Magnesium Research Articles

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.

Postmortem Analysis of Vitreous Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine, and Magnesium of Renal and Post-Renal Disease in Cats.

Analysis of vitreous urea nitrogen (VUN) and creatinine (CREA) has been shown to be a useful indicator of azotemia in human postmortem examinations. Previous studies in cats, dogs, horses, and cattle have shown a good correlation between serum and postmortem ocular fluid for urea and creatinine. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in VUN, CREA, and magnesium (MG) concentrations in vitreous humor collected postmortem from cats that presented with renal or post-renal disease and cats without renal or post-renal disease. Nine cats with renal or post-renal disease and twenty cats without renal or post-renal disease that underwent autopsy were used in this study. Collection of postmortem vitreous humor was performed, and vitreous samples were frozen at -80 °C for a minimum of 24 h prior to analysis using an in-clinic dry chemistry analyzer. Overall, there were statistically significant differences for VUN, CREA, and MG between cats with renal or post-renal disease and cats without renal or post-renal disease. Analysis of vitreous humor from cats suspected to have renal or post-renal disease can provide useful diagnostic information pertaining to renal function and issues in the urethra and urinary bladder. Future studies exploring postmortem vitreous chemistry in cats are warranted.

Дефіцит кальцію та магнію в дітей із гострою дихальною недостатністю: проспективне обсерваційне когортне дослідження

Актуальність. Тяжка гіпомагніємія та некоригована гіпокальціємія можуть призводити до тяжких порушень в організмі пацієнта. Метою цього дослідження було встановити поширеність, фактори ризику розвитку гіпомагніємії та гіпокальціємії в дітей із гострою дихальною недостатністю. Робочою гіпотезою було те, що гіпомагніємія та гіпокальціємія впливають на тривалість відлучення пацієнтів від штучної вентиляції легень та тривалість перебування пацієнтів у відділенні інтенсивної терапії. Матеріали та методи. Нами проведено проспективне когортне одноцентрове дослідження на клінічній базі кафедри анестезіології та інтенсивної терапії Львівського національного медичного університету імені Данила Галицького (відділення анестезіології з ліжками інтенсивної терапії Львівської обласної дитячої клінічної лікарні «ОХМАТДИТ») серед пацієнтів віком від 1 міс. до 3 років. Рівень магнію та іонізованого кальцію сироватки крові оцінювали в 1-шу (d1), 3-тю (d3), 5-ту (d5), 7-му та 9-ту добу (d7 та d9). Клінічні дані, що публікуються в даній статті, є частиною результатів клінічного дослідження Diaphragm ultrasound and trends in electrolyte disorders and transthyretin level as a method to predict ventilation outcome in children: the prospective observational cohort study; ISRCTN84734652; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN84734652. У період дослідження у відділення було прийнято 57 пацієнтів із гострою дихальною недостатністю, до аналізу даних включено 54 пацієнти. При гіпомагніємії нижче 0,8 ммоль/л пацієнтам додавали до лікування магнію сульфат 25% в/в із розрахунку 50 мг/кг/добу до досягнення цільового рівня магнію сироватки крові понад 0,8 ммоль/л. При гіпокальціємії нижче 1,1 ммоль/л додавали до лікування кальцію глюконат 10% в/в із розрахунку 1 мл/кг/добу (еквівалентно 0,23 ммоль/кг/добу). Результати. Нормомагніємію виявили у 29,6 % пацієнтів, гіпомагніємію — у 70,4 %, нормокальціємію та гіпокальціємію — у 77,8 та 22,2 % відповідно. У пацієнтів із нормомагніємією при надходженні на лікування (0,82 ± 0,06 ммоль/л) спостерігалося зниження рівня магнію впродовж перших 3 днів лікування до 0,73 ± 0,08 ммоль/л, що потребувало корекції. У подальшому рівень магнію поступово зростав і на 9-ту добу лікування становив 1,10 ± 0,15 ммоль/л. Серед дітей, які при надходженні на лікування мали помірну гіпомагніємію (0,62 ± 0,11 ммоль/л) та отримували коригуючу терапію розчином магнію сульфату, рівень магнію нормалізовувався на етапі дослідження d5 і становив 0,85 ± 0,07 ммоль/л, на етапах дослідження d7 та d9 — 0,92 ± 0,11 та 0,95 ± 0,14 ммоль/л відповідно. При надходженні на лікування рівень іонізованого кальцію в групі пацієнтів із нормокальціємією становив 1,13 ± 0,04 ммоль/л та не потребував корекції впродовж усього періоду лікування у відділенні інтенсивної терапії. Однак у групі гіпокальціємії рівень іонізованого кальцію на етапі d1 становив 0,81 ± 0,08 ммоль/л, що потребувало проведення корекції. У результаті рівень іонізованого кальцію зростав на етапі дослідження d3 до 1,07 ± 0,03 ммоль/л та нормалізувався з етапу дослідження d5 і становив 1,17 ± 0,08 ммоль/л. Найчастішими факторами ризику розвитку гіпомагніємії серед наших пацієнтів були: застосування діуретиків, сепсис та антибіотик-асоційована діарея. 39,5 % пацієнтів із гіпомагніємією при надходженні впродовж перших 3–5 діб отримували петлеві діуретики, більшість із них мали сепсис. Викликає інтерес той факт, що в 31,6 % пацієнтів із гіпомагніємією зустрічалася гіпокальціємія порівняно з частотою виявлення гіпокальціємії в загальній когорті на рівні 22,2 %. Ми не виявили відмінностей у тривалості штучної вентиляції легень серед пацієнтів із гіпомагніємією та нормомагніємією (12,3 ± 1,8 доби порівняно з 14,1 ± 1,1 доби відповідно, p = 0,43). Також не було виявлено вірогідних відмінностей у тривалості штучної вентиляції легень серед пацієнтів із гіпокальціємією та нормокальціємією. Проте тривалість перебування у відділенні інтенсивної терапії була в 1,47 раза довшою (95% ДІ 1,2–1,9, p = 0,04) серед пацієнтів із гіпомагніємією при надходженні на лікування порівняно з пацієнтами з нормомагніємією. У нашому дослідженні не було виявлено відмінностей у рівні летальності серед пацієнтів із гіпомагніємією (рівень летальності — 23,7 %) та нормомагніємією (рівень летальності — 25 %), p = 0,27. Висновки. У дітей із гострою дихальною недостатністю частота виявлення гіпомагніємії при надходженні на лікування становила 70,4 %, гіпокальціємії — 22,2 %. Чинниками, асоційованими з розвитком гіпомагніємії в дітей із гострою дихальною недостатністю, можуть бути застосування петлевих діуретиків та сепсис. Не було виявлено відмінностей у тривалості штучної вентиляції легень серед пацієнтів із порушеннями рівня магнію та кальцію та без них. Проте тривалість перебування у відділенні інтенсивної терапії серед пацієнтів із гіпомагніємією була в 1,47 раза більша (95% ДІ 1,2–1,9, p = 0,04) порівняно з пацієнтами з нормомагніємією.

Изменения концентрации электролитов плазмы крови в условиях магнезиальной терапии у пациентов в состоянии травматического шока на фоне политравмы

Актуальность. Сроки выведения пациентов с политравмой из состояния травматического шока оказывают серьезное влияние на количество осложнений, длительность пребывания пациентов в отделении интенсивной терапии и стоимость лечения. Ранее показано, что применение гипертонического раствора магния сульфата способствует ускорению стабилизации гемодинамики у пациентов с политравмой. Цель исследования: определение концентрации основных электролитов в плазме крови в процессе применения гипертонического раствора магния сульфата у пострадавших с политравмой, которые находились в состоянии гиповолемического шока. Материалы и методы. У 24 пациентов с политравмой, поступивших в клинику в состоянии гиповолемического травматического шока, в условиях операционной проводилась коррекция гемодинамики гипертоническим раствором магния сульфата в физиологическом растворе. 25% раствор магния сульфата вводился внутривенно из расчета 0,35 ± ± 0,05 мл/кг массы тела с целью создания осмотического градиента между внутрисосудистой и интерстициальной жидкостью, а также с целью блокирования поступления натрия и кальция во внутриклеточное пространство. В процессе применения указанной методики изучены изменения содержания электролитов в плазме крови. Определяли концентрацию магния, калия, кальция, натрия и хлоридов. Кровь для изучения содержания электролитов забирали на следующих этапах: 1) перед применением гипертонического раствора магния сульфата; 2) через 5–10 минут после полного окончания инфузии магния сульфата в физиологическом растворе; 3) через 25–35 минут после полного окончания инфузии магния сульфата в физиологическом растворе; 4) через 1 час после полного окончания инфузии магния сульфата в физиологическом растворе; 5) через 2 часа; 6) через 6 часов; 7) через 24 часа. Результаты. Исследование показало, что применение этой методики не было ассоциировано с опасным повышением концентрации магния в плазме крови до уровня 4,0 ммоль/л и более. А значит, не возникала опасность угнетения сердечной деятельности. Высокое содержание магния в плазме крови наблюдали на 2-м этапе исследования — через 5–10 минут после полного окончания инфузии 25% раствора магния сульфата в физиологическом растворе. В среднем концентрация магния составила 2,15 ± 0,17 ммоль/л. Такое повышение концентрации магния в плазме крови было закономерно ассоциированное с угнетением сухожильных рефлексов и функции внешнего дыхания. К концу исследования содержание магния в плазме крови постепенно нормализовалось и составило 0,98 ± 0,09 ммоль/л. Выводы. Быстрое введение в организм высокой дозы ионизированного магния и сульфата приводило по принципу Гэмбла к временному уменьшению концентрации в плазме крови других электролитов. На определенных этапах исследования выявлено достоверное уменьшение содержания в плазме крови калия, натрия, хлоридов. Меньше всего изменялось содержание в плазме крови кальция.

Роль та місце дефіциту магнію в розвитку вегетосудинної дисфункції у дітей

Важлива роль у розвитку вегетосудинної дисфункції в дітей належить стресу. Стрес і магнієва недостатність є взаємообумовленими процесами, що поглиблюють один одного та викликають зміни у функціонуванні органів і систем. Застосування препаратів магнію, особливо комбінованих, є патогенетично обґрунтованим, ефективним і безпечним у комплексному лікуванні вегетосудинної дисфункції в дітей.

Investigating response of yield traits and oil content of sesame variety (Sesamum indicum L.) to nano-magnesium fertilizer and biopolymer chitosan under limited water stress

IntroductionSesamum, scientifically named Sesamum indicum L., is one of the oldest oilseed families and is adapted to warm and semi-warm regions and is known as the queen of oilseeds. The use of nanotechnology in the production of fertilizers results in optimal release and increased efficiency of absorption of nutrients in fertilizer which leads to significant economic and environmental benefits. Chitosan elicits stimulating defense mechanisms and is beneficial to plants, animals and humans and is environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that water stress and dehydration in Iran is always one of the most important agricultural problems and due to the importance of magnesium in photosynthesis of plants and also the use of different polymers such as chitosan to reduce the damage caused by stress, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of nano chitosan and magnesium application under water stress conditions on some sesame traits for sustainable agriculture development in Varamin region. Materials and methodsIn order to evaluate limited water stress and foliar application of magnesium and chitosan on growth and yielding traits and oil content of two sesame varieties, an experiment was conducted as a split factorial based on completely randomized blocks designed with three replications in a research farm in the southern Varamin Province, Iran, during 2016-17 growing season. Irrigation cut-off based on BBCH scale in three-level included: normal irrigation, 65 BBCH (flowering), and irrigation cut-off in 75 BBCH (capsule maturity) as the main factors. Sub-plot included a combination of three factors: two genotypes Oltan and Dashtestan-2, foliar application of Mg-nano in two levels non-application and foliar application (2 g/L) in 65 BBCH stage and foliar application of chitosan in three levels: non-application, foliar application of 4.8 g/L in 65 BBCH stage and 6.4 g/L in 75 BBCH stage. Results and discussionThe results showed that the irrigation up to 65 BBCH caused a reducing 28.08, 20.8, 53.05, 54.04 and 23.10% in the average traits of number of capsules, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, LAI, and oil percentage content in compared to the normal irrigation treatment (control). The highest grain yield was achieved in the application of Mg-nano-fertilizer under normal irrigation in Dashtestan-2 variety with a mean of 1188.2 kg/ha, which 16.3% increased in compared to the control treatment. The highest oil percentage was observed in the application of Mg-nano under normal irrigation was in Dashtestan-2 variety with an average of 50.38%, which 3.5% increase in compared to the control treatment. The highest grain yield was achieved in the application of Mg-nano-fertilizer under normal irrigation in Dashtestan-2 variety with a mean of 1188.2 kg/ha, which 16.3% increased in compared to the control treatment. The highest oil percentage was observed in the application of Mg-nano under normal irrigation was in Dashtestan-2 variety with an average of 50.38%, which 3.5% increase in compared to the control treatment. ConclusionFinally, foliar application of Mg-nano and chitosan (4.8 g/L) under water stress conditions were able to compensate for damage and to modify the negative effects of stress.

Zeroing in on magnesium

Zeroing in on magnesium

Trace elements and the carotid plaque: the GOOD (Mg, Zn, Se), the UGLY (Fe, Cu), and the BAD (P, Ca)?

Multiple epidemiological studies have suggested that industrialization and progressive urbanization should be considered one of the main factors responsible for the rising of atherosclerosis in the developing world. In this scenario, the role of trace metals in the insurgence and progression of atherosclerosis has not been clarified yet. In this paper, the specific role of selected trace elements (magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and calcium) is described by focusing on the atherosclerotic prevention and pathogenesis plaque. For each element, the following data are reported: daily intake, serum levels, intra/extracellular distribution, major roles in physiology, main effects of high and low levels, specific roles in atherosclerosis, possible interactions with other trace elements, and possible influences on plaque development. For each trace element, the correlations between its levels and clinical severity and outcome of COVID-19 are discussed. Moreover, the role of matrix metalloproteinases, a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, as a new medical therapeutical approach to atherosclerosis is discussed. Data suggest that trace element status may influence both atherosclerosis insurgence and plaque evolution toward a stable or an unstable status. However, significant variability in the action of these traces is evident: some - including magnesium, zinc, and selenium - may have a protective role, whereas others, including iron and copper, probably have a multi-faceted and more complex role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic plaque. Finally, calcium and phosphorus are implicated in the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques and in the progression of the plaque toward rupture and severe clinical complications. In particular, the role of calcium is debated. Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemia, optimized magnesium and zinc levels are indicated as important protective tools against a severe clinical course of the disease, often related to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to cause a systemic inflammatory response, able to transform a stable plaque into an unstable one, with severe clinical complications.

Nutrients balance approach with emphasis on base cations and ratios concepts as a decisions-support tool in optimizing fertilizers use

Thirty-six soil samples collected from 24 sites were used to investigate the relationships between cation-ratio concepts and sufficiency level approaches in plant nutrition. Based on threshold values, about 25.0% of the soils had calcium:magnesium (Ca:Mg)-ratio fallen outside developed favorable range, despite the sufficient levels of individual elements in soils, violating the base cation ratio concept. Similarly, 63.0% of soils had potassium:magnesium (K:Mg)-ratio falling in the unfavorable range for K uptake, though individual element K was found to be above adequate in all sites/soils. In 29.0% of soils, (Mg:K)-ratio is rated unfavorable for nutrients’ uptake, the directly level to sufficiency level concepts. Likewise, all soils had the % K:TEB (total exchangeable bases)-ratio falling within the suggested fav orable range for the most tropical crops, favoring the two concepts. With respect to Ca:TEB ratios, 79.0% of soils were considered unfavorable for Mg and/or K uptake, implying that the lower the base saturation, more favorable the conditions for the aforementioned nutrients uptake and vice-versa. This is also against the base cations’ saturation ratio concept because all soils in those sites had low levels of Ca and Mg. In conclusion, therefore, from such contradictory information, those generated the validity of the base cations’ ratio concept need further detailed investigation. Key words: Potassium, calcium, magnesium, ratios, fertilizers, rhizosphere.

Litterfall production, nutrient input and soil fertility in yerba-mate agroforestry systems

Adoption of agroforestry systems (AFS) for yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) production contributes to improvement of soil quality due to intense litterfall input. This study aimed (i) to quantify the litterfall input and its nutrients, as well as soil fertility attributes in yerba mate AFS (ii) to discriminate which soil fertility attributes and litterfall nutrients enabled differentiation of yerba mate AFS and (iii) to verify relations between the soil fertility attributes and nutrients supplied. Six yerba mate AFS were studied in three different soils in the Center-South region of Parana State, Brazil. The canonical discriminant analysis was applied to the soil fertility attributes, for the 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm soil layers; and for the nutrients annual input. The study of the relation between the nutrient input and nutrients soil content was carried out through the canonical correlation analysis. Litterfall input varied from 7132 to 9402 kg ha-1 year-1, and showed an important source of nutrients. Copper and aluminum soil content were the variables responsible for differentiating AFS, by canonical discriminant analysis. There was strait relation between calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc input and these nutrients content in the soil in yerba mate AFS. Key words: Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill., discriminant analysis, variable charge soils.

An Investigation of Pulse Anodization Duty Ratio and Sealing Treatment on the Corrosion Behavior of the Anodic Coating Layer in Magnesium AZ31B

An Investigation of Pulse Anodization Duty Ratio and Sealing Treatment on the Corrosion Behavior of the Anodic Coating Layer in Magnesium AZ31B

Salvianolic acid B and its magnesium salt inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection of Vero-E6 cells by blocking spike protein-mediated membrane fusion

The investigate the inhibitory effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomer salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) and its magnesium salt Salvia Miltiorrhiza Polyphenolate Injection (ZDDY) against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and explore the molecular mechanism. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Sal-B and ZDDY was assessed using the authentic and pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 infection assay. The antiviral targets of Sal-B were identified by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to examine the structural characteristics of HR1 and HR2 regions of SARS-CoV-2 S protein, and the S protein-mediated cell-cell fusion assay was used to evaluate the effect of Sal-B on virus-cell membrane fusion. Flow cytometry was carried out to analyze the effect of Sal-B on the binding of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to hACE2 receptor. The median effective concentrations (EC50) of Sal-B and ZDDY against SARSCoV-2 infection in Vero-E6 cells were 55.47 μmol/L and 36.07 μg/mL, respectively. Both Sal-B and ZDDY successfully inhibited the entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus into the cells that stably expressed human ACE2 (ACE2/293T), with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1.69 μmol/L and 24.81 μg/mL, respectively. Sal-B showed a binding affinity of -8.2 kcal/mol to the 6-helix bundle (6-HB) of SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Molecular dynamics simulation showed stable binding between Sal-B and the 6-HB of SARS-CoV-2 S protein at the predicted binding site. Sal-B disturbed the formation of the secondary structure of 6-HB in HR1P/HR2P mixture, resulting in a significantly lowered α-helicity (P < 0.05). Sal-B dose-dependently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 S protein-mediated cell-cell fusion, with an IC50 of 3.33 μmol/L. Sal-B showed no effect on RBD-Fc protein binding to the ACE2 receptor. Sal-B and its magnesium salt ZDDY can inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-E6 cells in vitro by blocking SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated virus-cell membrane fusion.

Fındık Tarımı Yapılan Toprakların Bazı Fiziksel ve Kimyasal Özellikleri ile Verimlilik Durumlarının Belirlenmesi

Fındıkta yüksek verim ve kaliteli ürün alınmasının ön koşullarından birisi toprak ve yaprak analizlerine göre doğru gübrelemedir. Bu araştırma, Ordu İli fındık tarımı yapılan bahçelerin verimlilik durumunu belirleyebilmek için 40 farklı bahçeden toprak örneği alınarak toprakların bazı fiziksel ve kimyasal analizleri yapılmasıyla verimlilik durumları belirlenmiştir. Toprakların bünye (tekstür), pH ve kireç durumları saptanmış ve sınır değerlerle kıyaslanmıştır. Buna göre, toprakların pH düzeyleri hafif asitten hafif alkaliye arasında değiştiği ve genellikle az kireçli olduğu belirlenmiştir. Toprakların mineral besin elementleri arasından %90’ında fosfor, %62.5’inde kalsiyum, %100’ünde magnezyum ve %52.5’sinde ise çinko bakımından noksan olduğu saptanmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre fındık yetiştiriciliği yapılan bahçelerin özellikle besin elementleri bakımından yetersiz olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Fındıkta gübrelemede tek düze gübreleme yerine çok besinli gübrelerin kullanılmasıyla beslenme sorunu giderilebilir.

Progress in the research of magnesium alkoxide carriers for polyethylene catalysts

Progress in the research of magnesium alkoxide carriers for polyethylene catalysts

Effect of Processing on the Nutrient, Anti-nutrient and Functional Properties of Mucuna flagellipes (Ox-eyed Bean) Seed Flour; An Underutilized Legume in Nigeria

The promotion and consumption of underutilized legumes could help mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in developing countries. In this study, the effect of processing on the nutritional, anti-nutritional and functional properties of Mucuna flagellipes seed flour was determined. The proximate composition of the samples showed that the flours had a range of 7.37 to 11.46 % moisture, 18.21 to 28.53% crude protein, 2.93 to 3.97% fat, 8.06 to 12.90% crude fibre, 2.74 to 4.69% ash, 38.45 to 59.09% carbohydrate, and 1446.34 to 1285.43KJ/100g energy. Profile of the amino acid showed that the lysine, leucine, tryptophan and aspartic acid in the unprocessed flour were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced by roasting. The vitamin composition of the samples showed that vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E varied between; 0.15 to 3.46 mg/100g, 0.03 to 85.54 mg/100g, 3.41 to 14.24mg/100g respectively. The mineral composition of the flours showed that the calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc contents of the samples varied between 132.02 to 167.00mg/100g, 85.91 to 145.00mg/100g, 80.95 to 132.87mg/100g; 83.74 to 145.19mg/100g, 19.90 to 33.16mg/100g and 3.96 to 6.26mg/100g, respectively. The following mineral ratios were lower than the reference balance (ideal) and also lower than the minimum in the acceptable ideal range: Ca/Mg, Ca/K, Ca/P and [K ⁄(Ca+Mg)] for all the seed flours except for Ca/P mineral ratio whose value for the roasted seed flour falls within the acceptable ideal range. The mineral safety index showed that Ca, Mg, P and Zn were all lower than the standards for all the seed flours, whereas Fe was higher than the standard in all the seed flour. The anti-nutritional factors of the samples were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced by autoclaving and roasting than by boiling and soaking methods. The calculated molar ratios of phytate:calcium, phytate:iron, phytate:zinc, oxalate:calcium and [Phytate][Calcium]/[Zinc] were below the critical value and this indicate that the bioavailability of calcium, iron, and zinc in the raw and processed seed flour could be high. The nutrient composition of the flour suggests that it has the potential to be used as both nutritional supplements and functional ingredients in the preparation of a number of baked and complementary food products.

Regulating effects of silicon on Cd-accumulation and stress-resistant responding in rice seedling.

Silicon (Si) application could significantly alleviate the toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on the growth and development of rice. Here, we examined the regulatory effects of Si on Cd accumulation and stress response in rice seedlings through a hydroponic root separation test. The results showed that the biomass of rice seedlings decreased significantly under Cd stress, while the addition of Si could alleviate such negative effect. The uptake, transfer, and accumulation of Cd in rice seedling were significantly affected by Si addition under Cd stress. Si application under the unilateral Cd stress (Si-Cd+Si, Si-Cd) increased Cd-retention coefficient of root by 83.3%-83.6%, which restricted the transfer of Cd from root to aboveground. However, the treatment with Si added to the non-stressed side (Si-Cd) elevated the uptake and accumulation of Cd in rice seedling, with the accumulation in root being increased by 48.2% when compared to the treatment under the unilateral Cd stress without the addition of Si (CK-Cd). The treatment with Si added in two sides (Si-Cd+Si) decreased the uptake of Cd both in root and aboveground parts by 36.7% and 54.9%, respectively. The addition of Si under bilateral Cd stress (Cd-Cd+Si) significantly reduced the Cd uptake of both the root and aboveground parts by 57.8% and 46.5%, respectively, compared to the treatment of bilateral Cd stress (Cd-Cd). Higher Si concentration in rice seedling was found under the Cd stress. More Si was accumulated in rice seedling to resist the Cd stress when Si was added. The addition of Si affected the absorption of other metal elements in rice seedlings, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn). The concentrations of Ca and Mg in root and aboveground parts were significantly increased by Si addition under bilateral Cd-stress (Cd-Cd+Si), but Mn concentration was changed with the stress degree of Cd. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in root were affected by Si under Cd stress, especially for the Si-Cd treatment. The activity of POD in the root of the Cd-stress side and that of SOD in non-stress side were significantly increased, which benefit to scavenging the free radicals induced by Cd stress. In conclusion, Si could regulate the growth of rice seedlings, the uptake of elements such as Cd and Si, and the antioxidant reaction of the root system under the Cd stress. High Si concentration in plant is conducive to enhancing Cd tolerance.

Effect of Binary Basicity (CaO/SiO2) on Selective Reduction of Lateritic Nickel Ore

Selective reduction methods are being developed to process lateritic nickel ore to produce nickel with high content with low temperature or energy consumption. This research was carried out to study the effect of binary basicity (CaO/SiO 2 ) in the lateritic nickel ore's selective reduction process. The lateritic nickel ore with 1.38% Ni and 38.2% Fe content was used in this study. The reduction was conducted at 1150°C for 60 minutes in a muffle furnace with 10 wt.% additives of sodium sulfate, bituminous coal as reductant, and calcium oxide addition to modify its binary basicity. The results showed that the nickel grades generates from the 0,1 basicity due to the breakage of magnesium, iron, and nickel silicate into metallic iron and nickel. However, the next increase of basicities decreased the nickel grade due to the formation of a high melting point compound. lateritic nickel ore, selective reduction, binary basicity, reductant, additive.

Correction to “On the Origin of the Promoting Effect Exerted by Magnesium in the ZnCl2-Catalyzed Synthesis of N,N-Diisopropylethylamine”

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04188.].

Optimization of Medium Fermentation for Isobutanol Production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using Response Surface Methodology

Biofuel is known to be a cleaner and sustainable fuel compared to fossil fuels making it more attractive to be used as transportation fuel. Isobutanol, a four-carbon alcohol has a range of physical properties that are more suitable to be used as gasoline substitute than bioethanol. Isobutanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae is reported in small amount. In order to improve the production of isobutanol, experiments on the optimization of media compositions were conducted in this study. Seven critical nutrients affecting isobutanol production were screened using fractional factorial design. The nutrients involved were glucose (C6H12O6), ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), yeast extract, peptone, potassium phosphate (KH2PO4), magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (MgSO4.7H2O) and iron sulphate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O). The screening process shows that glucose, peptone and yeast extract contributed significantly in enhancing the isobutanol yield. The significant factors were further optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the range of glucose (80-140 g/L), peptone (4-8 g/L) and yeast extract (4-8 g/L). From the experimental results,173 mg/L of isobutanol concentration was obtained at the optimum medium compositions of glucose (140 g/L), peptone (8 g/L) and yeast extract (8 g/L). Throughout the study, it can be concluded that isobutanol yield can be maximize via optimization of medium fermentation. With the improvement of technologies nowadays, the isobutanol production is expected to be increased in the future, encouraging the usage of this fuel in the transportation sector worldwide.

The effects of magnesium supplementation on serum level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and depression status in patients with depression

Recent researches suggest that there is a relationship between the pathogenesis of depression and serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels. Therefore, the purpose of this clinical trial was to determine effect of magnesium supplementation on serum Level of BDNF, magnesium and depression status in patients with depression. A double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 46 depressed subjects. The participants were randomly allocated into the magnesium (MG) and the placebo (PG) group and received 500mg magnesium and placebo daily for 8 weeks. Beck's test was conducted and blood samples were taken at baseline and after the intervention period for analysis of serum magnesium and BDNF. No significant differences were observed in assessed variables between the two groups at the baseline. At the end of intervention, supplementation with magnesium oxide had a significant effect on Beck's test (P=0.01) and serum magnesium (P=0.001), but had no significant effect on BDNF levels (P=0.507) between the two groups. Daily intake of 500mg magnesium oxide for at least 8 weeks improved Beck's test score and serum magnesium in depressed patients, but had no significant effect on BDNF levels between the two groups, Which Further research is recommended.