Magnesium carbonate mixture aromatic

MgO-based cements hold promises as alternatives to Portland cement with radically reduced carbon footprint. MgO plays a centric role in the reaction and formation of these cements. This review is a part of RILEM TC-311 MBC where we discussed the current understanding about the behaviors of MgO in magnesium carbonate (MC) and magnesium silicate (MS) cements. In addition, we reviewed practices in characterizing MgO and available processes to produce MgO in industrial scale. There are several unexpected and unexplained phenomena which likely link to the characteristics of MgO in both MC and MS cements. This distinguishes the MgO-cements from Portland cement and eventually several practices and know-how commonly used in cement research are not applicable and need further insights. Furthermore, the selection of MgO type and characteristics seems crucial to achieve the desired properties for both MC and MS cements. We also point out research needed in this topic to pave the way for MgO-based cements to progress toward their promises.

Abstract licence: CC BY

To define how reliable the benefits of potassium citrate (KCit) for stone prevention are framing this in terms of the number needed to treat (NNT). A targeted search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted through January 2025. For studies reporting recurrence rates in treatment and control groups, absolute risk reduction (ARR) and NNT were calculated. Two pivotal randomized trials in recurrent calcium stone formers demonstrated large ARRs with KCit or potassium-magnesium citrate, lowering 3-year recurrence rates from approximately 60%-80% in placebo groups to 10%-30% with therapy. Corresponding ARRs were around 50%, yielding NNTs of approximately 2 over 3 years. Evidence is strongest for calcium oxalate disease; data for calcium phosphate and brushite stones remain limited. In uric acid and cystine stones, alkalinization is first-line therapy, although precise NNT estimates are unavailable. KCit is one of the most effective preventive pharmacotherapies in nephrolithiasis. In recurrent calcium stone formers, treating two to three patients for approximately 3 years prevents one recurrence, representing a highly favorable benefit-risk profile when appropriately monitored and individualized by stone phenotype.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND