Foliar-applied silicate potassium modulates growth, phytochemical, and physiological traits in Cichorium intybus L. under salinity stress.

One of the major problems endangering plant growth and productivity worldwide is salt stress. This study aimed to assess the effects of potassium silicate (K2O3Si) on the physical, biochemical, and morphological characteristics of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) under various levels of salinity stress. The plants were treated with K2O3Si at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM and cultivated under different salt stress conditions (0, 80, 160, and 240 mM NaCl). The findings revealed that salt stress led to decreased root and shoot dry weights, Fv/Fm ratio, chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll, as well as inulin contents. However, foliar exposure to K2O3Si at all salinity levels resulted in improvements in the measured traits. As salinity levels increased, there was a corresponding increase in the accumulation of sodium ions (Na+) and a sharp reduction in potassium ions (K +) in the shoot. Nonetheless, treatment with K2O3Si caused a decrease in Na + accumulation and an improvement in K+ content under all salinity levels. Carotenoid content increased under 80 mM salinity stress, but decreased with higher salinity levels. Application of K2O3Si at all levels resulted in increased carotenoid content under salinity stress conditions. The content of MDA increased significantly with increasing salinity stress, particularly at 240 mM. However, foliar spraying with K2O3Si significantly decreased MDA content at all salinity levels. Salinity stress up to 160 mM increased the total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents, while 240 mM NaCl decreased the biosynthesis of phytochemicals. Additionally, the use of K2O3Si increased the content of total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin at all salt levels. Foliar application of K2O3Si increased the tolerance of chicory plants to salinity stress by reducing MDA and increasing phenolic compounds and potassium content. These results suggest that exogenous K2O3Si can be a practical strategy to improve the growth and yield of chicory plants exposed to saline environments.

Utilization of wollastonite, jarosite, and their blends for the sustainable development of concrete paver block mixes containing reclaimed asphalt pavement aggregates.

While several research studies considered the utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates for asphalt and concrete pavements, very few attempted its possible utilization for precast concrete applications like concrete paver blocks (CPBs). Moreover, few attempts made in the recent past to improve the strength properties of RAP inclusive concrete mixes by incorporating certain supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have reported an insignificant or marginal effect. The present study attempts to comprehensively investigate the utilization potential of some locally and abundantly available materials having suitable physicochemical properties to improve the performance of a zero-slump CPB mix containing 50% RAP aggregates. The studied filler materials, namely, wollastonite (naturally occurring calcium metasilicate mineral) and jarosite (hazardous zinc industry waste), were used to replace 5-15% and 10-20% by volume of Portland cement in the 50% RAP CPB mix. Apart from their individual effects, the efficacy of wollastonite-jarosite blends was also investigated. Considering the lack of indoor storage facilities and economic aspects of CPBs, the influence of water spray curing regime on the performance of the RAP CPB mixes was studied and compared to that of continuous water curing regime. Inclusion of the considered fillers was found to statistically and significantly enhance the flexural strength, tensile splitting strength, and abrasion resistance of the 50% RAP CPB mix; however, the compressive strength (in most cases), permeable voids, water absorption, and water permeability properties showed an insignificant improvement. Results of thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the occurrence of pozzolanic reactivity, and microstructure analysis revealed improvements in packing of concrete matrix and ITZ with filler inclusion qualitatively substantiating the improvements in strength and durability characteristics. The toxicity characteristics of heavy metals that may leach from the hazardous jarosite-based RAP CPB mixes were found to be within permissible limits. Based on the performance requirements specified by IS, IRC, and ASTM standards, all the RAP CPB mixes with filler inclusions fulfilled the acceptance criteria for heavy traffic applications, and water spray curing can enact as an alternate method for curing these mixes. However, to avail maximum performance benefits, it is recommended to use 5% wollastonite, 15% jarosite, and a combination of 10% wollastonite and 10% jarosite as a Portland cement substitute to produce sustainable eco-friendly RAP CPB mixes.

Probiotic co-supplementation with absorbent smectite for pancreatic beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes: a secondary-data analysis of a randomized double-blind controlled trials.

Introduction: There is growing evidence from animal and clinical studies suggesting probiotics can positively affect type 2 diabetes (T2D). In a previous randomized clinical study, we found that administering a live multistrain probiotic and absorbent smectite once a day for eight weeks to patients with T2D could reduce chronic systemic inflammatory state, insulin resistance, waist circumference and improve the glycemic profile. However, there is a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of probiotic co-supplementation with absorbent smectite on pancreatic ß-cell function in T2D. Aim: This secondary analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of an alive multistrain probiotic co-supplementation with absorbent smectite vs placebo on ß-cell function in T2D patients. Material and methods: We performed a secondary analysis on a previously published randomized controlled trial (NCT04293731, NCT03614039) involving 46 patients with T2D. The main inclusion criteria were the presence of ß-cell dysfunction (%B<60%) and insulin therapy alone or combined with oral anti-diabetic drugs. The primary outcome was assessing ß-cell function as change C-peptide and %B. Results: We observed only a tendency for improving ß-cell function (44.22 ± 12.80 vs 55.69 ± 25.75; р=0.094). The effectiveness of the therapy probiotic-smectite group was confirmed by fasting glycemia decreased by 14% (p=0.019), HbA1c - 5% (p=0.007), HOMA-2 - 17% (p=0.003) and increase of insulin sensitivity by 23% (p=0.005). Analysis of the cytokine profile showed that statistical differences after treatment were in the concentration of both pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1ß (22.83 ± 9.04 vs 19.03 ± 5.57; p=0.045) and TNF-α (31.25 ± 11.32 vs 26.23 ± 10.13; p=0.041). Conclusion: Adding a live multistrain probiotic and absorbent smectite supplement slightly improved ß-cell function and reduced glycemic-related parameters in patients with T2D. This suggests that adjusting the gut microbiota could be a promising treatment for diabetes and warrants further investigation through more extensive studies.

Characterization of viscoelastic behavior of basalt fiber asphalt mixtures based on discrete and continuous spectrum models.

In order to analyze the differences between the master curves of relaxation modulus E(t) and creep compliance J(t) obtained from discrete and continuous spectrum models, and to comprehensively evaluate the effect of basalt fiber content on the viscoelastic behavior of asphalt mixtures, complex modulus tests were conducted for asphalt mixtures with fiber content of 0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively. Consequently, the master curves of Viscoelastic Parameters of asphalt mixtures were constructed according to the generalized Sigmoidal model(GSM) and the approximate Kramers-Kronig (K-K) relationship. Then, transformation of master curves using discrete and continuous spectrum models to obtain the models of E(t) and J(t) containing all viscoelastic information. Also, the accuracy of the models of E(t) and J(t) was evaluated. The results show that the addition of basalt fibers improves the strength, stress relaxation and deformation resistance of asphalt mixtures. It is worth noting that basalt fibers achieve the improvement of asphalt mixtures by changing their internal structure. Considering the different viscoelastic master curves at four dosages, the optimum fiber dosage was 0.2%. In addition, both discrete and continuous model conversion methods can obtain high accuracy conversion results.

Resource utilization of stone waste and loess to prepare grouting materials.

Loess, a terrestrial clastic sediment, is formed essentially by the accumulation of wind-blown dust, while stone waste (SW) is an industrial waste produced during stone machining. Utilising loess and SW to prepare environmentally-friendly supplementary cementitious materials can not only address environmental issues caused by solid waste landfills but also meet the demand of reinforcement of coal-seam floor aquifer for grouting materials. In this paper, the effects of the loess/SW mass ratio and calcination temperature on the transformation of calcined products are investigated and their pozzolanic activities are evaluated. The workability, environmental impact and cost of grouting materials based on cement and calcined products are also assessed. Experimental results reveal that higher temperatures favour the formation of free lime and periclase, which tend to be involved in solid-state reactions. Higher temperature and loess/SW mass ratio strengthens the diffraction peaks of dodecalcium hepta-aluminate (C12A7), dicalcium ferrite (C2F) and dicalcium silicate (C2S). The clay minerals in loess become completely dehydroxylated before 825 °C, generating amorphous SiO2 and Al2O3. Covalent Si-O bonds are interrupted and that disordered silicate networks are generated in the calcined products, which is confirmed by the increased strength of the Si29 resonance region at -60 ppm to -80 ppm. Although co-calcined loess and SW contain the most four-fold aluminium at 950 °C, recrystallisation depresses the pozzolanic activity. Hence, the loess/SW sample designated LS2-825 exhibits the better hydration activity. Additionally, grouting materials composed of cement and LS2-825 exhibit good setting times, fluidity, strength and a low carbon footprint in practical engineering applications, and they also provide the additional benefit of being cost effective.

Hydroponic materials improve organic micropollutant removal in vertical flow constructed wetlands treating wastewater.

Unconventional substrata like activated carbon or clay beads can enhance micropollutant removal in constructed wetlands. However, hydroponic materials widely used in horticulture have not yet been investigated for their potential to remove micropollutants. In addition, potential effect of plant species other than reeds on micropollutant removal has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, a nature-based, post-treatment technology called improved vertical flow constructed wetlands (CW) with hydroponic (H) materials (CWH) was designed by employing cocopeat and mineral with ornamental plant species syngonium and periwinkle. A mesocosm CWH system was tested in a climate-controlled greenhouse for 550 days for its potential to remove frequently found micropollutants in wastewater, namely sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, diclofenac, erythromycin, carbamazepine, pyrimethanil, tebuconazole, pymetrozine, atrazine and DEET from wastewater effluent. The main focus was to understand the contribution of sorption, microbial degradation and phytoremediation on the removal of those micropollutants. It was found that cocopeat showed a capacity for sorbing micropollutants, ranging between 80 and 99% of the compounds added while less than 10% sorption was observed for mineral wool. Additionally moderate to high biological removal (25-60 µg of compound/kg dry weight of substratum/day) for most of the studied compounds was observed in all the cocopeat biotic groups. Furthermore, it could be stated that plants appear not to be an important factor for micropollutant removal. The observed differences in removal between the cocopeat and mineral wool systems could be explained by the difference in physico-chemical properties of the substrata, where cocopeat has a higher water holding capacity, moisture content, nutrient and organic matter content, and a higher intraparticle porosity and surface area. This study revealed notable removal of persistent and mobile micropollutants in cocopeat CWH, namely carbamazepine (80-86%) and diclofenac (97-100%). These results demonstrate the potential beneficial use of hydroponic materials as substratum in more advanced constructed wetlands designed to remove micropollutants.

Staining and bleaching susceptibility of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramics with different thicknesses, translucencies, and fabrication methods.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of different thicknesses, translucencies, and fabrication methods on the spectrophotometric and topographical properties of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramics (ZLSs) for dental restorations remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of thicknesses, translucencies, and fabrication methods on the color stability, translucency parameter, opalescence parameter, whiteness stability, transmitted irradiance, light transmittance, opacity, gloss, and roughness of ZLSs exposed to coffee staining and bleaching treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two pressable ZLSs (VITA AMBRIA, VA and Celtra Press, CP) and 2 machinable ZLSs (VITA Suprinity, VS and Celtra Duo, CD) were examined at high translucency (HT) and low translucency (LT) levels in 2 thicknesses (n=160). The specimens were evaluated at baseline, after coffee staining, and after bleaching. The color stability (ΔE2000), translucency parameter (TP), opalescence parameter (OP), whiteness index (WID), and whiteness stability (ΔWID) were measured with a spectrophotometer. Transmitted irradiance (It), light transmission (T), and opacity (O) were obtained from a light-polymerizing unit and a polymerization light collection device. Roughness stability (ΔSa%) was determined with an optical profilometer, and gloss stability (ΔGU%) was recorded with a gloss meter. Data of ΔCIE2000, ΔWID, ΔSa%, and ΔGU% were analyzed by 4-way ANOVA, and data of the TP, OP, WID, It, T, and O were analyzed by repeated 4-way ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: VS-HT exceeded the ΔCIE2000 acceptability threshold after coffee staining and bleaching protocols. Pressable ZLSs exhibited greater color stability than machinable ZLSs. The 1-mm-thick VA, CP, and CD materials exceeded the ΔWID perceptibility threshold after bleaching. The highest TP and OP was displayed by the 1-mm-thick CP after bleaching. ΔGU increased after water storage and decreased after coffee staining and bleaching. ΔSa% significantly increased after bleaching (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The color stability and other spectrophotometric properties of ZLSs depended on material thickness. The effects of ZLS fabrication methods and translucency levels on their measured properties were inconsistent. Subjecting 1-mm-thick ZLS materials to acidic media adversely impacted their stainability and surface texture.

Experimental and computational evidence of U(VI)-OH-Si(OH)4 complexes under alkaline conditions: Implications for cement systems.

The complexation of uranyl hydroxides with orthosilicic acid was investigated by experimental and theoretical methods. Spectroluminescence titration was performed in a glovebox under argon atmosphere at pH 9.2, 10.5 and 11.5, with [U(VI)] = 10-6 and 5 × 10-6 mol kgw-1. The polymerization effects of silicic acid were minimized by ruling out samples with less than 90 % monomeric silicic acid present, identified via UV-Vis spectrometry using the molybdate blue method. Linear regression analysis based on time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) results yielded the conditional stepwise formation constants of U(VI)-OH-Si(OH)4 complexes at 0.05 mol kgw-1 NaNO3. The main spectroscopic features - characteristic peak positions and decay-time - are reported for the first time for the UO2(OH)2SiO(OH)3- species observed at pH 9.2 and 10.5 and UO2(OH)2SiO2(OH)22- predominant at pH 11.5. Quantum chemical calculations successfully computed the theoretical luminescence spectrum of the complex UO2(OH)2SiO(OH)3- species, thus underpinning the proposed chemical model for weakly alkaline systems. The conditional stability constants were extrapolated to infinite dilution using the Davies equation, resulting in log10ß°(UO2(OH)2SiO(OH)3-) and log10ß°(UO2(OH)2SiO2(OH)22-). Implications for U(VI) speciation in the presence and absence of competing carbonate are discussed for silicate-rich environments expected in certain repository concepts for nuclear waste disposal.

Long-term phosphorus removal by Ca and Fe-rich drainage filter materials under variable flow and inlet concentrations.

Phosphorus (P) losses from tile-drained agricultural fields may degrade surface water quality by accelerating eutrophication. Among the different edge-of-field technologies, compact filter systems using different filter materials have been identified as potentially effective solutions for removing P from drainage water before discharge downstream. This study investigated the long-term (>696 days) P removal efficiency of 5 different filter materials in a column setup, using artificial drainage water (pH 6). Filter materials included two iron-based granulates (calcinated diatomaceous earth (CDE), ferric hydroxide granules (CFH)), and three calcium-based granulates (seashells, limestone, calcinated silicate/calcium oxide (Filtralite-P)). Experiments were performed under variable flow rates (0.037 and 1.52 L h-1; hydraulic retention time of 26-43 min and 18-30 h) and inlet P concentrations (0.14 and 0.7 mg L-1). An overall analysis revealed that the Fe-based materials achieved higher P retention than Ca-based materials. In particular, CFH was capable of retaining 99 and 98 % of the high and low inlet P concentrations, respectively. Conversely, limestone retained only 25 % of the high P load. CDE performed moderately well, independently of the inlet P concentration. Filtralite-P and Seashells performed well at high inlet P concentration but relatively poorly at low P concentration. The sensitivity of filter material P removal efficiency to variations in P loading was generally lowest for CFH and highest for limestone.

The Possible Role of Anoxic Alkaline High Subcritical Water in the Formation of Ferric Minerals, Methane and Disordered Graphitic Carbon in a BARB3 Drilled Sample of the 3.4 Ga Buck Reef Chert.

The present article reports Raman spectroscopic observations of siderite, hematite, disordered graphitic carbon and possibly greenalite inside the quartz matrix of a banded iron sample from the BARB3 core drilled inside the 3.4 Ga Buck Reef Chert of the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa. The article also reports Raman spectroscopic observations of quartz cavities, concluding in the presence of water, methane and sodium hydroxide at high concentration leading to pH ~ 15 inside the inclusion, suggesting an Archean water which was strongly basic. FeIII-greenalite may also be present inside the inclusion. The possible role of anoxic alkaline high subcritical water in the formation of ferric minerals and the CO required for the synthesis of molecules of biological interest has been demonstrated theoretically since 2013 and summarized in the concept of Geobiotropy. The present article experimentally confirms the importance of considering water in its anoxic strongly alkaline high subcritical domain for the formation of quartz, hematite, FeIII-greenalite, methane and disordered graphitic carbon. Methane is proposed to form locally when the carbon dioxide that is dissolved in the Archean anoxic alkaline high subcritical water, interacts with the molecular hydrogen that is emitted during the anoxic alkaline oxidation of ferrous silicates. The carbon matter is proposed to form as deposition from the anoxic methane-rich fluid. A detailed study of carbon matter from diverse origins is presented in a supplementary file. The study shows that the BARB3_23B sample has been submitted to ~ 335 °C, a temperature of the high subcritical domain, and that the graphitic structure contains very low amounts of oxygen and no hydroxyl functional groups. The importance of considering the structure of water is applied to the constructions of the Neoproterozoic and Archean banded iron formations. It is proposed that their minerals are produced inside chemical reaction chambers containing ferrous silicates, and ejected from the Earth's oceanic crust or upper mantle, during processes involving subduction events or not.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Arginine-Silicate- Inositol and Phytase Complex on Performance and Blood Biochemical Traits of Laying Hens.

Arginine silicate inositol complex (ASI; Arg = 49.47%, silicone = 8.2%, inositol = 25%) is a novel, bioavailable source of Si and Arg and may offer potential benefits for laying hens' performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Arginine-Silicate and inositol/phytase on the performance of laying hens. A total of 90 laying hens, 25 weeks old, were randomly assigned to 6 treatments with 3 replicates (5 birds per replicate). The treatments were as follows: 1ST treatment PC: positive Control group (basal diet without additives (, 2nd treatment: basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate complex (49.5±8.2 % respectively), 3d treatment: basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate- inositol (ASI) complex (49.5, 8.2 , 25 % respectively) , 4th treatment: T 2 +500 FTU/kg , 5th treatment: T2 +1000 FTU/kg and 6th treatment: T2+2000 FTU/kg . Results indicate a significant increase (P<0.05) in hen house production (H.H. pro.%) of T5 (95.06 %)compared with T1(91.67%) and no significant differences between T2, T3, T4, T6 (91.84, 93.21, 93.46, 92.98%) and compared with T1 and T5. were no significant difference observed in average egg weight and egg mass between the experimental treatments all over the period. Daily feed intake (DFI) significantly decreased (P<0.05) with supplementing diets with deferent levels of phytase with arginine-silicate mixture T4, T5, andT6 (113.56،113.06، 112.10 g) compared with T1 (114.34 g ) which has no significant differences compared with T2 and T3 (113.96, 113.92 g). Phytase supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved FCR g feed/egg in T5 (119.02) compared with T1 and T2 (124.89, 124.32), while no significant differences between T3.T4.T6 treatments (122.39, 121.80, 120.69) respectively and compared with other treatments. The experimental treatments observed no significant difference in g feed/ g egg.

Mechanical properties, durability and environmental assessment of low-carbon cementitious composite with natural fibrous wollastonite.

Cementitious composite is one of the most widely used construction materials around the world, but cement production is accompanied by energy waste and CO2 emission. Wollastonite, a natural fibrous silicate mineral, can be a potential supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) for cementitious composite owing to its similar calcium silicate system, and it has an eco-friendly and convenient production process. Furthermore, its unique fibrous structure can possibly act as reinforcement for the cement matrix. In view of this, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different sizes (the median diameter of 3 µm, 6 µm, 9 µm and 12 µm) and contents (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by mass) of wollastonite combined with 5% silica fume on the mechanical strength, durability and microstructure of cementitious composite by compressive test, flexural test, shear test, rapid chloride migration test, sulfate corrosion test, X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The results showed that the strength and durability of samples increased and then decreased as wollastonite content increased. An addition of 10% wollastonite into the cement matrix increased compressive strength, flexural strength and shear strength by 6.22%, 29.3% and 18.4%, respectively. However, an addition of 5% wollastonite was found to be more beneficial for improving resistance to chloride and sulfate corrosion. Additionally, samples prepared with 3 µm wollastonite performed better, which can be attributed to the fact that the small size of wollastonite contributed to both the filling effect and the skeletal support and bridging effect of microfibers. The CO2 emissions of cementitious composites decreased as the wollastonite percentage increased. The findings confirm that natural wollastonite as SCMs for cementitious composite has performance enhancement and environmental benefits, however, it is recommended that the wollastonite content should not exceed 15%.

An Alternative Thinking in Tumor Therapeutics: Living Yeast Armored with Silicate.

A hybrid platform, constructed via the surface "armoring" of living yeasts by a manganese silicate compound (MS@Yeast), is investigated for combinational cancer treatment. The intrinsic characteristics of living yeasts, in both acidophilic and anaerobic conditions, empower the hybrid platform with activated selected colonization in tumors. While silicate particles are delivered in a targeting manner, yeast fermentation occurs at the cancerous region, inducing both alcohol and CO2. The excessive content of alcohol causes the hemangiectasis of tumor tissue, facilitating the penetration of therapeutics into central tumors and subsequent endocytosis. The catalytic Mn2+ ions, released from silicate particles, react with CO2 to induce forceful oxidative stress in tumor cells, ablating the primary tumors. More interestingly, the debris of sacrificed tumor cells and yeasts triggers considerable antitumor immune responses, rejecting both rechallenged and metastatic tumors. The integration of biologically active microorganisms and functional materials, illustrated in this study, provides distinctive perspectives in the exploration of potential therapeutics for tackling cancer.

Injectable, Antibacterial, and Hemostatic Tissue Sealant Hydrogels.

Hemorrhage and bacterial infections are major hurdles in the management of life-threatening surgical wounds. Most bioadhesives for wound closure lack sufficient hemostatic and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, they suffer from weak sealing efficacy, particularly for stretchable organs, such as the lung and bladder. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for mechanically robust hemostatic sealants with simultaneous antibacterial effects. Here, an injectable, photocrosslinkable, and stretchable hydrogel sealant based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), supplemented with antibacterial zinc ferrite (ZF) nanoparticles and hemostatic silicate nanoplatelets (SNs) for rapid blood coagulation is nanoengineered. The hydrogel reduces the in vitro viability of Staphylococcus aureus by more than 90%. The addition of SNs (2% w/v) and ZF nanoparticles (1.5 mg mL-1 ) to GelMA (20% w/v) improves the burst pressure of perforated ex vivo porcine lungs by more than 40%. Such enhancement translated to ≈250% improvement in the tissue sealing capability compared with a commercial hemostatic sealant, Evicel. Furthermore, the hydrogels reduce bleeding by ≈50% in rat bleeding models. The nanoengineered hydrogel may open new translational opportunities for the effective sealing of complex wounds that require mechanical flexibility, infection management, and hemostasis.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of arginine-silicate- Inositol and Phytase Complex on Egg Quality, Egg Shell Strength, and Blood Biochemical Characteristics of Laying Hens.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Arginine silicate inositol complex (ASI; Arg=49.47 %, silicone=8.2 %, inositol=25%) supplementation on egg quality, shell strength, and blood biochemical traits of laying hens, as well as the effects of substituting inositol with varying concentrations of phytase on the traits as mentioned above. 90 Lohmann Brown laying hens, 26 weeks old, were randomly distributed in 6 treatments with 3 replicates (cage) and 5 birds per replicate. The isocaloric and isonitrogenic diets are used according to the age period requirements of the Lohmann Brown Classic management guideline. The treatments were as follows: 1ST treatment T1: received basal diet without additives, T2 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2 % respectively), T3 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate- inositol (ASI) mixture (49.5, 8.2 , 25 % respectively), T4 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +500 FTU/kg, T5 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +1000 FTU/kg and T6 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +1000 FTU/kg +2000 FTU/kg. Results indicate a significant increase (P<0.05) in the relative yolk weight in T4, T5, and T6 (26.93, 26.83, 26.77%) compared to T1 (25.84%) and a significant increase (P≤ 0.05) in T4, T5 compared to T3 (26.02%), while no differences observed between T2 (26.17%) compared to other experimental treatments. The relative albumin weight significantly decreased (P≤0.05) in phytase supplementation treatments T4, T5, and T6 (63.21, 63.05, 63.22%) compared to T1, T2, T3 (64.99, 64.30, 64.08%), while a significant decrease (P≤0.05) observed in T3 compared to T1. The relative shell weight significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, and T6 (9.90, 9.86, 10.12, 10.02%), respectively, compared to T1, T2 (9.17, 9.53%) with a significant increase (P≤0.05) in relative shell weight in T2 compared to T1. The eggshell thickness significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, T6 treatments (0.409, 0.408, 0.411, 0.413 mm), respectively compared to T1, T2 (0.384, 0.391 mm). A significant increased (P≤0.05) was observed in eggshell thickness in T2 compared to T1. A significant increase (P≤0.05) was observed in the egg shell breaking strength in T3 and T5 treatments (59.40, 58.83) compared to T1 and T2 (46.20, 48.23). No significant differences were observed between T4 and T6 (53.90, 53.57) compared to other experimental treatments. Non HDL, calcium, and phosphorus levels in blood serum significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, and T6 treatments compared to T1 and T2 treatments.

Long-term variation in nutrients in the South Yellow Sea in response to anthropogenic inputs.

Based on historical data from 1976 to 2019, the effects of anthropogenic activities on long-term changes in nutrients and their ecological effects in the South Yellow Sea were investigated. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations increased continuously from 1990 until the mid-2000s, followed by a shift from an upward trend to a downward trend. The phosphate (PO4-P) and silicate (SiO3-Si) concentrations also showed obvious interannual variations throughout the study period. The concentrations of DIN, PO4-P and SiO3-Si have decreased significantly in recent decade and more. These changes mainly resulted from the reduction in terrestrial input, while the main reason for the decrease in DIN and PO4-P concentrations is the reduction in anthropogenic input. The long-term nutrient changes in the South Yellow Sea have potential ecological impacts on green tide features.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Pulpotomy versus Root Canal Therapy in Mature Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis: Outcome, Quality of Life, and Patients' Satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Vital pulp therapy is increasingly practiced as an alternative treatment to root canal therapy (RCT) in teeth with carious pulp exposure. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome, quality of life (QOL), and patients' satisfaction after full pulpotomy and RCT in mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis. METHODS: Sixty mature permanent molar teeth with carious pulp exposure and a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 30). The first group was treated with full pulpotomy using Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France), and the second group was treated with RCT. The pain level was recorded preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups; 1 case in each group did not attend. Based on the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire and 7 semantic differential scales, QOL, and patients' satisfaction were evaluated and compared statistically. RESULTS: Pulpotomy and RCT had comparable success rates (27/29, 93%). Pain levels at day 1 after pulpotomy were significantly lower than after RCT (P = .037), less patients required analgesics (P = .028), and pulpotomy provided pain relief in a shorter time compared with RCT. Both treatments improved the Oral Health Impact Profile QOL of patients without significant differences (60.29, 64.1% at 1 year). Patients' satisfaction with pulpotomy was higher than RCT in terms of the time involved, intraoperative pain, pleasantness, and cost (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Full pulpotomy could be an alternative treatment to RCT in mature teeth with carious pulp exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis based on the clinical and radiographic success rates and patients' satisfaction.

Calcium Phosphate Silicate Microspheres with Soybean Lecithin as a Sustained-Release Bone Morphogenetic Protein-Delivery System for Bone Tissue Regeneration.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is a growth factor that effectively promotes osteogenesis. Microsphere-based drug-delivery systems can facilitate an increase in the local concentration of BMP, thus promoting bone formation. In this study, calcium phosphate silicate (CPS) microspheres were used as drug-loading systems for BMP. Three groups─CPS, CPS + BMP, and CPS + BMP + soy lecithin (SL)─were set up, where SL was used to prolong the osteogenic effect of the microsphere system. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and femoral defects in rats were used to compare the osteogenic ability of the three groups. The results indicated that CPS microspheres were good carriers of BMP, facilitating a smoother release into the cells and tissues. SL loading improved the loading rate of BMP, which promoted the osteogenic effect of the microspheres with BMP. We propose CPS microspheres as potential drug-delivery systems that can be effectively used in the treatment of bone defects.

New insight into the mechanisms of preferential encapsulation of metal(loid)s by wheat phytoliths under silicon nanoparticle amendment.

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been widely used to immobilize toxic trace metal(loid)s (TTMs) in contaminated croplands. However, the effect and mechanisms of SiNP application on TTM transportation in response to phytolith formation and phytolith-encapsulated-TTM (PhytTTM) production in plants are unclear. This study demonstrates the promotion effect of SiNP amendment on phytolith development and explores the associated mechanisms of TTM encapsulation in wheat phytoliths grown on multi-TTM contaminated soil. The bioconcentration factors between organic tissues and phytoliths of As and Cr (> 1) were significantly higher than those of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu, and about 10 % and 40 % of the total As and Cr that bioaccumulated in wheat organic tissues were encapsulated into the corresponding phytoliths under high-level SiNP treatment. These observations demonstrate that the potential interaction of plant silica with TTMs is highly variable among elements, with As and Cr being the two most strongly concentrated TTMs in the phytoliths of wheat treated with SiNPs. The qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses of the phytoliths extracted from wheat tissues suggest that the high pore space and surface area (≈ 200 m2 g-1) of phytolith particles could have contributed to the embedding of TTMs during silica gel polymerization and concentration to form PhytTTMs. The abundant SiO functional groups and high silicate-minerals in phytoliths are dominant chemical mechanisms for the preferential encapsulation of TTMs (i.e., As and Cr) by wheat phytoliths. Notably, the organic carbon and bioavailable Si of soils and the translocation of minerals from soil to plant aerial parts can impact TTM sequestration by phytoliths. Thus, this study has implications for the distribution or detoxification of TTMs in plants via preferential PhytTTM production and biogeochemical cycling of PhytTTMs in contaminated cropland following exogenous Si supplementation.

Plant growth and heavy meal accumulation characteristics of Spathiphyllum kochii cultured in three soil extractions with and without silicate supplementation.

A hydroponic method was conducted to test whether Spathiphyllum kochii is tolerant to multiple HMs as well as to evaluate whether sodium silicate promotes plant growth and alleviates HM stress mainly by assessing biomass, HM accumulation characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activities (AEAs). Three soil extractions from an uncontaminated soil, a comparable lightly HM-contaminated soil (EnSE), and a comparable heavily HM-contaminated soil (ExSE) with or without 1 mM sodium silicate supplementation were used. S. kochii showed no obvious symptoms when cultured in EnSE and ExSE, indicating that it was a multi-HM-tolerant species. The biomass and photosynthesis followed the order: UnSE > EnSE > ExSE, but the opposite order was found for HM concentration, AEAs, and malondialdehyde content. Silicate had no effects on the growth and HM bioaccumulation characteristics of S. kochii cultured in UnSE but exhibited a novel role in decreasing HM uptake by 13.61-41.51% in EnSE and ExSE, respectively, corresponding upregulated AEAs, and reduced malondialdehyde contents, resulting in increased biomass and alleviating HM stress. The activities of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were upregulated by an increase in soil extraction HM concentration and further upregulated by silicate supplementation, indicating that they were important mechanisms alleviating HM stress in S. kochii.

Phytoremediation is an economical and environmentally friendly technology for the alleviation of heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soil. Improving bioremediation efficiency is crucial for this kind of technology. Many studies have shown that silicon plays a novel role in plant growth and adversity responses, but studies in the field of phytoremediation are limited. In addition, phytoremediation plant species are usually hyperaccumulators or may be tolerant crops, commercial crops, or wild species from mining areas, and the use of landscape species in phytoremediation is limited. This is the first report on the effects of silicate on the multi-HM bioaccumulation characteristics of a garden plant (Spathiphyllum kochii) cultured in uncontaminated and HM-contaminated soil extractions. This study will broaden phytoremediation species screening and enrich our understanding of the mechanisms by which Si supports the bioremediation of HM-contaminated environments.HIGHLIGHTSS. kochii was a multi-heavy metal-tolerant species.Silicon played a novel role in reducing heavy metal concentrations by 14­40% and 14­42% in shoots and roots, respectively.Silicon upregulated antioxidant enzyme activities to alleviate heavy metal stress in plants.