MgSO4 Research Articles

Sustainable bacteria-based self-healing steel fiber reinforced concrete

Self-healing concrete presents an innovative and eco-friendly solution with the potential to reduce maintenance costs through self-activated crack repair. This study examined the effect of varying bacterial content across different environmental conditions. Additionally, the coupling effect between bacteria and steel fiber to enhance the mechanical and physical properties at different ages has been investigated. Bacillus Sphaericus (B. Sphaericus) was incorporated into the concrete at concentrations of 2 × 109 (CFU/ml), and different bacterial percentages selected utilizing calcium lactate as a nutrient source. Bacterial content of 0.0 %, 0.25 %, 1.0 %, and 2.5 %, cured in both fresh water and magnesium sulfate water solution, were tested to examine concrete behavior in harsh environments. Additionally, steel fibers at volume fraction percentages (Vf%) of 1.0 % and 1.5 %, along with 1.0 % bacterial content, were tested to highlight their combined effect. Tests were conducted at different ages to measure compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. In addition, SEM and EDS analyses for cracked and uncracked specimens were performed. The results showed a significant increase in the long-term compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths at 180 days by 47 %, 80 %, and 50 %, respectively, with a bacterial content of 2.5 %. Moreover, the incorporation of steel fibers, 1.0 % and 1.5 % content, in the bacterial concrete resulted in a long-term compressive strength increase at 180 days by 45 % and 55 %, respectively with 1.0 % bacterial content, compared to 15 % and 27 % for 0 % bacteria. Curing in sulfate-rich water, concrete specimens exhibited increasing compressive strength at 180 days from 47 MPa for 0 % bacteria to 77 MPa with 2.5 % bacteria content. Despite lower initial strength of 29 MPa at 7 days, bacterial incorporation led to significant strength improvements, highlighting effective self-healing even in aggressive curing environments.

Antenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate and neonatal outcomes in very low birth weight infants: a multicenter study.

To explore the association between antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), mortality and incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Retrospective, cohort study of infants <32 weeks' GA born at centers of NEOCOSUR Network between January 2015 and December 2020. Subjects were categorized as exposed vs non-exposed to antenatal MgSO4. Primary outcomes were death, incidence of severe IVH (Grade III-IV) and severe IVH/death. Secondary outcomes included relevant morbidities. 7418 VLBW infants were eligible. Antenatal MgSO4 was associated with a significantly decreased death rate after admission (aOR 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49-0.94]) and severe IVH/ death (aOR 0.68 [95% CI, 0.50-0.93]). No significant reduction in severe IVH was observed (aOR 1.11 [95% CI, 0.72-1.71]). No differences between groups were observed in rates of morbidities. Antenatal MgSO4 was associated with a decreased death rate after admission and in severe IVH/ death.

Explorations on the antiviral potential of zinc and magnesium salts against chikungunya virus: implications for therapeutics.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which causes chikungunya fever, is an arbovirus of public health concern with no approved antiviral therapies. A significant proportion of patients develop chronic arthritis after an infection. Zinc and magnesium salts help the immune system respond effectively against viral infections. This study explored the antiviral potential of zinc sulphate, zinc acetate, and magnesium sulphate against CHIKV infection. The highest non-toxic concentration of the salts (100 µM) was used to assess the prophylactic, virucidal, and therapeutic anti-CHIKV activities. Dose-dependent antiviral effects were investigated to find out the 50% inhibitory concentration of the salts. Entry bypass assay was conducted to find out whether the salts affect virus entry or post entry stages. Virus output in all these experiments was estimated using a focus-forming unit assay, real-time RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assay. Different time- and temperature-dependent assays revealed the therapeutic antiviral activity of zinc and magnesium salts against CHIKV. A minimum exposure of 4 hours and treatment initiation within 1 to 2 hours of infection are required for inhibition of CHIKV. Entry assays revealed that zinc salt affected virus-entry. Entry bypass assays suggested that both salts affected post-entry stages of CHIKV. In infected C57BL6 mice orally fed with zinc and magnesium salts, a reduction in viral RNA copy number was observed. The study results suggest zinc salts exert anti-CHIKV activity at entry and post entry stages of the virus life cycle, while magnesium salt affect CHIKV at post entry stages. Overall, the study highlights the significant antiviral potential of zinc sulphate, zinc acetate, and magnesium sulphate against CHIKV, which can be exploited in designing potential therapeutic strategies for early treatment of chikungunya patients, thereby reducing the virus-associated persistent arthritis.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Risk of Early Brain Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Term among Infants Born at ≤32 Weeks’ Gestational Age

To evaluate the proximal effects of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on a validated measure of brain abnormalities in infants born at ≤32 weeks' gestational age (GA) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term-equivalent age. In a multisite prospective cohort study, 395 infants born at ≤32 weeks' GA, underwent 3T MRI scan between 39 through 44 weeks' postmenstrual age. A single neuroradiologist, blinded to clinical history, evaluated the standardized Kidokoro global brain abnormality score as the primary outcome. We classified infants as HDP-exposed by maternal diagnosis of chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Linear regression analysis identified the independent effects of HDP on infant brain abnormalities, adjusting for histologic chorioamnionitis, maternal smoking, antenatal steroids, magnesium sulfate, and infant sex. Mediation analyses quantified the indirect effect of HDP mediated via impaired intrauterine growth and prematurity and remaining direct effects on brain abnormalities. 170/395 infants (43%) were HDP-exposed. Adjusted multivariable analyses revealed HDP-exposed infants had 27% (95% CI 5-53%) higher brain abnormality scores than those without HDP exposure (p=0.02), primarily driven by increased white matter injury/abnormality scores (p=0.01). Mediation analyses showed HDP-induced impaired intrauterine growth significantly (p=0.02) contributed to brain abnormality scores (22% of the total effect). Maternal hypertension independently increased the risk for early brain injury and/or maturational delays in infants born at ≤32 weeks' GA with an indirect effect of 22% resulting from impaired intrauterine growth. Enhanced prevention/treatment of maternal hypertension may mitigate the risk of infant brain abnormalities and potential neurodevelopmental impairments.

Identifying molecular subgroups of patients with preeclampsia through bioinformatics.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related disorder associated with serious complications. Its molecular mechanisms remain undefined; hence, we aimed to identify molecular subgroups of patients with PE using bioinformatics to aid treatment strategies. R software was used to analyze gene expression data of 130 patients with PE and 138 healthy individuals from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Patients with PE were divided into two molecular subgroups using the unsupervised clustering learning method. Clinical feature analysis of subgroups using weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that the patients in subgroup I were primarily characterized by early onset of PE, severe symptoms at disease onset, and induced labor as the main delivery method. Patients in subgroup II primarily exhibited late PE onset, relatively mild symptoms, and natural delivery as the main delivery method. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the significant enrichment of calcium ion channels in subgroup II indicated the potential efficacy of calcium antagonists and magnesium sulfate therapy. In conclusion, the establishment of PE molecular subgroups can aid in diagnosing and treating PE.

How can we reduce maternal mortality due to preeclampsia? The 4P rule.

In low and middle-income countries such as Brazil, most maternal deaths are related to hypertensive complications. Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Significant proportion is associated with the following factors: lack of identification of high-risk women, lack of adequate prevention, difficulty in maintaining a high-risk prenatal follow-up, delayed diagnosis, insecurity and low use of magnesium sulphate, delayed pregnancy interruption and lack of postpartum follow-up of these high-risk cases. Four major actions are proposed to minimize this alarming clinical picture and reduce the mortality rates due to preeclampsia, called the "4 P Rule" (Adequate Prevention - Vigilant Prenatal Care - Timely Delivery (Parturition) - Safe Postpartum). From this simple "rule" we can open a range of important processes and reminders that may help in the guidance of preeclampsia management.

External magnesium sulfate attack on hydrated Portland-limestone cements: Effect of the concurrent presence of sodium chloride in the corrosive environment and metakaolin admixture in the binder

Magnesium sulfate attack on Portland-limestone cement pastes at low temperature was investigated considering the concurrent presence of sodium chloride in the corrosive solution. The common deterioration mechanism, involving leaching of portlandite and C─(A─)S─H phase and formation of crystalline phases and amorphous cross-linked aluminosilicate structures, was mitigated in the pastes made from ordinary or Portland-limestone cements by increasing amounts of dissolved sodium chloride. Conversely, it was intensified in the blend with metakaolin by the additional decomposition of C─A─H phases with the formation of amorphous aluminate hydrate. The reduced cross-linking of the aluminosilicate structures is attributed to the structural association of sodium in the low-Ca/Si chains. C─A─H phase was also consumed in the heavily deteriorated cement paste with the highest limestone content. The mitigating effect of sodium chloride is proposed to be due to the corrosive environment's reduced acidity and the protective effect exerted by the sodium ions absorbed at the surface of aluminosilicate structures.

ВПЛИВ ОБРОБКИ НАСІННЯ МЕТАБОЛІЧНО АКТИВНИМИ РЕЧОВИНАМИ НА АКТИВНІСТЬ АСКОРБАТПЕРОКСИДАЗИ ТА ВМІСТ АСКОРБАТУ В ПРОРОСТКАХ ПШЕНИЦІ М’ЯКОЇ (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) ЗА УМОВ ВОДНОГО ДЕФІЦИТУ

The article presents a comparative analysis of the effects of metabolically active substances and their combinations on ascorbate peroxidase activity and ascorbate content in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings under water deficit conditions simulated using PEG 6000. Ten seed treatment options were studied: control (unprocessed seeds + distilled water); PEG 6000 solution (12 %); vitamin E solution (10-8M) – E; ubiquinone-10 solution (10-8M) – Q; methionine solution (0.001 %) – M; paraoxybenzoic acid (POBA) solution (0.001%) – P; MgSO4 solution (0.001%) – Mg; combinations: vitamin E (10-8M) + ubiquinone-10 (10-8M) – EQ; vitamin E (10-8M) + methionine (0.001 %) + POBA (0.001 %) – EMP; vitamin E (10-8M) + methionine (0.001 %) + POBA (0.001 %) + MgSO4 (0.001 %) – EMPMg. The experimental water deficit was simulated using a 12 % PEG 6000 solution. It was found that simulated drought conditions induced a 63.1% increase in ascorbate peroxidase activity compared to the control. Pretreatment of wheat seeds with compound E resulted in a 65.5 % increase in ascorbate peroxidase activity compared to the control and a 2.4 % increase compared to seedlings under simulated water deficit conditions using PEG 6000. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase in wheat seedlings after treatment with magnesium sulfate, ubiquinone-10, and the combination of vitamin E + ubiquinone-10 exceeded control values by 47.6 %, 35.7 %, and 31 %, respectively, but did not surpass the levels induced by PEG. This suggests a protective effect of these substances under water deficit conditions but does not completely mitigate the inhibitory effect of PEG 6000. Under simulated water deficit conditions, the accumulation of ascorbate in seedling tissues exceeded control values by 29.1 %. Treatment with ubiquinone-10 increased ascorbate content by 46.3 %, while treatment with a combination of vitamin E + methionine + POBA + MgSO4 increased it by 24.2 %. Other treatments also showed increases: vitamin E + methionine + POBA (18.8 %), methionine (13 %), and vitamin E + ubiquinone-10 (7.4 %). Pre-treatment of wheat seeds with metabolically active substances increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat seedlings, enhancing drought resistance in the Provintsialka variety. Therefore, seed treatment with these substances could serve as a component of grain crop cultivation technology under water deficit conditions.

Tetanus– a case report highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and treatment

Tetanus has become an increasingly rare infectious disease due to the development of successful vaccination programs in the mid-20th century. In resource-rich countries, mainly unvaccinated or partly vaccinated risk groups are affected, whereas tetanus still remains prevalent in resource-limited countries. The decreasing incidence in developed countries has hindered clinical trials evaluating the best treatment modalities for tetanus infections. Current guidelines are based on a small number of studies and case reports. So far, these studies have shown potential benefits of treating tetanus infections with benzodiazepines, magnesium sulfate and baclofen. Additionally, several treatments have been shown to be useful in stabilizing and supporting patients with tetanus. However, each treatment modality has limitations, from negative side effects to logistical challenges, especially in developing countries. Therefore, further knowledge is required to evaluate the best use of each treatment and to further optimize patient care. This knowledge can contribute to the reduction of the burden of disease in countries where tetanus remains prevalent and where resources are limited, though vaccination is the most effective method to achieve this. This case report describes the treatment of a Dutch patient with tetanus infection and illustrates the role of benzodiazepines as well as other key aspects of treating patients with tetanus.

Sulfur source effects on soil, vegetation indices, biomass, and uptake in potato

AbstractSulfur (S) is necessary for amino acid production, disease resistance, protein synthesis, and nitrogen assimilation in plants. We tested the performance of three S sources (magnesium sulfate [EPTOP], gypsum, and ammonium sulfate [AS]) at two different rates (45 and 90 kg S ha−1) on soil S availability, vegetative indices (VIs), above‐ and belowground biomass (BGB), and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) S uptake. For VIs such as normalized difference vegetative index, normalized difference red‐edge index, and chlorophyll content, the maximum values were reported when gypsum and EPTOP were applied compared to AS. These differences were decreased later in the season. Significant interaction effects were reported among sites, sampling events, and sites and S sources for aboveground biomass (AGB). Similar trends were reported for the BGB, where the significant interaction effect was reported among the S sources and sampling event and S sources and sites. The AGB S uptake was affected due to the sites and sampling event. However, BGB S uptake was influenced by the interactive effect of S sources, sites, and sampling events. The VIs did not have a significant association between soil S concentration and AGB S uptake. It was found that the field history had a notable effect on the crop responses to variable S sources. In conclusion, applying S rates and sources has distinct responses, which depend on soil history and chemical properties, and that should be considered when making choices for S application in potatoes.

ВПЛИВ МЕТАБОЛІЧНО АКТИВНИХ РЕЧОВИН ТА ЇХ КОМБІНАЦІЙ НА АСИМІЛЯЦІЙНІ ПРОЦЕСИ ПРОРОСТКІВ GINKGO BILOBA L.

Ginkgo biloba is a valuable ornamental gymnosperm plant. To ensure an adequate supply of planting material for this species, measures must be taken to cultivate high-quality seedlings resistant to adverse conditions. Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with metabolically active substances can serve as such a measure. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth processes, leaf apparatus formation, and photosynthetic activity of young Ginkgo biloba plants under the influence of metabolically active substances and their combinations. Metabolically active substances used to treat ginkgo seeds included vitamin E, ubiquinone-10, paraoxybenzoic acid (POBA), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), and methionine. Their combinations were also tested: vitamin E + ubiquinone-10, vitamin E + POBA + methionine, and vitamin E + POBA + methionine + MgSO4. The growth biostimulator Stimpo was used for comparison. It was established that pre-sowing treatment with these metabolically active substances and their combinations contributed to the formation of a more robust photosynthetic apparatus in ginkgo seedlings. MgSO4 and the combination of vitamin E + methionine + POBA + MgSO4 had the most significant effect on stem height. Among single-component substances, ubiquinone-10 and the combination of vitamin E + methionine + POBA + MgSO4 most effectively increased the average number of leaves. All studied combinations of compounds positively impacted the average leaf area, increasing it by 44.5-58% compared to the control. Among single-component substances, vitamin E and MgSO4 were particularly effective in increasing leaf area. Ubiquinone-10 and the combination of vitamin E + methionine + POBA significantly enhanced the content of chlorophyll a and b pigments in the leaves. The use of metabolically active substances and their combinations during pre-sowing seed treatment is an effective measure to improve the assimilation processes and overall growth of Ginkgo biloba seedlings.

Altering the optical, physical, and TL Dosimetric properties of MgSO4:Dy2O3:B2O3 transparent glass ceramic system: Evaluating the impact of roughness control and ZnO inclusion

This research examines the influence of surface roughness and the incorporation of ZnO (0.05–0.20 mol%) on the magnesium sulfate: dysprosium oxide: boron oxide (0.1 < x < 0.5) glass ceramic system for dosimeter applications. The parent glasses were prepared using the melt-quenching technique, with all samples melted at 1350 °C, except for B, which was melted at 700 °C. The crystallization, roughness, and optical properties were further determined using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and UV–Visible Spectrophotometry, respectively. The glass ceramics were exposed to 2.97 mGy of X-ray radiation ten cycles to assess specific dosimetric capabilities. Among the doped samples, MgSO4:Dy2O3-(0.2B2O3:0.05ZnO) exhibited the most promising performance as a dosimeter. Notably, the Thermoluminescence Dosimetry (TLD) readings of the pre- and post-polished 0.2MDB were 1041.96 nC and 1278.84 nC, respectively, with roughness values of 1.83 nm and 54.7 nm. Similarly, the TLD readings of the pre- and post-polished 0.05MDBZ were 1888.33 nC and 3262.63 nC, respectively, with roughness values of 17.3 nm and 19.8 nm. This work highlights that surface roughness significantly enhances trapping efficiency, underscoring the importance of dosimeter polishing as a beneficial step in enhancing their performance.

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Evolution of Underground Brine in Lop Nur, Northwestern China

AbstractLop Nur is located at the eastmost end of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang, Northwestern China. This study reviews the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine in Lop Nur, based on analytical data from 429 water samples (mainly brine). It is found that in the NE–SW direction, from the periphery to the Luobei sub‐depression, while the hydrochemical type varies from the sodium sulfate subtype (S) to the magnesium sulfate subtype (M), the corresponding brine in the phase diagram transfers from the thenardite phase (Then) area, through the bloedite phase (Blo), epsomite phase (Eps), picromerite phase (Picro), finally reaching the sylvite phase (Syl) area. As for the degree of evolution, the sequence is the periphery &lt; Luobei horizontally and the overlying glauberite brine &lt; the underlying clastic brine vertically. It is concluded that the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of the brine have evidently been affected through the effects of evaporation and altitude, as well as the changes in local water circulation in recent years. Boron and chloride isotopic compositions show that the glauberite brine is formed under more arid conditions than the clastic one. The strontium isotopic composition indicates that the Lop Nur brine primarily originates from surface water; however, deep recharge may also be involved in the evolution of the brine, according to previous noble gas studies. It is confirmed that the brine in Lop Nur has become enriched with potassium prior to halite precipitation over the full course of the salt lake's evolution. Based on chemical compositions of brine from drillhole LDK01 and previous lithological studies, the evolution of the salt lake can be divided into three stages and it is inferred that the brine in Lop Nur may have undergone at least two significant concentration‐dilution periods.

The Role of Magnesium Sulfate to Facilitate Classical LMA Insertion, in Spontaneous Breathing Anesthesia

Background: Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is a noninvasive supraglottic device that requires Smooth insertion and correct positioning of an LMA requires adequate through mouth opening and sufficient depth of anesthesia to prevent complications such as gagging, coughing, swallowing, head and limb movements and laryngospasm. Propofol is consider the induction agent of choice for LMA insertion but when used alone it provides less than satisfactory LMA insertion conditions. Aim of the study: Is to find The role Of Magnesium Sulfate to facilitate classical LMA insertion ,in spontaneous breathing anesthesia. Patients and method: A prospective randomizes clinical trial study was carried out in General Surgery theatres of Baghdad Teaching Hospital. A 40 patients where included and they were undergoing minor elective surgery, divided into two groups equally, magnesium group (M group, n=16) and control group (C group, n=18), 6 cases were dropped from the study(2 from C group and 4 from M group). All patients were premeditated with Ranitidine 50mg, Metoclopramide 10mg and Dexamethasone 8mg. Then patient would receive either a 100ml of (0.09% N/S) for the C group, or 30mg/Kg of Magnesium Sulfate in 100ml of (0.09% N/S) for the M group. Results: that there were no significant differences between M group (n=16) and C group (n=18) in the age, weight and duration of surgery where p value was (0.571, 0.791 and 0.351 respectively). Also there was no improvement in LMA insertion condition in M group in compares to C group regarding number of insertion attempt where p value was non-significant(0.498),nor did it influence the easiness of LMA grading were P value was found to be(1,0.112 and 0.471 for grades I,II and III respectively),but an accidental finding that M group had a shorter time duration from skin closure until LMA removal which was significant (p=0.021). Conclusion: We concluded that giving magnesium sulfate infusion at 30 mg/Kg prior to induction, does not improve LMA insertion condition in spontaneous breathing anesthesia.

DETERMINANTS OF MORTALITY AND COMPLICATIONS IN HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY : A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Our retrospective cohort study set out to identify the determinants of adverse maternal and perinatal outcome in patients admitted to intensive care (ICU) with severe features of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy(HDP).Case files of patients with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (including HELLP syndrome) were analyzed.The prevalence of HDP was 6.01% and eclampsia 0.99%. Parity did not affect the severity of disease nor survival. The incidence of chronic hypertension was 15.38% and 12.5% in survivors and non-survivors respectively. There was a high number of patients who did not receive any antenatal care prior to admission in both the groups [69% and 87%]. Severe anemia was significantly higherin non-survivors (42%) than in survivors (13%). Symptoms such as blurred vision, respiratory distress, oliguria, altered sensorium and absent fetal movements were prognostic markers. Multiple seizures and a time lapse between the onset of symptoms and administration of magnesium sulfate produced an increased mortality. The stillbirth rate, as expected, was high is those who demised (62.5%).We conclude that complications due to hypertension in pregnancy should be considered as a failure to provide quality antenatal care and represent a missed opportunity to detect and treat raised blood pressure.

Molecular dynamics simulation studies elucidating interaction mechanisms and structures of salt–brine interfacial systems derived from magnesium sulfate subtype salt lakes

Salt–brine interfacial systems widely occur in the process of salt crystallization and separation, where the interfacial interaction plays a crucial role in influencing salt crystal growth, product purity and brine recovery rates. In the present study, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the interaction mechanisms and structures of salt–brine interfacial systems derived from the magnesium sulfate–subtype salt lakes. The results indicate that the type of salts was the key factor that affects salt–brine interfacial interactions. The strength of interfacial interaction in hydrated salt–brine systems was found to be more than twice that of ionic salt–brine systems. This can be attributed to two characteristics observed in hydrated salt–brine systems: the incompact and undulating surface structure of hydrated salts and the hydrogen bonding between water molecules on hydrated salt and brine surfaces. In all the seven interfacial systems, no accumulation of Li+ ions at the interface was observed, and there were no significant structure changes in bulk brines except the variations in hydration numbers of K+ ions. These findings provide insights into atomic-level mechanisms governing the interfacial interactions between different types of salts and brines, thus providing a theoretical guidance for enhancing the salt crystallization and separation process.

Comparison of the effect of magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg with 30 mg/kg on opioid requirement and blood magnesium level after abdominal hysterectomy

Comparison of the effect of magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg with 30 mg/kg on opioid requirement and blood magnesium level after abdominal hysterectomy

The effect of long-term magnesium treatment on changes in hepatic autophagic and apoptotic ability of type 2 diabetic female rats and their offspring

AimWe investigated the role of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and insulin administration on improved autophagy and apoptosis to prevent diabetes in high-fat diet (HFD)-diabetic parents and their offspring. MethodsA HFD and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) were used to induce diabetes. Animals were assigned to four groups: non-diabetic control (NDC), diabetic control (DC), the diabetic group received insulin (INS), and the diabetic group received magnesium (MG). The duration of the research was 6 months, and offspring were fed a normal diet for 4 months. Blood glucose was determined weekly in rats (parents and offspring). The gene expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPKα1), Bcl-2-interacting myosin-like coiled-coil protein (Becline-1), P62, Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II), and caspase-9 of liver tissues were assessed using Real-time PCR. ResultThe analysis of maternal gene expression data showed that treatment with MG and INS considerably augmented the AMPKα1 and LC3-II genes expression and diminished P62 and caspase-9 expression. Also, a significant decrease in the expression of AMPKα1, LC3-II, P62, and Becline-1 was observed in the female offspring in the MG and INS groups. Significant alterations in levels of AMPKα1, Beclin-1, P62, and caspase-9 mRNA were not observed between groups in male offspring, but the expression of LC3-II considerably diminished in the groups compared with the DC group. DiscussionOur data demonstrated that MG supplementation strengthened the mother's autophagy and reduced the transmission of damage to the female offspring. In the male offspring, the transmission of damage was generally less, and MG improved the autophagy condition in the male offspring. Our findings support the presence of a link between autophagy induction and MG-modified biomaterials and determine a potential mechanism of MG-mediated diabetes and autophagy.

Prenatal Magnesium Sulfate and Functional Connectivity in Offspring at Term-Equivalent Age

Understanding the effect of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) treatment on functional connectivity will help elucidate the mechanism by which it reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and death. To determine whether MgSO4 administered to women at risk of imminent preterm birth at a gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks is associated with increased functional connectivity and measures of functional segregation and integration in infants at term-equivalent age, possibly reflecting a protective mechanism of MgSO4. This cohort study was nested within a randomized placebo-controlled trial performed across 24 tertiary maternity hospitals. Participants included infants born to women at risk of imminent preterm birth at a gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks who participated in the MAGENTA (Magnesium Sulphate at 30 to 34 Weeks' Gestational Age) trial and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term-equivalent age. Ineligibility criteria included illness precluding MRI, congenital or genetic disorders likely to affect brain structure, and living more than 1 hour from the MRI center. One hundred and fourteen of 159 eligible infants were excluded due to incomplete or motion-corrupted MRI. Recruitment occurred between October 22, 2014, and October 25, 2017. Participants were followed up to 2 years of age. Analysis was performed from February 1, 2021, to February 27, 2024. Observers were blind to patient groupings during data collection and processing. Women received 4 g of MgSO4 or isotonic sodium chloride solution given intravenously over 30 minutes. Prior to data collection, it was hypothesized that infants who were exposed to MgSO4 would show enhanced functional connectivity compared with infants who were not exposed. A total of 45 infants were included in the analysis: 24 receiving MgSO4 treatment and 21 receiving placebo; 23 (51.1%) were female and 22 (48.9%) were male; and the median gestational age at scan was 40.0 (IQR, 39.1-41.1) weeks. Treatment with MgSO4 was associated with greater voxelwise functional connectivity in the temporal and occipital lobes and deep gray matter structures and with significantly greater clustering coefficients (Hedge g, 0.47 [95% CI, -0.13 to 1.07]), transitivity (Hedge g, 0.51 [95% CI, -0.10 to 1.11]), local efficiency (Hedge g, 0.40 [95% CI, -0.20 to 0.99]), and global efficiency (Hedge g, 0.31 [95% CI, -0.29 to 0.90]), representing enhanced functional segregation and integration. In this cohort study, infants exposed to MgSO4 had greater voxelwise functional connectivity and functional segregation, consistent with increased brain maturation. Enhanced functional connectivity is a possible mechanism by which MgSO4 protects against cerebral palsy and death.

Influence of magnesium and calcium sulfate whisker on crystallization characteristics of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and Poly(butylene succinate)

Inorganic fillers of whisker-like morphology are considered promising materials, and they have gained significant attention in recent years as a substitute for glass fibers due to their fibrous surface characteristics and extremely low bulk density. This study selected magnesium sulfate whiskers (MSWs) containing crystal water and pure calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) as fillers. They were physically blended with biodegradable polymers PBAT and PBS in a range of 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.% to form composite materials. The non-isothermal crystallization behavior of the composite materials was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The data indicated that with an increase in whisker content, the crystallization temperature (Tc) of composites increased, and the addition of a small amount of whiskers led to a reduction in the half-crystallization time of the composite materials, indicating the crystallization capacity of the materials has been enhanced to varying degrees. Analysis via POM unveiled a consistent pattern of decreased spherulite size and heightened spherulite count with the introduction of whiskers. This phenomenon is ascribed to the whisker fillers’ function as nucleating agents within the polymer matrices, thereby stimulating the crystallization process. Interestingly, the findings suggest that CSWs exert a more significant influence on crystallization than MSWs, likely due to the distinct single fiber morphology of the former filler.