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Organic polymer materials have attracted much attention in rechargeable aqueous magnesium ion batteries (AMIBs) due to their sustainability and structural designability. However, the ionic storage capability is hindered by their insufficient redox‐active sites, dissolvability in aqueous electrolytes, and short‐range conjugated structures, resulting in low energy density and poor cycling stability. Herein, a sulfur‐heterocyclic aromatic polyimide‐based organic polymer (PTDBS) is constructed with multiple redox‐active sites and long‐range conjugate, which is employed as active material for AMIB anode, achieving an outstanding Mg2+ storage capability. Benefitting from the introduced thioether bonds, PTDBS possesses an enhanced electronic conductivity and additional redox‐active sites for reversible Mg2+ coordination, thus ensuring high redox activity and superior electron affinity. As a result, the PTDBS electrode delivers ultrafast and stable Mg2+ storage in an MgCl2 aqueous electrolyte with a superior rate capacity of 98.6 mA h g−1 at 10.0 A g−1, and remarkable cycling stability over 7500 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 90.0%. Notably, the all‐organic aqueous full cell, realized by coupling the PTDBS anode and the polyindole cathode, achieves a high energy density and long lifespan. This work lays the foundation for the development of highly stable all‐organic electrode materials for large‐scale aqueous energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The kinetics and storage‐capacity of NiCoMg‐ternary layered double hydroxide (NiCoMg‐LDH) are successfully boosted by valence engineering. As the cathode for aqueous magnesium‐ion batteries (AMIBs), the assembled NiCoMg‐LDH//active carbon (AC) delivers a high specific discharge capacity (121.0 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 A·g−1), long‐term cycling stability (85% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1.0 A·g−1) and an excellent performance at −30 °C. Moreover, NiCoMg‐LDH//perylenediimide (PTCDI) is assembled, achieving a high specific discharge capacity and long‐term cycling stability. X‐ray absorption spectra (XAS)/X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses and Density functional theory (DFT) calculations disclose that the electrons are redistributed due to the 3d orbital overlap of Co/Ni atoms in NiCoMg‐LDH, which obviously reduces the valence states of Co/Ni atoms, enhances Mg─O bond strength and degree of hybridization of Co/Ni 3d and O 2p orbitals. Hence, the electronic conductivity is significantly enhanced and the electrostatic repulsion between Mg2+ and host layers is greatly reduced, giving rise to the improved diffusion kinetics and storage‐capacity of Mg2+. Furthermore, in situ Raman/X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and ex situ XPS reveal corresponding energy‐storage mechanism. This paper not only demonstrates the feasibility of LDHs as cathode for AMIBs, but also offers a new modification method of valence engineering for high‐performance electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive health concerns like Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser (MRKH) syndrome are prevalent in today's society. MRKH syndrome is a condition that severely affects women's sexual life, fertility, and mental health and has a high prevalence of one out of 5000 female births. Vaginoplasty is the primary method to regain patients' reproductive health. However, conventional vaginoplasty faces various challenges, including complex and non‐customized treatment procedures causing intense pains and complications. To bring new advances to vaginoplasty, a 3D‐printed hydrogel scaffold is developed to provide satisfactory mechanical support and bioactivity for accelerating defect repair after surgery. The hydrogel scaffold consisting of gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) and carrageenan (Car) is custom 3D‐printed using an ambient temperature printing system. Furthermore, the scaffold undergoes dual‐crosslinking through chemical crosslinking of gelMA and ionic crosslinking of Car with magnesium ions (Mg2+). This dual‐crosslinking strategy substantially improves the overall mechanical properties of the scaffold and introduces bioactive Mg2+. The sustained release of Mg2+ plus the extracts from the dual‐crosslinked scaffold significantly promotes cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. In a preclinical rat model with penetrating genital tract defects mimicking vaginoplasty, the implantation of dual‐crosslinked scaffold repairs the penetrating wounds to near‐normal levels within one week, showing potential as an alternative for better regaining reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead‐based perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) as one of the most promising materials in the fields of display and lighting, have outstanding optical performance and simple solution preparation process. However, the toxicity of lead and poor stability limit their commercialization. Meanwhile, as a key component of display and lighting, white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) still faces challenges such as low luminance and complex preparation process. A method is proposed for preparing nontoxic and stable Cs3Cu2I5 NCs by doping Mg2+ ions, achieved broadband blue light emission with a high PLQY of 96.2% and excellent thermal cycling stability and air stability. Then, the Mg2+ ions doped Cs3Cu2I5 NCs are used as emissive layer, while the 1,3,5‐Tri (m‐pyridine‐3‐ylphenyl) benzene (TmPyPb) is selected as electron transport layer to interact with Cs3Cu2I5 thin films for the formation of Cu‐I complex with broadband yellow light emission. This approach obviated the need for multi‐layer sedimentary emission layers, resulting in WLEDs featuring a high color rendering index (CRI) of 91, a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.71% and maximum luminance of 2116 cd m−2 that is the highest values of lead‐free perovskite WLEDs at present. Therefore, Cs3Cu2I5 NCs have good application prospects in WLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strain can regulate the electronic properties of transition metal sulfides and enhance their application in ion battery electrode materials. In this article, the potential of single‐layer SnS2 as anode material for magnesium ion batteries under shear strain and torsional strain was studied by first‐principles calculation. The calculation of adsorption energy shows that the strain does not have a great influence on the structural stability. The band gap of SnS2 calculated by HSE06 is 2.210 eV. When Mg is on the surface of SnS2, the band gap of SnS2 drops to 0.113 eV, which shows quasi‐metallic properties. Both strains can regulate the band gap value of SnS2. The diffusion energy barrier of SnS2 after strain is significantly lower than that without strain. After torsion strain, the diffusion barrier of Mg ions on SnS2 is 0.11 eV. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the design of magnesium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron is a naturally occurring trace chemical element. High concentrations of boron in nature can adversely affect biological systems and cause severe pollution to the ecological environment. We examined a method to effectively remove boron ions from water systems using sugarcane bagasse biochar from agricultural waste with NH3 nanobubbles (10% NH3 and 90% N2). We studied the effects of the boron solution concentration, pH, and adsorption time on the adsorption of boron by the modified biochar. At the same time, the possibility of using magnesium chloride and NH3 nanobubbles to enhance the adsorption capacity of the biochar was explored. The carbonization temperature of sugarcane bagasse was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. It was characterized using XRD, SEM, and BET analysis. The boron adsorption results showed that, under alkaline conditions above pH 9, the adsorption capacity of the positively charged modified biochar was improved under the double-layer effect of magnesium ions and NH3 nanobubbles, because the boron existed in the form of negatively charged borate B(OH)4− anion groups. Moreover, cations on the NH3 nanobubble could adsorb the boron. When the NH3 nanobubbles with boron and the modified biochar with boron could coagulate each other, the boron was removed to a significant extent. Extended DLVO theory was adopted to model the interaction between the NH3 nanobubble and modified biochar. The boron adsorption capacity was 36 mg/g at room temperature according to a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorbed boron was investigated using FT-IR and XPS analysis. The ammonia could be removed using zeolite molecular sieves and heating. Boron in an aqueous solution can be removed via adsorption with modified biochar with NH3 nanobubbles and MgCl2 addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize the growing demand for superior energy storage devices and electric vehicles, commercial anode candidates for next‐generation rechargeable batteries need to meet the characteristics of low cost, high energy density, high capacity, and stable performance. The emerging tin‐based anodes show great potential for high performance metal‐ion battery anodes due to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, green harmless and high safety. Tin based anode materials include tin gold based materials, tin alloy materials, tin based oxides, tin based phosphide, tin based sulfides, multi‐component composite materials, etc. However, the change in volume and structure of tin‐based anode materials during the cycle has become the biggest obstacle to its development. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a wide range of possibilities for achieving high rate capacity and excellent cycle stability by finely regulating the structure and composition of tin‐based materials at the molecular level. The latest progress of tin‐based materials derived from MOFs as anode materials for metal‐ion batteries (including lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries, potassium ion batteries, magnesium ion batteries) was reviewed in this paper. Firstly, the preparation method and morphology control of tin‐based MOF are briefly introduced, and the structural characteristics, storage mechanism and modification of tin‐based MOF derived materials are emphatically discussed. Finally, we summarized the existing modification measures and challenges of these anode materials, and put forward the prospect of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of next‐generation batteries lies in solid biodegradable polymer electrolytes. This research delves into a solid blend polymer electrolyte (SBPE) for magnesium conduction, utilizing a chitosan‐dextran blend matrix doped with magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2) salt. The electrolyte films are prepared using a conventional solution casting technique. Through techniques like X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the successful incorporation of Mg(ClO4)2 into the blend matrix is confirmed. Notably, the SBPE containing 30 wt% of Mg(ClO4)2 demonstrates the highest ionic conductivity of 6.99 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a prominent ionic transference number of 0.84. Thermogravimetric analysis is carried out to study thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the electrolyte systems gives insight into their thermal properties. Additionally, it showcases favorable electrochemical stability of 2.66 V. The oxidation and reduction peaks are observed in the cyclic voltammetry curve of the highest conducting sample. Furthermore, the discharge performance of Mg/(CS + DN + Mg(ClO4)2)/cathode cells is explored with varied cathode materials, illustrating the SBPE's potential for magnesium‐ion batteries. This study unveils a sustainable, biodegradable, and economical electrolyte solution for advanced energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation behavior and induration characteristics of typical ferrous spinel concentrates including low-Mg (OM) and high-Mg magnetite (MM), titanomagnetite (TM), and chromite (CM) was investigated. An insight into the thermodynamics, phase and microstructure transformation, element migration mechanism of the oxidation of different types of ferrous spinel was taken using thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1273 K. The results indicate that OM, MM, and TM start to oxidize and form hematite at a similar temperature of approximately 673 K, while oxidation of CM begins at a higher temperature of around 873 K. Among them, OM exhibits superior oxidizability. For MM, the incorporation of magnesium ions into the octahedral crystal sites of magnetite tends to stabilize the crystal structure of magnetite and presents some negative influence on its oxidizability. TM has more complex chemical and phase compositions, dominantly consisting of titanomagnetite (Fe2.75Ti0.25O4) with good oxidizability, whereas the presence of a small quantity of ilmenite (FeTiO3) reduces the final oxidation degree. Compared with OM, MM, and TM, CM exhibits inferior oxidizability due to its complex chemical compositions and phase transformation. The induration characteristics of pellets prepared by four kinds of spinel also shows significant differences. Under the conditions of 1553 K, the induration characteristics are best with OM, followed by CM and TM, while MM exhibits the best induration performance at 1473 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable magnesium‐ion batteries (RMBs) have garnered increasing research interest in the field of post‐lithium‐ion battery technologies owing to their potential for high energy density, enhanced safety, cost‐effectiveness, and material resourcefulness. Despite substantial advancements in RMB research, a number of intrinsic challenges remain unresolved, such as the strong Coulombic interaction between Mg2+ and the host crystal structure of cathode materials, sluggish Mg2+ diffusion kinetic, poor electrolyte compatibility, and the formation of passivation films on the Mg anode interface. These issues hinder the commercial applications of RMBs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress in key areas of RMB research, including representative magnesium‐ion storage cathode/anode materials and magnesium‐ion conducting electrolytes. Additionally, recent developments in electrode‐electrolyte interface regulations and pouch‐cell fabrication are outlined, highlighting current challenges and the implementation of effective solutions. Finally, future research directions are proposed to guide the development of high‐performance RMBs with practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in sports have become increasingly prevalent, leading to the widespread adoption of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) artificial ligaments for ACL reconstruction due to their superior mechanical properties. However, the bio‐inertness of PET presents a significant challenge to graft‐bone integration, necessitating the enhancement of PET surface bioactivity. This study employed magnetron sputtering and hydrogel coating techniques to introduce strontium calcium‐phosphorus, and magnesium ions onto the surface of PET ligaments, achieving the sequential release of Mg, and Sr ions. The scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the uniformity and stability of the modified PET ligament surface material. The synergistic effect of sequential release from Mg/Sr‐PET has effectively promoted osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and neuronal differentiation in vitro. Moreover, in the reconstructed ACL model using Sprague‐Dawley rats, the histological staining, micro‐computed tomography, and biomechanical test results indicated that the Mg/Sr‐PET group notably stimulated blood vessel and nerve formation, demonstrating remarkable bone regrowth promotion. In conclusion, the sequential release and synergistic effect of magnesium and strontium ions significantly enhanced graft‐bone integration and accelerated rapid healing, offering valuable insights for improving clinical ACL reconstruction outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption behavior of NH4+ and Mg2+ at kaolinite surfaces was investigated by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, considering the factors such as ion concentration, NH4+/Mg2+ mixing ratio, and layer charge of kaolinite. The results showed that the increase in ion concentration did not affect the adsorption modes of NH4+ and Mg2+ ions but promote the increase in the adsorption capacity. The total adsorption capacities of Mg2+ and NH4+ were 3.25 × 10−6 and 2.85 × 10−6 μmol·mm−2 at the ion concentration of 1.5 mol·L−1, respectively. When NH4+ and Mg2+ were co‐adsorbed, they could inhibit the adsorption of each other at the surface of kaolinite, except that the inner‐sphere (IS) adsorption of NH4+ at aluminum hydroxyl (Al–OH) surface could be enhanced by the presence of Mg2+. Both NH4+ and Mg2+ tended to adsorb at the siloxane (Si–O) surface of kaolinite rather than Al–OH surface. When layer charge occurred in kaolinite, a small number of Mg2+ began to adsorb in the IS complexes at 1.7 and 2.3 Å above the Al and O atoms of the lattice‐substituted tetrahedra of the Si–O surface, and at 1.7 Å above the hexahedra of the Al–OH surface. However, most of NH4+ were adsorbed in IS complexes at 1.7 Å above the center of the oxygen six‐membered ring of the Si–O surface and above the hexahedron of the Al–OH surface. The adsorption capacity of Mg2+ changed little with the increase of layer charge density, while the IS and total adsorption capacity of NH4+ increased significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the protective effects of magnesium sulfate on dopamine neurons in the retinas of rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced Parkinson's disease (PD). Rapidly progressing cognitive decline often precedes or coincides with the motor symptoms associated with PD. PD patients also frequently exhibit visual function abnormalities. However, the specific mechanisms underlying visual dysfunction in PD patients are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether magnesium homeostasis affects dopaminergic neurons in the retina of PD rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) control with magnesium sulfate (control/MgSO4), (3) Parkinson's disease (PD), and (4) Parkinson's disease with magnesium sulfate (PD/MgSO4). The apomorphine-induced (APO) rotation test assessed the success of the PD models. The open-field experiment measured the rats' anxiety levels. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and glutamate levels, indicators of dopamine neuron survival, were detected using immunofluorescence staining. Protein levels of solute carrier family 41 A1 (SCL41A1), magnesium transporter 1 (MagT1), and cyclin M2 (CNNM2) in the retina were analyzed using Western blot. Results showed that, compared to the PD group, rats in the PD/MgSO4 group had improved psychological states and motor performance at two and four weeks post-surgery. The PD/MgSO4 group also exhibited significantly higher TH fluorescence intensity in the left retinas and lower glutamate fluorescence intensity than the PD group. Additional experiments indicated that the protein levels of SLC41A1, MagT1, and CNNM2 were generally higher in the retinas of the PD/MgSO4 group, along with an increase in retinal magnesium ion content. This suggests that magnesium sulfate may reduce glutamate levels and protect dopamine neurons in the retina. Thus, magnesium sulfate might have therapeutic potential for visual functional impairments in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to some specific properties of adiponitrile (ADN) including high oxidative stability and high flash point, it is proposed as co‐solvent with an ionic liquid (IL) as a promising electrolyte solvent for application in magnesium batteries. Herein, we report a flexible film of gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) comprising a polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) in which a liquid electrolyte of Mg‐trifluoromethane sulfonate (Mg‐triflate) in the mixture of ADN:IL (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium triflate, EMITf) is immobilized for use in Mg‐batteries. The structural/morphological properties of the GPE film have been characterized via different physical techniques. The high ionic conductivity (σRT = 5.9 mS cm−1), wide potential range of oxidative stability (~4.18 V vs. Mg/Mg2+), high Mg‐ion transport number (tMg2+ = 0.67) and thermal stability up to ~160°C ascertain the compatibility of electrolyte film in magnesium batteries with high voltage cathode materials. The comparative studies of the interfacial‐stability and Mg‐stripping/plating tests on the two symmetrical cells with Mg and Mg/MWCNTs nanocomposite electrodes show the improved reversibility of the electrolyte film with Mg‐MWCNTs powder as anode material, compared with pure Mg‐powder. The overall results indicate that the GPE based on binary solvent mixture ADN:IL is high performance flexible electrolyte for Mg‐batteries with Mg‐MWCNTs powder as anode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium batteries are promising post-lithium storms for their low cost and high energy density. Engineering novel cathodic materials compensate for the charge imbalance due to the introduction of the bivalent magnesium cation in the framework of the cathode, which is one of the key solutions for realizing a practical Mg battery. Herein, crystal engineering of WS2 using the Al doping strategy is conducted to regulate magnesium storage and electrochemical reaction kinetics of WS2 cathodes. Tungsten disulfide (WS2) and Al-doped WS2 (WS2@Alx, x = 0, 2, and 4 wt.%) are prepared by a one-step hydrothermal technique and used as a cathode material for magnesium batteries. We explore the Mg2+ insertion/extraction process on the WS2@Alx in the presence of a halogen-free electrolyte (HFE) based on 0.69 M Mg(NO3)2·6H2O dissolved in acetonitrile (ACN) to tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (G4) (∼2:1). The Mg/WS2 full battery containing Al delivered a higher initial discharge capacity than the Al-free cell. Introducing an anode/electrolyte polymer interface inhibits the passivation of Mg anode via insulation between the liquid electrolyte and Mg anode. This study provides an effective method to design a practical Mg cathode and a new understanding of crystal engineering of WS2 by Al doping. This may help construct high-performance cathodes for Mg battery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In order to better preserve phospholipids (PLs)‐type polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and astaxanthin (ASTA), Antarctic krill oil (AKO) undergoes only limited refining steps, which results in the presence of metal ions. This study aims to establish a metal ion removal method for AKO by using adsorbents and investigate the effects of the metal ion removal process on nutritional composition, oxidation state and colour of AKO, as well as the effects of metal oil removal of AKO on its nutrition composition, oxidation stability and colour stability upon accelerated storage. Among the three types of adsorbents including silica gel, diatomaceous earth, and attapulgite soil, the last one showed the best comprehensive removal effects. After optimising the removal conditions, attapulgite soil achieved the removal rates of 92.5%, 90.0%, and 86.4%, respectively, for iron ions, magnesium ions and calcium ions. Compared to the fresh AKO, the processed AKO had no significant differences in peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total oxidation value (TOTOX), as well as PUFA content and lipid class composition, indicating that the metal ion removal process would not cause significant lipid oxidation. Moreover, the processed AKO looks brighter and more transparent, and had higher detection values in L*, a*, and b* but lower UV‐vis absorption at 295 nm (A295) and 420 nm (A420). This indicated that the metal ion removal process improved the colour quality. After accelerated storage at 60 °C for 8 days, the processed AKO sample had significantly lower values in POV, TBARS, and TOTOX, but significant higher PUFA content than the fresh AKO group. Moreover, the processed AKO sample had the higher values of L*, a*, and b*, as well as A470 and A495, but the lower values of A295 and A420. The above results indicate that the removal of metal ions significantly improved the stabilities of oxidation and colour of AKO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Silicone Material is the property of Silicone Material Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Releasing inorganic ions from Ca/P biomaterials could provide an alternative approach to using growth factors to improve bone healing. Two types of hydroxyapatite HA fiber scaffolds, copper-doped (CuHA) and magnesium-doped (MgHA), were fabricated by using the sol-gel method. Two types of scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluid SPF (i,e, Phosphate Buffered Saline PBS) for 30 days. The results after immersions indicated the amount of Cu and Mg ions released from scaffolds. A low amount of Mg and Cu ions could improve vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenesis around bone, thus can hasten bone healing and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnesium chalcogenide spinel MgSc2Se4 with high Mg‐ion room‐temperature conductivity has recently attracted interest as solid electrolyte for magnesium ion batteries. Its ionic/electronic mixed‐conducting nature and the influence of the spinel composition on the conductivity and Mg2+ migration barrier are yet not well understood. Here, results from a combined experimental and computational study on four MgB2Se4 spinels (B = Sc, Y, Er, Tm) are presented. The room‐temperature ionic conductivities (σion = 2 × 10−5–7 × 10–5 S cm−1) of the spinels are accurately measured, as electron transport is effectively suppressed by purely Mg‐ion conducting electrode interlayers. Using the same approach, reversible Mg plating/stripping as well as good electrochemical stability are achieved. Driven by the good accordance of the computationally and experimentally obtained Mg2+ migration barriers Ea(th) and Ea, respectively, further periodic density functional calculations are performed on the MgB2Se4 spinel system, revealing the role of trigonal distortion on the migration path geometry and Ea(th). These findings provide deeper understanding how to reach small Mg2+ migration barriers Ea in the MgB2Se4 spinels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is a contents list for the journal "Chemical Communications" published in 2024. It includes various articles on topics such as bioinspired catalysts, nanoparticle exsolution, metal-organic frameworks, and more. The journal is published by The Royal Society of Chemistry, a leading chemistry community. The document provides a brief overview of the articles included in the issue, allowing library patrons to quickly identify relevant research topics. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: As a bone replacement and filling material, calcium phosphate stone bone cement has good biocompatibility, bone conductivity, and other advantages, especially its better biodegradability compared to other calcium phosphate bone cements. It has important application value in bone repair. However, due to its limitations such as insufficient mechanical properties, fast solidification reaction, and poor injection performance, it is currently only suitable for the repair of non weight-bearing bone. OBJECTIVE: To explore the modification of brushite cements with bioactive ions (metal and non metal ions) to expand its application range. METHODS: The author used PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, and WanFang to search the literature published between 2018 and 2023 with the search terms “metal ion, iron, copper, strontium, magnesium, zinc, non-metal ion, modification, bone, brushite cements” in Chinese and “metal ion, iron, Fe, copper, Cu, strontium, Sr, magnesium, Mg, zinc, Zn, non-metal ion, modification, bone, brushite cements” in English. After reading titles and abstracts, the articles were initially screened, and irrelevant and duplicate articles were excluded. Finally, 64 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Bioactive ions affect the hydration process of calcium phosphate bone cement. Different ions are substituted by ions and incorporated into the crystal structure of calcium phosphate bone cement, changing the crystal morphology of the cement and causing changes in physical and chemical properties such as setting time, injectability, and compressive strength. (2) Ionic modified calcium phosphate bone cement produces different ion release effects due to different crystal structures. Different types of ions have properties such as promoting angiogenesis/osteogenesis, antibacterial, antitumor, etc. In addition, calcium phosphate bone cement has good biodegradability, which has great advantages for the performance of various ions. (3) The physicochemical properties of calcium phosphate bone cement modified with different ions are as follows: iron, copper, strontium, magnesium, zinc, silver, and cobalt can prolong the setting time. Strontium, and magnesium can improve injection performance. Copper, strontium, magnesium, silver and silicon can enhance compressive strength. The ions that can simultaneously improve the three physical and chemical properties of calcium phosphate bone cement include strontium and magnesium. Good physical and chemical properties are a prerequisite for clinical application, so improving the setting time, injectability, compressive strength, and other properties of calcium phosphate bone cement with ions is of great significance for the research and application of bone cement. (4) The biological properties of calcium phosphate bone cement modified with different ions are as follows: copper, strontium, magnesium, zinc, cobalt, lithium, selenium, and silicon have promoting angiogenesis/osteogenic effects. Iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and silver have antibacterial properties. Magnesium ions have anti-inflammatory properties. Copper and selenium have anti-tumor properties. (5) In summary, magnesium ions can improve the setting time, injectability, and compressive strength of calcium phosphate bone cement, while also promoting neovascularization/osteogenesis, antibacterial properties, and have good application prospects for the treatment of bone defects with concurrent infections. In addition, copper also has anti-tumor properties, so copper ions have great potential in the treatment of bone defects caused by infections and tumors. However, relevant research is still in the basic research stage, and the effects of different ion doping concentrations and synthesis conditions on the physicochemical properties of calcium phosphate bone cement need to be further explored. At the same time, the impact of biological properties also needs to be studied and observed for a longer period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined the crystal structure of a pseudoknot (PK)-containing hammerhead ribozyme that closely resembles the pistol ribozyme, with essentially identical secondary structure and connectivity. The activity is more sensitive to deletion of the G8 2'OH than to the absence of magnesium ions, indicating that the catalytic mechanism is the same as the extended hammerhead, and distinct from the pistol ribozyme. Here we show that nucleophilic attack is almost perfectly in-line, and the G8 2'OH is well positioned to act as general acid, being directed towards the O5' leaving group, and 2.9 Å away from it. Despite the similarity in overall structure to the pistol ribozyme, the local structure close to the cleavage site differs, and the PK hammerhead retains its unique mechanistic identity and demonstrates enhanced activity over other hammerhead ribozymes under standard conditions. Here the authors report a crystal structure of a pseudoknot-containing hammerhead ribozyme. Catalysis is based upon a general base (G N1) and a general acid (G O2'). The structure is closely similar to the pistol ribozyme, but mechanistically different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the poor salt resistance of polyaerylamide polymers, the technology of polymer flooding for enhanced oil recovery in high calcium and magnesium reservoirs is limited. By introducing the suspended microcrystalline polymer system, it becomes beneficial for the injection of water containing the high- concentration calcium and magnesium ions. The self-developed tackifier turns the calcium and magnesium ions into microcrystals, and associates the microcrystals with polymer molecules to form a local network. The structure of the three-dimensional macromolecules has the properties of anti-calcium and magnesium, thickening, and the increased viscosity of the polymer solution. The optimum concentration of dispersant and crystallization agent in suspended microcrystalline polymer system is 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively. The polymer is preferably hydrophobic associative polyaerylamide polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ion exchange method was used to select CH-93 chelating resin and LSC-500 chelating resin with high selectivity for copper and magnesium ions to deeply remove copper and magnesium ions from tungstate solution, explore the influence of different factors on the adsorption effect, and analyze the adsorption type, adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics. The results show that the adsorption rate of copper and magnesium ions can reach more than 99% under different adsorption parameters. Thermodynamics studies shows that the adsorption of copper and magnesium ions by resin is a spontaneous, endothermic and entropic process. The kinetic studies show that the adsorption process of copper and magnesium ions by resin conforms to Langmuir isothermal adsorption model and quasi-second-order kinetic model, and liquid film diffusion is a rate-controlling step. The ion exchange results on the column showed that after 12 h adsorption by CH-93/LSC-500 resin, the content of copper and magnesium ions decreased from 60 000 µg/L to 14.6,24.4 µg/L, respectively, without leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis involves hyperactivated stromal cells that recruit immune cells, exacerbating inflammation. This study presents an ATP-responsive metal–organic framework (Mg/Zn-MOF) designed for periodontitis treatment, utilizing ion interference to modulate immune responses and prevent tissue destruction. Addressing the challenges of synergistic ion effects and targeted delivery faced by traditional immunomodulatory nanomaterials, the Mg/Zn-MOF system is activated by extracellular ATP—a pivotal molecule in periodontitis pathology—ensuring targeted ion release. Magnesium and zinc ions released from the framework synergistically inhibit membrane pore formation by attenuating Gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression and activation. This action curtails pyroptosis, lactate dehydrogenase and IL-1β release, thwarting the onset of inflammatory cascades. Mechanistically, Mg/Zn-MOF intervenes in both the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD and Caspase-11/GSDMD pathways to mitigate pyroptosis. In vivo assessments confirm its effectiveness in diminishing inflammatory cell infiltration and preserving collagen integrity, thereby safeguarding against periodontal tissue damage and bone loss. This investigation highlights the promise of ion-interference strategies in periodontitis immunotherapy, representing a significant stride in developing targeted therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been extensively studied as a promising technique for soil stabilization. However, the heterogeneity in bio-cementation always hampers the application of MICP. Seawater contains more magnesium ions (Mg2+) than calcium ions (Ca2+) and using magnesium for bio-cementation might be more cost-effective in coastal cities. In this study, the microbially induced magnesium and calcium precipitation (MIMCP) treatment was proposed to solve the problem of heterogeneity, where the urea-magnesium-calcium solution was used as the cementation solution with various Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios. The influences of Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios on pH, bio-flocculation, and chemical conversion efficiency were studied. The sand bio-cementation tests were subsequently conducted to compare the treatment effects with different Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios. Results showed that the increase in Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios resulted in lower pH levels and smaller percentages of bio-flocculation. The higher Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio also provided a longer lag period, regardless of biomass concentrations; however, the chemical conversion efficiency decreased. Furthermore, the increased Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios resulted in a small difference in UCS and contents of precipitation at different parts of bio-cemented soils, achieving better homogeneity in bio-cementation. However, the strength significantly decreased at an Mg2+ concentration over 0.8 M due to much smaller contents of precipitation. In addition, with increased Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios, more aragonite in calcium precipitation was produced. The proposed MIMCP method in this study was significant to improve the homogeneity of bio-cemented soil in practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact glasses are abundant in the lunar regolith, and Mg isotopes have the potential to trace components from various lunar crustal reservoirs, which have recently been shown to exhibit large Mg isotopic fractionations. However, it remains unclear whether Mg isotopic fractionation occurs during the formation of impact glasses. In this study, we report in situ Mg isotopic and elemental compositional data for agglutinatic glasses returned by the Chang'e 5 mission and obtained using the laser ablation split stream technique. Vesicular textures, Fe–Ni alloys, tiny Fe droplets, and high Ni contents suggest the studied agglutinatic glasses had an impact origin. The agglutinatic glasses exhibit large Mg isotopic fractionation, with δ26Mg values ranging from −1.36 ‰ to −0.01 ‰. The lack of correlations between δ26Mg values, Ni contents, and ratios between volatile and relatively refractory elements (K/La, Rb/Sr, and Ce/Pb) indicate the addition of a meteoritic component and evaporation was not the major process responsible for the measured Mg isotopic variations. In fact, the MgO profiles and correlations between δ26Mg and MgO, Na 2 O, Sc, Sr, CaO/Al 2 O 3 , and δEu reflect Mg isotopic fractionation caused by Mg diffusion from a region with high Mg contents (i.e., more melted pyroxene) to one with lower contents (i.e., more melted plagioclase). Diffusion modeling shows that the duration of diffusion was less than a fraction of a second. Our results indicate that chemical diffusion can produce large Mg isotopic fractionation in impact glasses on a scale of at least tens of microns, and that isotopic fractionation driven by chemical diffusion needs to be considered when the Mg isotopic compositions of impact glasses are used to identify different lunar rock reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the considerable potential of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy in treating various cancer types, it faces several challenges, of which the constrained objective response rate and relatively short duration of response observed in patients with cancer are the most important. This study introduces an injectable temperature-sensitive hydrogel, Pluronic F-127 (PF-127)@MnCl 2 / alginate microspheres (ALG-MS)@MgCl 2 , that enhances the therapeutic efficacy of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer cells. The hydrogel material used in this study facilitated the rapid release of a significant amount of manganese ions (Mn2+) and the gradual and sustained release of magnesium ions (Mg2+) within the tumor microenvironment. This staged release profile promotes an immune microenvironment conducive to the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of ICB therapy. Furthermore, the PF-127@MnCl 2 /ALG-MS@MgCl 2 composite hydrogel exhibits the ability to convert drug-resistant tumor ("cold tumor") with a low PD-L1 response to a "hot tumor" with a high PD-L1 response. In summary, the PF-127@MnCl 2 /ALG-MS@MgCl 2 hydrogel manipulates the immune microenvironment through the precise discharge of Mg2+ and Mn2+, thus, augmenting the efficacy of ICB therapy. Enhancing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapy can be achieved by manipulating the immune microenvironment by utilizing PF-127@MnCl 2 /ALG-MS@MgCl 2 injectable temperature-sensitive hydrogel. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: This research was undertaken to assess the impact of kinetin (Kin) and salicylic acid (SA) on yield and its components in soybean plants by reducing ionic, osmotic and oxidative stresses at different levels of salinity. Materials and Methods: The experiment with factorial arrangements based on randomized complete block design with three replications were conducted at the research greenhouse of Urmia University. The investigated factors included salinity (0, 4, 7 and 10 dS/m) and growth regulators (50 μM kinetin and 1 mM salicylic acid). 20 soybean seeds (cultivar M7) were planted at a depth of 3 cm in each pot containing 1 kg of perlite. Growth regulators were sprayed in the vegetative and reproductive stages. One week after the final treatment, tests were performed. Results: Salinity increased the contents of roots and leaves sodium, the amount of H2O2 and malondialdehyde, the activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, α-tocopherol, the contents of soluble sugars and proline of soybean leaves, but decreased potassium, calcium and magnesium ions, chlorophylls content, leaf area index, membrane stability index, leaf relative water content, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight, seed yield, biological yield and harvest index. Foliar spray of growth regulators, especially Kin + SA, reduced sodium content, H2O2, malondialdehyde and proline content, while enhancing potassium, calcium and magnesium ions, chlorophylls content, leaf area index, antioxidants activities, membrane stability index, soluble sugars and leaf relative water content. Kin + SA treatment also led to considerable improvements in seed yield (39%), biological yield (18.51%) and harvest index (18.16%) of soybean plants by increasing the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant and the 100-seed weight. Conclusion: Foliar application of growth regulators under salt stress, especially Kin+ SA, increased the growth, seed yield and its components in soybean plants through reducing ionic toxicity and improving antioxidants activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnesium ion is an essential cation in the human body and participates in numerous physiological activities. A deficiency in magnesium ions is closely associated with tumor development, and supplementation with magnesium ions has been shown to partially inhibit tumor growth. However, the specific mechanisms by which magnesium ions suppress tumor proliferation remain unclear. Currently, studies have revealed that mitochondria may serve as a crucial intermediate link in the regulation of tumors by magnesium ions. Mitochondria might intervene in the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells by modulating energy metabolism and oxidative stress levels. Regrettably, there has been no comprehensive review of the role of magnesium in cancer therapy to date. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive scrutiny of the relationship between magnesium ions and tumors, aiming to offer insights for clinical tumor treatment strategies involving magnesium ion intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of Li–Mg hybrid batteries has been receiving attention, owing to their enhanced electrochemical kinetics and reduced overpotential. Nevertheless, the persistent challenge of uneven Mg electrodeposition remains a significant impediment to their practical integration. Herein, we developed an ingenious approach that centered around epitaxial electrocrystallization and meticulously controlled growth of magnesium crystals on a specialized MgMOF substrate. The chosen MgMOF substrate demonstrated a robust affinity for magnesium and showed minimal lattice misfit with Mg, establishing the crucial prerequisites for successful heteroepitaxial electrocrystallization. Moreover, the incorporation of periodic electric fields and successive nanochannels within the MgMOF structure created a spatially confined environment that considerably promoted uniform magnesium nucleation at the molecular scale. Taking inspiration from the "blockchain" concept prevalent in the realm of big data, we seamlessly integrated a conductive polypyrrole framework, acting as a connecting "chain," to interlink the "blocks" comprising the MgMOF cavities. This innovative design significantly amplified charge‐transfer efficiency, thereby increasing overall electrochemical kinetics. The resulting architecture (MgMOF@PPy@CC) served as an exceptional host for heteroepitaxial Mg electrodeposition, showcasing remarkable electrostripping/plating kinetics and excellent cycling performance. Surprisingly, a symmetrical cell incorporating the MgMOF@PPy@CC electrode demonstrated impressive stability even under ultrahigh current density conditions (10 mA cm–2), maintaining operation for an extended 1200 h, surpassing previously reported benchmarks. Significantly, on coupling the MgMOF@PPy@CC anode with a Mo6S8 cathode, the assembled battery showed an extended lifespan of 10,000 cycles at 70 C, with an outstanding capacity retention of 96.23%. This study provides a fresh perspective on the rational design of epitaxial electrocrystallization driven by metal–organic framework (MOF) substrates, paving the way toward the advancement of cutting‐edge batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous deposits are a consequential outcome of cathodic protection in marine environments, exerting significant influence on the cathodic protection process and current density prerequisites. This study investigates the process of calcium deposition and its impact on the cathodic protection current density of carbon steel under the influence of a rust layer in different corrosion periods. This was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrate that the formation processes of calcareous deposits vary after exposure to the corrosive environment for 0, 7, and 30 days. While a longer corrosion period leads to thicker rust layers on the metal surface and a higher initial cathodic protection current, the presence of these rust layers facilitates the deposition of calcium and magnesium ions, resulting in a rapid decrease in cathodic protection current density after a certain period. Meanwhile, long-term cathodic protection facilitates the thickening and densification of the oxide layer, thereby enhancing its protective efficacy, effectively reducing the corrosion rate of the metal surface and stabilizing the cathodic protection current density at a lower level. This study provides theoretical data and experimental evidence to support the maintenance of corroded marine engineering equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg)-based implants have emerged as a promising alternative for orthopedic applications, owing to their bioactive properties and biodegradability. As the implants degrade, Mg2+ ions are released, influencing all surrounding cell types, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are vital for bone tissue regeneration, therefore, it is essential to understand their molecular response to Mg2+ ions in order to maximize the potential of Mg-based biomaterials. In this study, we conducted a gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis to examine the molecular responses of MSCs to Mg2+ ions. We used time-series proteomics data collected at 11 time points across a 21-day period for the GRN construction. We studied the impact of Mg2+ ions on the resulting networks and identified the key proteins and protein interactions affected by the application of Mg2+ ions. Our analysis highlights MYL1, MDH2, GLS, and TRIM28 as the primary targets of Mg2+ ions in the response of MSCs during 1–21 days phase. Our results also identify MDH2-MYL1, MDH2-RPS26, TRIM28-AK1, TRIM28-SOD2, and GLS-AK1 as the critical protein relationships affected by Mg2+ ions. By offering a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory role of Mg2+ ions on MSCs, our study contributes valuable insights into the molecular response of MSCs to Mg-based materials, thereby facilitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for orthopedic applications.

Magnesium phosphate ceramics are short of osteostimulation capacity to effectively repair the bone defects. Herein, magnesium silicate (MgSi) was utilized as an additive to modify the 3D-printed magnesium phosphate (MgP) ceramic scaffolds. The results presented that the addition of MgSi was conducive to enhancement of compressive strength of the MgP/MgSi ceramic composite scaffolds, and the scaffolds incorporating 20 wt% MgSi had the highest value. The degradation of MgP/MgSi scaffolds resulted in a decrease of mechanical strength and the continuous release of magnesium and silicon ions. In comparison with MgP scaffolds, the MgP/MgSi scaffolds promoted the growth and osteogenic gene expression of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Collectively, the 3D-printed MgP/MgSi scaffolds with high mechanical strength and osteo-stimulation effects are potential biomaterials for the effective restoration of bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Rechargeable magnesium battery is regarded as the promising candidate for the next generation of high-specific-energy storage systems. Nevertheless, issues related to severe Mg-Cl dissociation at the electrolyte–electrode interface impede the insertion of Mg2+ into most materials, leading to severe polarization and low utilization of Mg-storage electrodes. In this study, a metal–organic polymer (MOP) Ni-TABQ (Ni-coordinated tetramino-benzoquinone) with superior surface catalytic activity is proposed to achieve the high-capacity Mg-MOP battery. The layered Ni-TABQ cathode, featuring a unique 2D π-d linear conjugated structure, effectively reduces the dissociation energy of Mg x Cl y clusters at the Janus interface, thereby facilitating Mg2+ insertion. Due to the high utilization of active sites, Ni-TABQ achieves high capacities of 410 mAh/g at 200 mA g−1, attributable to a four-electron redox process involving two redox centers, benzoid carbonyls, and imines. This research highlights the importance of surface electrochemical processes in rechargeable magnesium batteries and paves the way for future development in multivalent metal-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most coastal and estuarine areas, tides easily cause surface erosion and even slope failure, resulting in severe land losses, deterioration of coastal infrastructure, and increased floods. The bio-cementation technique has been previously demonstrated to effectively improve the erosion resistance of slopes. Seawater contains magnesium ions (Mg2+) with a higher concentration than calcium ions (Ca2+); therefore, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were used together for bio-cementation in this study at various Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios as the microbially induced magnesium and calcium precipitation (MIMCP) treatment. Slope angles, surface strengths, precipitation contents, major phases, and microscopic characteristics of precipitation were used to evaluate the treatment effects. Results showed that the MIMCP treatment markedly enhanced the erosion resistance of slopes. Decreased Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios resulted in a smaller change in angles and fewer soil losses, especially the Mg2+ concentration below 0.2 M. The decreased Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio achieved increased precipitation contents, which contributed to better erosion resistance and higher surface strengths. Additionally, the production of aragonite would benefit from elevated Mg2+ concentrations and a higher Ca2+ concentration led to more nesquehonite in magnesium precipitation crystals. The slopes with an initial angle of 53° had worse erosion resistance than the slopes with an initial angle of 35°, but the Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios of 0.2:0.8, 0.1:0.9, and 0:1.0 were effective for both slope stabilization and erosion mitigation to a great extent. The results are of great significance for the application of MIMCP to improve erosion resistance of foreshore slopes and the MIMCP technique has promising application potential in marine engineering.

A novel biochar (BC) from Acaciatortilis trees pruning waste was synthesized and tested for the removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions. The BC was prepared by calcination at 600 °C and doped with Fe3O4 and MgO by hydrothermal process. The presence of iron and magnesium ions in the modified BC was confirmed by EDS analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Both unmodified and doped BCs were tested for phosphate removal from synthetic 1–500 ppm aqueous solutions. While the unmodified BC did not show any significant removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions, the modified BC almost completely removed phosphate from water. The enhancement in removal efficiency is due to an increase in the overall surface charge and surface area of BC as a result of doping with Fe3O4 and MgO salts. The average porosity and BET surface area corresponding to the plain BC increased by more than 20% from 322 to 394 m2/g after modification by impregnation with iron oxide and magnesium oxide. The modificaiton of BC with Fe3O4 and MgO nanoparticles was observed to increase the point of zero electric charge (PZC) from pH 3.4 (corresponding to plain BC) to pH 5.3 (corresponding to modified BC). The adsorption process was very fast and a phosphate removal value of 82.5% was reached only after 30 min of adsorption, while the removal efficiency after 4 h of adsorption was 97.5%. The rapid removal efficiency in short contact time is attributed to the high surface area of BC and strong bonding between the modified BC surface and PO43− ions. The highest adsorption capacity was observed to correspond to 98.5 mg/g which was achieved at PO43− concentration of 500 ppm and pH 8.5. Moreover, after fitting the adsorption data onto four of the most widely used adsorption isotherm models, the adsorption of PO43− onto BC can be better described by the Langmuir isotherm model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actin filament assembly and the regulation of its mechanical properties are fundamental processes essential for eukaryotic cell function. Residue E167 in vertebrate actins forms an inter-subunit salt bridge with residue K61 of the adjacent subunit. Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments are more flexible than vertebrate filaments and have an alanine at this position (A167). Substitution of this alanine for a glutamic acid (A167E) confers Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments with salt-dependent stiffness similar to vertebrate actins. We developed an optimized cryogenic electron microscopy workflow refining sample preparation and vitrification to obtain near-atomic resolution structures of wild-type and A167E mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments. The difference between these structures allowed us to pinpoint the potential binding site of a filament-associated cation that controls the stiffness of the filaments in vertebrate and A167E Saccharomyces cerevisiae actins. Through an analysis of previously published high-resolution reconstructions of vertebrate actin filaments, along with a newly determined high-resolution vertebrate actin structure in the absence of potassium, we identified a unique peak near residue 167 consistent with the binding of a magnesium ion. Our findings show how magnesium can contribute to filament stiffening by directly bridging actin subunits and allosterically affecting the orientation of the DNase-I binding loop of actin, which plays a regulatory role in modulating actin filament stiffness and interactions with regulatory proteins. Actin filament assembly and the regulation of its mechanical properties are fundamental processes essential for eukaryotic cell function, however, the molecular mechanisms that govern the mechanical properties of the actin filaments formed from different species are not fully understood. Here, the authors report high-resolution cryo-EM reconstructions of yeast actin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and propose how the mechanism of the stiffening of the actin filament is affected by magnesium cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 virus is a single-stranded virus from the Coronaviridae family and has a genome of about 29881 bp, which causes acute respiratory disease. One way of transmission of the COVID-19 virus is respiratory, which is the reason for the significant transmission of the disease. The COVID-19 virus causes mutagenesis in different parts of the virus genome with its mechanisms, including -1 ribosomal frameshifting. Various parts that have undergone the most severe mutations include the spike protein, which leads to the emergence of new variants. Most of the mutations observed in the COVID-19 virus are located in the S protein and a region known as the RBD (Receptor-Binding Domain), which binds to the ACE2 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor in human cells. The variations in the RBD region will determine how it binds to the ACE2 receptor. Essentially, the changes created because of the mutation determine the affinity of the RBD to ACE2. On the other hand, the COVID-19 virus, because of its NSP13, NSP14, and NSP16 proteins, helps the mutation of the virus by consuming magnesium ions (Mg2+). Since the ribosome is stable with Mg2+, the COVID-19 virus, by consuming Mg2+, causes the ribosome to convert from the polysome to the monosome state, which causes a break in translation and finally leads to the formation of -1 ribosomal frameshifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Metal halide perovskites have shown unique advantages compared with traditional optoelectronic materials. Currently, perovskite films are commonly produced by either multi-step spin coating or vapor deposition techniques. However, both methods face challenges regarding large-scale production. Herein, we propose a straightforward in situ growth method for the fabrication of CsPbBr3 nanocrystal films. The films cover an area over 5.5 cm × 5.5 cm, with precise thickness control of a few microns and decent uniformity. Moreover, we demonstrate that the incorporation of magnesium ions into the perovskite enhances crystallization and effectively passivates surface defects, thereby further enhancing luminous efficiency. By integrating this approach with a silicon photodiode detector, we observe an increase in responsivity from 1.68 × 10−2 A/W to 3.72 × 10−2 A/W at a 365 nm ultraviolet wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptomyces albulus is the principal strain for the industrial production of ε-polylysine. Traditional breeding approaches that rely on mutagenesis and resistance screening have been employed to enhance the ε-polylysine yield of S.albulus. Nevertheless, the diminishing returns often seen with these traditional methods have become a significant hindrance to progress in breeding techniques. As a result, the application of metabolic engineering strategies has become imperative to augment ε-polylysine production in S.albulus. In this light, this study have developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing platform. With S.albulus GS114 as the research object and the ε-polylysine synthase gene pls as the target gene, the pls gene was successfully knocked out in the genome of S.albulus GS114 with a 100% editing efficiency. To further amplify the array of knock-out strains available, this study meticulously refined the conjugation protocol for S.albulus GS114. The optimal conditions identified include a donor-recipient ratio of 1:1, a magnesium ion concentration of 30 mmol/L, an incubation of heat-activated spores at 55 °C for 10 minutes, followed by a 20-hour antibiotic coverage post-incubation. Under these optimized conditions, tthe conjugation efficiency reached 2.5 x 10-8 per recipient cell, marking a 78% improvement over the control. This research not only pioneers a pivotal tool for S.albulus metabolic engineering in the future but also offers insightful guidance for constructing CRISPR-Cas systems in other industrial Streptomycetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of mechanically soft solid‐state materials with fast Mg‐ion conduction is crucial for the development of solid‐state magnesium batteries. In this paper, novel magnesium gallium halide compounds are reported that achieve high ionic conductivity of 0.47 mS cm−1 at room temperature. These Mg‐ion conductors obtained by ball milling Mg and Ga salts exhibit clay‐like mechanical properties, enabling intimate contact at the electrode–electrolyte interface during battery cycling. With a combination of experimental and computational analysis, this study identifies that the soft‐clay formation is induced by partial anion exchange during milling. This partial anion exchange creates undercoordinated magnesium ions in a chlorine‐rich environment, yielding fast Mg‐ion conduction. This work demonstrates the potential of clay‐like halide electrolytes for all‐solid‐state magnesium batteries, with possible further extension to other multivalent battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable multivalent‐ion batteries are attractive alternatives to Li‐ion batteries to mitigate their issues with metal resources and metal anodes. However, many challenges remain before they can be practically used due to the low solid‐state mobility of multivalent ions. In this study, a promising material identified by high‐throughput computational screening is investigated, ε‐VOPO4, as a Mg cathode. The experimental and computational evaluation of ε‐VOPO4 suggests that it may provide an energy density of >200 Wh kg−1 based on the average voltage of a complete cycle, significantly more than that of well‐known Chevrel compounds. Furthermore, this study finds that Mg‐ion diffusion can be enhanced by co‐intercalation of Li or Na, pointing at interesting correlation dynamics of slow and fast ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reverse osmosis (RO) technique has been extensively employed in the advanced treatment of industrial water and wastewater. However, this process results in the production of a significant quantity of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC), which contains high levels of salinity and organic contaminants, thereby posing serious environmental problems. This study reported a two-stage precipitation process utilizing quicklime (CaO) and caustic soda (NaOH) in conjunction with air blowing (carbonation) for the removal of Ca2+ and Mg2+ from real brackish water ROC of factory. In stage I, the CaO precipitation-carbonation process was employed to eliminate the majority of Ca2+ from the ROC, while leaving Mg2+ virtually unaffected, yielding high-purity CaCO3 precipitates. In stage II, the NaOH precipitation method was utilized to eliminate the remaining Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the ROC. It was demonstrated that under optimal conditions, the removal rates of Ca2+ and Mg2+ exceeded 97%. Finally, the characterization of precipitates demonstrated the generation of high-purity CaCO3 precipitates in stage I, as well as the formation of CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 precipitates in stage II. The results confirmed the feasibility of employing the two-stage precipitation with carbonation process to economically treat ROC and enable its reuse, offering valuable insights for the treatment of industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer metastasis significantly impacts women's health globally. This study aimed to construct predictive models using clinical blood markers and ultrasound data to predict distant metastasis in breast cancer patients, ensuring clinical applicability, cost-effectiveness, relative non-invasiveness, and accessibility of these models. Analysis was conducted on data from 416 patients across two centers, focusing on clinical blood markers (tumor markers, liver and kidney function indicators, blood lipid markers, cardiovascular biomarkers) and maximum lesion diameter from ultrasound. Feature reduction was performed using Spearman correlation and LASSO regression. Two models were built using LightGBM: a clinical model (using clinical blood markers) and a combined model (incorporating clinical blood markers and ultrasound features), validated in training, internal test, and external validation (test1) cohorts. Feature importance analysis was conducted for both models, followed by univariate and multivariate regression analyses of these features. The AUC values of the clinical model in the training, internal test, and external validation (test1) cohorts were 0.950, 0.795, and 0.883, respectively. The combined model showed AUC values of 0.955, 0.835, and 0.918 in the training, internal test, and external validation (test1) cohorts, respectively. Clinical utility curve analysis indicated the combined model's superior net benefit in identifying breast cancer with distant metastasis across all cohorts. This suggests the combined model's superior discriminatory ability and strong generalization performance. Creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), CEA, CA153, albumin, creatine kinase, and maximum lesion diameter from ultrasound played significant roles in model prediction. CA153, CK-MB, lipoprotein (a), and maximum lesion diameter from ultrasound positively correlated with breast cancer distant metastasis, while indirect bilirubin and magnesium ions showed negative correlations. This study successfully utilized clinical blood markers and ultrasound data to develop AI models for predicting distant metastasis in breast cancer. The combined model, incorporating clinical blood markers and ultrasound features, exhibited higher accuracy, suggesting its potential clinical utility in predicting and identifying breast cancer distant metastasis. These findings highlight the potential prospects of developing cost-effective and accessible predictive tools in clinical oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextualization: The aquatic-terrestrial transition zone (ZTAT) in the floodplain (alluvial plain) Ramsar Ayapel (Colombia) remains flooded for more than half of the year, and its coastal strip generates a strong influence on the ecosystem. An approach to the spatial and temporal characterization of this zone is crucial for further functional analysis, especially when tropical floodplains are little explored except for some Amazonian ecosystems. Knowledge gap: Floodplain dynamics are mainly regulated by flood pulses, directly influencing he physical and chemical conditions of water and sediment. Therefore, the biota is adapted to the flooding and waterlogging conditions of the ecosystem. However, research has addressed the terrestrial and aquatic phases as separate systems, making it necessary to resort to methodologies that demonstrate connectivity in the system and facilitate the interpretation of key factors in the ecological functioning of tropical wetlands. Purpose: The research analyzed the structure and functioning of the ZTAT through physical and chemical variables at different times of the flood pulse. Methodology: In two wetlands of the muddy complex, sensitive to the flood pulse, three samplings were carried out: rising water (July 2021), high water (September/2021), and declining water (March/2022). The ZTAT was monitored by delimiting it into four subzones: water, sediments, floodable soil, and soil. Results and conclusions: Significant changes in time associated with water level and nitrogen concentrations were revealed; while in space, assisted by the contrast of the ZTAT at the two sites, differences were reflected through in situ variables and soil characteristics. It was detected that depth, transparency, and a higher concentration of nitrogen forms, and some ions such as aluminum and magnesium generated differences on a time level. On the contrary, conductivity, calcium concentration, and variables associated with soil characteristics expressed it at the spatial level due to exploring the ZTAT. Therefore, the physicochemical dynamics of moments and sites in a wetland require a sampling design that, using the ZTAT, facilitates the scale of physicochemical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]