Uterine Metabolomic Analysis for the Regulation of Eggshell Calcification in Chickens

Eggshell quality is economically important for table eggs and functionally indispensable for hatching eggs. During the formation of eggshell in the uterus, organic matrixes in uterine fluid can control and modify the formation of calcified eggshell. At present, there are limited studies focusing on the effect of uterine organic metabolites on eggshell quality. In this study, an LC-MS-based metabolomic technology was performed to identify the crucial uterine metabolites that differently presented in hens producing eggs with divergent eggshell quality (eggshell strength, thickness, and weight). More than 1000 metabolites were identified in uterine fluid, and six putative metabolites, including phosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol, verapamil, risedronate, coproporphyrinogen III, and biliverdin, were screened to play crucial roles in eggshell calcification. Then, two trials for oral administration and in vitro calcite crystal growth were conducted to verify the effect of potential different metabolites on the eggshell quality. Verapamil has a temporary effect on decreasing eggshell strength and eggshell thickness. Coproporphyrinogen III could induce smaller calcite crystals to improve eggshell strength while biliverdin could modify crystal morphology by forming rougher faces and rounder edges to strengthen the eggshell. The present study gives us new insight to understand the role of uterine fluid matrixes in eggshell calcification.

Life histories of three Serrulinini species (Stylommatophora: Clausiliidae) from Georgia kept under laboratory conditions

The Serrulinini, a small relict group of clausiliids occurring in coastal regions of the Black and Caspian Seas and the Caucasus, are currently classified within the Phaedusinae, however paraphyletic origin of the Serrulinini is also widely debated with Pontophaedusa funiculum (Mousson) being most phylogenetically distinct from other taxa. As life history data may have taxonomical value, we conducted long-term observations in laboratory culture to assess reproductive modes, fecundity and growth pattern of three serruline species. Caspiophaedusa perlucens (O. Boettger) and Pravispira semilamellata (Mousson) produced partly calcified eggs with regular, spiral arrangement of crystals; their juveniles hatched after 17–18 days; the generation time was long and significantly exceeded one year. P. funiculum laid heavily calcified, elongated eggs. The incubation time in P. funiculum varied depending on the humidity, with a tendency towards short embryo-retention. The generation time in P. funiculum was one year. In all the studied species, egg calcification differed from the pattern common for other oviparous Phaedusinae which produce partly calcified eggs with homogeneous distribution of crystals. The calcite crystal distribution in the egg membranes reported here for the Serrulinini suggests some potential of these characters in phylogenetic context.

Τhe role of surface energy in the apparent solubility of two different calcite crystal habits

The interplay between polymorphism and facet-specific surface energy on the dissolution of crystals is examined in this work. It is shown that, using cationic additives, it is possible to produce star-shaped calcite crystals at very high supersaturations. In crystallization processes following the Ostwald rule of stages these star-shaped crystals appear to have higher solubility than both their rhombohedral counterparts and needle-shaped aragonite crystals. The vapour pressures of vaterite, aragonite, star-shaped calcite and rhombohedral calcite crystals are measured using thermogravimetric analysis and the corresponding enthalpies of melting are obtained. Using inverse gas chromatography, the surface energy of the aforementioned crystals is measured as well and the surface energy of the main crystal facets is calculated. Combining the effect of facet-specific surface energies and the enthalpies of melting on a modified version of the classical solubility equation for regular solutions, it is proved that the star-shaped calcite crystals can indeed have higher apparent solubility than aragonitecrystals.

Strain-related carbon ordering on a sub-mm scale: a comparison of carbonate microfabrics and organic carbon nanostructure within a single sample.

<p>Organic carbon in rocks undergoes nanostructural changes when exposed to increased temperatures or strain. These changes can be identified using Raman spectroscopy, giving information about thermal maturity and strain conditions. However, it is well documented that in a heterogeneous rock, strain can be highly localised, evident in microstructural variations such as strain shadows, sub-grain development, twinning, and the rotation and alignment of crystal axes. In this study we map microstructural textures in deformed calcite through optical microscopy and EBSD of calcite crystal axes. This textural map is compared to mapped Raman spectral parameters of organic carbon particles in the same thin section. A comparison of the maps allows assessment of the extent to which Raman spectral parameters and hence carbon nanostructure is influenced by strain at a sub-mm scale. The study highlights the sensitivity of organic carbon nanostructure to sub-mm scale changes in strain localisation within a single deformed carbonate sample.</p>

Ekstraksi dan Identifikasi Komponen Utama Pasir Putih dari Desa Marinsow Kabupaten Minahasa Utara dengan Pengujian XRF dan XRD

North Sulawesi is one of the regions in Indonesia which has a wealth of natural resources which is quite abundant, one of the natural potential that can be utilized is White sand. White sand has a composition that is SiO2, CaO, Fe2O3, TiO2, MgO. This study aims to identify the composition of the main components of white sand through XRF testing and the results of extraction of white sand from Marinsow village using the alkaline fusion method, NaOH solution for extracting and crystallizing the formation of silica crystals and tested using XRD testing to determine the crystal characteristics. Extraction and testing processes have been carried out using XRF and XRD on white sand samples taken in Marinsow Village, North Minahasa Regency. The results of the identification of the components of the white sand constituents through XRF testing namely CaO is the largest main component of the white sand compilers in the village of Marinsow which is as much as 89.97%. The content of SiO2 compounds in white sand (Marinsow) is as much as 1.41%. Other components found in white sand from Marinsow village, North Minahasa Regency include MgO as much as 5.85%, SrO as much as 2.31%, Fe2O3 as much as 0.277 %, TiO2 is 0.079%, Cr2O3 is 0.032%, Nb2O5 is 0.0238%, MoO3 is 0.0159%, SnO2 is 0.0082%, Sb2O3 is 0.0079% and RuO4 is 0.0074%. The results of XRD testing on white sand taken in the village of Marinsow give results that white sand has a calcite crystal structure (CaO) and for the SiO2 silica component is quartz.