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With the anticipated foliar application of nanoparticles (NPs) as a potential strategy to improve crop production and ameliorate heavy metal toxicity, it is crucial to evaluate the role of NPs in improving the nutrient content of plants under Lead (Pb) stress for achieving higher agriculture productivity to ensure food security. Herein, Brassica napus L. grown under Pb contaminated soil (300 mg/kg) was sprayed with different rates (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of TiO2 and ZnO-NPs. The plants were evaluated for growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, leaf exchange attributes, oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities. The results revealed that 100 mg/L NPs foliar application significantly augmented plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and leaf gas exchange attributes. Furthermore, 100 mg/L TiO2 and ZnO-NPs application showed a maximum increase in SPAD values (79.1%, 68.9%). NPs foliar application (100 mg/L TiO2 and ZnO-NPs) also substantially reduced malondialdehyde (44.3%, 38.3%), hydrogen peroxide (59.9%, 53.1%), electrolyte leakage (74.8%, 68.3%), and increased peroxidase (93.8%, 89.1%), catalase (91.3%, 84.1%), superoxide dismutase (81.8%, 73.5%) and ascorbate peroxidase (78.5%, 73.7%) thereby reducing Pb accumulation. NPs foliar application (100 mg/L) significantly reduced root Pb (45.7%, 42.3%) and shoot Pb (84.1%, 76.7%) concentration in TiO2 and ZnO-NPs respectively, as compared to control. Importantly, macro and micronutrient analysis showed that foliar application 100 mg/L TiO2 and ZnO-NPs increased shoot zinc (58.4%, 78.7%) iron (79.3%, 89.9%), manganese (62.8%, 68.6%), magnesium (72.1%, 93.7%), calcium (58.2%, 69.9%) and potassium (81.5%, 68.6%) when compared to control without NPs. The same trend was observed for root nutrient concentration. In conclusion, we found that the TiO2 and ZnO-NPs have the greatest efficiency at 100 mg/L concentration to alleviate Pb induced toxicity on growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient content of Brassica napus L. NPs foliar application is a promising strategy to ensure sustainable agriculture and food safety under metal contamination.

Plants release a wealth of metabolites into the rhizosphere that can shape the composition and activity of microbial communities in response to environmental stress. The connection between rhizodeposition and rhizosphere microbiome succession has been suggested, particularly under environmental stress conditions, yet definitive evidence is scarce. In this study, we investigated the relationship between rhizosphere chemistry, microbiome dynamics, and abiotic stress in the bioenergy crop switchgrass grown in a marginal soil under nutrient-limited, moisture-limited, and nitrogen (N)-replete, phosphorus (P)-replete, and NP-replete conditions. We combined 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics to link rhizosphere microbial communities and metabolites. We identified significant changes in rhizosphere metabolite profiles in response to abiotic stress and linked them to changes in microbial communities using network analysis. N-limitation amplified the abundance of aromatic acids, pentoses, and their derivatives in the rhizosphere, and their enhanced availability was linked to the abundance of bacterial lineages from Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, and Alphaproteobacteria. Conversely, N-amended conditions increased the availability of N-rich rhizosphere compounds, which coincided with proliferation of Actinobacteria. Treatments with contrasting N availability differed greatly in the abundance of potential keystone metabolites; serotonin and ectoine were particularly abundant in N-replete soils, while chlorogenic, cinnamic, and glucuronic acids were enriched in N-limited soils. Serotonin, the keystone metabolite we identified with the largest number of links to microbial taxa, significantly affected root architecture and growth of rhizosphere microorganisms, highlighting its potential to shape microbial community and mediate rhizosphere plant-microbe interactions.

Soil salinity is a major nutritional challenge with poor agriculture production characterized by high sodium (Na+) ions in the soil. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and biochar have received attention as a sustainable strategy to reduce biotic and abiotic stress. However, there is a lack of information regarding the incorporation of ZnO NPs with biochar to ameliorate the salinity stress (0, 50,100 mM). Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the potentials of ZnO NPs application (priming and foliar) alone and with a combination of biochar on the growth and nutrient availability of spinach plants under salinity stress. Results demonstrated that salinity stress at a higher rate (100 mM) showed maximum growth retardation by inducing oxidative stress, resulted in reduced photosynthetic rate and nutrient availability. ZnO NPs (priming and foliar) alone enhanced growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange parameters by improving the antioxidant enzymes activity of spinach under salinity stress. While, a significant and more pronounced effect was observed at combined treatments of ZnO NPs with biochar amendment. More importantly, ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar significantly reduced the Na+ contents in root 57.69%, and leaves 61.27% of spinach as compared to the respective control. Furthermore, higher nutrient contents were also found at the combined treatment of ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar. Overall, ZnO NPs combined application with biochar proved to be an efficient and sustainable strategy to alleviate salinity stress and improve crop nutritional quality under salinity stress. We inferred that ZnO NPs foliar application with a combination of biochar is more effectual in improving crop nutritional status and salinity mitigation than priming treatments with a combination of biochar.

Reproductive success relies on proper establishment and maintenance of biological sex. In many animals, including mammals, the primary gonad is initially ovary biased. We previously showed the RNA binding protein (RNAbp), Rbpms2, is required for ovary fate in zebrafish. Here, we identified Rbpms2 targets in oocytes (Rbpms2-bound oocyte RNAs; rboRNAs). We identify Rbpms2 as a translational regulator of rboRNAs, which include testis factors and ribosome biogenesis factors. Further, genetic analyses indicate that Rbpms2 promotes nucleolar amplification via the mTorc1 signaling pathway, specifically through the mTorc1-activating Gap activity towards Rags 2 (Gator2) component, Missing oocyte (Mios). Cumulatively, our findings indicate that early gonocytes are in a dual poised, bipotential state in which Rbpms2 acts as a binary fate-switch. Specifically, Rbpms2 represses testis factors and promotes oocyte factors to promote oocyte progression through an essential Gator2-mediated checkpoint, thereby integrating regulation of sexual differentiation factors and nutritional availability pathways in zebrafish oogenesis.

This document describes the content, purpose, methods and uses of the nutrient concentration data set for the UC Santa Barbara North Campus Open Space (NCOS) Restoration Project. Nutrient concentrations have been taken as one way to assess the value of the newly established wetland and understand the impact that storms have on the system.

PurposeChronic inflammation is integral to myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) pathogenesis. JAK inhibitors reduce cytokine levels, but not without significant side effects. Nutrition is a low-risk approach to reduce inflammation and ameliorate symptoms in MPN. We performed a randomized, parallel-arm study to determine the feasibility of an education-focused Mediterranean diet intervention among patients with MPN.Experimental designWe randomly assigned patients with MPN to either a Mediterranean diet or standard U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (USDA). Groups received equal but separate education with registered dietician counseling and written dietary resources. Patients were prospectively followed for feasibility, adherence, and symptom burden assessments. Biological samples were collected at four timepoints during the 15-week study to explore changes in inflammatory biomarkers and gut microbiome.ResultsThe Mediterranean diet was as easy to follow for patients with MPN as the standard USDA diet. Approximately 80% of the patients in the Mediterranean diet group achieved a Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score of ≥8 throughout the entire active intervention period, whereas less than 50% of the USDA group achieved a score of ≥8 at any timepoint. Improvement in symptom burden was observed in both diet groups. No significant changes were observed in inflammatory cytokines. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome remained stable throughout the duration of the intervention.ConclusionsWith dietician counseling and written education, patients with MPN can adhere to a Mediterranean eating pattern. Diet interventions may be further developed as a component of MPN care, and potentially incorporated into the management of other hematologic conditions.SignificanceDiet is a central tenant of management of chronic conditions characterized by subclinical inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease, but has not entered the treatment algorithm for clonal hematologic disorders. Here, we establish that a Mediterranean diet intervention is feasible in the MPN patient population and can improve symptom burden. These findings warrant large dietary interventions in patients with hematologic disorders to test the impact of diet on clinical outcomes.

Diverse phytoplankton modulate the coupling between the ocean carbon and nutrient cycles through life-history traits such as cell size, elemental quotas, and ratios. Biodiversity is mostly considered at broad functional levels, but major phytoplankton lineages are themselves highly diverse. As an example, Synechococcus is found in nearly all ocean regions, and we demonstrate contains extensive intraspecific variation. Here, we grew four closely related Synechococcus isolates in serially transferred cultures across a range of temperatures (16-25°C) to quantify for the relative role of intraspecific trait variation vs. environmental change. We report differences in cell size (p

Droughts have major effects on estuaries because freshwater entry is one of the defining features of an estuary, and freshwater flow is an important variable that determines the interannual change in the environment. In the upper San Francisco Estuary (the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Bay, and Suisun Marsh), the Mediterranean climate includes frequent multi-year droughts. To assess ecosystem responses to droughts in the upper estuary, the Interagency Ecological Program Drought Synthesis Team assembled a set of flow, water quality, chlorophyll, zooplankton, and fish data from 1975 to 2021 to test for differences between multi-year droughts and multi-year wet periods and tested for linear relationships between each variable and the Sacramento Valley Hydrologic Index (see definitions and relationships as outlined in Appendix A). Our models showed droughts decreased Delta outflow, project exports, zooplankton in Suisun Bay, and some fish species. We also found that droughts increased water clarity, salinity, nutrients, chlorophyll in the South Delta, zooplankton in the South Delta, and water residence time. Although our analyses only tested correlations, we hypothesized that most of the food-web responses could be traced to increased residence time, decreased transport rates, or both. However, some responses may have been caused by secondary effects, including shifts in salinity gradients, regional changes in water quality, or differences in top-down effects of increased predation and grazing rates. With increased frequency of droughts in the future, this increasingly low-outflow, warming, clearing estuary—which is invaded by non-native species and has low pelagic fish production—is rapidly becoming the new “normal.”

Among exclusively breastfed infants, human milk (HM) provides complete nutrition in the first mo of life and remains an important energy source as long as breastfeeding continues. Consisting of digestible carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids, as well as fats and fatty acids, macronutrients in human milk have been well studied; however, many aspects related to their relationship to growth in early life are still not well understood. We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science to synthesize evidence published between 1980 and 2022 on HM components and anthropometry through 2 y of age among term-born healthy infants. From 9992 abstracts screened, 57 articles reporting observations from 5979 dyads were included and categorized based on their reporting of HM macronutrients and infant growth. There was substantial heterogeneity in anthropometric outcome measurement, milk collection timelines, and HM sampling strategies; thus, meta-analysis was not possible. In general, digestible carbohydrates were positively associated with infant weight outcomes. Protein was positively associated with infant length, but no associations were reported for infant weight. Finally, HM fat was not consistently associated with any infant growth metrics, though various associations were reported in single studies. Fatty acid intakes were generally positively associated with head circumference, except for docosahexaenoic acid. Our synthesis of the literature was limited by differences in milk collection strategies, heterogeneity in anthropometric outcomes and analytical methodologies, and by insufficient reporting of results. Moving forward, HM researchers should accurately record and account for breastfeeding exclusivity, use consistent sampling protocols that account for the temporal variation in HM macronutrients, and use reliable, sensitive, and accurate techniques for HM macronutrient analysis.

SUMMARY Plants depend heavily on soil nutrients for growth, development and defence. Nutrient availability is crucial not only for sustaining vital biochemical processes but also for mounting effective defences against a diverse array of pathogens. Macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium significantly influence plant defence mechanisms by providing essential building blocks for the synthesis of defence compounds, immune signalling and physiological responses like stomatal regulation. Micronutrients like zinc, copper and iron are essential for balancing reactive oxygen species and other reactive compounds in plant immune responses. Although substantial circumstantial evidence links nutrient availability to plant defence, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process have only recently started to be understood. This review focuses on summarizing recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which nitrogen, phosphorus and iron interact with plant defence mechanisms and explores the potential for engineering nutritional immunity in crops to enhance their resilience against pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is affected by several factors, including major nutrients. However, their effects on the ANS remains unclear. Most studies had several limitations. They focused on humans, therefore they had difficulties excluding factors other than the nutrients. Their observation periods were too short (<4 hours) to align with typical absorption times of carbohydrates versus fats. They assessed the effects compared with the pre-prandial state rather than comparisons between different nutrient types. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of carbohydrates and fats on the ANS. Method: We employed a rat model to exclude the effects of external stimuli, used sufficient observation period, and compared the ANS parameters among animals fed 3 different diets. The rats were divided into carbohydrate-rich-diet (carb group) and fat-rich-diet (fat group) groups. We investigated the effects of carbohydrates and fats on the ANS by measuring heart rate variability parameters in rats. Electrodes and electrocardiography (ECG) transmitters were implanted in 14 Wistar rats maintained on a standard diet for 2 days followed by the experimental diets for 2 days. ECG readings were continuously recorded for 4 days. The R waves, function of the R-R interval, and time were calculated. A fast Fourier transform was used to obtain the power spectrum of the fluctuation (low frequency [LF: 0.2-0.75 Hz]; high frequency [HF: 0.75-3.0 Hz]; LF/HF ratio). Result: Compared with the standard-diet group, the carb group showed significantly increased HF activity, while the fat group showed a significantly increased LF/HF ratio. Conclusion: The results reveal a link between macronutrients and ANS activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is crucial for introducing "new nitrogen" into the oceans. Over the past 30 years, numerous laboratory and on-board culture experiments have been conducted studying the effects of nutrients such as total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and dissolved iron (DFe) on marine diazotrophs such as Braarudosphaera bigelowii (B. bigelowii), Trichodesmium, Crocosphaera and noncyanobacterial diazotrophs (NCDs). Most studies concluded that elevated dissolved inorganic nitrogen levels inhibit nitrogen fixation in Trichodesmium, promote its growth, and have minimal effect on B. bigelowii. The impact on NCDs is unclear. Moreover, elevated dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) levels can promote individual growth, population growth, and nitrogen fixation in most diazotrophs in P-limited marine environments. Dissolved organic phosphorus is a potential phosphorous source for diazotrophs in low-DIP environments. Elevated DFe can promote population growth and nitrogen fixation in diazotrophs in Fe-limited marine environments. At present, most diazotrophs have yet to achieve pure culture. Moreover, the effect of nutrients on diazotrophs is mainly limited to the study of a single nutrient, which cannot accurately reflect the actual Marine environment where diazotrophs live. As a result, our understanding of the effect of nutrients on diazotrophs is still insufficient. Future research focusing on the issues above and the development of innovative technologies and methodologies to investigate the impact of marine BNF is highly recommended, which will allow for a more precise assessment of the impact of marine BNF on global primary productivity while providing a scientific foundation for rational evaluation of ocean CO2 uptake and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-modified fertilizers (PMFs) with prolonged nutrient release present a promising solution to address the challenges associated with conventional fertilization practices, particularly for sensitive crops such as strawberries. This study investigates the effectiveness of biodegradable PMFs in maintaining nutrient availability at optimal levels while minimizing root burn and nutrient losses. In a factorial field experiment, we obtaineda total of 3780 sets of parallel measured time series for soil EC, moisture, and temperature as well as two sets of harvest data to evaluate the impact of varying concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the nutrient release rates from complex NPK fertilizer and monoammonium phosphate. Results indicate that polymer modifications significantly slow down nutrient release, leading to optimal salt levels and maximizing yield while remaining low enough to prevent the risk of root burn (EC of soil solution below 1 mS/cm). Consequently, the application of PMFs enhances strawberry yield surplus (on average 2.8 times in the second harvest) by ensuring a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season without inducing stress, which reduces the yield by nearly half. This research provides valuable insights into the development of more effective fertilization strategies for strawberry cultivation and other sensitive crops using PMFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of food nutrients and bioactive compounds in human health has driven the development of many methods for their determination in different matrices. Among these, electroanalysis has gained popularity due to its cost-effectiveness, rapidity, and, in many cases, portability and minimal sample treatment. This review highlights key advances in electrochemical sensors and biosensors from 2019 to the present. Given the variability and the challenges of managing food matrices, the focus is limited to methods that have been thoroughly assessed for their applicability to real samples. The technical characteristics and analytical performance of the proposed sensors are discussed, along with breakthrough features and future trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intestine is populated by a complex and dynamic assortment of microbes, collectively called gut microbiota, that interact with the host and contribute to its metabolism and physiology. Diet is considered a key regulator of intestinal microbiota, as ingested nutrients interact with and shape the resident microbiota composition. Furthermore, recent studies underscore the interplay of dietary and microbiota‐derived nutrients, which directly impinge on intestinal stem cells regulating their turnover to ensure a healthy gut barrier. Although advanced sequencing methodologies have allowed the characterization of the human gut microbiome, mechanistic studies assessing diet–microbiota–host interactions depend on the use of genetically tractable models, such as Drosophila melanogaster. In this review, we first discuss the similarities between the human and fly intestines and then we focus on the effects of diet and microbiota on nutrient‐sensing signaling cascades controlling intestinal stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation, as well as disease. Finally, we underline the use of the Drosophila model in assessing the role of microbiota in gut‐related pathologies and in understanding the mechanisms that mediate different whole‐body manifestations of gut dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to mitigate salt stress on Calendula officinalis L. plants using Streptomyces (Sm) bacteria alone or in combination with potassium nanoparticles (K NPs). Based on the results, morphometric characters, leaf SPAD and relative water content in plants treated with Sm bacteria and K NPs increased compared to the nontreated control under salinity stress. However, leaf ionic leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content decreased considerably in these treated plants. Also, under salt stress, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was higher in Sm bacteria + K NPs -treated plants than in controls. In all plants, endogenous indole acetic acid (IAA) content increased compared to plants grown in non-saline conditions. Inoculated plants reflected a relative increase in IAA by about 28% over the uninoculated plants. The highest amount of abscisic acid (ABA) and putrescine (Put) was related to those plants treated with Sm bacteria + K NPs, which the amounts were 43% and 47% higher than in control plants, respectively. Application of Sm bacteria + K NPs had a helpful outcome on both macronutrients (N-NO-3, P, K and Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Mn) of vines leaves. In general, the inoculation of Sm bacteria + K NPs application by improving the uptake of nutrients, regulating phytohormones and increasing the antioxidant enzymes activity resulted in salinity tolerance improvement in calendula plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrients are essential for the growth of aquatic life; however, in excess, they can result in a decline in water quality, posing serious risks to both human and aquatic organisms. Human activities, such as urbanisation, industry, and farming, can increase the amount of nutrients and other elements that reach receiving waterbodies like Lake Victoria in Uganda, which can be problematic at elevated levels. There is therefore a strong need to evaluate recent changes in pollutant concentrations and their potential negative effects. To contribute to this gap and to explore the pollutant changes in Lake Victoria, a series of water chemistry data (phosphate, nitrate, potassium, ammonium, sodium, sulphate, silica and chlorine) was collected between 2016 and 2023 in Uganda's Napoleon Gulf (NG) and Murchison Bay (MB), primarily by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). These locations were chosen based on their vicinity to expanding urban centres and agriculture, and they are also areas where fishing frequently occurs. The datasets were collected at different water depths (0.5–24 m). Data were analysed with the use of IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 28.0) software and confirmed the excessive concentrations of pollutants within MB compared to NG. The analysis identified the different nutrient types that exceeded internationally recognised thresholds relating to acceptable water quality during the data collection period. Seasonal variations were observed, during the dry season; nutrient levels, however, in NG showed higher nutrient concentrations during the wet season. The study's capacity to inform local authorities and policymakers about such potential major sources of pollution is of crucial importance for beginning to address the potential impacts on human health and aquatic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and salinity are significant challenges to global food security. This study investigated the interactive impacts of Piriformospora indica inoculation with salinity and drought stresses on rice. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted. The first experiment evaluated two P. indica inoculation levels and three salinity levels (0-, 50-, and 100-mM sodium chloride), while the subsequent experiment assessed two inoculation levels under three drought intensities (25%, 50%, and 100% of available water content). P. indica spores were inoculated following optimized seed disinfection and germination processes. The shoot and root biomass under salinity stress were consistently higher in inoculated plants compared to controls. Sodium concentrations in shoots and roots exhibited an overall upward trend, with the trend being less pronounced in inoculated plants due to increased potassium uptake. Under salinity stress, nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations significantly increased in inoculated plants. With increasing salinity, there was a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity and soluble carbohydrate concentrations across all treatments, with a greater increase in inoculated plants. Plants under drought stress experienced reduced root and shoot biomass, but inoculated plants maintained higher biomass. Increasing drought stress led to decreased nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations in all treatments, with the reduction being less severe in inoculated plants. Catalase enzyme activity and carbohydrate increased with rising drought stress, with the increase being more pronounced in inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated ones. By promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, P. indica inoculation has a significant potential to enhance crop productivity in extreme climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil amendment has recently been addressed as one of the promising applications of torrefied biomass, where the distribution of nutrients is a significant parameter of interest. The present study uses an x-ray fluorescence technique to elucidate the influence of torrefaction severity on the nutrient composition of biomass (e.g. rice husk). An increase in the extent of process severity leads to an enhancement in the fixed carbon content. Hence, the variation in nutrient composition is analyzed with respect to changes in the fixed carbon content. Results reflected that variation of nutrients with increasing fixed carbon content does not follow a uniform trend. It signifies the need for understanding the effect of process conditions, chemical forms, and interactions among the elements on the release of compounds containing nutrients. Enrichment of P, Fe, Mn and Zn, and reduction of K, Ca, S, Cl, Cu, Ni, Si, Sr, Ti, and Br have been observed in the solid product obtained after torrefaction. Concentration of Si followed K and P are maximum in all samples. K, Cl, S, and Br loss occurs significantly because of relatively lower stability in the torrefaction temperature range. The present findings would be helpful in selecting the conditions required to produce torrefied biomass to amend a specific soil type for a particular crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDaisy mandarin is a widely cultivated citrus species valued for its nutritional qualities and organoleptic properties, favored for both fresh consumption and processing. Optimal growth and fruit production is depend upon the availability of essential nutrients. However, soils of the central zones of Punjab are deficient in potassium which hinders the quality and production and their deficiency impairs physiological and biochemical processes, reducing fruit set, yield and quality. Potassium and calcium are vital for metabolic functions and cell wall integrity. A deficiency in any of these nutrients can results in smaller fruits, lower fruit retention and diminished organoleptic and nutritional qualities, such as reduced antioxidants content. So that, a research was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, calcium nitrate and boric acid along with paddy straw mulching on Daisy mandarin during the years 2021–22. The pooled data of this research showed that potassium nitrate (2%), is the best treatment with maximum fruit set (14.37%) and retention (72.35%) in Daisy mandarin. Additionally, the average fruit weight (207.50 g), number of fruits (162), fruit yield (33.79 kg/tree), fruit length (6.25 cm) and breadth (6.73 cm) also enhanced. Furthermore, potassium nitrate (2%) application increased the antioxidant activity (39.43%), phenolic content (230.00 mg kg−1 FW) and flavonoid content (3.69 mg RE g−1 FW). The findings suggest that application of potassium nitrate presents a promising strategy for enhancing fruit set, yield and quality of Daisy mandarin, providing valuable insights for improved cultivation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Solanine (SOL), chaconine (CHA), and tomatine (TOM) are plant secondary metabolites produced mainly by the species of Solanaceae family, such as tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. These glycoalkaloids (GAs) have a wide range of biological activity, also in insects. However, their mechanisms of action are not precisely understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate how pure GAs and tomato leaf extract (EXT) affect glycolysis, Krebs cycle and β-oxidation of fatty acid pathways in Tenebrio molitor L. beetle. For this purpose, the larvae were injected with SOL, CHA, TOM, and EXT at two concentrations (10–8 and 10–5 M). For experiments, fat body, gut, and heamolymph samples were collected 2 and 24 h after injection. Then, the changes in the expression level of phosphofructokinase, citrate synthase, and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase were measured using the RT-qPCR technique. The catalytic activity of these enzymes and the carbohydrate level in insects after GA treatment were determined by spectrophotometric method. Furthermore, the analysis of the amount of amino acids in tissues was performed with a GC–MS technique. The results obtained show that the GAs changed the activity and expression of the genes encoding key enzymes of crucial metabolic pathways. The effect depends on the type of GA compound, the tissue tested, and the incubation time after treatment. Furthermore, TOM and EXT affected trehalose concentration in the insect hemolymph and led to accumulation of amino acids in the fat body. The observed changes may indicate a protein degradation and/or enhanced catabolism reactions for the production of ATP used in detoxification processes. These results suggest that GAs alter energy metabolism in the mealworm T. molitor. The study contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms of action of secondary metabolites of plants in insects. This knowledge may allow the design of new natural biopesticides against insect pests because proper energy metabolism is necessary for the survival of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andaliman (Z. acanthopodium) is an aromatic Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) plant species that contains essential oils (EOs), which have various benefits for cuisine, medicine, and cosmetics. This study is essential because it is not yet known what biotic factors (basal area) and abiotic factors (soil and elevation) influence the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene as skin anti-aging. This study investigated whether the basal area, soil, and elevation factors influence the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene content of Andaliman fruit. The biotic and abiotic factors were measured from 9 sample plots representing the Andaliman habitats in North Sumatra, Indonesia. A vegetation analysis was conducted to derive the Andaliman basal area of each sample plot. Soil samples were taken randomly in each plot and analyzed for their physicochemical (pH, C, SOM, N, CNR, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, BS, SA, DU, CL, WC, and BD) contents. Elevation gradients were measured on each plot. The EOs of Andaliman fruit include yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene as skin anti-aging. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Square Regression for Generalized Linear Models (PlsRglm) to determine which biotic and abiotic factors influenced the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene. This study confirmed that clay soil texture was the main factor influencing EOs of Andaliman fruit yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene. Apart from soil factors, basal area, and elevation factors were also essential to consider when cultivating Andaliman fruit as a source of skin anti-aging substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthus cruentus L. (varieties: Juana, Aurelia, Elena) and Amaranthus viridis L. (variety: Callaloo) have long been utilized in food products for human consumption in Central and South America. However, there is limited information on the chemical composition of these species' leaves and grains grown in Puerto Rico. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the nutritional profile of these four amaranth varieties cultivated in Puerto Rico. A compositional analysis was conducted using official methods, focusing on lysine, protein, dietary fiber, and mineral content. The results showed high lysine content in both species. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in crude protein levels among the leaves, with Elena (23%) and Aurelia (21%) showing the highest values. While protein content among grains averaged 19%, there were no significant differences between varieties. The analysis of dietary fiber revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and total dietary fiber (TDF) for the leaves and in IDF, soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and TDF for the grains. Additionally, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations differed significantly (p < 0.05) in the leaves, while iron, potassium, and zinc showed no significant variation. Significant differences were found in the grains for calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. This research highlights the excellent nutritional value of amaranth leaves and grains grown in Puerto Rico, with Elena and Aurelia having exceptionally high protein content in their leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Agriculture expansion, livestock, and global change have transformed biological communities and altered, through aerosols and direct deposition, N:P balance in soils of inter‐Andean valleys, potentially affecting flowering phenology of many species and thereby flowering synchrony and plant reproduction. Methods: We evaluated the influence of variation in temperature and moisture along the local elevational gradient and treatments with the addition of N and P and grazing on flowering synchrony and reproduction of Croton, a dominant shrub of the inter‐Andean dry scrub. Along the elevational gradient (300 m difference between the lowest and highest site), we set up plots with and without grazing nested with four nutrient treatments: control and addition of N or P alone or combined N + P. We recorded the number of female and male flowers in bloom monthly from September 2017 to August 2019 to calculate flowering synchrony. We assessed fruiting, seed mass, and pre‐dispersal seed predation. Results: Higher growing‐season soil temperatures, which were negatively associated with local elevation and higher nitrogen availability promoted flowering synchrony of Croton, particularly among larger plants. Greater flowering synchrony, high soil temperatures, and addition of N + P resulted in production of more fruits of Croton, but also intensified pre‐dispersal seed predation. Conclusions: Temperature, availability of moisture throughout the elevational gradient, and nutrient manipulation affected flowering synchrony, which subsequently affected production of fruits in Croton. These results emphasize the critical role of current anthropogenic changes in climate and nutrient availability on flowering synchrony and reproduction of Croton, a dominant plant of the inter‐Andean scrub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient recovery from waste is a promising strategy to conserve inputs while reducing nutrient discharge to the natural environment. Multiple waste streams have shown promise with respect to nutrient recovery. Multiple technologies also show promise at a pilot or full scale. These technologies, however, must not exacerbate other environmental issues, with excessive energy use, unsustainable material extraction (e.g., mineral extraction, cement use), or toxin release into the environment. Such technologies must also be feasible from economic and social perspectives. Work, therefore, should focus on both improving our current suite of available technologies for nutrient recovery from waste and framing policies that blend affordability with incentives, thereby fostering an environment conducive to innovation and adoption of sustainable approaches. This review considers the issues associated with nutrient recovery from waste, including technical feasibility and economic, environmental, and social factors, and identifies current knowledge gaps and emerging opportunities for nutrient waste recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Brain aging in mammals is characterized by morphological and functional changes in neural cells. This process, although physiological, leads to progressive cerebral tissue volume loss and functional decline, including memory loss motor neuron deficits and behavioral disorders. It is generally accepted that aging is associated with a shift in the proportion between the functional cell (neuron) and support cells (astrocytes) in favor of the latter, which also appear different from those of healthy and young brain tissue. Also, dysfunctional autophagy contributes to altering brain homeostasis. This review summarizes and updates the most recent knowledge about brain aging through a comparative approach, where similarities and differences in some mammalian species are considered. Brain aging in mammals is characterized by morphological and functional changes in neural cells. Macroscopically, this process, leading to progressive cerebral volume loss and functional decline, includes memory and motor neuron deficits, as well as behavioral disorders. Morphologically, brain aging is associated with aged neurons and astrocytes, appearing enlarged and flattened, and expressing enhanced pH-dependent β-galactosidase activity. Multiple mechanisms are considered hallmarks of cellular senescence in vitro, including cell cycle arrest, increased lysosomal activity, telomere shortening, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The most common markers for senescence identification were identified in (i) proteins implicated in cell cycle arrest, such as p16, p21, and p53, (ii) increased lysosomal mass, and (iii) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) expression. Finally, dysfunctional autophagy, a process occurring during aging, contributes to altering brain homeostasis. The brains of mammals can be studied at cellular and subcellular levels to elucidate the mechanisms on the basis of age-related and degenerative disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize and update the most recent knowledge about brain aging through a comparative approach, where similarities and differences in some mammalian species are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of food production, but also suffers a wide range of food security challenges, including malnutrition, the impact of natural hazards, and rising food prices. People living in poverty conditions are the main victims of these problems, which trigger undernutrition, obesity, and diet‐related non‐transmittable diseases. Despite these challenges, Peru lacks historical food intake data. Therefore, in the current study, we assess the diet quality evolution in the period 2008–2021 based on apparent household purchases extracted from the National Household Survey. The results reveal significant variations in the consumption of certain food items and groups, and the consequences of these changes are discussed in environmental and human health terms. The consumption of lower environmental impact animal protein, such as chicken, eggs, and marine fish, has increased by 37%, 69%, and 29%, respectively; whereas the consumption of high environmental impact foods, such as beef and other red meat, has decreased. Moreover, consumption of less processed carbohydrate sources (e.g., legumes, fruits, and vegetables) has risen, while refined sugar and sugar‐sweetened beverages have decreased significantly (almost 45%). Regional differences were also visible; hence, cities on the Northern coast and the Amazon basin had similar consumption habits, whereas Central/Southern coastal and Andean cities had closer consumption patterns. On average, this improvement was reflected in the increase in calories (9.9%) and macronutrient intake (up to 15%), but at the socioeconomic level, food inequality persists, with consumption of many food groups below minimum thresholds in lower socioeconomic strata. This article met the requirements for a gold/gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, phytochemicals, fatty acid compositions, elements and sensory characteristics of the breads prepared using wheat flour and nutmeg powders at different concentrations were investigated. The results obtained regarding the physical and chemical properties of nutmeg breads exhibited some changes based on the nutmeg amounts added in bread production. Also, 'L*' results of the breads changed between 70.85 (1.0%) and 76.09 (0.5%). In addition, 'a*' and 'b*' results of breads with nutmeg powder were assigned to be between 0.47 (0.5%) and 1.93 (2.0%) to 18.44 (2.0%) and 20.42 (0.5%) and 1.93 (0.5%), respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of breads were established between 24.64 (0.5%) and 47.58 mg GAE per 100 g (2.0%) to 10.71 (control) and 177.38 mg per 100 g (2.0%), respectively. An increase in the redness value was monitored in nutmeg bread added at the rate of 1% and 2%. The amounts of phenolic constituents in the breads fluctuated depending on the added nutmeg concentrations. Gallic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid values of the breads were stated to be between 2.66 (2.0%) and 6.66 mg per 100 g (1.0%) to 1.48 (2.0%) and 2.71 mg per 100 g (control), respectively. Phosphorus and potassium quantities of the breads were found between 743.60 (control) and 810.50 mg kg−1 (0.5%) to 2077.37 (1.5%) and 2345.42 mg kg−1 (0.5%), respectively. The dominant fatty acids in bread oils were myristic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. It can be seen that the addition of nutmeg in high concentration decreased the consumer's taste. In addition, the added nutmeg increased the colour value of the bread and corrected the textural structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Salton Sea has experienced significant recession over the past two decades due to changes in the diversion of Colorado River water to the Salton Trough for agricultural irrigation. As a result, wetlands have emerged in some exposed playa areas along the Salton Sea, primarily in regions with extensive agricultural return flows and agricultural drainage. One notable wetland system, known as the Bombay Beach Wetlands, has formed on the north shore of the Salton Sea, in an area devoid of agriculture. In many other areas with limited or no agriculture, wetlands have failed to develop, leaving exposed playa surfaces as the Salton Sea recedes. These dry playa surfaces pose a significant threat to the health of local residents due to the presence of toxins contained in windblown dust associated with playa deposits. In this study, stable water isotope data, combined with other hydrological information, led to identification of two potential water sources for the Bombay Beach Wetlands. The first possibility proposes that thermal artesian waters alone contribute to the wetlands' water source, while the second hypothesis involves a combination of drainage from Salton Sea bank storage water mixing with the thermal artesian water. The thermal artesian water discharges into drainage channels that flow towards the Bombay Beach Wetlands, initially devoid of possible groundwater baseflow until reaching the wetlands. Studies were subsequently done along the full reach of the drainage channels receiving thermal artesian water. Dissolved solids content, P and N nutrients, arsenic, and stable water isotopes were tested synoptically along the drainage channels. Channel investigations led to the development of a novel model of salinization, which is linked to channel discharge, channel morphometrics, and channel incision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Roasted peanuts (OPs) are more often used in daily life than boiled peanuts (BPs); the main reason may be related to the pleasurable flavor in OPs. This study comparatively investigated the effects of boiling and roasting on nutritional components contents, taste, and aroma to reveal the advantages of roasting in terms of the nutrition and flavor of peanuts. Results showed that boiling increased fat content to 54.47% of peanuts, diluted or reduced sugar content to an undetectable level, noticeably changed the contents of poly/monounsaturated fatty acids, and significantly decreased the content of free amino acid (FAA, 1.05 mg/g peanuts) in peanuts. Roasting simply decreased the contents of sugar and FAA to 2.78 and 1.82 mg/g peanuts, respectively. Compared with roasting, boiling had more discernible effects on fatty acids and FAAs. Both BPs and OPs have good dietary lipid quality. In terms of flavor, OPs had more FAAs (2 types) that contributed remarkably to the taste of peanuts than BPs (0 types), more volatile substances (40 types) than BPs (12 types), and a higher number of key volatile aroma components (8 types) than BPs (3 types). That is, roasting induced a relatively small effect on nutritional components and gave peanuts a richer taste and stronger aroma than boiling; therefore, roasting is an ideal peanut processing method. This study proved the different changes in peanuts caused by boiling and roasting on a material basis and corroborated the irreplaceability of roasting in peanut processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• African Americans experience more severe vitamin D deficiency and magnesium deficiency that together may promote dementia. • Hispanic Americans experience more greater exposure to herbicides and pesticides that may promote cognitive impairment. • Both groups experience more air, water, and soil pollution, including toxic metals and organic toxicants, consume less nuts and more sugary drinks, and experience more oral dysbiosis , all of which may contribute to developing dementia. African Americans and Hispanic Americans experience a higher incidence and prevalence of dementia than white Americans while also experiencing more environmental, metabolic, and nutritional factors potentially promoting such disparities. Greater exposure to air, water, and soil pollutants, including toxic metals associated with neurodegeneration, accrues in both minorities, as does worse dental care than Whites exposing them to periodontitis, raising dementia risk. Hispanic Americans experience greater occupational exposure to herbicides and pesticides, and have a higher rate of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), predisposing to dementia. African Americans have a greater likelihood of both vitamin D deficiency and magnesium deficiency, increasing neuroinflammation and dementia risk. Both have greater air pollution exposure, a known dementia risk. Nutritional changes, including greater nut consumption and reduced sugar drink consumption, improved dental care, and reduced toxicant exposure, may help reduce this higher risk of dementia among African Americans and Hispanic Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family and used for the treatment of many diseases. This study is focused on determining the critical limit for the cultivation of A. paniculata in sodic soil. A pot experiment was conducted with different exchangeable sodium percentages (ESPs) to determine the critical limit for the cultivation of A. paniculata in sodic soil. The critical limit, 16 ESP, was found for A. paniculata grown in sodic soil. Overall, increasing trends in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Mo and a decreasing trend in Ni and Se were observed in all part of the plant due to increasing sodicity levels. The determination of the critical limit for the cultivation of A. paniculata in sodic soil is an important aspect of this paper. The nutrients and heavy metal profiling with the extreme levels of sodicity will be useful to study the nutrient utilization pattern for the nutrient management strategy of A. paniculata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of heavy metal(loid) in soils is a global problem. Various remediation technologies have thus been applied to mitigate the ecological and health risk of heavy metal(loid)s in contaminated soils. Majority of review studies mainly focus on the mobility or accumulation of heavy metal(loid)s, but little attention has been paid to the alteration of soil fertility (e.g. soil nutrient, structure and enzyme activities) which are most closely related to plant growth during the remediation process. Here, we summarized influence of physical, chemical and biological remediation technologies of contaminated soils on soil fertility, and they indicated that: (1) thermal treatment and soil washing usually decreased soil nutrients and enzyme activities, as well as deteriorated soil structure; (2) biological technologies usually improved soil structure or microorganism activities, but the decrease of soil fertility through nutrient uptake by plants cannot be ignored; (3) the soil amendments displayed various influence on soil fertility, which depended on their properties; (4) combination of multiple technologies could neutralize the negative influence of single technology on soil fertility. In the future, technologies which could both decrease heavy metal(loid) toxicity and improve soil fertility are more recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents the most lethal complication in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The disease progresses without obvious symptoms and is often refractory when apparent symptoms have emerged. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset/progression of DKD have been extensively studied, only a few effective therapies are currently available. Pathogenesis of DKD involves multifaced events caused by diabetes, which include alterations of metabolisms, signals, and hemodynamics. While the considerable efficacy of sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for DKD has been recognized, the ever-increasing number of patients with diabetes and DKD warrants additional practical therapeutic approaches that prevent DKD from diabetes. One plausible but promising target is the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway, which senses cellular nutrients to control various anabolic and catabolic processes. This review introduces the current understanding of the mTOR signaling pathway and its roles in the development of DKD and other chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), and discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting this pathway for the future treatment of DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the nutrients, phytochemicals (including isoflavone and ginsenoside derivatives), and antioxidant activities of cheonggukjang with different ratios (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) were compared and analyzed using microorganisms isolated from traditional cheonggukjang. The IDCK 30 and IDCK 40 strains were confirmed as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, based on morphological, biological, biochemical, and molecular genetic identification, as well as cell wall fatty acid composition. The contents of amino acids and fatty acids showed no significant difference in relation to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, isoflavone glycoside (such as daidzin, glycitin, and genistin) contents decreased, while aglycone (daidzein, glycitein, and genistein) contents increased. However, total ginsenoside contents were higher according to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, ginsenoside Rg2, F2, and protopanaxadiol contents of cheonggukjang decreased. Conversely, ginsenoside Rg3 (2.5%: 56.51 → 89.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 65.56 → 94.71 μg/g, and 10%: 96.05 → 166.90 μg/g) and compound K (2.5%: 28.54 → 69.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 41.63 → 150.72 μg/g, and 10%: 96.23 → 231.33 μg/g) increased. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were higher with increasing ratios of MCG and fermentation (fermented cheonggukjang with 10% MCG: 13.60 GAE and 1.87 RE mg/g). Additionally, radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power were significantly increased in fermented cheonggukjang. This study demonstrates that the quality of cheonggukjang improved, and cheonggukjang with MCG as natural antioxidants may be useful in food and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and asthma are increasingly common due to factors like industrialization, urbanization, fast-paced life, stress, sedentary lifestyle, and unbalanced diet in the 21st century. These chronic conditions are a global epidemic, being among the top causes of death worldwide. Preventing these diseases through a nutritious diet is crucial, and scientific studies suggest that appropriate fruit intake, particularly apples, can lower the risk of various health issues. Apples, rich in bioactive compounds, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, offer numerous health benefits. Regular consumption of apples helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and diabetes, and also provides anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic effects. Apples aid in detoxification, improve digestion, enhance skin, hair, and nail health, and offer protection against cancers, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Apples have been a dietary staple for centuries, consumed in various forms like juices, sauces, and ciders. The reviewed article emphasizes the health benefits of apples, highlighting their role in preventing civilization diseases. It also discusses the characteristics of common apple varieties and the impact of thermal processing on their nutritional content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern Continental shallow lakes are specific with their higher nutrient concentration compared to other lentic water bodies with similar specifications. Nonetheless, their phytoplankton and macrophyte assessment systems used more often than others within state monitoring programs, are weakly influenced by nutrient concentrations, unlike all other lake types in Europe. In this study, we used all available data for Eastern Continental shallow lakes on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria from the state monitoring for 14 years (2008-2021). The goal was to find how environmental variables influence the ecological status assessment by phytoplankton and macrophyte-related indices. Likewise, it was important to understand the studied parameter's interrelations within Dourankoulak Lake and the lake complex Shabla-Ezerets. The most important environmental parameters were determined with principal component analysis since it helps find the hidden relationships. Afterwards, those variables were used for univariate linear regression testing because of its simplicity and reliability. The aim was to find the best-suited parameters for the ecological status explanation by different biological indices, which can be used for further predictions of the ecosystem condition. In addition, nitrogen--phosphorus dependency, where possible was investigated, confirming conclusions from mesocosms studies from water bodies with similar characteristics. The algae group index or the so-called "Catalán Index", in its original form of representing results and considering its ecological quality ratio values, was influenced by conductivity concentrations the most in Ezeretsko Lake and weaker at Dourankoulak Lake. Nutrient relationship with biological quality elements was not found, confirming results on a European level. In Shablensko Lake a dose-dependent relation between nitrates and phosphates was found, which shows that augmenting the quantity of nitrogen is related to the increasing concentration of phosphates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global estimates of the supply of dissolved and suspended materials to the ocean, in order to be relevant at either political or ecological scales, belie a finer-scale analysis necessary for understanding specific terrestrial-marine interactions. This is especially true for continental runoff to themarine critical zone of inland fjords and channels, where mechanisms, drivers, and predictions need to be elaborated in the context of changing land use and shifting climate forcing. In fjords in southwestern Patagonia, runoff from small coastal and large continental basins (~310 x103 km2), sourced from a diverse geography and wide climatic gradient (<150 - 6,000+ mm/year), correspond with a very low density of hydrological and water quality observations. Based on the recently developed regional runoff model (FLOW), we estimated the coastal freshwater discharges and characterized flowweighted sourcing (land use-cover type, climate, glaciers/geology, and soil province) for Pacific drainages from 41° to 56° south latitude. An estimated 692 km3/year (mean across 1979-2018), or 2% of worldwide total, is more than 85% of previous estimates for the much larger Pacific South American input. Based on limited water quality observations and inference from runoff sourcing, we predict general patterns of export for four groups of continental resources important for marine productivity, including: significant regional variation in flow seasonality, a N-S gradient in declining input of silicic acid and increased glacial input of sediment and iron, and potential shift in dissolved organic matter input sources from rainforest (potentially labile) to peatlands (refractory). Finally, we emphasize the temporal and spatial consequences of near-reference condition river runoff for marine ecosystem productivity and function in the Patagonian fjords, with specific recommendations for water quality standards and sustained monitoring for coupled river and marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale seaweed and shellfish aquaculture are increasingly being considered by policymakers as a source of food, animal feed and bioproducts for Europe. These aquacultures are generally thought to be low impact or even beneficial for marine ecosystems as they are 'extractive' -- i.e., growing passively on foodstuff already available in seawater, and with potential habitat provision, fisheries, climate mitigation and eutrophication mitigation benefits. At some scale however, over-extraction of nutrients or chlorophyll could potentially have a negative effect on natural systems. Understanding the likely impacts of aquaculture production at scale is important to identify when safe limits are being approached. Taking seaweed aquaculture as the primary focus, this work uses operational oceanographic model outputs to drive prognostic growth models to predict the likely optimal distribution of seaweed farms across European waters to meet different production scenarios. A novel nutrient transport scheme is then used to model the interacting 'footprints' of nutrient drawdown from aquaculture facilities to demonstrate the likely spatial impact of large-scale aquaculture. Evaluation of both seaweed and shellfish contributions to CO2 balance under large scale production, and the potential impact on fisheries are also considered. The study finds that the impact of intensive seaweed aquaculture on nutrient availability could be significant where many farms are placed close together; but at the regional/basin scale even the highest level of production considered does not significantly impact total nutrient budgets. Seaweed aquaculture has the potential to extract large amounts of carbon dioxide, but the impact on carbon budgets depends on the end-use of the extracted seaweed. Shellfish aquaculture is a net source of CO2 due to the impact of calcification of shells on the carbonate system (i.e., alkalinity removal). However, gram-for-gram the CO2 impact of shellfish production is likely to be less than the impact of land-based meat production. Whilst operational oceanographic models are useful for taking a 'broad brush' approach to likely placement and impacts of aquaculture, reliable yield predictions for individual locations across European waters would require models integrating more physical and biogeochemical factors (wave environment, local currents, riverine inputs) at a finer scale than currently achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyceae is a class of plankton commonly discovered in aquaculture ponds in tropical aquatic regions. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the abundance levels of Chlorophyceae in pen-culture ponds during the dry season using a dynamic modeling system. The method adopted was a causal ex-post facto design, and the observed parameters were water quality and plankton abundance. The results showed the presence of various plankton classes such as Chrysophyceae, Chyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Dynophyceae, and Oligotrichea, as well as the discovery of 17 plankton genera. Water quality parameters identified Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations, dissolved oxygen levels, temperature, pH levels, and salinity ranging from 3.06–7.37 mg·L-1, 4.39–6.30 mg·L-1, 26.21–31.17 °C, 7.7–8.1, and 10–25 ppt, respectively. The average plankton dominance index (D’) showed Chlorophyceae dominance at 4.55, followed by Chyanophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Dynophyceae, and Oligotrichea at 1.78, 0.08, 0.07, and 0.01, respectively, falling in the index category of 0.5 < D < 1. Furthermore, the average plankton abundance dominance level (pi) signified Chlorophyceae dominance at 7.11E-01, followed by Chyanophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Dynophyceae, and Oligotrichea at 4.68E-01, 1.30E-01, 8.05E-02, and 3.96–02, respectively. This implied that in pen-culture water, Chlorophyceae significantly dominated over other classes. Dynamic modeling results showed the abundance of Chlorophyceae in ponds A, C, and D to be relatively uniform (± 5.00E-02 cell/ ml) compared to pond B (± 0.10E-00 cell/ml). It was important to acknowledge that as Chlorophyceae dominance increased (0.10E-00–5.0E-02 cell/ml), the total plankton abundance in the water decreased contradictorily (0.01E00–100E-04 cell/ml) due to over-dominance. On the basis of the modeling description, Chlorophyceae sustained for 20 weeks during the culture period, with optimal growth observed from the 1st to the 5th week. In conclusion, this plankton class experienced dynamic fluctuations during the pen-culture cultivation period, and the life cycle stability was dependent on water quality and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chinese freshwater lakes, eutrophication often coincides with heavy metal/metalloids (HM/Ms) pollution, yet the coevolution of critical nutrients (P, S, Se) and HM/Ms (Cd, Hg, etc.) remains understudied. To address this gap, we conducted a sedimentary chemistry analysis on a 30 cm-deep core, dating back approximately 200 years, retrieved from Chaohu Lake, China. The age-depth model revealed a gradual increase in deposition rates over time. Notably, the concentrations and enrichment factors (EFs) of most target elements surged in the uppermost ~ 15 cm layer, covering the period from 1953 to 2013, while both the concentrations and EFs in deeper layers remained relatively stable, except for Hg. This trend indicates a significant co-enrichment and near-synchronous increase in the levels and EFs of both nutrients and HM/Ms in the upper sediment layers since the mid-twentieth century. Anthropogenic factors were identified as the primary drivers of the enrichment of P, Se, Cd, Hg, Zn, and Te in the upper core, with their contributions also showing a coupled evolutionary trend over time. Conversely, geological activities governed the enrichment of elements in the lower half of the core. The gradual accumulation of anthropogenic Hg between the − 30 to − 15 cm layers might be attributed to global Hg deposition resulting from the industrial revolution. The ecological risk index (RI) associated with HM/Ms loading has escalated rapidly over the past 50 years, with Cd and Hg posing the greatest threats. Furthermore, the PMF model was applied to specifically quantify source contributions of these elements in the core, with anthropogenic and geogenic factors accounting for ~ 60 and ~ 40%, respectively. A good correlation (r2 = 0.87, p < 0.01) between the PMF and Ti-normalized method was observed, indicating their feasibility and cross-validation in source apportionment. Finally, we highlighted environment impact and health implications of the co-enrichment of nutrients and HM/Ms. This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to protect freshwater ecosystems from the combined impacts of eutrophication and HM/Ms pollution, thereby promoting water environment and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher productivity from soil can be achieved through Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) technology; for this reason, the implementation of WSNs in precision agriculture is increasing day by day. Among the different technologies for crop monitoring, WSNs are recognized as a powerful option for collecting and processing data in the agricultural domain, with low cost and low energy consumption. The ultimate aim of this paper is to predict the precise values of soil nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) using a machine learning (ML)-based mathematical model formulation. The proposed system will use Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology to automatically monitor soil parameters. It transfers soil data over the mobile network using a GSM modem. In the hardware part, sensor node units were developed to fetch and load data through the energy-efficient GSM, utilizing a bi-directional multi-level text messaging option to improve the alarm system’s efficiency. The system contains sensors such as potential of hydrogen and humidity (PH), which are used to monitor soil data collected from the sensors by the microcontroller. Additionally, as a novel contribution, machine learning based on regression models is applied to the NPK data. A novel data interpolation approach is proposed for data oversampling. The R2 values are compared, achieving nearly 99.5% accuracy in all cases. This paper focuses on various challenges and scalability issues encountered in research and discusses different results obtained by monitoring various soil parameters in a real-time agricultural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary processes that underlie variation in plant genome size have been much debated. Abiotic factors are thought to have played an important role, with negative and positive correlations between genome size and seasonal or stressful climatic conditions being reported in several systems. In turn, variation in genome size may influence plant traits which affect interactions with other organisms, such as herbivores. The mechanisms underlying evolutionary linkages between plant genome size and biotic and abiotic factors nonetheless remain poorly understod. To address this gap, we conducted phylogenetically controlled analyses testing for associations between genome size, climatic variables, plant traits (defenses and nutrients), and herbivory across 29 oak (Quercus) species. Genome size is significantly associated with both temperature and precipitation seasonality, whereby oak species growing in climates with lower and less variable temperatures but more variable rainfall had larger genomes. In addition, we found a negative association between genome size and leaf nutrient concentration (found to be the main predictor of herbivory), which in turn led to an indirect effect on herbivory. A follow‐up test suggested that the association between genome size and leaf nutrients influencing herbivory was mediated by variation in plant growth, whereby species with larger genomes have slower growth rates, which in turn are correlated with lower nutrients. Collectively, these findings reveal novel associations between plant genome size and biotic and abiotic factors that may influence life history evolution and ecological dynamics in this widespread tree genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, with the rapid expansion of ratoon rice production in Hunan, a unique ratoon rice-based production system, forage-grain ratoon rice (FG-RR), has been newly developed. Ratooning rice is a season of rice harvested by utilizing the dormant buds on the rice stubble left after harvesting the first season of rice to sprout and grow. Therefore, the characteristics of stalks themselves are crucial for the production of ratoon rice. The cutting period and higher stubble height directly affect the characteristics of ratoon rice stubbles. Based on this, we conducted the following research. Methods: In 2021 and 2022, field experiments were conducted in central China to study the effects of different cutting periods and stubble height on the regeneration rate and nutrient content of ratoon crops. The treatments included two cutting periods (10 days after heading in the first season and 30 days after heading in the first season, respectively referred to as T10 and T30) and two stubble heights (10 cm and 30 cm, respectively referred to as H10 and H30). Results: Compared with the T30H30 treatment, T10H10 and T10H30 increased grain yield by 48.1%, 41.7%, 73.1%, and 65.2% in the two-year ratoon seasons, while T30H10 reduced grain yield by 30.9% and 19.5% in the two years, respectively. Early cutting increased the panicles, spikelets per panicle, and filled grain rate to varying increase, while higher stubble height increased panicles but decreased spikelet panicle. On the one hand, early cutting and higher stubble height increased the dry and fresh weight, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), organic carbon (C), and nitrogen content of rice stalks, thereby improving the regeneration rate of ratoon rice. On the other hand, early cutting and higher stubble height retention increased the accumulation of nitrogen in rice stubble throughout the entire growth period and facilitated the transport of nitrogen to the mature panicles. Discussion: Therefore, appropriate early cutting and higher stubble height retention are the keys to improving the grain yield and stability of ratoon rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-dose vitamin D supplementation is common in the general population, but unsupervised high-dose supplementation in vitamin D-replete individuals poses a risk of severe toxicity. Susceptibility to vitamin D toxicity shows a significant inter-individual variability that may in part be explained by genetic predispositions (i.e., CYP24A1 polymorphism). The classic manifestation of vitamin D toxicity is hypercalcemia, which may be refractory to conventional therapy. Its causes include the endogenous overaction of 1α-hydroxylase, monogenic alterations affecting vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and exogenous vitamin D intoxication. In this manuscript, we include a literature review of potential pharmacological interventions targeting calcitriol metabolism to treat vitamin D intoxication and present a case of severe, exogenous vitamin D intoxication responding to systemic corticosteroids after the failure of conventional therapy. Systemic glucocorticoids alleviate acute hypercalcemia by inhibiting enteric calcium absorption and increasing the degradation of vitamin D metabolites but may cause adverse effects. Inhibitors of 1α-hydroxylase (keto/fluconazole) and inducers of CYP3A4 (rifampicin) may be considered steroid-sparing alternatives for the treatment of vitamin D intoxication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The scientific community is focusing on how to enhance human health and immunity through functional foods, and dietary supplements are proven to have a positive as well as a protective effect against infectious and chronic diseases. Ferns act as a taxonomical linkage between higher and lower plants and are endowed with a wide chemical diversity not subjected to sufficient scrutinization before. Even though a wealth of traditional medicinal fern uses were recorded in Chinese medicine, robust phytochemical and biological investigations of these plants are lacking. Herein, an extensive search was conducted using the keywords ferns and compounds, ferns and NMR, ferns and toxicity, and the terms ferns and chemistry, lignans, Polypodiaceae, NMR, isolation, bioactive compounds, terpenes, phenolics, phloroglucinols, monoterpenes, alkaloids, phenolics, and fatty acids were utilized with the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Reaxys were utilized to reveal a wealth of information regarding fern chemistry and their health-promoting effects. Terpenes followed by phenolics represented the largest number of isolated active compounds. Regarding the neuroprotective effects, Psilotium, Polypodium, and Dryopteris species possessed as their major phenolics component unique chemical moieties including catechins, procyanidins, and bioflavonoids. In this updated chemical review, the pharmacological and chemical aspects of ferns are compiled manifesting their chemical diversity in the last seven years (2017–2024) together with a special focus on their nutritive and potential health-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of solid waste from various industrial units and its associated release of nutrient-rich wastewater affects aquatic ecosystem. Therefore the current study was undertaken to provide a first report about the adsorption potential of thermally modified fish scale adsorbents such as Dehydrated Fish scales (DFS), Fish Scale Biochar (FSB) and Activated Fish Scales (AFS) in reducing the concentration of nitrites, nitrates and ammonium ions in drain water. Prepared adsorbents were characterized with different analytical techniques such as FTIR, TGA, SEM, EDX and XRD. Adsorption capacities of adsorbents were examined as batch work by altering adsorbent dose, contact time and pH levels. Among the adsorbents, DFS exhibited significant (P < 0.05) and maximum removal percentage of nitrite (24.46%) and nitrate (26.18%) ions at 60 min contact time with 0.06 g dose level. About 33% reduction of ammonia was recorded in pH 10 using 0.12 g FSB at 60 min contact time. The experimental data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order models with maximum coefficient of determination (R2) values (> 0.95). Influence of intra-particle diffusion resistance on adsorption of pollutants showed lower R2 values (0.600–0.806) than other kinetic parameters. The thickness of boundary layer was determined (0.5—2.6 mg/g) for the prepared adsorbents. The economic feasibility of adsorbents used in this study (0.012 – 1.72 USD) was also calculated and compared with commercial activated carbon (1.82 USD). This study confirms that waste fish scales can be effectively employed as cost effective and eco-friendly adsorbents in the treatment of nitrogenous pollutants in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]