Magnesium Concentrations Research Articles

Crop rotation diversity and tillage effects on soil and wheat grain nutrient concentration in an organically-managed system

Consumer demand for high quality organic produce in Canada has in recent years contributed to the development of a more sustainable organic agriculture system that increased productivity without decreasing soil fertility. The objective of this 4-yr field study was to determine if an organic system with diversified crop rotations under reduced tillage would produce high quality spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain and improve soil fertility. A simplified rotation (SR) consisting of a forage pea (Pisum sativum L.) green manure (GM)-spring wheat sequence and a diversified rotation (DR, forage pea GM-oilseed-pulse crop-spring wheat sequence) were compared under two tillage intensities (high tillage [HT] and low tillage [LT]). The oilseed alternated between mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), and the pulse alternated between field pea and lentil (Lens culinaris L.). Generally, nutrient concentrations in wheat grain were mostly significantly higher under LT than HT and in the DR compared with the SR. In addition, tillage-rotation system influenced soil zinc, calcium, magnesium, and sodium concentrations. However, grain Cd concentration was higher in the LT treatment under the DR sequence relative to other treatments. Our results indicate that organically managed diversified crop rotations under reduced tillage can produce wheat grains with high nutritional value for humans and livestock but may not increase soil micronutrient concentrations.

Influence of Magnesium Ion Binding on the Adenosine Diphosphate Structure and Dynamics, Investigated by 31P NMR and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Magnesium (Mg2+) is the most abundant divalent cation in the cell and is essential to nearly every biochemical reaction involving adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its lower energy counterpart, adenosine diphosphate (ADP). In this work, we examine the solution dynamics of ADP at different concentrations and record the changes thereof due to the presence of Mg2+ ions. Relaxation and diffusion experiments were performed on a range of ADP solutions with increasing magnesium concentration. The most significant changes of both relaxation and diffusion behaviors are observed when adding Mg2+ up to 0.5 ADP equivalent (eq), with most of the changes complete at 1 eq. Molecular dynamics simulations also show a significant structure introduced by Mg2+ with very stable pyramidal coordination with the phosphate oxygens. A more extended structure found in the presence of Mg2+ is consistent with the experimental slowing of diffusion and an increase in the spin-lattice relaxation rate. We do not observe direct evidence of aggregation in solution, although translational diffusion is slowed down significantly at higher concentrations (while solvent diffusion remains constant).

Effects of long-term magnesium L-threonate supplementation on neuroinflammation, demyelination and blood–brain barrier integrity in mice with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

In clinical practice, we found cerebrospinal fluid magnesium concentration significantly lower in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients compared to controls with non-autoimmune encephalitis neurological diseases. To investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of long-term magnesium supplementation on neuroinflammation, demyelination, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity in NMOSD, we used two models: (1) NMOSD mouse model, which was induced by intraperitoneal injection of purified NMO-IgG to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, and (2) cultured human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells/D3 (hCMEC/D3). In the NMOSD mouse model, Magnesium L-threonate (MgT) pretreatment alleviated NMO-IgG–induced effects, including AQP4 loss, leukocyte infiltration, astrocyte and microglia activation, demyelination, decreased tight junction (TJ) protein expression, and neurological deficits. In vitro, MgT pretreatment ameliorated NMO-IgG induced damage to TJ protein expression in a (transient receptor potential melastatin 7) TRPM7-dependent manner. Magnesium supplementation shows potential protective effects against NMOSD, suggesting it may be a novel therapeutic approach for this condition. The beneficial effects appear to be mediated through preservation of blood–brain barrier integrity and reduction of neuroinflammation and demyelination.

EP406 - Exploring the Nexus: Serum Fluoride, Lipid Profiles, and Gallstone Formation in a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objectives Assessing and comparing serum fluoride and lipid profiles in individuals with gallstones and in healthy controls. Investigating the correlation between serum fluoride levels and lipid profiles specifically in gallstone cases. Estimating concentrations of fluoride, cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubin, calcium, and magnesium in gallstones. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited twenty-five gallstone patients seeking evaluation and treatment at the General Surgery department over a two-month period. Twenty-five age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled using purposive sampling. Results Our findings revealed that, regardless of age group (26-70), individuals with higher serum lipid levels and gallstones exhibited fluoride levels in the gallstones ranging from 0.5 to 1 PPM, suggesting a positive impact of fluoride on gallstones. Notably, calcium and uric acid levels were significantly elevated, measuring 19 and 14 mg per gram, respectively. These finding prompts clinicians to consider the independent role of fluoride in regions with higher exposure and chronicity. Conclusion Our study uncovered a positive correlation between elevated serum lipid levels and gallstones, highlighting fluoride concentrations in gallstones ranging from 0.5-1 PPM. Increased calcium and uric acid levels, particularly in regions of heightened exposure, point to fluoride's independent role in gallstone formation. Patients with gallstones showed heightened lipid levels, positioning fluoride as an influential factor. Notably, cations like calcium and magnesium, alongside non-protein substances such as uric acid, displayed stronger associations with gallstones, with negligible gender-based differences. These findings offer clinicians valuable insights, underscoring the potential significance of fluoride and related factors in understanding and addressing gallstone disease.

Significance of correcting magnesium deficiency in different groups of women in surgical menopause

Background. In the 21st century, there is a clear trend towards an increase in the proportion of women with climacteric syndrome (CS) and surgical menopause. Medical care for such patients usually includes menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), which often causes changes in magnesium and pyridoxine metabolism and their deficiency, leading to the development of adverse reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to improve rehabilitation programs designed to increаse the quality of life (QoL) for this category of gynecological patients.Objective: to assess the profile of women with CS and surgical menopause receiving and not receiving MHT and to identify the significance of magnesium deficiency (MD) effect on the recovery process.Material and methods. The observational non-interventional study included a total of 9168 women, of which 1528 patiеnts with CS and surgical menopause were taking MHT (Group 1), and 1528 patients with CS and surgical menopause were not taking MHT (Group 2). The Magnesium Deficiency Questionnaire (MDQ) was used to determine the number of participants with MD. A biochemical blood test was also performed, including determination of plasma magnesium concentration. The patients’ profile was analyzed for general somatic pathologies, obstetric and gynecological history, complaints, and MD symptoms using visual analogue scale. To assess QoL before the start of 4-week MD replenishing course and at the end of therapy, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQL-26) was applied.Results. The MDQ data showed that the prevalence of DM in Group 1 was higher compared to Group 2. In both groups, women with hypomagnesemia had a higher incidence of viral infections, vegetative-vascular dystonia, osteochondrosis and arterial hypertension, more pronounced sleep disorders, irritability, back pain, rapid fatigue, and higher MDQ scores. After completion of the course of therapy with magnesium citrate and pyridoxine combination, the MDQ scores in patients with DM decreased along with an increase in plasma magnesium concentration. Besides, women's satisfaction with their physical, psychological, social wellbeing and microsocial support increased, and self-perception improved. A decrease in the severity of DM and a significant improvement in QoL according to WHOQOL-26 were demonstrated in patients with CS and surgical menopause after therapy.Conclusion. The profile of patients with CS and surgical menopause, regardless of MHT, is often characterized by DM and decreased QoL. It seems reasonable to include blood magnesium level monitoring and DM correction in the comprehensive rehabilitation program for such patients.

Revolutionizing Bone Regeneration with Grinder-Based Dentin Biomaterial: A Systematic Review.

Bone tissue regeneration is a critical aspect of dental surgery, given the common occurrence of bone resorption leading to alveolar bone defects. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review to provide a comprehensive summary of the evidence regarding the regenerative properties of dentin biomaterial. This systematic review was conducted through comprehensive searches in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as an extensive exploration of the gray literature sources, including WorldCat, The New York Academy of Medicine Library, and Trip Database, following the established PRISMA protocol. Keywords such as tooth, dentin, grinder, and autograft guided the search, with a focus on a standardized procedure involving dentin grinders within laboratory, experimental, and clinical settings. Initially, a pool of 1942 articles was identified with 452 duplicates removed. An additional 1474 articles were excluded for not aligning with the predefined topics, and three more were excluded due to the unavailability of the full text. Ultimately, 13 articles met the strict inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The chemical composition of the dentin particles was similar to natural bone in terms of oxygen, carbon, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium content, as well as in terms of the Ca/P ratio. In addition, the dentin also contained amide I and amide II structures, as well as aliphatic and hydroxyl functional groups. The chemically treated dentin was free of microorganisms. The dentin had characteristic tubules that opened after chemical treatment. At the cellular level, dentin released bone morphogenetic protein 2, induced significant cell growth, and stimulated the reorganization of the fibroblast cytoskeleton. Most clinical studies have focused on alveolar bone regeneration. After the transplantation of demineralized dentin particles, studies have observed new bone formation, a reduction in residual bone, and an increase in connective tissue. Clinical reports consistently indicate uncomplicated healing and recovery post-transplantation. However, there is a notable gap in the evidence concerning complication rates, patient-reported outcomes, and the presence of pro-inflammatory factors. In conclusion, dentin biomaterial emerges as a versatile bone substitute, demonstrating high biocompatibility and ease of acquisition. The preservation of its internal structure containing organic matter and growth factors enhances its potential for effective bone regeneration. Particularly, in dental surgery, dentin-derived materials present a promising alternative to traditional autologous bone autografts, offering the potential to reduce patient morbidity and treatment costs.

Abstract P410: Association Between Maternal Magnesium and Offspring Blood Pressure at 4 Years of Age: A Birth Cohort Study

Background: The potential influence of maternal magnesium levels during gestation on offspring's blood pressure remains largely unexplored. Objective： We aim to investigate the association of maternal magnesium concentrations during early pregnancy and child’s blood pressure at four years of age. Methods: Using data from the Shanghai Birth Cohort, this study analyzed the data from 1129 mother-child pairs. Results: Maternal blood magnesium concentrations were inversely associated with blood pressure of offspring at 4 years of age. Each 1mmol/L increment in maternal magnesium was correlation with 3.03 mmHg (95% CI -4.77 to -1.29, P =0.001) decrease of systolic blood pressure and 1.72 mmHg (95% CI -3.22 to -0.23, P =0.024) decrease of diastolic blood pressure in children after adjusting for covariates. Moreover, maternal magnesium concentrations were associated with incident high blood pressure (OR = 0.40, 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.95, P =0.037) of offspring. Exploratory maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index stratified analyses found that the negative regression coefficient (β) of maternal magnesium and child blood pressure was greater in the overweight/obese group than in normal weight group or underweight group ( P for systolic blood pressure difference 0.014, P for diastolic blood pressure difference 0.019). Conclusions: Our data suggest higher maternal magnesium concentrations are associated with lower blood pressure levels and reduced risk of high blood pressure in children. Our findings highlight the importance of maternal Mg levels during pregnancy, especially for the mothers who are overweight or obese.

Study of mechanical properties of building ceramics with the addition of non-traditional raw materials

The current economic situation and increased attention to environmental protection encourage manufacturers of building materials, in particular ceramic bricks, to look for alternative types of raw materials that make it possible to reduce its cost with good quality of finished products. Mining waste is especially promising, among which peridotites stand out, which have huge reserves and are practically not used. The purpose of the work is to obtain building ceramics with the addition of peridotite and study its mechanical properties.The chemical and mineralogical compositions of raw materials have been determined. Silicon and aluminum oxides account for 78.5% in clay and 61% in peridotites.The latter are characterized by a high content of calcium, magnesium and iron oxides (34.65%). Clay is composed of clay minerals, as well as quartz and feldspar. Tremolite, enstatite and olivine are present in peridotites. The dependence of the mechanical strength of ceramic samples on their firing temperature, the content of the additive and the degree of its grinding has been established. The optimal amount of peridotite is 10%, at which the compressive strength has the maximum value over the entire grinding range of the additive. With an increase in the firing temperature to 1050оC, a slow increase in the strength of the samples occurs. At 1100оC, there is a sharp jump in strength parameters, which increase by 3.6–4.7 times, depending on the granulometric composition of the additive.The main properties of the obtained ceramics were determined. It has been established that peridotites are a promising additive for the production of ordinary bricks with a compressive strength of up to 60 MPa and an average density of up to 2400 kg/m3.

Formulation of complementary flours from pretreated pumpkin pulp, soybeans and spinach leaves: Nutritional, functional and sensory characterization

One of the major causes of the high prevalence of young children suffering from malnutrition in developed countries is inadequate complementary feeding practices, and especially the low quality of homemade complementary foods. The present study aimed to use available local plant foods to formulate a complementary flour Which can be able to meet energy and nutrients requirements of children aged from 6 to 23 months. To achieve this goal, pumpkin was fermented, soybean soaked and roasted, and spinach steamed. The pre-treated ingredients were ground to obtain individual flours, which were blended in various proportions to obtain four complementary flours (PSS1, PSS2, PSS3, PSS4). The proximate and micronutrient composition, and the energy value of the blends were determined, and based on the results, two of them, that is; (PSS1 [Pumpkin 70 %/Soybean 25 %/Spinach 5 %], and PSS2 [Pumpkin 65 %/Soybean 25 %/Spinach 10 %]) were selected to pursue the Study. The functional properties (water absorption capacity, water solubility index, bulk density) and pasting properties of these two flours were then evaluated. Gruels were prepared from the flours and their energy densities, physical as well as sensory properties were evaluated. Moisture, ash, protein, fat, and sugar contents of PSS1 and PSS2 met the FAO/WHO standards. Fiber content in both flours was higher than the recommendation. Vitamin A and iron were sufficient in PSS2, while PSS1 had low iron content. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium content of PSS1 and PSS2 were significantly higher than the standards. PSS1 and PSS2 had good water absorption capacity and solubility index, with low viscosity values (213 and 173 cP respectively), interesting functional properties for complementary flours. The gruels prepared with PSS1 and PSS2 flours had good fluidity and energy densities. They were fairly appreciated based on their organoleptic characteristics, with scores of 5.96 and 5.75 for overall acceptability. PSS2 could be recommended as infant flour rich in iron, vitamin A, and protein, with good nutritional values and functional properties.

Hypomagnesemia is Associated with the Skull Computed Tomography Black Hole Sign in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

ObjectivesThe evaluation of hypomagnesemia's significance in predicting the presence of the black hole sign in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is currently under investigation. MethodsThe study included 261 patients with cerebral hemorrhage who underwent initial skull computed tomography (CT) within 24 hours of admission.Sixty-nine patients (26.4%) exhibited hypomagnesemia in the initial laboratory examinations. The black hole sign was observed in 123 patients (referred to as the black hole sign group, which includes patients with and without hypomagnesemia), while the remaining 138 patients (non-black hole sign group) did not exhibit this feature. The values of hypomagnesemia were assessed through multivariable logistic regression analyses. ResultsThe black hole sign occurred in 45 of the 69 (65.2%) patients with hypomagnesemia, and in 78 of the 192 (40.6%) patients without hypomagnesemia.In the black hole sign group, hypomagnesemia was observed in 45 patients (36.6%). However, only 24 patients (19.5%) from the normal magnesium concentration group exhibited hypomagnesemia.The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of hypomagnesemia for predicting the black hole sign were 69.9%, 82.5%, 36.6%, and 82.8% respectively.The odds ratios for hypomagnesemia, smoking history, and hypokalemia in predicting the presence of the black hole sign were 2.74, 1.971, and 1.629 correspondingly. ConclusionsThe presence of hypomagnesemia may serve as a predictive factor for the black hole sign and rebleeding in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), thereby providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Study on the preparation and properties of high-performance foamed cement by multi-factor optimization

The promotion of high-performance foamed cement in engineering is consistent with the objectives of energy conservation and sustainable development. In this work, the effects of the water–binder ratio, foam–grout ratio, mineral powder content and magnesium oxide content on the performance of foamed cement were studied. High-performance foamed cement was prepared considering the above four factors. The results indicated that the pore structure of the foamed cement was effectively modified by adjusting the water–binder and foam–grout ratios, while its compressive strength increased and its setting time decreased when mineral powder and magnesium oxide were added. Pore structure and scanning electron microscopy experiments revealed that the surface of the high-performance foamed cement was covered with many hydration products of mineral powder and magnesium oxide, resulting in a more compact and uniform structure. Simultaneously, these hydration products effectively filled pores with diameters ranging from 0 to 0.2 mm in the high-performance foamed cement, refining its pore structure and thereby enhancing its waterproof performance and drywet cycling stability. Compared with those of commercial foamed cement, the setting time of the high-performance foamed cement was 23.48 % shorter, and its compressive strengths at 1 d and 7 d were 245.78 % and 178.62 % greater, respectively. Furthermore, the production cost per cubic meter of the high-performance foamed cement was 107.29 RMB less than that of ordinary cement. In brief, the high-performance foamed cement can be widely used in a variety of engineering applications because of its performance and economic benefits.

Quality Evaluation of Flour and Crackers Made from Acha and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Composite Flour Supplemented with Fermented Cowpea Flour

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of supplementing 60% acha and 40% orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) composite flour with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% fermented cowpea flour on the functional properties of the flour blends and on the proximate composition, mineral content, antinutrients, and sensory characteristics of the crackers made from the blends. The 100% composite of acha and orange-fleshed sweet potato flours served as the control sample. The results obtained showed that all the parameters evaluated varied with the proportion of fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The bulk density increased significantly while the water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, pH, wettability, and gelatinization temperature decreased significantly with the increase in fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The moisture and carbohydrate content of the crackers progressively decreased from 8.83% - 8.08% and from 68.34% - 54.33% respectively with increase in cowpea flour supplementation. The ash, fibre, fat and protein contents of the crackers progressively increased from 1.90 - 2.43%, 0.40 – 0.70%, 14.46 – 18.45% and 6.07 – 16.01% respectively with increase in fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The potassium content of the crackers decreased from 87.51 – 68.66 mg/100g while the calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc contents of the crackers increased progressively from 59.16 - 96.61 mg/100g, 12.60 – 36.69 mg/100g, 0.62 – 0.78 mg/100g and 0.78 – 1.08 mg/100g respectively with increase in fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The oxalate and phytate contents of the crackers decreased progressively, while the tannin content increased with increasing fermentation of cowpea flour supplementation. It is evident from the study that acceptable crackers of high nutritional value could be produced from a composite of 60% acha and 40% orange-fleshed sweet potato flour supplemented with 30% fermented cowpea flour. This would increase the utilization of these locally grown crops and reduce wheat importation into the country.

A study on properties of electroless Ni-B/MgB2 coatings on AZ91 magnesium alloy

This study explores MgB2 as a reinforcing agent in electroless deposition on AZ91 magnesium alloy substrates, evaluating its impact on coating properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the amorphous Ni-B coating masks initial magnesium peaks, while MgB2 enhances MgB2O(OH)6, MgB2O5, MgO, and MgB2xOy oxide phases. SEM images illustrate morphological shifts from cauliflower-like Ni-B structures to dendritic and fibrous MgB2 forms, with higher MgB2 concentrations leading to granular structures with randomly oriented crystallites resembling platelets, indicating increased magnesium content. MgB2-reinforced Ni-B coatings exhibited higher hardness than the substrate but lower than as-deposited Ni-B. Friction coefficients initially decreased with Ni-B, increased significantly with 0.1 g MgB2, and decreased with higher reinforcements, remaining higher than substrate and as-deposited Ni-B. MgB2 reinforcement increased surface roughness, causing local agglomerations in 0.5 g MgB2 coatings. Contact angle measurements demonstrated enhanced hydrophilicity due to MgB2's superhydrophilic properties influenced by surface roughness. Antibacterial tests revealed superior properties with 0.1 g MgB2, suggesting a transition to MgB2-enriched structures and influencing material properties. While Ni-B/MgB2 coatings improved over substrate, further research is needed to optimize parameters and understand stabilizer effects. These coatings also exhibited superhydrophilicity and promising antibacterial properties, suggesting potential in advanced surface engineering applications.

Nitrogen recovery from biogas slurry with high ammonia nitrogen concentration through struvite precipitation utilizing acid leaching solution of collophanite tailings

ABSTRACT The high concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in biogas slurry pose great challenges to the efficiency of traditional wastewater treatment systems. Collophanite tailings are solid waste, characterized by significant concentrations of phosphorus (PO43-) and magnesium (Mg2+), represent a potential resource for the reduction and recovery of NH4+ in biogas slurry via struvite precipitation. This study systematically explored the optimal leaching parameters employing sulfuric acid for the extraction of PO43− and Mg2+ from collophanite tailings. The effect of [PO43-]:[NH4+] molar ratio and pH on the recovery of NH4+ in biogas slurry was investigated. The physicochemical properties of the precipitates were confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical analysis. Results suggested that the highest removal efficiency of NH4+ (88.5%) was achieved when employing a [PO43-]:[NH4+] molar ratio of 1.0 at pH 9.5. Evaluation of effluent quality demonstrates a significant enhancement in the biodegradability of the treated biogas slurry, evidenced by an increase in the COD/TN ratio increased from 2.1 to 10.4. Economic analysis shows that the net income would be approximately 21.33 USD/m3 for proposed produces. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing collophanite tailings for NH4+ recovery from biogas slurry.

Investigation of microstructural and electrochemical behavior of chromized-doped layers with variant magnesium concentrations

Investigation of microstructural and electrochemical behavior of chromized-doped layers with variant magnesium concentrations

Calcium-rich seawater affects the mechanical properties of echinoderm skeleton

Shifts in the magnesium to calcium ratio of seawater in the geological history are thought to have profoundly affected biomineralization of marine invertebrates, including some echinoderms, which changed their skeletal mineralogy from high-magnesium to low-magnesium calcite and vice versa. Here we report on experiments that aimed to investigate the effect of ambient seawater magnesium to calcium ratio on magnesium to calcium ratio and nanomechanical properties in the spines of two echinoid species (Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus). We found that echinoids cultured in seawater with a low magnesium to calcium ratio produced a skeleton with lower both magnesium content and nanohardness than those of the control specimens incubated under normal (high) magnesium to calcium ratio conditions. These results may suggest that at certain times in the geological past (during the so-called calcite seas) sea urchins with decreased skeletal magnesium contents were more susceptible to damage due to physical disturbances, predation and post-mortem taphonomic processes. Increased skeletal hardness of echinoids from the so-called aragonite seas is expected to enhance their taphonomic potential, thus, to some extent, mitigates the preservation bias related to increased solubility of high-magnesium calcite.

Effects of freeze-thaw leaching on physicochemical properties and cadmium transformation in cadmium contaminated soil

This study aims to investigate the effect of the combined method of freeze–thaw and leaching on the removal of cadmium (Cd) in soil and to provide a theoretical basis for the remediation of farmland soil polluted by heavy metals. The removal process and mechanism of Cd were deduced through oscillatory leaching experiments and freeze–thaw leaching simulation experiments, and the influence of the freeze–thaw leaching technology on the soil environment was evaluated. The results of oscillatory leaching showed that a mixture consisting of 0.80 mol/L citric acid and 0.80 mol/L ferric chloride in a 1:19 vol ratio effectively remove 47.75 % of Cd, indicating that the composite leaching agent could effectively remove Cd from the soil. The results of the freeze–thaw leaching simulation experiment showed that although the freeze–thaw leaching treatment increased the total Cd content in the 0–5 cm soil layer, the total Cd content in the 5–10 cm, 10–15 cm, and 15–20 cm soil layers decreased by 5.08 %, 2.39 %, and 5.68 %, respectively. The freeze–thaw leaching increased the content of exchangeable Cd (p<0.05), carbonate bound Cd, but decreased organic bound Cd and residual Cd (p<0.05), thereby increasing the bioavailability of Cd. Freeze–thaw leaching not only increased the competitive adsorption of Cd2+ by decreasing soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and increasing the content of exchangeable calcium and exchangeable magnesium, thus reducing the adsorption of Cd in soil. And the results of XPS and FTIR similarly showed that the freeze–thaw leaching could promote the chelation between Cd2+ and hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl functional groups. Although the freeze–thaw leaching destroyed the large particle structure (0.05–2 mm) and large pores in the soil, and increased the clay content (<0.002 mm) and the proportion of small pores in the soil, the XRD results showed that freeze–thaw leaching had no significant effect on the minerals in the soil. In summary, this study shows that freeze–thaw leaching has a significant effect on the removal of soil heavy metals, suggesting that the synergistic effect of freeze-thaw and leaching should be considered in the process of removing soil pollutants in seasonal freeze–thaw zones, and that this method provides a new insight into the remediation of contaminated soils.

Agronomic Evaluation Study: Use of Caiapônia Shale as Magnesium Supplementation for Soybean (Glycine max) and Maize (Zea mays) Cultivation

The soil of the cerrado is acidic, with high levels of iron and aluminum, and has low fertility due to weathering, which removes elements such as magnesium. To increase the availability of magnesium, essential for various plant processes, an alternative is the use of agrominerals rich in this element. The objective of this work was the agronomic evaluation of the use of Caiap&amp;ocirc;nia shale as magnesium supplementation for soybean and corn crops. It is characterized as Magnesium Silicate containing 18% Magnesium Oxide (MgO) in its composition, in addition to the minerals Montmorillonite, Albite and Ilite. The product was screened to 0.425 mm in sieve no. 40. The study was conducted at the School of Agronomy of the Federal University of Goi&amp;aacute;s, located in the municipality of Goi&amp;acirc;nia, Goi&amp;aacute;s, in a greenhouse in two soils: Red Latosol (LV) and Yellow Latosol (LA). The treatments of Caiap&amp;ocirc;nia Shale (CS) were increasing doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg. ha-1 of MgO), in addition to the reference agrominerals, Dianutri (SiMg) and Ibar (MgO) and Wollastonite, source of Ca, with addition of MgO. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight treatments conducted in quadruplicate. The variables analyzed were magnesium and calcium content and pH in the soil. The Caiap&amp;ocirc;nia Shale (CS) released Mg+2, increasing the availability of magnesium, especially in LV in the first year of soybean and residual in corn in the second year, while in LA it was efficient in the first year.

Evaluating the Effect of Venipuncture Site and Sex on Plasma Hematology and Biochemistry Values in Krefft’s River Turtles (Emydura macquarii krefftii)

Abstract Hematology and biochemistry parameters were evaluated in a zoological population of Krefft’s river turtles (Emydura macquarii krefftii) to determine the effect of sex and venipuncture site. Blood samples were collected from 17 (nine male, eight female) healthy adult Krefft’s river turtles. Females were reproductively active during the study period. Three venipuncture site were sampled in each individual, including jugular vein, subcarapacial sinus, and dorsal coccygeal vein. Statistically significant differences were found between venipuncture sites and between sexes. Packed cell volume percentage was significantly lower in samples from the subcarapacial sinus compared to the other sites. Basophil concentration was significantly lower in samples from the subcarapacial sinus compared to the jugular vein. Azurophil, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations were significantly higher in females compared to males. Based on the results of this study, the jugular vein is the recommended venipuncture site in Krefft’s river turtles. Sex and reproductive status should be assessed at the time of venipuncture when possible and considered in interpretation of hematology and biochemistry results.

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Formation Processes of Ordovician Limestone Groundwater in Zhuozishan Coalfield, Northwest China

A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and formation mechanisms of groundwater in mining areas is essential for the effective prevention of coal mine water and the rational management of groundwater resources. The objective of this study was to examine the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of Ordovician groundwater in the Zhuozishan coal mine, located in the northwest region of China. A total of 34 groundwater samples were collected for hydrogeochemical analyses and the investigation of their evolution processes, with the aid of a piper trilinear diagram, a Gibbs diagram, and an ion ratio diagram. The results indicate that the concentration of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sulphate (SO42−), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH increases from the recharge area to the discharge area, whereas the concentration of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) decreases. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the runoff from Zhuozishan to Gongdeer coalfield and further southward display a notable north–south directional change. The groundwater process is primarily controlled by rock weathering action and cation exchange, with Na+ and K+ deriving primarily from cation exchange and only to a minor extent from halite dissolution. In conclusion, the northern part of the coalfield is characterised by a geological structure that creates a retention area with groundwater, resulting in an unordered runoff process with a complex formation mechanism. The middle region is devoid of geological constraints that would alter the flow direction, thus simplifying the process of groundwater formation. In contrast, the southern area experiences an increase in strata depth and fault blocking, which creates a retention zone, thereby rendering the groundwater formation process more complex. This research contributes to the effective management of groundwater resources in this coalfield and other mining sites.