MgSO4 Research Articles

Spectroscopy of Magnesium Sulfate Double Salts and Their Implications for Mars Exploration

Magnesium sulfate has been widely detected on the surface of Mars. The occurrence of magnesium sulfate and mixed cationic sulfates preserves clues regarding the sedimentary environment, hydrological processes, and climate history of ancient Mars. In this study, seven magnesium sulfate double salts were synthesized in the laboratory using a high-temperature solid phase reaction or slow evaporation of aqueous solutions. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction to confirm their phase and homogeneity. Subsequently, the Raman, mid-infrared spectra, and visible near-infrared spectra of these samples were collected and analyzed. Our results showed that the spectra of the analyzed magnesium sulfate double salts exhibited distinctive spectral features. These laboratory results may provide new insights for the identification of various magnesium sulfate double salts on Mars during the interpretation of in situ data collected by Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC), SuperCam, and the ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS). In addition, the MIR and VNIR spectra features obtained in this study provide an improved reference and spectra library for decipherment of data sourced from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES), Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and Mars Mineralogical Spectrometer (MMS).

Experimental Investigation on Partial Replacement of Cement by Granite Powder on Mortar

This paper intends to investigate the possibility of producing low costs enhanced mortar by Granite powder. By taking the enormous amount of cement, it affects the environment badly and demand for cement was increasing day by day. So, by partially replacing Granite powder with cement in construction field. It can fulfill the objectives of catering to the needs of the construction sector while simultaneously promoting an eco-friendly and pristine atmosphere. Partial replacement of cement by using granite powder in mortar gives sufficient strength. The conventional mortar mix consists of cement, fine aggregate, and water. In this experimental study granite powder was used with different percentage, such as 20% 25%, 30% 35%. The mixture was prepared and mortar cubes were made and allowed for curing. It is concluded that, he immersion of cement mortar in magnesium sulphate is better when compared to sodium sulphate and the sulphate attack is lesser in magnesium sulphate. The residual compression strength for the cement mortar in the proportion of granite content 30% is higher.

Magnesium Sulphate Prophylaxis in Severe Preeclampsia-lessons Learnt from Recent Trials Conducted in Low-Middle-Income-Countries: A Systematic Review

Magnesium Sulphate Prophylaxis in Severe Preeclampsia-lessons Learnt from Recent Trials Conducted in Low-Middle-Income-Countries: A Systematic Review

Effects of magnesium sulfate combined with labetalol on inflammatory stress and pregnancy outcome of patients with gestational hypertension.

Gestational hypertension (GH) is a common disorder during pregnancy that can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the present study, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) combined with labetalol was used for clinical treatment. Randomized controlled trial was conducted in 100 patients with GH, documented in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Taicang TCM Hospital) grouped into the experimental (Expt) and control (Ctrl) groups (n=50 cases/group). The Ctrl group was treated with MgSO4, whereas the Expt group was treated with MgSO4 + labetalol. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the Expt group were not significantly different from those in the Ctrl group (P>0.05). By contrast, the SBP and DBP were significantly lower after treatment than those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05). Whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and hematocrit were significantly lower in the Expt group compared with those in the Ctrl group after treatment (P<0.05). High mobility group box-1 protein, homocysteine and serum cystatin C levels in the Expt group were also markedly lower than those in the Ctrl group after treatment (P<0.05). In the Expt group, the rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery was much higher, whereas the rates of cesarean section and postpartum hemorrhage were markedly lower than those in the Ctrl group (P<0.05). The occurrence of fetal intrauterine distress, placental abruption, neonatal asphyxia, premature birth and neonatal death were also significantly lower in the Expt group than those in the Ctrl group (P<0.05). In conclusion, MgSO4 + labetalol could improve inflammatory stress and the hemodynamics of patients with GH, and may have a marked antihypertensive effect. Thus, it may improve pregnancy outcome and reduce perinatal complications.

Effects of intra-operative magnesium sulfate infusion on orthognathic surgery: A prospective and randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo comprehensively understand the effects of intra-operative infusion of magnesium sulfate on patients who underwent orthognathic surgery, including remifentanil consumption, postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), inflammatory response, and serum magnesium levels. MethodsSeventy-five adult patients undergoing orthognathic surgery under general balanced anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. One group (Group M) received 50 mg/kg of magnesium sulfate in 20 mL 0.9 % saline after intubation, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 15 mg/kg/h until 30 min before the anticipated end of surgery. The other group (Group C) received an equal volume of isotonic saline as a placebo. (Clinical trial registration number: chiCTR2100045981). ResultsThe primary outcome was remifentanil consumption. The secondary outcomes included the pain score assessed using the verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) and PONV assessed using a Likert scale. Remifentanil comsumption in Group M was lower than Group C (mean ± SD: 0.146 ± 0.04 μg/kg/min vs. 0.173 ± 0.04 μg/kg/min, P = 0.003). At 2 h after surgery, patients in Group C suffered more severe PONV than those in Group M (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 1 [3] vs. 1 [0], mean rank: 31.45 vs. 42.71, P = 0.040). At post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), postoperative pain in Group C was severe than Group M (3 [1] vs. 3 [0], mean rank: 31.45 vs. 42.71, P = 0.013). Changes in haemodynamics and surgical field scores did not differ between the groups (all P > 0.05). The levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-a, and MIP-1β) were not significantly different between the groups after surgery (all P > 0.05). Postoperative serum magnesium levels in Group C were lower than those in Group M (0.74 ± 0.07 mmol/L vs. 0.91 ± 0.08 mmol/L, P = 0.000) and the preoperative level (0.74 ± 0.07 mmol/L vs. 0.83 ± 0.06 mmol/L, P = 0.219). ConclusionsIn orthognathic surgery, magnesium sulfate administration can reduce remifentanil requirement and relieve PONV and postoperative pain in the early postoperative phase.

Comparison of the efficacy of nifedipine with ritodrine, nitroglycerine and magnesium sulfate for the management of preterm labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSome studies have compared the efficacy of nifedipine with that of other tocolytic drugs in the treatment of preterm labor, but the reported results are conflicting.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of nifedipine with that of ritodrine, nitroglycerine and magnesium sulfate for the management of preterm labor.MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched until April 3,2024 using predefined keywords. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trials that compared the efficacy of nifedipine with that of ritodrine, nitroglycerine and magnesium sulfate for the management of preterm labor were included. Two authors independently reviewed the articles, assessed their quality and extracted the data. The quality of the included RCTs based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 1 for clinical trial studies. The risk difference (RD) with the associated 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. A forest plot diagram was used to show the comparative point estimates of nifedipine and other tocolytic drugs on the prevention of preterm labor and their associated 95% confidence intervals based on the duration of pregnancy prolongation. Study heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 index, and publication bias was evaluated by Egger’s test.ResultsForty studies enrolling 4336 women were included. According to our meta-analysis, there was a significant difference in the prolongation of preterm labor within the first 48 h between the nifedipine group and the nitroglycerine group (RD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.08 to -0.00; I2: 32.3%). Additionally, there were significant differences between nifedipine and ritodrine (RD, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.21; I2, 51.2%) for more than one week RD, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.19; I2, 33.2%) and for 34 weeks and more. The difference between nifedipine and magnesium sulfate was not significant in any of the four time points.ConclusionsConsidering the superiority of nifedipine over ritodrine and nitroglycerine and its similar efficacy to magnesium sulfate for tocolysis, it seems that the side effects of these options determine the first drug line.

Determination of twelve neonicotinoid pesticides in chili using an improved QuEChERS method with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS

In this study, a QuEChERS method based on citrate was developed and utilized for the analysis of twelve neonicotinoid pesticides in fresh red chilies, fresh green chilies, and dried chilies, coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). In the sample preparation, acetonitrile containing 1% formic acid was used as the extraction solvent. Anhydrous sodium sulfate replaced the traditional anhydrous magnesium sulfate for water removal, effectively eliminating the issues of salt caking. Graphitized carbon black, octadecyl silica, and primary secondary amine were used as cleaning agents. The method showed good sensitivity, with the limits of quantification below 0.03 mg/kg for fresh chilies and below 0.15 mg/kg for dried chilies. Values of matrix effects ranged from −19.5% to 8.4%, and the recovery was 86.9% - 105.2%. The analytical method provided an effective tool for the high throughput detection of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in multiple chili matrices.

The influence of nanosunflower ash and nanowalnut shell ash on sustainable lightweight self-compacting concrete characteristics

The absence of biodegradability exhibited by plastics is a matter of significant concern among environmentalists and scientists on a global scale. Therefore, it is essential to figure out potential pathways for the use of recycled plastics. The prospective applications of its utilisation in concrete are noteworthy. The use of recycled plastic into concrete, either as a partial or complete substitution for natural aggregates, addresses the issue of its proper disposal besides contributing to the preservation of natural aggregate resources. Furthermore, the use of agricultural wastes has been regarded as a very promising waste-based substance in the industry of concrete manufacturing, with the aim of fostering the creation of an environmentally sustainable construction material. This paper illustrates the impact of nano sunflower ash (NSFA) and nano walnut shells ash (NWSA) on durability (compressive strength and density after exposure to 800 °C and sulphate attack), mechanical properties (flexural, splitting tensile and compressive strength) and fresh characteristics (slump flow diameter, T50, V-funnel flow time, L-box height ratio, segregation resistance and density) of lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC). The waste walnut shells and local Iraqi sunflower were calcinated at 700 ± 50 °C for 2 h and milled for 3 h using ball milling for producing NSFA and NWSA. The ball milling succeeded in reducing the particle size lower than 75 nm for NSFA and NWSA. The preparation of seven LWSCC concrete mixes was carried out to obtain a control mix, three mixtures were created using 10%, 20% and 30% NWSA, and the other three mixtures included 10%, 20% and 30% NSFA. The normal weight coarse aggregates were substituted by the plastic waste lightweight coarse aggregate with a ratio of 75%. The fresh LWSCC passing capacity, segregation resistance, and filling capability were evaluated. The hardened characteristics of LWSCC were evaluated by determining the flexural and splitting tensile strength at 7, 14 and 28 days and the compressive strength was measured at 7, 14, 28 and 60 days. Dry density and compressive strength were measured after exposing mixes to a temperature of 800 °C for 3 h and immersed in 10% magnesium sulphate attack. The results demonstrated that the LWSCC mechanical characteristics were reduced when the percentages of NWSA and NSFA increased, except for 10% NWSA substitution ratio which had an increase in splitting tensile strength test and similar flexural strength test to the control mixture. A minor change in mechanical characteristics was observed within the results of LWSCC dry density and compressive strength incorporating various NSFA and NWSA` contents after exposing to temperature 800 °C and immersed in 10% magnesium sulphate attack. Furthermore, according to the findings, it is possible to use a combination of materials consisting of 10–20% NSFA and 10–20% NWSA to produce LWSCC.

Induction of altered states of consciousness during Floatation-REST is associated with the dissolution of body boundaries and the distortion of subjective time

Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) minimizes stimulation of the nervous system by immersing subjects in an environment without sound or light while they effortlessly float in thermoneutral water supersaturated with Epsom salt. Here we investigated the relationship between altered states of consciousness (ASC) and its association with the affective changes induced by Floatation-REST. Using a within-subject crossover design, 50 healthy subjects were randomized to 60 min of Floatation-REST or 60 min of Bed-REST (an active control condition that entailed lying supine on a warm waterbed in a dark and quiet room). Following Floatation-REST, subjects felt significantly more relaxed, less anxious, and less tired than after Bed-REST. Floatation-REST also induced significantly more pronounced ASC characterized by the dissolution of body boundaries and the distortion of subjective time. The loss of body boundaries mediated the loss of anxiety, revealing a novel mechanism by which Floatation-REST exerts its anxiolytic effect.

Growing Mycelium Leather: A Paste Substrate Approach with Post-Treatments

Abstract This research investigates a novel method for cultivating mycelium-based leather substitutes using a carefully formulated paste consistency substrate. The primary objectives are to enhance nutrient availability, facilitate scalability, and streamline cultivation processes. The study spans a 21-day cultivation period, during which a flower-based medium is employed, eliminating the need for labor-intensive harvesting techniques. Two fungal species, Ganoderma lucidum (rishi) and Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster) are tested to assess their compatibility with the growth method. These species were chosen based on their rapid colonization rates and inherent resilience. The investigation delves into various combinations of crosslinking agents, including glycerol (a plasticizer), commercial tanner, citric acid, and magnesium sulfate. The effects of these agents on tensile strength are compared and qualitative data is analyzed through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereo microscopy. Furthermore, the study explores the fabrication potential of non-woven textiles derived from mycelium, emphasizing their suitability as eco-friendly leather alternatives. Scaled prototypes are highlighted to demonstrate their feasibility. Post-treatment processes, such as dyeing with bio-based dyes and acrylic leather paint, are evaluated for their aesthetic impact. The research contributes a biodegradable material alternative that addresses the environmental challenges of high textile consumption. The findings add to the growing body of sustainable design methods in the realm of leather-like materials in bio-design.

The silent threat: investigating the incidence and clinical characteristics of preeclampsia and eclampsia in women from tertiary care hospitals of the democratic republic of congo: A Cross-sectional study

Background: Preeclampsia and eclampsia are medical conditions that can cause severe complications, such as maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the incidence and characteristics of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Methods: From July 2021 to July 2022, we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). Out of 1236 total deliveries, 40 patients aged 18 to 35 years with preeclampsia and/or eclampsia with complete data in medical records were studied. Results: In the studied group, 3.23% of women (40 cases) experienced preeclampsia or eclampsia, with the majority (75%, 30 cases) occurring before childbirth. Among these, 62.5% (25 cases) were first-time mothers. The main complications observed in the mothers included HELLP syndrome and placental abruption, whereas their newborns frequently exhibited delayed in-utero growth. Cesarean delivery was the prevalent birthing method, and the treatments most often used for effective management were magnesium sulfate and nicardipine. Conclusion: The research highlights the common occurrence of eclampsia among patients in the DRC and stresses the critical need for prompt detection of hypertensive complications during pregnancy, aiming to reduce negative health impacts on both mothers and their children.

Sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate resistances of mortar with multi-binder systems of calcined kaolinite clay, fly ash, and limestone powder

This study aimed to assess the durability of mortars subjected to sulfate solutions (specifically Na2SO4 and MgSO4). The effectiveness of cement replacement materials (CRMs) such as calcined kaolinite clay (C), high CaO fly ash (F), and limestone powder (L) in multi-binder systems was studied. The pastes’ microstructure, phase assemblage, and elemental profiles were examined. The results showed that mortars containing calcined kaolinite clay and high CaO fly ash (C30F15) had the lowest expansion when exposed to Na2SO4 and MgSO4. This was caused by the decreased portlandite and expansive products, improved mortar’s compressive strength, and refined pore structure (smallest pore size and lowest pore volume). However, the use of the CRMs, especially when calcined kaolinite clay was combined with fly ash or limestone powder, raised the weight loss and surface deterioration of mortars in a MgSO4 solution because of the lowered pH in the pore solution and formation of MSH.

Local Magnesium Sulfate Administration Ameliorates Nociception, Peripheral Inflammation, and Spinal Sensitization in a Rat Model of Incisional Pain

ObjectivePostoperative pain remains one of the most common complaints after surgery, and appropriate treatments are limited. MethodsWe therefore investigated the effect of the anti-nociceptive properties of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on incision-induced postoperative pain and peripheral and central nervous system inflammation. ResultsWe found that local MgSO4 administration dose-dependently increases paw withdrawal latency, indicating reduced peripheral postoperative pain. Furthermore, MgSO4 inhibited the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor NR1 subunit in injured paw tissue and significantly attenuated microglial and astrocytic activation in the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn. ConclusionLocally administered MgSO4 has potential for development as an adjunctive therapy for preventing central nociceptive sensitization.

Optimization of the fermentation media and growth conditions of Bacillus velezensis BHZ-29 using a Plackett-Burman design experiment combined with response surface methodology.

Bacillus velezensis occurs extensively in the soil environment. It produces a range of antimicrobial compounds that play an important role in the field of biological control. However, during the actual application process it is often affected by factors such as the medium formulation and fermentation conditions, and therefore biocontrol measures often do not achieve their expected outcomes. In this study, the B. velezensis BHZ-29 strain was used as the research object. The carbon and nitrogen sources, and inorganic salts that affect the number of viable bacteria and antibacterial potency of B. velezensis BHZ-29, were screened by a single factor test. A Plackett-Burman design experiment was conducted to determine the significant factors affecting the number of viable bacteria and antibacterial potency, and a Box-Behnken design experiment was used to obtain the optimal growth of B. velezensis BHZ-29. The medium formula that produced the highest number of viable bacteria and most antibacterial substances was determined. The initial pH, temperature, amount of inoculant, liquid volume, shaking speed, and culture time were determined by a single factor test. The factors that had a significant influence on the number of viable bacteria of B. velezensis BHZ-29 were selected by an orthogonal test. A Box-Behnken design experiment was conducted to obtain the optimal fermentation conditions, and highest number of viable bacteria and antibacterial titer. Molasses, peptone, and magnesium sulfate had significant effects on the viable count and antibacterial titer of B. velezensis BHZ-29. The viable count of B. velezensis BHZ-29 increased from 7.83 × 109 to 2.17 × 1010 CFU/mL, and the antibacterial titer increased from 111.67 to 153.13 mm/mL when the optimal media were used. The optimal fermentation conditions for B. velezensis BHZ-29 were as follows: temperature 25.57°C, pH 7.23, culture time 95.90 h, rotation speed 160 rpm, amount of inoculant 2%, and liquid volume 100 ml. After the optimization of fermentation conditions, the number of viable bacteria increased to 3.39 × 1010 CFU/mL, and the bacteriostatic titer increased to 158.85 mm/ml.The plant height and leaf number of cotton plants treated with BHZ-29 fermentation broth were higher than those of cotton inoculated with Verticillium dahliae. The number of bacteria was 1.15 × 107 CFU/g, and the number of fungi was 1.60 × 105 spores/g. The disease index of the cotton seedlings treated with the optimized fermentation broth was 2.2, and a control effect of 93.8% was achieved. B. velezensis BHZ-29 could reduce the disease index of cotton Verticillium wilt and had a controlling effect on the disease. The best effect was achieved in the treatment group with an inoculation concentration of 2 × 108 CFU/ml, the disease index was 14.50, and a control effect of 84.18% was achieved. The fermentation process parameters of the number of viable bacteria and antibacterial titer by strain B. velezensis BHZ-29 were optimized to lay a foundation for the practical production and application of strain B. velezensis BHZ-29 in agriculture.

Theoretical and practical investigation of ion-ion association in electrolyte solutions.

In this study, we present a new equation of state for electrolyte solutions, integrating the statistical associating fluid theory for variable range interactions utilizing the generic Mie form and binding Debye-Hückel theories. This equation of state underscores the pivotal role of ion-ion association in determining the properties of electrolyte solutions. We propose a unified framework that simultaneously examines the thermodynamic properties of electrolyte solutions and their electrical conductivity, given the profound impact of ion pairing on this transport property. Using this equation of state, we predict the liquid density, mean ionic activity coefficient, and osmotic coefficient for binary NaCl, Na2SO4, and MgSO4 aqueous solutions at 298.15K. Additionally, we evaluate the molar conductivity of these systems by considering the fraction of free ions derived from our equation of state in conjunction with two advanced electrical conductivity models. Our results reveal that, while ion-ion association has a minimal influence on the modification of the predicted properties of sodium chloride solutions, their impact on sodium and magnesium sulfate solutions is considerably more noticeable.

Chromium immobilization in basic magnesium sulfate cement: Experimental and density functional theory studies

This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of Cr(III) on the properties of basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMSC). In addition, the hydration process of BMSC with different concentrations of Cr(III) was studied using isothermal calorimetry and in-situ pH monitoring. A combined experimental approach and density functional theory simulation was further employed to investigate the solidification mechanism of Cr(III) in BMSC. The results indicated that Cr(III) affected the hydration heat, pH value, compressive strength and setting time of BMSC, and the influence became more obvious with the increase of Cr(III) concentration. In addition, the solidification efficiency of Cr(III) in BMSC was up to 99.9%; the efficient solidification of Cr(III) in BMSC primarily operated through ion exchange interactions, as revealed by density functional theory simulation and phase analysis results. Furthermore, the BMSC matrix after being immersed in simulated acid rain solutions for 28 days had a compressive strength of over 45 MPa, showing remarkable resistance to acids.

Enoxaparin sodium combined with magnesium sulfate in the treatment of severe preeclampsia

Objective: To observe the treatment of severe preeclampsia in newborns with enoxaparin sodium combined with magnesium sulfate.&#x0D; Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 80 patients with severe preeclampsia admitted to Hefei Second People’s Hospital, China from January 2019 to December 2020. Treatment records showed that 40 cases received magnesium sulfate treatment (single group), and 40 cases received enoxaparin sodium combined with magnesium sulfate treatment (combination group). Levels of D-dimer, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PLGF), Apgar scores of newborns delivered before and after treatment were compared. Gestation weeks and incidence of adverse reactions were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: After treatment, levels of D-dimer, sfit-1 and adverse reactions in the combination group were significantly lower than those in the single group (P&lt;0.05), and the level of PLGF, newborn Apgar score and length of gestation were significantly higher than those in the single group (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Compared to magnesium sulfate alone, the combination of enoxaparin sodium and magnesium sulfate in the treatment of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia can more effectively regulate the cytokine level of patients, improve pregnancy outcome, and improve neonatal Apgar score. The incidence of adverse reactions is low, making it a safe and efficient treatment modality.&#x0D; doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.9001&#x0D; How to cite this: Lu D, Yu J, Sang L. Enoxaparin sodium combined with magnesium sulfate in the treatment of severe preeclampsia. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):870-874. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.9001&#x0D; This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Recovery of struvite for organic production: Mineral-based magnesium supplementation and pH elevation

Phosphate in wastewater can be recovered in the form of struvite crystals for use as slow-release fertilizer. Currently, struvite recovery often requires supplementing magnesium ions and raising pH with chemicals, making the recovered struvite unfavorable for organic production. In an effort for cleaner production, this study developed a versatile approach employing two mineral products in variable combinations for optimal supplementation of magnesium and elevation of pH. Magnesite, a mineral of MgCO3, was ground and calcined without use of any catalysts. The magnesite calcined under the optimum conditions (800 °C for 30 min) can be dissolved in near-neutral filtrate of sludge digestate to supplement magnesium and raise pH for effective struvite formation. The OMRI-listed Epsom salts (MgSO4∙7H2O), mineral-based water-soluble commercial products, can be used to supplement magnesium without changing pH of alkaline wastewater. Six-hour batch operation of an air-lift crystallizer removed 85.7% and 94.7% of phosphate in hydrolyzed human urine when magnesium was amended to 1.2 × molar concentration of phosphate with calcined magnesite and an OMRI-listed Epsom salt, respectively. More than 98% of phosphate was removed from filtrate of sludge digestate in 3-h batch operation using calcined magnesite to raise pH to 8.5 and the Epsom salt for further magnesium supplementation. Struvite accounted for 85.7%, 90.5%, and 81.5% of the crystals recovered from urine with calcined magnesite, urine with Epsom salt, and filtrate with both mineral products, respectively. The material and energy costs of this green process were estimated to be $0.16/kg struvite from urine with calcined magnesite, $1.37/kg struvite from urine with Epsom salt, and $0.94/kg struvite from filtrate with both mineral products. This study proved the technical and economic feasibility of chemical-free magnesium supplementation and pH elevation, making the recovered struvite potentially certifiable for organic production.

A Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Triamcinolone vs Magnesium Sulfate as Adjuvants in Caudal Block in Patients with Low Back Pain: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common issue among older adults. Radicular pain syndromes are often managed with caudal epidural injections. Our study aimed to compare the effects of triamcinolone and magnesium sulfate, used as adjuvants to local anesthetics in caudal blocks, on pain levels and quality of life in patients with LBP. Methods: A total of 40 patients undergoing caudal block were randomized to two groups,received 10 mL caudal epidural injection of either injection 9 mL of ropivacaine 0.1% and 1 mL of triamcinolone; 40 mg (Group T, n = 20) or magnesium sulfate; 200 mg (group M, n = 20). Improvements in the pain score measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional ability measured with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were the primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively. Before, one month and three months after the caudl block, the VAS and ODI scores were evaluated. Results: The VAS and ODI scores did not exhibit a significant difference between the 2 groups at all post-injection time points, except for the VAS score at 3 months, which showed a statistically lower value in group M compared to group T (P = 0.046). However, when comparing within the same group, both groups showed significantly improved VAS and ODI scores at all post-injection time points compared to the pre-injection scores (P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: The addition of magnesium or triamcinolone to a local anesthetic in caudal epidural injections does not result in any discernible difference. However, this combination may lead to improvements in pain levels and quality of life, and these improvements can be sustained for up to 3 months.

Continuous infusion of magnesium sulfate to treat acute severe asthma in a Brazilian pediatric emergency department

Continuous infusion of magnesium sulfate to treat acute severe asthma in a Brazilian pediatric emergency department