Search Results (381)

Sulfur-containing fertilizers increase production costs, which leads to low utilization of this nutrient. Thus, evaluating how the absence of sulfur influences the early development of Urochloa brizantha is essential. Study was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Rondonópolis in a completely randomized design, with six treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, and eight replications. Three cultivars of U. brizantha (Marandu, Xaraés and Piatã) were evaluated under two fertilization strategies: with or without sulfur fertilization. Sufur presence increased the number of leaves and forage mass, in which cultivar Xaraés presented the greatest means. Piatã was the cultivar most sensitive to sulfur deficiency at establishment, which reduced forage mass, number of leaves and number of tillers by 42%, 32%, and 45%, respectively. Despite these differences between cultivars, sulfur efficiently increased the forage yield. Sulfur fertilization increased the concentrations of nutrients in the plants without significantly affecting the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Sulfur omission resulted in increased phosphorus uptake in all grass. In contrast, Marandu grass exhibited the greatest reduction in sulfur uptake. Therefore, the use of sulfur in the fertilization of grasses is recommended, it is important to evaluate the responses of each cultivar to better adjust the fertilization management. Full article

Manganese (Mn) excess and low pH often coexist in some citrus orchard soils. Little information is known about the underlying mechanism by which raising pH reduces Mn toxicity in citrus plants. ‘Sour pummelo’ (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) seedlings were treated with 2 (Mn2) or 500 (Mn500) μM Mn at a pH of 3 (P3) or 5 (P5) for 25 weeks. Raising pH mitigated Mn500-induced increases in Mn, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, and zinc distributions in roots, but it mitigated Mn500-induced decreases in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and boron concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, as well as nutrient imbalance. Raising pH mitigated Mn500-induced necrotic spots on old leaves, yellowing of young leaves, decreases in seedling growth, leaf chlorophyll concentration, and CO₂ assimilation (A_CO2), increase in root dry weight (DW)/shoot DW, and alterations of leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients and related indexes. Further analysis indicated that raising pH ameliorated Mn500-induced impairment of nutrient homeostasis, leaf thylakoid structure by iron deficiency and competition of Mn with magnesium, and photosynthetic electron transport chain (PETC), thereby reducing Mn500-induced declines in A_CO2 and subsequent seedling growth. These results validated the hypothesis that raising pH reduced Mn toxicity in ‘Sour pummelo’ seedlings by (a) reducing Mn uptake, (b) efficient maintenance of nutrient homeostasis under Mn stress, (c) reducing Mn excess-induced impairment of thylakoid structure and PEPC and inhibition of chlorophyll biosynthesis, and (d) increasing A_CO2 and subsequent seedling growth under Mn excess. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by the bidirectional deterioration of cardiac and renal function, driven by mechanisms such as renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the key molecular pathways involved in CRS and to highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, with a special emphasis on nutritional interventions. We examined recent evidence on the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction, uremic toxins, and immune activation to CRS progression and assessed the role of dietary and micronutrient factors. Results indicate that a high dietary intake of sodium, phosphorus additives, and processed foods is associated with volume overload, vascular damage, and inflammation, whereas deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D correlate with worse clinical outcomes. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactives, such as omega-3 PUFAs, curcumin, and anthocyanins from maqui, demonstrate potential to modulate key CRS mechanisms, including the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Gene therapy approaches targeting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling are also discussed. An integrative approach combining pharmacological RAAS modulation with personalized medical nutrition therapy and anti-inflammatory nutrients may offer a promising strategy to prevent or delay CRS progression and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Hypomagnesemia is a frequent and often underrecognized electrolyte disturbance with important clinical consequences, especially in hospitalized and critically ill patients. This multifactorial condition arises from impaired intestinal absorption, renal magnesium wasting, and the effects of various medications. Magnesium, the second most abundant intracellular cation, is crucial in enzymatic and physiological processes; its deficiency is associated with neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and metabolic complications. This narrative review focuses on the mechanisms and clinical consequences of drug-induced hypomagnesemia, highlighting the major drug classes involved such as diuretics, antibiotics, antineoplastic agents, and immunosuppressants. Management strategies include magnesium supplementation and adjunctive therapies like amiloride and SGLT2 inhibitors to reduce renal magnesium losses. Recognizing and addressing drug-induced hypomagnesemia is essential to improve patient outcomes and prevent long-term complications. Full article

Mineral imbalances in livestock can critically impair growth, immunity, and productivity. Yaks inhabiting the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau face unique environmental challenges, including high-altitude-induced nutrient variability. This study investigated the status of mineral elements and their correlations with altitude in healthy yak calves across five regions in Ganzi Prefecture, located at elevations ranging from 3100 to 4100 m. Hair and serum samples from 35 calves were analyzed for 11 essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, and Se). The results revealed widespread deficiencies. Key deficiencies were identified: hair Na and Co were significantly below references value (p < 0.05), and Se was consistently deficient across all regions, with deficiency rates ranging from 35.73% to 56.57%. Serum Mg and Cu were generally deficient (Mg deficiency > 26% above 3800 m). S, Mn (low detection), and Co were also suboptimal. Serum selenium deficiency was notably severe in lower-altitude areas (≤59.07%). Significant correlations with altitude were observed: hair sodium levels decreased with increasing altitude (r = −0.72), while hair manganese (r = 0.88) and cobalt (r = 0.65) levels increased. Serum magnesium deficiency became more pronounced at higher elevations (r = 0.58), whereas selenium deficiency in serum was more severe at lower altitudes (r = −0.61). These findings indicate prevalent multi-element deficiencies in yak calves that are closely linked to altitude and are potentially influenced by soil mineral composition and feeding practices, as suggested by previous studies. The study underscores the urgent need for region-specific nutritional standards and altitude-adapted mineral supplementation strategies to support optimal yak health and development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is complicated by iron overload and hypomagnesemia, both contributing to immune dysfunction and post-transplant morbidity. The combined impact of these metabolic disturbances on pediatric allo-HSCT outcomes remains unexplored. This study aims to determine whether hypomagnesemia can serve as a prognostic biomarker for delayed immune reconstitution and explores its interplay with iron overload in predicting post-transplant complications and survival outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 163 pediatric allo-HSCT recipients. Serum magnesium levels were measured at defined intervals post-transplant, and outcomes were correlated with CD4+ T cell recovery, time to engraftment, incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and survival within 12 months. Iron status, including siderosis severity, was evaluated using imaging and laboratory parameters obtained from clinical records. Results: Patients who died within 12 months post-transplant exhibited significantly lower magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia was associated with delayed CD4+ T cell recovery, prolonged engraftment, and an increased risk of acute GVHD. A strong inverse correlation was observed between magnesium levels and the severity of siderosis. Iron overload appeared to exacerbate magnesium deficiency. Additionally, the coexistence of hypomagnesemia and siderosis significantly increased the risk of immune dysfunction and early mortality. No significant association was found with chronic GVHD. Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia is a significant, early predictor of poor outcomes in pediatric allo-HSCT, particularly in the context of iron overload, underscoring the need for early intervention, including iron chelation and MRI, to improve outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: A commonly observed phenomenon in outpatient oncological patients is the appearance of hypotension not attributable to other causes in hypertensive patients undergoing oncological treatment. Once antihypertensive treatment is discontinued, patients remain normotensive after the oncological treatment ends. The objective of this research is to analyze our experience with this phenomenon and try to provide an explanation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted with a total sample of 302 hypertensive oncological patients, with cases presenting symptomatic hypotension and controls not. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, with the latter focusing on studies by Odds Ratio, Chi-square, Z test for comparison of two proportions, and multivariate regression. Results: Regarding the results obtained, it is noteworthy that in both the univariate and multivariate models, treatment with cisplatin showed statistical significance (Univariate, OR 3.06 (CI 1.82–5.11). Z 4.45, p < 0.0001; multivariate, p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R2 74.8%). Cisplatin treatment and the study phenomenon were correlated with magnesium levels (Chi-square 8.2, p = 0.017), relating hypotension to hypertensive patients with low magnesium levels. Conclusions: CDDP treatment is associated with hypotension or normotension in previously hypertensive cancer patients. This may be related to peripheral vascular fragility induced by oncological drugs, leading to reduced vascular resistance. Although magnesium deficiency is generally linked to hypertension, chemotherapy-related shifts in magnesium levels due to impaired renal handling may play a role. These findings may help improve the understanding of blood pressure regulation in oncology patients. Full article

Kidney transplant recipients face a substantial burden of premature mortality and morbidity, primarily due to persistent inflammation, cardiovascular risk, and nutritional deficiencies. Traditional nutritional interventions in this population have either focused on supplementing individual nutrients—often with limited efficacy—or required comprehensive dietary overhauls that compromise patient adherence. In this narrative review, we explore the rationale for dietary nut enrichment as a feasible, multi-nutrient strategy tailored to the needs of kidney transplant recipients. Nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts with no added salt, sugar, or oil, are rich in beneficial fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. We summarize the multiple post-transplant challenges—including obesity, sarcopenia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, immunological dysfunction, and chronic inflammation—and discuss how nut consumption may mitigate these issues through mechanisms involving improved micro-nutrient intake (e.g., magnesium, potassium, selenium), lipid profile modulation, endothelial function, immune support, and gut microbiota health. Additionally, we highlight the scarcity of randomized controlled trials in high-risk populations such as kidney transplant recipients and make the case for studying this group as a model for investigating the clinical efficacy of nuts as a nutritional intervention. We also consider practical aspects for future clinical trials, including the choice of study population, intervention design, duration, nut type, dosage, and primary outcome measures such as systemic inflammation. Finally, potential risks such as nut allergies and oxalate or mycotoxin exposure are addressed. Altogether, this review proposes dietary nut enrichment as a promising, simple, and sustainable multi-nutrient approach to support cardiometabolic and immune health in kidney transplant recipients, warranting formal investigation in clinical trials. Full article

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among pregnant women and children under five years old, remain a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. Despite existing policies and programmes, national data on prevalence and risk factors are fragmented. Objective: To synthesise the current evidence on the prevalence of key micronutrient deficiencies and associated risk factors among pregnant women and children under five years old in Nigeria. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using peer-reviewed studies that were published between 2008 and 2024. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and African Journals Online. After screening 1207 studies, 37 studies were included: 27 were conducted among pregnant women and 10 were among children. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the anaemia prevalence using a random-effects model. A narrative synthesis was conducted to synthesise evidence on other micronutrients (i.e., magnesium, copper, and vitamins C and E) due to the limited data and risk factors. Results: The pooled prevalence of anaemia was 56% among children and 54% among pregnant women. The prevalence of other micronutrient deficiencies varied widely, with a high prevalence of zinc (86.4%), magnesium (94%), and vitamin D (73.3%) deficiencies in certain regions. The identified risk factors included poor dietary diversity, lower socioeconomic status, low maternal education, infection burden, and early or high parity. Most studies were facility-based and sub-national, limiting the generalisability. Conclusions: This review highlights a high prevalence of anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women and children in Nigeria. Key risk factors included a poor diet, low maternal education, infections, and reproductive health challenges. Targeted, multisectoral policies are urgently needed to address these gaps and improve health outcomes. Full article

The appearance rate of nutrients into systemic circulation affects hormones like insulin and through that efficiency of growth. This also affects mineral requirements critical for metabolism, notably phosphate (P), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K). Fasting animals have a downregulated metabolism, upon which P, Mg, and K are exported from their cells into the blood and are subsequently excreted in their urine. Abrupt resumption of feed intake, especially of highly glycemic feeds, creates an acute need for these minerals, which can result in deficiency symptoms, particularly with P deficiency. In human medicine, this is called refeeding syndrome: a large meal after a period of fasting can prove fatal. Young animals seem to be especially sensitive, likely driven by their ability to grow rapidly and thus to drastically upregulate their metabolism in response to insulin. Symptoms of P deficiency are fairly a-specific and, consequently, not often recognized. They include edema, which makes it appear as if piglets are growing well, explaining the high gain/feed rate typically seen immediately after weaning, even when piglets are eating at or below the maintenance requirements. Phosphate deficiency can also result in hypoxia and hypercarbia, which may trigger ear necrosis, Streptococcus suis infections, or even death. Hypophosphatemia can also trigger rhabdomyolysis, which may contribute to tail-biting, but this requires further study. Arguably, when fasting cannot be avoided, diets for newly weaned piglets should be formulated to avoid these problems by lowering their glycemic load and by formulating diets according to the piglets’ actual requirements inspired by their genuine intake and health and not simply by extrapolating from older animals. Full article

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) has gained oncologists’ attention due to its wide range of biological functions and frequent use as a complementary or integrative agent. This review outlines Mg’s actions, its complex role in carcinogenesis and tumor risk, and clinical issues. Mg²⁺ is essential in numerous biochemical processes, including adenosine triphosphate production, cellular signal transduction, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and bone formation. Pertinent full-text articles were thoroughly examined, and the most relevant ones were selected for inclusion in this review. There is conflicting scientific evidence about the relationship between Mg²⁺ changes and cancer risk, apart from colorectal cancer. Chronic Mg²⁺ deficiency leads to immune dysfunctions and enhanced baseline inflammation associated with oxidative stress related to various age-associated morbidities and cancer. On the other hand, Mg²⁺ deficiency is associated with drug or chemotherapy-related hypomagnesemia, postoperative pain, cachexia, opioid-induced constipation, normal tissue protection from radiation damage, and prevention of nephrotoxicity. A balanced diet usually provides sufficient Mg²⁺, but supplementation may be necessary in some clinical settings. Full article

This study investigates the nutritional and chemical profile of cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour, evaluating its potential as a sustainable and highly nutritious food source. Cricket flour, with a protein content of approximately 60%, offers a significantly higher nutritional value compared to many traditional food sources. It is particularly rich in essential amino acids, making it a valuable and sustainable protein alternative. Additionally, the flour is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. The administration of 100 g of cricket flour would exceed the recommended daily intake for adults for most nutrients, making its incorporation into more traditional foods such as bread and pasta at low percentages feasible, easily compensating for any imbalances and increasing their nutritional values. We found that an addition of a mere 10% of cricket flour to produce an experimental pasta fulfilled half of the recommended daily intake values for protein, lipids, and minerals. Chemical analyses of the pure cricket flour revealed only trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and linear alkanes, with concentrations well below safety thresholds established for other food categories, indicating that cricket flour is safe for human consumption. The study’s findings confirm that cricket flour is a promising sustainable protein source, and its integration into classic foods could safely contribute to alleviating iron and copper deficiencies as well as malnutrition. Full article

Background and Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder with diverse subtypes. Recent evidence has suggested a link between vitamin D deficiency and IBS; however, the associations between vitamin D levels, IBS subtypes, and hematological–biochemical parameters remain unclear. The aim of this research was to investigate the associations between vitamin D status, IBS subtypes, and sex, along with their relationships with biochemical and hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 240 patients diagnosed with IBS according to the Rome IV criteria at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Hospital. The patients were classified as diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C), or mixed-type (IBS-M). The patients’ serum vitamin D levels and hematological (hemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet counts, and mean corpuscular volume) and biochemical (ferritin, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12 levels) parameters were evaluated at baseline and after vitamin D supplementation. Sex-related differences were assessed. Results: Baseline vitamin D levels were low in all IBS subtypes, with no significant differences between the groups. Vitamin D supplementation resulted in a significant increase in serum vitamin D levels across all subtypes (p = 0.001). No significant correlations were identified between vitamin D levels and hematological or biochemical parameters. Sex differences in vitamin D levels were only significant in the IBS-M group, both at baseline and post-treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among all IBS subtypes and significantly improves with supplementation, independently of the subtype. Although no associations were found between vitamin D levels and laboratory parameters, the observed sex differences in patients with IBS-M highlight the need for further research into potential sex-related pathophysiological mechanisms. These findings support the integration of routine vitamin D assessment and supplementation into the clinical management of IBS, especially in patients with the IBS-M subtype and female sex, to potentially improve patient outcomes. Full article

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, with particular relevance to maintaining neural homeostasis, modulating neurotransmitter systems, and regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the potential role of magnesium in the pathophysiology and treatment of three prevalent neurological and psychiatric disorders—depression, migraine, and Alzheimer’s disease—as well as its broader implications for cognitive health. Current research suggests that magnesium deficiency is associated with the development of depression, as magnesium influences glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, as well as the activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, both of which play critical roles in stress responses and mood regulation. Additionally, magnesium’s anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to the alleviation of depressive symptoms. In the context of migraine’s pathophysiology, magnesium plays a role in regulating cerebral vascular tone, modulating the trigeminovascular system, and reducing neuronal hyperexcitability, which may explain the observed correlation between magnesium levels and the incidence of migraines. Regarding Alzheimer’s disease, preclinical and epidemiological studies suggest that magnesium may contribute to modulating neurodegenerative processes and preserving cognitive function; however, due to the heterogeneity of the current findings, further longitudinal and interventional studies are necessary to determine its precise clinical relevance. This review aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between magnesium and these disorders through a narrative review of relevant clinical studies. The findings may provide insights into the potential therapeutic applications of magnesium and guide the future directions of the research into the prevention and treatment of depression, migraine, and Alzheimer’s disease and overall cognitive health. Full article

Magnesium whitlockite (Mg-WH) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration due to its compositional similarity to natural bone minerals. This study aimed to systematically modify a dissolution–precipitation synthesis method to produce Mg-WH granules with tailored morphologies and controlled phase compositions for possible use in bone regeneration applications. Three distinct precursor granules were prepared by mixing varying amounts of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and magnesium hydrogen phosphate with calcium sulfate. The precursors were then transformed into biphasic and single-phase Mg-WH granules by means of immersion in magnesium- and phosphate-containing solutions under controlled conditions. The X-ray diffraction results demonstrated that biphasic materials containing Mg-WH and either calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) or dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) formed after 24 h of synthesis, depending on the synthesis conditions. Prolonging the reaction time to 48 h resulted in complete transformation into single-phase Mg-WH granules. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of Mg-WH, CDHA, and DCPA in the intermediate products. The spectra also indicated the absence of precursor phases and the progressive elimination of secondary phases as the reaction time increased. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed notable morphological transformations from the raw granules to the product granules, with the latter exhibiting interlocked spherical and rod-like particles composed of fine Mg-WH rhombohedral crystals. N₂ adsorption–desorption analyses exposed significant differences in the surface properties of the synthesized granules. By varying precursor, reaction solution compositions, and reaction times, the study elucidated the phase evolution mechanisms and demonstrated their impact on the structural, morphological, and surface properties of Mg-WH granules. Full article