High Concentrations Of Magnesium Research Articles

A decision support method for biochars characterization from carbonization of grape pomace

Grape pomace can be used to produce several products, such as, biofuels, fertilizers, or catalysts.This work focuses on the carbonization of grape pomace assessing the impact of the carbonization temperature and temperature rate on the properties of the resulting biochars. The potential use of the produced biochars were analyzed by a multiple criteria decision method. To this end, grape pomace particles of 250 μm were carbonized in a nitrogen atmosphere using a horizontal electrically heated tube furnace. The experiments were carried out for temperatures between 300 and 800 °C and residence times between 30 and 75 min. The resulting biochars were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results reveal that i) the biochar yields decrease from ~51% to ~30% as the carbonization temperature increases from 300 to 800 °C; ii) the biochar produced at higher temperature presents the lowest H/C and O/C ratios; iii) for raw biomass the thermal degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin occurred at temperatures below 600 °C, while for the biochars only cellulose and lignin decomposition happened; iv) the biochars present ashes with high contents of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium; and v) the biochar obtained at 400 and 500 °C is adequate for biofertilizer and 400 °C for biocatalyst application. For the biofuel application the best temperature was 500 and 600 °C.

The effect of sowing rate and variety on the nutrient content of field peas

ABSTRACT The purpose was to assess the effect of sowing rate and variety on the nutrient content of field peas. The varieties were: Bruno, Capella, Clara, Kirke, Onward, Vitra. Treatments: sowing rate of 120 seeds per m2 for all varieties; sowing rate of 144 seeds per m2 for all varieties. Increased sowing rate made followed changes: increased the content of Nitrogen in varieties Bruno, Kirke and Onward; increased the content of Phosphorus in all varieties in 2015, while only in varieties Clara and Onward in 2016; decreased the content of Potassium in varieties Bruno, Kirke and Vitra in 2016; decreased the content of Calcium in variety Bruno; decreased the content of Magnesium in variety Kirke in 2015 and in varieties Onward and Vitra in 2016. The highest contents of Nitrogen, Potassium and Calcium were in variety Onward. In 2015, the highest content of Phosphorus was in variety Onward, while in 2016 the highest content was in variety Bruno. The highest content of Magnesium was in varieties Bruno, Onward and Vitra. Increased sowing rate did not have a constant influence on the nutrient content of field peas. We can recommend to grow variety Onward, as the variety with high nutrient content.

ASSESSMENT OF MINERAL STATUS OF TWICE-YEARLY LAMBING YANKASA EWES 1. APRAISAL OF MINERAL STATUS IN THE DIET AND BLOOD SERUM

An appraisal of mineral status of twice-yearly lambing Yankasa ewes was carried out in order to trace any evidence of mineral deficiency in the diet and to obtain baseline information of clinical, physiological and nutritional interest. A total of thirty pregnant and lactation ewes, weighing between 27 - 37kg was sampled for mineral profile in blood serum. The basal and supplemental diets were also analysed for chemical and mineral composition. Average daily dry matter intakes ranged from 0.92 to 1.5kg per head per day. Higher concentration of magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc were obtained in the serum of both pregnant and lactating ewes than values obtained for temperate breeds. Average calcium concentrations (mg/100ml) in the blood serum during gestation and lactation were 10.0 ± 1.7 and 6.1 æ 1.3respectively. The values were higher during gestation than lactation. The differences were significant (P 0.05). On the other hand, the mean concentration (mg/100ml) was 12.6 æ 2.2 during gestation and increased to 17.4 æ 3.2 during lactation. The differences were also significant. (P < 0.01). The concentrations of calcium and phosphorus (mg/100ml) were observed to be influenced by parturition.

Recovery of boron from brines with high magnesium content by solvent extraction using aliphatic alcohol.

The recovery of boron from salt lake brines has become an effective way to meet the increasing demand, particularly in China. In this study, nine commercially available monohydric alcohols with different structures were selected for boron extraction from a salt lake brine with high magnesium content. Passing through the optimization, isodecanol was finally selected for the detailed study on boron recovery from brine due to its moderate viscosity, lower solubility water entrainment and high extraction efficiency. Parameter effects on boron extraction were systematically studied, including equilibrium pH, organic concentration, phase ratio, temperature, and salting-out effect. A McCabe–Thiele diagram was established to determine the boron extraction and stripping stages. An organic solution containing 2.5 mol L−1 isodecanol was used for a simulated three-stage counter-current extraction test under optimized extraction conditions, and the boron extraction reached 99.07%. A simulated four-stage counter-current stripping test was carried out with water with the stripping efficiency of 98.71%. In total the boron recovery reached 97.79%. Additionally, the mechanism of boron extraction by isodecanol was investigated using both slope analysis method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stoichiometric ratio of isodecanol to boron required to form boric acid ester was found to be 1.268. These results indicate that the extraction system has great potential for commercial application in boron recovery from salt lake brines with high magnesium content.

Nutritional composition of two cowpea varieties sold in Port Harcourt

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculate (L.)) is a leguminous crop that is very rich in protein and consumed in different parts of the word. The seeds can be cooked and consumed whole or it can be processed into powder or other forms and used in preparing different delicacies. The nutritional composition of two cowpea variety (White: 1T89KD-288) and Brown: IT90K-82)) sold in major markets in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was determined. The cowpea of the aforementioned variety with different sizes-big white, small white, big brown and small brown seeds were bought from Mile III, Mile I, New market (Borikiri) and Rumuokoro markets. Cowpea seeds were taken to the laboratory and were sorted according to sizes and colour. The proximate composition of the cowpea seeds was carried out in accordance with the Association of Official Analytical Chemists procedure. The mineral content, vitamins, anti-nutritional and phytochemical properties inherent in the seeds were evaluated using standard methods. The result showed that the % moisture, Ash, Lipid, Fibre, Carbohydrate and Protein content of the seeds ranged from 7.75±0.31-8.6±0.76, 3.45±0.42 3.79±0.22, 2.08±0.18-2.49±0.36, 1.85±85.64-44.54±0.09, 56.26±1.85-57.76±1.01, and 26.45±0.8-27.85±0.79, respectively. The small white seeds were found to be richer in fibre while the small brown seeds had higher proteins. The mineral contents showed that the % calcium present in the seeds ranged from 89.73±1.03% to 91.38±0.99%. The small white cowpea seeds had the highest calcium while the big brown cowpea seeds had the lowest calcium. Despite the variation, no significant difference was observed. The phosphorus contents also ranged from 407.75±24.23% to 431.53±36.4. The big white recorded more phosphorus content. More so, the potassium, iron, sodium and magnesium contents of the big white cowpea seeds, small white cowpea seeds, small brown cowpea seeds and the big brown cowpea seeds ranged from 248.25±5.12% to 251.25±4.11%, 3.93±0.15 to 4.03±0.07, 83.6±1.73 to 85.58±2.35, and 171.75±1.83 to 159±2.22, respectively. There were no significant differences in the phosphorus content, potassium content, iron content and sodium content of the cowpea seeds. The big brown cowpea seeds had the highest magnesium content followed by the small brown cowpea seeds while the small white cowpea seeds had the least magnesium content. The micronutrient present in the seeds showed that the vitamin A content of big white, small white, small brown and big brown cowpea are 48.28±1.03, 46.8±0.45, 46.28±0.57 and 46.45±1.83, respectively. The small white cowpea seeds had the highest vitamin A content while the small brown cowpea seeds had the least vitamin A content. It could be deduced that the nutrient composition of the seeds varied slightly except for fibre content. Thus, the choice of the cowpea seeds to consume between this variety is dependent on the actual nutrient being sourced for. They are all rich in protein and phytochemicals.

Prospects of drinking mineral water in the rehabilitation of patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) infection: analysis of the main sanogenetic mechanisms

This review provides an analysis of the main mechanisms of the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of drinking mineral water concerning the rehabilitation of new coronavirus infection convalescents. When considering the sanogenetic potential of mineral water for drinking, it was noted that in the mechanisms of their systemic effects, a major role belongs to the nonspecific hormone-stimulating effect in the form of a pronounced activation of the gastroenteropancreatic endocrine system, capable of integrating substance and energy exchange following the current needs of the body and excrete vasoactive factors modulating the vital functional systems activity. The maximum effect of this system is promoted by the intake of mineral water with a high content of hydrocarbonate ions, magnesium, and sodium, as well as carbon dioxide saturation, but with general mineralization of water within the range from 5-6 to 11-13 g/L. The observed stimulating effect of mineral water on the adaptation processes allowed us to theoretically substantiate and convincingly prove the benefits of using this natural healing factor for the primary prevention of disorders in various functional systems and their hormonal regulation. The effects of drinking mineral water on various inflammatory states, resistance to hypoxia, microcirculatory tissue perfusion, and the state of the cardiovascular system were shown. It is concluded that the potential effectiveness of drinking mineral water as a part of comprehensive programs of medical rehabilitation of new coronavirus infection convalescents.

Production of calcium magnesium phosphate microspheres in a water-in-oil-in-water dispersion

Interfacial reaction in a multiple water-in-oil-in-water dispersion, or double emulsion, was carried out to produce microspheres in a system containing calcium, magnesium and phosphate ions. The inner aqueous phase comprised dipotassium hydrogen phosphate solution. The outer aqueous phase comprised calcium chloride and magnesium chloride solution, in which polyoxyethylene(20) sorbitan monolaurate was dissolved as a stabiliser for the oil droplets. The oil phase comprised cyclohexane, in which sorbitan monooleate was dissolved as a stabiliser for the inner aqueous droplets. Hollow microspheres were generated by this reaction, where the surface state changed from rough to smooth with increasing magnesium content in the outer aqueous phase. The morphology of the primary particles was altered from sheet-like to spherical. The crystalline phase was identified as calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite at lower magnesium contents and as magnesium-substituted β-tricalcium phosphate at higher magnesium contents by considering the lattice parameters and ionic ratio of the products. The existence of an amorphous phase was detected, irrespective of the magnesium content. The magnesium content in the product was lower than that of the reactant solution, suggesting that magnesium was eliminated through a purification process accompanied by crystallisation of the amorphous phase. The location of the reaction site and how the outer aqueous phase is transported thereto were discussed by comparison of the magnesium content of the products formed by the solution reaction with that of the product from the interfacial reaction.

Granada (Punica granatum): una superfruta funcional con propiedades terapéuticas

The Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit that contains innumerable chemical compounds with a high biological value distributed in the bark, carpel membranes, juice (arils) and seeds. The Pomegranate known as a super fruit because of its proven antioxidant power and its health benefits that help slow down the aging process, maintain healthy skin, reduce blood pressure thus fighting heart disease, promote blood circulation, and prevents some types of cancer. The pomegranate has a high content of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus (0.01%, 0.012%, 0.236%, and 0.036% respectively), which are part of various enzymes that help prevent alterations in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. The purpose of this work was to compile the various investigations on the therapeutic properties of the compounds of the pomegranate.

Analyzing the applicability of hydrometallurgical techniques to the Voronezh region ores

Copper-nickel sulphide ores serve as the main source of nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals in Russia. The conventional metallurgy of proces sing copper-nickel sulphide concentrates involves producing converter matte and its further refining. Ores found in the Voronezh Region are characterized with high concentrations of arsenic and magnesium, which hinders the application of pyrometallurgical techniques. At the same time, there is a trend in today’s science and industry to develop and adopt hydrometallurgical techniques, and this also applies to copper-nickel sulphide ores. Such techniques enable comprehensive utilization of ore and are environmentally friendly, highly efficient and easily automatable. The paper examines a number of well-known hydrometallurgical techniques for processing copper-nickel sulphide concentrates. Some of them have been implemented in industry and some have been studied by several authors on a laboratory or pilot scale. The most advanced techniques were identified for the ore concentrates obtained from the Voronezh Region ores. Studies were conducted in hydrometallurgical processing of copper-nickel ore concentrates of varying composition, including the copper-nickel concentrates obtained from the Voronezh ores. It is shown that these techniques can potentially be applied to copper-nickel concentrates, including those which have high concentrations of impurities, which would not be acceptable for conventional processing technology. Having analyzed the available solutions, as well as the results of the conducted studies, the authors have come to a conclusion that pressure oxidation leaching would offer the most innovative technology to be applied to the Voronezh Region ores.

Comparative Mineral Content in Gluten-Free Grain

The effectiveness of treating gluten intolerance directly depends on the patient adherence to a gluten-free diet, which they often violate due to the limited range of recommended foods and dishes. First of all, this applies to children. The development of new types of gluten-free products using non-traditional grain raw materials has become particularly relevant, giving the possibility to expand the diet both in terms of nutritional value and taste diversity. Mainly due to the intake decrease of grain-based products, children are lack of such important minerals as potassium, magnesium, selenium, etc. The mineral elements contained in cereals are important for the growing child body, since they are involved in many important biochemical processes. The article purpose is to determine the minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, Co, Pb, Ni, Mo, Cd, As, Hg) content in buckwheat and amaranth flour, as well as in products obtained from flour mixtures of these cultures. According to the obtained data on the macro-and microelements content in gluten-free products, a significant part of the minerals in the considered flour samples is potassium: 371 mg/100 g – for amaranth flour and 405 mg/100 g – for buckwheat flour. High magnesium content was in buckwheat (239.9 mg/100 g) and amaranth (202.5 mg/100 g) flour. There was a low calcium content in both samples: 69.0 mg/kg in amaranth and 62.0 mg/kg in buckwheat flour. Amaranth flour is superior to buckwheat in the content of trace elements such as copper (319 mcg/100 g), zinc (2495 mcg/100 g) and selenium (515.4 mcg/100 g). Buckwheat flour contains more phosphorus (263.3 mg/100 g), potassium (405.9 mg/100 g), magnesium (239.9 mg/100 g), and copper (334 mcg/100 g) than amaranth flour. According to the results obtained, amaranth and buckwheat flour can be classified as good sources of selenium – 515.4 and 404.0 mcg/100 g, respectively. The mineral substances content in pancakes made from mixtures of amaranth flour and native buckwheat flour decreased within 3.0–23.0 % of their content in the original flour. The calculation of the recommended daily requirement showed that consuming pancakes portion (45 g) by school-age children meet their daily need, %, on average: in magnesium – by 35.3; in potassium – by 9.5; in iron – by 26.4; in copper – by 19.6; in selenium – by 27.7.

Groundwater investigations in the Hattar industrial estate and its vicinity, Haripur district, Pakistan: An integrated approach

The Hattar industrial estate in the Haripur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, is investigated for the groundwater potential and aquifer vulnerability using vertical electrical sounding (VES) data, borehole logs, and hydrochemical analysis. A total of eight VES points were acquired in the Haripur region using Schlumberger configuration. The interpreted VES models are further constrained by four borehole logs to delineate comprehensive information of the thin lithological layers, subsurface layers configuration, and spatial extent in the area. A quantitative interpretation based on the VES and the borehole data suggests six main subsurface layers: (i) soil cover, (ii) gravel, (iii) clay, (iv) clay with gravel, (v) silty-clay, and (vi) sand with boulder in the study area. A fence diagram is also generated to provide a detailed paleo-depositional model of the subsurface layers. The interpreted VES data is utilized to compute aquifer thickness, longitudinal conductance, and transverse resistance within the study area. The lateral extent and protective capacity for the aquifer were inferred from these measurements. The aquifer thickness is relatively low in the central and eastern parts ranging from 10 m to 11 m. The longitudinal conductance map shows values greater than 2 mhos from the central region to northern one. This is indicative of moderate to good protective capacity for the aquifer and is less vulnerable to infiltration of Hattar industrial polluted fluid. However, the values less than 0.19 mhos in the southwest and east are indicative of weak protective capacity with risk of contamination. The hydrochemical analysis of the surface and subsurface water is carried out at eleven locations to identify the water quality within the study area. The chemical analysis of the water shows the presence of the high concentration of magnesium, bicarbonate, and chlorine away from the World Health Organization (WHO) standard.

Magnesium in Combinatorial With Valproic Acid Suppressed the Proliferation and Migration of Human Bladder Cancer Cells.

Magnesium, the second most predominant intracellular cation, plays a crucial role in many physiological functions; magnesium-based biomaterials have been widely used in clinical application. In a variety of cancer types, the high intracellular concentration of magnesium contributes to cancer initiation and progression. Therefore, we initiated this study to investigate the likelihood of confounding magnesium with cancer therapy. In this study, the anti-tumor activity of magnesium and underlying mechanisms were assessed in bladder cancer both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that the proliferation of bladder cancer cells was inhibited by treatment with a high concentration of MgCl2 or MgSO4. The apoptosis, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and ER stress were promoted following treatment with MgCl2. However, the migratory ability of MgCl2 treated cells was similar to that of control cells, as revealed by the trans-well assay. Besides, no significant difference was observed in the proportion of CD44 or CD133 positive cells between the control and MgCl2 treated cells. Thus, to improve the therapeutic effect of magnesium, VPA was used to treat cancer cells in combination with MgCl2. As expected, combination treatment with MgCl2 and VPA could markedly reduce proliferation, migration, and in vivo tumorigenicity of UC3 cells. Moreover, the Wnt signaling was down-regulated, and ERK signaling was activated in the cells treated with combination treatment. In conclusion, the accurate utilization of MgCl2 in targeting autophagy might be beneficial in cancer therapy. Although further studies are warranted, the combination treatment of MgCl2 with VPA is an effective strategy to improve the outcome of chemotherapy.

Carajás Mineral Province - Example of metallogeny of a rift above a cratonic lithospheric keel

The Carajás Mineral Province (CMP) is located on the southeastern margin of the Amazonian Craton, in northern Brazil. It is the largest producer of high-grade iron ore and a major world supplier of copper, nickel, manganese and gold. This article presents the CMP as a product of oblique rift evolution (2.76–2.06 Ga) controlled by the Canaã and Cinzento strike slip system. The Carajás rift is hosted in the tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG)-greenstone Rio Maria terrains (3.0–2.85 Ga). It overlies a subcratonic lithospheric mantle (SCLM) keel as indicated by seismic tomography and is filled by the Carajás plutonic-volcanic sedimentary sequences (CPVSS) that host the CMP. The rifting stage (Grão Pará Group) began with intense tholeiitic fissure volcanism with basalt and rhyolite flows, coeval intrusions of alkali granites and mafic-ultramafic bodies, BIFs, shales and restricted tuff beds. The Azul and Águas Claras Formations consist mainly of shales and sandstones deposited during the sag stage. The calc-alkaline signature of the Grão Pará metavolcanic rocks was demonstrated to reflect the composition of the melted TTG basement. The high magnesium and platinum-group elements (PGE) contents of Puma and Onça mafic-ultramafic complexes indicate extensive partial fusion, conditions that are indicative of a plume origin. We are proposing that CMP's IOCG deposits were formed from saline carbonate fluids exsolved from deep-seated metasomatic mantellic magmas (MMM), channelled and concentrated along jogs and step-overs in strike-slip fault systems in the Carajás rift.The CMP comprises three main ore-forming stages: (1) a plume stage, ca. 2.76–2.73 Ga, creating supergiant exhalative sedimentary biogenic Fe deposits (Serra Norte, Serra sul and Serra Leste), syngenetic exhalative Cu–Au–Zn (Pojuca deposit), exhalative Mn (Antonio Vicente), Ni-PGE-reef deposits in a magma mixing zone of layered intrusions (e.g. Luanga deposit), and Siqueirinho IOCG deposit; (2) a metasome stage including crustal extension and mantle flash melting (60–100 km depth), ca. 2.68–2.50 Ga, forming the most important IOCG deposits like Salobo, Alemão and Igarapé Bahia. and (3) a sag stage, ca. 2.68–2.06 Ga, with sedimentary Mn deposited in a redox-controlled stratified oceanic environment. The deposits related to granitic intrusion, ca. 1.88 Ga, with Cu-(Au–Mo–W–Sn) greisen (Breves deposit) and Cu-(Au–Mo–F) veins (Gameleira and Alvo 118 deposits) are associated with the A-type magmatism that affected the entire central Amazonian Craton. These deposits are, in contrast, related to an intracratonic silicic large igneous province (SLIP) and have no relation to the Archean Carajás cratonic lithosphere keel rift evolution. The CMP is directly related to the thinning of the lithosphere above a mantle plume, beneath a sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) keel.

Plasma Magnesium Concentrations and Risk of Incident Cancer in Adults with Hypertension: A Nested Case-Control Study

Objective: The association between plasma magnesium and risk of incident cancer remains inconclusive in previous studies. We aimed to investigate the prospective relationship of baseline plasma magnesium concentrations with the risk of incident cancer and to examine possible effect modifiers. Methods: A nested case-control study with 228 incident cancer cases and 228 matched controls was conducted using data from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT), a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, conducted from May 2008 to August 2013. Study outcomes included incident cancer and its subtypes. Results: When plasma magnesium concentrations were assessed as quartiles, a significantly higher incident risk of total cancer was found in participants in quartile 1 (<0.76 mmol/L; odds ratio [OR] = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.33–5.49) and quartile 4 (≥0.89 mmol/L; OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.12–3.76), compared with those in quartile 3 (0.83 to <0.89 mmol/L). In cancer site-specific analyses, similar trends were found for gastrointestinal cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and other cancers. Furthermore, none of the variables, including age, sex, current smoking status, current alcohol intake, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol levels at baseline significantly modified the association between plasma magnesium and cancer risk. Conclusions: Both low and high plasma magnesium concentrations were significantly associated with an increased incident risk of cancer, compared with the reference concentrations of 0.83 to <0.89 mmol/L among hypertensive adults.

Influence of Hard Drinking Water with High Content of Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium on Morphofunctional Development of Prepuberty Age Children

Influence of Hard Drinking Water with High Content of Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium on Morphofunctional Development of Prepuberty Age Children

Экспериментальное моделирование взаимодействия материалов гидроботанических площадок с компонентами аэротехногенных выбросов

The article presents evaluation results of metal accumulation processes by filtering containers based on mining waste. Serpentine-reached grainy material (an enrichment product of phlogopite mining waste) was used for sorbing heavy metals from atmospheric precipitation. It has been established that the serpentine-reached grainy material is characterized by useful sorption features with respect to heavy metals and high content of calcium, magnesium and silicon.

Nutrient and anti-nutrient compositions of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds grown in humid Southeast Nigeria: A comparison

Abstract. Enyiukwu DN, Chukwu LA, Bassey IN. 2020. Nutrient and anti-nutrient compositions of southern pea (Vigna unguiculata) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds grown in humid Southeast Nigeria: A comparison. Trop Drylands 3: 41-45. Pulses are important components of African cuisines. Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) are commonly consumed in most parts of Nigeria, but mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) though new in the agro-landscape, is gradually gaining popularity. Its popularity is based on the speculation that it is of higher nutritional content than cowpeas. This work evaluated the nutritional compositions of seeds of both pulse crops grown in humid southeast Nigeria using classical and spectrometric analysis. Results obtained from the study showed that the mean proximate compositions of mung bean (17.70%) did not statistically (P?0.05) differ from that recorded for cowpea seeds (17.30%). However, irrespective of the high magnesium content (62.39 mg g-1) of mung bean, the mean mineral nutrients in cowpea (270.69 mg g-1) is grossly higher than (145.58 mg g-1) recorded in mung bean due largely to high presence of potassium (1.29 g 100 g-1) in cowpeas than in the former. Data from this study also showed that higher contents of flavonoids (11.31 mg g-1) make the mean content of phytochemicals in mung bean (4.21 mg g-1) to be slightly higher than but statistically (P?0.05) at par with that obtained in cowpea seeds (3.67 mg g-1). Generally, the nutrient contents in mung beans are not substantially higher than that of cowpea and vice versa. It is therefore recommended based on data obtained from this study that both be used to supplement each other in African diets due to their differential contents of flavonoids, magnesium, and potassium for better well-being and health.

Removal of Congo Red From Aqueous Solutions at Hardened Cement Paste Surfaces

The removal of azo dyes is a critical issue in current textile industry wastewater treatment. In contemporary wastewater management, many structures that are in direct contact with wastewater are constructed with concrete. In this contribution, the removal of Congo red from aqueous solutions by the material in the surface of hardened binder paste was studied in multiple exposure experiments. Flat prisms made with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) were stored in different aqueous solutions. The powdered surface material of these flat prisms was used as a substrate for the removal of Congo red from aqueous solutions. Storage in sodium sulfate solution lead to the formation of hydrotalcite nanosheets on the surfaces of hardened binder pastes rich in magnesium provided by the GGBS. These nanosheets resulted in a large specific surface area and increased the discoloration capacity with respect to binder mass. The results also suggest that the carbonation of ettringite and C-S-H can provide fresh calcite that can act as a secondary adsorbent. The results of this study suggest that cementitious binders with high magnesium contents could contribute to the removal of azo dyes from industrial wastewater by providing economically attractive treatment materials.

Prevention of doxorubicin-induced dyslipidaemia, plasma oxidative stress and electrolytes imbalance in Wistar rats by aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens

This study investigated the ability of aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens to modulate plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress, electrolytes, lipid profiles and atherogenic indices in doxorubicin treated rats. Doxorubicin was administered at 15 mg/kg body weight (intra-peritioneally, 48 h prior to sacrifice); metformin was administered daily at 250 mg/kg (orally, for 14 days); while both extracts were daily administered at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (orally, for 14 days). The plasma malondialdehyde, triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, non-high density lipoproteins cholesterol, low density lipoproteins cholesterol and very low density lipoproteins cholesterol, calcium, chloride and sodium concentrations; atherogenic index of plasma, cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient and Castelli's risk index II of Test control were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of all the other groups. However, their plasma ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, high density lipoproteins cholesterol, potassium and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of all the other groups. In addition, the plasma catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of Test control were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of the others. The above imply that the extracts have the ability to prevent doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress, dyslipidaemia and electrolytes imbalance. These results suggest that, at least in part, due to antioxidant and hypolipidaemic properties, aqueous extracts of T. procumbens and C. odorata leaves may potentially reduce the risk of doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular disorders.

Aspects Regarding the Relationship Between the Stability of Six Magnesium Compounds and their Cellular Uptake in Mice

This research establishes the relationship between the influence of the stability of 6 magnesium compounds on their cellular uptake and focuses on the comparation between them, finding out which is the magnesium compound with the best bioavailability, depending on the stability. Mg2+ was dosed from tissues taken from various mice organs after the administration of compounds containing it, during the shelf life of the compounds, respectively at 6/12 months after their expiration. Different quantities of substances were also used � 25/50/100/200/300 mg/day/mouse, in groups of 2 mice for each dose. The samples were administered by gavage, following in parallel the possible side effects that may occur. During the shelf life of the compounds and at 6 months after expiration, in all organs, the lowest value was obtained for magnesium oxide and the highest value was detected for magnesium citrate. At 12 months after expiration, in all organs, the lowest/highest value was obtained in the case of oxide/orotate, respectively. It was found that the highest concentration of magnesium is stored in the spleen and lowest in lungs. The data obtained demonstrated a good stability of the tested substances (indicated by maintaining the cellular uptake rate) even 6 months after the expiration date.