre-diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Towards carbon neutrality of calcium carbide-based acetylene production with sustainable biomass resources

Acetylene is produced from the reaction between calcium carbide(CaC_(2))and water,while the production of CaC_(2) generates significant amount of carbon dioxide not only because it is an energy-intensive process but also the raw material for CaC_(2) synthesis is from coal.Here,a comprehensive biomass-to-acetylene process was constructed that integrated several units including biomass pyrolysis,oxygen-thermal CaC_(2) fabrication and calcium looping.For comparison,a coal-to-acetylene process was also established by using coal as feedstock.The carbon efficiency,energy efficiency and environmental impacts of the bio-based calcium carbide acetylene(BCCA)and coal-based calcium carbide acetylene(CCCA)processes were systematically analyzed.Moreover,the environmental impacts were further evaluated by applying thermal integration at system level and energy substitution in CaC_(2) furnace.Even though the BCCA process showed lower carbon efficiency and energy efficiency than that of the CCCA process,life cycle assessment demonstrated the BCCA(1.873 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1))a lower carbon footprint process which is 0.366 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1) lower compared to the CCCA process.With sustainable energy(biomass power)substitution in CaC_(2) furnace,an even lower GWP value of 1.377 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1) can be achieved in BCCA process.This work performed a systematic analysis on integrating biomass into industrial acetylene production,and revealed the positive role of biomass as raw material(carbon)and energy supplier.

Elaidic acid leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondria-associated membranes triggers disruption of mitochondrial calcium fluxes

Elaidic acid(EA)stimulation can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),accompanied by a large release of Ca^(2+),and ultimately the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells(KCs).Mitochondrial instability or dysfunction may be the key stimulating factors to activate NLRP3 inflammasome,and sustained Ca^(2+)transfer can result in mitochondrial dysfunction.We focused on KCs to explore the damage to mitochondria by EA.After EA stimulation,cells produced an oxidative stress(OS)response with a significant increase in ROS release.Immunoprecipitation experiments and the addition of inhibitors revealed that the increase in the level of intracellular Ca^(2+)led to Ca^(2+)accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix via mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs).This was accompanied by a significant release of m ROS,loss of MMP and ATP,and a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening,ultimately leading to mitochondrial instability.These findings confirmed the mechanism that EA induced mitochondrial Ca^(2+)imbalance in KCs via MAM,ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.Meanwhile,EA induced OS and the decrease of MMP and ATP in rat liver,and significant lesions were found in liver mitochondria.Swelling of the inner mitochondrial cristae and mitochondrial vacuolization occurred,with a marked increase in lipid droplets.

Calmodulins and calmodulin-like proteins-mediated plant organellar calcium signaling networks under abiotic stress

Plant calmodulins(CaMs)and calmodulin-like proteins(CMLs)mediate Ca~(2+)signaling in response to abiotic stresses.Manipulation of this signaling in crops could increase stress tolerance.We review methods for detecting Ca~(2+)signals,regulatory roles of Ca Ms and CMLs,binding targets,and Ca~(2+)networks under abiotic stress in organelles.

Calcium-fortified fresh milk ameliorates postmenopausal osteoporosis via regulation of bone metabolism and gut microbiota in ovariectomized rats

The aging of the global population has made postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention essential;however,pharmacological treatments are limited.Herein,we evaluate the effect of calcium-fortified fresh milk(FM)in ameliorating postmenopausal osteoporosis in a rat model established using bilateral ovariectomy.After 3 months of FM(containing vitamin D,and casein phosphopeptides,1000 mg Ca/100 g)or control milk(110 mg Ca/100 g milk)supplementation,bone changes were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,microcomputed tomography,and bone biomechanical testing.The results revealed that FM can regulate bone metabolism and gut microbiota composition,which act on bone metabolism through pathways associated with steroid hormone biosynthesis,relaxin signaling,serotonergic synapse,and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis.Furthermore,FM administration significantly increased bone mineral content and density in the lumbar spine and femur,as well as femoral compressive strength,while improving femoral trabecular bone parameters and microarchitecture.Mechanistically,we found that the effects may be due to increased levels of estrogen,bone formation marker osteocalcin,and procollagen typeⅠN-propeptide,and decreased expression of the bone resorption marker C-telopiptide and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b.Overall,the findings suggest that FM is a potential alternative therapeutic option for ameliorating postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Rapid and stable calcium-looping solar thermochemical energy storage via co-doping binary sulfate and Al–Mn–Fe oxides

Solar thermochemical energy storage based on calcium looping(CaL)process is a promising technology for next-generation concentrated solar power(CSP)systems.However,conventional calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))pellets suffer from slow reaction kinetics,poor stability,and low solar absorptance.Here,we successfully realized high power density and highly stable solar thermochemical energy storage/release by synergistically accelerating energy storage/release via binary sulfate and promoting cycle stability,mechanical strength,and solar absorptance via Al–Mn–Fe oxides.The energy storage density of proposed CaCO_(3)pellets is still as high as 1455 kJ kg^(-1)with only a slight decay rate of 4.91%over 100 cycles,which is higher than that of state-of-the-art pellets in the literature,in stark contrast to 69.9%of pure CaCO_(3)pellets over 35 cycles.Compared with pure CaCO_(3),the energy storage power density or decomposition rate is improved by 120%due to lower activation energy and promotion of Ca^(2+)diffusion by binary sulfate.The energy release or carbonation rate rises by 10%because of high O^(2-)transport ability of molten binary sulfate.Benefiting from fast energy storage/release rate and high solar absorptance,thermochemical energy storage efficiency is enhanced by more than 50%under direct solar irradiation.This work paves the way for application of direct solar thermochemical energy storage techniques via achieving fast energy storage/release rate,high energy density,good cyclic stability,and high solar absorptance simultaneously.

Amelioration of mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure through S-sulfhydration of Ca^2＋/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ

OBJECTIVE To determine the functional role of hydrogen sulfide(H_2S) in protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure through the inhibition of Ca^(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseⅡ(Ca MKⅡ) using wild type and CSE knockout mouse models.METHODS Continuous subcutaneous injection isoprenaline(7.5 mg·kg^(-1) per day),once a day for 4 weeks to induce heart failure in male C57BL/6(6-8 weeks old) mice and CSE-/-mice.150 μmol·L^(-1) H_2O_2 was used to induce oxidative stress in H9c2 cells.Echocardiograph was used to detect cardiac parameters.H&E stain and Masson stain was to observation histopathological changes.Western blot was used to detect protein expression and activity.The si RNA was used to silence protein expression.HPLC was used to detect H_2S level.Biotin assay was used to detect the level of S-sulfhydration protein.RESULTS Treatment with S-propyl-L-cysteine(SPRC) or sodium hydrosulfide(Na HS),modulators of blood H_2S levels,attenuated the development of heart failure in animals,reduced lipid peroxidation,and preserved mitochondrial function.The inhibition Ca MKⅡ phosphorylation by SPRC and Na HS as demonstrated using both in vivo and in vitro models corresponded with the cardioprotective effects of these compounds.Interestingly,Ca MKⅡ activity was found to be elevated in CSE-/-mice as compared to wild type animals and the phosphorylation status of Ca MK Ⅱ appeared to relate to the severity of heart failure.Importantly,in wild type mice SPRC was found to promote S-sulfhydration of Ca MKⅡ leading to reduced activity of this protein however,in CSE-/-mice S-sulfhydration was abolished following SPRC treatment.CONCLUSION A novel mechanism depicting a role of S-sulfhydration in the regulation of Ca MKⅡ is presented.SPRC mediated S-sulfhydration of Ca MKⅡ was found to inhibit Ca MKⅡ activity and to preserve cardiovascular homeostasis.

Effect of Fluoride on the Ion-association of Calcium Phosphate and Crystallization of Hydroxyapatite

Using a titration setup to accurately control the reaction conditions and in situ monitor the reaction,we showed that fluoride exhibited negligible effects on the ion association process of calcium and phosphate and the formation of ACP nanospheres in a buffer solution with constant ionic strength.However,the stability of ACP increased with increasing fluoride concentration,which was ascribed to the inhibitory effect of fluoride on the aggregation of ACP nanospheres and the nucleation of nanocrystals on the surface of ACP nanospheres.Furthermore,fluoride could inhibit the lateral growth of HAP nanosheets and promote the formation of rod-like crystals.These results further improve our understanding of the crystallization pathway of HAP crystals and the regulatory effects of fluoride.

Purification of Produced Water from a Sour Oilfield in South Kuwait. 2. Oil-Water Separation and Crystallization of Calcium Carbonate

Oil-water separation for produced water (PW) originating from an oil extraction site in South Kuwait was carried out using bleached, esterified cellulosic material from used coffee grounds. Thereafter, earth-alkaline metal ions, specifically calcium ions, of the de-oiled PW were removed by precipitation with sodium carbonate to give access to pure sodium chloride as industrial salt from the remaining PW. While the purity of the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) depends on the precipitation conditions, CaCO3 of up to 95.48% purity can be obtained, which makes it a salable product. The precipitation of CaCO3 decreases the amount of calcium ions in PW from 11,300 ppm to 84 ppm.

Preparation of high-purity fluorite and nanoscale calcium carbonate from low-grade fluorite

Flotation separation of calcite from fluorite is a challenge on low-grade fluorite flotation that limits the recovery and purity of fluorite concentrate.A new acid leaching–flotation process for fluorite is proposed in this work.This innovative process raised the fluor-ite’s grade to 97.26wt%while producing nanoscale calcium carbonate from its leachate,which contained plenty of calcium ions.On the production of nanoscale calcium carbonate,the impacts of concentration,temperature,and titration rate were examined.By modifying the process conditions and utilizing crystal conditioning agents,calcite-type and amorphous calcium carbonates with corresponding particle sizes of 1.823 and 1.511μm were produced.The influence of the impurity ions Mn^(2+),Mg^(2+),and Fe^(3+)was demonstrated to reduce the particle size of nanoscale calcium carbonate and make crystal shape easier to manage in the fluorite leach solution system compared with the calcium chloride solution.The combination of the acid leaching–flotation process and the nanoscale calcium carbonate preparation method improved the grade of fluorite while recovering calcite resources,thus presenting a novel idea for the effective and clean usage of low-quality fluorite resources with embedded microfine particles.

High-pressure study on calcium azide(Ca(N_(3))_(2)):Bending of azide ions stabilizes the structure

The high-pressure structure and elastic properties of calcium azide(Ca(N_(3))_(2))were investigated using in-situ highpressure x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering up to 54 GPa and 19 GPa,respectively.The compressibility of Ca(N_(3))_(2)changed as the pressure increased,and no phase transition occurred within the pressure from ambient pressure up to 54 GPa.The measured zero-pressure bulk modulus of Ca(N_(3))_(2)is higher than that of other alkali metal azides,due to differences in the ionic character of their metal-azide bonds.Using CASTEP,all vibration modes of Ca(N_(3))_(2)were accurately identified in the vibrational spectrum at ambient pressure.In the high-pressure vibration study,several external modes(ext.)and internal bending modes(ν_(2))of azide anions(N_(3)^(-))softened up to~7 GPa and then hardened beyond that pressure.This evidence is consistent with the variation observed in the F_(E)–f_(E)data analyzed from the XRD result,where the slope of the curve changes at 7.1 GPa.The main behaviors under pressure are the alternating compression,rotation,and bending of N_(3)^(-)ions.The bending behavior makes the structure of Ca(N_(3))_(2)more stable under pressure.

Double-Blind, Parallel Group Study to Compare the Clinical Effectiveness of Calcium Dobesilate 500 mg BID vs. Calcium Dobesilate LP 1 g OD, in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Limbs

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) describes a condition that affects the venous system of the lower extremities due to venous hypertension (VH. The prevalence is between 5% - 30%. CVI is associated with older age, smoking, lower extremity trauma, presence of an arteriovenous shunt, and elevated estrogen levels. All patients should be initially treated with conservative management. Venoactive drugs like calcium dobesilate are useful. Objectives: The primary objective compared the clinical improvement in patients with CVI, grades 0 - 3 of the CEAP classification of chronic venous disease, produced by two formulations of calcium dobesilate: calcium dobesilate LP 1 g OD vs calcium dobesilate 500 mg BID, immediate release. The secondary objective assessed the side effects of both formulations. Method: All patients took one tablet and one capsule at 7 am, and one capsule at 7 pm, for 8 weeks. One group received dobesilate 1 g OD and the other group received dobesilate 500 md BID. They were evaluated after 15, 30 and 60 days of treatment, using the symptom evaluation scale. Results: In both groups, there was a significant decrease in the symptom score after 15 days. Four patients in the Dobesilate OD group: had adverse effects, which did not require suspension of treatment. In the BID dobesilate group, there was one therapeutic failure, and one case of gastric discomfort. Conclusions: Prolonged-release Calcium dobesilate 1 g OD is as effective as calcium dobesilate 500 mg BID for the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency.