Search Results (8,607)

Background: Magnesium regulates neuronal excitability, NMDA receptor activity, and cerebrovascular tone. Dysmagnesemia is common in patients with acute brain injury (>65%), yet large randomized trials of magnesium neuroprotection have been neutral despite strong physiological rationale and consistent observational associations with outcomes. A key limitation may be diagnostic misclassification: the total serum magnesium poorly reflects the biologically active ionized fraction and may misclassify magnesium status in 20–85% of ICU patients during critical illness. Purpose: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on magnesium physiology, measurement limitations, and clinical implications in neurocritical care. Overview: We discuss the mechanisms of magnesium depletion, outline the conceptual “two-hit” model (chronic deficiency plus acute ICU losses), and highlight the potential value of ionized magnesium for improved patient evaluation. Emerging syndrome-specific data suggest that magnesium disturbances are associated with prognostic signals. Improved phenotyping may help explain prior trial neutrality and support stratified approaches to magnesium monitoring and repletion. Future studies should evaluate magnesium-guided strategies and phenotype-driven trials to clarify the therapeutic role of magnesium in neurocritical care. Full article

Background: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) added to local anesthetics has been investigated as an adjuvant in regional anesthesia, but its role in ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating MgSO₄ added to the local anesthetic solution in ESPB. In the predefined core comparison (MgSO₄ added to local anesthetic vs. local anesthetic alone in adult postoperative surgery), four trials (225 participants enrolled; 160 contributing to the comparison) informed the qualitative synthesis. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials were included. In the predefined core comparison, 24 h pain intensity was reported heterogeneously and was frequently not extractable as continuous data, precluding pooling. Opioid consumption or rescue analgesia more often favored MgSO₄; however, outcome metrics, analgesic drugs, and assessment windows were not harmonized, and these effects were not consistently accompanied by reductions in pain intensity at 24 h, limiting their interpretation as true analgesic benefit. Safety reporting was frequently incomplete and often lacked structured adverse event tabulation. Risk of bias varied across domains, and GRADE certainty for all core outcomes was very low. Conclusions: Current randomized evidence does not support routine use of MgSO₄ as an adjuvant in ESPB. Future trials using standardized ESPB techniques, harmonized magnesium dosing strategies, and core outcome sets are required to determine whether magnesium provides clinically meaningful incremental analgesic benefit. Full article

Electromagnetic hydrodynamic (EMHD) mixed convective flow of tetra hybrid nanofluid (TeHNF) in a Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium in a vertical channel with thermal radiation is considered in the paper. The electric and magnetic fields are homogeneous, magnetic perpendicular to the walls of the channel, and electric perpendicular to the plane formed by the directions of the magnetic field and the basic current. The channel walls are impermeable, and they are at constant but different temperatures. The basic equations that describe this problem are ordinary nonlinear differential equations (ODEs), and they are transformed into dimensionless ODEs by introducing dimensionless quantities, which are analytically solved using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The relations for velocity and temperature distributions, Nusselt numbers and shear stresses on the channel walls were determined. These relations are functions of introduced physical parameters that characterize the observed problem. For TeHNF, where the base fluid is water and the nanoparticles are made of aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide and magnetite, a part of the obtained results is given. Velocity and temperature plots are presented in the form of graphs, and Nusselt numbers and shear stresses are presented in the form of tables. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, appropriate conclusions were drawn. It was concluded that an increase in the Hartmann number as well as an increase in the porosity factor decrease the fluid velocity and shear stress, and increase the fluid temperature and Nusselt numbers. Higher values of the Forchheimer factor and higher heat radiation correspond to lower fluid velocities, lower temperatures, lower values of shear stresses and Nusselt numbers. By increasing the value of the Grashof number, the velocity of the fluid increases, and so do the shear stresses. TeHNF shows advantages over simpler hybrid nanofluids and commercial fluids. Full article

Coronary artery disease (CAD), including acute coronary syndromes, frequently co-occurs with depression and is associated with adverse outcomes. Trace elements may influence shared biological pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurovascular signaling. This study evaluated the association between trace element status and depressive symptoms in CAD. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251231129). PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 2 December 2025. Studies assessing trace element concentrations in adults with CAD and depressive symptoms were eligible. Due to limited direct evidence, partially aligned and indirect studies were also included. Data were synthesized narratively. Of 699 records, four studies were included. No studies fulfilled Tier 1 criteria. The available evidence consisted of partially aligned (Tier 2) and indirect (Tier 3) studies. Lower zinc and magnesium levels and higher copper concentrations were suggested to be associated, based exclusively on Tier 2–3, low-certainty, predominantly indirect evidence. Interventional studies reported modest improvements following zinc or combined magnesium and zinc supplementation, although not in CAD-specific populations. Evidence directly addressing trace elements and depression in CAD is extremely limited and largely indirect. Current data do not support causal inference or clinical recommendations. Findings should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Full article

This study provides a systematic quantitative assessment of the influence of silicon (5–9 wt.%) and magnesium (0–0.6 wt.%) on the solidification behavior and feeding mechanisms of hypoeutectic Al–Si–Mg casting alloys. Cooling curve analysis combined with first-derivative and ΔT (Tw − Tc) evaluation was used to determine characteristic solidification temperatures, including the liquidus, dendrite coherency, rigidity, and solidus temperatures, enabling the precise delineation of feeding regions. Increasing silicon content reduced all characteristic temperatures, while magnesium addition exerted a more pronounced effect on rigidity and solidus temperatures, significantly redistributing the relative contributions of mass, interdendritic, and burst feeding. In particular, magnesium addition systematically expanded the interdendritic feeding interval and reduced the burst-feeding range, promoting earlier dendrite interlocking and restricting melt flow during late-stage solidification. Quantitative temperature ratio analysis revealed that magnesium plays a dominant role in shifting feeding toward interdendritic-controlled flow, especially in low-Si alloys. Sand Hourglass testing confirmed that this redistribution directly correlated with increased shrinkage porosity, with the highest porosity observed in the AlSi9Mg0.6 alloy. The results establish a quantitative link between alloy composition, feeding redistribution, and porosity susceptibility, providing a practical framework for optimizing the design and casting performance of Al–Si–Mg alloys. Full article

This study quantified nutrient accumulation and partitioning among the kernel, shell, husk, rachis, and leaves during fruit development in three macadamia cultivars. Racemes and leaves were sampled at biweekly intervals until kernel maturity. The shell and rachis ceased to accumulate biomass earlier in the season than the husk or kernel. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) were the dominant nutrients accumulated in the fruit. Despite declining concentrations between 80 and 140 DAF, total kernel nutrient content continued to increase, indicating sustained nutrient import during this critical period. The kernel was the primary sink for N, phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and magnesium (Mg), with peak accumulation occurring during rapid kernel growth at 80–175 days after flowering (DAF). In contrast, the accumulation of calcium (Ca) and manganese (Mn) into the kernel ceased earlier, suggesting limited late-stage mobility. The husk accumulated more K than the kernel and remained an active sink for K, S, Mg, Ca, and Mn until maturity, while N, P, and boron (B) accumulation slowed after ~107 DAF. The shell contributed minimally to nutrient demand, with N, zinc (Zn), and B accumulation ceasing after shell hardening (90–110 DAF). The cultivars exhibited consistent temporal patterns, differing mainly in magnitude. Nutrient partitioning efficiency among- the fruit components was highest for cv. A38. The rachis acted as a transient sink early in development before declining in mobile nutrients, while leaf nutrient dynamics did not reflect fruit demand. Full article

This study investigates the thermal and vibration-attenuation performance of a novel 7-inch FPV drone frame manufactured from cast AZ31 magnesium alloy (MG), compared to 6061-T6 aluminum (AL) and carbon fiber (CF) composite structures under an extreme payload of 2 kg. Using quantitative spectral analysis of Blackbox flight logs, the research demonstrates that the MG frame provides superior system-level vibration damping, particularly under high-stress conditions. Under a 2 kg payload, the MG frame exhibited a 49% reduction in vibration power compared to the AL frame. Spectral data identified primary resonance peaks for the MG frame at 147 Hz (0 kg) and 204 Hz (2 kg), whereas the AL frame showed significantly higher frequency peaks at 179.5 Hz (0 kg) and 239.4 Hz (2 kg). Comparative modal hammer tests further validated these findings, with the magnesium design exhibiting lower impulse energy (0.22 mW/Hz) and faster decay than aluminum (0.24 mW/Hz). Thermal imaging analysis showed better motor cooling for the metallic frames; average motor temperatures on the magnesium frame (51.8 °C) and AL frame (50.3 °C) were significantly lower than on the CF structure (77.5 °C). The findings establish that AZ31 magnesium alloy offers an excellent synergy of lightweight stiffness and damping capacity, making it a viable alternative for heavy-duty FPV platforms requiring high signal integrity. Full article

Bone tissue plays a vital role in the human body and possesses intrinsic self-repair mechanisms; however, large defects or pathological fractures may exceed its natural healing capacity. Bone tissue engineering provides promising strategies to restore bone integrity through the use of scaffolds, growth factors, and stem cells. While calcium phosphate (CaP)-based ceramics, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP), represent the current benchmark, their limitations, including slow degradation (HAp) and limited osteoinductivity (TCP), have driven the development of alternative biomaterials. In this context, magnesium phosphate (MgP)-based materials have gained increasing attention due to their tunable resorption rate, improved biodegradability, and ability to stimulate osteogenesis and angiogenesis through the release of magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions. This study reports on composite scaffolds based on electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibres coated with MgP layers doped with lithium (Li) and zinc (Zn), designed to mimic the nanofibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix. Lithium and zinc were selected due to their known ability to modulate cellular response, with lithium promoting osteogenic activity and zinc contributing to improved cell proliferation and antibacterial potential. The phosphate phases obtained by coprecipitation were deposited onto the PCL fibres using Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE), enabling controlled surface functionalization. Following thermal treatment, the formation of the crystalline magnesium pyrophosphate (Mg₂P₂O₇) phase was confirmed by chemical and structural characterization. The combination of a slowly degrading PCL matrix, providing sustained structural support, and a bioactive MgP coating, enabling rapid and controlled ion release, results in improved scaffold performance in terms of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. While the slow degradation rate of PCL ensures mechanical stability over an extended period, the surface-deposited MgP phase allows immediate interaction with the biological environment, facilitating faster ion release and enhancing cell–material interactions. These findings highlight the potential of the developed composites as promising candidates for trabecular bone regeneration and as viable alternatives to conventional CaP-based scaffolds in regenerative medicine. Full article

Pelletizing is an effective way of converting abundant phosphate ore fines into usable feedstocks for yellow-phosphorus production. In this work, the oxidation-roasting behavior of siliceous–calcareous phosphate ore pellets and siliceous phosphate ore pellets was evaluated in a laboratory tube furnace. The consolidation mechanisms were revealed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicate that siliceous phosphate ore pellets exhibit superior oxidation-roasting performance relative to siliceous–calcareous phosphate ore pellets. After roasting, oxidized siliceous–calcareous phosphate ore pellets show a loose and porous framework with large pores, thin walls, and occasional surface cracking. The consolidation of siliceous–calcareous phosphate ore pellets is mainly governed by the recrystallization bonding of silicon–magnesium-bearing fluorapatite. In contrast, oxidized siliceous phosphate ore pellets display a denser microstructure and stronger intergranular bonding. The dominant bonding forms are the recrystallization bonding of silicon-bearing fluorapatite and solid-state bonding between silicon-bearing fluorapatite particles and quartz particles. Furthermore, carbonate gangue minerals are detrimental to strength development because CO₂ release during roasting promotes the development of interconnected porosity and defects, thereby reducing the compressive strength of oxidized phosphate ore pellets. Full article

Background: Nutritional psychiatry increasingly links diet quality and specific bioactive nutrients to depression and anxiety outcomes. Mechanistic evidence implicates neuroimmune activation, inflammation, altered neurotransmitter synthesis, and microbiota-derived metabolites. Objective: The objective of this study is to synthesize evidence on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), the microbiota–gut–brain axis, and vitamins and minerals that influence neurotransmitter synthesis, inflammation, and brain function and to translate these findings into food-based strategies. Methods: This study consisted of a focused synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and systematic reviews indexed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, selected for relevance to omega-3s, probiotics/prebiotics, dietary patterns, and micronutrients (folate/B-vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C/copper pathways). Results: RCT and meta-analytic evidence suggest modest benefits of omega-3 supplementation for anxiety severity and depressive symptoms, with heterogeneity by dose, EPA: DHA composition, and baseline inflammatory status. The gut–brain axis literature supports bidirectional effects of stress and microbiota, and meta-analyses of probiotics/prebiotics show small improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, likely dependent on strain and host phenotype. Micronutrients serve as enzymatic cofactors for monoamine and GABA synthesis and modulate immune signaling; clinical effects are the most consistent when correcting insufficiency or in biomarker-defined subgroups. A whole-diet RCT demonstrates that structured dietary improvement can reduce depressive symptoms as adjunctive therapy. Conclusions: A food-first approach emphasizing Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, omega-3-rich seafood, a diverse array of fiber, and micronutrient density is the most defensible. Supplementation may be considered selectively, guided by clinical context and nutritional status. Full article

Magnesium alloys are promising materials for orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability and mechanical properties compatible with bone. However, their rapid degradation in physiological environments limits clinical use. In this study, WE43B magnesium alloy was coated with a PEO layer followed by a P(L/G/TMC) polymer applied via ultrasonic spraying. The influence of polymer layer number (10, 20, 30) on coating properties was systematically investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed an approximately fourfold reduction in porosity after polymer deposition, with progressive pore filling at higher layer numbers, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) mapping indicated uniform polymer coverage. Compared to PEO alone, polymer-modified samples exhibited an approximately 7-fold increase in water contact angle, a ~50% reduction in surface roughness, and improved adhesion. Degradation-related analyses, including ion release, post-immersion SEM, and scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), indicated that increasing polymer thickness effectively limited degradation processes. Ion release decreased by ~40–50% for the 30-layer coating compared to PEO, with the most pronounced reduction observed between the uncoated PEO and polymer-modified samples. These results demonstrate that the number of polymer layers plays a key role in controlling the barrier properties and stability of hybrid PEO/polymer coatings under simulated physiological conditions. Full article

Dissolved silicic acid (Si) in groundwater can reduce the As-removal performance of adsorbents used for treating contaminated water. However, its effects on Mg-based adsorbents remain largely unexplored. In this study, As-removal tests were conducted under various test conditions to evaluate the suitability of Mg-based adsorbents (MgO, Mg(OH)₂, and MgCO₃) for the purification of As-contaminated water in the presence of Si. As-removal performance varied significantly depending on the Mg-based adsorbent type and dosage (W_Ad0/V), As valence, and the initial As and Si (C_Si0) concentrations. In some cases, As removal improved at relatively low C_Si0; however, overall performance decreased with increasing C_Si0 for all Mg-based adsorbents. Moreover, compared with Mg(OH)_2, the performance of MgO and MgCO₃ was more strongly affected by Si. This inhibition is attributed to competition between Si and As for adsorption sites on the adsorbent surface. Furthermore, for MgO and MgCO₃, the amount of As removed by coprecipitation with secondarily generated Mg(OH)₂ aggregates was inferred to decrease with increasing C_Si0, because higher C_Si0 lowered the solution pH. Overall, MgO and Mg(OH)₂ can function effectively as adsorbents for As treatment when W_Ad0/V is appropriately selected, considering the range of Si concentrations typically found in groundwater. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease frequently associated with dysphagia, nutritional imbalances, and alterations in body composition. This study aims to describe the anthropometric profile and body composition in people with MS, estimate the risk and type of dysphagia, analyse dietary intake and habits, and evaluate the evolution of these parameters over six months. Methods: This descriptive analytical longitudinal study included 30 patients with MS (20 women, 10 men), with a median age of 53.3 years at baseline and 54.0 years at final assessment. The prevalence of dysphagia risk was determined, dietary patterns and body composition were characterised, and their interactions were explored through two assessments conducted six months apart. Results: Overall, 90% of the sample had relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). At both the initial and final assessments, the median BMI was above 25 kg/m² and a high prevalence of dysphagia risk (63.3% and 76.7%), particularly for liquids. Frequent inadequacies were observed in the intake of certain macronutrients and micronutrients, including energy, fibre, potassium and magnesium. Likewise, the analysis by food groups revealed low adherence to recommendations, particularly for fruits, cereals, legumes, fish and lean meats. No significant differences were detected between the two time points. Conclusions: Dysphagia, dietary intake, habits, and body composition are interconnected dimensions in MS; systematically integrating nutritional assessment and dysphagia screening into clinical practice would contribute to a more comprehensive management and to improvements in swallowing disorders and nutritional status in people with MS. Full article

Brazil, as one of the world’s leading fruit producers, faces increasing challenges arising from climate change, particularly in avocado cultivation, where excessive solar radiation and high temperatures impair plant metabolism, yield, and fruit quality. This study evaluated the use of a calcium and magnesium hydroxide-based sunscreen in mitigating heat stress in eight-year-old ‘Hass’ avocado trees. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a 4 × 8 factorial arrangement, with five replicates. Sunscreen applications were performed at full bloom and at the initial fruit development stage (18 mm). Leaf temperature, fruit drop rate, yield-related traits, fruit classification, and the percentage of fruit lesions were evaluated. Applications of the calcium and magnesium hydroxide-based sunscreen at concentrations of 3.0% and 4.5% (w/v) reduced leaf temperature and improved fruit biometric attributes compared to the control, although the maximum fruit diameter was achieved at the 2.6% concentration. The 4.5% sunscreen concentration reduced leaf temperature and fruit drop in ‘Hass’ avocado trees by 1.5 °C and 24.5%, respectively, compared with the control and decreased the percentage of small and damaged fruits. The application of sunscreen improved fruit weight and the percentage of fruits with higher market value, while the fruit diameter presented higher values at intermediate concentrations. Full article

Background: Indigenous African fruits, like the African horned cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus), are abundant in nutrients and serve as a source of food and raw materials for manufacturing value-added products in both rural and urban areas. This review presents a comparative analysis of selected fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family, specifically in terms of the phytochemical, biochemical and mineral constituents, as well as nutritional contribution, and aims to explore how the African horned cucumber measures up to its counterparts by comparing their nutritional content against the recommended daily intake (RDI). Material and Methods: A literature search—using the keywords ‘African horned cucumber’, ‘Cucurbitaceae fruits’, ‘biochemical constituents’, ‘indigenous fruits’ and ‘recommended daily intake’—was used to gather credible data suitable for this review paper. Findings and Conclusions: The published peer-reviewed literature reveals that the African horned cucumber—with its nutrient-rich profile boasting high levels of calcium (19%), potassium (28%), magnesium (78.1%), sodium (10.7%), zinc (12.7%), beta carotene (15.5%), vitamin C (4.1%), vitamin E (15.2%), total flavonoids (0.28%), and total phenols (0.7%)—holds the promise of contributing significantly to the human diet while aligning with the RDI and dietary guidelines, as documented in studies, further underscoring its potential to meet nutritional needs and enhance health, thus supporting its consideration for commercialisation. Full article