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The significance of zinc and iron in crop production, particularly in rice-wheat cropping systems, has been increasingly recognized. The present study aimed to determine the effect of different soil samples collected from the rice-wheat cropping system of Haryana with different soil texture on rice grain yield and micronutrient content using a greenhouse trial with four levels of Fe (0, 25, 50 mg kg−1 as soil and 0.5% foliar spray of FeSO4 at 45 DAS) and four levels of Zn (0, 5, 10 mg kg−1 as soil and 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 35 DAS). This study discovered that rice grain yield showed a positive correlation with soil Zn and Fe concentrations in soil before sowing and a negative correlation with soil Fe and Zn concentrations in soil after crop harvesting. In most of the soils studied, foliar spray alone Fe @ 0.5% foliar (45 DAS) and Zn @ 0.5% foliar (35 DAS) improved Fe and Zn concentrations in rice significantly more than soil application of 25 mg Fe kg−1 and 5 mg Zn kg−1, respectively. The rice grain yield in clay soil was 14-42% higher than in sandy soil with different doses of Zn and Fe application. The order of preponderance of different Fe and Zn fractions were CA-Fe < OM-Fe < EX-Fe < FeMnOX-Fe < Res-Fe and Res-Zn > FeMnOX-Zn > OM-Zn > CA-Zn > Ex-Zn in the soils, respectively. Conclusively, concomitant consideration of grain yield and grain Zn and Fe concentrations of rice are the sustainable approach toward food targets achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to improve the accuracy and reliability of nutrient analysis on soilless substrates by comparing two different saturated medium extract (SME) methods, using either water (SMEW) or DTPA (diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, SMED) as extractants. A series of analyses were performed to compare ion levels quantified from either SMEW or SMED. Substrate pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and nutrient data were analyzed from a survey of substrate components (coconut coir, peat, bark, perlite, vermiculite), and blended greenhouse propagation substrates using the SMEW and SMED methods. In addition, a series of SMEW and SMED extracted samples were sent to three commercial soil testing laboratories for nutrient analysis. The objectives of these analyses were to (1) validate that published relationships between SMEW and SMED methods were consistent with correlation curves for pH, EC and nutrient levels across a wide range of soilless substrates, (2) compare statistical variability of results from SMEW and SMED methods and (3) compare variability in results between different laboratories. The results validated that previously published standards for interpreting SMEW extractions can be used for SMED method for macronutrients and EC due to an approximately 1:1 relationship for test results between extraction methods. Up to 2 orders of magnitude higher levels of micronutrients were extracted for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) using SMED compared with SMEW, with low correlation between extractants. Concentrations of ions from SMED extractions were less variable than SMEW for micronutrient analysis but were comparable for macronutrient analysis. Results from this study were combined with published research to provide suggested ranges using SMED for soilless substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite accumulating evidence for the adverse effects of magnesium (Mg) deficiency or excess on grain crops, how Mg imbalance affects plant growth and potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) nutrition in vegetable crops is still unclear. The aim of this study was to ascertain the response of plant growth, nutrient uptake and Mg-K-Ca interactions in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to various levels of Mg supply. The growth parameters and nutrient contents of hydroponic plants were measured under the Mg levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 mmol/L Mg2+ from seedling to fruit ripening stage. Results showed that both Mg deficiency (0 mmol/L Mg2+) and excess (3.0 mmol/L Mg2+) negatively affected shoot and root growth, leading to a noticeable decrease in total plant biomass across different stages (41.2-52.8% and 17.7-38.3%, respectively). Mg imbalance additionally altered leaf morphology and disrupted chloroplast structure. As a consequence of increased Mg levels, the Mg contents in various plant organs increased, whereas the Ca contents decreased substantially. The trend of K contents under different Mg levels was dependent on the plant growth stage. Although Mg levels did not prominently affect plant K contents during the early growth stage, they were significantly negatively correlated in the leaves and positively correlated in the fruit during the late growth stage. When translocated from roots to aboveground organs, Mg and Ca were mainly distributed in the leaves, with K preferentially distributed in the fruit. The findings of this study underscore that the symptoms of Mg imbalance generally develop from middle leaves in vegetable crops, exemplified by tomato, which is different from the pattern in common grain crops. Vegetable production necessitates nutrient supply for the middle and upper parts of Mg-deficient plants, and attention should be paid to the nutritional imbalance of Ca and K in plants under excessive Mg supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, assessed rice residue biochar’s effect on remediating lead and cadmium in soil and on Indian mustard growth. Soil spiked with Cd (0, 10, 25 mg kg⁻¹) and Pb (0, 25, 50 mg kg⁻¹) was amended with biochar (0, 0.5, 1, 2% w/w) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Adding 2% biochar reduced DTPA-Pb in soil and Pb in shoots by 61% and 56%, respectively. Biochar increased dry matter yield (DMY) by 18% at 1% but decreased by 19% at 2%. The 1% biochar increased shoot Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu by 11.39%, 26.74%, 5.89%, and 17.72%, respectively. Rice residue biochar significantly improved the DMY and micronutrient content of Indian mustard by reducing lead contamination in co-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnut oils are of important academic and economic value, and are becoming one of the most important woody oils. Accurate and moderate refining techniques are required to produce high‐quality walnut oils. In this work, walnut oils obtained from cold processing were refined in three typical techniques, mainly chemical refining, water degumming, and molecular distillation. Physicochemical properties (acid value and peroxide value [POV]), minor components (tocopherol, polyphenols, and phytosterol), oxidative stability indices, and volatile compounds were analyzed to find out the appropriate refining method for the cold‐pressed walnut oils. Quality indices of all the refined oils from the three different refining methods met the requirements of the national standard, of which the POV of chemically refined oil (0.241 g/100 g) was higher than crude oil (0.058 g/100 g). Water degumming was most suitable for retaining of bioactive compounds, for example, the tocopherol was 259.40 mg/kg, the polyphenols was 44.54 mg GAE/kg, and the phytosterol was 987.32 mg/kg, but oxidation stability of the obtained oil (3.09 h) was lower than that of molecular distilled oil (4.18 h). Initial physicochemical properties especially the POV had a significant impact on oxidation stability. There is a trade‐off between the retention of nutrients and extending shelf life, indicating appropriate refining techniques should be developed; that is, water degumming is suggested to be involved in producing high‐quality cold‐pressed walnut oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) are popular for weight loss but lack evidence about micronutrient sufficiency in real-life use. This study assessed the intake and biochemical status of selected micronutrients in people voluntarily following LCDs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (2018-20) among 98 adults recruited as self-reporting either LCD (n = 49) or diets not restricting carbohydrates (controls; n = 49). Diets were assessed using the 130-item EPIC-Norfolk food-frequency questionnaire. Red-blood-cell thiamine diphosphate (TDP) was measured for thiamine status using HPLC. Plasma magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Between-group biomarker comparisons were conducted using ANCOVA and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes status. Results: LCD-followers (26% male, median age 36 years, median BMI 24.2 kg/m2) reported adhering to LCDs for a median duration of 9 months (IQR 4–36). The most followed LCD type was 'their own variations of LCD' (30%), followed by ketogenic (23%), 'palaeolithic' (15%), and Atkins diets (8%). Among controls, 41% were male (median age 27 years, median BMI 23 kg/m2). Median macronutrient intakes for LCD vs control groups were carbohydrate 16%Energy (E) vs. 50%E; protein 25%E vs. 19%E; and fat 55%E vs 34%E (saturated fat 18%E vs. 11%E). Two-thirds of LCD followers (32/49) and half of the controls (24/49) reported some use of dietary supplements (p = 0.19). Among LCD-followers, assessing from food data only, 21 (43%) failed to meet the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for thiamine (vs.14% controls, p = 0.002). When thiamine from supplementation (single- or multivitamin) was included, there appeared to be no difference in thiamine intake between groups. Still, red-blood-cell TDP was lower in LCD-followers than controls (407 ± 91 vs. 633 ± 234 ng/gHb, p < 0.001). Three LCD-followers were thiamine-deficient (RBC thiamine < 275 ng/gHb) vs. one control. There were no significant differences in dietary intakes or plasma concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium between groups. Conclusions: Following LCDs is associated with lower thiamine intake and TDP status than diets without carbohydrate restriction, incompletely corrected by supplement use. These data, coupled with a lack of RCT evidence on body weight control, do not support recommending LCDs for weight management without appropriate guidance and diet supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) is necessary for plant growth and development. Iron deficiency disrupts major metabolic and cellular activities such as respiration, DNA synthesis, and chlorophyll synthesis. Iron also activates various metabolic pathways and is vital to numerous enzymes. Iron is widely distributed in soil, but plants do not readily absorb it. In addition to neutral pH, Fe also forms insoluble Fe complexes under alkaline conditions. The fundamental cause of Fe chlorosis is an imbalance between the solubility of Fe in soil and the demand for Fe by plants. Various Fe fertilizers, including organic, chelated, and inorganic, are administered to the soil and leaves to treat Fe deficiency and chlorosis. Currently, used Fe fertilizers are expensive, easily adsorb on soil particles, and cause Fe to leach out of the soil with water, thereby diminishing their efficiency. They also need to be applied repeatedly, resulting in an excessive Fe fertilizer concentration in the soil that can cause harm to the plants. The usage of Fe nanofertilizers in agricultural production has expanded to address the disadvantages of existing Fe fertilizers. The advantages of nanosized Fe fertilizers include their physical and chemical characteristics, such as the high surface area to volume ratio that aids in easy absorption by plants' roots and leaves. Controlled‐release iron oxide nanofertilizers supply the regulated release of nutrients in a way that is coordinated with the nutritional needs of the crops. This improves the accumulation of nutrients in the plant, filling in the gap of nutrient deficiency and lowering environmental risks due to leaching. The possibility of iron oxide nanoparticles as Fe micronutrient fertilizers, their uptake and mechanism of action, advantages, and limitations are critically highlighted in this review article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition is a significant concern in paediatric populations, particularly among children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This study aimed to examine macronutrient and micronutrient imbalances and assess the nutritional status of a group of patients with FASD. Methods: This study involved an analysis of the serum levels of key nutrients in a group of children diagnosed with FASD. Macronutrients and micronutrients were measured to identify any imbalances, including vitamin D, B12, E, A, albumin, and serum protein, among others. Results: The study found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the patients. Additionally, elevated serum concentrations of micronutrients such as vitamin B12, E, and A were observed in 8%, 7%, and 19% of patients, respectively. Macronutrient imbalances were noted, including high levels of albumin and serum protein, indicating a possible metabolic disturbance. Unexpectedly, high rates of hypercholesterolemia were observed, raising concerns about an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in this population. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the principal issue among patients with FASD is an altered metabolism rather than nutritional deficiencies. Potential causes of these abnormalities could include oxidative stress and changes in body composition. The results underline the need for further research to better understand the unique nutritional challenges in children with FASD and to guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. It is well-established that a range of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds found in animal-source foods play unique and important roles in human health as part of a healthy diet. Methods. This narrative review focuses on terrestrial animal source foods (TASFs). It particularly analyzes five groups: poultry eggs, milk, unprocessed meat, foods from hunting and wildlife farming, and insects. The objectives were as follows: (1) examine the nutrient composition of TASFs within and across livestock species, drawing on the country and regional food composition databases; (2) analyze the influence of intrinsic animal characteristics and production practices on TASF nutritional quality. Results. TASFs are rich in high-quality proteins and fats, as well as micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron or zinc. This study found differences in the nutritional quality of TASFs by livestock species and animal products, as well as by characteristics of livestock production systems. Our findings suggest that there may be public health opportunities by diversifying TASF consumption across species and improving certain aspects of the production systems to provide products that are both more sustainable and of higher quality. Conclusions. Future research should adopt a more holistic approach to examining the food matrix and the dietary patterns that influence TASF digestibility. It is necessary to include meat from hunting and wildlife farming and insects in global food composition databases, as limited literature was found. In addition, scarce research focuses on low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for further exploration of TASF food composition analysis and how intrinsic animal characteristics and livestock production system characteristics impact their nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The physical abilities of older adults decline with age, making them more susceptible to micronutrient deficiency, which may affect their sleep quality. Objectives: This study aimed to construct a risk correlative model for sleep disorders in Chinese older adults based on blood micronutrient levels. Methods: In this matched case-control study, we recruited 124 participants with sleep disorders and 124 matched controls from the Tianjin Elderly Nutrition and Cognition cohort in China. Micronutrient levels in whole blood were measured using the dried blood spot technique. We compared the differences in micronutrient levels between the two groups and also constructed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) model and nomogram for sleep disorders. Results: In comparison to the control group, the sleep disorders group showed lower levels of blood vitamin A, vitamin E (VE), folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium (Se) in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of VE + folate + Se may have an excellent diagnostic effect on sleep disorders, with an area under the curve of 0.964. This VE + folate + Se was integrated into a nomogram model to demonstrate their relationship with sleep disorders. The consistency index of the model was 0.88, suggesting that the model assessed sleep disorders well. Conclusions: The sleep disorders risk correlative model constructed by the levels of VE, folate, and Se in whole blood might show good performance in assessing the risk of sleep disorders in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Millets are important food source to ensure global food and nutritional security and are associated with health benefits. Millets have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse with the potential to address food security challenges worldwide. These ancient grains, which come in various forms, including finger millet, proso millet, and pearl millet, among others, are essential to a balanced diet, since they provide a wide range of nutritional advantages. Millets have a well-rounded nutritional profile with a high protein, dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content for optimal health and wellness. In addition to their nutritional advantages, millets exhibit remarkable adaptability and durability to various agroecological conditions, making them a valuable resource for smallholder farmers functioning in resource-poor regions. Promoting the growth and use of millet can lead to several benefits that researchers and development experts may discover, including improved nutrition, increased food security, and sustainable agricultural methods. Therefore, millets are food crops, that are climate smart, nutritional, and food secured to feed the increasing global population, and everyone could have a healthier, more resilient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study sought to document how the systemic biomarkers of inflammation varied based on food choices among patients with T2DM. This cross-sectional study enrolled ambulatory patients with T2DM. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Five drops of fingerstick blood were collected using an absorbent paper device (HemaSpot HFR). C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA), and fibrinogen were measured using a Luminex assay. Patient-generated 7-day food diaries were analyzed using a validated food processor software. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation tests, linear regression and logistic regression with the significance level set at 0.05. Among the 71 participants, 43 (60.6%) were females. The average age and duration of T2DM were 64.1 ± 10.3 and 15.8 ± 9.1 years, respectively. In a simple linear regression run with selected micronutrients, iron [F (1, 53) = 5.319, p < 0.05, adj. R2 = 0.074] significantly predicted plasma CRP. This significance was lost with multiple linear regressions including age, gender, BMI, T2DM duration, T2DM complications, glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other micronutrients. The average intake of most micronutrients by the participants was below the recommended daily intake. A higher intake of iron-rich foods was associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation in a simple linear regression model, but the association was not present after adjusting for patient factors like age, gender, BMI and T2DM-related variables. This relationship needs to be explored further given the key role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDiagnosis of boron (B) toxicity in cassava grown in soil is still a challenge. The objectives of this work were (i) to describe the symptoms of B toxicity in cassava grown in soil and (ii) to establish critical B toxicity concentrations in soil and leaf blades of the plant. In a greenhouse, plants were grown for 68 days in pots filled with sandy soil samples submitted to B rates of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg dm−3. Application of B increased both concentration of B extracted from the soil with hot water and B concentration in leaf blades. Visual symptoms of B toxicity were only observed in the highest rate of applied B. The symptoms were photographed and described as chlorosis followed by necrosis in the tip and margin of older leaves. Despite the symptoms, there were no significant effects on growth of the plant. As a result, critical concentrations could not be obtained. Alternatively, thresholds based on B toxicity symptoms are suggested. The thresholds for concentration of B in younger leaf blades and older leaf blades were calculated to be 99.9 and 130.7 mg kg−1, respectively. These respective thresholds corresponded to the thresholds for B concentrations in soil of 0.875 and 0.891 mg dm−3. Concentrations above these thresholds could be used to support visual diagnosis of suspected B toxicity symptoms. Photos, description, and thresholds provided in this article can help improve the diagnosis of visual B toxicity symptoms in young cassava plants grown in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric palliative care (PPC) patients are at an elevated risk of malnutrition. Nutritional inadequacy can also cause micronutrient deficiencies. These factors can lead to weight loss, stunted growth, and poor quality of life. Despite the prevalence of these issues, limited research exists in the micronutrient status of PPC patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin B12 and D, iron, ferritin, folate, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels of PPC patients to contribute to a better understanding of their micronutrient needs as well as the appropriate management of diet and treatment approaches. Methods: This was a single-center observational cross-sectional retrospective study. This study evaluated the levels of vitamin B12, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, iron, ferritin, folate, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in PPC patients. The patients were classified according to the Chronic Complex Conditions (CCC) v2 and then compared. Results: A total of 3,144 micronutrient data points were collected from 822 hospitalizations of 364 patients. At least one micronutrient deficiency was identified in 96.9% of the patients. The most prevalent deficiencies were observed for iron, calcium, and phosphate. In addition, 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was observed in one-third of patients. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were negatively correlated with age. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in PPC patients. These findings have the potential to contribute to improvements in the nutritional and therapeutic management of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Very low energy diets (VLEDs) contain <800 kcal/day and typically comprise formulated meal replacement products with adequate protein and micronutrients. Food-based VLEDs are an alternative approach, but it is uncertain whether they can provide adequate nutrition within an 800 kcal/day restriction. This analysis aimed to assess the nutritional adequacy of food-based VLEDs compared with formula VLEDs. A systematized literature review was conducted to identify balanced food-based VLEDs by searching five scientific databases from inception to 23 March 2023 and online sources between 1 and 7 May 2023. Ultimately, nine diets were analyzed for nutritional content and compared with Codex Alimentarius standards for formula foods, and Australian estimated average requirement and adequate intake (AI) for adults 19–50 years. Optifast® was used as a comparator. None of the VLEDs met all nutritional benchmarks. Three food-based diets had nutrient profiles similar to formula VLEDs, with one being adequate for all nutrients except thiamine, magnesium and zinc in men and iron in women. All VLEDs, including Optifast®, did not meet AI for dietary fiber, except one. In general, food-based VLEDs offered more fiber than Optifast®. In conclusion, food-based VLEDs were inadequate in certain micronutrients but offered more dietary fiber than formula VLEDs. These nutritional deficits do not preclude food-based VLEDs from being recommended, provided they are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment of soil fertility was conducted in Jiliba village, situated in the Bellaguntha block of Ganjam district in the North-Eastern agroclimatic zone of Odisha, India. Analysis of physical and chemical properties was conducted on soil samples obtained at a depth ranging from 0 to 15 cm. The findings indicate that the predominant soil texture in the hamlet under study consisted of sandy loam and clay loam. The soil hue ranged from Dark Grey at 10 years old to Yellowish brown at 10 years old. The pH of the soil varied from somewhat acidic (5.5-6) to neutral (6.5-7.5). The electrical conductivity of the whole research area remained uniformly below 0.74 dSm-1. Approximately 77.5% of the research region exhibited soil organic carbon (SOC) levels below 0.5%. The available nitrogen concentration was insufficient, varying from 87.8 to 150.5 kg/ha, indicating a possible requirement for nitrogen fertilization to adequately sustain crop development. The phosphorus content in Brays exhibited significant variation, ranging from 4.7 to 198.2 kg/ha, providing evidence of geographic heterogeneity in phosphorus availability throughout the hamlet. The soil potassium level exhibited significant variation, ranging from 54.6 to 435.6 kg/ha, potentially impacting the absorption of nutrients and the production of crops. The Nutrient Index readings for nitrogen (1.0) and phosphorus (1.32) were below expected levels, suggesting the necessity of implementing nutrient management strategies to enhance soil fertility. The potassium Nutrient Index value of 1.87 indicates a moderate level of potassium availability in comparison to nitrogen and phosphorus. The extractable soil sulphur from calcium chloride (CaCl2) ranged from 6.4 to 126.7 kg/ha, underscoring the significance of sulphur for crop fertilization. Modest variations in exchangeable calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) levels suggest differences in soil cation exchange capacity and nutrient availability. The micronutrient levels exhibited variation, with copper (Cu) concentration ranging from 2.026 to 4.210 parts per million (ppm), zinc (Zn) concentration ranging from 0.736 to 4.440 ppm, manganese (Mn) concentration ranging from 19.0 to 79.0 ppm, and iron (Fe) concentration ranging from 44.36 to 160.64 ppm. The concentration of boron soluble in hot water varied from extremely low to medium (0.15 to 0.68 mg/kg), suggesting different degrees of boron accessibility for plant absorption. Finally, it is essential to fill the research gaps concerning soil fertility and nutrient dynamics in order to establish sustainable agricultural practices and guarantee food security in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the effects of agronomic practices on yield–nutrition relationships in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains for Zn biofortification while improving yields simultaneously, effects of different soil fertilization and different drone-based foliar spraying treatments were investigated in calcareous soils. For soil fertilization, the incorporation of Zn or increasing the N/P ratio in compound fertilizers proved to be effective in enhancing grain Zn concentrations and yields. However, the overall effects of soil fertilization are limited, with a maximal yield increase of only 7.0% and a maximal increase of the grain Zn concentration from 19.4 to 27.0 mg/kg, which is far below the target biofortification value of 40–50 mg/kg. Unfortunately, there was a negative side effect, which decreased Fe and Mn concentrations and the Fe bioavailability. Notably, drone-based foliar Zn sprayings increased grain yields from the control 7.5 t/ha to 8.6 t/ha at ZnO treatment by 12.0% and 8.8 t/ha at ZnSO4·7H2O treatment by 17.3%. Meanwhile, grain Zn concentrations were increased from the control 33.5 mg/kg to 41.9 mg/kg at ZnO treatment by 25.1% and 43.6 mg/kg at ZnSO4·7H2O treatment by 30.1%. Treatments with ZnSO4·7H2O increased grain Zn concentrations and accumulation more so than ZnO, indicating the importance of chemical Zn forms in determining the effectiveness of foliar spraying. Moreover, foliar Zn sprayings simultaneously increased grain concentrations and accumulation of Fe, Mn and Cu, demonstrating multiple benefits. There were positive correlations between Zn and Fe, Mn or Cu, indicating synergistic interactions. Compared to micronutrients, concentrations of grain macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) were less affected. Thus, a dual-benefit in both grain yields and micronutrient (particularly for Zn) nutrition could be effectively achieved through appropriate soil fertilization and foliar Zn spraying. These findings provide a better understanding of the yield–nutrition relationship among wheat grain yields, Zn and other nutrient elements for a better integrated manipulation to achieve a win–win situation in yield and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Adolescents represent 16% of the world’s population and around 21% of the Indian population. A study was done to assess the double burden of malnutrition, the proportion of inadequate intake of some important macronutrients and micronutrients, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nutrient intakes among adolescents. Methodology Retrospective data analysis of the adolescents presented at the Adolescent Health Clinic at a teaching hospital (tertiary care level) in Andhra Pradesh, India, between September 2022 and December 2022 was done in the current study. Results A total of 800 adolescents were studied with the mean age of the participants as 15.8 (±2.38) years of age. Among the participants, the majority (59%) were immunized with Td vaccination at 10 years and/or 16 years, 21% were not immunized, and the rest 20% did not remember the status. Only 17 participants had a history of COVID-19 infection in the past. The majority (62.75%) of the participants belong to normal nutrition status as per BMI for age WHO growth charts. There is a significant difference in the nutrition status between males and females belonging to overweight and obese subgroups. There is no significant difference in the intake with respect to past COVID-19 status. Almost all the participants take inadequate amounts of carbohydrates (calories), pyridoxine, folate, iron, calcium, vitamin D3, and retinol. Protein intake is inadequate in 63% of participants, and the deficient intake rises with the age with respect to both EAR and RDA guidelines. Conclusion A large proportion of adolescents suffer from the double burden of malnutrition in South India, and almost all the adolescents do not get the recommended intake of most of the macro- and micronutrients in their diet following the lockdown and online schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Aims Observational research has identified links between micronutrient levels and chronic liver disease. However, the lack of randomized controlled experiments has impeded the ability to establish a cause‐and‐effect connection regarding micronutrients and cirrhosis of the liver. This Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis aimed to examine the causal impact of micronutrients on liver cirrhosis. Methods We selected genetic instrumental variables related to 12 micronutrients from genome‐wide studies on individuals of European descent, covering an array of over 9,851,867 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 460,351 participants. Data from patients with cirrhosis in the FinnGen database (https://www.finngen.fi/fi) were used. A two‐sample MR approach was employed to establish genetically causal estimates. Primary analyses used random effects and inverse variance weighted (IVW) methods, with additional sensitivity analyses for validation. MR–Egger intercept analysis and Cochran's Q test assessed horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Furthermore, multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was conducted to address potential confounding variables. Results IVW and weighted median methods showed that most micronutrients included were not significantly associated with a genetic susceptibility to liver cirrhosis. However, MR analysis demonstrated a significant association between circulating vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of liver cirrhosis (odds ratio IVW = 0.53, p

Abstract Background Pediatric palliative care (PPC) patients are at an elevated risk of malnutrition. Nutritional inadequacy can also cause micronutrient deficiencies. These factors can lead to weight loss, stunted growth, and poor quality of life. Despite the prevalence of these issues, limited research exists in the micronutrient status of PPC patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin B12 and D, iron, ferritin, folate, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels of PPC patients to contribute to a better understanding of their micronutrient needs as well as the appropriate management of diet and treatment approaches. Methods This was a single-center observational cross-sectional retrospective study. This study evaluated the levels of vitamin B12, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, iron, ferritin, folate, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in PPC patients. The patients were classified according to the Chronic Complex Conditions (CCC) v2 and then compared. Results A total of 3,144 micronutrient data points were collected from 822 hospitalizations of 364 patients. At least one micronutrient deficiency was identified in 96.9% of the patients. The most prevalent deficiencies were observed for iron, calcium, and phosphate. In addition, 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was observed in one-third of patients. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were negatively correlated with age. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in PPC patients. These findings have the potential to contribute to improvements in the nutritional and therapeutic management of patients.

Weaning foods are soft digestible baby foods introduced along with breast milk for infants of 6 to 24 months. Early nutrition is a crucial one for proper growth and wellbeing. Researchers have developed weaning food from locally available ingredients with appropriate processing methods without losing actual nutrients value. Despite this, micronutrient malnutrition irrespective of the country status is a potential threat. This is overcome by fortifying micronutrients in the formulated weaning foods. Typically, formulated weaning foods are prepared from fruits and cereal grains that are abundant in micronutrients. Different processing methods are adopted to maintain the original natural characteristics of the ingredients. Traditional homemade weaning foods always have an upper hand over industrialized ones. Additionally, fortification enhances the micronutrients in weaning food and helps in uprooting the hidden hunger thereby helping in the sustainable development goals. This review focuses and delivers insights on the various processing methods and cereal-fruit weaning foods as traditional homemade ready-to-serve food supplement. It also highlights the impact of fortification of weaning foods against micronutrient malnutrition. On the whole this work emphasizes on the importance of sustainable weaning foods and how babies can be brought up into healthy grown-ups achieving zero hunger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yingying Jiang,1,&ast; Siqi Ge,2,&ast; Chunyang Wang,1 Chen Jin,1 Yumei Zhao,1 Qingying Liu3 1Department of Neuropharmacology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, 450052, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qingying Liu, Email liuqy1679@163.comBackground: Sleep played an important part in human health, and COVID-19 led to a continuous deterioration of sleep. However, the causal relationship between micronutrient and sleep disorder was not yet fully understood.Methods: In this research, the genetic causal relationship between micronutrient and sleep disorder was analyzed utilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used as instrumental variables. The analyses were conducted using the MR-Egger, inverse variance weighted, weighted mode, weighted median, simple mode, Cochran’s Q test and leave-one-out.Results: Our results suggested that 8 genetically predicted micronutrients participated in sleep disorders, including liver iron (L-iron) and iron in sleeping too much, spleen iron (S-iron) in sleeplessness/insomnia, trouble falling or staying asleep, sleep duration (undersleepers) and nonorganic sleeping disorders, iron metabolism disorder (IMD) and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (VB12DA) in narcolepsy, urine sodium (uNa) in narcolepsy, sleep apnea syndrome and sleep disorder, vitamin D (VD) in sleep duration (oversleepers), 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in trouble falling or staying asleep.Conclusion: Our study used Mendelian randomization methods at the SNP level to explore the potential causal relationship among L-iron, iron, S-iron, IMD, uNa, 25(OH)D, VD, VB12DA with certain sleep disorder subtypes. Our results uncovered a micronutrient-based strategy for alleviating sleep disorder symptoms.Keywords: Mendelian randomization, micronutrient, sleep disorder, causality, vitamin

Abstract Background A study on photosynthetic and enzyme activity changes and mineral content in lettuce under cadmium stress has been conducted in a greenhouse, utilizing the modulated effect of zinc (Zn) application in the nutrient solution on lettuce. Zn is a micronutrient that plays an essential role in various critical plant processes. Accordingly, three concentrations of Zn (0.022, 5, and 10 mg L− 1) were applied to hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos) under three concentrations of Cd toxicity (0, 2.5, and 5 mg L− 1). Results The results showed that along with increasing concentrations of zinc in the nutrient solution, growth traits such as plant performance, chlorophyll index (SPAD), minimum fluorescence (F0), leaf zinc content (Zn), leaf and root iron (Fe) content, manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and cadmium increased as well. The maximum amounts of chlorophyll a (33.9 mg g− 1FW), chlorophyll b (17.3 mg g− 1FW), carotenoids (10.7 mg g− 1FW), maximum fluorescence (Fm) (7.1), and variable fluorescence (Fv) (3.47) were observed in the treatment with Zn without Cd. Along with an increase in Cd concentration in the nutrient solution, the maximum amounts of leaf proline (5.93 mmol g− 1FW), malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.96 μm g− 1FW), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (22.1 μm g− 1FW), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (90.3 Unit mg− 1 protein) were recorded in lettuce treated with 5 mg L− 1 of Cd without Zn. Additionally, the maximum activity of leaf guaiacol peroxidase (6.46 Unit mg− 1 protein) was obtained with the application of Cd at a 5 mg L− 1 concentration. Conclusions In general, an increase in Zn concentration in the nutrient solution decreased the absorption and toxicity of Cd in lettuce leaves, as demonstrated in most of the measured traits. These findings suggest that supplementing hydroponic nutrient solutions with zinc can mitigate the detrimental effects of cadmium toxicity on lettuce growth and physiological processes, offering a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity and food safety in cadmium-contaminated environments.

Abstract Background Magnesium is a micronutrient and an intracellular cation responsible for different biochemical reactions involved in energy production and storage, control of neuronal and vasomotor activity, cardiac excitability, and muscle contraction. Magnesium deficiency may result in impaired physical performance. Moreover, magnesium plays an important role on delayed onset muscle soreness after training. Thus, physically active individuals and sport specialists have to pay attention to magnesium supplementation (MgS). However, the type, timing and dosage of magnesium intake are not well elucidated yet. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the effects of MgS on muscle soreness in physically active individuals. We focused exclusively on MgS, excluding those studies in which magnesium was administered together with other substances. Methods Three electronic databases and literature sources (PUBMED, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences-Core Collection) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After the database search, 1254 articles were identified, and after excluding duplicates, 960 articles remained. Among these, 955 were excluded following the title and abstract screening. The remaining 5 articles were screened in full text and 4 study met the eligibility criteria. Results These studies showed that MgS reduced muscle soreness, improved performance, recovery and induced a protective effect on muscle damage. Conclusion To reach these positive effects, individuals engaged in intense exercise should have a Mg requirement 10–20% higher than sedentary people, to be taken in capsules and 2 h before training. Moreover, it is suggested to maintain magnesium levels in the recommended range during the off-season. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024501822.

A phenylalanine-restricted diet, supplemented with protein substitutes (PSs), remains the cornerstone of phenylketonuria (PKU) management. However, adherence is challenging in adulthood, and data on the nutritional status of early and continuously treated adults with PKU (ETAwPKU) are scarce. A total of 34 ETAwPKU (16 females; mean ± SD, age: 28 ± 9 years, phenylalanine concentration: 847 ± 285 µmol/L) and 34 age- and sex-matched control subjects were compared regarding their blood nutrient status, self-reported dietary intake, and cognitive wellbeing. Though diet adherence varied, all ETAwPKU were taking a PS. No significant differences were found for blood DHA, calcium, ferritin, transferrin, and zinc concentrations. However, selenium and ubiquinone concentrations were 16% and 29% lower in ETAwPKU, respectively (p < 0.01 and <0.0001). Vitamin concentrations (D, B12, B6, and folic acid) were significantly higher in ETAwPKU except for alpha-tocopherol. Amino acid (AA) concentrations differed between ETAwPKU and controls: they were significantly lower for 12 AAs and higher for phenylalanine and glycine. ETAwPKU had a significantly higher intake of most minerals and vitamins, except for niacin and phosphorus (no difference). Depending on the nutrient, PSs represented 52–100% of patients' daily intake and 19% of total daily energy intake. Compared with controls, ETAwPKU scored significantly lower in three of the four subscales of the cognitive wellbeing questionnaire. Overall, the blood DHA and micronutrient status of ETAwPKU was adequate, except for selenium, with higher intakes than controls for most micronutrients. Patients relied heavily on PSs to meet the recommended intakes for protein, DHA, and micronutrients. The potential clinical impact of differences found in AA status should be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is far from over as new strains are emerging all over the world. Selenium as a micronutrient is important for immunity and also has anti-viral activity. Objective: The study evaluated the activity of a Selenium enriched garlic powder (SeGP or SelenoForce®) against SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in vitro and explored its possible mechanism of action. Methods: The anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity assay was carried out in Vero E6 cells in vitro. Human lung carcinoma A549 cells were used to study the antioxidant activity, expression of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and the activity of proprotein convertase, and furin. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Results: SeGP inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells with an IC50 of 19.59 μg/ml. It exhibited significant antioxidant activity in vitro with IC50 value determined as 43.45 μg/ml. The Selenium enriched product inhibited the expression of ACE and TMPRSS2 and also showed inhibition of furin protease activity. In the presence of SeGP, the secretion of nitric oxide, interleukin −6 and TNF-α were reduced in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that Selenium enriched garlic powder could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 multiplication in vitro, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators suggesting that it could be developed as an effective supplement or adjunct therapy to combat viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: There is accumulating evidence that triticale‐based foods have potential health benefits. Herein, we milled triticale grains into five components (break flour, reduction flour, coarse bran, fine bran and whole flour) and analysed their nutritional profiles. Our findings revealed that triticale flour has higher content of minerals (2.04 g 100 g−1), insoluble dietary fibre (14.58 g 100 g−1), polyunsaturated fatty acids (1055.3 μg g−1) and vitamin B9 (0.031 mg 100 g−1) and lower levels of lipids and total essential amino acids than wheat flour. All milling fractions showed higher amounts of unsaturated than saturated fatty acids. Coarse bran and fine bran had the highest mineral and vitamin B content. Break flour has significant amounts of total and essential amino acids, whereas reduction flour has significant amounts of starch and amylose. Break and reduction flour have high mineral bioaccessibility. Thus, milling fractions have unique nutritional properties, which is important for the comprehensive utilisation of triticale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately five million children die each year from preventable causes, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and malaria. Roughly half of those deaths are attributable to undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). The influence of infection on micronutrient status is well established: The inflammatory response to pathogens triggers anorexia, while pathogens and the immune response can both alter nutrient absorption and cause nutrient losses. We review the roles of vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and selenium in the immune system, which act in the regulation of molecular- or cellular-level host defenses, directly affecting pathogens or protecting against oxidative stress or inflammation. We further summarize high-quality evidence regarding the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between MNDs, pathogens, and morbidity or mortality relevant to child health in low- and middle-income countries. We conclude with a discussion of gaps in the literature and future directions for multidisciplinary research on the interactions of MNDs, infection, and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pressure ulcer (PU) is known to be associated with abnormalities of micronutrient status. However, to date, it is not clear whether a causal relationship exists between circulating levels of micronutrients and their supplementations and PU. Methods: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted using summary statistics from Genome‐Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Genetic instrumental variables (IVs) for 13 micronutrients were identified from a GWAS of 67 582 participants, IVs for supplement zinc were acquired from 18 826 cases and 44 255 880 controls, and IVs for PU were obtained from 663 PUs and 207 482 controls. The MR analysis was conducted using the MR base platform. The main analysis method was inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis, supplemented by MR Egger, Weighted median, Weighted mode, and Simple mode analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic for MR‐IVW and Rucker's Q statistic for MR‐Egger. Pleiotropy was determined by the MR‐Egger regression. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave‐one‐out method, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. Results: Genetically predicted lower circulating zinc levels were found to be causally linked to the development of PU (OR = 0.758, 95%CI 0.583–0.987, P = 0.040). However, there was no significant evidence of a causal relationship between supplemental zinc intake and PU development (P > 0.05). Additionally, no causal association was observed between the other circulating micronutrients and the occurrence of PU. Furthermore, there was no indication of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity among genetic variants (P > 0.05), and the robustness of the findings was confirmed through leave‐one‐out tests and funnel plots. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a potential causal association between circulating zinc levels and decreased risk of PU. However, zinc supplementation did not demonstrate a significant reduction in the risk of PU. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which zinc influences the pathogenesis of PU and evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in the prevention and management of PU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 2021 (n = 15) and 2022 (n = 13) summers, we measured the total and dissolved (<0.45 μm) concentration of 25 elements in Utah Lake using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) with detection limits in the order of a few parts-per-billion (ppb). This resulted in 1400 measurements, which is a unique dataset in terms of sensitivity and temporal resolution. Regulated elements are not commonly measured at the ppb-level; thus, these data provide insight into both the behavior and existence of these elements in an aquatic environment and have implications for both the management and regulation of the lake. Utah regulates twelve of these elements. While ICP-OES has ppb-level sensitivity, it is not the approved regulatory analysis method for these elements. All regulations are for dissolved concentrations, except aluminum (Al) and phosphorus (P), which are for total recovery. We found total Al above the allowable concentration, but dissolved concentrations were well below allowable concentrations. We attribute high total concentrations to suspended clays. This suggests that regulatory methods should be reviewed for lakes with a high suspended-solid content. Dissolved copper (Cu) concentrations were below regulatory levels in 2021, but some samples were above regulatory levels in 2022. This could be related to the use of Cu-based algaecide treatments, or from other sources. Lead (Pb) data were inconclusive; dissolved Pb concentrations were well below the acute (1 h average) limit, but the chronic concentration limit (4 h average) was below the ICP-OES minimal detection limit. Arsenic (As) concentrations exhibited a seasonal trend that we attribute to groundwater inflows—they were below regulatory levels for aquatic environments but around the levels for drinking water. This ppb-level study with high temporal resolution provides insight into regulated elements in Utah Lake previously not available due to the high sensitivity of the method and measurements of both total and dissolved concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by boron (B) occurs in different ways, such as through mineral fertilisers and irrigation, and in surface waters it has increased significantly over the years. It is an important element for plants, participating in several physiological processes. This work aimed to evaluate the behaviour of Crotalaria juncea, widely used as green manure. The species that tolerates B up to a dose of 60 mg dm−3 has the capacity to phytoremediate B and is classified as a phytostabilizer. It is clear that a dose of 120 mg dm−3 of B is harmful to the growth of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The relationship between postoperative dietary intake and weight loss after bariatric surgery remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between January 2000 and May 2023, reporting weight loss outcomes, and dietary intake before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. A total of 42 studies were included. There was no detectable difference in dietary intake between the two procedures. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass induced an average decrease in energy intake of 886 kcal/day at 12-month post-surgery; however, there was no correlation between daily energy intake and weight loss. These findings show a substantial reduction of energy intake in the first year after bariatric surgery but do not support a link between lower energy intake and greater weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel (Ni) is an essential micronutrient for plants, responsible for metabolizing urea nitrogen (urea-N) by urease and mitigating abiotic and oxidative stresses through the glyoxalase (Gly) and glutathione (GSH) cycles. However, excess Ni is toxic to flora at >100 mg kg−1, except for hyperaccumulators that tolerate >1000 mg kg−1 Ni. This review discusses the benefits of Ni nutrient management for soil fertility, improving food security, and minimizing adverse environmental impacts from urea overapplication. Many farming soils are Ni deficient, suggesting that applying 0.05–5 kg ha−1 of Ni improves yield and urea-N use efficiency. Applied foliar and soil Ni fertilizers decrease biotic stresses primarily by control of fungal diseases. The bioavailability of Ni is the limiting factor for urease synthesis in plants, animal guts, and the soil microbiome. Improved urease activity in plants and subsequently through feed in livestock guts reduces the release of nitrous oxide and nitrite pollutants. Fertilizer Ni applied to crops is dispersed in vegetative tissue since Ni is highly mobile in plants and is not accumulated in fruit or leafy tissues to cause health concerns for consumers. New methods for micronutrient delivery, including rhizophagy, recycled struvite, and nanoparticle fertilizers, can improve Ni bioavailability in farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrients are clinically important in managing COVID-19, and numerous studies have been conducted, but inconsistent findings exist. To explore the association between micronutrients and COVID-19. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus for study search on July 30, 2022 and October 15, 2022. Literature selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed in a double-blinded, group discussion format. Meta-analysis with overlapping associations were reconsolidated using random effects models, and narrative evidence was performed in tabular presentations. 57 reviews and 57 latest original studies were included. 21 reviews and 53 original studies were of moderate to high quality. Vitamin D, vitamin B, zinc, selenium, and ferritin levels differed between patients and healthy people. Vitamin D and zinc deficiencies increased COVID-19 infection by 0.97-fold/0.39-fold and 1.53-fold. Vitamin D deficiency increased severity 0.86-fold, while low vitamin B and selenium levels reduced severity. Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies increased ICU admission by 1.09 and 4.09-fold. Vitamin D deficiency increased mechanical ventilation by 0.4-fold. Vitamin D, zinc, and calcium deficiencies increased COVID-19 mortality by 0.53-fold, 0.46-fold, and 5.99-fold, respectively. The associations between vitamin D, zinc, and calcium deficiencies and adverse evolution of COVID-19 were positive, while the association between vitamin C and COVID-19 was insignificant. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022353953. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enrichment of maize fodder with iron (Fe) is gaining importance, as Fe deficient fodders grown on light textured. A two-year field investigation was undertaken to enrich the Fe content in fodder maize through biofortification. Replicated experiment was conducted in calcareous soil with Fe content of 5.60 mg kg−1. The treatments consisted of foliar spray of 0.5 and 1.0% iron sulfate (FeSO4) which were done with internal of at 30, 45 days after sowing (DAS) respectively with control treatment. The results of investigation revealed that the foliar spray of Fe @ 1.0% FeSO4 at 30 and 45 days (T7) showed significant effect on the growth parameters viz. plant height, leaf area index, green fodder, dry matter yield and Fe uptake through biofortification. The final results showed that the fodder maize which recorded maximum Fe uptake (enrichment) to the tune of 4.17 and 2.76 kg ha−1 in seasons I and II, respectively with Fe @ 1.0% FeSO4 at 30 and 45 days (T7) followed by Fe @ 0.5% FeSO4 at 30 and 45 days (T4) with Fe uptake as 3.90 and 2.44 kg ha−1 in seasons I and II, respectively. Our results reported that under treatment with 1.0% foliar FeSO4 at 45 days after sowing (T7), the green fodder yield was obtained as 56.20 and 52.13 tonnes ha−1 in season I and II respectively. Application of foliar spray of FeSO4 (T7) is important for significantly enhancing Fe uptake and yield of fodder maize which would lead to improved animal health and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe present study aims to uncover the role of foliar iron in modulating primary and antioxidant mechanisms of Mentha piperita L. under light conditions. Plants were distributed in a completely randomized design and submitted to five Fe concentrations; 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g L−1. And under two irradiance conditions; I100% (full sun) and I50% (50% irradiance). Forty-eight hours after foliar Fe application, the following parameters were determined: gas exchange, chlorophyll (a and b), carotenoids and anthocyanin content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. The highest Fe concentrations affect the internal CO2 concentration (Ci) and water use efficiency, according to the photochemical extinction coefficient and peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. I100% increased the minimum dark-adapted leaf fluorescence and electron transport rate, while, I50% increased the chlorophyll values, and carotenoid content, Ci and transpiration, maximum dark-adapted leaf fluorescence, antenna quantum efficiency and dark-adapted fluorescence. We discovered that isolated treatments are more effective in modifying the response mechanisms of M. piperita plants and the interaction of Fe and irradiance tends to alter antioxidant metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A study on photosynthetic and enzyme activity changes and mineral content in lettuce under cadmium stress has been conducted in a greenhouse, utilizing the modulated effect of zinc (Zn) application in the nutrient solution on lettuce. Zn is a micronutrient that plays an essential role in various critical plant processes. Accordingly, three concentrations of Zn (0.022, 5, and 10 mg L− 1) were applied to hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos) under three concentrations of Cd toxicity (0, 2.5, and 5 mg L− 1). Results: The results showed that along with increasing concentrations of zinc in the nutrient solution, growth traits such as plant performance, chlorophyll index (SPAD), minimum fluorescence (F0), leaf zinc content (Zn), leaf and root iron (Fe) content, manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and cadmium increased as well. The maximum amounts of chlorophyll a (33.9 mg g− 1FW), chlorophyll b (17.3 mg g− 1FW), carotenoids (10.7 mg g− 1FW), maximum fluorescence (Fm) (7.1), and variable fluorescence (Fv) (3.47) were observed in the treatment with Zn without Cd. Along with an increase in Cd concentration in the nutrient solution, the maximum amounts of leaf proline (5.93 mmol g− 1FW), malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.96 μm g− 1FW), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (22.1 μm g− 1FW), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (90.3 Unit mg− 1 protein) were recorded in lettuce treated with 5 mg L− 1 of Cd without Zn. Additionally, the maximum activity of leaf guaiacol peroxidase (6.46 Unit mg− 1 protein) was obtained with the application of Cd at a 5 mg L− 1 concentration. Conclusions: In general, an increase in Zn concentration in the nutrient solution decreased the absorption and toxicity of Cd in lettuce leaves, as demonstrated in most of the measured traits. These findings suggest that supplementing hydroponic nutrient solutions with zinc can mitigate the detrimental effects of cadmium toxicity on lettuce growth and physiological processes, offering a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity and food safety in cadmium-contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Magnesium is a micronutrient and an intracellular cation responsible for different biochemical reactions involved in energy production and storage, control of neuronal and vasomotor activity, cardiac excitability, and muscle contraction. Magnesium deficiency may result in impaired physical performance. Moreover, magnesium plays an important role on delayed onset muscle soreness after training. Thus, physically active individuals and sport specialists have to pay attention to magnesium supplementation (MgS). However, the type, timing and dosage of magnesium intake are not well elucidated yet. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the effects of MgS on muscle soreness in physically active individuals. We focused exclusively on MgS, excluding those studies in which magnesium was administered together with other substances. Methods: Three electronic databases and literature sources (PUBMED, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences-Core Collection) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After the database search, 1254 articles were identified, and after excluding duplicates, 960 articles remained. Among these, 955 were excluded following the title and abstract screening. The remaining 5 articles were screened in full text and 4 study met the eligibility criteria. Results: These studies showed that MgS reduced muscle soreness, improved performance, recovery and induced a protective effect on muscle damage. Conclusion: To reach these positive effects, individuals engaged in intense exercise should have a Mg requirement 10–20% higher than sedentary people, to be taken in capsules and 2 h before training. Moreover, it is suggested to maintain magnesium levels in the recommended range during the off-season. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024501822. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elucidate the causal genetic relationships between iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using the "TwoSampleMR" and "MendelianRandomization" packages in R. The random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary approach. We performed sensitivity analyses to test the reliability of the results. The random-effects IVW analysis revealed that there was no genetic causal relationship between iron (P = 0.429, odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.919 [0.746–1.133]), copper (P = 0.313, OR 95% CI = 0.973 [0.921–1.027]), zinc (P = 0.633, OR 95% CI = 0.978 [0.891–1.073]), or magnesium (P = 0.218, OR 95% CI = 0.792 [0.546–1.148]) and RA. Sensitivity analysis verified the reliability of the results. Therefore, there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium intake at the genetic level and the development of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron (B) is a micronutrient that plays a role in the growth and development of plants. In beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), B allows increased yield and accumulation of dry mass. This work aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of beetroot fertigated with B in the municipality of Mossoró, RN. To this end, two field experiments were conducted in Mossoró, RN, Brazil, designed in complete randomized blocks. Five doses of B (0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 kg ha−1 of B) were tested, with four replications. The treatments did not influence the plants' height, the number of leaves per plant, or the postharvest quality characteristics of the tuberous root. The maximum total and commercial yield of tuberous roots was 22.22 and 21.29 t ha−1, respectively, fertilizing with 4.0 kg ha−1 of B. This dose also promoted the highest accumulation of B in the plant. Using doses above those evaluated can promote greater yield of tuberous beetroot. Therefore, further studies are necessary to determine the recommended dose of B for beets grown in semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin introduced through the diet with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant activities. Today, this vitamin is integrated into the treatment of many inflammatory pathologies. However, there is increasing evidence of possible use in treating autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. We reviewed the literature to delve deeper into the rationale for using vitamin C in treating this type of pathology. There is much evidence in the literature regarding the beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation for treating autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and neoplasms, particularly hematological neoplastic diseases. Vitamin C integration regulates the cytokines microenvironment, modulates immune response to autoantigens and cancer cells, and regulates oxidative stress. Moreover, integration therapy has an enhanced effect on chemotherapies, ionizing radiation, and target therapy used in treating hematological neoplasm. In the future, integrative therapy will have an increasingly important role in preventing pathologies and as an adjuvant to standard treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel zinc-incorporated superabsorbent hydrogel (ZSAH) was fabricated by interpenetrating zinc micronutrient in xanthan gum and carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum with sodium methacrylate. Various compositions of SAH hydrogels were fabricated by varying the concentrations of biopolymers, monomer, cross-linker, and initiator. Zinc chloride was incorporated in the best-swelled hydrogel for the release of Zinc as a micronutrient. Synthesized SAH and ZSAH were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and TGA techniques. The influence of various solvents, such as standard saline solution, different pH solutions (4, 9, and 12), and distilled water on the swelling degree of ZSAH. Moreover, ZSAH was utilized for controlled-release studies of zinc micronutrient in both soil and water. Moreover, the kinetic modeling of zinc release was done using Korsmeyer–Peppas and Higuchi models. It was found that the Korsmeyer–Peppas model with a higher value of regression coefficient (R2) close to unity fitted well in the zinc release pattern in soil and water. Moreover, the estimated value of diffusion exponent (n) indicated that the mechanism of zinc release followed Fickian diffusion. The ZSAH was used for the study of sesame plant growth. It was found that the number of germination of seeds count for ZSAH was significantly greater than that for the controlled soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are herbivorous ungulates that live in forage-poor areas of the American west. The trace minerals that herbivores derive from forage are important for immune function. Therefore, identifying trace minerals that affect immune function in bighorn sheep could provide important insights into disease susceptibility and population health in threatened populations. We sought to determine whether trace mineral composition in blood or plasma correlates to survival and determine whether immunologic parameters correlate with any trace minerals that affect survival. We used data collected from 2016 to 2018 as part of a large study on bighorn sheep in southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada, US. We measured the survival of 135 bighorn sheep during the 8-mo monitoring period, including general metrics of immune function and trace mineral levels. We found that animals with higher selenium had improved survival over the monitoring period, with higher peripheral blood mononuclear cell activity (lymphocytes and monocytes) and lower bacterial killing ability in an in vitro assay. This suggests that bighorn sheep may have altered immune function when selenium levels are low, making them more likely to die during the 8-mo monitoring period. Future work should consider whether habitat management strategies that increase selenium intake might improve disease resistance and survival in bighorn sheep in selenium-poor areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food security is a key issue in fulfilling community welfare because it will determine a country’s economic, social, and political stability. Food security is a condition where food is met down to the individual level, reflected in the availability of sufficient quantity and quality and safe, diverse, and affordable food. This research analyzed the status and situation of food security of farming households and examined the determinants of food security of farming households in Central Lombok Regency. Methods: The design of this research was a cross-sectional study; data collection was carried out in Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. This research involved two groups of subjects: toddlers and mothers. The total number of subjects was 359, consisting of mothers and children. Subjects were taken at each community health center using a simple random method without replacement. All primary data was collected through an interview process using a structured questionnaire and direct measurements. The analysis process for all types of data was carried out with the help of the SPSS for Windows program with the Pearson correlation test and One Way Anova test. Results: The intake of micronutrients for toddlers, including Vitamin C, iron, iodine, and calcium in Central Lombok Regency, is generally still insufficient; only vitamin A intake is categorized as sufficient on average. Intake of macronutrients, namely energy, protein, and carbohydrates, is generally above adequate; only fat intake is in the severe deficiency category. The majority of toddlers in Central Lombok Regency have good weight, height, and nutritional status. Demographic conditions, including education and the number of family members in Central Lombok Regency, are related to the Food Insecurities Scale. In Central Lombok Regency, no significant relationship was found between HDDS and overcoming food insecurity. Conclusions: Even though the intake of micronutrients in toddlers is low, the majority have good nutritional status. Food security is related to demographic conditions, and income plays an important role in overcoming food insecurity. However, nutritional status is not directly influenced by household resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K) deficiency in corn is an emerging concern, especially when the crop is exposed to stress conditions. The insufficient replenishment of K in soil heightens the severity. A good K management requires adequate knowledge of its effect on plant growth and physiology. A sunlit growth chamber study was conducted under five levels of potassium concentrations, 100% (control; 193 ppm), 40%, 20%, 5%, and 0%, using modified Hoagland's nutrient solution applied at first leaf stage and continued until tasseling. The plant growth and development were monitored at different growth stages. Physiological parameters were measured at the tasseling stage. Significant differences (p < 0.05 to 0.001) in plant growth and physiological parameters were recorded in response to potassium rates. The 0% K treatment reduced the leaf K content and addition of leaf area day−1 by 85% and 8%, respectively, compared to the control. The rate of total biomass accumulation reduced to 5.4 g day−1 under 0% K compared to 7.7 g day−1 under the control. The root-to-shoot ratio increased to 0.33 at 5% K compared to 0.16 at the control treatment. The photosynthetic rate was reduced by 30% and 35% under 5% and 0% potassium concentrations, respectively, compared to the control. The 0% K deficiency decreased the stomatal conductance by 60% over control, lowering the internal CO2 level and transpiration. Linear and quadratic relationships were observed between leaf K content and electron transport rate (R2 = 0.98) and transpiration rate (R2 = 0.96), respectively. The functional relationships generated from this study will help improve corn models for field applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ECO-FRIENDLY, cost-effective, and long-term solutions for agricultural systems should be explored, such as nano fertilizers, which can be employed as controlled-release or slow-release fertilizers. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted to investigate foliar application of nano-NPK and nano-micronutrients at different concentration on growth, flowering and chemical constituents of Tecoma stans plants compared to the traditional mineral fertilization (NPK) at a private nursery in Mansoura city, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt over the course of two consecutive 2021 and 2022 seasons. The examined treatments included; 3 g L-1 of mineral NPK fertilizer as control, nano-NPK at 1, 2 and 3 ml L-1 and nano-NPK at 2 ml L-1 + nano-micronutrients at 0.5, 1, 1.5 ml L-1 for each. Results demonstrated that all treatments with nanofertilizers enhanced vegetative growth (plant height, branches number/plant, aerial fresh and dry weights/plant, leaves number and leaf area), root growth (length, fresh and dry weight), membrane stability index, relative water content, and flowering parameters (inflorescence number, and floret number/inflorescence). Additionally, chemical components such as total carotenoids in flowers; leaves chlorophyll a and b, total carotenoids, mineral N, P, and K, and peroxidase and catalase activity in leaves were all enhanced by all nano treatments. Treatment with 2 ml L-1 of nano NPK + 1.5 ml L-1 of nano-micronutrients produced the most statistically significant results for these characteristics. The same treatment exhibited the highest reduction in the period from planting date until emergence the first inflorescence. It could be concluded that applying mixture of nano-NPK fertilizer (2 ml L-1 ) and nano-micronutrient (1.5 ml L-1 ) at intervals of 15 days during the growth season achieved the most favorable results in terms of morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters. Further stdies are needed on different crops under different plant stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to document the effects of the long-term organic farming (OF) on soil quality, agronomical parameters, crop productivity, and food grain yield compared to the conventional farming (CF) system. The crop used in this study is chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and the field was located at Pantnagar, India, in the foothills of Himalayas. The organic farming approach involved utilizing a blend of farmyard manure and vermicompost, combined with a biopesticide comprising neem oil and cow urine. Chickpea grain micronutrient analysis was done via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was found that the physicochemical properties of soil in the organic plot were improved compared to the conventional counterpart. At the post-harvesting stage, the organically managed field had higher soil organic carbon than the conventional field (OF-0.93± 0.05%, CF-0.75 ± 0.12%), higher available nitrogen (OF-317 ± 11 kg/ha, CF-240 ± 22 kg/ha), and more available phosphorus (OF-37.4 ± 1.3 kg/ha, CF-25.2 ± 2.5 kg/ha). The agronomical parameters of the chickpea crop were better under organic cultivation, with a significantly high nodule number, nodule dry weight, and grains per pod. Hence, the grain yield of the crop was better under organic cultivation, with the yield of 1,048 kg ha-1, whereas it was 896.5 kg ha-1 for conventional cultivation. The Fe and Zn contents of organically produced chickpea grains were almost double of their conventional counterpart. Therefore, organic cultivation led to better soil fertility, chickpea grain yield, and nutrient status of the crop. It will be beneficial for the nutritious and sustainable production of chickpeas in Himalayan regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Micronutrient (MN) supplementation has a positive impact on clinical outcomes. However, the evidence for the impact of MN supplementation remains controversial. Therefore, our study aims to assess the impact on nutritional outcomes according to exploring the implementation of MN support with multidisciplinary collaboration. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital in Incheon, Korea. All patients referred to a nutrition support team (NST) between July and November 2022 were included. The NST reviews the MN protocol, which includes multivitamins and trace elements, based on international nutrient guidelines. All patients who were on nothing per oral and did not meet ≥70% of their nutritional requirements within 1 week were recommended MN supplements. Compliance with the MN protocol was evaluated, alterations in nutritional status based on the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scoring system and clinical outcomes were assessed after 7 day and at discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with high nutritional risk in discharged patients. In addition, a sub-analysis was performed on changes in the nutritional of patients on the ward and in the ICU. Results: A total of 255 patients were eligible for analysis, with many patients requiring an MN supply of nothing per oral. The rate of implementation of MN supplementation was 50.2%. The findings indicate a significant decrease in the NRS 2002 score in the good compliance group with MN supplementation. No significant differences in protocol compliance were observed in terms of mortality, hospital stay, or length of stay in the intensive care unit. However, bad compliance with MN supplementation was correlated with risk factors for malnutrition at discharge. In subgroup analysis, nutritional status in the ICU and wards improved, with a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The implementation of a MN supplementation protocol by a multidisciplinary NST is a feasible approach for improving the nutritional status of inpatients. Ensuring high compliance with this protocol is crucial, as poor compliance has been identified as a risk factor for malnutrition at discharge. Active intervention by the NST is essential to achieve optimal nutritional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]