High Concentrations Of Magnesium Research Articles

Dolomitic Limestone Powder: Cement Substitute in the Production of Structural Concrete Paving Blocks

Manufacturers are replacing or combining cement with mineral additives such as slags, natural pozzolans, sand, diatomaceous earth and limestone to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy usage. Due to its high magnesium content, dolomitic limestone has long been utilized in concrete production to reduce costs and environmental risks associated with making cement. This study aimed to produce a reliable and appropriate concrete mixture for concrete paving blocks using dolomitic limestone powder that passed the no. 24 sieve as cement replacement at replacement levels of 0 (control mix), 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32%, satisfying the minimum compressive strength requirement for structural concrete of 20.7 MPa (3,000 psi). The ASTM E877-13 was used to sample the dolomitic limestone, and the 1:1.5:3 concrete class combination was utilized to proportion the quantities of cement, sand and aggregates (3/8”). After 28 days, the specimens were cured and the compressive strength, through the varying water-cement ratios in the concrete mixture, was determined. Results showed that dolomitic limestone powder can substitute cement by 16% by weight, using a concrete mix of 523-g cement, 936-g sand, 1,868-g gravel, 100-g dolomitic limestone powder, and 166-g water with a water-cement ratio of 0.318, exceeding the minimum necessary compressive strength of concrete of 20.7 MPa by 24.9% or 5.16 MPa. Therefore, it is advised to utilize this proven concrete mixture as a basis for a potential business venture in the production of concrete paving blocks for structural concrete applications such as walkways, sidewalks, parking lots and commercial areas, as well as in places where loads are very high, like airports, courtyards, docks and freight yards.

Characterization of the invasive macroalgae Rugulopteryx Okamurae for potential biomass valorisation

This study aimed to examine the composition and properties of the invasive macroalgae R. okamurae and explore potential applications. The results showed that the seaweed biomass is mainly composed of structural carbohydrates, with alginate being the main constituent, accounting for 32 % of its total composition and with a mannuronic and guluronic acid ratio (M/G) ratio of 0.93. It also has a relatively high concentration of fucose, related to the presence of fucoidans that have important biological functions. Among the mineral contents, a high magnesium and calcium (7107 and 5504 mg/kg) concentration, and the presence of heavy metals above legislated thresholds, were notable. R. okamurae also contained a high lipid content of 17 %, mainly composed of saturated fatty acids, but with a significant fraction of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (18 %) resulting in a low n6/n3 ratio (0.31), that has health benefits. The protein content of R. okamurae was 12 %, with high-quality proteins, as essential amino acids (mainly leucine, phenylalanine and valine) constitute 32 % of the total amino acids. It also showed a high polyphenol content and outstanding antioxidant properties (106.88 mg TE/g). Based on these findings, R. okamurae has significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds that can add value to different sectors, including food, feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Characterization of Groundwater Physico-chemical Parameters in Lake Chad Polders: The Case of the Bol-bagassola Polder

Located southwest of Lake Chad (Bol-Bagassola), the study area is characterized by a Sahelian-type climate underlain by more recent sedimentary cover. The aim of this manuscript is to assess the overall impact of agricultural activities on groundwater quality in the polders (Bol and Bagassola), in order to gain a better understanding of agricultural pollution. To achieve this objective, a water sampling campaign was carried out to study hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry. As a result of this study, piezometric levels are not sufficiently heterogeneous. The pH is around neutral with an average of 7.68, and water temperatures vary between 25.3°C and 32.5°C. Conductivities ranged from 334µS/cm to 9800µS/cm, exceeding the maximum WHO/Chad standards limit of 2500µS/cm. Most of the variables (chemical parameters) are below the drinking water quality limits defined by WHO/Chad standards, with the exception of the open wells (P1, P2) at Malkoura, which show very high concentrations of potassium, sulfate, sodium, chloride, ammonium and magnesium, and the high iron signature observed in boreholes F9 and F12 at Talia. These variables (chemical parameters) enabled us to define the bicarbonate calcic and magnesian facies, followed by chloride sodium and potassium or sulfate sodium for the single F9 borehole at Malkoura. The predominance of bicarbonate facies can be explained by the dissolution of evaporites in the reservoir.

Integrated municipal wastewater treatment and lipid accumulation by a self-flocculating/floating microalga Limnothrix sp.

The present study evaluated the growth, self-flocculation, lipid content, and pollutants removal by Limnothrix sp. BASMWW-9 isolated from municipal wastewater treatment system and cultivated in municipal wastewater. The biomass yield and lipid content after 6 days of cultivation were 1.07 g dw/L and 27.34 %dw, respectively. In addition, its self-flocculating ability reached up to 90 % after harvesting time of 180 min. Moreover, COD,NH3-N, TN, and TP removalefficiencies were 71.65 %, 81.89 %, 74.64 %, and 80.16 %, respectively. The self-flocculation performance of Limnothrix sp. was greatly associated to its morphology and production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), with significant positive impact of the high calcium and magnesium content in municipal wastewater. Interestingly, blue light irradiation during harvest enhanced the aggregation and floc formation as a floating biomat, which was attributed to enhanced polysaccharides production. This study provides innovative harvest method for Limnothrix sp. BASMWW-9 cultivated in wastewater using blue light for enhanced lipid recovery.

Calcium carbonate polymorph selection in fish otoliths: A key role of phosphorylation of Starmaker-like protein

Fish otoliths are calcium carbonate biominerals found in the inner ear commonly used for tracking fish biochronologies and as a model system for biomineralization. The process of fish otolith formation is biologically controlled by numerous biomacromolecules which not only affect crystal size, shape, mechanical properties, but also selection of calcium carbonate polymorph (e.g., aragonite, vaterite). The proteinaceous control over calcium carbonate polymorph selection occurs in many other species (e.g., corals, mollusks, echinoderms) but the exact mechanism of protein interactions with calcium and carbonate ions – constituents of CaCO3 – are not fully elucidated. Herein, we focus on a native Starmaker-like protein isolated from vaterite asteriscus otoliths from Cyprinus carpio. The proteomic studies show the presence of the phosphorylated protein in vaterite otoliths. In a series of in vitro mineralization experiments with Starmaker-like, we show that native phosphorylation is a crucial determinant for the selection of a crystal's polymorphic form. This is the first report showing that the switch in calcium carbonate phase depends on the phosphorylation pattern of a single isolated protein. Statement of SignificanceCalcium carbonate has numerous applications in industry and medicine. However, we still do not understand the mechanism of biologically driven polymorph selection which results in specific biomineral properties. Previous work on calcium carbonate biominerals showed that either several macromolecular factors or high magnesium concentration (non-physiological) are required for proper polymorph selection (e.g., in mollusk shells, corals and otoliths). In this work, we showed for the first time that protein phosphorylation is a crucial factor for controlling the calcium carbonate crystal phase. This is important because a single protein from the otolith organic matrix could switch between polymorphs depending on the phosphorylation level. It seems that protein post-translational modifications (native, not artificial) are more important for biomolecular control of crystal growth than previously considered.

QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF THE STRENGTH OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE FLOCKS IN BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

The performance of sludge and the effectiveness of wastewater treatment in various biological treatment facilities are influenced by the morphological features of activated sludge flocs. Currently, these features are assessed qualitatively through visual inspection, without statistical processing of the data. The article presents the results of quantitative determination of the strength of activated sludge flocs. A computerized method has been created to quantify the morphological characteristics of activated sludge flocs by analyzing sludge micrographs using the ImageJ software. Color and contrast indices were used to quantify the strength of the flocs. Photographs of activated sludge from the work of D. Eikelboom were used as standards for determining strength. In the calculations, we used photographs by D. Eikelboom taken at a magnification of 300 times (100 pixels) and 150 times (50 pixels). A laboratory study of the effect of Mg ions on the properties of activated sludge flocs was carried out when controlling the morphology of the flakes using the developed computerized technique. Examining the impact of Mg ions on activated sludge flocs revealed that higher magnesium concentrations in the sludge liquid result in increased linear dimensions (by 59%), floc area (by 81%) and floc volume (by 275%), but concurrently lead to a decrease in the strength of activated sludge flakes (by 21%). The obtained results in general indicated the positive effect of magnesium ion on the sedimentation properties of sludge in the aerotank-settlement system. A scale for quantitative determination of the strength of activated sludge flocs has been constructed. The developed computerized method enhances the precision and detail of visual evaluations of the technological attributes of activated sludge flocs, enabling the detection of even the smallest changes in the morphological characteristics across different wastewater treatment technologies. Keywords: activated sludge, flocs, concentration of magnesium, strength, technological characteristics.

A convenient and user-friendly hydrometallurgical process for preparing porous siliceous adsorbents using ascharite tailings: Mechanism of structural change and evaluation of adsorption properties

Ascharite tailings are discarded by the boron industry due to their low boron content and high magnesium content. Additionally, the large-scale storage of these tailings contributes to resource wastage and environmental pollution. The present study successfully prepared a siliceous adsorbent through the combined use of mechanical and acid activation methods. The tailings underwent acid treatment under mild conditions, leading to the dissolution of magnesium while maintaining the integrity of the silicate framework. This process resulted in the formation of a mesoporous structure primarily composed of slit-shaped pores. The specific surface area reached 234.7 m2 g−1, while the pore volume reached 0.31 cm3 g−1. The maximum adsorption capacity for methylene blue was 0.66 mg m−2 per unit of surface area. The pollutants displayed a flat orientation at equilibrium, with a maximum tilt angle of approximately 53°. The adsorption rate was limited due to the decrease in available adsorption sites. However, mechanical activation increased the density of active silanol sites from 2.76 to 4.34 mg m−2, significantly weakening the shielding effect on other potential sites. Thus, tailings resources can be effectively converted into valuable adsorbent materials using a convenient and controllable hydrometallurgical process.

Development of products based on ke-kame-tu formula for PMT at posyandu as an effort to prevent stunting

The "ke-kame-tu" formula is a mixture of Moringa leaf flour, red bean flour and tuna fish meal, with high protein, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium content. The specific aim of the research is to analyze the proximate content, amino acids, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium of supplementary feeding nugget products, and determine the most preferred supplementary feeding products. The “ke-kame-tu” formula (15-60-25) and supplementary feeding products were made using a randomized block design. Taste data was obtained using organoleptic tests. Analysis of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium using spectrophotometric methods. To determine the best supplementary feeding product, a diversity analysis (Anova) of organoleptic test results was carried out. The ke-kame-tu formula (15-60-35) contains 4.39 mg/100g of calcium, 530 mg/100 g of phosphorus, 80 mg/100 g of magnesium, 1.65 mg/100 g of zinc, and protein as much as 16.81%. In general, nuggets made using a modified recipe by adding to-kame-tu formulas with different concentrations have different nutritional content, namely increasing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein content. Based on organoleptic tests, it was found that nugget products with N3 treatment were the preferred product compared to other treatments. This supplementary feeding product uses the addition of 100 grams of the second formula.

Production and characterization of fruit jam with activated pectin using wild hawthorn puree (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.)

In this study, we developed a technology for the production of jelly confiture based on natural hawthorn puree. The use of activated low-esterified hawthorn pectin in the recipe was shown to increase the complexing ability of the product in relation to zinc and lead ions, making it suitable for functional preventive nutrition. The final product was characterised by a bright orange-yellow colour, a distinct hawthorn taste and odour, and a gelatinous consistency. Evaluation of the product based on organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological indicators showed that it had high nutritional and physiological value due to its retention of native micronutrients, high content of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and antioxidant activity. The use of this product in a daily diet can satisfy the daily need for physiologically active substances and food ingredients. Overall, the use of natural puree from wild hawthorn fruit in the technology of jelly confiture allows for the expansion of raw material sources in the production of confectionery products with high nutritional and physiological value.

Adaptive differentiation on serpentine soil in diploid versus autotetraploid populations of Biscutella laevigata (Brassicaceae)

Serpentine soils exhibit extreme properties (e.g. high magnesium content) influencing plant growth and survival, and have been repeatedly documented to promote adaptive edaphic differentiation in plants. Individuals from four pairs of nearby diploid and autotetraploid populations of Biscutella laevigata sampled on serpentine versus non‐serpentine soils in a factorial design are used to assess the genetic and phenotypic changes associated with edaphic origin and ploidy level. Individual samples from natural populations were subjected to soil elemental analysis and genotyping using restriction site‐associated DNA sequences (RAD‐seq) to link genetic variation with contrasting soils and ploidy levels. In diploids, genetic variation was consistent with demographic contraction and a pattern of isolation by environment with respect to the ratio of calcium/magnesium concentrations, whereas tetraploids presented evidence of expansion with limited edaphic differentiation. The genetic basis of tolerance and adaptation to serpentine was further assessed experimentally on seed‐grown individuals from all populations subjected to high (serpentine‐like) versus low (control) concentrations of magnesium in hydropony. Fitness‐related phenotypic traits under experimental cultivation were consistent with adaptive differentiation among diploid ecotypes but not among the tetraploids that similarly grow in both habitats and consistently present higher investment in roots. Further work comparing experimentally resynthesized polyploids to natural diploids and polyploids would help to tease the role of whole genome duplication apart from the effects of post‐polyploidy evolution.

DETERMINATION OF MINERALS IN LAVANDULA STOECHAS L. SUBSP. CARIENSIS (BOISS.) ROZEIRA BY X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

Background and objective: Medicinal herbs are sources of bioactive plant secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, tannins, anthracenes, alkaloids, terpenes. Herbs and herbal extracts are important sources for minerals that can create health effects in human diet. The infusion and decoction prepared from Lavandula stoechas L., subsp. cariensis known as Karabaşotu in Turkey, are used in traditional medicine. The objective of the present work was to comparatively determine the mineral content of dried aerial parts L. stoeachas L. subsp. cariensis and its water extract which is prepared by 2% infusion. Methods: The aerial parts of Lavandula stoechas L., were air-dried and grounded. 2% infusion was prepared by distilled water and water was evaporated until dryness. The water extract and the plant powder were analyzed for heavy metals and trace elements by Spectro-IQ II instrument. Results: The analyzed samples differed significantly in terms of mineral contents. The powdered aerial parts of L. stoechas L. subsp. cariensis and its water extract are characterized by high contents of potassium, calcium, sodium, chlorine, phosphorous and magnesium. Iron in powdered plant material (576.6 ppm) was found to be almost ten times higher than the water extract (51.7 ppm). Microelements such as copper (78.8 ppm) and zinc (3169 ppm) accumulated at higher levels in the water extract of L. stoechas L. subsp. cariensis. Conclusion: The mineral content of the water extract and the powdered aerial parts of L. stoechas L. subsp. cariensis are quantitatively determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for the first time. L. stoechas L. subsp. Cariensis collected from other regions of Turkey will be comparatively analyzed by XRF spectrometry in our further studies. Peer Review History: Received: 23 August 2023; Revised: 26 September; Accepted: 30 October, Available online: 15 November 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Anah and Euphrates Formations and Their Suitability for Portland Cement and Noora Industry at Al-Baghdadi and Haditha Areas, Western Iraq

The current study including geochemical and mineralogical aspects of 12 rock samples from Anah and Euphrates formations in two outcrops, The first outcrop is at Haditha city, with 12.5 meters thickness, and the second location is at Al-Baghdadi city, with 21 meters thickness. The mineralogical study by X-ray diffraction indicated that calcite is the main mineral in the rocks of Anah Formation, while calcite and dolomite exist in Euphrates Formation, where calcite is concentrated in the lower part of Euphrates Formation, while dolomite is common in the middle and upper parts of this formation, in addition to other minor minerals such as quartz and feldspar. Geochemical study was carried out by XRF to determine the major oxides(CaO, MgO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, SO3, K2O, Na2O, MnO) and the suitability of Anah and Euphrates rocks as raw material for Portland cement and Al-Noura (lime) cement industries. According to the results it is found that Euphrates Formation in the Al-Baghdadi and Haditha outcrops is not suitable for the Portland cement, because of high percentage of MgO as a result of the high percentage of dolomitic limestone. The chemical analysis of the samples of the Anah Formation in Haditha outcrop are suitable for the Noura cement (lime) industry according to the Iraqi standard. The high content of magnesium in the Euphrates Formation at Al-Baghdadi area used as indicator that the rocks deposited in shallow marine and warm condition, and the environment was mostly isolated with warm condition. Low Sr content indicates shallow carbonate rocks. Thus, the sedimentary environment of the Anah Formation at Haditha outcrop was relatively shallower than that of the Euphrates Formation.

Blood biochemical, hormonal, and hematological responses of native sheep submitted to different environmental conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical, hormonal, and hematological blood responses of native sheep subjected to five temperatures (20°, 24°, 28°, 32°, and 36 °C), using 24 sheep of the following breeds: Santa Inês (SI), Morada Nova (MN), Soinga (SO) and no defined racial pattern (NDRP), kept in collective pens inside the climatic chamber. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme (5 temperatures and 4 breeds) with 6 animals of each breed at each temperature. There was interaction for urea (P < .0001), glucose (P < .0001), cholesterol (P < .0001), and magnesium (P < .0001) as a function of breed and air temperature. Urea (P = .001), glucose (P < .0001), triglycerides (P = .033), cholesterol (P = .004), and magnesium (P < .0001) showed differences according to breed. It was observed that T4 (P < .0001) and cortisol (P < .0001) showed an interaction between breed and temperature, while T4 (P = .001) and cortisol (P = .001) an effect of breed. The highest magnesium concentration was observed in MN, and the lowest was in NDRP, SO, and SI, which are statistically similar, and SI and NDRP are statistically similar. The hormones showed a significant effect (P < .0001) for temperature, where cortisol increased, and thyroid hormones decreased with increasing temperature. Temperatures of 32° and 36 °C contribute to changes in blood, hormone, and hematological biochemical responses of native sheep.

Study of the elemental composition of a series of virland fruits Viburnum Opulus L.

Viburnum fruits are a well-known and popular means of folk and scientific medicine. It is used as a vitamin, immunostimulating, diuretic, hypotensive agent. There is information about the use of viburnum fruit processing products in the food industry. Today, there is no drug based on this raw material in our country. A systematic study of the composition of the mineral compounds of viburnum fruits from different harvesting locations in Ukraine was not conducted. This is especially relevant because the significant content of organic acids to a certain extent determines the presence of a number of cations.&#x0D; The purpose of the work is to determine the elemental composition of the series of common domestic medicinal plant raw materials – Viburnum fruits, harvested in Ukraine.&#x0D; In the results of the research conducted by the method of atomic absorption spectrography with photographic registration of the results, it was found that in total at least 19 macro-, micro- and ultra-microelements were found in the raw materials. The content of total ash in series of viburnum fruits was determined. It ranged from 0.120 ± 0.005% (series 1) to 0.326 ± 0.010% (series 6). The following regularity is observed for the accumulation of macroelements in raw materials: for all studied series of raw materials, potassium and calcium dominated in terms of content (K &gt; Ca). Significant data variability is observed for the remaining macronutrients. So, for the fruits of series 1 and 5, the following variant is defined – P &gt; Mg &gt; Na &gt; Si, series 2 – Mg &gt; Na &gt; P, Si, series 3 – Mg &gt; Na, P &gt; Si, series 4 – Mg &gt; P &gt; Si &gt; Na, series 6 – Na &gt; Mg &gt; P &gt; Si.&#x0D; The results of the study show that the potassium content ranges from 986.28 ± 9.27 mg/100 g (series 5) to one and a half times higher – 1451.38 ± 15.34 mg/100 g (series 5). In addition to potassium, the studied series contain large amounts of calcium – its content fluctuates more than twice, in the range: 302.29 ± 3.20 mg/100 g (series 2) – 661.30 ± 3.14 mg/100 g ( series 4). In addition to potassium and calcium, a fairly high content of magnesium was found – its content ranges from 79.22 ± 0.96 mg/100 g (series 5) to 107.95 ± 1.27 mg/100 g (series 6).&#x0D; The highest content of phosphorus was determined in viburnum fruits of ordinary series 1 – 125.56 ± 1.59 mg/100 g, in the rest of the raw materials this indicator is 1.3–8 times lower, the lowest in fruits of series 2 – 15.80 ± 0,30 mg/100 g. The highest sodium content was determined in the raw materials of series 6 – 144.81 ± 1.84 mg/100 g. At that time, Viburnum fruits of series 2 contained almost five times less of this element (30.92 ± 0.61 mg/100 g). The fruits of series 6 are the leader in the accumulation of silicon compared to the rest of the studied series (where the content of this element can be five times lower) and contain 74.01 ± 0.87 mg/100 g of this compound.&#x0D; A significant content of potassium (at least 980 mg/100 g), calcium (at least 300 mg/100 g), and magnesium (at least 75 mg/100 g), which play an important role in the functioning of the human body, confirms the perspective of taking into account the elemental of the pharmaceutical composition in the creation of original medicinal products.

On the role of alkali content on one-part alkali activated slag pastes produced with tri- blend solid activators

The paper investigates the effect of tri-blend solid alkaline activators, based on sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, potassium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, on the physico-chemical features, the fresh and hardened performances of activated slag pastes prepared with the one-part methodology. Specifically, the alkali to slag ratio (Ac) and the total amount of the selected activators were varied at a fixed water/binder ratio, molar silica modulus (Ms) and relative mass activators ratio. Microstructures and reaction products were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR. Fresh and elasto-mechanical properties of pastes were also evaluated. Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) as well as metastable vaterite were found in low reacted systems, produced by the preferential early-age reaction between dissolved carbonate ions present in the pore solution and the calcium ions released by the partial dissolution of the slag and stabilized by a sufficient high concentration of magnesium in the pore solution, not consumed to the form hydrotalcite. Sodium carbonate failed in extending the pot life of the investigated systems. The optimal alkali content was found to be close to 0.075 as it determines the development of compact and dense microstructure (2025 kg/m3), the maximum elasto-mechanical properties (elastic modulus of 26.1 GPa and compressive strength of 102.8 MPa at 28 days) and it allows to produce flowable mixtures (200 mm).

EP20.03: Risk factors and prediction model for high neonatal serum magnesium concentrations in prenatal maternal magnesium sulfate therapy

EP20.03: Risk factors and prediction model for high neonatal serum magnesium concentrations in prenatal maternal magnesium sulfate therapy

Development and investigation of qualitative characteristics of specialized bits

Relevance. The study characterizes the design of a mixture of gluten-free flours and fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to improve the properties of gluten-free biscuits and determine dough and finished product predictors. A distinctive feature of the mixture is the presence of raw ingredients with high nutritional and biological value. The data obtained can be used in the development of new product lines, new recipes for specialized flour confectionery.Methods. To study the effect of corn flour, rice flour, flaxseed flour and fenugreek seeds on the quality characteristics of simple biscuits, standard test methods were used. The composition of the prescription components was selected taking into account the specialized focus of the product, the biological value of the ingredients, the high sensory characteristics of the finished product, and the imparting of functional properties.Results. The optimal quantitative ratios of corn flour, flaxseed and rice flour (45:45:10) and the proportion of fenugreek seeds (7.5% by weight of flour) were experimentally determined. The quality indicators of the developed products are investigated. It has been established that the use of flour gluten-free mixture and fenugreek seeds affect a slight increase in dough moisture, acidity and wetness of finished products. Recommended standardized requirements for gluten-free biscuits from a mixture of corn, rice, flax flour and fenugreek seeds are proposed. As additional quality indicators, the content of gluten, dietary fiber and magnesium is highlighted. The developed simple biscuits for specialized purposes have a functional focus due to the high content of dietary fiber and magnesium, the share of which is more than 15% of the daily intake of these nutrients.

Trace element levels and bio-active compounds in ethanolic leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum characterised using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry

Aim and objectivesChrysophyllum albidum, also known as Africa star apple, has so many ethnobotanical uses in African healing system. Thus, a study that reveals possible trace elements and its phytochemical profile will give an essential insight to the bioactivity profile of the plant. The study was to identify the trace elements and the bioactive compounds present in Chrysophyllum albidum (C. albidum) leaf extract Materials and methodsThe ethanol leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum was evaluated for trace elements using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ASS) while the chemical composition was analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The identification of phytoconstituents using GC/MS was based on the instrument library, peak area and retention time. ResultThe ethanol leaf extract of C. albidum showed a high content of potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, while relative low content of manganese, iron, copper, zinc, lead and nickel. Total of 30 peaks representing 30 identified compounds were recorded in the GC/MS analysis. These include a variety of heterocyclic compounds such as fatty acids, organic compounds, esters, and disaccharides etc. The major constituents of the extract were: Sucrose (37.45%), followed by 1,2,3-Propanetriol,1-acetate (7.86%), di-Glyceraldehyde dimer (5.70%), 1-(3-Benzyl-2-thioureido)−1-deoxy-beta-d glucopyranose 2,3,4,6-tetraacetate (4.53%), 4 H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl- (4.49%), 3-Deoxy-d-Mannoic lactone (3.14%), Glycerine (3.04%) and minor compounds that are less than 3%. ConclusionThe elemental composition of the leaf extract of C. albidum may be influenced by the environmental factors such as soil composition surrounding the plant’s roots, while a variety of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities were present. Hence, the plant have a potential pharmacological activities.

Preparation of lithium-containing magnesium phosphate-based composite ceramics having high compressive strength, osteostimulation and proangiogenic effects

Fairly high concentrations of magnesium and lithium are conducive to improving the osteogenic and angiogenic capacities. In the current study, lithium-containing magnesium phosphate-based ceramics (AMP/LMPGs) were prepared from amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) at a low sintering temperature (650 °C), and the lithium/magnesium-containing phosphate glasses (LMPGs) were utilized as sintering additives. During the sintering procedure of AMP/LMPGs, the AMP reacted with LMPGs, producing new compounds. The AMP/LMPGs displayed nano-size grains and plentiful micropores. The addition of LMPGs noticeably increased the porosity as well as compressive strength of the AMP/LMPGs ceramics. The AMP/LMPGs sustainedly released Mg, P and Li ions, forming Mg-rich ionic microenvironment, which ameliorated cellular proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and proangiogenic capacities. The AMP/LMPGs ceramics with considerably high compressive strength, osteostimulation and proangiogenic effects were expected to efficiently regenerate the bone defects.

Loss of CorA, the primary magnesium transporter of Salmonella, is alleviated by MgtA and PhoP-dependent compensatory mechanisms.

In many Gram-negative bacteria, the stress sigma factor of RNA polymerase, σS/RpoS, remodels global gene expression to reshape the physiology of stationary phase cells and ensure their survival under non-optimal growth conditions. In the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, σS is also required for biofilm formation and virulence. We have recently shown that a ΔrpoS mutation decreases the magnesium content and expression level of the housekeeping Mg2+-transporter CorA in stationary phase Salmonella. The other two Mg2+-transporters of Salmonella are encoded by the PhoP-activated mgtA and mgtB genes and are expressed under magnesium starvation. The σS control of corA prompted us to evaluate the impact of CorA in stationary phase Salmonella cells, by using global and analytical proteomic analyses and physiological assays. The ΔcorA mutation conferred a competitive disadvantage to exit from stationary phase, and slightly impaired motility, but had no effect on total and free cellular magnesium contents. In contrast to the wild-type strain, the ΔcorA mutant produced MgtA, but not MgtB, in the presence of high extracellular magnesium concentration. Under these conditions, MgtA production in the ΔcorA mutant did not require PhoP. Consistently, a ΔmgtA, but not a ΔphoP, mutation slightly reduced the magnesium content of the ΔcorA mutant. Synthetic phenotypes were observed when the ΔphoP and ΔcorA mutations were combined, including a strong reduction in growth and motility, independently of the extracellular magnesium concentration. The abundance of several proteins involved in flagella formation, chemotaxis and secretion was lowered by the ΔcorA and ΔphoP mutations in combination, but not alone. These findings unravel the importance of PhoP-dependent functions in the absence of CorA when magnesium is sufficient. Altogether, our data pinpoint a regulatory network, where the absence of CorA is sensed by the cell and compensated by MgtA and PhoP- dependent mechanisms.