Introduction: Endodontic cements are essential materials for achieving successful root canal treatment. Therefore, they must present adequate physicochemical properties to ensure optimal clinical performance. This study aimed to evaluate radiopacity, pH, and calcium ion release of calcium silicate- and epoxy resin-based cements/sealers. Materials and Methods: Four materials were evaluated: Vioseal, AH-Plus, AH-Plus Bioceramic Sealer, and MTA Angelus. Ten cylindrical specimens (10 mm diameter, 1 mm height) per group were prepared for each tested property, totaling 80 samples. The same specimens were used for pH and calcium ion release, while separate specimens were used for radiopacity. All samples were stored at 37°C and 95% humidity. Radiopacity was assessed by digital radiography using an aluminum step wedge (1-10 mm). pH was measured at 1, 7, and 14 days using a calibrated digital pH meter. Calcium ion release was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner post hoc tests (P<0.05). Results: Vioseal and AH-Plus showed the highest radiopacity values (9.98±0.42 mm Al and 10.00±0.38 mm Al, respectively), while AH-Plus Bioceramic Sealer (9.04±0.28 mm Al) and MTA Angelus (4.72±0.40 mm Al) showed lower values. Regarding pH, AH-Plus Bioceramic presented the highest and most sustained alkaline value (up to 12.5), and AH-Plus the lowest (6.25±0.26). In calcium ion release, Vioseal showed the highest release on day 7 (29.4±3.12 ppm), while AH-Plus Bioceramic Sealer also peaked on day 7 (18.60±5.54 ppm); MTA Angelus presented its highest release on day 1 (11.80±1.00 ppm). Conclusion: All evaluated cements/sealers met the ISO 6876 standard for radiopacity. Calcium silicate-based cements showed an alkaline pH and sustained calcium ion release, whereas Vioseal presented an initially high and transient release.

Natural elemental impurities are recognized as a threat for safety and quality of edible salt and have adverse effects on public health. In the current study, fiftysamples of packages containing 1 kg of salt from 25 different brands were collected from retailers in Semnan city (Iran). The concentrations of main impurities of edible salt including magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulphate (SO4-2) ions were quantified by the aid of an Ion Chromatography with conductivity detector. According to findings, the maximum concentrations of Mg, Ca, and SO4-2 ions in salt samples were 0. 067, 0. 226, and 0. 888 % w/w (dry matter basis), respectively. In addition, the concentration of Mg in 16%, Ca in 4%, and SO4-2 in 28% of samples suppressed the acceptable limit proposed by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI) (0. 15% for Ca, 0. 03% for Mg, and 0. 46% for SO4-2). Moreover, the maximum and minimum levels of purity in the salt samples were recorded as 99. 940 and 97. 730%, respectively. Moreover, the purity in 12% of the investigated samples was lower than that of the minimum acceptable limit suggested by ISIRI, while the purity of 97% samples met the acceptable Codex Alimentarius limit (97% Min). Based on results of the current investigation, the routine purification processes used in some factories of Iran did not reduce impurities. Hence, purification process bedsides constant monitoring and safety management should be improved to promote the health quality of edible salt.

Aspartame (N- (L-Aspartyl) -L-phenylalanine, 1-methyl ester) is an artificial sweetener and because of high sweetness and low calorie has wide use in food industries. Experimental studies show that aspartame affects the amount of calcium in the body and cause osteoporosis in long time. In this study interaction of aspartame with calcium ions was investigated via molecular dynamics simulation.MD simulation was carried out using a model of Ca2+ and other ions enclosed in a fully hydrated simulation box with aspartame. The results showed that aspartame was capable to sequestering calcium ions for a long time. The theoretical results are consistent with experimental results.

Wheat being a glycophyte crop, responds differently to saline-sodic soil environmental conditions. The application of calcium is multidimensional with respect to sodium ion and plant part response. This study was conducted to record the response of shoot and root to sodium and calcium interaction under saline environment. Wheat seed of variety Punjab 85 were raised in quartz sand. Later on the seedlings were transplanted to pots containing Hoagland’s nutrient solution along with NaCl at 0 mM. and 50 mM. Calcium was applied as CaSO4 2H2O at 3 mM. and 6 mM. Under saline conditions shoot showed positive response to sodium ion in the presence of higher calcium. Relative water contents were higher in the root system at 6 mM of CaSO4. 2H2O under saline condition. Growth responses to potassium and Magnesium in the presence of sodium induced salinity with calcium ion interaction remained variable.