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.

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.

Preparation and applications of calcium ferrite as a functional material:A review

Calcium ferrite(CF)is recognized as a potential green and efficient functional material because of its advantages of magnetism,electrochemistry,catalysis,and biocompatibility in the fields of materials chemistry,environmental engineering,and biomedicine.There-fore,the obtained research results need to be systematically summarized,and new perspectives on CF and its composite materials need to be analyzed.Based on the presented studies of CF and its composite materials,the types and structures of the crystal are summarized.In addition,the current application technologies and theoretical mechanisms with various properties in different fields are elucidated.Moreover,the various preparation methods of CF and its composite materials are elaborated in detail.Most importantly,the advantages and disadvantages of the synthesis methods of CF and its composite materials are discussed,and the existing problems and emerging challenges in practical production are identified.Furthermore,the key future research directions of CF and its composite materials have been prospected from the potential application technologies to provide references for its synthesis and efficient utilization.

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.

Phosphate,calcium,and vitamin D signaling,transport,and metabolism in the endometria of cyclic ewes

Background Recent evidence suggests important roles for progesterone(P4)and interferon tau in the regulation of calcium,phosphate,and vitamin D signaling in the uteri of pregnant sheep.However,the effects of P4 and estradiol(E2),with respect to the expression of their receptors PGR and ESR1,respectively,in uterine epithelia on mineral signaling during the estrous cycle has not been investigated.Estrous cycles of mature Suffolk ewes were synchronized,prostaglandin F2αwas administered,and ewes were observed for estrus(designated as Day 0)in the presence of vasectomized rams.On Days 1,9,or 14 of the estrous cycle,hysterectomies were performed.Results 25-hydroxyvitamin D was more abundant in plasma from ewes on Day 14 than Day 1(P<0.05).Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2(FGFR2),a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17(ADAM17),and parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHrP)mRNAs was greater in endometria on Day 9 compared to Days 1 and 14(P<0.01).Similarly,expression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6(TRPV6)mRNA was greater in endometria on Day 9 than Day 1(P<0.05).ATPase plasma membrane Ca^(2+)transporting 4(ATP2B4)and S100 calcium binding protein G(S100G)mRNA expression was greater in endometria on Day 14 than on Days 1 and 9(P<0.01).In contrast,endometrial expression of vitamin D receptor(VDR)mRNA was lower on Days 9 and 14 than Day 1(P<0.01).Expression of klotho(KL)(P<0.05)and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1(CYP24)(P<0.01)mRNAs was lower on Day 14 than Days 1 and 9.ADAM17,FGF23,CYP2R1,CYP27B1,KL,and VDR proteins immunolocalized to the uterine myometrium,blood vessels,and uterine luminal(LE),superficial glandular(sGE),and glandular(GE)epithelia.S100A9 protein was weakly expressed in the uterine myometrium,LE,sGE,and GE.Immunoreactivity of CYP2R1 and KL proteins in uterine LE and sGE was less on Day 1 than on Days 9 and 14.In contrast,S100G protein was expressed exclusively by GE,and immunoreactive S100G protein was less on Day 9.S100A12 protein localized to stromal cells of the uterine stratum spongiosum and blood vessels,but not by uterine epithelial cells.Conclusion Collectively,these results implicate E2,P4,and PGR in the regulation of phosphate,calcium,and vitamin D signaling in cyclic ewes.

Metabolomic changes in fatty liver can be modified by dietary protein and calcium during energy restriction

AIM： To characterise the effect of energy restriction （ER） on liver lipid and primary metabolite profile by using metabolomic approach. We also investigated whether the effect of energy restriction can be further enhanced by modification of dietary protein source and calcium. METHODS： Liver metabolomic profile of lean and obese C57BI/6J mice （n = 10/group） were compared with two groups of weight-reduced mice. ER was performed on control diet and whey protein-based high-calcium diet （whey ＋ Ca）. The metabolomic analyses were performed using the UPLC/MS based lipidomic platform and the HPLC/MS/MS based primary metabolite platform.RESULTS： ER on both diets significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and lipid droplet size, while only whey ＋ Ca diet significantly decreased blood glucose （P 〈 0.001） and serum insulin （P 〈 0.01）. In hepatic lipid species the biggest reduction was in the level of triacylglycerols and cerarnides while the level of cholesterol esters was significantly increased during ER. Interestingly, diacylglycerol to phospholipid ratio, an indicator of relative amount of diabetogenic diglyceride species, was increased in the control ER group, but decreased in the whey ＋ Ca ER group （P 〈 0.001, vs obese）. ER on whey ＋ Ca diet also totally reversed the obesity induced increase in the relative level of lipotoxic cerarnides （P 〈 0.001, vs obese; P 〉 0.05, vs lean）. These changes were accompanied with up-regulated TCA cycle and pentose phosphate pathway rnetabolites. CONCLUSION： ER-induced changes on hepatic rnetabolornic profile can be significantly affected by dietary protein source. The therapeutic potential of whey protein and calcium should be further studied.

Effect of Different Calcium Supplements on Bone Metabolism in Rats

Osteoporosis, characterized by loss of bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, results in enhanced bone fragility and increases risk of fractureIll. In China, the incidence of primary osteoporosis is as high as 50%-70% in 60-69 years old females and approximately 30% in 60-69 years old males[21, which is closely related with the low intake of calcium. According to the nationwide nutrition and health survey in 2002 in China, the average daily calcium intake of Chinese residents is 391 mg, accounting for 41% of the recommended calcium intake.

Effect of dietary calcium or phosphorus deficiency on bone development and related calcium or phosphorus metabolic utilization parameters of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary calcium(Ca)or phosphorus(P)deficiency on bone development and related Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age based on our previous study,which indicated that dietary Ca or P deficiency impaired the bone development by regulating related Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age.A total of 504 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments with 7 replicates in a completely randomized design,and fed the normal control and Ca-or P-deficient diets from 1 to 21 days of age.At 22 days of age,the broilers were further fed the normal control diet(0.90%Ca+0.35%non-phytate P(NPP)),the P-deficient diet(0.90%Ca+0.18%NPP),the Ca-deficient diet(0.30%Ca+0.35%NPP)or the Ca and P-deficient diet(0.30%Ca+0.18%NPP),respectively.The results showed that dietary Ca or P deficiency decreased(P<0.05)tibia bone mineral density(BMD),bone breaking strength(BBS),ash content,tibia ash Ca content and serum P content on days 28 and 42,but increased(P<0.05)tibia alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity of broilers on day 42 compared with the control group.Furthermore,the broilers fed the P-deficient diet had the lowest(P<0.05)tibia BMD,BBS,ash content,serum P content and the highest(P<0.05)serum Ca content on day 28 compared with those fed the Ca-deficient or Ca and P-deficient diets.The results from the present study indicated that the bone development and related Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers were the most sensitive to dietary P deficiency,followed by dietary Ca deficiency or Ca and P-deficiency;dietary Ca or P deficiency impaired the bone development possibly by regulating serum Ca and P contents as well as tibia Ca content and ALP activity of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age.

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.

Plasma membrane calcium pump regulation by metabolic stress

The plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase(PMCA)is an ATPdriven pump that is critical for the maintenance of low resting[Ca2+]i in all eukaryotic cells.Metabolic stress, either due to inhibition of mitochondrial or glycolytic metabolism,has the capacity to cause ATP depletion and thus inhibit PMCA activity.This has potentially fatal consequences,particularly for non-excitable cells in which the PMCA is the major Ca2+efflux pathway.This is because inhibition of the PMCA inevitably leads to cytosolic Ca2+ overload and the consequent cell death.However,the relationship between metabolic stress,ATP depletion and inhibition of the PMCA is not as simple as one would have originally predicted.There is increasing evidence that metabolic stress can lead to the inhibition of PMCA activity independent of ATP or prior to substantial ATP depletion.In particular,there is evidence that the PMCA has its own glycolytic ATP supply that can fuel the PMCA in the face of impaired mitochondrial function.Moreover, membrane phospholipids,mitochondrial membrane potential,caspase/calpain cleavage and oxidative stress have all been implicated in metabolic stress-induced inhibition of the PMCA.The major focus of this review is to challenge the conventional view of ATP-dependent regulation of the PMCA and bring together some of the alternative or additional mechanisms by which metabolic stress impairs PMCA activity resulting in cytosolic Ca2+ overload and cytotoxicity.

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.

Biomineralization of soil with crude soybean urease using different calcium salts

Calcium salt is an important contributing factor for calcium-based biomineralization.To study the effect of calcium salt on soil biomineralization using crude soybean urease,the calcium salts,including the calcium chloride (CaCl_(2)),calcium acetate ((CH_(3)COO)_(2)Ca) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO_(3))_(2)),were used to prepare the biotreatment solution to carry out the biomineralization tests in this paper.Two series of biomineralization tests in solution and sand column,respectively,were conducted.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to determine the microscopic characteristics of the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO_(3)) crystals.The experimental results indicate that the biomineralization effect is the best for the CaCl2 case,followed by (CH_(3)COO)_(2)Ca,and worst for Ca(NO_(3))_(2) under the test conditions of this study (i.e.1 mol/L of calcium salt-urea).The mechanism for the effect of the calcium salt on the biomineralization of crude soybean urease mainly involves: (1) inhibition of urease activity,and (2) influence on the crystal size and morphology of CaCO_(3).Besides Ca^(2+) ,the anions in solution can inhibit the activity of crude soybean urease,and NO_(3)− has a stronger inhibitory effect on the urease activity compared with both CH_(3)COO^(−) and Cl^(−) .The co-inhibition of Ca^(2+) and NO_(3)− on the activity of urease is the key reason for the worst biomineralization of the Ca(NO_(3))_(2) case in this study.The difference in biomineralization between the CaCl_(2) and (CH_(3)COO)_(2) Ca cases is strongly correlated with the crystal morphology of the precipitated CaCO_(3).

Decreased eggshell strength caused by impairment of uterine calcium transport coincide with higher bone minerals and quality in aged laying hens

Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens.This study compared the differences of eggshell quality,bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiologi-cal characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction.A total of 24074-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high(HBS,44.83±1.31 N)or low(LBS,24.43±0.57 N)eggshell breaking strength group.Results A decreased thickness,weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS,accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction.Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality,marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS.In the LBS,the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly.At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification,a total of 130 differentially expressed genes(DEGs,122 upregulated and 8 downregulated)were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS.These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload.Higher values of p62 protein level,caspase-8 activity,Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS.TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS.Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage,similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS.The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocal-cin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS.Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS.Conclusion The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages,which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure.Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.

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.

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.

Endometrial Cancer Research Based on Gut Microbiomics and Metabolomics:An Analysis of Correlation and Differences

Endometrial cancer(EC)is a malignant tumour that occurs in the epithelial cells of the endometrium and represents one of the most common malignancies involving the female reproductive system,with endometrioid adenocarcinoma as the most common type.In recent years,with an increasingly aging society and the growing number of obese people,the incidence of EC is constantly rising,posing a serious threat to women’s health.Some studies have reported that the interruption of digestion and absorption caused by imbalance in intestinal microbiota may lead to conditions such as obesity,hypertension,diabetes,and hormone imbalance,which are all risk factors for EC.Meanwhile,intestinal bacteria produce a series of metabolites during colonization and reproduction,which can rapidly respond to changes in the microenvironment of the body.Changes in their types and quantities can serve as sensitive indicators of physiological and pathological changes in the body.Patients with EC often suffer from metabolic diseases,which can lead to metabolic disorders involving carbohydrates,fats,and amino acid in their bodies.

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.