Total Magnesium Concentrations Research Articles

Soil Quality Testing and Counseling Coastal Agricultural Communities in Taiwan

The Mailiao Town is a traditional agricultural community, located in the south-central region of Taiwan. In this region, the northeast monsoon is entrained with salt for seven months a year. Soil fertility test results between 2011 and 2021 showed that the tillage soil was alkaline and salinized. The content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in the soil were mostly excessive. In the region, open-air continuous farming with heavy fertilizer has been performed. Based on the 10 years of data from the test of soil fertility, we counseled farmers to understand the significance of the values in the reports and the impact on crop growth. We promoted rational fertilization with a series of agricultural counseling actions. The results of the continuous counseling showed that the dependence on nitrogenous fertilizer gradually decreased with the continuous increase of the application of organic fertilizers. The total nitrogen and exchangeable sodium content in soil decreased significantly, and the carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N) increased every year. The soil environment became close to equilibrium gradually. As a result, the yield and quality of local crops have gradually improved.

Prevalence of Dysmagnesemia among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and the Associated Health Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Magnesium is a vital intracellular cation crucial for over 320 enzymatic reactions related to energy metabolism, musculoskeletal function, and nucleic acid synthesis and plays a pivotal role in human physiology. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of dysmagnesemia in patients with diabetes mellitus and evaluate its correlations with glycemic control, medication use, and diabetic complications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, including 316 patients aged 18 years or older with diabetes mellitus. Data included demographics, medical history, medications, and biochemical parameters. Serum total magnesium concentrations were measured, and dysmagnesemia was defined as magnesium ≤ 0.69 mmol/L for hypomagnesemia and ≥1.01 mmol/L for hypermagnesemia. Results: The prevalence of hypomagnesemia in patients with diabetes was 17.1% (95% CI: 13.3-21.7%), and hypermagnesemia was 4.1% (95% CI: 2.4-7.0%). Females were significantly overrepresented in the hypomagnesemia group, while the hypermagnesemia group showed a higher prevalence of hypertension, retinopathy, an increased albumin/creatinine ratio, chronic kidney disease (CKD), elevated creatinine levels, and a lower adjusted calcium concentration. The multinominal logistic regression exhibited that the female sex and higher serum-adjusted calcium were independent risk factors of hypomagnesemia. In contrast, the presence of hypertension, higher levels of albumin/creatinine ratio, and stage 5 CKD were independent risk factors of hypermagnesemia. Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia was common among patients with diabetes mellitus; however, hypermagnesemia was associated with microvascular complications.

Magnesium Is a Vital Ion in the Body-It Is Time to Consider Its Supplementation on a Routine Basis.

The importance of maintaining proper magnesium intake and total body magnesium content in preserving human health remains underappreciated among medical professionals and laymen. This review aimed to show the importance of hypomagnesemia as a modifiable risk factor for developing disease processes. We searched the PubMed database and Google Scholar using the keywords 'magnesium', 'diabetes', 'cardiovascular disease', 'respiratory disease', 'immune system', 'inflammation', 'autoimmune disease', 'neurology', 'psychiatry', 'cognitive function', 'cancer', and 'vascular calcification'. In multiple contexts of the search terms, all reviews, animal experiments, and human observational data indicated that magnesium deficiency can lead to or contribute to developing many disease states. The conclusions of several in-depth reviews support our working hypothesis that magnesium and its supplementation are often undervalued and underutilized. Although much research has confirmed the importance of proper magnesium supply and tissue levels, simple and inexpensive magnesium supplementation has not yet been sufficiently recognized or promoted.

The Effect of Nitrogen Reduction and Applying Bio-Organic Fertilisers on Soil Nutrients and Apple Fruit Quality and Yield

In this study, we investigated the effect of partially substituting inorganic nitrogen with bio-organic fertiliser on the ‘Tianhong2’ Fuji apple planting in Xinjiang. Bio-organic fertiliser was applied, and nitrogen was reduced by 20% (T2), 40% (T3), and 60% (T4) during the blooming and fruit expansion periods with conventionally fertilised fields used as control (T1); soil nutrient, soil enzyme activity, leaf nutrients, fruit quality, and yield were measured. The total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), total calcium (TCa), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and soil organic matter (SOM) contents, as well as the soil catalase (S-CAT), soil uretrase (S-UE), soil saccharase (S-SC), and soil nitrate reductase (S-NR) activities, significantly increased in the experimental soils compared with those in T1. In addition, TP, TCa, and total magnesium (TMg) content in apples significantly increased. Compared to T1, the T2 and T3 treatments significantly improved the fruit yield and quality, increasing the sugar–acid ratio, soluble protein, soluble sugar, peel carotenoid, and anthocyanin content and reducing peel chlorophyll content. The brightness (L*), red–green axis (a*), yellow–blue axis (b*), colour intensity (C), and tone (h°) values changed. The yield per hectare and nitrogen fertiliser partial productivity values were significantly increased. Overall, the T2 treatment resulted in the best outcome for the Yili area. In conclusion, partially substituting inorganic nitrogen with bio-organic fertiliser can effectively increase soil and leaf nutrient content and improve fruit yield and quality.

Nutrient content of vegetation and soil of four conifer species growing under different site and competing vegetation management conditions

In this study we examined the long-term effects of competing vegetation control on the total nutrient content of different ecosystem components of 19-year-old Douglas-fir (DF), western hemlock (WH), western redcedar (WRC), and grand fir (GF) stands growing in Oregon’s central Coast Range (CR) and of DF and WRC growing in Oregon’s Cascade mountain foothills (CF). Nutrient content responses were evaluated under two contrasting vegetation control treatments, including the Control (no herbicide application post-planting), and VM (5 consecutive years of herbicide application post-planting). Both treatments involved a pre-planting herbicide application. The ecosystem components were divided into overstory (planted crop trees), midstory, understory, forest floor, fine roots, and mineral soil. All samples were analyzed for content (mass per unit ground area) of total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, sodium, and zinc. VM effects on total plant derived nutrient masses were more prominent than differences in concentrations. Ca was the only nutrient for which all species showed higher plant derived masses in the VM condition. Plant derived tissue content of C, Cu, P, and B all tended to be higher in VM plots, with the exception of WRC plots at the CR site. This case was an outlier due to the fact that Control plots developed significantly more biomass as a result of high midstory biomass, whereas the VM plots developed relatively little midstory and crop tree biomass. There were few differences in soil nutrients content between species and treatments, and those that were significant were unable to be explained by differences in uptake by plant species. Notably, total soil N of WRC at the CR site was significantly lower for VM plots. This may indicate the potential for VM applied to a slow growing species, such as WRC, to reduce ecosystem retention of N. With the exception of C and N, total soil nutrient reserves were orders of magnitude greater than total plant derived masses. This indicated that there is low probability of an adverse effect of VM on soil nutrient stores.

How much magnesium sulfate is needed to "keep total serum magnesium above 2.0 mg/dL"?

For patients at increased risk of life-threating ventricular arrythmias, hospitalists often administer intravenous magnesium sulfate to maintain total serum magnesium concentration (TsMg) above 2 mg/dL. How long each dose keeps TsMg above this threshold is not well known, however. We collected TsMg values from 12,618 veterans who were given 24,363 doses of intravenous magnesium sulfate during 14,901 hospitalizations for acute heart failure. Across dose amounts, the average TsMg dropped below 2.0 mg/dL within 24 h of administration. When we limited our analysis to 2 g doses (the most common dose) and adjusted for baseline TsMg, estimated glomerular filtration rate, oral magnesium supplementation, and loop diuretic dosing, we found that less than half of the adjusted TsMg values remained above 2.0 mg/dL just 12 h after dose administration. Hospitalists should expect, on average, to administer 2 g intravenous magnesium sulfate at least twice daily to maintain total serum magnesium above 2 mg/dL.

Abstract 13409: Maintaining a High Total Serum Magnesium Level With Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate

Introduction: Understanding how intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration affects total serum magnesium concentration (TsMg) is important in maintaining a target TsMg level in acute heart failure patients on loop diuretics. Hypothesis: Describe how TsMg changes after single dose of MgSO4 and estimate how often MgSO4 should be given to maintain TsMg above 2 mg/dL. Methods: We studied hospitalizations of veterans from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) aged ≥ 65 without severe renal disease (EGFR > 15 cc/min per 1.73 m2) from 2013-2017 with a primary diagnosis of acute heart failure. We constructed linear and logistic mixed-effects models with values of TsMg at level 1, nested within dose, hospitalization, and patient. Results: There were 27,474 doses of intravenous MgSO4 administered in 16,139 hospitalizations to 13,439 unique veterans across 145 hospitals in the VHA. Veterans were elderly (mean age 76), 98% male, 72% non-Hispanic white. Mean TsMg was initially high and leveled off 24-48 hours after MgSO4 administration, with an average TsMg increase of 0.2 mg/dL regardless of dose administered (Figure) . The probability of maintaining a TsMg above 2.0 mg/dL just one day after MgSO4 ranged from 49-54% (Table) . Conclusions: TsMg is often targeted above 2.0 gm/dL, especially in the setting of arrhythmias or QT-prolonging medications. As MgSO4 is frequently administered in heart failure patients on diuretics, understanding that TsMg may be misleadingly elevated for the first 48 hours after MgSO4 is important. We recommend administering MgSO4 at least once per day if the goal TsMg level is ≥ 2.0 gm/dL.

Incidence of Dysmagnesemia among Medically Hospitalized Patients and Associated Clinical Characteristics: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Magnesium (Mg) disorders are common among hospitalized patients and are linked to poor health outcomes. We aimed to determine the incidence of dysmagnesemia among medically hospitalized patients and to identify factors that are associated with dysmagnesemia. A prospective cohort study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) from April 1st, 2022, to October 31st, 2022, and involved hospitalized adult patients (≥18 years) under the care of the general internal medicine unit. The patients' serum total magnesium (Mg) concentrations were categorized as hypomagnesemia (≤0.69 mmol/L), hypermagnesemia (≥1.01 mmol/L), or dysmagnesemia, which encompassed either hypomagnesemia or hypermagnesemia. Of the 304 patients evaluated, dysmagnesemia was observed in 22.0%, which comprised of 17.4% with hypomagnesemia and 4.6% with hypermagnesemia. Statistically significant associations were identified between hypermagnesemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.05) and elevated creatinine levels (p < 0.01) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p < 0.01). Hypomagnesemia was linked to lower ionized calcium (p = 0.03) and admission due to infectious diseases (p = 0.02). However, ordered regression analysis did not find any significant associations with the different magnesium groups. Dysmagnesemia was prevalent among hospitalized patients and was associated with different factors; however, ordered regression analysis did not find any association with the different magnesium group, probably due to the limited number of included individuals.

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

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

Comparable ectomycorrhizal fungal species richness but low species similarity among native Abies alba and alien Abies grandis from provenance trials in Poland

Our study contributes to the understanding of the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungal (ECMF) communities of native A. alba and alien A. grandis in provenance trials situated in lowland and montane regions in Poland (Central Europe). Ectomycorrhizal fungi were identified directly from field-collected root tips using PCR- and Sanger-sequencing-based methods. We found that the studied fir species had relatively high and comparable ECMF species richness (66 and 69 fungal taxa on A. grandis and A. alba, respectively). Twenty-six taxa were associated with both hosts and 83 taxa were found uniquely on one or the other fir species. The ECMF community composition and structure of A. alba and A. grandis differed substantially both at the species and the phylogenetic lineage levels. Soil parameters such as total nitrogen, magnesium and potassium content and C/N ratio appeared moderately but significantly correlated with the ECMF community assembly of both firs. The provenance of the host tree species did not appear to be a strong factor in structuring the ECMF communities. This was found despite the low number of common ECMF species and relatively high number of unique species among the individual provenances of both fir species. The results of the study suggest that locally based specificity in host–fungal communities is likely a contributing factor in the outcome of provenance trials. We posit that much insight into the role of tree provenances in shaping ECMF communities will be gained by further exploring this area of research. On the surveyed experimental forest sites of A. alba and A. grandis, fungal species of conservation concern – particularly those that were endangered and rare – have been reported. Our findings imply that tree species planted outside their natural range serve as ecologically important species because they may act as an excellent reservoir of ECMF diversity, a factor of importance in functioning forest ecosystems.

Macroelement Seasonal Variations in Latvian Organic Milk

Abstract Consumer perception of organic milk is associated with the assumption that organic milk differs from conventionally produced milk. The aim of the present study was to analyse calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus concentration in organic milk in the context of the season. The study was conducted from November 2019 to the end of October 2020. Over a year, raw bulk milk samples were collected and analysed. The milk for the study was supplied by two organic farms located in Latvia. Cows received a total mixed ration consisting of high moisture maize silage, grass silage, etc. The chemical composition of the total mixed rations was analysed, as well as fat, protein, lactose, milk solids non-fat, and total solids, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium content in organic milk were determined. Seasonal variation in milk composition was observed. The average calcium concentration in our study was 107.96 ± 9.61 mg·100 g−1 with a lower average concentration 97 mg·100 g−1 in organic milk in March. The concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium was higher in organic milk during the spring–summer season. The sale of organic milk is growing in Latvia, and the presence of a favourable level of calcium in organic milk during the whole year should be reached, providing calcium concentration in cow’s milk around 120 mg·100 g−1 throughout the lactation period. Milk and milk products are an important part of daily nutrition, recommended to every consumer due to their wholesomeness and calcium concentration. Evaluating the bone health data of the Latvian population, 100 ml of milk consumption should provide at least 15% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

Orthodontic status of children of Bukovina region in the age aspect

There are three groups of patients with abnormalities of magnesium homoeostasis. The first one include patients with magnesium deficiency (low total body magnesium content) and a resultant hypomagnesaemia (low serum magnesium concentration). Patients with hypomagnesaemia (serum magnesium concentration &lt;0.75 mmol/L) in the absence of magnesium deficiency (i.e., a normal total body magnesium content) consist the second group. The third group include patients with magnesium deficiency (low total body magnesium content) but no evidence of hypomagnesaemia (i.e., a normal serum magnesium concentration). Magnesium deficiency can be caused by decreased magnesium intake from the diet, decreased magnesium absorption, or increased renal magnesium excretion (renal magnesium wasting). The narrative review examines the causes, clinical and laboratory signs of magnesium deficiency in the body, and the effect of magnesium supplementation on health indices. Groups of people who are more likely to suffer from magnesium deficiency are outlined. Emphasis is placed on the use of questionnaires to identify individuals with possible magnesium deficiency. The changes on the electrocardiograms that are characteristic of the initial magnesium deficiency and that occur in case of its increase are given. The effect of additional intake of magnesium salts on blood pressure changes in individuals with and without baseline hypertension is discussed in detail. Factors that make it difficult to assess the relationship between magnesium intake and abnormalities in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism are listed. An association between increased dietary magnesium intake and reduced risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and overall mortality has been demonstrated. Keywords: children, dentoalveolar anomalies, prevalence, primary dentition, changing dentition, permanent dentition.

Diagnosis and clinical significance of magnesium deficiency in the body

There are three groups of patients with abnormalities of magnesium homoeostasis. The first one include patients with magnesium deficiency (low total body magnesium content) and a resultant hypomagnesaemia (low serum magnesium concentration). Patients with hypomagnesaemia (serum magnesium concentration &lt;0.75 mmol/L) in the absence of magnesium deficiency (i.e., a normal total body magnesium content) consist the second group. The third group include patients with magnesium deficiency (low total body magnesium content) but no evidence of hypomagnesaemia (i.e., a normal serum magnesium concentration). Magnesium deficiency can be caused by decreased magnesium intake from the diet, decreased magnesium absorption, or increased renal magnesium excretion (renal magnesium wasting). The narrative review examines the causes, clinical and laboratory signs of magnesium deficiency in the body, and the effect of magnesium supplementation on health indices. Groups of people who are more likely to suffer from magnesium deficiency are outlined. Emphasis is placed on the use of questionnaires to identify individuals with possible magnesium deficiency. The changes on the electrocardiograms that are characteristic of the initial magnesium deficiency and that occur in case of its increase are given. The effect of additional intake of magnesium salts on blood pressure changes in individuals with and without baseline hypertension is discussed in detail. Factors that make it difficult to assess the relationship between magnesium intake and abnormalities in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism are listed. An association between increased dietary magnesium intake and reduced risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and overall mortality has been demonstrated. Keywords: hypomagnesaemia, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus.

Variability in antioxidant capacity and some mineral nutrients among ninety-one Indian accessions of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.

Bottle gourd is amongst the widely grown yet under-researched cucurbit vegetable in India and sub-Saharan Africa. The fresh immature leaves, fruit and seed are used for food and medicinal purposes, as rootstock for watermelon. Despite the economic and culinary importance, availability of wide variation in Africa and India, the bottle gourd genetic resources remains under-utilized, particularly with respect to harnessing the nutritional quality. In the present study, we evaluated 91 bottle gourd accessions from India and identified promising bottle gourd accessions for quality traits such as total phenol content, total antioxidant capacity, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper contents. High genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation (>20%) were recorded for all the biochemical traits and mineral nutrients. High heritability (h2) with high genetic advance was recorded for phenol content (99.00/62.76%) and antioxidant activity (99.71/62.58%) whereas high heritability (h2) with low genetic advance was recorded for all the mineral nutrients except magnesium (98.79/49.84%). Simple correlation coefficients among the different traits revealed a highly significant positive association of total phenol content with antioxidant activity, magnesium, iron and zinc content. Euclidian cluster analysis grouped 91 accessions into 12 clusters based on Ward's distance. Eigen value from principal component analysis depicted the first two components accounted for 62.43 cumulative percent of total variation which signifies a high degree of correlation between the analyzed traits. The promising accessions IC-0336825, IC-0385814, IC-0418246 and IC-0284925 and check cultivar Pusa Santusthi for phenol content, antioxidant activity and mineral nutrients (Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu) may be used as donors in the quality breeding program in bottle gourd. The implication of identified promising bottle gourd accessions for development of new cultivars in bottle gourd is discussed.

Are There Associations between Seminal Plasma Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Selected Redox-Associated Biochemical Parameters in Infertile Male Patients? A Preliminary Report.

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the reasons for male infertility. Seminal plasma contains a multitude of enzymes and ions which influence OS and thus may affect male fertility. The aim of the study was to check for associations between seminal plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) concentrations and levels of selected biochemical parameters (total protein, iron, uric acid, magnesium, calcium) in infertile men, and establish whether they are associated with sperm disorders. Seminal plasma AOPP, as well as total protein, iron, uric acid, calcium, and magnesium concentrations, were determined for the following patient groups: normozoospermic (N; n = 33), teratozoospermic (T; n = 30), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT; n = 18), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT; n = 28). AOPP concentrations were significantly higher in N and T groups in comparison to AT and OAT groups. Total protein concentrations were significantly lower in the T group in comparison to the AT and OAT groups, whereas iron concentrations significantly decreased in the OAT group in comparison to the T and N patients. AOPP differentiates AT patients from men with other sperm disorders. Our results suggest that asthenozoospermia may be connected with total protein levels. Insufficient iron levels may reflect a decrease in sperm count.

Does postprandial lipemia interfere with blood gas analysis and assessment of acid-base status in dogs?

To evaluate the interference of postprandial lipemia on blood gas parameters and to assess the acid-base status by the quantitative approach of the strong ion model blood samples of 15 healthy dogs were collected during fasting (0 h) and at one (1 h), three (3 h) and five (5 h) hours after the induction of lipemia with a hypercaloric diet. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were used to assess lipemia and these were correlated with the parameters evaluated accordingly. Anion gap decreased at 5 h without correlation with TC and TG, whereas other parameters measured by the blood gasometer did not change. In the evaluation of the acid base state, the apparent strong ion difference (SIDa) and the strong ion gap (SIG) showed a decrease at 5 h without correlation with lipemia. Lipid levels correlated with the effective strong ion difference (SIDe), the concentration of total non-volatile weak acids (Atot), albumin, phosphate, and magnesium. The SIDe increased at 1 h and at 3 h; the Atot at 1 h, 3 h, and 5 h; albumin increased at 1 h and 3 h; phosphate increased at 1 h, 3 h and 5 h; and magnesium decreased at 5 h. Though postprandial lipemia does not interfere with blood gas analysis, it can cause errors in the variables used to assess the acid-base status, which are dependent on biochemical analytes. Therefore, caution is required when interpreting electrolyte disturbances that result from the postprandial state.

Regrowth Response and Nutritional Composition of Moringa oleifera to Cutting Back in Three Agro-Ecological Zones in South Africa

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 3 m when left to grow naturally. Cutting-back management can enhance lateral branching, water use efficiency, regrowth, and leaf biomass production. Although M. oleifera can thrive in diverse ecological environments, including areas with high temperatures and drought where most crops cannot survive, the prevailing agro-ecological conditions can influence the tree’s response to cut-back and nutritional composition. An observation trial on the re-sprouting of M. oleifera after cutting back was conducted in three agro-ecological zones, including arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions. The soil analysis from the three agro-ecological zones showed variations, with the soil collected from the arid area recording the highest clay content (24.4%), nitrogen (8.14%), and phosphorus (168.2 mg/kg). The nutritional composition of the M. oleifera leaves in response to the cutting back was assessed. The trees planted in the arid region responded well to the cutting back by producing considerable new vegetative growth in the spring (13.4 sprouts averaging 21.50 cm in length) compared to semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions. The region’s climatic conditions favoured M. oleifera re-sprouting, and the stems did not die after cutting back. During the winter, the stems die back, sprout from the root collar area during more favourable weather conditions, and take longer to reach the harvestable stage. The leaves of M. oleifera harvested from the arid and dry sub-humid regions exhibited increased total fat, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc content when compared to the semi-arid agro-ecological zone. In contrast, the calcium content of the leaves was higher in the semi-arid region than in the other agro-ecological zones. The influence of cutting back M. oleifera trees on biomass production and quality in varying agro-ecological zones requires further investigation to ensure that smallholder farmers use appropriate crop management practices in those regions for long-term, economically viable tree production.

Ion selectivity and gating behavior of the CorA-type channel Bpss1228.

Magnesium is an essential element to sustain all forms of life. Total intracellular magnesium content is determined by the balance of magnesium influx and efflux. CorA is a divalent selective channel in the metal ion transport superfamily and is the major Mg2+ uptake pathway in prokaryotes and eukaryotic mitochondria. Previous studies have demonstrated that CorA showed distinct magnesium bound closed conformation and Mg2+-free states. In addition, CorA is regulated by cytoplasmic magnesium ions and its gating mechanism has been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance technique and molecular dynamic simulations. Here, we report a study of the putative CorA-type channel Bpss1228 from Burkholderia pseudomallei, which has been shown to be significantly associated with pseudomallei infection. We expressed and purified the Bpss1228 in full-length. Subsequently, electrophysiological experiments further investigated the electrical characteristics of Bpss1228 and revealed that it was a strictly cation-selective channel. We also proved that Bpss1228 not only possessed magnesium-mediated regulatory property a remarkable ability to be modulated by magnesium ions. Finally, we observed the three-step gating behavior of Bpss1228 on planar lipid bilayer, and further proposed a synergistic gating mechanism by which CorA family channels control intracellular magnesium homeostasis.

Evaluation of the electrolyte status in hyperprolific sows on the farrowing process under different housing conditions

In order to expand previous knowledge about the farrowing process of hyperprolific sows, the effect of calcium, magnesium and phosphor concentration in the blood and the importance of husbandry were examined. The study was performed in a small educational agriculture institution in Germany comprising 61 sows of a hyperprolific hybrid line (BHZP db.Viktoria). The sows were either kept in farrowing crates (n = 36) or pens (n = 25). Blood samples were taken every 30 min during the farrowing process, using a central venous catheter (Cavafix Certo®, 16G, 32 cm, B. Braun SE, Melsungen, Germany) placed in an ear vein. Samples for ionized calcium concentration (Caion) were analyzed directly using epoc® BGEM test cards (Alere GmbH, Cologne, Germany). Samples for total calcium (Catot), magnesium (Mg) and phosphor concentration (Pi) were deep-frozen (minus 80 °C, Innova® U202, Eppendorf SE, Hamburg, Germany) for photometric analysis at a later date. With an average farrowing duration of 267.6 ± 108.1 min (min. 71, max. 602 min), an average of 17.2 ± 4.2 piglets were born. Eutocic farrowing duration was 193.1 ± 75.2a minutes. Dystocic farrowing duration was 324.9 ± 94.1b minutes (a:b p < 0.0001). Farrowing duration did not differ between housing conditions (277.1 ± 117.4 min in crates, 275.0 ± 99.0 min in pens, p > 0.05). Dystocic farrowings were characterized by the occurrence of (at least) one time lapse of more than 60 min without piglet expulsion. In general, 35 of 61 sows suffered from dystocic parturition and received obstetrical intervention. 20 of 36 (55.6%) crate housed sows and 15 of 25 (60%) sows in pens experienced dystocic parturition (p > 0.05). Catot measured at the beginning of the expulsion stage had a prognostic value for the rest of the farrowing process. Above a threshold value of 2.385 mmol/l, eutocic parturition could be expected, while sows with a lower Catot value generally suffered from dystocic farrowings. Also, sows with eutocia had significantly higher Catot values during parturition than sows with dystocia (p = 0.001). The beginning of the lactation period was characterized by a rise in Caion (1.17 ± 0.04 to 1.21 ± 0.06 mmol/l; p < 0.0001). Mg was significantly higher before than during farrowing (p = 0.0003). During parturition, Mg decreased gradually from 0.86 ± 0.1 to 0.84 ± 0.1 mmol/l. Afterwards, Mg values showed an 18.45% increase. Sows without farrowing complications showed significantly higher Mg than those suffering from dystocia (p = 0.024). The same significant trend was observed for Pi (p = 0.002). The deficiencies in Catot/ion, Mg and Pi led to insufficient contractions and thus to farrowing problems.Parturition in the pen showed a general positive effect on the well-being of the sows and a stabilizing influence on the metabolic conditions compared to parturition in the crate. Sows in pens had higher Catot (p = 0.055) and Mg (p = 0.0004).In conclusion, the results provide clear evidence that a large proportion of hyperprolific sows suffer from previously unknown deficiencies electrolyte homeostasis around and during parturition, which is reflected by the large number of dystocic farrowings and the deficiencies in electrolyte concentrations during dystocia.

Variation in Tap Water Mineral Content in the United Kingdom: Is It Relevant for Kidney Stone Disease?

Introduction: The dissolved mineral content of drinking water can modify a number of excreted urinary parameters, with potential implications for kidney stone disease (KSD). The aim of this study is to investigate the variation in the mineral content of tap drinking water in the United Kingdom and discuss its implications for KSD. Methods: The mineral composition of tap water from cities across the United Kingdom was ascertained from publicly available water quality reports issued by local water supply companies using civic centre postcodes during 2021. Water variables, reported as 12-monthly average values, included total water hardness and concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphate. An unpaired t-test was undertaken to assess for regional differences in water composition across the United Kingdom. Results: Water composition data were available for 66 out of 76 cities in the United Kingdom: 45 in England, 8 in Scotland, 7 in Wales and 6 in Northern Ireland. The median water hardness in the United Kingdom was 120.59 mg/L CaCO3 equivalent (range 16.02–331.50), while the median concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphate were 30.46 mg/L (range 5.35–128.0), 3.62 mg/L (range 0.59–31.80), 14.72 mg/L (range 2.98–57.80) and 25.36 mg/L (range 2.86–112.43), respectively. Tap water in England was markedly harder than in Scotland (192.90 mg/L vs. 32.87 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent; p < 0.001), which overall had the softest tap water with the lowest mineral content in the United Kingdom. Within England, the North West had the softest tap water, while the South East had the hardest water (70.00 mg/L vs. 285.75 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent). Conclusions: Tap water mineral content varies significantly across the United Kingdom. Depending on where one lives, drinking 2–3 L of tap water can contribute over one-third of recommended daily calcium and magnesium requirements, with possible implications for KSD incidence and recurrence.