Magnesium trisilicate powder

A large amount of published research points to the interesting concept (hypothesis) that magnesium (Mg) status may have relevance for the outcome of COVID-19 and that Mg could be protective during the COVID disease course. As an essential element, Mg plays basic biochemical, cellular, and physiological roles required for cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, and neurological functions. Both low serum and dietary Mg have been associated with the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, including mortality; both are also associated with COVID-19 risk factors such as older age, obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and asthma. In addition, populations with high rates of COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization tend to consume diets high in modern processed foods, which are generally low in Mg. In this review, we review the research to describe and consider the possible impact of Mg and Mg status on COVID-19 showing that (1) serum Mg between 2.19 and 2.26 mg/dL and dietary Mg intakes > 329 mg/day could be protective during the disease course and (2) inhaled Mg may improve oxygenation of hypoxic COVID-19 patients. In spite of such promise, oral Mg for COVID-19 has thus far been studied only in combination with other nutrients. Mg deficiency is involved in the occurrence and aggravation of neuropsychiatric complications of COVID-19, including memory loss, cognition, loss of taste and smell, ataxia, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Potential of zinc and/or Mg as useful for increasing drug therapy effectiveness or reducing adverse effect of anti-COVID-19 drugs is reviewed. Oral Mg trials of patients with COVID-19 are warranted.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Magnesium (Mg2+) is a predominantly intracellular cation that plays significant roles in various enzymatic, membrane, and structural body functions. As a calcium (Ca2+) antagonist, it is imperative for numerous neuromuscular activities. The imbalance of body Mg2+  concentration leads to clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe life-threatening complications. Therefore, the contribution of Mg2+ measurement regarding various laboratory and clinical aspects cannot be ignored. Mg2+ is often described as the forgotten analyte. However, its close relationship with body potassium (K+), Ca2+, and phosphate homeostasis proves that Mg2+ imbalance could co-exist as the root cause or the consequence of other electrolyte disorders. Meanwhile, several preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical aspects could influence Mg2+ measurement. This review highlights Mg2+ measurement's laboratory and clinical issues and some analyte disturbances associated with its imbalance. Understanding this basis could aid clinicians and laboratory professionals in Mg2+ result interpretation and patient management.

Abstract licence: CC BY

The application of soil amendments is crucial for mitigating cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability in Cd-contaminated paddy fields, thereby promoting safer rice production. However, the mechanisms through which these amendments influence phytoavailable Cd by modifying soil properties have not yet been fully elucidated. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of three soil amendments-sepiolite (SE), wollastonite (WO), and a composite (YY)-on the Cd concentrations in brown rice, soil Cd fractions, soil properties, and bacterial community structure. Additionally, the relationships among brown rice Cd concentration, soil properties, Cd speciation, and bacterial diversity were explored. The findings demonstrated that the YY, SE, and WO amendments significantly increased the soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and concentrations of exchangeable calcium (ExCa), magnesium (ExMg), and available silicon (ASi), facilitating the transformation of water-soluble and acid-extractable forms of Cd into reducible fractions and facilitating the formation of low-solubility Cd compounds, thereby significantly lowering the levels of CaCl2-extractable Cd and DTPA-extractable Cd. The YY amendment also increased available potassium (AK) and available phosphorus (AP) while simplifying the bacterial community structure, notably increasing the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. In contrast, SE amendment increased the abundance of Acidobacteriota. Both the YY and SE amendments reduced Cd phytoavailability by modifying Cd speciation and optimizing soil bacterial communities, whereas WO primarily lowered Cd phytoavailability by altering Cd speciation alone. These results underscore the regulatory role of soil amendments in modifying soil properties, influencing Cd speciation, and reshaping bacterial communities, ultimately reducing Cd accumulation in brown rice. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms by which amendments alter soil properties to reduce Cd phytoavailability, offering insights for developing in situ passivation technologies for Cd-contaminated soils.

Abstract licence: CC BY

In this work, we present a versatile, rapid, and low-cost manufacturing technique to develop bioceramic scaffolds that could enhance bone tissue regeneration via microwave preparation using a domestic microwave oven. The scaffolds were prepared by combining hydroxyapatite and water glass (sodium trisilicate solution), foamed by using a microwave oven, and then characterized by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), mechanical properties, infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and a density and stability test in water. Furthermore, in vitro tests were performed to verify the affinity of the scaffold for osteoclast cells. The morphology of the samples showed interconnected pores suitable for promoting tissue regeneration and vascularization, while specific mechanical properties were preserved. The physicochemical characterization and the in vitro tests presented promising results for bone regenerative applications. The scaffolds we obtained exhibited comparable properties to those fabricated using a laboratory microwave oven, including the ability to induce the formation of bone-like tissue in vitro.

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0

Water represents the fundamental source of life for all human and animal populations; however, its consumption has become increasingly hazardous due to high levels of pollution. Modern agricultural practices rely heavily on pesticides, which significantly contribute to water contamination and imbalances in aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, another critical category of pollutants consists of pathogenic bacteria that proliferate in aquatic environments, mainly originating from hospital and urban wastewater because of human activity. Considering these major environmental and health challenges, the present study aims to develop an optimized method for water treatment by synthesizing magnetic silica-based aerogels using a microfluidic vortex chip and systematically varying synthesis parameters to enhance material performance. The physicochemical properties of the aerogels were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and BET. The pesticide adsorption capacity of the materials was evaluated using FT-ICR HR-MS analysis, which demonstrated the high efficiency of the aerogels in removing a complex mixture of pesticides. In parallel, antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against E. faecalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa isolated from surface water, hospital wastewater, and the influent of a well-known wastewater treatment plant in Bucharest, as well as against ATCC reference strains. Additionally, the study investigated the biocompatibility and biological responses of magnetic aerogels using MTT assays, nitric oxide production, lactate dehydrogenase release, intracellular ROS levels, and quantification of total protein, malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione in HaCaT and HEK293 cell lines. The results confirm the efficiency and application potential of the developed materials and emphasize the importance of optimizing synthesis to achieve high-performance aerogels for effective decontamination of polluted waters.

Abstract licence: CC BY

In this work we present a versatile, rapid, and low-cost manufacturing technique to develop bioceramic scaffolds that could enhance bone tissue regeneration via microwave preparation using a commercial microwave oven. The scaffolds were prepared combining hydroxyapatite and water glass (sodium trisilicate solution), foamed by using a microwaves oven and then characterized by means of SEM-EDS, mechanical properties, infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), density and stability test in water. Furthermore, in vitro tests were performed to verify the affinity of osteoclast cells versus the so prepared scaffold. The morphology of the samples showed interconnected pores suitable for promoting tissue regeneration and vascularization while specific mechanical properties were preserved. The physicochemical characterization and the in vitro tests presented promising results for bone regenerative applications.

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0