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Salinity significantly impairs plant growth and development, and effective strategies are required to mitigate its detrimental effects. Previous studies did not document myo-inositol (MYO) influence on vital processes such as photosynthesis, methylglyoxal production, redox balance, and ion homeostasis in plants subjected to saline conditions. The literature lacks comprehensive insights into the myo-inositol-mediated modulation of pivotal tolerance mechanisms. Hence, our study fills this significant gap by elucidating the intricate role of MYO in augmenting plant resilience to salinity stress, shedding light on its multifaceted impact on key physiological pathways essential for plant adaptation and survival. This study investigated the potential of MYO as a mitigating agent against NaCl and KCl salinity in maize plants. Two maize cultivars with differential salinity tolerance (salt-tolerant cv. Pearl and salt-sensitive cv. Malka-2016) were subjected to 12 dS m‒1 salinity of NaCl and KCl. The findings revealed that MYO (25, 50, and 75 mg L‒1) enhanced plant growth under salinity by improving chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, antioxidant compounds, antioxidant enzyme activities, and nutrient acquisition. Myo-inositol promoted leaf relative water content by improving osmotic adjustment due to the accumulation of osmolytes such as proline, soluble sugars, and free amino acids. MYO significantly increased nitrate reductase activity alongside higher H2S and nitric oxide levels. These observations suggest that MYO influences plants' antioxidant capacity and metabolic responses to salinity. Notably, MYO effectively diminished reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation, thereby improving plant growth under salinity. Conclusively, MYO significantly improved growth, decreased oxidative injury and promoted photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant defense system under salinity. These findings indicate that MYO is a potential growth regulator and stress mitigator, offering promising prospects for sustainable crop production in saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A member of the Moringaceae family, Moringa Oleifera Lam is a perennial deciduous tropical tree known as the 'Miracle Tree' for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. Food and nutrition are crucial aspects of the development and maintenance of healthy health. Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose herbal bush that is used as both human food and a medical alternative all over the world. Various parts of the tree are used to treat chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes, and cancer. Moringa is an excellent source of essential nutrients and has been found to have a significant impact on improving nutritional deficiencies in populations with limited access to food. Moringa oleifera contains essential amino acids, carotenoids, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, phytochemicals, vitamins, and fibre. Moringa offers nutritional and economic advantages, medicinal and therapeutic uses, and future biological potential for human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfusion dynamics play a vital role in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues while removing metabolic waste products. Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) use contrast agents to visualize perfusion and clearance patterns; however, each technique has specific limitations. Hybrid PET/MRI combines the quantitative power and sensitivity of PET with the high functional and anatomical detail of MRI and holds great promise for precision in molecular imaging. However, the development of dual PET/MRI probes has been hampered by challenging synthesis and radiolabeling. Here, we present a novel PET/MRI probe, [18F][Gd(FL1)], which exhibits excellent stability comparable to macrocyclic MRI contrast agents used in clinical practice. The unique molecular design of [18F][Gd(FL1)] allows selective and expeditious radiolabeling of the gadolinium chelate in the final synthetic step. Leveraging the strengths of MRI and PET signals, the probe enables quantitative in vivo mapping of perfusion and excretion dynamics through an innovative voxel‐based analysis. The diagnostic capabilities of [18F][Gd(FL1)] were demonstrated in a pilot study on healthy mice, successfully detecting early cases of unilateral renal dysfunction, a condition that is typically challenging to diagnose. This study introduces a new approach for PET/MRI and emphasizes a streamlined probe design for practical synthesis and improved diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for essential nutrients provided by fruits has led to an increase in processed fruit products. However, this processing generates a significant amount of byproducts. Due to a lack of awareness about their nutritional and health benefits, these byproducts are often treated as waste, negatively impacting the environment. To address this, this review focuses on the potential health effects and industrial reusability of these byproducts and their bioactive compounds from commonly consumed fruits in the United States including apples, bananas, citrus, and watermelon. The reviewed studies showed that these by-products, including peels, seeds, pomace, skin, and rinds, are rich sources of bioactive compounds at higher concentrations than the fruit flesh, offering potential health benefits including antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporation of these byproducts in foods improved their physicochemical and nutrition properties as they are rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols. While many studies show promising results in vitro and in animal models, further research is needed to understand their effectiveness in humans and their potential for sustainable food innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camel milk and its products are vital sources of nutrition for inhabitants of arid and semi-arid nomadic pastoral regions, where camels are predominantly raised. Alternatively, the high demand for soy milk originates from its nutritional importance, catering to individuals seeking/plant-based alternatives with health and environmental benefits. Camel milk is rich in essential nutrients, contains less lactose than bovine milk, and offers numerous health benefits. Although camel milk contains higher levels of α-lactalbumin and β-casein than bovine milk, the absence of β-lactoglobulin and the presence of low amounts of κ-casein make it unstable at high temperatures, exhibiting poor gelation characteristics. Soymilk proteins exhibit unique heat stability and gelation characteristics based on processing variables such as pH, temperature, and presence of coagulants. The use of camel milk and soymilk proteins enables the attainment of high sustainability, desirable tastes, better nutrient profiles, and improved functionalities. Thus, this review discusses the thermal stability and gelation properties of camel milk proteins, soymilk proteins, and their respective mixtures. Understanding blends of soy milk and camel milk proteins is crucial for developing nutritionally balanced alternatives, benefiting both individuals seeking plant-based options and those in arid regions relying on camel milk for sustenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for maintaining blood calcium and phosphorus levels and controlling bone density. Deficiency in it leads to rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and various other diseases. Recently, it has gained attention for reportedly reducing the risk of COVID-19 severity. However, there are no reports evaluating pregnant women in the Hokkaido region of Japan. This study aims to elucidate the current status of vitamin D levels in pregnant women in the Hokkaido region. Methods: This study measured the serum concentrations of Vitamin D2 and D3 in 206 pregnant women participating in the Japan Environment and Children's Study-Hokkaido sub-cohort at the Hokkaido Regional Center. It analyzed the relationship between these concentrations and the months, seasons, and sunshine hours. Results: The mean maternal age was 31.7 ± 4.7 years, and the mean prepregnancy BMI was 21.0 ± 2.5 kg/m2. Only two women have given birth at least once. Regarding sunscreen use, 65 participants (31.6%) responded "often" or "sometimes." Five women used the supplement containing Vitamin D. The value of 25(OH)D2 was above 1 ng/ml in four of them. The average 25(OH)D3 level was 12.1 ng/ml, with a median of 11.0 ng/ml. Four participants (1.9%) had levels below 5 ng/ml. The highest median of 25(OH)D3 was in July, and the lowest was in April. The concentration of 25(OH)D3 was significantly higher in summer than in winter. A correlation was found between 25(OH)D3 and sunshine hours, with 25(OH)D3 concentrations gradually increasing as sunshine hours increase. Conclusion: It was found that almost all pregnant women in Hokkaido were deficient in vitamin D. It is necessary to implement measures to enhance vitamin D levels in pregnant women to safeguard the health of women and fetuses in Hokkaido. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Coral reef fisheries support livelihoods and provide an affordable source of essential dietary nutrients to coastal people. However, climate‐driven coral bleaching is dramatically altering reef habitats and changing reef fish composition, diversity, and productivity. We used data from fisheries independent surveys and artisanal trap landings to explore how reefs with different responses to coral bleaching differed in habitat configurations, fisheries catch rates, economic returns, and nutritional content. Coral‐associated fishes supported the highest catch rates, greatest species diversity, highest rates of economic returns for fishers, and a wide price range for consumers. Macroalgae‐associated fishes supported the greatest overall fisheries yields, which indicated higher fishery dependence on these habitats. Nutrient content was high in catches across all habitats, but concentrations varied by nutrient, which suggested that fishing across a range of reef habitats should provide the greatest variety of nutrients to coastal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of effective citrus nutrition programs is as old as the cultivation of citrus, regardless of the nature and properties of the soil. Citrus cultivation in Iran is predominantly confined to calcareous soils with a minimum of 5% calcium carbonate equivalent calcareousness. Citrus raised on such calcareous soils is exposed to altogether different dynamics of lime-induced multiple soil fertility constraints such as large-scale deficiencies of essential nutrients under the dominating influence of pedogenic/geogenic accumulation of calcium carbonate, chronically deteriorating the soil tilth through dispersion of clay particles with a cascading influence on soil water relations and microbiological properties, compared to either acid or other alkaline non-calcareous soils. Incidentally, calcareous-linked boron toxicity is another pedological problem, yet so formidable to deal with in sustaining an uninterrupted production. Rootstocks (Carrizo, Citranges, Cleopatra) have though played a very handful role in moderating the impacts of soil calcareousness on citrus yield, but still, long-term studies are missing, besides changes in rhizosphere microbiome concerning citrus decline, an analog to negative rhizosphere effect. The authors have attempted analysis of different issues relating to diagnosis (coupled with test interpretations) and management of nutrient constraints (dynamic synergy between citrus-microbes–organics-inorganic) exclusively on calcareous soils with emphasis on Iranian citrus. Finally, the outcome of such analysis has provided a solid blue-print as future researchable issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A burgeoning population, food shortage, less affordability of essential nutrients, and pandemic are the foremost global challenges for lower-to middle-income nations. Lack of proper availability of crucial nutrients leads to hidden hunger, which has become a serious threat under the current scenario and difficult situation for global policymakers, nutritionists, and public health scientists. Minerals (iron, zinc, iodine, and Selenium) and Vitamin A malnutrition are major food-related primary health problems among populations of both developed and developing countries. Vegetables offer an economical and sustainable opportunity to provide micronutrients. They are rich in minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds and thus play a key role in diversifying diets and securing nutritional security. Usually, the availability of most micronutrients in the edible parts of the plants is lower than required. Therefore, scaling up the nutritional profile of vegetable crops through biofortification can enhance their nourishment power. Biofortification can be achieved through mineral fertilization, breeding, and biotechnological approaches. Several crops have been fortified through the soil and foliar application of fertilizers, thus providing benefits for a limited period. Therefore, breeding for nutrient-rich cultivars using conventional or biotechnological techniques seems to be the most effective strategy to reduce malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat and its derivatives serve as crucial sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients for humans. Pork stands as China's primary animal-derived food product consumed widely across diverse dietary structures; evaluating intramuscular fat content becomes pivotal in assessing its quality standards. Nonetheless, the intricate molecular mechanisms governing intramuscular fat deposition remain elusive. Our study utilized sequencing technology to scrutinize longitudinal development stages within Ningxiang pig's longest dorsal muscles aiming to unravel these underlying mechanisms. In three distinct comparisons (30d vs. 90d, 90d vs. 150d and 150d vs. 210d) there were 578, 1,000 and 3,238 differentially expressed mRNA, along with 16, 158 and 85 lncRNAs were identified. STEM analysis unveiled six enriched model profiles for lncRNAs while seven such profiles emerged for mRNAs; notably, multiple shared model profiles existed between both RNA types. Enriched analysis highlighted numerous genes from mRNA profile8 and lncRNA profile7 significantly associated with pathways linked to fat deposition. Weight Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) revealed that differential expression modules (DMEs) & differential expression lncRNAs primarily clustered within cyan, dark slate blue and pale turquoise modules. Furthermore, target genes PKD2 (MSTRG21592.MTRSG8859 and MTRSG18175), COL5A1 (MTRSG9969 and MTRSG180) and SOX13 (MTRSG21592 and MTRSG9088) as core components all intricately tied into processes related to fat deposition. This study lays the groundwork for deeper exploration into the molecular mechanisms underlying LDM fat deposition traits, and it also presents candidate genes for future molecular marker-assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal‐source foods (ASFs), namely, meat, milk, eggs, and derived products, are crucial components of a well‐balanced diet owing to their contribution with multiple essential nutrients. The benefits of the consumption of ASFs in terms of hedonic responses, emotional well‐being, and mood are also widely documented. However, an increasing share of consumers decide to exclude ASFs from their diets. Some of these vegan consumers are inclined to consume so‐called "meat" and/or "dairy analogs," which are produced from plant materials (soy, wheat, and oat, among others). In order to simulate appearance, texture, and flavor of ASFs, these industrial vegan foods are designed using an intricate formulation and industrial processing, which justifies their identification as ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). While the introduction of these processed vegan products is becoming popular in developed countries, the consequences of the sustained intake of these products on human health are mostly ignored. Contrarily to common belief, which emphasizes their role as "healthy" alternatives to ASFs, these plant‐based UPFs may enclose certain threats, which are reviewed in the present paper. The remarkable differences between vegan UPFs and the genuine ASFs (meat/dairy products) from sensory, nutritional, hedonic, or health perspectives precludes the designation of the former as analogs of the latter. Understanding the basis of these differences would contribute to (i) providing consumers with grounds to make reasoned decisions to consume meat/dairy products and/or the vegan alternatives and (ii) providing food companies with strategies to produce more appealing, nutritive, and healthy industrially processed vegan products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth and productivity are continually being challenged by a diverse array of abiotic stresses, including: water scarcity, extreme temperatures, heavy metal exposure, and soil salinity. A common theme in these stresses is the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupts cellular redox homeostasis causing oxidative damage. Ascorbic acid (AsA), commonly known as vitamin C, is an essential nutrient for humans, and also plays a crucial role in the plant kingdom. AsA is synthesized by plants through the d-mannose/l-galactose pathway that functions as a powerful antioxidant and protects plant cells from ROS generated during photosynthesis. AsA controls several key physiological processes, including: photosynthesis, respiration, and carbohydrate metabolism, either by acting as a co-factor for metabolic enzymes or by regulating cellular redox-status. AsA's multi-functionality uniquely positions it to integrate and recalibrate redox-responsive transcriptional/metabolic circuits and essential biological processes, in accordance to developmental and environmental cues. In recognition of this, we present a systematic overview of current evidence highlighting AsA as a central metabolite-switch in plants. Further, a comprehensive overview of genetic manipulation of genes involved in AsA metabolism has been provided along with the bottlenecks and future research directions, that could serve as a framework for designing "stress-smart" crops in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spent grains are one of the lignocellulosic biomasses available in abundance, discarded by breweries as waste. The brewing process generates around 25–30% of waste in different forms and spent grains alone account for 80–85% of that waste, resulting in a significant global waste volume. Despite containing essential nutrients, i.e., carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, fatty acids, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, efficient and economically viable valorization of these grains is lacking. Microbial fermentation enables the valorization of spent grain biomass into numerous commercially valuable products used in energy, food, healthcare, and biomaterials. However, the process still needs more investigation to overcome challenges, such as transportation, cost-effective pretreatment, and fermentation strategy. to lower the product cost and to achieve market feasibility and customer affordability. This review summarizes the potential of spent grains valorization via microbial fermentation and associated challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to show the diverse applications and the phytochemical and pharmacological findings in connection with prickly pear plants of the Cactaceae family. Opuntia species, which are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America and also play an important role in Mexico, have considerable health-promoting potential. Various parts of the plant, including cladodes, seeds, flowers, peels and fruits, contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Opuntia is rich in phenolic antioxidants and pigments such as betalains and exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide scientific evidence for the chemical composition and beneficial properties of Opuntia sp. and to promote further research into their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In addition, Opuntia sp. offer promising opportunities for various applications in both food and non-food sectors. [Display omitted] • Opuntia spp. (cladodes, fruits, flowers, seeds and peels) were studied. • Nutritional Value: Opuntia sp. are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (polyphenols, flavonoids...) were found. • Health Benefits: Consumption of Opuntia sp. has been associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and reduced inflammation. • Opuntia spp. present a plethora of non-food and non-pharmaceutical applications, showcasing their versatility beyond culinary and medicinal realms (Animal Fodder, Natural Dye Production...). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The nutritional intake of formula‐fed newborns is often limited to a single source, so it must be supplemented with essential nutrients for the growth and proper development of infants. Taurine, l‐carnitine, and choline are considered conditionally essential nutrients especially in newborns and infants. RESULTS: In this work, a simple routine hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC‐ESI‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of these semi‐essential nutrients in infant and adult/pediatric milk formulas. The extraction recoveries were between 90% and 114%. Precision of the method offered relative standard deviation below 5% and 7% for intra‐day and inter‐day precision, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to quantification of taurine, l‐carnitine, and choline in milk formula. The contents found were in good agreement with those provided on the product label for almost all samples. CONCLUSION: In view of these results, it can be concluded that the developed method can be a useful approach for the simultaneous determination of taurine, l‐carnitine and choline in powdered milk samples, so it can be useful in the routine quality control of this kind of samples. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials offer considerable benefits in improving plant growth and nutritional status owing to their inherent stability, and efficiency in essential nutrient absorption and delivery. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) at optimum concentration could significantly influence plant morpho-physiology and nutritional status. However, it remains unclear how elevated CO2 and CeO2 NPs interactively affect plant growth and quality. Accordingly, the ultimate goal was to reveal whether CeO2 NPs could alter the impact of elevated CO2 on the nutrient composition of spinach. For this purpose, spinach plant morpho-physiological, biochemical traits, and nutritional contents were evaluated. Spinach was exposed to different foliar concentrations of CeO2 NPs (0, 25, 50, 100 mg/L) in open-top chambers (400 and 600 CO2 μmol/mol). Results showed that elevated CO2 enhanced spinach growth by increasing photosynthetic pigments, as evidenced by a higher photosynthetic rate (Pn). However, the maximum growth and photosynthetic pigments were observed at the highest concentration of CeO2 NPs (100 mg/L) under elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 resulted in a decreased stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr), whereas CeO2 NPs enhanced these parameters. No significant changes were observed in any of the measured biochemical parameters due to increased levels of CO2. However, an increase in antioxidant enzymes, particularly in catalase (CAT; 14.37%) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX; 10.66%) activities, was observed in high CeO2 NPs (100 mg/L) treatment under elevated CO2 levels. Regarding plant nutrient content, elevated CO2 significantly decreases spinach roots and leaves macro and micronutrients as compared to ambient CO2 levels. CeO2 NPs, in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest increase observed in 100 mg/L CeO2 NPs treatment and increased roots and shoots magnesium (211.62–215.49%), iron (256.68–322.77%), zinc (225.89–181.49%), copper (21.99–138.09%), potassium (121.46–138.89%), calcium (118.22–91.32%), manganese (133.15–195.02%) under elevated CO2. Overall, CeO2 NPs improved spinach growth and biomass and reverted the adverse effects of elevated CO2 on its nutritional quality. These findings indicated that CeO2 NPs could be used as an effective approach to increase vegetable growth and nutritional values to ensure food security under future climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress imposes a serious challenge to cultivate wheat, restricting its growth. Drought reduces the capability of plant to uptake essential nutrients. This causes stunted growth, development and yield. Traditional ways to increase wheat growth under drought stress have shortcomings. Using plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has proved feasible and eco-friendly way to enhance wheat growth even under the drought stress. Combining PGPR in consortiums further boosts up their effects. In this study, we have checked the efficacy of drought-tolerant Bacillus halotolerans, Pseudomonas sihuiensis and Bacillus atrophaeus in combination. These strains were allowed to grow on PEG 6000 with concentrations (-0.15, -0.49, -0.73 and − 1.2) Mega Pascal (MPa) alone and in combination. Furthermore, Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. Their biochemical traits such as solubilization of K, P and Zn and the synthesis of siderophore, indole acetic acid (IAA), protease, amylase, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase were done. In addition to this, we investigated the optimum folic acid concentration i.e 150 ppm for wheat against drought stress. We conducted a pot experiment to check the growth-enhancing and drought-mitigating effects of consortium and folic acid alone and in combination. As a result, we found a significantly increased wheat biomass, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, antioxidants including glutathione reductase and total soluble sugars and protein content under all treatments. However, the combined treatment of bacterial consortium and folic acid showed maximum potential to boost wheat growth and survival even under drought. We also investigated the minerals uptake by wheat after the treatments and found maximum nutrient uptake under the co-effect of folic acid and bacterial consortium We believe this is the first study that has investigated the optimal dose of folic acid for wheat. Our research is also novel in that we seek to investigate the effects of folic acid along with a bacterial consortium comprising Bacillus halotolerans, Pseudomonas sihuiensis and Bacillus atrophaeus on wheat grown under the drought stress. Highlights: Bacillus halotolerans, Pseudomonas sihuiensis and Bacillus atrophaeus are drought tolerant strains. Their consortium significantly improves wheat growth under drought stress. 150 ppm of folic acid is the optimum concentration for wheat growth. Synergistic application of bacterial consortium and folic acid has shown promising wheat growth abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials offer considerable benefits in improving plant growth and nutritional status owing to their inherent stability, and efficiency in essential nutrient absorption and delivery. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) at optimum concentration could significantly influence plant morpho-physiology and nutritional status. However, it remains unclear how elevated CO2 and CeO2 NPs interactively affect plant growth and quality. Accordingly, the ultimate goal was to reveal whether CeO2 NPs could alter the impact of elevated CO2 on the nutrient composition of spinach. For this purpose, spinach plant morpho-physiological, biochemical traits, and nutritional contents were evaluated. Spinach was exposed to different foliar concentrations of CeO2 NPs (0, 25, 50, 100 mg/L) in open-top chambers (400 and 600 CO2 μmol/mol). Results showed that elevated CO2 enhanced spinach growth by increasing photosynthetic pigments, as evidenced by a higher photosynthetic rate (Pn). However, the maximum growth and photosynthetic pigments were observed at the highest concentration of CeO2 NPs (100 mg/L) under elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 resulted in a decreased stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr), whereas CeO2 NPs enhanced these parameters. No significant changes were observed in any of the measured biochemical parameters due to increased levels of CO2. However, an increase in antioxidant enzymes, particularly in catalase (CAT; 14.37%) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX; 10.66%) activities, was observed in high CeO2 NPs (100 mg/L) treatment under elevated CO2 levels. Regarding plant nutrient content, elevated CO2 significantly decreases spinach roots and leaves macro and micronutrients as compared to ambient CO2 levels. CeO2 NPs, in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest increase observed in 100 mg/L CeO2 NPs treatment and increased roots and shoots magnesium (211.62–215.49%), iron (256.68–322.77%), zinc (225.89–181.49%), copper (21.99–138.09%), potassium (121.46–138.89%), calcium (118.22–91.32%), manganese (133.15–195.02%) under elevated CO2. Overall, CeO2 NPs improved spinach growth and biomass and reverted the adverse effects of elevated CO2 on its nutritional quality. These findings indicated that CeO2 NPs could be used as an effective approach to increase vegetable growth and nutritional values to ensure food security under future climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postembryonic development of animals has long been considered an internally predetermined program, while macronutrients were believed to be essential solely for providing biomatters and energy to support this process. However, in this study, by using a nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (abbreviated as C. elegans hereafter) model, we surprisingly discovered that dietary supplementation of palmitic acid alone, rather than other abundant essential nutrients such as glucose or amino acid mixture, was sufficient to initiate early postembryonic development even under complete macronutrient deprivation. Such a development was evidenced by changes in morphology, cellular markers in multiple tissues, behaviors, and the global transcription pattern and it occurred earlier than the well-known early L1 nutrient checkpoint. Mechanistically, palmitic acid did not function as a biomatter/energy provider, but rather as a ligand to activate the nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49/80, leading to the production of an unknown peroxisome-derived secretive hormone in the intestine. This hormonal signal was received by chemosensory neurons in the head, regulating the insulin-like neuropeptide secretion and its downstream nuclear receptor to orchestrate global development. Additionally, the nutrient-sensing hub mTORC1 played a negative role in this process. In conclusion, our data indicate that free fatty acids act as a primary nutrient signal to launch the early development in C. elegans, which suggests that specific nutrients, rather than the internal genetic program, serve as the first impetus for postembryonic development. Macronutrients are known to provide biomatter and energy to postembryonic development in animals. This study shows that free fatty acids act as a primary nutrient signal to trigger early development in C. elegans, expanding the traditional function of specific nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of male infertility has increased in the last decades. One factor that may improve sperm quality and testosterone is fish consumption, which supplies the organism with essential nutrients. Aim: To determine evidence of a relationship between the frequency of fish consumption and sperm quality. Methods: Seventy‐four healthy men, aged 25–45 years, were involved in this observational study. Semen quality was evaluated by spermogram analyses and testosterone was measured in blood. Volunteers were classified as low, moderate, and high fish consumption groups according to the replies indicated in a questionnaire they had to fill out. Results: The moderate fish consumption group showed better semen quality with all spermogram parameters in the reference range and the low fish consumption group manifested the worst semen quality with sperm morphology below the reference range. The low fish consumption group had lower testosterone levels (3.6 ± 0.9 vs. 4.3 ± 1.5; p = 0.04), decreased nonprogressive spermatozoa (11.9 ± 6.2 vs. 15.8 ± 8.2; p = 0.04), and lower semen volume (3.1 ± 2.0 vs. 3.6 ± 1.3; p = 0.06) compared to the moderate fish consumption group. Positive associations were detected between the frequency of fish consumption, the semen volume, and nonprogressive spermatozoa, respectively. Conclusions: Fish consumption at moderate level such as once a week leads to improvement in sperm quality and testosterone levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agro-food surplus is considered the most abundant renewable resource, interesting for the economic and environmental impact, with a possible employment in different productive fields such as supplement in animal feed. For a safe and effective enhancement of agro-food wastes it is needed a toxicological analysis before of their employment, to avoid potential risks to animals, humans and environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metals content (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Mn, Se, Zn, Co, Ni, V, Sb, Mo, Cr and Pb, Cd, As, Ba), in agro-food wastes through ICP-MS analysis. The results obtained showed the presence of metals analysed with a significant content of essential micro and macro-elements; with regard to toxic metals, only strawberries and fennel samples showed Pb levels above the MRL. These data confirm, from the toxicological point of view, a possible and safe reuse of the most of all agro-food wastes, as raw material at low cost and rich of essential nutrients and particularly as supplement in animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global consumption of dried mushrooms has increased worldwide because of their rich nutritional value and culinary versatility. Dehydration methods such as sun drying, hot air drying, freeze drying, and microwave drying are employed to prolong the shelf life of a food product. These methods can also affect the food product's nutritional value and the final product's microbial profile. Each technique affects the retention of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds differently. Additionally, these techniques vary in their effectiveness at reducing microbial load, impacting the dried mushrooms' safety and shelf life. This review addresses the gap in understanding how different dehydration methods influence dried mushrooms' nutritional quality and microbial safety, which is crucial for optimizing their processing and consumption. It targets researchers, food processors, and consumers seeking to improve the quality and safety of dried mushrooms. This review comprehensively examines the impact of major dehydration techniques, including sun drying, hot air drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying, on the nutritional and microbial profiles of dried mushrooms. Each method is evaluated for its effectiveness in preserving essential nutrients and reducing microbial load. Current research indicates that freeze drying is particularly effective in preserving nutritional quality, while hot air and microwave drying significantly reduce microbial load. However, more well-designed studies are needed to fully understand the implications of these methods for safety and nutritional benefits. These findings are valuable for optimizing dehydration methods for high-quality dried mushrooms that are suited for culinary and medicinal use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agriculture, barley holds significant importance as a vital crop with multiple uses. It provides a variety of advantages, including weed suppression, erosion management, nutrient recycling, and improved soil structure. The nutritional and functional composition of barley varieties' samples were analyzed using AOAC methods. The moisture content of the samples ranged from 7.3% to 12.8%, while the ash content varied from 0.5% to 13%. The crude fiber content ranged from 0.5% to 1.5%, and the crude protein content ranged from 0.73% to 3.4%. Furthermore, the crude fat content ranged from 0.11% to 0.8%. The carbohydrate content of the samples were found to be between 69.5% and 82.5%, with an energy value ranging from 338.2 to 382.02 kcal/100 g. In terms of mineral content, the samples exhibited varying levels of calcium (310–670 mg/100 g), iron (34.9–65 mg/100 g), zinc (8.9–16 mg/100 g), and magnesium (Mg) (520–1122 mg/100 g). In addition, the range of the total phenolic content was 1.2 to 3.1 mg/100 g, while the range of the total flavonoid content was 0.41 to 0.55 mg/100 g. Therefore, barley, a selenium‐rich food, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage, reducing inflammation, and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses. The highest content of stearic acid (3.4 g/100 g) followed by myristic acid (2.6 g/100 g) were found in barley varieties. Barley amino acids are essential nutrients for various biological processes, muscle repair, immunological system function, neurotransmitter generation, and detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ingestion of bark has been observed across the animal kingdom and is well documented in free-ranging chimpanzees. Thus far, the best-supported hypothesis for the adaptive function of this behavior is the fallback food hypothesis, which asserts that chimpanzees consume bark and cambium when preferred foods are scarce. However, alternative explanations exist, including the essential nutrient and mineral hypothesis, the self-medication hypothesis, and the stressed-tree hypothesis. We tested whether the fallback food hypothesis can explain bark-feeding across two communities of Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Budongo Forest, Uganda. We used 13 years of the site's long-term behavioral data, 5 years of food availability data, and 8 months of direct and indirect observations. We also conducted eight 400-m line transects to collect data on the distribution of tree species across community home ranges. We employed several analyses, including Pearson correlation tests, qualitative comparisons of descriptive data and heat maps, and interpretation of behavioral anecdotes. We found varying patterns of bark-feeding seasonality across tree species, with bark-feeding on several species showing no correlation with food scarcity. We also identified differences in the amounts of bark targeted between tree species and report anecdotal evidence of chimpanzees prioritizing bark over high-value foods. Lastly, we found that bark-feeding on certain species disproportionally occurs far from community core areas, despite relative abundance of these species within the home range. As a result, we argue that the fallback food hypothesis cannot explain bark-feeding across all tree species. Instead, we present supporting evidence for several alternative hypotheses, including self-medication, thereby challenging the widely accepted function of this behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica oleracea L is low in carbohydrates and fiber, making it ideal for low‐carb diets. But they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. The present article investigated the antimicrobial effect of B. oleracea extract (white and broccoli) (BOE‐WB) on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains and its resistance to doxycycline. BOE‐WB was used as the soaking method. It was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. The samples were prepared with three concentrations. It used Mueller Hinton Agar culture medium of fresh bacteria. It was incubated for 24 h in a 37°C incubator. It identified 33 compounds. For BOE‐W, 77% of the compounds are oxygenated, while for BOE‐B, this percentage is 79%. For BOE‐B, 79% had oxygenated compounds. BOE‐WB has significant antibacterial effects on Pseudomonas aerogenosa and Bacillus cereus. The lethal impact of BOE‐WB on strains is very close to that of doxycycline, and it can be introduced as a new antimicrobial drug to the medical world. The research shows that the percentage of oxygenated compounds in foods containing BOE‐B is much higher than that of BOE‐W. It has a significant impact on the antioxidant effect. Foods containing BOE‐W have a high percentage of azo compounds and sulfur. One of the benefits of sulfur in the body is disinfecting the blood. In addition, sulfur increases the body's resistance to bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is a staple crop important for food security that millions globally depend upon as an energy source, primarily due to its high starch and fat content. For growth and disease resistance, maize production requires a balanced intake of essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This study investigated the relationship between soil nutrient levels and maize disease occurrences in the Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Soil and maize leaves were collected using a systematic sampling approach. Grids of 10 × 10 m were created, covering a maize field. Forty soil samples were collected a day before the planting date and sent to the laboratory for analysis of N, P and K. During the tasseling stage of the maize plant, 40 maize leaf samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for disease identification. Maize leaves were classified as healthy, southern corn leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis), northern corn leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum), maize streak disease (Maize streak virus), nitrogen-deficient or phosphorus-deficient. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with a corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) showed a significant relationship between low soil nutrient levels of N, P and K and maize disease occurrence (p < 0.0001). The interaction of the N*P*K model had the lowest AIC value (AICc = 28.53), indicating the necessity of considering synergistic effects in maize disease management. All the model performances had a delta AICc = 0. These findings highlight the significance of comprehensive soil management strategies in enhancing the disease resistance, well-being and yields of maize crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture, as a strategic and developmental industry, plays an important role in ensuring food security and economic stability within countries. This crucial sector faces various influences, including infectious and nutritional diseases. Certain minerals function as essential nutrients, playing a main role in processes across all aquatic animals when present in appropriate dietary proportions. Studies showed that some heavy metals serve as a catalyst for various biological functions, including the maintenance of colloidal systems, acid-base balance, bone formation, and the regulation of fundamental natural elements such as vitamins, hormones, and minerals. Fish acquire essential elements crucial for their well-being through both diet and water sources. Adequate levels of essential elements, such as iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese, and selenium, in the diet contribute to enhanced growth, increased survival rates, improved disease resistance, and heightened specific immunity in fish. When incorporated in appropriate quantities, these elements play a pivotal role in disease prevention, fostering the production of high-quality fish, minimizing economic losses, and solidifying aquaculture as a robust and profitable industry. This article aims to delve into the immunological effects induced by metal elements, specifically copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), in diverse fish species. The objective is to underscore the significance of this exploration, paving the way for the development of more potent immune supplements in the future. These supplements have the potential to improve growth, fortify immune responses, and enhance resilience against diseases in various fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilms are complex bacterial colonies embedded in an extracellular matrix. These pose a major obstacle to wound healing and are noticeable in chronic wounds. It protects the bacteria from the host's immune system and conventional antibiotic treatments. The biofilm's protective matrix prevents essential nutrients and oxygen from diffusing into the surrounding healthy tissue. In addition, microbes living in biofilms naturally have increased resistance to antibiotics, which reduces the effectiveness of traditional therapies. As such, biofilms serve as persistent reservoirs of infection, which further disrupts the normal course of wound healing. In this review, the current formulation strategies such as hydrogels, polymeric nanoparticles, and nanofibers that are used in wound healing to counteract biofilms have been comprehensively discussed. The formulations have been meticulously designed and developed to disturb the biofilm matrix, prevent the growth of microorganisms, and increase the potency of antimicrobials and antibiotics. The mechanism of action, advantages and limitations associated with the existing formulation strategies have been reviewed. The formulation strategies that have been translated into clinical applications and patented are also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The cerebellum has a long, protracted developmental period; therefore, it is more sensitive to intrauterine and postnatal insults like nutritional deficiencies. Folate is an essential nutrient in fetal and postnatal brain development, and its supplementation during pregnancy is widely recommended. This study aimed to describe the effects of maternal folate intake on postnatal cerebellum development. Methods: Twelve adult female Rattus norwegicus (6–8 weeks old) rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups and given one of four premixed diets: a standard diet (2 mg/kg), a folate-deficient (folate 0 mg/kg), folate-supplemented (8 mg/kg), or folate supra-supplemented (40 mg/kg). The rats began consuming their specific diets 14 days before mating and were maintained on them throughout pregnancy and lactation. Five pups from each group were sacrificed, and their brains processed for light microscopic examination on postnatal days 1, 7, 21, and 35. The data gathered included the morphology of the cerebellar folia and an estimate of the volume of the cerebellar cortical layer using the Cavalieri method. Results: Folia of the folate-supplemented and supra-supplemented groups were thicker and showed extensive branching with sub-lobule formation. The folate-deficient diet group's folia were smaller, had more inter-folial spaces, or fused. When compared to the folate-deficient group, the volumes of the cerebellum and individual cerebellar cortical layers were significantly larger in the folate-supplemented and supra-supplemented groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Folate supplementation during pregnancy and lactation improves the degree and complexity of the cerebellar folia and the volumes of individual cerebellar cortical layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Omega‐3 fatty acids (ω‐3 FA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential nutrients known for their anti‐inflammatory properties, which involve reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines, eicosanoids, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1. This suggests their potential to alleviate acne severity, especially when deficits are present. Aims: To elevate EPA/DHA levels in acne patients through dietary intervention and supplementation, observing subsequent clinical effects. Methods: Over 16 weeks, 60 patients without prescription medication (n = 23 acne comedonica [AC], n = 37 acne papulopustulosa [AP]) adhered to a Mediterranean diet, incorporating oral algae‐derived ω‐3 FA supplementation (600 mg DHA/300 mg EPA week 1–8, 800 mg DHA/400 mg EPA week 8–16). At four visits (V1–V4), blood EPA/DHA levels were tracked using the HS‐omega 3 index® (EPA/DHA (%) of total identified fatty acids in erythrocytes; target 8%–11%, deficit <8%, severe deficit <4%), alongside clinical assessments and standardized questionnaires. Results: At baseline, 98.3% of patients had an EPA/DHA deficit, with the mean HS‐omega 3 index® rising from 4.9% at V1 to 8.3% at V4 (p < 0.001). AC showed significantly higher indices than AP at V4 (p = 0.035). Objective improvements in both inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions were observed (p < 0.001). While self‐reported appearance worsened in four patients, overall quality of life improved (p < 0.001), particularly in AP. Dietary triggers were more clearly defined than beneficial foods. Intake of cow's milk and dairy products reduced (p < 0.001). Compliance was good; no adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Many acne patients have a ω‐3 FA deficit. The HS‐omega 3 index® can be increased by a Mediterranean diet and oral supplementation with algae‐derived ω‐3 FA. Acne severity improved significantly in patients with target ω‐3 FA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is one of the essential nutrients for almost all microorganisms. Under iron-limited conditions, bacteria can secrete siderophores to the outside world to absorb iron for survival. This process requires the coordinated action of energy-transducing proteins, transporters, and receptors. The spoilage factors of some spoilage bacteria and the pathogenic mechanism of pathogenic bacteria are also closely related to siderophores. Meanwhile, some siderophores have also gradually evolved toward beneficial aspects. First, a variety of siderophores are classified into three aspects. In addition, representative iron uptake systems of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are described in detail to understand the common and specific pathways of iron uptake by various bacteria. In particular, the causes of siderophore-induced bacterial pathogenicity and the methods and mechanisms of inhibiting bacterial iron absorption under the involvement of siderophores are presented. Then, the application of siderophores in the food sector is mainly discussed, such as improving the food quality of dairy products and meat, inhibiting the attack of pathogenic bacteria on food, improving the plant growth environment, and promoting plant growth. Finally, this review highlights the unresolved fate of siderophores in the iron uptake system and emphasizes further development of siderophore-based substitutes for traditional drugs, new antibiotic-resistance drugs, and vaccines in the food and health sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanced fertilizer application is crucial for achieving high-yield, high-quality, and efficient maize cultivation. Sulfur (S), considered a secondary nutrient, ranks as the fourth most essential plant nutrient after nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). S deficiency could significantly influence maize growth and development. Field experiments were conducted in Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China, from April 1 to July 20 in 2023. Jingkenuo2000 (JKN2000) and Suyunuo5 (SYN5) were used as experiment materials, and four treatments were set: no fertilizer application (F0), S fertilizer application (F1), conventional fertilization method (F2), and conventional fertilization method with additional S application (F3). The objective was to investigate the impact of S application on grain weight and the quality of fresh waxy maize flour and starch. The results indicated that all fertilization treatments significantly increased grain weight and the starch and protein contents in grains compared to no fertilization. Among these, F3 exhibited the most significant increases. Specifically, in JKN2000, the grain weight, starch content (SC), and protein content (PC) increased by 27.7%, 4.8%, and 14.8%, respectively, while in SYN5, these parameters increased by 26.3%, 6.2%, and 7.4%, respectively, followed by F2 and F1. Compared to F0, F3 increased starch and protein contents by 4.8% and 14.8% in JKN2000, and by 6.2% and 7.4% in SYN5. Compared to F0, F2 and F3 significantly increased the iodine binding capacity (IBC) of SYN5, with F3 being more effective than F2, while they had no significant effect on the IBC of JKN2000. The peak viscosity (PV) and breakdown viscosity (BD) of waxy maize flour and starch for both varieties showed a consistent response (increasing trend) to S application, and F3 had the largest increase. Regarding the thermal properties of waxy maize flour, F3 significantly enhanced the retrogradation enthalpy (ΔHgel) of both varieties compared to F0, while achieving the lowest retrogradation percentage (%R). In starch, the highest ΔHgel and the lowest %R were observed under the F2 treatment. In summary, under the conditions of this experiment, adding S fertilizer to conventional fertilization not only increased the grain weight of waxy maize but also effectively optimized the pasting and thermal properties of waxy maize flour and starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating plant protein isolates into milk can enhance probiotic culture growth by providing essential nutrients and altering the physicochemical properties of fermented milk. This study investigated the effects of adding 1.5% or 3.0% soy, pea, and whey protein isolates on the growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactobacillus johnsonii monocultures, as well as the physicochemical (acidity, syneresis, color) and organoleptic properties of fermented milk during 21 days of refrigerated storage. The results showed that 1.5% SPI and WPI did not significantly alter milk acidity compared to controls. Still, pH increased with 1.5% and 3.0% PPI. Storage time significantly affected pH in L. casei fermented milk. The initial addition of WPI at 1.5% and 3.0% reduced syneresis in L. casei fermented milk compared to other samples. Color components were significantly influenced by isolates. Initial L. casei cell counts were lower with SPI (LCS1.5 and LCS3) and 1.5% PPI (LCP1.5) compared to controls. Increasing isolate concentration from 1.5% to 3% enhanced L. johnsonii growth in WPI-milk but reduced L. casei in LCW3 compared to LCW1.5. Only increased pea protein concentration significantly increased L. casei growth. Probiotic populations generally were reduced during extended storage. Moreover, isolates impacted milk organoleptic evaluation. This research demonstrates the potential of protein isolates in creating health-promoting and diverse fermented products and offers insights into their interaction with probiotic cultures to advance functional food technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with an increased global incidence in recent decades, despite a substantially unchanged survival. While TC has an excellent overall prognosis, some types of TC are associated with worse patient outcomes, depending on the genetic setting. Furthermore, oxidative stress is related to more aggressive features of TC. Vitamin C, an essential nutrient provided with food or as a dietary supplement, is a well-known antioxidant and a scavenger of reactive oxygen species; however, at high doses, it can induce pro-oxidant effects, acting through multiple biological mechanisms that play a crucial role in killing cancer cells. Although experimental data and, less consistently, clinical studies, suggest the possibility of antineoplastic effects of vitamin C at pharmacological doses, the antitumor efficacy of this nutrient in TC remains at least partly unexplored. Therefore, this review discusses the current state of knowledge on the role of vitamin C, alone or in combination with other conventional therapies, in the management of TC, the mechanisms underlying this association, and the perspectives that may emerge in TC treatment strategies, and, also, in light of the development of novel functional foods useful to this extent, by implementing novel sensory analysis strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-yielding dairy cows need diets that meet their energy demand and contain sufficient essential nutrients such as n-3 fatty acids (FAs). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is able to relieve the energy metabolism, but common corn silage and concentrate-based diets contain insufficient amounts of essential fatty acids (EFA). Abomasal infusion was used in the current study to supplement cows from 9 weeks antepartum to 9 weeks postpartum with either coconut oil (CTRL, n = 8), EFA (n = 9), or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, n = 9), or a combination of both (EFA + CLA, n = 10). The study focused on the effects of FAs on peripheral tissues, such as longissimus muscle (MLD) and adipose tissues, which were harvested after slaughter. Fatty acid composition, muscle fiber and fat cell morphology, muscle fiber type transition, and gene expression were analyzed. Supplemented FAs and their metabolites were increased (p < 0.05) in MLD and intermuscular fat (INTF) but not in subcutaneous fat (SCF). The intramuscular fat content and gene expression of ACACA and FASN were increased in CLA-supplemented cows (p < 0.05). Supplementation did not affect the muscle fiber size and fiber type composition. Supplemented CLA had more effects than EFA, improving the energy balance of cows accompanied with increased triglyceride formation and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riverine nutrient export is an important process in marine coastal biogeochemistry and also impacts global marine biology. The nitrogen cycle is a key player here. Internal feedbacks are shown to regulate not only nitrogen distribution, but also primary production and thereby oxygen concentrations. Phosphorus is another essential nutrient and interacts with the nitrogen cycle via different feedback mechanisms. After a previous study of the marine nitrogen cycle response to riverine nitrogen supply, here we include phosphorus from river export with different phosphorus burial scenarios and study the impact of phosphorus alone and in combination with nitrogen in a global 3D ocean biogeochemistry model. Again, we analyse the effects on near-coastal and open-ocean biogeochemistry. We find that riverine export of bioavailable phosphorus alone or in conjunction with nitrogen affects marine biology on millennial timescales more than riverine nitrogen alone. Biogeochemical feedbacks in the marine nitrogen cycle are strongly influenced by additional phosphorus. Where bioavailable phosphorus increases with river input, nitrogen concentration increases as well, except for in regions with diminishing oxygen concentrations. High phosphorus burial rates decrease biological production significantly. Globally, the addition of riverine phosphorus in the modelled ocean leads to elevated primary production rates in the coastal and open oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the potential relationship between folic acid intake and the risk of prostate cancer. Folic acid is a natural form of vitamin B9 that is important for cell growth and division. While some studies suggest that folic acid may have protective effects against certain types of cancer, there is also evidence that high levels of folic acid intake may increase the risk of cancer progression. The article presents the results of a Mendelian randomization analysis, which found a significant association between folic acid supplements and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between folic acid and prostate cancer development. [Extracted from the article]

Calcium (Ca) is a vital nutrient essential for structural development and signal transmission in both plants and animals. In humans, inadequate calcium intake has been correlated with various diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer. In areas where plants serve as a main dietary source, calcium intake is significantly lower than the recommended adequate intake, notably in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Exploring the connections between calcium consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer has significant implications for public health, given that these two conditions are the primary contributors to global mortality. This study conducted a systematic review of existing literature to assess the evidence regarding calcium intake and its effect on blood pressure control, stroke prevention, and the controversial association with myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the preventive effect of calcium intake on tumor development, particularly in cancer prevention, was discussed. The study explores the potential of agronomic biofortification as a key strategy to enhance plant‐based dietary calcium density and improve human health. By advocating for the incorporation of calcium‐rich plants and plant‐derived products, alongside appropriate calcium supplementation, the study emphasizes the economic and practical benefits of plants as a calcium source. This approach is aligned with global dietary patterns and socioeconomic disparities. The review also highlights the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms through which agronomic biofortification can increase dietary calcium intake and reduce the risks of CVD and cancer associated with calcium deficiency. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our understanding of the complex relationship between calcium intake and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many aging men experience reduced energy and libido related to non-optimal testosterone levels. We conducted a randomized double-blind trial with TrigozimR fenugreek extract to assess impact on plasma and saliva testosterone, and some subjective effects. 95 men (40-80y) completed a 12-week intervention, taking 3 tablets daily with 0 mg (placebo; n = 22), 600 mg (n = 21), 1200 mg (n = 25) and1800 mg (n = 27) fenugreek extract and essential nutrients. Samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. Participants answered a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire on lifestyle and libido. We measured total testosterone (HPLC-MS/MS) and sex hormone binding globulin (ELISA), calculated free testosterone index (FTI), and measured saliva testosterone. Plasma total testosterone and FTI increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (13.0%, p = 1.0x10-4 and 16.3%, p = 6.2x10-6), but not vs. placebo (9.0%, p = 0.122 and 11.3% p = 0.059). 1800 mg TrigozimR resulted in 12.2% increased FTI (p = 0.025). Saliva testosterone concentration increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (31.1%, p = 2.3x10-4) and vs. placebo (37.2%, p = 0.042). 1800 mg TrigozimR for 12 weeks resulted in 19.6% (p = 0.006) increased saliva testosterone. Compliance was confirmed by enhanced plasma concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. We observed no subjective effects or side-effects of TrigozimR. TrigozimR increased saliva and plasma testosterone concentration during intervention but only for saliva vs. placebo. Saliva may be preferred for measuring free testosterone due to no protein-bound testosterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Metabolic, physiological and inter-tree competitive processes interact to determine long-term growth behaviour of stands and individual trees of even-aged, monospecific forests. Context: Even-aged, monospecific forests go through an initial phase from seedling establishment to full canopy development, then follows a progressive decline in growth rate, leading eventually to tree senescence and death. Individual trees show a relationship between their maximum possible growth rates and their sizes (hence ages), maxima that show a progressive decline as the trees grow larger. Growth rates are further restricted by competition with their neighbours for access from the site to the light, water and mineral nutrients essential to their growth. To ensure they remain standing upright and can access the resources they need, trees must maintain a balance between the sizes of both their above- and below-ground parts. Aims: This review aimed to summarise what is known about the various biological factors that control these growth processes, both at the stand and individual tree levels. Conclusions: The principal factors determining growth behaviour are species characteristics, environmental circumstances of the site on which the forest is growing, availability from the site of the resources essential to growth, sizes (hence ages) of individual trees, competition between neighbours for growth resources and partitioning of growth between the parts of individuals to maintain an appropriate balance between their sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace elements are essential nutrients for the growth and development of poultry and livestock, serving as components or catalysts for various enzymes in the body. They regulate life activities by controlling the synthesis and secretion of enzymes and have a significant impact on the production performance and product quality of animals. Zinc and manganese play crucial roles in the formation of eggshell, affecting its ultra-microstructure and thereby influencing eggshell quality. Selenium has the function of regulating the antioxidant capacity and stress resistance. Currently, the trace elements supplemented in production are mostly inorganic forms, which have low absorption and utilization rates, and excessive addition can lead to residue and environmental pollution. Organic trace elements have the advantages of high absorption rate and strong stability, and using organic forms of trace elements in feed instead of inorganic forms has become a trend. The article reviews the impact of trace elements on the production performance of laying ducks, aiming to provide a reference for the rational application of trace elements in the production of laying ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caulerpa lentillifera is a green alga that contains essential nutrients. This study investigated the effects of autoclave- and microwave-assisted C. lentillifera extracts (A-CLE and M-CLE) on the growth, reproduction, immunity, and oxidative stress in Daphnia magna. Both extracts were supplemented to D. magna at 1 to 5 g/L. The results showed that D. magna treated with 2 to 5 g/L of A-CLE produced juveniles faster than the control. Juveniles at 1 to 4 g/L A-CLE treatments increased. Moreover, juveniles in 1 g/L M-CLE treatment significantly increased, but the hatching time was not affected. A-CLE also stimulated the immunity of D. magna by increasing hemocytes in the 3 g/L treatment. Furthermore, both extracts did not affect the growth rate, phenoloxidase activity, malondialdehyde level, and catalase activity in D. magna. Therefore, our results indicated that both extracts could enhance the reproduction and immunity of D. magna. Our study is useful for the health improvement of D. magna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew nuts can contribute to improving intestinal permeability and inflammation as they contain essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, but no clinical trials have evaluated these potential effects. This randomized trial aimed to assess the effects of cashew nuts and their oil on intestinal permeability and inflammatory markers. Sixty-four adults with overweight or obesity were allocated into three groups receiving energy restriction (−500 kcal/day): control (CT, free nuts), cashew nuts (CN, 30 g/day), or cashew nut oil (OL, 30 mL/day). Urine lactulose and mannitol, plasma zonulin and the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), plasma interleukins (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-12p70), and C-reactive proteins were analyzed. Energy restriction reduced body fat and other indicators of adiposity without differences between the groups. Only the control group increased LBPs after an 8-week intervention. There were no statistically significant differences found between the groups in terms of intestinal permeability and inflammatory markers. In conclusion, incorporating cashew nuts or cashew nut oil into an energy-restricted 8-week dietary intervention did not change intestinal permeability and inflammatory markers. As studies evaluating cashew nuts on these markers remain scarce, further research is needed, perhaps with a longer study period and a higher concentration of cashew nuts and oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal‐source foods (ASFs), contain high amounts of essential nutrients that are readily absorbed by the body. However, children in resource‐constrained settings often have limited access to these nutritious foods. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for the low consumption of ASFs among children in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. A community‐based mixed‐methods study was conducted, using exploratory qualitative methods supplemented by the analysis of secondary data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The qualitative study employed a multiphase stepwise design and the maximum variation purposive sampling technique, enroling a diverse range of participants such as mothers and/or caregivers, household heads, religious and community leaders, health and nutrition experts, and others. The qualitative data were analysed using a thematic framework analysis method, while the quantitative data were analysed using SPSS v22 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of ASFs among children under 5 years of age in the region. Despite the large and diverse livestock populations available, only 13.2% of children consumed at least one animal‐source food (ASF) in the prior day. The most consumed ASFs were dairy and eggs, whereas beef, organ meat, and seafood were the least consumed. Household demographics such as residence, literacy level, paternal age, and household wealth quintiles influenced the overall consumption of ASFs. The main reasons for the low consumption of ASFs among children were unaffordability and poor awareness among caregivers. In addition, religious misconceptions, price hikes, limited availability during certain seasons, low productivity, insufficient support from health professionals, and time constraints for caregivers were also mentioned as significant barriers to ASF consumption in the area. The consumption of ASFs among children in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region, remains very low. This is mainly due to the caregivers' levels of awareness and unaffordability of ASFs. It is recommended that behavioural and sociocultural interventions be implemented that target caregivers to improve the consumption of ASFs among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and a major determinant of plant growth and crop yield. Plants acquire nitrogen mainly in the form of nitrate and ammonium. Both nitrogen sources affect plant responses and signaling pathways in a different way, but these signaling pathways interact, complicating the study of nitrogen responses. Extensive transcriptome analyses and the construction of gene regulatory networks, mainly in response to nitrate, have significantly advanced our understanding of nitrogen signaling and responses in model plants and crops. In this study, we aimed to generate a more comprehensive gene regulatory network for the major crop, rice, by incorporating the interactions between ammonium and nitrate. To achieve this, we assessed transcriptome changes in rice roots and shoots over an extensive time course under single or combined applications of the two nitrogen sources. This dataset enabled us to construct a holistic co-expression network and identify potential key regulators of nitrogen responses. Next to known transcription factors, we identified multiple new candidates, including the transcription factors OsRLI and OsEIL1, which we demonstrated to induce the primary nitrate-responsive genes OsNRT1.1b and OsNIR1. Our network thus serves as a valuable resource to obtain novel insights in nitrogen signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is an essential nutrient required for various physiological processes in the body. However, iron imbalance can potentially contribute to initiating and promoting cancer development. Epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between dietary iron intake and the risk of different types of cancer, yet, not all studies have consistently shown a significant association between dietary iron and cancer risk. Also, studies have shown different effects of dietary heme and non-heme iron intake on cancer risk. While some epidemiological studies suggest a possible link between high dietary iron (mainly heme-iron) intake and increased cancer risk, the evidence remains inconsistent. Moreover, multiple iron biomarkers, which can mirror physiological iron status, have demonstrated varied correlations with the risk of cancer, contingent upon the specific biomarker analyzed and the type of cancer being investigated. Here, we have investigated the current evidence on the potential relationship between dietary iron intake on one hand, and iron biomarkers on the other hand, with the risk of developing different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, pancreatic, colon, colorectal, and liver cancers. Further research is warranted to better understand the complex relationship between dietary iron, physiological iron and cancer development. Future research should account for factors that affect and interact with dietary iron and physiological iron levels, such as genetic susceptibility, overall diet quality, and lifestyle habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosymbionts provide essential nutrients for hosts, promoting growth, development, and reproduction. However, the molecular regulation of nutrient transport from endosymbiont to host is not well understood. Here, we used bioinformatic analysis, RNA-Sequencing, luciferase assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and in situ hybridization to show that a bacteriocyte-distributed MRP4 gene (multidrug resistance-associated protein 4) is negatively regulated by a host (aphid)-specific microRNA (miR-3024). Targeted metabolomics, microbiome analysis, vitamin B6 (VB6) supplements, 3D modeling/molecular docking, in vitro binding assays (voltage clamp recording and microscale thermophoresis), and functional complementation of Escherichia coli were jointly used to show that the miR-3024/MRP4 axis controls endosymbiont (Serratia)-produced VB6 transport to the host. The supplementation of miR-3024 increased the mortality of aphids, but partial rescue was achieved by providing an external source of VB6. The use of miR-3024 as part of a sustainable aphid pest-control strategy was evaluated by safety assessments in nontarget organisms (pollinators, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi) using virus-induced gene silencing assays and the expression of miR-3024 in transgenic tobacco. The supplementation of miR-3024 suppresses MRP4 expression, restricting the number of membrane channels, inhibiting VB6 transport, and ultimately killing the host. Under aphids facing stress conditions, the endosymbiont titer is decreased, and the VB6 production is also down-regulated, while the aphid's autonomous inhibition of miR-3024 enhances the expression of MRP4 and then increases the VB6 transport which finally ensures the VB6 homeostasis. The results confirm that miR-3024 regulates nutrient transport in the endosymbiont-host system and is a suitable target for sustainable pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera (MO), a cultivated species of the Moringa, is known for its high concentration of essential nutrients that promote growth. To assess its impact on rabbits' gut morphometric, behavioural, and physiological parameters, a study was conducted using sixty growing male white New Zealand rabbits at 40 days old. The rabbits were divided into four groups and supplemented with dried MO leaves at varying levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% of body weight) for four weeks. The results revealed significant increases in organ weights, such as liver and intestinal length, and the height of intestinal villi and crypt depth in the large intestine. The muscular layer's and submucosa's thickness also increased in different parts of the intestine in rabbits fed with MO compared to the control group. No significant effect was observed on the caecum mucosa depth. Interestingly, no significant differences were found in body weight or weight gain between the Moringa supplementation groups and the control group. However, rabbits offered 0%, 0.5% and 1% MO spent more time feeding and resting than those given 2% MO. The grooming and sniffing percentage remained unaffected by Moringa supplementation. Regarding blood parameters, rabbits that received MO leaves in their diet showed improvements in red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, total protein, globulin, and A/G ratio. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione and high‐density lipoprotein levels, indicating an antioxidative effect. Overall, the study concluded that MO leaves supplementation in the rabbit diet positively influenced the rabbits' health by modulating the immune system, improving histological aspects of the intestine, liver, and spleen, and enhancing physiological parameters through its antioxidative properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed conceiving is a failure of a female to attain clinical pregnancy within a year without the use of contraception or any precautionary measure. The females of reproductive age (20–49 years) are the sufferers, that is, about 1.5 million or 10% of couples globally are facing this issue. Delayed conception can be caused by several reasons including diet, lifestyle, and genetic and clinical problems. Deficiencies or overconsumption of any nutrient may also cause delayed conception in females. Dietary deficits such as iron, iodine, zinc, folate, and vitamin D reduce the ovarian reserve. Heavy metals such as copper, manganese, lead, and cadmium also have an impact on fertility. Overconsumption of fast foods and nonhome‐made foods increases the likelihood of infertility by 2–3. Smoking, physical activity, age, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and depression have all been considered lifestyle and clinical factors. If women have a sedentary lifestyle, too much exercise or obesity both contribute to infertility. In clinical factors, type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypertension mainly cause infertility. Our focus in this review is on the studies probe that how these variables contributed to delayed conception and how it can be controlled to help combat infertility. Prevention from delayed conception involves consuming a healthy and balanced diet that contains essential nutrients engaging in physical activity and abstaining from smoking, PCOS, and medical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]