BACKGROUND: Clinical endocrinology has observed emerging endocrine complications following COVID-19 vaccination, amidst successful reductions in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines have demonstrated efficacy. Reports indicate a potential association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and diabetes, exploring interactions with ACE-2 receptors and molecular mimicry. Additionally, altered liver and kidney function tests post-vaccination prompt investigation into their role in predicting type 2 diabetes. This study aims to explore these biochemical abnormalities in a case-control, single-centre prospective study.
METHODS: This prospective study aimed to evaluate a total of five hundred healthy donors, out of which 203 qualified for final analysis. Participants were selected based on their vaccination status with a COVID-19 vaccine and prior exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Donors without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were excluded from the study. Included participants were adults who had received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
RESULTS: A total of 203 individuals were included in the study, comprising 104 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 99 without. Demographic characteristics including age, sex, nationality, Rh factors, ABO blood groups, liver function tests (LFT), kidney function tests (KFT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and mineral ion levels were analysed. Among the participants, the distribution based on HbA1c levels showed 47.8% with HbA1c <7% classified as normal, 38.48% with HbA1c 8-10% classified as high, and 16.64% with HbA1c <10% classified as uncontrolled diabetes. Significant findings included a decrease in magnesium levels to 0.77±0.82 mmol/L (p<0.04*), an increase in LDH levels to 420.70±356.26 µL (p<0.01*), and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (143.22 ± 142.62 µL, p<0.001), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (55.70 ± 32.20 µL, p<0.001), and serum bilirubin (9.23 ± 4.87 µmol/L, p<0.001). Creatinine levels were significantly lower at 116.75 ± 101.94 µmol/L (p#60;0.001), while uric acid levels were significantly elevated at 305.92 ± 145.04 µmol/L (p<0.001) in individuals with uncontrolled HbA1c <10%. A majority of these individuals belonged to the O+ blood group.
CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores significant shifts in serum biomarkers and their complex interplay with mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and diabetes, particularly in uncontrolled cases. The findings suggest potential autoimmune reactions triggered by the self-adjuvant properties of mRNA and polyethylene glycol lipid conjugates. Variations observed among different blood groups may correspond to racial disparities influencing molecular mimicry mechanisms. Despite these insights, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, highlighting the critical need for further research to validate and expand upon these findings.

Mechanized biochar field application remains challenging due to biochar\'s poor flowability and bulk density. Granulation of biochar with fertilizer provides a product ready for application with well-established machinery. However, it\'s unknown whether granulated biochar-based fertilizers (gBBF) are as effective as co-application of non-granulated biochar with fertilizer. Here, we compared a gBBF with a mineral compound fertilizer (control), and with a non-granulated biochar that was co-applied at a rate of 1.1 t ha-1 with the fertilizer in a white cabbage greenhouse pot trial. Half the pots received heavy rain simulation treatments to investigate nutrient leaching. Crop yields were not significantly increased by biochar without leaching compared to the control. With leaching, cabbage yield increased with gBBF and biochar-co-application by 14% (p > 0.05) and 34% (p < 0.05), respectively. Nitrogen leaching was reduced by 26-35% with both biochar amendments. Biochar significantly reduced potassium, magnesium, and sulfur leaching. Most nitrogen associated with gBBF was released during the trial and the granulated biochar regained its microporosity. Enriching fertilizers with biochar by granulation or co-application can improve crop yields and decrease nutrient leaching. While the gBBF yielded less biomass compared to biochar co-application, improved mechanized field application after granulation could facilitate the implementation of biochar application in agriculture.

Magnesium (Mg2+) is a commonly used dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of diseases. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of action of Mg2+ in most diseases have been controversial because of conflicting findings in earlier studies. Recent clinical and preclinical studies provide novel insights into the use of Mg2+ for the treatment and prevention of diseases affecting different organ systems. In this review, we provide an overview of recent clinical evidence for, and controversies over, the medical benefits of Mg2+. In addition, we critically discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of action of Mg2+, which could enable the development of novel targeted therapies.

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of magnesium administration postpartum for prevention of eclampsia has not yet been established. Our objective was to investigate the effect of early discontinuation of postpartum magnesium on the rates of postpartum eclampsia compared to continuation for 24-hours postpartum.
METHODS: Searches were performed using keywords related to \"preeclampsia\" and \"magnesium sulfate\" from inception of database until August 2023. Randomized controlled trials of women with preeclampsia were included if they received magnesium prior to delivery and were randomized to early discontinuation versus 24-hours of magnesium postpartum. The primary outcome was the rate of postpartum eclampsia.
RESULTS: Nine RCTs with 2183 women were included with five different magnesium administration time frames. In total, seven patients with postpartum eclampsia were reported in three studies. Eclampsia rates were not different between the two groups (5/1088 (0.5 %) after early discontinuation, versus 2/1095 (0.2 %) in the 24-hour group; RR 2.25, 95 % CI 0.5-9.9, I2 = 0 %, 8 studies, 2183 participants). A number needed to treat was calculated; 374 women would need to receive 24-hours of magnesium postpartum to prevent one episode of postpartum eclampsia. The early discontinuation group had a significant decrease in time to ambulation (-9.1 h, 95 % CI -14.7 - (-3.6), I2 = 98 %, 3 studies, 1509 participants) and breastfeeding (-8.4 h, 95 % CI -12.0 - (-4.8), I2 = 98 %, 2 studies, 1397 participants).
CONCLUSIONS: Early magnesium discontinuation postpartum, usually ≤6 h or none at all, did not significantly increase the rate of postpartum eclampsia, however this study is likely underpowered to demonstrate a difference. The number needed to treat is similar to the number needed to treat for antepartum preeclampsia without severe features, for which magnesium is not recommended. The largest proportion of women did not receive magnesium postpartum after receiving at least 8 h of magnesium intrapartum (e.g., loading and maintenance dose). Thus, it is reasonable to consider not using magnesium postpartum, particularly if a woman has received similar adequate dose prior to delivery.

Rechargeable Mg batteries are a promising energy storage technology to overcome the limitations inherent to Li ion batteries. A critical challenge in advancing Mg batteries is the lack of suitable cathode materials. In this work, we report a cathode design that incorporates S functionality into two-dimensional metal-organic-frameworks (2D-MOFs). This new cathode material enables good Mg2+ storage capacity and outstanding cyclability. It was found that upon the initial Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion, there is an apparent structural transformation that crumbles the layered 2D framework, leading to amorphization. The resulting material serves as the active material to host Mg2+ through reduction and/or oxidation of S and, to a limited extent, O. The reversible nature of S and O redox chemistry was confirmed by spectroscopic characterizations and validated by density functional calculations. Importantly, during the Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion process, the 2D nature of the framework was maintained, which plays a key role in enabling the high reversibility of the MOF cathode.

The CRISPR/Cas13 nucleases have been widely documented for nucleic acid detection. Understanding the intricacies of CRISPR/Cas13\'s reaction components is pivotal for harnessing its full potential for biosensing applications. Herein, we report on the influence of CRISPR/Cas13a reaction components on its trans-cleavage activity and the development of an on-chip total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM)-powered RNA sensing system. We used SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA and pseudovirus as a model system. Our results show that optimizing Mg2+ concentration, reporter length, and crRNA combination significantly improves the detection sensitivity. Under optimized conditions, we detected 100 fM unamplified SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA using a microtiter plate reader. To further improve sensitivity and provide a new amplification-free RNA sensing toolbox, we developed a TIRFM-based amplification-free RNA sensing system. We were able to detect RNA down to 100 aM. Furthermore, the TIRM-based detection system developed in this study is 1000-fold more sensitive than the off-coverslip assay. The possible clinical applicability of the system was demonstrated by detecting SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus RNA. Our proposed sensing system has the potential to detect any target RNA with slight modifications to the existing setup, providing a universal RNA detection platform.

Lately, children\'s daily consumption of some products, such as cereals and candies, has been rising, which provides a compelling rationale for determining any metallic substances that may be present. Monitoring the concentration of certain metals, like nickel, in these products is necessary due to medical issues in humans when consumed regularly. So, in this work, a novel and highly selective carbon paste as a Ni(II) ion-selective sensor was prepared and investigated using ceramic magnesium aluminum spinel nanoparticles as the ionophore and tritolyl phosphate (TOCP) as a plasticizer. A modified co-precipitation method was used to synthesize the spinel nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope with EDAX, transmission electron microscope, and BET surface area were used to determine the phase composition, microstructure, pores size, particle size, and surface area of the synthesized nanoparticles. The spinel nanoparticle was found to have a nano crystallite size with a cubic crystal system, a particle size ranging from 17.2 to 51.52 nm, mesoporous nature (average pore size = 8.72 nm), and a large surface area (61.75 m2/g). The composition ratio of graphite carbon as a base: TOCP as binder: spinal as ionophore was 67.3:30.0:2.7 (wt%) based on potentiometric detections over concentrations from 5.0 × 10-8 to 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 with LOD of 5.0 × 10-8 mol L-1. A measurement of 29.22 ± 0.12 mV decade-1 over pH 2.0-7.0 was made for the Nernstian slope. This sensor demonstrated good repeatability over nine weeks and a rapid response of 8 s. A good selectivity was shown for Ni(II) ions across many interferents, tri-, di-, and monovalent cations. The Ni(II) content in spiked real samples, including cocaine, sweets, coca, chocolate, carbonated drinks, cereals, and packages, were measured. The results obtained indicated no significant difference between the proposed potentiometric method and the officially reported ICP method according to the F- and t-test data. In addition to utilizing ANOVA statistical analysis, validation procedures have been implemented, and the results exceed the ICP-MS methodology.

Scaffolds for the filling and regeneration of osteochondral defects are a current challenge in the biomaterials field, and solutions with greater functionality are still being sought. The novel approach of this work was to obtain scaffolds with biologically active additives possessing microstructural, permeability, and mechanical properties, mimicking the complexity of natural cartilage. Four types of scaffolds with a gelatin/alginate matrix modified with hydroxyapatite were obtained, and the relationship between the modifiers and substrate properties was evaluated. They differed in the type of second modifier used, which was hydrated MgCl2 in two proportions, ZnO, and nanohydroxyapatite. The samples were obtained by freeze-drying by using two-stage freezing. Based on microstructural observations combined with X-ray microanalysis, the microstructure of the samples and the elemental content were assessed. Permeability and mechanical tests were also performed. The scaffolds exhibited a network of interconnected pores and complex microarchitecture, with lower porosity at the surface (15 ± 7 to 29 ± 6%) and higher porosity at the center (67 ± 8 to 75 ± 8%). The additives had varying effects on the pore sizes and permeabilities of the samples. ZnO yielded the most permeable scaffolds (5.92 × 10-11 m2), whereas nanohydroxyapatite yielded the scaffold with the lowest permeability (1.18 × 10-11 m2), values within the range reported for trabecular bone. The magnesium content had no statistically significant effect on the permeability. The best mechanical parameters were obtained for ZnO samples and those containing hydrated MgCl2. The scaffold\'s properties meet the criteria for filling osteochondral defects. The developed scaffolds follow a biomimetic approach in terms of hierarchical microarchitecture and mechanical parameters as well as chemical composition. The obtained composite materials have the potential as biomimetic scaffolds for the regeneration of osteochondral defects.

In recent years, the research potential in utilizing biochars as adsorbents in adsorption processes has grown due to their eco-friendly and economical nature. However, biochar often possesses a negative surface charge that limits its affinity for binding anions. Nitric acid washing and pretreatment with Coriolus versicolor can break down the lignocellulosic structure in cotton stalk waste, facilitating the subsequent impregnation of Mg and Fe metal oxides. These pretreatment steps can lead to the production of diverse and functionalized biochars with higher adsorption capacities. In this study, cotton stalk waste was first washed with diluted nitric acid and then subjected to biological pretreatment by incubation with C. versicolor, followed by impregnation with Mg and Fe to obtain CV-CS/Fe and CV-CS/Mg biochars. The results showed that the applied pretreatments altered the physicochemical properties and significantly increased the phosphorus adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacities of CV-CS/Fe and CV-CS/Mg biochars were found to be 277.88 and 507.01 mg g-1, respectively. The results indicate that the incorporation of multiple metal oxide impregnates enhances P adsorption. Furthermore, in the kinetic study, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models provided a well fit, determining chemical adsorption as the main adsorption mechanism for phosphorus adsorption. The biochars demonstrated compatibility with Langmuir-Freundlich models. Overall, the findings suggest the possibility of synthesizing biochars with improved adsorptive properties through pretreatment, and these engineered biochars hold promising potential as effective adsorbents in the field. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Eco-friendly, natural, and economical biochar was synthesized. Biochar was produced via Coriolus versicolor pretreatment. High adsorption capacities of CV-PS/Mg biochars were found to be 507.01 mg g-1. Adsorption capacities of biochars can be improved by pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS: ZmRLCK58, a negative growth regulator, reduces tolerance of maize seedlings to low Mg via enhancing H2O2 accumulation in the shoot. Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is one of critical limiting factors for crop production in widespread acidic soils worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism of crop response to Mg deficiency is still largely unclear. Here, we found higher concentrations of H2O2, soluble sugars, and starch (1.5-, 1.9-, and 1.4-fold, respectively) in the shoot of low-Mg-treated maize seedlings, compared with Mg sufficient plants under hydroponic culture. Consistent with over-accumulation of H2O2, transcriptome profiling revealed significant enrichment of 175 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in \"response to oxygen-containing compound\" out of 641 DEGs in the shoot under low Mg. Among 175 DEGs, a down-regulated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase ZmRLCK58 underwent a recent duplication event before Poaceae divergence and was highly expressed in the maize shoot. ZmRLCK58 overexpression enhanced H2O2 accumulation in shoots by 21.3% and 29.8% under control and low-Mg conditions, respectively, while reducing biomass accumulation compared with wild-type plants. Low Mg further led to 39.7% less starch accumulation in the ZmRLCK58 overexpression shoot and lower Mg utilization efficiency. Compared with wild-type plants, overall down-regulated expression of genes related to response to carbohydrate, photosynthesis, H2O2 metabolic, oxidation-reduction, and ROS metabolic processes in ZmRLCK58 overexpression lines preconditioned aforementioned physiological alterations. Together, ZmRLCK58, as a negative growth regulator, reduces tolerance of maize seedlings to low Mg via enhancing H2O2 accumulation.