Search Results (335)

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based advanced oxidation is often hindered by pH instability and the lack of post-reaction separation. Herein, commercial magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is introduced as a multifunctional catalyst to address these limitations. Mg(OH)₂ effectively catalyzed PMS decomposition via a nonradical pathway dominated by singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation, achieving rapid and complete degradation of electron-rich pollutants like bisphenol A (BPA) within 40 min. The system exhibits exceptional pH self-regulation, stabilizing the solution at ~9.8 and maintaining high efficiency across an initial pH range of 3–11. Mechanistic studies confirm ¹O₂ as the primary reactive species with a steady-state concentration of 1.67 × 10⁻¹² M. The catalyst demonstrates strong resistance to common anions and humic acid, along with excellent stability over four cycles. Furthermore, Mg(OH)₂ enables in situ flocculation and removal of degradation products. This work highlights Mg(OH)₂ as an efficient, stable, and multifunctional activator, offering a integrated strategy for practical wastewater treatment. Full article

Dysregulated magnesium (Mg²⁺) homeostasis contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC), yet its context-dependent function within the tumor microenvironment remains unresolved. This study aimed to determine how sustained low and high extracellular Mg²⁺ environments affect CRC spheroid (SP) growth and Mg²⁺ homeostasis using HT-29 SPs. We analyzed Mg²⁺ flux, the expression of Mg²⁺ transporters (e.g., Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin (TRPM) 6), viability, apoptotic and autophagic markers, and phospho-/oxidoproteomic alterations. Both Mg²⁺ extremes destabilized SP architecture, reduced viability, and induced apoptosis and autophagy, with SPs displaying heightened vulnerability relative to 2D cultures. Mg²⁺ stress impaired Mg²⁺ influx and eliminated adaptive transporter regulation in SPs. Loss of membrane TRPM6/7 heterodimers, driven by altered phosphorylation (e.g., TRPM6 Serine 141, Serine 1252, Threonine 1851) and elevated oxidation (e.g., Methionine 1755), suppressed channel activity. High Mg²⁺ caused profound metabolic failure despite increased total Mg²⁺, reflecting functional Mg²⁺ deficiency. CRC spheroids are acutely susceptible to Mg²⁺ imbalance due to collapsed transporter homeostasis and post-translational inhibition of Mg²⁺ channels. These findings reveal a targetable metabolic vulnerability and support the therapeutic potential of localized Mg²⁺ modulation in CRC. Full article

Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) is a promising solid-state hydrogen storage material owing to its high hydrogen capacity and low cost, yet its practical application is limited by sluggish kinetics, high operating temperatures, and poor cycling stability. Among various catalytic approaches, Fe-based catalysts have emerged as attractive candidates due to their abundance, compositional tunability, and effective promotion of hydrogen sorption reactions in MgH₂ systems. This review critically summarizes recent progress in Fe-based catalysts for MgH₂ hydrogen storage, encompassing elemental Fe, iron oxides, Fe-based alloys, and advanced composite catalysts with nanostructured and multicomponent architectures. Mechanistic insights into catalytic enhancement are discussed, with particular emphasis on interfacial electron transfer, catalytic phase evolution, hydrogen diffusion pathways, and synergistic effects between Fe-containing species and MgH₂, supported by experimental and theoretical studies. In addition to catalytic activity, key stability challenges—including catalyst agglomeration, phase segregation, interfacial degradation, and performance decay during cycling—are analyzed in relation to structural evolution and kinetic–thermodynamic trade-offs. Finally, a roadmap for the scalable design of Fe-based catalysts is proposed, highlighting rational catalyst selection, interface engineering, and compatibility with large-scale synthesis. This review aims to bridge fundamental mechanisms with practical design considerations for developing durable and high-performance MgH₂-based hydrogen storage materials. Full article

Boron is a promising fuel, but its oxide layer impedes combustion. Alloying boron with other high-energy metals can significantly enhance its combustion performance. In this study, we sintered highly reactive lithium-containing Mg-Al-Li-B alloys using magnesium, aluminum–lithium alloy, and boron powder as raw materials. The effects of sintering temperature and holding time on the microstructure were investigated, and the combustion heat value and oxidation resistance of the alloy were tested. Results indicate that sintering temperature significantly influences phase formation: increasing temperature boosts phase content while reducing metallic phases, with 1100 °C identified as the optimal sintering temperature. Holding time had no discernible impact on the phase composition or combustion heat value of the sintered alloy. Alloying enhances material density, thereby increasing volumetric heat value. Thermal oxidation performance tests demonstrate that Li addition significantly lowers the alloy’s oxidation reaction temperature and activation energy, enhancing its reactivity. This high-heat-value, highly reactive alloy holds significant potential for application in pyrotechnics and propellants. Full article

As a metallurgical solid waste rich in active calcium oxide, magnesium slag (MS) is endowed with significant carbon dioxide sequestration potential due to its inherent properties, providing a feasible path for the simultaneous solution of waste residue disposal and carbon dioxide emission reduction. However, current research has neither clarified the kinetic mechanism (core theoretical support for carbon dioxide sequestration industrialization) nor systematically evaluated the life cycle environmental impacts of MS’s two carbonation routes (direct or indirect leaching carbonation). To address this, this study explores kinetic laws via the single-factor control variable method, and combines life cycle assessment (LCA) to fill the gap, providing key theoretical support for process optimization and engineering promotion. Kinetic results show indirect carbon dioxide sequestration (ICDS) forms an inert silicon-rich layer (core-shrinkage model, mixed control, 28.4 kJ/mol activation energy), while direct carbon dioxide sequestration (DCDS) involves dual-layer formation and pore blockage (mixed control, 14.0 kJ/mol). The ICDS achieves a higher reaction rate of 89%, compared to 63% for the DCDS. In life cycle assessments, DCDS demonstrates outstanding overall environmental sustainability, particularly excelling in carbon dioxide sequestration and acidification control, while ICDS exhibits significant environmental drawbacks (such as high carbon dioxide emissions and ecological toxicity). However, ICDS possesses advantages such as high feedstock utilization and strong synthesis capabilities for high-value-added products. Through targeted optimization, its environmental indicators can be reduced in the future, making it suitable for specific scenarios like high-end calcium carbonate production and resource utilization of low-grade magnesium slag. Full article

Phosphate is emerging as an active mediator of oxidative stress and vascular injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This emerging pathophysiological framework, referred to as “Phosphatopathy”, describes the systemic syndrome driven by chronic phosphate overload and characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, cellular senescence, and metabolic imbalance. Beyond being a biochemical marker, phosphate overload triggers NOX-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), activates Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling, and disrupts the FGF23–Klotho axis, promoting endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). These pathways converge with systemic inflammation and energy imbalance, contributing to the malnutrition–inflammation–atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome. Experimental and clinical data reveal that the phosphate/urinary urea nitrogen (P/UUN) ratio is a sensitive biomarker of inorganic phosphate load, while emerging regulators such as microRNA-125b and calciprotein particles integrate phosphate-driven oxidative and inflammatory responses. Therapeutic strategies targeting phosphate burden—rather than serum phosphate alone—include dietary restriction of inorganic phosphate, non-calcium binders, magnesium and zinc supplementation, and activation of important pathways related to the activation of antioxidant defense such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and SIRT1. This integrative framework redefines phosphate as a modifiable upstream trigger of oxidative and metabolic stress in CKD. Controlling phosphate load and redox imbalance emerges as a convergent strategy to prevent vascular calcification, improve arterial stiffness, and reduce cardiovascular risk through personalized, mechanism-based interventions. Full article

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease with progressive evolution and high mortality. Magnesium, copper and zinc are essential biometals involved in numerous biological processes in all organs of the human body. A lower level of zinc and magnesium and a higher cooper/zinc ratio are frequently encountered in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis but also in other forms of pulmonary fibrosis. These imbalances are involved in the main pathogenic mechanisms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: alveolar epithelial cell lesions, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation, mitochondrial activity, excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, high collagen production, alveolar macrophage dysfunctions, and apoptosis. A multitude of experimental and clinical studies have shown the importance of these bivalent cations for the synthesis or activity of some important endogenous active substances (fatty acids, eicosanoids, sirtuin1, p53 protein, interleukins, growth factors, some enzymes, and others) involved in one form or another in the pathogenesis of IPF. There are no randomized clinical trials yet, but some clinical and experimental results suggest that the association of zinc and magnesium with pirfenidone and nintedanib could be beneficial and should be assessed as soon as possible after the onset of this disease. The correction of hypomagnesemia and hypozincemia, whenever they exist, must be performed as soon as possible after the diagnosis of fibrosis. Full article

The performance of conventional bentonite-based drilling fluids is severely compromised in high-salinity and high-hardness brines, creating a need for salt-tolerant viscosifiers. This work provides a comprehensive performance evaluation of an activated palygorskite sourced from the Ventzia basin in Greece to be used as a high-performance additive for water-based drilling fluids. Six raw clay samples were mechanically processed and activated via extrusion and chemically treated with 2.25% MgO. Their rheological behavior and filtration properties were systematically investigated in three aqueous environments, (i) deionized water, (ii) API-standard salt water, and (iii) API-standard high-hardness salt water. The performance was benchmarked against that of commercial palygorskite products. The results demonstrated that the selected activated Greek samples exhibited excellent rheological properties, including higher viscosity, yield point, and thixotropic gel strength, comparable to those of the commercial benchmark. While the fluid’s rheology was suppressed by increasing salinity due to the flocculation of co-existing smectite, the best-performing Greek clays maintained a significant advantage, developing exceptionally robust gel structures critical for solid suspension in harsh conditions. Crucially, the same smectite flocculation mechanism proved highly beneficial for filtration control, leading to a significant reduction in fluid loss and the formation of a thin filter cake, particularly with the high-hardness brine. The findings confirm that activated Greek palygorskite is a technically viable, high-performance alternative to imported commercial materials, offering a sustainable solution for formulating resilient drilling fluids for challenging environments. Full article

Arsenic (As) contamination poses a critical threat to agricultural productivity, affecting rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), an agronomically important crop. A comparative assessment was performed to evaluate the efficacy of chemogenic and biogenic manganese nanoparticles (C-MnNPs and B-MnNPs) for mitigating As toxicity. B-MnNPs were biosynthesized using cell-free filtrate of Bacillus pumilus MAY4, while C-MnNPs were obtained from Cwnano Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China). Greenhouse assays demonstrated that both C-MnNPs and B-MnNPs alleviated detrimental effects of As; however, B-MnNPs exhibited superior performance compared to their chemical counterparts. Compared to As-stressed plants, B-MnNPs enhanced leaf and root biomass (26.4% and 56.15%, respectively), net photosynthetic rate (64.8%), and stomatal conductance (50%). B-MnNPs more effectively reduced oxidative stress markers by activating antioxidant defense systems in both leaf and root tissues. Furthermore, B-MnNPs reduced in planta As accumulation while significantly improving uptake of essential nutrients, including potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and manganese, etc., in rapeseed plants. Expression studies revealed that B-MnNPs upregulated antioxidant defense and redox homeostasis related stress-responsive genes under induced As stress. Biochemical assays further confirmed the enrichment of stress-responsive phytohormones, including salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid, in B-MnNP-treated As-stressed rapeseed plants, indicating activation of multi-tier defense response by B-MnNPs to cope with As stress. These findings establish B-MnNPs as a highly effective nano-enabled strategy for managing As toxicity in the rapeseed cultivation system. This research provides critical insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying MnNP-mediated stress tolerance and offers a promising green nanotechnology approach for heavy metal-resilient crops. Full article

This study presents an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional energy-intensive methods for soil improvement by investigating an enzyme-induced active magnesium oxide carbonation (EIMC) technique for the stabilization of gravelly soil. The solidification efficacy and strengthening mechanism of EIMC-treated soil were systematically investigated through a combination of mechanical property tests and microstructural analyses. Results indicate that key mechanical properties—including compressive strength, shear strength, and elastic modulus—were directly proportional to the magnesium oxide (MgO) content. Notably, an 8% MgO content resulted in a 113-fold increase in unconfined compressive strength (UCS) compared to the untreated soil. The strength development stabilized after a five-day curing period. While higher MgO content yielded greater absolute strength, the efficiency of strength gain per unit of MgO peaked at a 4% dosage. Consequently, considering both performance and efficiency, an MgO content of 4% and a curing period of 5 days are recommended as the optimal parameters. The EIMC treatment substantially improved the soil’s mechanical properties, inducing a transition in the failure mode from plastic to brittle, with this brittleness becoming more pronounced at higher MgO concentrations. Furthermore, the treatment enhanced the soil’s water stability. Microstructural analysis revealed that the formation of hydrated magnesium carbonates filled voids, cemented particles, and created a dense structural matrix. This densification of the internal structure underpinned the observed mechanical improvements. These findings validate EIMC as a feasible and effective eco-friendly technique for gravelly soil stabilization. Full article

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric illness characterized by recurrent mood episodes and significant psychosocial impairment. Emerging evidence supports a bidirectional link between diet and mental health, with growing interest in nutritional psychiatry. This narrative review examines the psychological and psychiatric impact of diet in BD, focusing on biological mechanisms (gut–brain axis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter synthesis, and HPA axis dysregulation) and the role of specific dietary patterns, including Western, Mediterranean, ketogenic, and anti-inflammatory diets. Key micronutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D are explored in relation to mood regulation. This review also addresses psychological factors, including emotional eating, disordered eating behaviors, and the symbolic meaning of food in BD. Furthermore, it highlights the integration of nutritional psychoeducation into psychotherapy, the impact of comorbidities (e.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome), and the role of lifestyle factors such as sleep and physical activity. Despite promising findings, current research is limited by methodological heterogeneity. Future perspectives should include interdisciplinary, personalized interventions that incorporate nutritional strategies into standard care for BD. Full article

Hainan Island has experienced a superposition of multiple phases of tectonic movements and magmatic activities, leading to numerous controversies regarding the genesis, spatiotemporal distribution, and tectonic setting of its Yanshanian granites. Accurately determining the characteristics of magmatic rocks during this period is crucial for clarifying the regional tectonic evolution. This study focuses on Diaoluoshan granite in the southeastern part of Hainan Island. Through petrological, mineralogical, zircon U-Pb geochronological, and geochemical analyses, it aims to identify the genetic type, formation age, and magma source properties of this pluton, thereby revealing the Late Yanshanian tectonic setting of Hainan Island. The results show that the zircon U-Pb dating of Diaoluoshan granite yields an age of 102.5 ± 2.8Ma, indicating its formation in the late Early Cretaceous. This granite is a high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite, with silica (SiO₂) content ranging from 63.9% to 77.3%. The pluton exhibits significant negative anomalies of Ta, Nb, P, and Ti, as well as relatively obvious positive anomalies of Rb, Th, U, and K. The biotite in the granite has a magnesium oxide (MgO) content ranging from 12.84% to 13.13%, showing characteristics of crust–mantle material mixing. The magma of this pluton was derived from the partial melting of the lower continental crust mixed with the uprising and underplating mantle mafic magmas, driven by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate and its slab rollback. This study confirms that during the Late Yanshanian, Hainan Island was in an extensional rift environment driven by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate and its slab rollback, but without a well-developed volcanic front. It provides key geological evidence for the study of Yanshanian tectono-magmatic evolution in South China. Full article

This study addressed the optimal magnesium (Mg) requirement for juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and assessed the effects of dietary Mg supplementation on growth performance, nutrient metabolism, and alleviation of heat stress in it. In this study, six diets with varying Mg levels (1.01, 1.26, 1.78, 2.24, 2.35, and 2.51 g/kg), designated as MG1, MG2, MG3, MG4, MG5, and MG6, respectively, were formulated using MgSO₄·7H₂O as the Mg source. These diets were fed to juvenile M. salmoides (initial body weight 2.27 ± 0.02 g) for 8 weeks. The growth performance of the MG4 group was significantly improved. In addition, Plasma GLU, LDL-C, and TG levels were significantly reduced in the MG4 group, while plasma HDL-C levels were increased. In terms of gene expression, glut2, g6pdh, ppar-γ, fas, elovl2, acc, and igf-1 were significantly upregulated in the MG4 and MG5 groups, while g6pase and ppar-α were significantly downregulated in the MG5 group. In the heat stress test, MG4 group exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by decreased plasma MDA levels and increased CAT activity, coupled with enhanced gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. Gene expression results also showed that il-10 and bcl-2 were significantly upregulated in the MG4 group, while nf-κb, ifn-γ, il-8, tnf-α, casp3, casp8, bax, jnk2 and ask1 were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, the results of TUNEL immunofluorescence labeling analysis showed that the apoptotic index was significantly decreased in the MG2-MG6 groups. Overall, appropriate dietary Mg levels promoted growth performance, improved glucose metabolism, and induced lipid deposition in juvenile M. salmoides. Notably, Mg reduced oxidative damage by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby modulating heat stress-induced Antioxidant–Inflammatory–Apoptotic of juvenile M. salmoides. Based on quadratic regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the optimal Mg requirement for juvenile M. salmoides was 2.04, and 2.15 g/kg, respectively. Full article

Analgesia, or reduced pain sensitivity, can result from pharmacological or stress-induced mechanisms, but human studies are limited by complex physiological and psychological variables. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ethanol consumption on key metabolic markers in two genetically distinct mouse lines selectively bred for pain sensitivity: high analgesia (HA) and low analgesia (LA). Forty-eight male Swiss-Webster mice were randomly assigned to four groups: HA and LA with or without heavy alcohol (ethanol) exposure. Blood serum was analyzed for its lipid profile, enzymatic activity, electrolyte levels and regulatory/energetic compounds. In HA mice, ALAT and AspAT activities and, albumin, creatinine, iron, and potassium levels were elevated, whereas glucose and sodium levels were decreased. LA mice presented increased bilirubin, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and lipase activity. ChE, LDH, and CK activities differed significantly between the HA and LA groups. Ethanol intake influenced potassium, magnesium, and sodium serum concentrations. Discriminant analysis highlighted distinct biochemical profiles depending on the LA and HA groups. HA mice predominantly exhibit cytolytic liver damage, altered muscle metabolism, and increased iron levels, indicating oxidative stress. HA and LA display distinct adaptive metabolic strategies: protein/muscle and lipid/electrolyte metabolism, respectively. Genetic differences between HA and LA mice determine different metabolic responses to ethanol. Full article

Background: Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) represents a unique source of bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits. The main aim of the research was to investigate the chemical composition, content of bioactive compounds and biological activities of various types of flaxseed and their defatted forms. Methods: Proximate composition (crude fat, protein, ash, digestible carbohydrates, fiber) was determined, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed via GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Mineral content was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, while total and individual polyphenols were quantified spectrophotometrically and by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three assays. In vitro functional assays evaluated the effects of flaxseed extracts on lactic acid bacteria adhesion in two cellular models, nitric oxide production in liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the proximate composition: brown flaxseed exhibited the highest crude fat content, whereas defatted seeds had higher levels of digestible carbohydrates and ash. α-Linolenic acid was the dominant fatty acid, with the highest concentration in defatted golden flaxseed. Defatted forms generally displayed increased mineral concentrations, particularly calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. The polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were highest in defatted brown flaxseed, which also exhibited the greatest diversity of individual polyphenols. Flaxseed extracts modulated the adhesion of lactic acid bacteria, reduced the production of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 macrophages, inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis of the mentioned cells. Conclusions: Flaxseed, especially the brown type, could be a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential, supporting its use in nutritional and functional applications. Full article