Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zofia Dubicka, Maciej J. Bojanowski, Jelle Bijma, Ulf Bickmeyer
Summary: Calcium carbonate minerals produced by marine organisms are important in the global carbon cycle and sedimentation, affecting climate by regulating atmospheric CO2 levels. Foraminifera are important single-celled marine organisms that have been producing calcite shells for over 300 million years. This study investigated the biocalcification process of foraminifera by studying Amphistegina lessonii, and found that their calcite shells are formed through deposition of intracellularly formed Mg-rich amorphous calcium carbonate particles, involved with the activity of endosymbiotic microalgae and seawater-derived endocytic vesicles.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maria E. Sanz-Montero, Pablo del Buey, Oscar Cabestrero, Monica Sanchez-Roman
Summary: The study focuses on the stable isotope behavior of a variety of carbonates in an alkaline and ephemeral lake, revealing insights into their seasonal precipitation and potential preservation in the rock record. The results demonstrate that the isotopic compositions of these carbonates can provide information about the environmental conditions of formation.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Giorgio Gargari, Valentina Taverniti, Cristian Del Bo', Stefano Bernardi, Nicole Hidalgo-Liberona, Tomas Merono, Cristina Andres-Lacueva, Paul A. Kroon, Antonio Cherubini, Patrizia Riso, Simone Guglielmetti
Summary: This study demonstrates that older subjects with higher bacterial DNAemia can benefit from a polyphenol-rich diet. Bacterial DNAemia may be a useful marker for identifying populations that could benefit more from a protective dietary intervention.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Geology
Przemyslaw Sala, Pavel Bella, Tomasz Postawa, Wojciech Wroblewski, Michal Gradzinski
Summary: This study focused on the interaction between bat guano and cave speleothems, specifically estimating the rate of guano-induced corrosion of carbonates and how it transforms the speleothems. The chemical composition of the guano plays a major role in the intense interaction with cave carbonates. Corrosion of carbonates by guano leachates was confirmed through experimental tests and the corrosion rate was found to be up to 0.111 mm/y. The presence of water can facilitate the transport of aggressive guano leachates and increase dissolution rates. Crystallization of phosphates, such as ardealite, brushite, and hydroxylapatite, was observed on the surfaces of experimental tablets and speleothems, and hydroxylapatite was specifically associated with guano-related hiatuses within speleothem sections.
SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nuphar Bianco-Stein, Iryna Polishchuk, Arad Lang, Lotan Portal, Catherine Dejoie, Alexander Katsman, Boaz Pokroy
Summary: During biomineralization, organisms use high-Mg nanoparticles embedded in lower-Mg calcite matrices to enhance the mechanical properties of their skeletons. The formation of these nanoparticles is likely achieved through spinodal decomposition of an amorphous Mg-calcite precursor, and it is independent of the biological characteristics of the organisms but rather depends on their chemical composition and specific Mg content. This biostrategy significantly impacts the understanding of fracture resistance in biominerals.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Mudruk, Marina Maslova
Summary: Individual titanium and calcium-magnesium phosphates are effective sorbents with different mechanisms and efficiency depending on the phase composition. Composite materials with different Ti:(Ca+Mg) ratios were synthesized to study their sorption properties on various cations. The adsorption isotherms were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson models. The composition of sorbents does not affect the removal of Pb2+ and Cu2+ cations, while the removal of cesium proceeds via ion exchange mechanism only. The sorption efficiency of Cd2+, Co2+, Sr2+, and Zn2+ cations on composite materials increases with the increase of titanium phosphate's share. The composite sorbents demonstrate a significant increase in the purification level compared to individual Ti and Ca-Mg phosphates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Gao, Fei Chen, Wen Su
Summary: This study investigates the high-pressure infrared spectra of carbonophosphates Na3Mn(PO4)(CO3) and Na3Mg(PO4)(CO3). It is found that Na3Mn(PO4)(CO3) undergoes structural modification under high pressure, while Na3Mg(PO4)(CO3) maintains its structural stability. The [PO4] and [CO3] units in carbonophosphates experience less compression or deformation compared to phosphates and carbonates under the same pressure. This research provides new insights into the role of carbonophosphates in both material sciences and Earth sciences.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
T. N. Moroz, H. G. M. Edwards, S. M. Zhmodik
Summary: The Raman spectra of the samples confirmed their composition as calcites and other carbonates, showing an association between cyanobacteria and the apatite crystals. The laser-induced photoluminescence of REE and Mn+2 observed in the Raman spectra is attributed to both apatite and other mineral phases with low concentrations of these elemental ions. The study concluded that the biogenic presence of cyanobacteria had a significant impact on the formation of the unique Nb-REE Tomtor deposit.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Oksana A. Rodina, Oleg S. Vereshchagin, Dmitry Yu. Vlasov, Marina S. Zelenskaya, Dmitrii V. Pankin, Nikita V. Mitrofanov, Michael Yu. Nikitin, Kseniia Yu. Vasileva, Olga V. Frank-Kamenetskaya
Summary: This study investigated cyanobacterial communities associated with carbonate sediments in the freshwater bodies feeding the historical Peterhof fountains in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Through metagenome analysis and various microscopy techniques, the research established the leading role of cyanobacteria in carbonate biomineralization in the water supply system of the Peterhof fountains. Additionally, model experiments showed the significant contribution of cyanobacterial species in the Oscillatoriaceae family to carbonate biomineralization.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
A. Nagasaki, K. Nagasaki, B. D. Kear, W. D. Tadesse, V. Thumbigere-Math, J. L. Millan, B. L. Foster, M. J. Somerman
Summary: This study demonstrated that pharmacologic modulation of Pi/PPi metabolism can overcome periodontal breakdown and achieve regeneration through both in vivo and in vitro approaches.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
T. Iwayama, P. Bhongsatiern, M. Takedachi, S. Murakami
Summary: This article outlines the recent significant progress in the process of matrix vesicle-mediated mineralization and explores the potential clinical applications of matrix vesicles for tissue regeneration. The involvement of mitochondria and lysosomes in matrix vesicle formation has been identified as a key factor, and it has been suggested that the main secretion pathway of matrix vesicles may be exocytosis. Novel nano-level microscopic technologies and basic cell biology research, such as autophagy and interorganelle interactions, can further enhance our understanding of matrix vesicles.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Maslova, Natalia Mudruk, Andrei Ivanets, Irina Shashkova, Natalia Kitikova
Summary: A cost-effective and eco-friendly method of novel sorbents was developed for various environmental applications, using TiCaMg phosphates composite synthesized through a simplified heterogeneous process. Batch experiments showed that at low pH values, heavy metal removal was mainly through metal phosphate precipitation, while increased pH led to decreased sorption ability and a mechanism involving ion-exchange and surface attraction. Kinetic studies revealed that adsorption rate is controlled by film diffusion, intraparticle diffusion, and chemical interaction, with the sorption process on TiCaMgP being faster compared to other sorbents.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrei Ivanets, Irina Shashkova, Natalja Kitikova, Natalia Drozdova, Anastasiya Dzikaya, Oleg Shichalin, Sofiya Yarusova, Evgeniy Papynov
Summary: The adsorption removal of Co(II) ions by Zr-Ca-Mg and Ti-Ca-Mg phosphates was studied, and the effects of adsorbent chemical composition, competing ions, and solution pH on the adsorption process were investigated. The highest adsorption capacity reached 253.3 and 212.8 mg/g for Zr-Ca-Mg-1 and Ti-Ca-Mg-1 samples, respectively. The adsorbents showed high efficiency under specific conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricia M. Valdespino-Castillo, Andrea Bautista-Garcia, Fabio Favoretto, Martin Merino-Ibarra, Rocio J. Alcantara-Hernandez, Teresa Pi-Puig, F. Sergio Castillo, Silvia Espinosa-Matias, Hoi-Ying Holman, Anidia Blanco-Jarvio
Summary: This study assessed the microstructure of Neogoniolithon trichotomum in the Gulf of California, revealing spatial segregation of magnesium-calcite and aragonite in polysaccharide matrix. The study identified temperature and nutrient availability as main factors influencing microbiota distribution in the algal thalli, with bacterial components playing important roles in the algal plasticity and adaptive responses to a changing environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Correction
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hellen S. Santos, Hoang Nguyen, Fabricio Venancio, Durgaprasad Ramteke, Ron Zevenhoven, Paivo Kinnunen
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of Mg carbonates precipitation and their implications for CO2 capture and utilization/storage.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Santiago Casanova-Arenillas, Francisco J. Rodriguez-Tovar, Francisca Martinez-Ruiz
Summary: Research has shown that during the Last Glacial Cycle, climatically induced changes in ocean dynamics affected the tracemaker habitat in the Alboran Sea Basin. The trace fossil assemblage exhibited long-term and short-term fluctuations, correlating with sea-surface temperature records and delta O-18 profiles of Greenland ice cores. This indicates a reconstruction of climatically induced changes in ocean dynamics that have significant impacts on deep-sea environmental conditions in the Western Mediterranean Deep Water.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Claudia Sosa-Montes de Oca, Marta Rodrigo-Gamiz, Francisca Martinez-Ruiz, Francisco J. Rodriguez-Tovar, Jose Manuel Castro, M. Luisa Quijano, Richard D. Pancost
Summary: The study found that non-fossilizing phytoplankton community rapidly recovered after the KPgB event, but the organic matter composition changed significantly in the first 10,000 years post-impact, influenced by variations in terrigenous and petrogenic inputs as well as changing redox conditions.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
Javier Fernandez-Martinez, Francisco J. Rodriguez-Tovar, Laura Pinuela, Francisca Martinez-Ruiz, Jose C. Garcia-Ramos
Summary: Detailed analysis of early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event in two sections from the Asturian Basin reveals changes in macrobenthic tracemaker community induced by oxygen fluctuations. Ichnological features characterize a multi-tiered macrobenthic tracemaker community associated with variations in bottom- and pore-water oxygenation during the T-OAE. Minor-order oxygen fluctuations from suboxic/anoxic to disoxic/oxic conditions were observed during the event.
SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Jose Manuel Mesa-Fernandez, Francisca Martinez-Ruiz, Marta Rodrigo-Gamiz, Francisco J. Jimenez-Espejo, Marga Garcia, Francisco J. Sierro
Summary: We present a high-resolution analysis of seven marine sediment records from the western Mediterranean to decipher the paleoenvironmental and paleoceanographic evolution of the area. The Ti/Ca ratio is found to be mostly controlled by bottom current intensity and shows similar trends in different regions. Redox sensitive proxies indicate different phases within the Organic Rich Layer 1, influenced by factors such as sea level transgression and enhanced fluvial input. In the last 2,000 years, there is an overall increase in the Ti/Ca ratio, possibly due to intensified human activity in the Mediterranean area.
GLOBAL AND PLANETARY CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Santiago Casanova-Arenillas, Francisco J. Rodriguez-Tovar, Francisca Martinez-Ruiz
Summary: This study redefined the organic rich layers (ORLs) in the western Mediterranean over the Last Glacial Cycle, identifying seven new ORLs and differentiating three types based on sedimentological and ichnological features. The different types of ORLs correspond to varying oxygen conditions and show a correlation between Sea Surface Temperatures and established climatic events over the Last Glacial Cycle in the Western Mediterranean.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Alarcon, Cristina Periago, David Pino, Jordi Mazon, Maria del Carme Casas-Castillo, Jiang Ji Ho-Zhang, Concepcion De Linares, Raul Rodriguez-Sola, Jordina Belmonte
Summary: Betula (birch) pollen is one of the main causes of respiratory allergy in Northern and Central Europe. This study investigates the sources and transport routes of birch pollen in Catalonia, a region with limited birch trees. The study found that besides the nearby Pyrenees, other regions like Cantabria, France, and Central Europe also contribute significantly to the influx of birch pollen in Catalonia.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
L. Morcillo-Montalba, M. Rodrigo-Gamiz, F. Martinez-Ruiz, M. Ortega-Huertas, S. Schouten, J. S. Sinninghe Damste
Summary: The study presented a high-resolution paleotemperature reconstruction over the last 35 kyr in the westernmost Mediterranean using four independent organic sea surface temperature (SST) proxies. The records showed similar trends over time, with LDI and RI-OH' proxies recording the largest absolute SST range. The findings provide valuable insights into abrupt temperature variations during important climatic periods.
PALEOCEANOGRAPHY AND PALEOCLIMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Concepcion De Linares, David Navarro, Rut Puigdemunt, Jordina Belmonte
Summary: This study investigated the concentration of spores from Alternaria and other Pleosporales fungi, as well as the detection of the allergen Alt a 1, using different sampling and analyzing methods. The results showed that Alt a 1 could only be detected and quantified in samples collected by the MCV sampler. Alt a 1 had a higher correlation with Alternaria spores than with Pleosporales spores, but all three showed significant correlations. In addition, Alt a 1 was highly correlated with temperature, negatively correlated with humidity, and had no correlation with precipitation.
Article
Biophysics
R. Rodriguez-Sola, M. C. Casas-Castillo, J. J. Ho Zhang, R. Kirchner, M. Alarcon, C. Periago, C. De Linares, J. Belmonte
Summary: Precipitation has a complex relationship with airborne pollen and fungal spore concentrations and their seasonal characteristics. It has a twofold impact of promoting pollen production before pollination and removing pollen from the air during pollination. This study focuses on extreme rainfall and calculates the correlation between rainfall indices and airborne pollen concentrations. The findings show a positive influence of moderately extreme winter rainfall on subsequent pollen and fungal spore production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Biophysics
R. Rodriguez-Sola, M. C. Casas-Castillo, J. J. Ho Zhang, R. Kirchner, M. Alarcon, C. Periago, C. De Linares, J. Belmonte
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Andres M. Velez-Pereira, Concepcion De Linares, Jordina Belmonte
Summary: The long-range atmospheric transport models for pollen and fungal spores can be divided into four modules: meteorological module, emission module, sources of emission module, and atmospheric transport module. A review and analysis of scientific articles published from 1998 to 2016 reveals that different models and parameterization methods have been used in these models, with a focus on pollen and fungal spores. The development of long-range transport models faces high technical and scientific requirements, with the establishment of flow and emission sources being the main limitations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Pablo Galindo-Moreno, Natividad Martin-Morales, Allinson Olaechea, Pedro Hernandez-Cortes, Cristobal Verdugo-Escamilla, Francisca Martinez-Ruiz, Ana Belen Carrillo-Galvez, Francisco O'Valle, Miguel Padial-Molina
Summary: This study evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics of a bovine bone mineral matrix and the clinical, radiographical, histological, and mRNA results after using it for maxillary sinus floor augmentation in humans. The bovine bone mineral matrix showed adequate biological, clinical, and radiological outcomes and provided similar responses to other commonly used biomaterials.
CLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Javier Fernandez-Martinez, Francisca Martinez Ruiz, Francisco J. Rodriguez-Tovar, Laura Pinuela, Jose C. Garcia-Ramos, Thomas J. Algeo
Summary: This study re-evaluates the relationship between anoxia and local hydrographic restriction during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE) by analyzing Mo/TOC and redox proxies in the Asturian Basin and integrating these results with data from other Toarcian sections globally. The study finds evidence of euxinic bottomwaters or porewaters in the Asturian Basin, indicating watermass restriction, while other basins show unrestricted watermass conditions with intermittent euxinia. The results suggest that hydrographic restriction played a major role in modulating the expression of the T-OAE globally.
GLOBAL AND PLANETARY CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andres M. Velez-Pereira, Concepcion De Linares, Miquel A. Canela, Jordina Belmonte
Summary: This study used logistic regression and regression trees to predict the daily concentration thresholds of six airborne fungal spore taxa in Catalonia. Both models showed similar results and satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. The logistic regression model was proposed as the best predictive model due to its higher precision and ease of use.
Article
Microbiology
Concepcion De Linares, David Navarro, Rut Puigdemunt, Jordina Belmonte
Summary: Aspergillus is a widely distributed saprophytic fungus genus associated with soil, decaying vegetation, or seeds. Some species, such as A. fumigatus, can cause opportunistic infections in humans. This study measured the outdoor airborne concentration of Aspergillus conidia and the Asp f 1 allergen concentration in Barcelona, Spain, and found that both particles were present throughout the year with no correlation in their concentrations. The study highlights the importance of aero-immunological analysis for detecting the potential pathogenic hazard of Aspergillus.