Magnesium (Taurate)

PURPOSE: To investigate the stain-removal efficacy of an experimental ultra-low abrasivity anti-sensitivity dentifrice containing sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) and a cocamidopropyl betaine/sodium methyl cocoyl taurate detergent system. METHODS: This was a single-center, examiner-blind, randomized, parallel-group study. Extrinsic dental stain was assessed on the facial surfaces of the six maxillary and six mandibular anterior teeth and the lingual surfaces of the six mandibular anterior teeth using the Macpherson modification of the Lobene Stain Index (MLSI). Treatments were: ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice [5% w/w KNO3, 5% w/w STP, 1,100 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride; relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ~10; n=54]; moderate abrasivity fluoride dentifrice (1,100 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate; RDA ~68; n= 57); higher abrasivity daily-use whitening dentifrice (1,100 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride; RDA~137; n= 57). Subjects brushed for 1 minute, twice daily, for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Mean total MLSI [ Area × Intensity (A×I) ] change from baseline score at Weeks 4 and 8 was significant (P< 0.0001) for all groups. At Week 8, for the ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice versus the moderate and higher abrasivity dentifrices, mean total MLSI (A×I) scores (P< 0.0001), along with MLSI endpoints in facial, lingual, and interproximal regions (P= 0.0035 to P< 0.0001), favored the ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice. Dentifrices were generally well-tolerated. The ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice containing 5% STP reduced extrinsic dental stain more effectively than moderate or higher abrasivity dentifrices. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The ultra-low abrasivity, anti-sensitivity dentifrice containing 5% STP reduced extrinsic dental stain more effectively than moderate or higher abrasivity dentifrices, and is thus suitable for patients with sensitive teeth who wish to control extrinsic dental stain.

Magnesium is an essential cofactor in microbial metabolism, and its availability during fermentation can substantially influence probiotic growth, metabolic activity, and intracellular mineral handling. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of four magnesium salts, bisglycinate, malate, citrate, and taurate, on fermentation performance, metabolism, and cell-associated magnesium accumulation in three microorganisms: Saccharomyces boulardii MYA-796, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum LC-40. Fermentation assays revealed pronounced strain- and salt-dependent responses. S. boulardii exhibited enhanced viability in the presence of Mg-mal and a marked shift in fermentation metabolism, characterized by a ∼50% reduction in ethanol production and distinct changes in extracellular malic and citric acid levels between T0 and T24. L. rhamnosus benefited primarily from Mg-cit and Mg-mal, maintaining higher cell counts and improved pH stability, whereas L. fermentum sustained robust growth across all treatments with mainly quantitative changes in organic acid profiles. Analysis of cell-associated magnesium accumulation identified S. boulardii as the strain exhibiting the highest magnesium accumulation capacity, reaching nearly 700 μg/g DW with Mg-tau, compared to less than 270 μg/g DW in lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Docking simulations supported these findings, identifying yeast ALR1 as having the highest binding potential score (∼4.9), whereas LAB MgtE showed only moderate binding potential. These results indicate that S. boulardii accumulates magnesium levels up to 4-fold higher than those of the LAB strains tested, highlighting its suitability as a model system for studying mineral accumulation and metabolic adaptation under magnesium-enriched fermentation conditions.

BACKGROUND: Human skin, and its associated microbiome, is a delicate ecosystem that faces daily challenges from various external factors such as ultraviolet exposure, pollutants, hygiene habits and cosmetics use. The microbiome can also be affected by internal influences such as diet and stress. Hygiene practices, especially the use of soap and bodywash, play a crucial role in maintaining skin health, hygiene and balance of the microbial ecosystem. OBJECTIVES: To understand the effects of daily usage of cleansing products on the skin microbiome. METHODS: Here, we performed 16S rRNA gene-sequencing (V1-V2) analysis of the skin microbiome from participants' forearms to investigate the effects of regular use of a cleansing product such as a marketed high-glycerine cast melt bar (HGCB) on the skin microbiome. In an additional study, participants' legs were washed with a marketed bodywash with standard petrolatum emulsions, and two uniquely formulated isethionate-taurate-based bodywashes with submicron emulsions containing two different types of occlusives, i.e. petrolatum and plant-derived occlusives. RESULTS: The findings from the studies conducted across two distinct geographical locations, involving diverse ethnic populations and various body sites, demonstrate that skin microbiome diversity is preserved following the use of a properly formulated HGCB in addition to all bodywashes containing standard or submicron occlusives. However, single-sample network analysis showed that glycerine-containing cast melt bars and bodywashes containing plant-derived submicron occlusives help to increase the network properties of the skin microbiome, which are reported to be an indicator of healthy skin. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies demonstrate that the daily use of a HGCB for 4 weeks or daily use of a bodywash containing plant-derived submicron occlusives for 2 weeks has no significant effect on the skin microbiome diversity. The increase in microbial co-occurrence network indicates a resilience to use of such uniquely formulated cleansing products on a regular basis. Plain Language Summary: Human skin, as an ecosystem, hosts a variety of microorganisms, known as the skin microbiom

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising next-generation photovoltaic technology due to their low cost and high efficiency. However, their commercialization remains hindered by critical challenges, including the inherent instability and suboptimal quality of perovskite films, as well as environmental issues related to lead-containing compositions. In this work, this study innovatively introduces a multifunctional polymer surfactant, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate (APT), to address these limitations. Leveraging its amphiphilic nature, APT self-assembles in perovskite precursor solutions to regulate interfacial tension and template crystal growth, synergistically regulating film formation kinetics. This results in perovskite films with enhanced crystallinity, homogeneous grain distribution, and minimized grain boundary defects‌, with grain sizes enlarged to exceed 2 µm. Furthermore, APT effectively passivates undercoordinated Pb2+/I- defects through strong chemical coordination, suppressing non-radiative recombination and extending charge carrier lifetimes, thereby elevating the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 23.37% to 25.17%. The hydrophobic alkyl chains of APT further self-assemble into moisture-resistant barriers, endowing the perovskite films with exceptional environmental stability. Crucially, APT mitigates lead leakage risks by forming stable coordination bonds with Pb2+ at perovskite interfaces. This study underscores the versatility of APT as a multifunctional additive for simultaneously optimizing film quality, device performance, and eco-compatibility. © 2025 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.

The effect of cosmetic ingredients on growth and virulence factor expression in Staphylococcus aureus may vary between culture medium and skin. Researchers have used an in vitro skin model with human heel callus to assess bacterial survival and growth on the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Here, we reconstituted a skin model using keratin as a base (instead of callus) and compared it with brain heart infusion (BHI) medium. We investigated the effects of five cosmetic ingredients (macadamia nut oil, sodium myristoyl methyl taurate, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, 2-phenoxyethanol, and zinc oxide) on growth and virulence factor expression in S. aureus. Interestingly, the survival pattern of S. aureus in our skin model was similar to that reported in models using callus. Upon the addition of cosmetic ingredients to BHI or skin model medium, the sensitivity of S. aureus to these cosmetic ingredients differed between the two media. Notably, after adding the two tested cosmetic ingredients, the expression level of staphylococcal enterotoxin A in S. aureus reduced significantly in skin model medium compared with that in the BHI medium. Additionally, the expression levels of other S. aureus virulence factors (RNAIII, icaA, and hlb) differed between the two media. These findings suggest that our skin model is a valuable tool for evaluating the effects of cosmetic ingredients on growth and virulence factor expression in S. aureus. © 2025 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.

A mechanistic understanding of the interactions between surfactants and biomembranes is important to achieve hygiene benefits from external pathogens and chemical irritants. Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), which are versatile platforms for mimicking envelopes and cell membranes, are widely used to study detergent dynamics at bio-nano interfaces. However, studies on the effect of a surfactant structure on SLBs are scarce, and it remains unclear how a surfactant solubilizes SLBs in real time from a morphological perspective. In this study, we prepared a SLB of L-α phosphatidylcholine at a water/aminopropyltriethoxysilane-coated silicon wafer interface and compared its transformation and desorption due to contact with aqueous solution of three surfactants, anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium N-dodecanoyl-N-methyl taurate (SDMT), and nonionic octaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether (C12EO8). A combined analysis using high-speed atomic force microscopy and the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring technique evidenced that SDS instantaneously solubilized lipids via adsorption and insertion of SDS molecules to the SLB, whereas SDMT was reversibly adsorbed on the SLB surface without any change in the morphology of the SLB. This discrepancy can be attributed to the function and configuration of the taurate moiety in SDMT as a barrier to membrane partitioning. C12EO8 gradually disturbed the SLB morphology owing to spontaneously induced curvature changes in the SLB upon incorporation. This solubilized the lipid layers with slower kinetics as compared to that with the SDS detergent. Our findings provide a clue to the scientific understanding of the influence of additives on lipids during viral and cell disruption, which has potential implications in toiletry and cosmetics industries.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that accounts for approximately 20% of all occupational skin diseases. As an adverse and recurrent inflammatory dermatological agent, ACD shows insufficient response to current therapies largely owing to abnormal inflammatory activation and accompanying bacterial infection in lesions. Cold atmospheric plasma is a noninvasive fledgling reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS)-based therapeutic technique for ACD treatment; however, its clinical adoption has been hindered due to the risk of electrical burns and insufficient delivery of the plasma-generated RONS. To address these limitations, we constructed plasma-activated AVC (PA-AVC) hydrogels loaded with plasma-generated RONS for ACD treatment as an alternative to the common direct plasma irradiation treatment. The proposed PA-AVC hydrogels were produced on a biodegradable acryloyldimethylammonium taurate/VP copolymer (AVC) with the aid of a novel air discharge plasma without the involvement of any catalyst. In vitro data showed that abundant RONS were produced and incorporated into the PA-AVC hydrogels via complex gas-liquid reactions between the air discharge plasma and hydrosolvent; additionally, the PA-AVC hydrogels exhibited excellent storage, slow release and transdermal delivery of RONS as well as good antibacterial effects. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrated that PA-AVC hydrogels effectively alleviated the ACD symptoms, such as skin redness and swelling, reduced epidermal thickening and inhibited mast cell infiltration and IL-9, TNF-α, and TSLP expression with no evident systemic toxicity. Our results revealed that long-acting plasma-activated AVC hydrogels could be effective therapeutic agents for local ACD treatment.

Magnesium (Mg2+) is a crucial mineral involved in numerous cellular processes critical for neuronal health and function. This review explores the multifaceted roles of Mg2+, from its biochemical interactions at the cellular level to its impact on cognitive health and behavioral regulation. Mg2+ acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in ATP synthesis, nucleic acid stability, and neurotransmitter release. It regulates ion channels, modulates synaptic plasticity, and maintains the structural integrity of cell membranes, which are essential for proper neuronal signaling and synaptic transmission. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of Mg2+ in neuroprotection, showing its ability to attenuate oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and mitigate excitotoxicity, thereby safeguarding neuronal health. Furthermore, Mg2+ deficiency has been linked to a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Supplementation with Mg2+, particularly in the form of bioavailable compounds such as Magnesium-L-Threonate (MgLT), Magnesium-Acetyl-Taurate (MgAT), and other Magnesium salts, has shown some promising results in enhancing synaptic density, improving memory function, and alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders. This review highlights significant current findings on the cellular mechanisms by which Mg2+ exerts its neuroprotective effects and evaluates clinical and preclinical evidence supporting its therapeutic potential. By elucidating the comprehensive role of Mg2+ in neuronal health, this review aims to underscore the importance of maintaining optimal Mg2+ levels for cognitive function and behavioral regulation, advocating for further research into Mg2+ supplementation as a viable intervention for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.

Caries is a widespread disease in both children and adults. Caries is caused by the conversion of fermentable carbohydrates by plaque bacteria into acids on the tooth surface. Thus, it is important to focus on sugar reduction and plaque control. For efficient plaque removal/control, state-of-the-art toothpastes contain various active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents (e.g., chlorhexidine, stannous salts, and zinc salts), abrasives (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium phosphates, and hydrated silica), surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate), and natural compounds (e.g., polyphenols and xylitol). Agents with pH-buffering and calcium-releasing properties (e.g., calcium carbonate and calcium phosphates) and biomimetic actives (e.g., hydroxyapatite) reverse the effects of the acids. Additionally, modern toothbrushes (i.e., electric toothbrushes) as well as dental floss and interdental brushes significantly help remove plaque from dental surfaces including interproximal surfaces. In conclusion, modern concepts in caries prevention should focus not only on tooth remineralization alone but also on the control of all the key factors involved in caries development. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

To guide the rational design of personal care formulations, we formulate a molecular thermodynamic model that predicts coacervation from cationic polymers and mixed micelles containing neutral and anionic surfactants and added salt. These coacervates, which form as a result of dilution of conditioning shampoos during use, deposit conditioning agents and other actives to the scalp or skin and also provide lubrication benefits. Our model accounts for mixing entropy, hydrophobic interactions of polycation with water, free energies of bindings of oppositely charged groups to micelles and polycations, and electrostatic interactions that capture connectivity of charged groups on the polycation chain and the micelle. The model outputs are the compositions of surfactants, polycation, salt, and water in the coacervate and in its coexisting dilute phase, along with the binding fractions and coacervate volume fraction. We study the effects of overall composition (of surfactant, polycation, and added salt), charge fractions on micelles and polycations, and binding free energies on the phase diagram of coacervates. Then, we perform coacervation experiments for three systems: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-JR30M, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (Taurate)-JR30M, and sodium lauryl alaninate (Alaninate)-JR30M, where JR30M is a cationic derivative of hydroxyethylcellulose (cat-HEC), and rationalize their coacervation data using our model. For comparison with experiment, we also develop a parametrization scheme to obtain the requisite binding energies and Flory-Huggins χ parameter. We find that our model predictions agree reasonably well with the experimental data, and that the sulfate-free surfactants of Taurate and Alaninate display much larger 2-phase regions compared to SDS with JR30M.

Erratum in Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Sep;12(36):e13989. doi: 10.1002/advs.202513989. A continuous risk from microbial infections poses a major environmental and public health challenge. As an emerging strategy for inhibiting bacterial infections, plasma-activated water (PAW) has proved to be highly effective, environmental-friendly, and non-drug resistant to a broad range of microorganisms. However, the relatively short lifetime of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and the high spreadability of liquid PAW inevitably limit its real-life applications. In this study, plasma-activated hydrogel (PAH) is developed to act as reactive species carrier that allow good storage and controlled slow-release of RONS to achieve long-term antibacterial effects. Three hydrogel materials, including hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), carbomer 940 (Carbomer), and acryloyldimethylammonium taurate/VP copolymer (AVC) are selected, and their antibacterial performances under different plasma activation conditions are investigated. It is shown that the composition of the gels plays the key role in determining their biochemical functions after the plasma activation. The antimicrobial performance of AVC is much better than that of PAW and the other two hydrogels, along with the excellent stability to maintain the antimicrobial activity for more than 14 days. The revealed mechanism of the antibacterial ability of the PAH identifies the unique combination of short-lived species (1 O2 , ∙OH, ONOO- and O2 - ) stored in hydrogels. Overall, this study demonstrates the efficacy and reveals the mechanisms of the PAH as an effective and long-term disinfectant capable of delivering and preserving antibacterial chemistries for biomedical applications. © 2023 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Magnesium is an element of great importance functioning because of its association with many cellular physiological functions. The magnesium content of foods is gradually decreasing due to food processing, and magnesium supplementation for healthy living has become increasingly popular. However, data is very limited on the bioavailability of various magnesium preparations. The aim of this study is to investigate the bioavailability of five different magnesium compounds (magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, magnesium acetyl taurate, magnesium citrate, and magnesium malate) in different tissues. Following a single dose 400 mg/70 kg magnesium administration to Sprague Dawley rats, bioavailability was evaluated by examining time-dependent absorption, tissue penetration, and the effects on the behavior of the animals. Pharmacokinetically, the area under the curve calculation is highest in the magnesium malate. The magnesium acetyl taurate was found to have the second highest area under the curve calculation. Magnesium acetyl taurate was rapidly absorbed, able to pass through to the brain easily, had the highest tissue concentration level in the brain, and was found to be associated with decreased anxiety indicators. Magnesium malate levels remained high for an extended period of time in the serum. The commonly prescribed dietary supplements magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate had the lowest bioavailability when compared to our control group. More research is needed to investigate the bioavailability of magnesium malate and acetyl taurate compounds and their effects in specific tissues and on behavior.

Although the pathogenesis of migraine is still poorly understood, various clinical investigations, as well as consideration of the characteristic activities of the wide range of drugs known to reduce migraine incidence, suggest that such phenomena as neuronal hyperexcitation, cortical spreading depression, vasospasm, platelet activation and sympathetic hyperactivity often play a part in this syndrome. Increased tissue levels of taurine, as well as increased extracellular magnesium, could be expected to dampen neuronal hyperexcitation, counteract vasospasm, increase tolerance to focal hypoxia and stabilize platelets; taurine may also lessen sympathetic outflow. Thus it is reasonable to speculate that supplemental magnesium taurate will have preventive value in the treatment of migraine. Fish oil, owing to its platelet-stabilizing and antivasospastic actions, may also be useful in this regard, as suggested by a few clinical reports. Although many drugs have value for migraine prophylaxis, the two nutritional measures suggested here may have particular merit owing to the versatility of their actions, their safety and lack of side-effects and their long-term favorable impact on vascular health.

The use of parenteral magnesium sulfate for the management of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia is well established. In striking analogy to the effects of hypermagnesemia, taurine has antivasospastic, antihypertensive, platelet-stabilizing, anticonvulsant and hypoxia-protective properties. Thus parenteral magnesium taurate can reasonably be proposed as a superior alternative to magnesium sulfate in the treatment of pre-eclampsia; administered orally as a component of prenatal supplementation, magnesium taurate might well have both preventive and therapeutic value in this syndrome. In the light of the hypoxia-protective actions of both magnesium and taurine, such supplementation might also protect fetuses experiencing temporary perinatal asphyxia, lessening the risk of cerebral palsy.

Sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate (NLS) and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (SMCT) are widely used in sulfate free personal care products. We present a straightforward and highly sensitive High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method for simultaneous detection and estimation of these substances in commercial personal care products. The HPLC method has a detection limit for NLS of concentrations as low as 1.5 ppm, and that for SMCT of 4.0 ppm, all with a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio exceeding 3.0. Additionally, the method enables quantification down to 4.5 ppm for NLS, and 12.0 ppm for SMCT, with an S/N ratio surpassing 10.0. This validated method serves as a versatile tool for the accurate quantification of NLS, and SMCT in sulfate free personal care products like shampoos, face washes, body washes, baby shampoos, and toothpastes. © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact [email protected] for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact [email protected].

Plant cultivation is a key aspect of future long-distance space missions, and the creation of an efficient food system will not be possible without it. The production of fertilizer in space is based on the recovery of water and nutrients from wastewater, such as urine and grey water. In this study, the fertilizer production process was conducted in an aerobic, activated sludge reactor, where nitrification and the process of carbon removal take place. Treated streams have three potential factors that could affect the plants growth in a hydroponic system (anionic surfactants, nutrients deficiencies, high salinity). The effect of these factors was examined for two hydroponic configurations. Their influence on lettuce yield, quality parameters and stress response were investigated and compared to the control cultivation. The results showed that the main cause of a decrease (up to 24%) in the yield productivity of plants grown on nitrified urine and grey water is oxidative stress originated from a deficiency of elements, not from used anionic surfactant. Enrichment with nutrients resulted in the restoration of proper protein synthesis and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which was positively reflected in the qualitative and quantitative parameters of the enriched cultivation (fresh leaves mass equal to 103% of the control). Results also show that Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (SMCT) surfactant itself after biological treatment used in plant cultivation has no negative effects reflected in lettuce yield or quality.

AIM: To investigate the effects of different magnesium forms on tissue damage, cognitive and emotional behavioural impairment after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were divided into 5 groups (control, trauma, magnesium sulphate, magnesium citrate, magnesium acetyl taurate) and following head trauma, empathy-like behaviour, anxiety-like behaviour (elevated plus maze and open field tests), and depression (forced swim test) were measured. The rats were then sacrificed 12 days later. Oxytocin, vasopressin and receptors levels in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex regions were measured. Histopathological damage (with haematoxylin-eosin staining) and apoptosis (with caspase-3 immunohistochemistry) was evaluated. RESULTS: Following head trauma, anxiety-like behaviour and depression tests did not change; empathy-like behaviour deteriorated on the 3rd day and improved gradually on the 6th and 12th days. Oxytocin, vasopressin and vasopressin v1b receptor levels decreased in the amygdala; morphological damage and apoptosis were significant. Magnesium acetyl taurate effectively ameliorated histopathological deteriorations and improved vasopressin and v1b receptor levels in the amygdala. Transient deterioration of empathy-like behaviour was impeded only in magnesium taurate treatment. CONCLUSION: Magnesium acetyl taurate can be a promising candidate agent to prevent structural and functional damage in traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea with a population prevalence of primary BAD around 1%. Previous studies have identified associations with low levels of the ileal hormone fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia. The aim of this study was to identify further associations of BAD. METHODS: A cohort of patients with chronic diarrhoea who underwent 75selenohomocholic acid taurate (SeHCAT) testing for BAD was further analysed retrospectively. Additional clinical details available from the electronic patient record, including imaging, colonoscopy, chemistry and histopathology reports were used to calculate the prevalence of fatty liver disease, gallstones, colonic neoplasia and microscopic colitis, which was compared for BAD, the primary BAD subset and control patients with diarrhoea. FINDINGS: Of 578 patients, 303 (52%) had BAD, defined as a SeHCAT 7d retention value <15%, with 179 (31%) having primary BAD. 425 had an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) recorded, 184 had liver imaging and 176 had both. Overall, SeHCAT values were negatively associated with ALT (rs=-0.19, p<0.0001). Patients with BAD had an OR of 3.1 for an ALT >31 ng/mL with imaging showing fatty liver (p<0.001); similar figures occurred in the primary BAD group. FGF19 was not significantly related to fatty liver but low levels were predictive of ALT >40 IU/L. In 176 subjects with gallbladder imaging, 27% had gallstones, 7% had a prior cholecystectomy and 34% either of these. The median SeHCAT values were lower in those with gallstones (3.8%, p<0.0001), or gallstones/cholecystectomy (7.2%, p<0.001), compared with normal gallbladder imaging (14%). Overall, BAD had an OR of 2.0 for gallstones/cholecystectomy (p<0.05). BAD was not significantly associated with colonic adenoma/carcinoma or with microscopic colitis. INTERPRETATION: The diagnosis of BAD is associated with fatty liver disease and with gallstones. The reasons for these associations require further investigation into potential metabolic causes.

PURPOSE: Increased lenticular oxidative stress and altered calcium/magnesium (Ca/Mg) homeostasis underlie cataractogenesis. We developed a liposomal formulation of magnesium taurate (MgT) and studied its effects on Ca/Mg homeostasis and lenticular oxidative and nitrosative stress in galactose-fed rats. METHODS: The galactose-fed rats were topically treated with liposomal MgT (LMgT), liposomal taurine (LTau), or corresponding vehicles twice daily for 28 days with weekly anterior segment imaging. At the end of the experimental period, the lenses were removed and subjected to analysis for oxidative and nitrosative stress, Ca and Mg levels, ATP content, Ca(2+)-ATPase, Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, and calpain II activities. RESULTS: The LTau and LMgT groups showed significantly lower opacity index values at all time points compared to the corresponding vehicle groups (p<0.001). However, the opacity index in the LMgT group was lower than that in the LTau group (p<0.05). Significantly reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress was observed in the LTau and LMgT groups. The lens Ca/Mg ratio in LMgT group was decreased by 1.15 times compared to that in the LVh group. Calpain II activity in the LMgT group was decreased by 13% compared to the LVh group. The ATP level and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities were significantly increased in the LMgT group compared to the LVh group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Topical liposomal MgT delays cataractogenesis in galactose-fed rats by maintaining the lens mineral homeostasis and reducing lenticular oxidative and nitrosative stress.

In this study, the changes in the structural and physicochemical properties of an α-crystalline phase (often called an "α-gel") were assessed in a sodium methyl stearoyl taurate (SMT)/behenyl alcohol/water system. The α-gels were characterized focusing on the effects of the alcohol/surfactant ratio and water concentration. Water molecules solubilized in the interlayer of the α-crystalline phase resulting in expanded interlayer spacing. Beyond the solubilization limit of 85 %, water molecules were trapped in the matrix of the α-crystalline phase in non-equilibrium (i.e., two phases). Accordingly, different self-diffusion coefficients for the solubilized and trapped water molecules were measured using a Fourier transform pulsed gradient spin echo technique to monitor the ¹H NMR spectra. It was concluded that the two self-diffusion coefficients correspond to the water solubilized in the interlayer, i.e., "slow water," and trapped in the matrix of the α-crystalline phase, i.e., "fast water."

The CO2 selectivity of two polymeric task-specific ionic liquid sorbent coatings, poly(1-vinyl-3-hexylimidazolium) bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide [poly(VHIM-NTf2)] and poly(1-vinyl-3-hexylimidazolium) taurate [poly(VHIM-taurate)], was examined using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for the determination of CO2 in simulated flue gas. For comparison purposes, a commercial SPME fiber, Carboxen-PDMS, was also studied. A study into the effect of humidity revealed that the poly(VHIM-taurate) fiber exhibited enhanced resistance to water, presumably due to the unique mechanism of CO2 capture. The effect of temperature on the performance of the PIL-based and Carboxen fibers was examined by generating calibration curves under various temperatures. The sensitivity, linearity, and linear range of the three fibers were evaluated. The extraction of CH4 and N2 was performed and the selectivities of the PIL-based and Carboxen fibers were compared. The poly(VHIM-NTf2) fiber was found to possess superior CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivities compared to the Carboxen fiber, despite the smaller film thicknesses of the PIL-based fibers. A scanning electron microscopy study suggests that the amine group of the poly(VHIM-taurate) is capable of selectively reacting with CO2 but not CH4 or N2, resulting in a significant surface morphology change of the sorbent coating. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.