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.

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.

An On-line Galvanic Cell Generated Electrochemiluminescence and Flow Injection Determination of Calcium in Milk and Vegetable

An on-line Ag/Al galvanic cell is investigated and employed to generate electrochemiluminescence (ECL). The potential of the galvanic cell could be adjusted by varying the components of flow reagent. The cell performed perfect capability of supplying a stable potential for ECL generation. Based on the weak ECL of calcein blue could be greatly sensitized by the presence of calcium in alkaline solution, calcium contents in milk samples and in cabbage were assayed and the results were compared with those from ICP-AES method.

Study of Calcium and Sodium Behavior to Identify Milk Adulteration Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A fast and direct method for determination of milk adulteration by monitoring of calcium and sodium concentrations variations was described. Milk samples were furnished by a dairy company located at S?o Carlos (S?o Paulo State, Brazil) and and spiked with tap-water, whey, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic urine, urea and synthetic milk in the ranged from 5% to 50% (v/v), expect for caustic soda. Caustic soda was added in the milk until establish the original pH. The milk samples were analyzed by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and no acid digestion process was required. Results showed a significant decrease in the Na and Ca concentrations with addition of synthetic milk and tap-water, a nonlinear variation with addition of synthetic urine, whey and hydrogen peroxide and a largest increase in the Na concentration with addition of NaOH. Correlation between Na and Ca concentrations in pure and adulterated milk were evaluated by paired t-test at a 95% confidence level. Results showed that the method proposed is efficient to identify samples adulterated with tap-water, caustic soda, synthetics milk and urine.

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.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

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.

Feeding Calcium Salts of Linseed Oil on Productive Performance and Milk Fatty Acid Profile in Grazing Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplying calcium salts of linseed oil (Ca-FA) rich in omega-3 (α-linolenic acid) on the production and chemical composition of milk and its nutraceutical value in dairy cows in early lactation. The trial lasted 12 weeks (2 weeks for adaptation to lipids and 10 weeks of data collection). A total of 36 Holstein dairy cows with 58.0 ± 17.0 days in milk (DIM), 594.1 ± 92.4 kg BW, 2.6 ± 1.5 parity and 38.9 ± 9.3 kg milk day-1 were used in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were: 1) Omega-3 (O3): 5.2 kg DM day-1 of concentrate including 0.7 kg DM of Ca-FA + 13.5 kg DM day-1 of partial mixed ration (PMR) + 12 kg DM day-1 of alfalfa pasture (Medicago sativa) and 2) Control (C): diet similar to O3 but lipid supplementation was replaced by cracked corn grain so that the diets were isoenergetic. No treatment effect was detected (P > 0.05) for any milk production and composition variables, except for urea in milk that was slightly higher in O3 (P = 0.02). The treatment × week interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for fat yield and content, with differences (P < 0.01) only in the 3rd week of the data collection period in favor of group C (1.39 vs. 1.13 kg·day-1 and 3.86% vs. 3.23% for fat yield and content, respectively). Total DMI and PMR were similar (P > 0.05) between treatments. Concentrate intake was higher (P < 0.01) in C compared with O3. Pasture DMI tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for cows that received the O3 treatment compared with C. Total metabolizable energy (ME) intake was similar (P = 0.44) between treatments. No treatment effect was detected (P > 0.05) in rumen environment parameters. Supplementation with Ca-FA reduced (P < 0.05) the hypercholesterolemic fraction of milk (C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0, -13.6%, -7.4% and -9.0%, respectively). The concentration of α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) increased (108%, P < 0.01) in O3 group compared with group C. The absence of negative effects of lipids on the fat content of milk and ruminal fermentation suggests that protection by saponification was effective. The supplementation with Ca-FA (0.85 kg·day-1) improved the healthy value of the milk.

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.

Calcium chloride linked camel milk derived casein nanoparticles for the delivery of sorafenib in hepatocarcinoma cells

Sorafenib,a multikinase inhibitor used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma,is limited by its low oral bioavailability.To overcome this drawback,we have developed novel camel milk casein-derived nanoparticles as a drug delivery system.Camel milk casein is not only biocompatible on oral administration but is actually a dietary protein of pharmaceutical relevance.Casein is used because of its amphiphilic nature,self-assembling property,ability to show sustained release,and capability of encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.In this study,camel milk casein nanoparticles loaded with sorafenib were developed and characterized.Characterization of casein nanoparticles was done by dynamic light scattering(DLS),zeta potential analysis,scanning light microscopy(SEM),and FTIR.The drug content in nanoparticle and drug-protein binding studies were conducted by UV spectroscopy.The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake efficiency studies were performed in HepG2 cell lines.It was observed that the cytotoxic effect of sorafenib loaded camel milk casein nanoparticles was more than free sorafenib in HepG2 cells.This work suggests camel milk casein as a suitable drug delivery molecule for sorafenib.In the future,it may also be used in enhancing the efficacy and specific distribution of other water-insoluble anticancer drugs.

Development of a Simple Extraction Method for Tetracycline Analogues from Bovine Milk

Tetracycline and analogues are among the most used antibiotics in the dairy industry. Besides the therapeutic uses, tetracyclines are often incorporated into livestock feed as growth promoters. A considerable amount of antibiotics is released unaltered through milk from dairy animals. The presence of antibiotic residues in milk and their subsequent consumption can lead to potential health impacts, including cancer, hypersensitivity reactions, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, it is important to monitor residual levels of tetracyclines in milk. The purpose of this study is to develop a quick and simple method for simultaneously extracting five tetracycline analogues from bovine milk. Specifically, five tetracycline analogues: Chlortetracycline (CTC), demeclocycline (DEM), doxycycline (DC), minocycline (MC), and tetracycline (TC) were simultaneously extracted from milk using trifluoroacetic acid. Subsequently, the extracted analogues were separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and detected at 355 nm using UV/Vis. Calibration curves for all five tetracycline analogues show excellent linearity (r2 value > 0.99). Percent recovery for MC, TC, DEM, CTC, and DC were: 31.88%, 96.91%, 151.29, 99.20%, and 85.58% respectively. The developed extraction method has good precision (RSD < 9.9% for 4 of the 5 analogues). The developed method with minimal sample preparation and pretreatment has the potential to serve as an initial screening test.

Effect of Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Powder on the Chemical and Rheological Properties of Stirred Cultured Camel Milk and Yoghurt

Research shows that producing fermented camel milk is hard because of the milk’s inability to form a firm coagulum, attributed to low levels of κ-casein and ꞵ-lactoglobulin and the large casein micelle size, leading to a weak network of casein formation. In an effort to address this issue, researchers turned to corn starch as a thickening agent, discovering that a concentration of 2.0% effectively improved the viscosity and significantly reduced syneresis in stirred camel milk yoghurt and cultured camel milk. This study explores alternatives to corn starch, focusing on butternut squash seeds as a promising substitute due to their hydrocolloid composition. By incorporating butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) seed powder (BSSP) as a thickening agent, this study aimed at enhancing the chemical and rheological properties of stirred camel milk yoghurt and cultured camel milk. Fermented camel milk was prepared using 4 litres of camel milk, 2% starter cultures (thermophilic culture for yoghurt and mesophilic aromatic culture for stirred cultured camel milk) and BSSP 0.0% (negative control), 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, 2.0% mixed with 0.4% gelatin. 2.0% corn starch mixed with 0.4% gelatin was used as a standard for comparison. Results showed that increasing the BSSP level significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the moisture content while increasing the total solid content of stirred fermented camel milk products. There was an increase in ash content with an increase in BSSP levels. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the pH, with an increase in BSSP levels in stirred fermented camel milk samples. Increasing the concentration of BSSP from 0.4% to 2.0% resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in viscosity and a reduction in syneresis of stirred camel milk yoghurt and stirred cultured camel milk samples. This study demonstrated that BSSP effectively enhances the viscosity, reduces syneresis and increases acidity in stirred fermented camel milk products during storage.

Longitudinal changes in body weight of breastfeeding mothers in the first year after delivery and its relationship with human milk composition:a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional cohort study

Objective:Postpartum weight retention(PPWR)is a common problem among women after childbirth.The main objectives of this study are to understand the changes in body weight of breastfeeding mothers during long-term follow-up and preliminarily explore the relationship between maternal body weight and human milk composition,including macronutrients,leptin,and adiponectin.Methods:The study included a longitudinal cohort(122 mothers),and a cross-sectional cohort(37 mothers).The human milk,maternal weight,and dietary surveys were collected in the longitudinal cohort at different follow-up time points(1-14 days postpartum,2-4 months postpartum,5-7 months postpartum,and 12-17 months postpartum).The maternal body weight was analyzed using the responses in the survey questionnaires.A milk analyzer based on the mid-infrared spectroscopy(MIRS)was used to determine milk composition,and nutrition analysis software evaluated dietary intakes.In the cross-sectional cohort,participating mothers were asked to provide blood and human milk samples and pertinent information related to maternal body composition.Maternal body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA),while ELISA analyzed leptin and adiponectin in milk and serum.Results:At 5-7 months postpartum,the PPWR of breastfeeding mothers was(2.46±3.59)kg.At 12-17 months postpartum,the PPWR was(0.98±4.06)kg.PPWR was found to be negatively correlated with milk fat content within 14 days postpartum and positively correlated at 2-4 months postpartum.In addition,the maternal weight and body muscle mass were positively correlated with leptin and adiponectin in milk.Plasma leptin was positively correlated with the mother’s body weight,body mass index(BMI),FAT percentage,and body fat mass,while plasma adiponectin did not correlate with any parameter.The results also indicate that the PPWR did not correlate with leptin and adiponectin in plasma or milk.Conclusions:Breastfeeding mothers may retain considerable weight gain one year after delivery.Human milk composition may be related to changes in maternal body weight.Leptin and adiponectin in breast milk and leptin in plasma are associated with the maternal body composition.This study supports the notion that maternal nutritional status may affect offspring health through lactation,and future research should focus on exploring weight management of postpartum mothers.

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.

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.

Lactose-free milk powder can effectively relieve diarrhea symptoms in weaning SD rats and children

Diarrhea has become the leading cause of illness and death among infants and young children in developing countries.Clinically,patients with diarrhea showed damaged intestinal epithelial villi,usually accompanied by lactase deficiency.In this study,we evaluated the therapeutic effects of lactose-free milk powder on rats and children with diarrhea.Antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)model was established by gavage with antibiotic mixture in SD rats,followed by administration of milk powder containing lactose or not.The results showed that lactose-free milk powder ameliorated A AD-related diarrhea symptoms,and accelerated the recovery from diarrhea.And 16S sequencing results indicated lactose-free milk powder contributed to increase theα-andβ-diversity of intestinal flora,and restore the intestinal microbiota disorder.In conclusion,our data demonstrate that lactose-free milk powder could alleviate diarrhea by restoring gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function.

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.