The influence of dihydropyridines calcium antagonists on 5-HT-induced intracellular calcium signal

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was applied to detect the intracellular [Ca2 ] variety of fluorescent intension, with Fluo-3/AM fluorescence loaded in SFSMC. The results show that 10 μmol/L Lacidipine can reduce the frequence which 10 μmol/L 5-HT induced [Ca2 ] spark in SFSMC of calcium over loading to 50%, and amplitude to 50% or so. We can draw a conclusion that dihydropyridines cal-cium antagonists lacidipine can antagonize the release of intracellular [Ca2 ] which 5-HT-induced in dose dependent manner.     

Simulation of calcium oxalate stone in vitro

Urolithiasis constitutes a serious health problem that affects a significant section of mankind. Between 3% and 14% of the population, depending on the geographical region, suffer from this illness[1]. For example, the incidence of urolithiasis in Florida in the United States of America was 15.7 in 100000 people and increased to 20.8 in 1996. Urolithiasis remains a major medical prob-lem in China, especially in Guangdong Province. A survey in 1997 in Shenzhen City, the most southern city i…     

Investigation of calcium antagonist–L-type calcium channel interactions by a vascular smooth muscle cell membrane chromatography method

The dissociation equilibrium constant (K _D) is an important affinity parameter for studying drug–receptor interactions. A vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cell membrane chromatography (CMC) method was developed for determination of the K _D values for calcium antagonist–L-type calcium channel (L-CC) interactions. VSM cells, by means of primary culture with rat thoracic aortas, were used for preparation of the cell membrane stationary phase in the VSM/CMC model. All measurements were performed with spectrophotometric detection (237 nm) at 37 °C. The K _D values obtained using frontal analysis were 3.36 × 10⁻⁶ M for nifedipine, 1.34 × 10⁻⁶ M for nimodipine, 6.83 × 10⁻⁷ M for nitrendipine, 1.23 × 10⁻⁷ M for nicardipine, 1.09 × 10⁻⁷ M for amlodipine, and 8.51 × 10⁻⁸ M for verapamil. This affinity rank order obtained from the VSM/CMC method had a strong positive correlation with that obtained from radioligand binding assay. The location of the binding region was examined by displacement experiments using nitrendipine as a mobile-phase additive. It was found that verapamil occupied a class of binding sites on L-CCs different from those occupied by nitrendipine. In addition, nicardipine, amlodipine, and nitrendipine had direct competition at a single common binding site. The studies showed that CMC can be applied to the investigation of drug–receptor interactions.     

On the structure of calcium—lead phosphate apatites

In order to obtain information about the structure of Ca_10-x Pb_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ (O<x<10) compounds, powder X-ray diffraction patterns and i.r. absorption spectra have been studied. Solid solutions of the complete series have been obtained and lattice parameters dimensions and cation distribution in unequivalent sites are given. OH, PO₄, CO₃ and cation oxygen fundamental frequencies were assigned.     

Determination of trace calcium by solid substrate-room temperature phosphorimetry

A new method for the determination of trace calcium by solid substrate-room temperature phosphorimetry is established. It is based on the fact that chromeazurols azurol S-phenanthroline-NaCMC (CAS-phen-NaCMC) system can emit strong and stable room temperature phosphorescence (RTF) on the solid substrate in the filter paper. Ca2 and phenanthroline can form complex ion Ca(phen)32 , which will form complex [Ca(phen)3(CAS)2] with CAS. In the result, the number of CAS molecules in each spot increased, causing sharp increase of the RTP signal of the CAS-phen-NaCMC system.     

Effects of reagents’ nature on mechanochemical synthesis of calcium titanate

The effect of alkaline hydrothermal activation of class-C fly ash belite cement was studied using thermal analysis (TG/DTG) by determining the increase in the combined water during a period of hydration of 180 days. The results were compared with those obtained for a belite cement hydrothermally activated in water. The two belite cements were fabricated via the hydrothermal-calcination route of class-C fly ash in 1 M NaOH solution (FABC-2-N) or demineralised water (FABC-2-W). From the results, the effect of the alkaline hydrothermal activation of belite cement (FABC-2-N) was clearly differentiated, mainly at early ages of hydration, for which the increase in the combined water was markedly higher than that of the belite cement that was hydrothermally activated in water. Important direct quantitative correlations were obtained among physicochemical parameters, such as the combined water, the BET surface area, the volume of nano-pores, and macro structural engineering properties such as the compressive mechanical strength.     

Surface modification by calcium ions—Effect on chromatographic properties of silica

Summary A liquid chromatographic method incorporating column-switching and fluorimetric detection for the determination of triamterene in untreated urine, is described. The urine samples (5 L) were directly introduced onto an Hypersil ODS-C18, 30 m (20 mm×2.1 mm I.D.) pre-column. Polar urinary compounds were removed by flushing the pre-column with water for 1 min, and the analyte was then switched onto an HP-LiChrospher RP C18,5 m (125 mm×4mm ID) analytical column using an acetonitrile/phosphate buffer gradient elution. Fluorescence detection was performed at 230 nm excitation and 430 nm emission wavelengths. The recovery of drug was 102±2% in the 0.10–20.0 g/mL concentration range, the limit of detection being 5 ng/mL. A validation of the usefulness of this procedure was accomplished by analysing urine extracts obtained from real samples.Hypersil ODS is not a product of Merck, Germany. Please give supplier (p. 5).     

Formation of ring calcium oxalate patterns induced by domains in DPPC Langmuir-Blodgett films

The ring patterns of calcium oxalate crystals were induced by domains in Langmuir-Blodgett （LB） films of dipalmitoylpho- sphatidylcboline （DPPC）. The result was explained by the defects at the ring boundaries of liquid condensed （LC） and liquid expanded （LE） phases of LB film. These boundaries could provide less free energy and much more nucleating sites for COM crystals.     

Flat band–steep band scenario and superconductivity — the case of calcium

Calcium is chosen as a test case for the validity of the ‘flat band/steep band’ scenario in superconductivity. Its electronic structure is reexamined by means of the self-consistent all-electron full potential LMTO and LMTO-ASA method based on the local-density approximation (LDA). The lattice properties and the electron-phonon interactions are calculated from first principles based on the linear-response theory in the LMTO frame. Our results are in reasonable agreement with experiment. Some new observations on the electronic structure close to the Fermi level are made based on the comparison between the theoretical and experimental results. Calcium does not become and according to our results should not become superconducting.     

Equilibrium and kinetics of calcium–uranyl–carbonate adsorption on silica nanoparticles

Solvent extraction studies on the purification of uranium from zirconium rich sodium diuranate (SDU) feed was carried out using n-tri butyl phosphate (TBP) as extractant and n-decanol as phase modifier. The presence of Zr in SDU leached solution leads to the formation of third phase during liquid–liquid extraction of uranium which was successfully prevented by addition of n-decanol in 30% (v/v) TBP/n-dodecane mixture. A seven stage counter current extraction of SDU feed solution followed by five stage stripping were carried out using optimum concentration of phase modifier 15% n-decanol-30% TBP in n-dodecane as solvent. Based on the findings a process flow-sheet has been developed for the purification of SDU to nuclear grade ammonium diuranate.     

Influence of calcium on the thermal stabilization of bovine α-lactalbumin by selected polyols

Thermal stability of bovine α-lactalbumin in the presence of three different calcium concentrations in aqueous solutions of several concentrations of erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and inositol at pH 6.5 was evaluated by UV absorbance, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. At the selected conditions, the thermal denaturation process is reversible and is well described by a two-state model. Results show a higher stability for the holo form of the protein in the presence of calcium, followed by the holo- and the apo-lactalbumin, respectively. The stabilizing effect of the polyols increases with polyol concentration and it is higher for the apo-lactalbumin than holo-lactalbumin and is very small for the protein in the presence of a calcium excess.     

Preparation of bioactive microspheres of organic modified calcium silicates through sol–gel processing

Bioactive ceramics show specific biological activity, a bone-bonding ability, and are used as bone-repairing materials. Particles of bioactive ceramics may be used as fillers for fabricating bioactive composites where bioactive fillers are dispersed in a polymer matrix. Chemical bonding between the filler and the organic matrix requires an effective organic modification of the bioactive filler. Previous studies have reported that inorganic glasses in the CaO–SiO₂ system act as fundamental components showing bioactivity, as they show a high potential to form bone-like apatite after exposure to a body fluid. Therefore, organically modified microspheres composed of CaO–SiO₂ gels can be useful as bioactive fillers to produce bioactive composites. In this study, the conditions for the preparation of organically modified gels composed of CaO–SiO₂ were investigated using sol–gel processing of tetraethoxysilane, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and silane coupling agents (SCAs), such as 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPS), along with polyethyleneglycol (PEG). Spherical particles with diameter of 2–3 μm were obtained when adding the SCAs, except for GPS with PEG. Incorporation of the SCAs was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. All the samples prepared with the SCAs formed bone-like apatite on their surfaces in a simulated body fluid within a period of 1 day. These results indicate that bioactive microspheres of organically modified CaO–SiO₂ gels can be obtained using sol–gel processing with SCAs.     

How strongly can calcium ion influence the hydrogen-bond dynamics at complex aqueous interfaces?

The author has performed three independent molecular dynamics computer simulations to examine the effects of counterion identity on hydrogen-bond dynamics in the enclosed water pool of anionic surfactant-based reverse micelles. The water-water hydrogen-bond lifetime in the reverse micelle (RM) with calcium ions is found to be longer than that in the RM with sodium or ammonium ions. The hydrogen bond between a polar head group and a water molecule, on the other hand, breaks but reforms most rapidly in the RM with calcium ions, indicating that there exists a strong competition between head group-counterion and head group-water interactions at such complex interfaces.     

Preparation and characterization of calcium phosphate–albumin colloidal particles by high ultrasonic irradiation

Using high intensity ultrasonic irradiation, we prepared calcium phosphate–albumin colloidal particles from aqueous solutions of Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ and Ca(OH)₂ in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The effect of concentration of BSA (2–5 g/L) properties of the colloidal particles was studied at constant temperature. The effect of a resting period on the size distribution of the colloidal particles was also investigated. Morphology, phase composition, average diameter, size distribution and zeta potential were obtained by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, particle size determination by PCS and electrokinetic measurements.     

New modified filler obtained by silica formed by sol–gel method on calcium carbonate

This study focus on the modification of the particles of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) with silica formed in situ by sol–gel method. The new materials were characterized by several spectroscopic, analytical and microscopic techniques. A dense film of highly branched silica was formed at the surface of the scalenohedral PCC crystals. The amount of silica deposited at the PCC surface, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis, reached up to 25 wt% under appropriate experimental conditions. Particle size distributions obtained by laser diffraction spectroscopy of the new modified PCC’s were close to the distribution of the original PCC, even considering that some variation in the average size of the particles was noted. This result is of great interest regarding the application of these materials, for instance, as fillers in the paper industry since the coating of silica may contribute to the fibre-to-fibre bonding, thus improving paper strength.     

What drives the precipitation of long-chain calcium carboxylates (soaps) in aqueous solution?

The interaction of sodium octanoate, decanoate or dodecanoate with calcium(ii) in aqueous solutions has been studied using turbidity, conductivity and potentiometric measurements. These show a marked alkyl chain length dependence on the behaviour. At the calcium concentration used (1.0 mM), there is little interaction with the octanoate, the decanoate shows initially formation of a 1:1 complex, followed by precipitation, while the dodecanoate precipitates at low surfactant concentrations. The solid calcium carboxylates were prepared, and show lamellar, bilayer structures with planes of calcium(II) ions coordinated to carboxylate groups through bidentate chelate linkages. Thermogravimetry and elemental analyses indicate the presence of coordinated water with the calcium decanoate but not with longer chain carboxylates. The results of both the solution and solid state studies suggest that precipitation of long-chain carboxylates depends on a balance between hydration effects and hydrophobic (largely van der Waals') interactions. Electrostatic effects make little energetic contribution but play the important structural role of ordering the carboxylate anions before precipitation. Differences are observed in the interactions between calcium(II) and long chain alkylcarboxylates and alkylsulfates, and are interpreted in terms of stronger binding to the metal of the carboxylate group. A general mechanism is proposed for calcium carboxylate precipitation from aqueous solution based on this and previous studies.     

A new 3D polyoxometalate based on saturated Wells–Dawson polyanions and calcium cations

A new polyoxometalate based on saturated Wells-Dawson polyanions and calcium cations, H₂[Ca₂(P₂W₁₈O₆₂)(H₂O)₅]?·?7.5H₂O (1), has been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and IR. Compound 1 is a new example of 3D framework based on Wells-Dawson anions that act as chelate ligands to coordinate with calcium cations. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that the pH of the supporting electrolytic solution has a marked effect on the electrochemical behavior.     

Dosage microgravimétrique et spectrophotométrique du calcium par la lorétine

Résumé Les auteurs ont élaboré une méthode semi-micro et micro-gravimétrique et une méthode spectrophotométrique pour le dosage du calcium par la lorétine. Après avoir établi le facteur analytique du lorétinate de calcium par voie gravimétrique et thermogravimétrique, ils ont démontré la possibilité de doser le calcium à l'échelle semi-micro gravimétrique pour des quantités allant de 5 mg à 50 mg, l'erreur moyenne étant de 0,35%. La méthode microgravimétrique permet de ramener la quantité minima à doser à 0,2 mg de calcium par ml, l'erreur moyenne étant de 0,45%. L'influence d'une série d'ions étrangers fut étudiée. La plupart ne gênent pas le dosage, même s'ils sont présents en quantités importantes. Par spectrophotométrie indirecte, notamment en redissolvant le lorétinate de calcium dans un excès d'une solution ferrique, les auteurs ont réussi à doser des quantités de calcium de l'ordre de 20g avec une erreur moyenne de 0,35%.

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Summary The authors have elaborated a method (semi-micro and micro-gravimetric) and also a spectrophotometric method for determining calcium by means of loretin. After establishing the analytical factor for calcium loretinate by the gravimetric and the thermogravimetric methods, they showed the possibility of determining calcium on the semimicro gravimetric scale for quantities ranging from 5 mg to 50 mg, the mean error being 0.35%. The microgravimetric method allows the minimum quantity to be determined to be reduced to 0.2 mg calcium per ml, the mean error being 0.45%. A study was made of the influence of a number of foreign ions. Most of them do not harm the determination, even though they are present in considerable amounts. By indirect spectrophotometry, notably by dissolving the calcium loretinate in an excess of ferric solution, the writers have succeeded in determining amounts of calcium of the order of 20g with a mean error of 0.35%.

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Zusammenfassung Die Verfasser haben eine semimikro- und eine mikrogravimetrische Methode und ein spektrophotometrisches Verfahren zur Bestimmung von Calcium mit Loretin (7-Jod-8-hydroxychinolin-5-sulfonsäure) ausgearbeitet. Nach Festlegung des Umrechnungsfaktors des Calciumloretinats auf gravimetrischem und thermogravimetrischem Wege wurde gezeigt, daß durch Semimikrogravimetrie Calciummengen von 5 bis 50 mg mit einem mittleren Fehler von 0,35% bestimmbar sind. Die mikrogravimetrische Methode eignet sieh für 0,2 mg Calcium/ml mit einem mittleren Fehler von 0,45%. Der Einfluß einer Reihe von Fremdionen wurde untersucht. Die meisten davon stören nicht, auch wenn sie in bedeutender Menge vorhanden sind. Durch indirekte Spektrophotometrie, nämlich durch Auflösen des Calciumloretinats in überschüssiger Eisen(III)lösung gelang es, Calciummengen in der Größenordnung von 20g mit einem mittleren Fehler von 0,35% zu bestimmen.

     

Surface characterization and dissolution study of biodegradable calcium metaphosphate coated by sol–gel method

Coatings of biomedical implant surfaces by a bioactive calcium phosphate film render bioactivity to the implant surface and shorten the healing time. In this present study, calcium metaphosphate (CMP) sol was synthesized by sol–gel method and coated onto the titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V). CMP sol was first synthesized by reacting Ca(NO₃)₂4H₂O (Sigma–Aldrich 99%, USA) with (OC₂H₅)₃P (Fluka 97%, Japan) in methyl alcohol. A stoichiometric Ca/P ratio of 0.5 was obtained by varying the amounts of the reactants. Sol was then coated on Ti-6Al-4V substrates by spin coating. The coated-specimens were then dried at 70 °C for 24 h, followed by a heat treatment at 650 °C for 1 h. Structural and chemical properties of the coatings were evaluated using XRD, SEM, and EPMA. The dissolution property of the coated-CMP layer was investigated by immersing the samples in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 3, 7 and 21 days. The concentration of Ca²⁺ released was measured using ICP. After heat treatment, SEM indicated a smooth and uniform CMP layer, with CMP grains of approximately 100 nm. The CMP phase was identified with δ-CMP (JCPDS #9-363). After immersion in SBF, coatings were observed to be roughened and porous. The concentration of Ca²⁺ in SBF was observed to increase over time, indicating continuous dissolution. The presence of titanium oxide phosphate compounds were also observed on CMP surfaces after immersion. It was thus concluded that the ability to control coating properties as well as the need for low heat treatment temperature offers advance for the use of CMP coating by sol–gel process on Ti-6Al-4V implant surfaces.