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Developments in nanofibers seek to increasingly expand the field of support and release of actives, such as fertilizers. Using nanofibers as materials for mineral nutrients aims to increase the efficiency of contact release of the fertilizer to the plant root in the soil. Poly lactic acid (PLA) is a polymer with biocompatibility characteristics and spinning conditions. The starch biopolymer combined with PLA can improve the biodegradation properties and hydrophilicity of the fibers and allow the solubilization of the fertilizer source for the plant. Thus, the present paper sought to find a polymeric matrix in the form of PLA/starch nanofibers that could act in the release of the mineral micronutrient manganese as a model asset. The electrospinning method was employed to obtain the fibers varying the starch concentration from 10 to 50% (w/w) in the polymeric matrix. The nanocomposite containing manganese carbonate as a source of Mn2+ ions was produced from the best membrane composition. The results showed that the analyzed PLA/starch blends with 20% (w/w) provided better fiber affinity with water, which is fundamental for fiber degradation time. Regarding fertilizer release, the starch present in the PLA fiber at a concentration of 20% (m/m) promoted better control in the release of Mn2+. The total release occurred after 5 d in contact with the 2% citric acid extractive medium. Thus, PLA/starch fiber becomes an alternative in the packaging of particulate fertilizers, providing increased contact area during root application with gradual delivery of mineral nutrients and minimizing loss by leaching.

Background: Child malnutrition has been a major social problem in South Asia. Throughout the twentieth century, with aid from international food and health-related agencies and through government interventions, there has been a reduction in child malnutrition in this region. However, South Asia is burdened with a high prevalence of malnourished children in the world. About one hundred million children suffer from malnutrition-related issues. The present study has attempted to assess the conditions of child malnutrition in South Asia. Materials and Methods: The present study is based on secondary data from various sources such as the World Bank, WHO, and UNICEF databases. The study is categorized into three sections. The first section lays out the malnutrition trends in South Asia. It highlights the data on how the Stunting, Wasting, and obesity problems are changing in South Asia from 2000 to the present. The second section outlines the causes of child malnutrition in South Asia. It will focus on determinants of child malnutrition, mother’s literacy, family income, and social inequities. The third section elaborates on the United Nations (UN) system interventions. Results: There has been a consistent reduction in the prevalence of child malnutrition from the twentieth century to the twenty-first century; however, there is still a significant number of children and women under malnutrition; there is a demand for optimal nutrition at every stage of life. The effects of malnutrition are associated with less development physical and psychological; there is a risk even to the life of the child; it is also associated with the socio-economic development of the child. Thus, it affects the child’s future and the nation’s future. Conclusion: Finally, the paper concludes by recommending greater synergy among the food system, water and sanitation system, health system, education system, and social protection system.

Introduction: Cleft lip (CL) and/or cleft palate (CP) are the most common visible craniofacial anomalies throughout the world. CL and CP occur due to a failure of the skeletal components of the mid-face to fuse. The affected individual may have an isolated defect or a combination of both. These children can be undernourished due to feeding difficulties after birth. The growth problems of children with clefts have largely been attributed to inadequate nutrition. The aim of the study is to assess the anthropometric status and micronutrient deficiencies in children with cleft lip and palate. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 18 months duration conducted at SGT medical college, Gurugram, a tertiary care center in Haryana, India between June 2020 to December 2021 involving the assessment of patients with cleft lip and palate between the age of 3 months to 5 years of either gender who visited pediatric unit for complete evaluation before surgery. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study and the following information was recorded: age, gender, hemoglobin, serum vitamin D3 level, serum ferritin, and serum vitamin B12 level. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study, of which, 53 (53%) were males and 47 (47%) were females. Anthropometrically, in our study, 83% of patients had moderate to severe wasting, according to WHO classification. Anemia was prevalent in 71.1% of cases in the current study. Vitamin D3 deficiency was seen in 88% of the study population, while 37% of cases had Vitamin B12 deficiency. The correlation between anthropometric assessment and nutritional deficiency suggested that children of cleft lip and palate with severe wasting had significant iron deficiency anemia as well as vitamin B12 deficiency. However, vitamin D deficiency was not statistically significant in severe wasting group. Conclusion: A large number of children with cleft lip and/or palate are not exclusively breastfed due to anatomical deficits. They need supplemental Iron and vitamin D to meet the demands. Macro and micronutrient deficiencies along with recurrent infections, lead to moderate to severe wasting and stunting in these children causing severe malnutrition with complications and failure to thrive.

Abstract Background Celiac disease (CD) is caused by an immune response to gluten and treatment is adherence to a gluten-free diet. Guidelines from studies in large academic settings recommend registered dietitian (RD) referrals at time of diagnosis and periodic testing for micronutrient deficiencies. There is limited data to guide follow-up parameters in a large, community-based practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate guideline adherence in this setting. Methods This retrospective study conducted in 2019 assessed CD care based on follow-up rates, micronutrient testing, symptoms, and serology results in cohorts with and without RD referrals. Patients in this study were followed at Rockford Gastroenterology Associates (RGA): a large, private GI practice. Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of CD from 1/2014 through 12/2018, based on positive serology and/or duodenal biopsy. Patient data was collected by chart review and analyzed through Microsoft Excel. Fisher’s exact and Chi-square tests were used for the statistical analysis and were calculated through the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software. Results 320 patients were initially reviewed and a cohort of 126 patients met inclusion criteria. 69.8% had a RD referral. 65.9% had at least one lab test order for any of the 6 micronutrients. Of 63 patients tested for iron, 11 were iron deficient (8 with RD referral). Of 64 patients tested for vitamin D, 21 were deficient (17 with referral). 80.2% attended at least one follow-up appointment, but 34.9% had only one follow-up visit over a mean follow up duration of 5.82 months. 79 patients had follow-up data for symptoms or serology and were separated into 4 categories (with vs. without RD referral): (1) asymptomatic and negative serology (32% vs. 26%), (2) symptomatic and negative serology (28% vs. 16%), (3) asymptomatic and positive serology (27% vs. 32%), (4) symptomatic and positive serology (13% vs. 26%). Category 1 yielded a fisher exact test value of 2.62 (p = 0.466). Conclusions RD referral, micronutrient testing, and close follow-up are important parameters that affect outcomes in patients with CD. Rates for dietitian referral, some micronutrient testing and follow-up visits were higher than 50%, though results from this study were not statistically significant. Further standardization of follow-up testing and monitoring for CD will help minimize discrepancies between community-based and large, academic GI practices.

Background: Growing the human brain requires all necessary nutrients to form and maintain, so the development of cognitive functions of infants and children depends on adequate nutrition. Children whose mothers had inadequate nutrition are at high risk for cognitive dysfunction. The objective of the present study was to review the studies conducted on “the relationship between nutrient intake during pregnancy and the development of cognitive functions in toddlers”. The present study was conducted by systematic review method using PRISMA checklist items. Methods: To conduct this study, the keywords “maternal nutrition”, “pregnancy diet”, “pregnancy supplement”, “IQ”, “intelligence quotient”, “neurodevelopment”, “cognitive function”, “toddler”, “early years” and “infant” were searched based on the Mesh database in scientific databases including Scopus, SID, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct to find articles related to the effect of nutrition during pregnancy on the development of the cognitive function of toddlers and its components in Persian and English. Finally, 17 articles were selected for review in this study. Results: The results showed that taking a supplement of iron, saturated fatty acids, vitamins B and D, and folic acid improved the cognitive functions of toddlers. On the other hand, taking supplements containing iodine and zinc had no significant effect on the development of cognitive functions. Diets containing seafood during pregnancy had a beneficial effect on the cognitive functions of children. Conclusions: The study results highlighted the importance of adequate nutrition during pregnancy and showed that maternal nutrition played an important role in the development of cognitive functions of toddlers.

A global epidemiological shift has been observed in recent decades, characterized by an increase in age-related disorders, notably non-communicable chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. An appreciable causal link between changes in the gut microbiota and the onset of these maladies has been recognized, offering an avenue for effective management. Kefir, a probiotic-enriched fermented food, has gained significance in this setting due to its promising resource for the development of functional or value-added food formulations and its ability to reshape gut microbial composition. This has led to increasing commercial interest worldwide as it presents a natural beverage replete with health-promoting microbes and several bioactive compounds. Given the substantial role of the gut microbiota in human health and the etiology of several diseases, we conducted a comprehensive synthesis covering a total of 33 investigations involving experimental animal models, aimed to elucidate the regulatory influence of bioactive compounds present in kefir on gut microbiota and their potential in promoting optimal health. This review underscores the outstanding nutritional properties of kefir as a central repository of bioactive compounds encompassing micronutrients and amino acids and delineates their regulatory effects at deficient, adequate, and supra-nutritional intakes on the gut microbiota and their broader physiological consequences. Furthermore, an investigation of putative mechanisms that govern the regulatory effects of kefir on the gut microbiota and its connections with various human diseases was discussed, along with potential applications in the food industry.

In cardiology, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and warfarin are among the most commonly used prophylactic therapies against thromboembolic events. Drug–drug interactions are generally well-known. Less known are the drug–nutrient interactions (DNIs), impeding drug absorption and altering micronutritional status. ASA and warfarin might influence the micronutritional status of patients through different mechanisms such as binding or modification of binding properties of ligands, absorption, transport, cellular use or concentration, or excretion. Our article reviews the drug–nutrient interactions that alter micronutritional status. Some of these mechanisms could be investigated with the aim to potentiate the drug effects. DNIs are seen occasionally in ASA and warfarin and could be managed through simple strategies such as risk stratification of DNIs on an individual patient basis; micronutritional status assessment as part of the medical history; extensive use of the drug–interaction probability scale to reference little-known interactions, and application of a personal, predictive, and preventive medical model using omics.

In the last sixty years, there has been an alarming decline in food quality and a decrease in a wide variety of nutritionally essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in imperative fruits, vegetables, and food crops. The potential causes behind the decline in the nutritional quality of foods have been identified worldwide as chaotic mineral nutrient application, the preference for less nutritious cultivars/crops, the use of high-yielding varieties, and agronomic issues associated with a shift from natural farming to chemical farming. Likewise, the rise in atmospheric or synthetically elevated carbon dioxide could contribute to the extensive reductions in the nutritional quality of fruits, vegetables, and food crops. Since ancient times, nutrient-intense crops such as millets, conventional fruits, and vegetables have been broadly grown and are the most important staple food, but the area dedicated to these crops has been declining steadily over the past few decades and hastily after the green revolution era due to their poorer economic competitiveness with major commodities such as high-yielding varieties of potato, tomato, maize, wheat, and rice. The majority of the population in underdeveloped and developing countries have lower immune systems, are severely malnourished, and have multiple nutrient deficiency disorders due to poor dietary intake and less nutritious foods because of ignorance about the importance of our traditional nutrient-rich diets and ecofriendly organic farming methods. This critical review emphasizes the importance of balance and adequate nutrition as well as the need to improve soil biodiversity and fertility: those are main causes behind the decline in nutritional density. There is also emphasis on a possible way out of alleviating the decline nutritional density of food crops for the health and well-being of future generations.

Disease modifiers, whether from cancer, sepsis, systemic inflammation, or microbial pathogens, all appear to induce epithelial barrier leak, with induced changes of the Tight Junctional (TJ) complex being pivotal to the process. This leak—and the ensuant breakdown of compartmentation—plays a central role in disease morbidity on many levels. Accumulation of lung water in the luminal compartment of airways was a major driver of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 and is an excellent example of the phenomenon. Increasing awareness of the ability of micronutrients to improve basal barrier function and reduce barrier compromise in pathophysiology may prove to be a low-cost, safe, and easily administered prophylactic and/or therapeutic option amenable to large populations. The growing appreciation of the clinical utility of supplemental doses of Vitamin D in COVID-19 is but one example. This narrative review is intended to propose a general theory on how and why micronutrients—at levels above normal dietary intake—successfully remodel TJs and improve barrier function. It discusses the key difference between dietary/Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) levels of micronutrients versus supplemental levels, and why the latter are needed in disease situations. It advances a hypothesis for why signal transduction regulation of barrier function may require these higher supplemental doses to achieve the TJ remodeling and other barrier element changes that are clinically beneficial.

IntroductionPoor food intake is common among elderly living in nursing homes, leading to micronutrient deficiency (MD). There are no recommendations for the management of MD in malnourished older adults.MethodsWe conducted a single arm, open-label, multicenter interventional study in institutionalized malnourished older adults to describe the effect of a 4-week daily energy and protein dense oral nutritional supplementation (ONS, 600 kcal, 30 g protein per unit) containing 50% of the recommended daily micronutrient intake on micronutrient status. Plasma concentrations of vitamins (A, B9, B12, C, E), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), and erythrocyte vitamin B9 were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks.ResultsForty-six participants completed the study (age 87.4 ± 6.6). At baseline, the most frequent MD were Se (48%), Zn (35%), Mg (24%) and vitamin C (24%). Plasma concentrations of vitamins B9, B12, C and E, Mg, Se and Zn significantly increased and the proportion of subjects with at least one MD decreased (p = 0.006). However, after 4 weeks, 40% of subjects still had at least one MD.DiscussionONS consumption improved micronutrient status but did not correct MD in all participants. Our data suggest that the prescription of vitamin, mineral and trace element supplementation should be considered in institutionalized malnourished older adults in addition to high energy and high protein ONS.

BackgroundDietary micronutrients may play important roles in the improvement of the immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to assess the effect of micronutrients on platelet activating factor (PAF) and immunity with a special focus on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsAll paper published in English on the effects of micronutrients including fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and minerals on PAF, immunity, and COVID-19 were collected from online valid databases.ResultsVitamin A may modulate the expression of PAF-receptor gene in patients with COVID-19. Vitamin D may modulate inflammatory response through influencing PAF pathway. Vitamin E may improve COVID-19 related heart injuries by exert anti-PAF activities. Vitamin C status may have PAF related anti-inflammatory and micro-thrombotic effects in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Furthermore, some trace elements such as copper, selenium, and iron may have key roles in strengthens immunity by inactivate PAF acetyl hydrolase.ConclusionThis narrative review study highlighted the importance of micronutrients in the improvement of immune function through modulation of PAF in patients with COVID-19. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.

Introduction: Objectives: To determine the factors influencing food fortification as a means to combat malnutrition among children attending immunization whereas the specific objectives were to assess the knowledge of caretakers, ascertain the attitude, and determine the practices affecting food fortification as a means to combat malnutrition among children attending immunization at Nakasongola Health center IV. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the district at Nakasongola Health Center IV. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 100 respondents who had brought children for immunization and data was analyzed using Excel. Results: The results from this study revealed that more than 50% of the participants were not aware of the term ‘food fortification’. Most of the participants (86%) were not aware of the fact that the Ugandan government made food fortification compulsory on staple foods and the majority of the respondents reported their source of information as health personnel 63(63.0%). Over 60% of the caretakers reported that they cooked fortified foods in the same way as unfortified foods while 33% cooked the fortified food differently. Most participants (90%) of the respondents think food fortification is important, 22% of the respondents read food labels before buying food while only 2% of the respondents feed their children on fortified food. Conclusion: Overall, the study suggests that while there is some level of awareness and positive attitude towards food fortification among caretakers of children attending immunization at Nakasongola Health Center IV, there is still a need for further education and promotion of food fortification practices. This can be achieved through increased awareness campaigns and education by health workers and other stakeholders. Recommendation: Education and awareness campaigns should be conducted to increase knowledge about food fortification, its benefits, and the use of fortified foods among the population.

Cover crops are often mentioned as a way to decrease nutrient losses during the fallow period. Species mixtures of crucifer-legume have been shown to effectively take up nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) to decrease losses due to leaching, but their ability to simultaneously take up other key macro- and micronutrients remains unknown. Our study assessed the performances of a wide variety of bispecific crucifer-legume mixtures to provide synergetic uptake of multiple nutrients to target nutrient-recycling ecosystem services. Cultivars from eight crucifer and seven legume species were tested as sole and bispecific cover crops at an experimental site near Toulouse, France. Seven macronutrients (C, N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg) and six micronutrients (B, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe and Na) were measured in both species. Crucifer-legume mixtures showed synergetic uptake of nutrients per ha compared to sole cover crops for some nutrients through niche complementarity and facilitation processes and net competition for other nutrients. Species mixtures induced both i) higher nutrient concentrations for Mn and Fe in crucifers and Ca and B in legumes) and ii) lower concentrations for P, K, Ca and B in crucifers and Cu and Fe in legumes, indicating that the interactions differed among the species mixtures. Nevertheless, the nutrient uptake measured in shoots were always higher in species mixtures than in sole crops (LER > 1) demonstrating the compatibility and complementarity of crucifer and legume mixtures in providing multiple-nutrient catch-crop and recycling related ecosystem services. Despite overall positive interactions and synergetic complementarities, the results also highlight that some net negative competition occurred for some nutrients. Thus, further investigation is still necessary to completely understand the processes behind multiple-nutrient acquisition in species mixtures.

BackgroundCurrent studies have reported conflicting associations between circulating micronutrient levels and kidney stone disease (KSD). We aimed to elucidate the causal relationship between circulating micronutrient levels and KSD by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsTotal of 36 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) significantly associated with eight micronutrients (vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium) were used as instrumental variables. The GWAS summary data associated with KSD (8,060 cases and 301,094 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. Inverse variance weighted was the main MR analysis method. MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), weighted median and MR-Egger were used to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity.ResultsGenetically predicted circulating vitamin B12 and zinc levels were causally associated with the risk of KSD (vitamin B12: OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32, p = 0.008; zinc: OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28, p = 0.015). We found no evidence that other circulating micronutrients were associated with risk of KSD. p-value for Cochrane Q test, MR Egger intercept test, and MR-PRESSO were >0.05, indicating no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy in this MR analysis.ConclusionIncreasing circulating zinc levels may increase the risk of KSD. More studies are needed to provide evidence on whether genetically predicted circulating vitamin B12 and zinc levels are a risk factor for KSD.

Bioactive compounds found in edible plants and foods are vital for human and planetary health, yet their significance remains underappreciated. These natural bioactives, as part of whole diets, ingredients, or supplements, can modulate multiple aspects of human health and wellness. Recent advancements in omic sciences and computational biology, combined with the development of Precision Nutrition, have contributed to the convergence of nutrition and medicine, as well as more efficient and affordable healthcare solutions that harness the power of food for prevention and therapy. Innovation in this field is crucial to feed a growing global population sustainably and healthily. This requires significant changes in our food system, spanning agriculture, production, distribution and consumption. As we are facing pressing planetary health challenges, investing in bioactive-based solutions is an opportunity to protect biodiversity and the health of our soils, waters, and the atmosphere, while also creating value for consumers, patients, communities, and stakeholders. Such research and innovation targets include alternative proteins, such as cellular agriculture and plant-derived protein; natural extracts that improve shelf-life as natural preservatives; upcycling of agricultural by-products to reduce food waste; and the development of natural alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Translational research and innovation in the field of natural bioactives are currently being developed at two levels, using a systems-oriented approach. First, at the biological level, the interplay between these compounds and the human host and microbiome is being elucidated through omics research, big data and artificial intelligence, to accelerate both discovery and validation. Second, at the ecosystem level, efforts are focused on producing diverse nutrient-rich, flavorful, and resilient, yet high-yield agricultural crops, and educating consumers to make informed choices that benefit both their health and the planet. Adopting a system-oriented perspective helps: unravel the intricate and dynamic relationships between bioactives, nutrition, and sustainability outcomes, harnessing the power of nature to promote human health and wellbeing; foster sustainable agriculture and protect the ecosystem. Interdisciplinary collaboration in this field is needed for a new era of research and development of practical food-based solutions for some of the most pressing challenges humanity and our planet are facing today.

Cashew plants have shown, a few days after planting in the field, interveinal chlorosis in young leaves and, as the symptoms become worse, the leaves are completely chlorotic, a nutritional disorder that is related to iron (Fe) deficiency. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of grafted seedlings of dwarf cashew as a function of Fe doses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. Treatments consisted of five doses of Fe (0; 2.5; 5; 7.5 and 10 mg L−1), using iron sulfate (20% Fe) as source. The following parameters were evaluated: growth variables – height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter and dry matter (roots, shoots and total); and physiological variables – photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), water use efficiency (WUE), instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci), photosynthetic pigments and relative chlorophyll index. Fe deficiency affected the photosynthetic process, causing significant reductions in the evaluated characteristics, indicating the need for its adequate supply for the growth of dwarf cashew plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anthropogenic environment and diet introduce many metals into the human body, both essential and toxic. Absorption leads to systemic exposure and accumulation in body fluids and tissues. Both excess and deficiency of trace elements are health hazards. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of 51 elements in liver samples and 11 selected brain regions obtained at post-mortem examination from a population of adults living in south-eastern Poland (n = 15). A total of 180 analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in two independent replicates. The collected data show very high individual variability in the content of the investigated elements. Macroelements such as sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc occurred in the highest concentrations and with the greatest statistically significant variations. Although the elemental content of the brain and liver differed significantly, the strongest positive correlation between liver and polus frontalis was observed for the essential element selenium (0.9338) and the strongest negative one for manganese (−0.4316) and lanthanum (−0.5110). The brain areas studied have different requirements for phosphorus, manganese, iron, and molybdenum. In addition, males had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher brain content of lanthanides and actinides than females. The results of this study show that the inhabitants of south-eastern Poland are exposed to a fairly uniform accumulation of aluminum and vanadium in the brain, which have the highest affinity to the thalamus dorsalis. This result proves that there is environmental exposure to these elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic biofortification is a technique that helps reduce hidden hunger worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is important for human health and essential for plant development and growth. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of fertilization with Zn on agronomic performance and the agronomic biofortification of beet. Two experiments were conducted at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, belonging to the Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid, in Mossoró-RN. Each experiment was designed in complete randomized blocks, with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of Zn doses (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 kg ha−1). Zn fertilization did not affect the total and non-commercial yield of beet; however, the dose of 6.0 kg ha−1 of Zn promoted maximum commercial yield (20.34 t ha−1). At the maximum dose, higher Zn content was also observed in the nutritional status diagnosis leaf and higher Zn accumulation was found in the leaf, tuberous root, and throughout the plant. There was also an effect on postharvest variables. There was only tuberous root biofortification in 2021. The recommended dose in beet cultivation is 6.0 kg ha−1 of Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Iron (Fe) plays a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycling in the soil-plant-human continuum; however, much research has focused on Fe deficiency with limited knowledge about Fe toxicity impacts on micronutrient (e.g., zinc: Zn) accumulation in cassava, an important staple tuber food in the Tropics. A sand-hydroponic-hybrid technique was undertaken for 60 days to investigate the effects of variable Fe concentrations (0.1–500 μmol Fe L−1) on the root-proton and root-organic acid release, rhizosphere Fe solubility, and levels of cassava nutrient accumulation. The results showed that high Fe concentrations (50–500 μmol Fe L−1) significantly decreased the root (0.34–0.51 g dry weight) biomass compared to the control (0.82–0.83 g dry weight). The Fe concentrations significantly regulated the net proton release from the roots by upregulating (25–45 μmol L−1 h−1 g−1 fresh weight root) and downregulating (1.8–7.1 μmol L−1 h−1 g−1 fresh weight root) the net proton efflux at low (1.0 μmol Fe L−1) and high Fe concentrations (500 μmol Fe L−1), respectively. Succinic acid was the sole organic acid observed and only in the Fe-sensitive cultivar. The water-extractable Fe in the rhizosphere sand (average 3.37 mg kg−1) was lower than in the bulk sand (average 5.31 mg kg−1), indicating that net proton efflux controlled rhizosphere Fe solubility. The high Fe concentrations significantly decreased Zn accumulation (20–29 mg Zn kg−1) but increased phosphorus (P) accumulation (2.7–3.4 g P kg−1) in the roots compared to the control (48–59 mg Zn kg−1 and 2.0–2.3 g P kg−1, respectively), implying that Fe toxicity could be responsible for the undernourished Zn content in the tuber. This study suggested the importance of alleviating Fe toxicity in soil-plant systems to mitigate cassava root Zn deficiency, which is relevant to human Zn malnutrition in countries consuming cassava as the main staple diet. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is one of the most commonly consumed non-grain staple food crops in the world therefore, the mineral nutrient content of the potato is extremely important for human nutrition. The lack of mineral nutrients causes significant health problems, thus, many of these nutrients are often taken as supplements. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of potato flesh color and location on different mineral nutrient contents under Niksar, Kazova and Artova locations in Tokat Province, Turkey, during 2013 and 2014 potato growing seasons. The experimental design in each location was randomized blocks with three replications. In this study, a total of 67 clones (including varieties and advanced breeding selections) with nine white, 10 cream, 30 light yellow, and 18 dark yellow flesh colors were used. Potatoes with cream flesh colors had the highest K (23.81 g kg-1), P (0.31 g kg-1), Mg (1.20 g kg-1), Zn (27.26 mg kg-1), Cu (8.28 mg kg-1) and Mn (7.21 mg kg-1) contents, and the lowest Ca (45.6 mg kg-1) content. The mineral contents (except K and Cu) of potatoes grown in Artova were higher compared to the other two locations. The results clearly suggested that Artova is the most suitable location to produce potatoes with a high mineral composition, and Kazova is suitable to cultivate potatoes with high K and Cu contents. In addition, the knowledge of nutrient rich potato accessions is valuable for developing biofortified potato genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Vitamin C (VC) is implicated in many physiological pathways. Vitamin C deficiency (VCD) can compromise the health of patients with metabolic and bariatric surgery (patients). As symptoms of VCD are elusive and data on VCD in patients is scarce, we aim to characterize patients with measured VC levels, investigate the association of VCD with other lab abnormalities, and create predictive models of VCD using machine learning (ML). Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients seen from 2017 to 2021 at a tertiary care center in Northeastern USA was conducted. A 1:4 case mix of patients with VC measured to a random sample of patients without VC measured was created for comparative purposes. ML models (BayesNet and random forest) were used to create predictive models and estimate the prevalence of VCD patients. Results: Of 5946 patients reviewed, 187 (3.1%) had VC measures, and 73 (39%) of these patients had VC<23 μmol/L(VCD. When comparing patients with VCD to patients without VCD, the ML algorithms identified a higher risk of VCD in patients deficient in vitamin B1, D, calcium, potassium, iron, and blood indices. ML models reached 70% accuracy. Applied to the testing sample, a "true" VCD prevalence of ~20% was predicted, among whom ~33% had scurvy levels (VC<11 μmol/L). Conclusion: Our models suggest a much higher level of patients have VCD than is reflected in the literature. This indicates a high proportion of patients remain potentially undiagnosed for VCD and are thus at risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing nutritional intake and timing helps athletes to improve performance and long-term health. Different training phases can require varying nutritional needs. In this study, we conducted a descriptive assessment of dietary intake, energy availability (EA), and blood biochemical parameters in elite wheelchair athletes during distinct training phases. Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a randomized controlled crossover trial exploring the feasibility of probiotics and prebiotic supplementation. Data were obtained from consecutive three-day diaries and blood samples, both collected at four different time points across four consecutive months. We included 14 athletes (mean (standard deviation) age 34 (9) years, eight females, and six males) active in different wheelchair sports. The mean daily nutritional intake (g/kg body mass) for females and males was 2.7 (0.9) and 4.0 (0.7) for carbohydrates, 1.1 (0.3) and 1.5 (0.3) for protein, and 0.8 (0.3) and 1.4 (0.2) for fat. EA did not change across the four time points in either female (p = 0.30) or male (p = 0.05) athletes. The mean EA was lower in female athletes compared to male athletes (p = 0.03). Low EA (≤30 kcal/ kg fat-free mass/day) was observed in female (58 (29) % of days) and male (34 (23) % of days) athletes. Iron deficiency with anemia was observed in two female athletes. Mean vitamin D levels were insufficient (<75 nmol/L). Macronutrient intake, EA, and blood biochemical parameters were suboptimal in this cohort of elite wheelchair athletes, especially in female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a valuable vegetable that has a high amount of functional nutrients and bioactive compounds. The use of zinc (Zn) fertilizer to improve green bean productivity and nutrient value is limited. A study was performed to evaluate plant growth, productivity and harvest quality of different pole and bush green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties as affected by zinc sulphate and Lys-Zn. Results showed that green bean shoot fresh and dry weights increased by the two sources of Zn fertilizer in pole varieties compared with controls. The bush types, 'Burpees' and 'Black valentine' showed higher yield with Lys-Zn application compared with the control. Antioxidant activity was enhanced by Lys-Zn in 'Blv". The 'Burpees', 'Dragon' and 'Black valentine' indicated highest antioxidant activity. Results indicated that regardless of the source of Zn fertilizer, all the green bean varieties were rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. 'Dragon' under ZnSO4 had the highest Zn content. Also, foliar application with Lys-Zn enhanced protein, starch, calcium, auxin, and folate mostly in 'Burpees', 'Dragon', and 'Black valentine'. Moreover, total essential and non-essential amino acids were improved by Lys-Zn in 'Sunray' and 'Burpees'. A real-time PCR indicated that Lys-Zn increased Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI) gene expression in'Sunray', 'Burpees' and 'Cherokee' compared with the others. Moreover, the interaction effect of variety and zinc gave the highest yield, antioxidant capacity, nutrient elements, and folate contents in 'Burpees' under the Lys-Zn treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) play a crucial role in determining and improving the quantitative and qualitative yields of the crops. On the other hand, high mobility of N and its role in the pollution of environment and groundwater resources have caused many problems. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different methods of application of Zn on crop yield, protein content, and micronutrient concentrations (Zn, Fe and Mn) in rainfed wheat grain under reduced soil N fertilizer supply. The experiment was conducted using the factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications (2017–2020). The application treatments of N were considered as N0, N30, N60, and N90 kg ha−1 from the urea source and Zn application treatments include Zn0, Zn10, Zn20, Znfo, Zn10-Znfo, and Zn20-Znfo kg ha−1 from the Zn sulfate. The results revealed that the effect of N and Zn consumptions on grain yield and total dry matter (TDM) were significant at the level of 1%. The highest grain yield and TDM (3435.3 and 7161.8 kg ha−1) were obtained from N30-Znfo treatment. Also, the highest protein content related to N60Zn20 was equal to 13.4 percent. Grain Zn bioavailability increased with decreasing the soil N rates, but decreased after foliar application of Zn fertilizers. Foliar application significantly increased phytic acid (PA), Fe and Mn concentrations in grain, and the amounts of these increases were greater when Znfo was lonely applied or N30-Znfo and N60-Znfo was used. It was concluded that with Znfo application in rainfed wheat cultivation, the N fertilizer supply was reduced by 50%. Therefore, under this condition, the use of N60 is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study explored the relationship between maternal copper and zinc levels and preterm labor. Design: The design of the present study was a case-control. Two groups were matched in terms of early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), pregnancy and childbirth rating, education level, income, and employment status. Blood samples were taken from mothers after meeting the inclusion criteria when admitted to the maternity ward to check copper and zinc serum levels. Demographic and midwifery data were also collected using a questionnaire and patient records. The data were analyzed in SPSS26 using independent-samples T-test, chi-square, Fisher exact test, and regression analysis, and the p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Setting: Bohloul Hospital in Gonabad, Iran. Participants: The subjects were 86 pregnant women visiting the hospital in two cases (preterm delivery) and control (term delivery) groups. Results: The mean serum level of zinc in the case group (preterm delivery) (44.97 ± 13.06 µg/dl) was significantly lower than the control group (term) (52.63 ± 21.51 µg/dl), and the mean serum level of copper in the case group (149.82 ± 53.13 µg/dl) was significantly lower than the control group (183.97 ± 71.40 µg/dl). Conclusion: As the findings showed, copper and zinc serum levels in mothers with preterm delivery were significantly lower than mothers with term delivery, which shows the biological role of these elements in the pathogenesis of preterm delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The population of elderly worldwide is increasing unnoticed, including in Indonesia. The world's population is aging, and many elderly people experience agerelated malnutrition, including deficiencies in some micronutrients. Malnutrition in the elderly is a serious condition when the nutritional needs of the elderly do not match their food intake. Objectives: This systematic review broadly reviews various micronutrient problems and health impacts on the elderly in several countries. Methods: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Several databases have been accessed; the PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases used a combination of MESH terms and relevant keywords. The inclusion criteria applied were studies written in English, evaluating relevant topics, providing full text, and published studies from 2017-2022 Discussion: Many disorders associated with aging are related to micronutrient deficiencies. Various factors cause micronutrient deficiencies in the elderly, but inadequate food intake is the main factor influencing this deficiency. Nutritional deficiencies experienced by the elderly are closely related to decreased immune function. The results of this review explain that the elderly experience malnutrition due to a lack of the following nutrients: vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, and vitamin B12. Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiency in the elderly causes a variety of comorbidities that reduce the elderly's quality of life in old age, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, dementia, and anemia. The development of food-based dietary guidelines and health promotion regarding elderly nutrition in several countries should be recommended, and it is also necessary to update national food intake references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and foliar application are the most widely used methods for adding micronutrients to maize. High quality micronutrient fertilizers, however, are difficult to obtain in developing countries; micronutrient seed coatings are an attractive and practical alternative. We applied this approach to maize (Zea mays L.) to demonstrate the effects of boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) sulfates on maize germination, vigor, seedling growth, seed yield and seed quality as well as on seed microelement concentration. Seed coating was tested on three representative Chinese soil types (sandy, purple and lime soils). Compared to untreated controls, coating maize seeds with micronutrients significantly increased the seed emergence rate, seedling height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, main root length, root number, above ground fresh biomass, above ground dry biomass, underground fresh biomass, underground dry biomass, ear thickness and yield in sandy, purple and lime soils. Coating maize seeds with micronutrients also significantly increased the yield and quality of maize seed compared to untreated controls including ear barren tip, ear length, ear thickness, grains/row, hundred seed weigh, and rows/ear. Also, B, Zn, Fe, Mn and Mo microelements accumulated in maize seed after coating the seed with micronutrients. Our findings indicate that micronutrient seed coating may improve nutrient uptake and production of maize hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated sixty-nine million people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year. Trauma to the brain causes the primary insult and initiates a secondary biochemical cascade as part of the immune and reparative response to injury. The secondary cascade, although a normal physiological response, may also contribute to ongoing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and axonal injury, continuing in some cases years after the initial insult. In this review, we explain some of the biochemical mechanisms of the secondary cascade and their potential deleterious effects on healthy neurons including secondary cell death. The second part of the review focuses on the role of micronutrients to neural mechanisms and their potential reparative effects with regards to the secondary cascade after brain injury. The biochemical response to injury, hypermetabolism and excessive renal clearance of nutrients after injury increases the demand for most vitamins. Currently, most research in the area has shown positive outcomes of vitamin supplementation after brain injury, although predominantly in animal (murine) models. There is a pressing need for more research in this area with human participants because vitamin supplementation post-trauma is a potential cost-effective adjunct to other clinical and therapeutic treatments. Importantly, traumatic brain injury should be considered a lifelong process and better evaluated across the lifespan of individuals who experience brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The fertility of anthropogenic soils developed from dumpsites used for arable fields is not well-studied. The study aimed to evaluate the fertility of anthropogenic soils from an abandoned dumpsite in Awotan, Nigeria, by measurable indicators and the bioaccessibility of elements of selected plant species. Methods: The study adopted multi-analytical approaches to determine the signatures of the soils and further parameterized the bioaccessibility of elements to plants. Results: The comparatively high content of Ca and Na in the anthropogenic soil contributed to the slightly alkaline soil reaction against the slightly acidic control. The high amount of organic matter is well-indicated by the enrichment of organic C and N in the anthropogenic soil. Waste deposition significantly contributed to the high accumulation of macronutrients (P, Ca, K, S) and micronutrients (Mn, Na, Fe) sufficient for maximum plant growth and yields, with an adequate C/N ratio supporting effective mineralization. The high cation exchange capacity of the anthropogenic soil contributed to cations binding. Indiscriminate waste deposition resulted in a high accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs; Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb) above permissible limits in agricultural soils following WHO limits. Potential effects on lives are evident in the high PTEs accumulation in roots and leaves of Chromolaenaodorata, Saccopetalumtectonum, Passiflorafoetida, and Sennasiamea. These plant species exhibited various PTEs accumulation, especially for Cd and Pb. Conclusion: Although anthropogenic soils remained fertile, the bioaccessibility of PTEs by plants indicates potential threats to consumers of crops and herbs produced from such sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is an important grain legume which is grown for food and feed. It has been employed as both a nutritious animal feed and a human nutritional component. Unavailability of essential micronutrients is a major constraint for cowpea growth, nodulation, and pod yield. In this context a two-year experiment was conducted to assess the effects of iron (Fe) (control-1-2-4 kg da-1) and boron (B) (control-150-300-600 g da-1) on the yield and yield properties of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) planted at different sowing times (15 May-30 May) in Ordu, Turkey region. The experiment design was split-split plot in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The result revealed that combined use of seed treatment with Fe, B and sowing time significantly (P=0.01) enhanced the yield and yield attributes of cowpea. Although all the properties examined showed positive increases with Fe and B applications, decreases occurred at 600 doses of boron. Even lower results were obtained for some properties than the control. In FexB interactions, results are higher than the effects of the applications alone, but the 600 dose of boron prevents the positive effect of iron alone. When the results obtained were examined, it was seen that the best results were obtained from the interactions of 2 kg da-1 Fe dose, 300 g da-1 B dose and May 15 sowing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of various nitrogen sources (NH4NO3 (N, 34%), Ca(NO3)2 (N, 15.5%; Ca, 18%), Mg(NO3)2 (N, 11%; Mg, 12%), NaNO3 (N, 15%; Na, 25%) and urea (N, 46%)) and increasing the intensity of N nutrition with these fertilisers (50, 70, and 90 mg N·dm−3) on the yield and quality of flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee). The plants were grown in two different soilless systems, namely pot cultivation (substrate system—mixture of peat and sand) and hydroponic cultivation. The quality of plants was expressed as macro- and microelement contents, pigment contents, antioxidant activity and phenolic content. It was observed that the yield of flowering Chinese cabbage was about 43–70% higher in the hydroponic system than in the substrate. The N source and N nutrition affected the yield volume. The highest mean yield was observed in pot cultivation after fertilisation with Mg(NO3)2 and in hydroponics with Ca(NO3)2. We found a rather high tolerance of flowering cabbage to sodium and an excessive content of ammonium in the nutrient solution. The nitrogen source and N doses modified plant contents of macro- and microelements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and other quality parameters of plants. In pot cultivation, the highest element contents as well as the highest antioxidant activity were obtained after fertilisation with Mg(NO3)2 at N-70 and N-90. The highest pigment contents (chlorophylls and carotenoids) were obtained in the samples treated with urea at the N-90 dose. Those samples were also characterised by a high Mn content. Generally, the pigment content in the pot system positively correlated with the Mn content in leaves, the microelement which is involved in the process of photosynthesis, but it did not correlate with colour coordinates. In the hydroponic system, the highest pigment contents were observed in the samples treated with Mg(NO3)2 at the N-70 dose. Generally, in hydroponics, chlorophyll levels positively correlated with Ca levels in the aboveground parts of the plants. Additionally, the content of Chl b inversely correlated with L* and b* values. In hydroponic systems, the highest DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity was observed after treatment with NH4NO3 at the N-70 and N-90 doses and it did not correlate with phenolic content but rather with pigment content. In conclusion, both the intensity of N nutrition and the fertiliser applied can significantly modify the yield of plants and their quality parameters. For pot cultivation, the most effective fertiliser was Mg(NO3)2 at the N-70/N-90 doses, while for hydroponic cultivation, it is difficult to indicate the most effective fertiliser as the responses varied depending on the method of fertilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop high-quality flatbreads for low-income countries by using composite flours from climate-resilient crops, i.e., sprouted sorghum, tapioca, and cowpea, as partial alternatives to imported wheat. Through the experimental design, several flatbread prototypes were developed that maximized the content of sprouted sorghum and cowpea flours and minimized the content of wholewheat flour. Three of them were chosen based on the best textural, nutritional (highest intake of energy, proteins, and micronutrients—iron, zinc and vitamin A), and economic (cheapest in Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Burundi, and Togo) features. The physicochemical properties, in vitro starch digestibility, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and sensory acceptability were also measured for the samples. The experimental flatbreads showed lower rapidly digestible starch and higher resistant starch contents than the control (100% wholewheat based), and were also richer in phenolic content and higher in antioxidant activity. Moreover, one of the prototypes was perceived to be as acceptable as the control for texture and flavour properties. The ranking test, performed after explaining the nature of the samples, revealed that the flatbread meeting the nutritional criteria was the preferred one. Overall, the use of composite flour from climate-resilient crops was proven to be an efficient strategy to obtain high-quality flatbread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Increasing the yield of agricultural products per unit area is very important for preparing the food needed by the growing population of the country. One of the solutions is to add fertilizers in different forms and compositions to the soil to increase crop yield and strengthen soil fertility. Far away has been common all over the world. Materials and Methods In order to investigate the effect of different levels of camel manure and manganese sulfate on growth and yield and yield components of Setaria italic, a factorial experiment in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2009-2010 in Abuzar well cultivated lands. Khosf city was implemented. Experimental treatments included: camel manure at three levels (0,10 and 20 tz ha) and manganese sulfate at four levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kgZha). Results and Discussion The results of statistical analysis of the data showed that different levels of manure and manganese sulfate and the interaction between them had a significant effect on biological yield, number of grains per panicle and grain yield. So that the highest values of the above indices were observed in the treatment of manure 20 tons per hectare and 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. The highest and lowest number of panicles were obtained in the treatment of 20 tons of camel manure and the application of 30 kg/ha of manganese sulfate and the control treatment without the use of camel manganese and manganese sulfate. The length of the panicle was also affected by the main effects of manure and manganese sulfate. So that the maximum panicle length was obtained in the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of manure and the treatment of 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. The effect of manure levels on number of tillers per plant, number of spikes per plant and number of plants per square meter was significant, but other effects had no significant effect on these traits and the highest number of tillers per plant, number of spikes per plant and number of plants In the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure were obtained per square meter. The main effects of different levels of manure and manganese sulfate at the level of one percent probability had a significant effect on 1000-grain weight and millet harvest index, but the interaction of these factors did not have a significant effect on these traits. The highest 1000-seed weight was observed in the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure and the treatment of 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. Also, the highest harvest index was related to the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure and also the highest harvest index was obtained from the consumption of 60 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. Conclusion Finally, it can be concluded that the best treatments in this experiment were the use of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure and 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. In fact, manure improves plant growth by gradually providing elements and using micronutrients. The use of manure is one of the appropriate solutions to achieve ecological agriculture that can increase agricultural production and due to the fact that most of the soils of South Khorasan province are calcareous and manganese deficient, the use of this element can be Help to remove this limitation and increase plant yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Bread heat is the first grain and the most important annual crop in the world. Like other crops, wheat faces many environmental constraints such as a lack of trace elements during its growth period. Zinc deficiency is a common micronutrient disorder in wheat-growing areas of the world. The growing degree-days (GDD) index is reliable compared to the time calendar due to its stability. These indices are important for comparing genotypes whose physiological developmental stages do not match. Temperature is an important meteorological variable in the study of plant growth and development processes and therefore its study on short time scales leads to a more accurate estimate of thermal need due to the relatively wide range of temperature changes in different phenological stages, setting the planting date. Studying the effect of temperature on wheat genotypes should be based on sufficient time and temperature to complete the phenological stages in which grain yield components are formed. Materials and Methods To study the phenological stages, cumulative growing degree-days, and grain yield and its components in 64 spring wheat cultivars under optimal and zinc deficiency conditions, a study was conducted in the 2019-2020 cropping season based on a simple lattice design in the research field of Urmia University, Iran. Phenological stages include the number of days to germination, the number of days to booting, the number of days to pollination, the number of days to physiological maturity, and the grain filling period with their GDDs during the growing season in each pot based on 50% of the samples were determined to have reached the relevant vegetative stage. In addition to phenological stages along with the number of grains per spike, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield were examined. Results and Discussion Analysis of variance revealed that there is a statistically significant difference among all cultivars in terms of all studied traits except the number of days to pollination under optimal and zinc deficiency conditions. According to the results of descriptive statistics, grain yield, the number of grains per spike, and thousandgrain weight decreased and phenological traits increased under zinc deficiency conditions compared to optimal conditions. Among phenological traits, not only the number of days to spike showed relatively high variability but also had a significant relationship with grain yield under zinc deficiency based on the results of correlation and regression analyses. The factor analysis showed that under optimal conditions, the first four components explained 87.81 percent of the total variation, so that the contribution of the first to fourth components were 38.38, 21.52, 15.88, and 12.3 percent. Under zinc deficiency stress conditions, the first five components explained 95.68 percent of the total variation, so that the first to fifth components explained 34.62,18.48,17.51, 14.66, and 10.40 percent, respectively. Cluster analysis classified all spring wheat cultivars into three and four clusters under optimal and zinc deficiency stress conditions. Conclusion Based on the results of cluster analysis under optimal and zinc deficiency stress conditions, Neishabour, Golestan, and Gahar cultivars were identified as desirable and tolerant cultivars that can be used in future breeding programs. The results of cluster analysis were confirmed by results of canonical discriminant function results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the 16HBE 14o‐ human airway epithelial cell culture model, calcitriol (Vitamin D) was shown to improve barrier function by two independent metrics – increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and reduced transepithelial diffusion of 14C‐D‐mannitol (Jm). Both effects were concentration dependent and active out to 168 h post‐treatment. Barrier improvement associated with changes in the abundance of specific tight junctional (TJ) proteins in detergent‐soluble fractions, most notably decreased claudin‐2. TNF‐α‐induced compromise of barrier function could be attenuated by calcitriol with a concentration dependence similar to that observed for improvement of control barrier function. TNF‐α‐induced increases in claudin‐2 were partially reversed by calcitriol. The ERK 1,2 inhibitor, U0126, itself improved 16HBE barrier function indicating MAPK pathway regulation of 16HBE barrier function. Calcitriol's action was additive to the effect of U0126 in reducing TNF‐ α ‐induced barrier compromise, suggesting that calcitriol may be acting through a non‐ERK pathway in its blunting of TNF‐ α – induced barrier compromise. This was supported by calcitriol being without effect on pERK levels elevated by the action of TNF‐α. Lack of effect of TNF‐ α on the death marker, caspase‐3, and the inability of calcitriol to decrease the elevated LC3B II level caused by TNF‐α, suggest that calcitriol's barrier improvement does not involve a cell death pathway. Calcitriol's improvement of control barrier function was not additive to barrier improvement induced by retinoic acid (Vitamin A). Calcitriol improvement and protection of airway barrier function could in part explain Vitamin D's reported clinical efficacy in COVID‐19 and other airway diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the expected increase in soybean (Glycine max L.) demand and the current yield gap, smart management strategies of crop nutrition are required to improve the use of resources. Given that zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most widespread micronutrient problem in agricultural production systems, the objective of this study was to evaluate, under field conditions, the effect of different Zn fertilization strategies on seed yield, Zn uptake, and seed Zn concentration in Zn-deficient soils. To this end, a field experiment was conducted at three sites evaluating the following treatments: (i) Control = no Zn application; (ii) Seed-Zn = Zn applied to the seed (0.3 kg ha−1); (iii) Foliar-Zn = Zn foliar-applied at V5 (0.7 kg ha−1); and (iv) Soil-Zn = Zn applied to the soil at sowing (2.1 kg ha−1). At all sites, Zn fertilization significantly (p < 0.05) increased seed yield (9.5%) regardless of the fertilization strategy. The Foliar- and Soil-Zn applications generated the greatest leaf Zn concentration at R5.5 stage (60 and 50 mg kg−1, respectively). Zinc concentration in stems, pods, and the whole plant did not differ between treatments (avg. 12, 41, and 31 mg kg−1, respectively). Only Soil-Zn application increased seed Zn concentration compared to the unfertilized Control (11%). Future research on Zn dynamic in soybean should focus on: (i) recalibrating thresholds based on leaf and seed Zn concentration and (ii) evaluating different times, sources, and rates of Foliar-Zn application in reproductive stages, alone or in combination with Soil-Zn applications, to reach Zn biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of dietary components on vascular dysfunction and aging is unclear. This study therefore aims to propose a model to predict the influence of macro and micronutrients on accelerated vascular aging in a Spanish population without previous cardiovascular disease. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 501 individuals aged between 35 and 75 years. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured using a Sphygmo Cor® device. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMTc) was measured using a Sonosite Micromax® ultrasound machine. The Vascular Aging Index (VAI) was estimated according to VAI = (LN (1.09) × 10 cIMT + LN (1.14) × cfPWV) 39.1 + 4.76. Vascular aging was defined considering the presence of a vascular lesion and the p75 by age and sex of VAI following two steps: Step 1: subjects were labelled as early vascular aging (EVA) if they had a peripheral arterial disease or carotid artery lesion. Step 2: they were classified as EVA if the VAI value was >p75 and as normal vascular aging (NVA) if it was ≤p75. To predict the model, we used machine learning algorithms to analyse the association between macro and micronutrients and vascular aging. In this article, we proposed the AdXGRA model, a stacked ensemble learning model for diagnosing vascular aging from macro and micronutrients. The proposed model uses four classifiers, AdaBoost (ADB), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), generalized linear model (GLM), and random forest (RF) at the first level, and then combines their predictions by using a second-level multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifier to achieve better performance. The model obtained an accuracy of 68.75% in prediction, with a sensitivity of 66.67% and a specificity of 68.79%. The seven main variables related to EVA in the proposed model were sodium, waist circumference, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), total protein, calcium, and potassium. These results suggest that total protein, PUFA, and MUFA are the macronutrients, and calcium and potassium are the micronutrients related to EVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anemia is a worldwide epidemic, and iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia. We used anthropometric measurements and a multi-sectioned questionnaire to get as much information about diet as possible. The blood was taken to determine their iron stores via a test measuring their hemoglobin (Hb). Iron deficiency was examined alongside gender, body mass index, family history, the variety and quantity of the foods eaten, the frequency of eating each of the five main food groups, and the prevalence of anemia. The correlation between dietary factors like grains, protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruits, and iron levels was also performed. The percentage of underweight men ranged from 2% to 14%, while 6% to 4% and stages II and III obesity were each found among men. Ten percent of men with normal blood iron levels were found to have mild iron deficiency. When it comes to women, 32% were underweight while only 6% were in stage I obesity. Although supplement use can improve health by lowering the risk of problems associated with iron deficiency, it can also cause gastrointestinal distress in some people. It can raise the supplement's already high risk of kidney or gallstone formation. Therefore, a study examining the correlation between iron deficiency anemia and specific nutrients could raise consciousness about the importance of eating healthfully and maintaining proper nutrient levels in the body. Scientific research and medical diagnosis will benefit from this as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the response of four soybean cultivars (Arısoy, Cinsoy, Umut-2002, and Sarıgelin-1) in terms of their mineral and morpho-physiological properties to waterlogging stress during the early growing stage (V1). 20-day-old plants were exposed to waterlogging for 14 days. The results showed that soybean cultivars reacted differently to waterlogging. The shoot and root fresh weight and chlorophyll rate were significantly lower in the waterlogged plants than in the control. No significant changes in shoot and root fresh weights of cv. Cinsoy was observed due to waterlogging while cv. Cinsoy had the highest chlorophyll rate. Waterlogging led to decreasing the phosphorus concentration, but Ca, Na, Zn, Mn, B, and Cu were enhanced. However, cv. Arısoy possessed higher K, P, Ca, Mg, S, and B levels than the control, and a significant reduction in Ca, S, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, and K/Na ratio was determined in the waterlogged plants. Phosphorus was decreased in all the cultivars except for cv. Arısoy. It was concluded that Arısoy and Cinsoy appeared more tolerant to waterlogging during the early growing stage compared to the other soybean cultivars, and the stress mainly affected the plant's mineral concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With over one billion people experiencing nutritional shortages, food insecurity is expanding as a worldwide problem. There are presently 657,628 Syrian refugees registered in Jordan nine years after the crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic began. The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on pregnant women, nursing mothers, and most families with small children regarding food and nutrition security. It affected refugees worldwide. This review focuses on Syrian refugees' nutritional intake and the factors influencing their dietary habits, eating habits, and food insecurity. Due to system interdependencies, these impacts have cascaded across different components of the humanitarian aid provision system and led to risks of deterred personal growth and longer-term risks on the future leadership of the refugee community. The methodology followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A structured search of two databases-PubMed and Google Scholar--was carried out, and articles were identified that focused upon the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food and nutrition security and dietary habits among refugees in camps. From this study, we recommend devising an interdisciplinary framework for assessing the education, protection, food security and household needs of the refugee communities together rather than intervening discreetly, and using the food security and household component of the system as the ladder to achieve effective management of pandemic-borne risks for the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer (CA) occurs when cells divide out of control. CA cells usually tend to spread from the initial locus to the near and far tissues, the so-called metastasis. The cause of most cancers is unknown to date yet some factors including viruses, ionizing radiations and certain nutritional factors may promote genetic changes leading to malignant tumor growth. There are several treatment options for cancers including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Although most cancers are life threatening, CA treatments carry many side effects for the affected patient including fatigue, anorexia, hair loss, anemia, neuropathy, gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or constipation, and weight loss mostly due to loss of lean body mass. As many patients under CA treatment are not able to have an adequate dietary intake, using nutritional supplements (NS) may seem a reasonable approach. Nevertheless, there is some evidence suggesting that some NS may promote CA cell growth and poor prognosis. Here, the most recent findings in this field along with our personal experience are discussed and some recommendations are made based on current evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underutilized wild edible species or neglected crop species are still used at low levels within the local communities, but show a high potential to contribute to the food supply with more health benefits. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional properties of two underutilized wild edible species, namely, Acrostichum aureum and Talinum triangulare available in Sri Lanka. Plant extracts were analyzed for their ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and mineral contents (Ca, Cu, Zn, and Fe). Bioaccessibility of minerals was also tested through an in vitro digestion model. Ca is the most abundant micronutrient (45.61-102.91 mg/100 g) in both tested species, while the in vitro bioaccessibility assay shows a higher fraction of Ca (47.46%) in A. aureum and Cu (64.68%) in T. triangulare. The highest concentrations of ascorbic acid and total phenolic content were found in T. triangulare (AAC: 165 mg/100 g; TPC: GAE,34.8 mg/100 g). Studied species were found to have significant antioxidant activities as evaluated by two different methods, such as DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. In relation to the tested data, T. triangulare has shown the greatest antioxidant activity in both methods. Hence, consumption of identified underutilized plant species may serve as good sources of antioxidants and minerals in their natural form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress restricts the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) by disrupting its biochemical and physiological functions. The current study was conducted to evaluate the role of selenium (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg Se L−1 as a foliar application) in improving okra tolerance to drought (control (100% field capacity-FC), mild stress (70% FC), and severe stress (35% FC)) imposed 30 days after sowing (DAS). Drought (severe) markedly decreased chlorophyll (32.21%) and carotenoid (39.6%) contents but increased anthocyanin (40%), proline (46.8%), peroxidase (POD by 12.5%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX by 11.9%), and catalase (CAT by 14%) activities. Overall, Se application significantly alleviated drought stress-related biochemical disturbances in okra. Mainly, 3 mg Se L−1 significantly increased chlorophyll (21%) as well as anthocyanin (15.14%), proline (18.16%), and antioxidant activities both under drought and control conditions. Selenium played a beneficial role in reducing damage caused by oxidative stress, enhancing chlorophyll and antioxidants contents, and improved plant tolerance to drought stress. Therefore, crops including okra especially, must be supplemented with 3 mg L−1 foliar Se for obtaining optimum yield in arid and semiarid drought-affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundWomen living with HIV (WLHIV) are at higher risk of micronutrient deficiencies and adverse health outcomes. There are limited data on the burden or sequelae of micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant WLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).ObjectivesWe aimed to examine anemia and vitamin B-12, folate, and vitamin D deficiencies, and their associations with obstetric and infant outcomes, among pregnant WLHIV initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in rural Uganda.MethodsThis was a prospective analysis among pregnant WLHIV (12-28 weeks of gestation) in PROMOTE-Pregnant Women and Infants (PIs), a randomized trial comparing the effects of protease inhibitor (PI)-based ART with those of a non-PI-based ART on placental malaria risk. We conducted a substudy on the burden of anemia [trimester 1/3: hemoglobin (Hb)