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Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Oct 2021Because of environmental and societal concerns, new strategies are being developed to mitigate the effects of road salt. These include new deicers that are alternatives...
Because of environmental and societal concerns, new strategies are being developed to mitigate the effects of road salt. These include new deicers that are alternatives to or mixtures with the most common road salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), improved techniques and equipment, and biotic mitigation methods. Using outdoor mesocosms, we investigated the impacts of NaCl and two common alternatives, magnesium chloride (MgCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl) on freshwater communities. We also investigated the mitigation ability of a common macrophyte, Elodea. We hypothesized that road salt exposure reduces filamentous algae, zooplankton, and macrocrustaceans, but results in increases in phytoplankton and gastropods. We also hypothesized that MgCl is the most toxic salt to communities, followed by CaCl, and then NaCl. Lastly, we hypothesized that macrophytes mitigate some of the effects of road salt, specifically the effects on primary producers. We found that all three salts reduced filamentous algal biomass and amphipod abundance, but only MgCl reduced Elodea biomass. MgCl had the largest and longest lasting effects on zooplankton, specifically cladocerans and copepods, which resulted in a significant increase in phytoplankton and rotifers. CaCl increased ostracods and decreased snail abundance, but NaCl increased snail abundance. Lastly, while we did not find many interactions between road salt and macrophyte treatments, macrophytes did counteract many of the salt effects on producers, leading to decreased phytoplankton, increased filamentous algae, and altered abiotic responses. Thus, at similar chloride concentrations, NaCl alternatives, specifically MgCl, are not safer for aquatic ecosystems and more research is needed to find safer road management strategies to protect freshwater ecosystems.
Topics: Animals; Ecosystem; Phytoplankton; Salts; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Zooplankton
PubMed: 34186499
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117652 -
Journal of Dairy Science Nov 2020In casein micelle (CM), Ca is either precipitated in the colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) stabilized by clusters of phosphoserine (SEP) residues, or is directly bound...
In casein micelle (CM), Ca is either precipitated in the colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) stabilized by clusters of phosphoserine (SEP) residues, or is directly bound to SEP (or glutamic and aspartic acids) of caseins without inorganic phosphate. However, it is currently not possible to titrate separately the different micellar Ca forms, making it difficult to assess their respective importance for CM properties and behavior. Both Ca and Mg have the same binding constants with SEP. Moreover, MgHPO is more soluble than CaHPO, and its natural concentration in milk is lower. Thus, upon addition of MgCl, Mg is mainly exchanged with CM in the bound form, whereas upon addition of CaCl, Ca is mainly exchanged in the precipitated form. Our objective was to assess the role of the 2 forms of micellar cations (bound and precipitated) during the enzymatic coagulation of cow milk. Magnesium chloride, CaCl, or KCl (10 mM) were added to milk and pH was adjusted to 6.6 after overnight equilibration. The KCl-supplemented milk was a positive control to assess the effect of the increased ionic strength after MgCl and CaCl addition. Mineral partition between soluble and colloidal phases after salt addition was assessed both experimentally and by using computer simulation. Enzymatic coagulation was proceeded at 30°C. Hydrolysis of κ-casein was followed by the quantitative determination of caseinomacropeptide released by RP-HPLC, aggregation of para-κ-casein micelles was measured through the evolution of backscattering properties of milk and the gel time and gel firming kinetics were determined using a Chymograph (Chr. Hansen, Horsholm, Denmark). The KCl addition did not affect mineral partition. As expected, CaCl addition mainly increased the CCP content, whereas the addition of MgCl mainly increased the bound divalent cations content. The kinetics of κ-casein hydrolysis was slowed down after CaCl and MgCl addition, and was negatively correlated with the concentration of divalent cations in the soluble phase of milk. Aggregation and gel firming curves plotted versus the progress of κ-casein hydrolysis were similar for both CaCl- and MgCl-supplemented milk. In view of the dual-binding model for CM assembly, this means that both Ca forms reduce electronegative repulsions between para-micelles by specific charge shielding. Inclusion of 2 Ca forms in structural models for CM allows a more detailed comprehension of how mineral equilibria affect CM properties.
Topics: Animals; Calcium Chloride; Calcium Phosphates; Calcium, Dietary; Caseins; Computer Simulation; Magnesium Chloride; Micelles; Milk; Minerals; Peptide Fragments; Phosphates
PubMed: 32921475
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18749 -
Pharmacological Reports : PR Apr 2016Magnesium (Mg) is one of the most essential cations in human body that is involved in a variety of physiological processes. Despite the variations in the extracellular...
BACKGROUND
Magnesium (Mg) is one of the most essential cations in human body that is involved in a variety of physiological processes. Despite the variations in the extracellular Mg level, specific transport systems are involved in maintaining the intracellular free Mg at a relatively constant level. We aimed to investigate the changes of Mg level in the brain, erythrocytes, and serum of rats after an acute and subchronic administration of Mg.
METHODS
Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solution was administered intraperitoneally (ip) either once at a dose of 50mg/kg or for 7 days at a single daily dose of 50mg/kg. Blood and brains of animals were collected 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240min after the acute or the last injection. Total Mg concentration in blood serum, erythrocytes, and the whole brain was determined spectrophotometrically.
RESULTS
The highest Mg concentration was detected in the brain tissue, while the most significant changes in Mg level were found in serum.
CONCLUSIONS
Neither the brain nor the erythrocyte showed a change in the Mg level considerably after an increase in serum Mg level induced by the acute and subchronic administration of MgCl2 solution.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Erythrocytes; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Magnesium; Magnesium Chloride; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Solutions
PubMed: 26922529
DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.09.006 -
Luminescence : the Journal of... Nov 2019β-Lactoglobulin has been shown to interact with carotenoids from sea buckthorn berries. However, previously, no studies have taken into account the effect of calcium...
β-Lactoglobulin has been shown to interact with carotenoids from sea buckthorn berries. However, previously, no studies have taken into account the effect of calcium and magnesium on the β-lactoglobulin-carotenoids complex. This study aims to determine the effect of calcium and magnesium on the interaction between β-lactoglobulin and carotenoids from sea buckthorn berries extract, during heating from the perspective of deepening interaction mechanisms as prerequisites for micro- and nanoencapsulation. Phase diagram, intrinsic fluorescence spectra, quenching experiments and synchronous spectra were employed to acquire information regarding the conformation of protein in the presence of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Intrinsic fluorescence data showed that, between 25°C and 60°C, the presence of calcium chloride in the complex favoured the movement of tryptophan residues to domains located at the protein-water interface, while magnesium chloride favoured the burial of tryptophan residues. Higher temperatures generated blue shifts regardless of which salt was present, suggesting exposure of tryptophan residues to the hydrophobic core of the protein. Extrinsic fluorescence intensity of the non-heat-treated complex with magnesium chloride was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than of the complex with calcium chloride, suggesting that 1-anilino-8-naphtalenesulphonic acid was bound to a higher proportion of the β-lactoglobulin-carotenoids complex. Calcium chloride increased extrinsic fluorescence to a greater extent than magnesium chloride at temperatures above 70°C and was related to small structural changes induced by preheating β-lactoglobulin.
Topics: Calcium Chloride; Carotenoids; Hippophae; Lactoglobulins; Magnesium Chloride; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Temperature
PubMed: 31304679
DOI: 10.1002/bio.3668 -
3 Biotech Jan 2024Nano-PCR is a potential tool for the early detection of plant viruses. In the current study, different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (20 nm) and magnesium...
UNLABELLED
Nano-PCR is a potential tool for the early detection of plant viruses. In the current study, different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (20 nm) and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (50 nm) were included in the PCR mixture to improve the sensitivity of PCR for the detection of tomato leaf curl virus. The inclusion of nanoparticles in single or combination in PCR mixture has resulted in improvement of PCR sensitivity. Four-fold improvement was exhibited by the inclusion of 3 ng/µL silver nanoparticles, whereas the combination of silver and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (3 ng/µL and 200 ng/µL, respectively), resulted in a 4.5-fold improvement. The inclusion of 200 ng/µL of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in the PCR mixture exhibited a 7.6-fold increase in PCR sensitivity. Replacement of magnesium chloride with a combination of silver and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (3 ng/µL and 275 ng/µL, respectively) resulted in a 12-fold increase. A 13-fold improvement in PCR sensitivity was observed by the replacement of magnesium chloride in PCR buffer with 275 ng/µL of magnesium oxide nanoparticles. This could also produce detectable amplicon in PCR with a minimum of 25 cycles, resulting in a 26.5% reduction in the duration of PCR. This is the first report on the use of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in PCR for the early detection and better management of tomato leaf curl virus.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03842-2.
PubMed: 38074290
DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03842-2 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2020Salinity, of both soil and water, is one of the main causes of crop yield decline. Within this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of...
Salinity, of both soil and water, is one of the main causes of crop yield decline. Within this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different salts on the germination of chia seeds. The experiment was conducted in a BOD chamber at a constant temperature of 20 °C and in the presence of light. The seeds were placed on paper soaked with aqueous solutions of calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and magnesium chloride (MgCl2), at the osmotic potentials zero, -0.10, -0.20, -0.30, and -0.40 MPa. The effect of the salinity was evaluated using a germination test, with counts on days 7 and 14 after sowing. Based on the results, chia seeds tolerate concentrations of NaCl to -0.4 MPa and KCl to -0.20 MPa. The salts CaCl2 and MgCl2 had a negative effect on the germination and vigor of the chia seeds for the osmotic potentials -0.30 MPa and -0.20 MPa, respectively.
Topics: Germination; Salinity; Seeds; Sodium Chloride; Temperature; Water
PubMed: 31291400
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.192140 -
Communicative & Integrative Biology 2024The Dead Sea is unique compared to other extreme halophilic habitats. Its salinity exceeds 34%, and it is getting saltier. The Dead Sea environment is characterized by a... (Review)
Review
The Dead Sea is unique compared to other extreme halophilic habitats. Its salinity exceeds 34%, and it is getting saltier. The Dead Sea environment is characterized by a dominance of divalent cations, with magnesium chloride (MgCl) levels approaching the predicted 2.3 M upper limit for life, an acidic pH of 6.0, and high levels of absorbed ultraviolet radiation. Consequently, only organisms adapted to such a polyextreme environment can survive in the surface, sinkholes, sediments, muds, and underwater springs of the Dead Sea. Metagenomic sequence analysis and amino acid profiling indicated that the Dead Sea is predominantly composed of halophiles that have various adaptation mechanisms and produce metabolites that can be utilized for biotechnological purposes. A variety of products have been obtained from halophilic microorganisms isolated from the Dead Sea, such as antimicrobials, bioplastics, biofuels, extremozymes, retinal proteins, colored pigments, exopolysaccharides, and compatible solutes. These resources find applications in agriculture, food, biofuel production, industry, and bioremediation for the detoxification of wastewater and soil. Utilizing halophiles as a bioprocessing platform offers advantages such as reduced energy consumption, decreased freshwater demand, minimized capital investment, and continuous production.
PubMed: 38919836
DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2024.2369782 -
Veterinary Sciences Jul 2023Giant Pacific octopuses () (GPOs) are commonly housed in zoos or aquaria, and sedation, anesthesia, and/or euthanasia may be indicated for a variety of reasons. Despite...
Giant Pacific octopuses () (GPOs) are commonly housed in zoos or aquaria, and sedation, anesthesia, and/or euthanasia may be indicated for a variety of reasons. Despite this need, evidence-based data on best practices is limited and focuses on smaller or more tropical species. The objectives of this study were to survey the aquatic community regarding the husbandry and veterinary care of GPOs, with a specific focus on anesthetic and euthanasia protocols. A two-part web-based survey was distributed to four aquatic and/or veterinary email listservs. Individuals from fifty-two institutions participated in phase one. Results documented that 40 (78 percent) participating institutions currently house GPOs, with most housing one and nine institutions housing two to three GPOs. The median (range) habitat volume is 5405 (1893-16,465) L, and 78 percent of systems are closed. Of the institutions surveyed, 23 have anesthetized or sedated a GPO for nonterminal procedures, including wound care, biopsies, and hemolymph collection. Reported methods of sedation or anesthesia include magnesium chloride, ethanol, isoflurane, tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), magnesium sulfate, benzocaine, and dexmedetomidine. Drugs or methods used for euthanasia include magnesium chloride, ethanol, mechanical decerebration, pentobarbital, isoflurane, MS-222, magnesium sulfate, benzocaine, potassium chloride, dexmedetomidine, and freezing. Reported observed side effects include ineffectiveness or inadequate sedation, inking, prolonged drug effects, and behavior changes. Survey data have the potential to guide the husbandry and veterinary care of GPOs and build the framework for future prospective studies on GPO sedation and anesthesia.
PubMed: 37505853
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070448 -
Improvement in Tear Ferning Patterns of Sheep Tears After Addition of Various Electrolyte Solutions.Frontiers in Medicine 2021This study aimed to improve the tear ferning (TF) patterns in the sheep tears after the addition of various electrolyte solutions in different proportions. Sheep were...
This study aimed to improve the tear ferning (TF) patterns in the sheep tears after the addition of various electrolyte solutions in different proportions. Sheep were located at a small farm in the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The sheep had no ocular disorders or diseases, and none of the female sheep were pregnant. Tear samples (20 μl) were collected from the right eyes of seven healthy sheep (five female sheep and two male sheep; age 7-36 months with an average of 17.0 ± 10.3 months). A tear sample (1 μl) from each sheep was dried on a microscopic glass slide at 22°C and <40% humidity. The TF patterns were graded based on the five-point grading scale in 0.1 increments. Homogenous mixtures were prepared by mixing tears from each sheep (0.5 μl) with various electrolyte solutions in different proportions (1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10). A sample of each mixture (1 μl) was dried on a glass slide, and the TF patterns for each mixture were observed, recorded, graded, and compared with those of the corresponding pure sheep tears. In addition, each sheep tear sample (0.5 μl) was diluted with pure water (0.5 μl) and the TF images were recorded and graded to test the dilution effect. General improvement was noted in TF grades after the addition of electrolyte solutions, ranging from 1.7-1.4 to 1.3-0.3 regardless of the ratio between the electrolyte solutions and sheep tears within the mixture. TF grades of sheep tear samples improved significantly after adding different volumes of calcium chloride solution. Similar improvements in TF grades were observed when magnesium chloride hexahydrate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate solutions were used as the electrolytes. Some improvements in the TF grades occurred with the addition of potassium chloride to sheep tear samples. There was little improvement in TF grades after the addition of sodium chloride solution. Tear ferning grades of sheep tear samples improved when mixed with a number of electrolyte solutions at different volumes, in particular with calcium chloride or magnesium chloride solutions. Some improvements in TF grades were seen with sodium dihydrogen phosphate or potassium chloride solution added as the electrolyte. Clearly, divalent electrolytes lead to a greater improvement in TF grades of sheep tear samples as compared with sodium dihydrogen phosphate or monovalent electrolytes.
PubMed: 34869419
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.721969 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2022High pressure deep subsurface environments of Mars may harbor high concentrations of dissolved salts, such as perchlorates, yet we know little about how these salts...
High pressure deep subsurface environments of Mars may harbor high concentrations of dissolved salts, such as perchlorates, yet we know little about how these salts influence the conditions for life, particularly in combination with high hydrostatic pressure. We investigated the effects of high magnesium perchlorate concentrations compared to sodium and magnesium chloride salts and high pressure on the conformational dynamics and stability of double-stranded B-DNA and, as a representative of a non-canonical DNA structure, a DNA-hairpin (HP), whose structure is known to be rather pressure-sensitive. To this end, fluorescence spectroscopies including single-molecule FRET methodology were applied. Our results show that the stability both of the B-DNA as well as the DNA-HP is largely preserved at high pressures and high salt concentrations, including the presence of chaotropic perchlorates. The perchlorate anion has a small destabilizing effect compared to chloride, however. These results show that high pressures at the kbar level and perchlorate anions can modify the stability of nucleic acids, but that they do not represent a barrier to the gross stability of such molecules in conditions associated with the deep subsurface of Mars.
PubMed: 35629344
DOI: 10.3390/life12050677