Anti-HA tag antibody [HRP]

The present study aims to evaluate effect of hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca-10(PO4)(6)OH2), a ceramic similar to natural bone, into AZ31B Mg alloy matrix on biomineralization and biocompatibility. The novel friction stir processing additive manufacturing route was employed to fabricate Mg-HA composites. Various HA contents (5, 10, 20 wt %) were incorporated into Mg matrix. Microstructural observation and chemical composition analysis revealed that refined Mg grains and dispersion of HA particles at micro/nanoscales were achieved in Mg-HA composites after the friction stir processing. The biomineralization evaluation were carried out using immersion experiments in simulated body fluid followed by mineral morphology observation and chemical composition analysis. The wettability measurements were conducted to correlate the biomineralization behavior. The results showed improvement in wettability and bone-like Ca/P ratio in apatite deposit on the composites compared to as-received Mg. In addition, the increase of blood compatibility, cell viability and spreading were found in the higher HA content composites, indicating the improved biocompatibility. Therefore, friction stir processed Mg-20 wt%HA composite exhibited the highest wettability and better cell adhesion among other composites due to the effect of increased HA content within Mg matrix.

Increases in water scarcity due to climate change, especially in dry regions, can affect the dynamics of successional species. In view of the longest sequence of dry years (2010-2019) to have occurred in the Brazilian semi-arid region, with a consequent reduction in water availability, the influence of rainfall distribution on the production of above-ground plant biomass was investigated in a Dry Tropical Forest (DTF). This natural change monitoring experiment was conducted over 11 years (2009-2019) in a fragment of DTF under regeneration for 40 years, in the district of Iguatu, Ceara, Brazil. All living individuals of the woody component with a Diameter at Ground Level (DGL) >= 3 cm and a height (h) >= 100 cm were measured during 2009-2010, 2015-2016, 2018-2019. Biomass production was calculated using an allometric equation defined for DTF species. A mean mortality rate of 134 ind. ha(-1) yr(-1) was registered, with a recruitment of 39 ind. ha(-1) yr(-1), generating a mean deficit of 95 ind. ha(-1) yr(-1). The mean reduction in biomass was 3.26 Mg ha(-1) yr(-1). Climate conditions during consecutive dry years have a direct effect on the mortality and recruitment of woody species, with a recruitment/mortality ratio of 0.11. Shrubby-tree individuals of smaller diameter showed less resilience to the cumulative effect of drought.