Search Results (8,100)

Micronutrients play a prominent role in plant growth and development, and their bioavailability is a growing global concern. Zinc is one of the most important micronutrients in the plant life cycle, acting as a metallic cofactor for numerous biochemical reactions within plant cells. Zinc deficiency in plants leads to various physiological abnormalities, ultimately affecting nutritional quality and posing challenges to food security. Biofortification methods have been adopted by agronomists to increase Zn concentrations in crops through optimal foliar and soil applications. Changing climatic conditions and conventional agricultural practices alter edaphic factors, reducing zinc bioavailability in soils due to abrupt weather changes. Precision agriculture emphasizes need-based and site-specific technologies to address these nutritional deficiencies. Nanoscience, a multidimensional approach, reduces particle size to the nanometer (nm) scale to enhance their efficiency in precise amounts. Nanoscale forms of Zn⁺² and their broad applications across crops are gaining attention in agriculture under varied application methods. This review focuses on the significance of Zn oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and their extensive application in crop production. We also discuss optimum dosage levels, ZnONPs synthesis, application methods, toxicity, and promising future strategies in this field. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Very elderly patients are at a heightened risk of developing AKI. Fibrinogen and albumin are well-known biomarkers of inflammation and nutrition, which are highly related to AKI. We aim to explore the predictive value of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) for AKI in very elderly patients with AMI. Methods: A retrospective cohort of AMI patients ≥ 75 years old hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University between January 2018 and December 2022 was established. Clinical data and medication information were collected through the biospecimen information resource center at the hospital. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between FAR and the risk of AKI in patients with AMI. FAR was calculated as the ratio of fibrinogen (FIB) to serum albumin (ALB) level (FAR = FIB/ALB). The primary outcome is acute kidney injury, which was diagnosed based on KDIGO 2012 criteria. Results: Among 1236 patients enrolled, 66.8% of them were male, the median age was 80.00 years (77.00–83.00), and acute kidney injury occurred in 18.8% (n = 232) of the cohort. Comparative analysis revealed significant disparities in clinical characteristics between patients with or without AKI. Patients with AKI exhibited a markedly higher prevalence of arrhythmia (51.9% vs. 28.1%, p < 0.001) and lower average systolic blood pressure (115.77 ± 25.96 vs. 122.64 ± 22.65 mmHg, p = 0.013). In addition, after adjusting for age, sex, history of hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and other factors, FAR remained an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.36–1.58). ROC analysis shows that FAR predicted stage 2–3 AKI with superior accuracy (AUC 0.94, NPV 98.6%) versus any AKI (AUC 0.79, NPV 93.0%), enabling risk-stratified management. Conclusions: FAR serves as both a high-sensitivity screening tool for any AKI and a high-specificity sentinel for severe AKI, with NPV-driven thresholds guiding resource allocation in the fragile elderly. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns have changed over time, characterising a process of nutritional transition that reflects socioeconomic and demographic inequalities among different populations. This study assessed changes in dietary consumption patterns and the associated social determinants, comparing two time periods in a sample of individuals from a state in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Methods: Data from the 2008–2009 and 2017–2018 Household Budget Survey for the state of Paraíba were analysed, totalling 951 and 1456 individuals, respectively. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification and compared based on sociodemographic and economic variables. To determine the factors that most strongly explain the contribution of each NOVA food group to the diet, beta regression analysis was conducted. Results: Differences were observed between the two periods regarding the dietary contribution of the NOVA food groups, with a decrease in consumption of unprocessed foods and an increase in ultra-processed foods. Living in urban areas, being an adolescent, and having an income above the minimum wage were associated with reduced intake of unprocessed foods in both periods. Additionally, being an adolescent and having more than eight years of schooling were associated with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. Conclusions: The population under study showed changes in food consumption, reflecting a transition process that is occurring unevenly across socioeconomic and demographic groups, thereby reinforcing social inequalities. These findings can guide priorities in food and nutrition policies, highlighting the need for intervention studies to evaluate the effectiveness of such actions. Full article

Acid soils are often a limiting factor in the production of most cultivated plants. In practice, the application of inadequate, physiologically acidic fertilizers, urea and NPK, is often encountered, which further worsens the already poor physicochemical properties of such soils. In this study, the influence of different amounts of NPK and urea fertilizers and methods of their application on the chemical properties of a very acidic soil and the accumulation of essential biogenic elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Al) in raspberry plants (leaves and fruits) was evaluated. The field trial with the raspberry plants was set up on a very acidic soil (pH in KCl 3.6), type Dystric Cambisol, and was monitored for 2 years. The application of NPK and urea mainly increased soil acidity in the second year in all treatments (for 0.10–0.18 pH unit) (except for urea applied in rows). The application of higher amounts of NPK increased the content of available forms of P (for 9.3–30.8 mg/kg) and K (for 57–95 mg/kg) in soil in both years, as well as exchangeable Ca (for 200–510 mg/kg) and Mg in the first year (15–165 mg/kg). The introduction of fertilizers in rows, compared to fertilization of the entire surface, influenced the reduction in mobile Al (especially when applying NPK, from 5.89 to 7.13 mg/100 g), the increase in mineral N and K content in the soil, and the increase in Ca and Mg only when applying urea, i.e., P when applying NPK in rows. In the leaves, the application of fertilizers in rows increased the content of Ca and Mg in the first year and P and K in the second year. In the fruits, the content of all estimated elements was not in correlation with their content in leaves and the fertilizer application, which indicates the influence of other ecological and biological factors on plant nutrition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. It has known multifactorial pathophysiology, but the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on the rising prevalence of MASLD is poorly understood. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to examine the influence of SDOH on MASLD using nationwide data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study. Methods: We identified participants with MASLD based on liver ultrasound-based controlled attenuation parameter measurements consistent with diagnostic guidelines. We then used logistic regression models to examine associations between SDOH variables and MASLD, with a pre-specified focus on education and income, sequentially adjusting for sociodemographic factors, medical comorbidities, and other SDOH. Results: Our study found that higher education (odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.97, p = 0.024) but not higher income (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.91–1.37, p = 0.3) was associated with lower odds of MASLD in multivariable adjusted models. We also identified a significant interaction between education level and food security, as well as interactions between food security and other significant SDOH. In the stratified analyses, higher education was significantly associated with lower odds of MASLD among participants with food security (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.91, p = 0.007) but not among those with food insecurity (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.76–2.11, p = 0.4). Conclusions: Our findings identify the potential impact of SDOH on odds of MASLD and suggest increased importance of food security relative to other SDOH. Full article

Background: Congenital diarrhea is persistent diarrhea that manifests during the neonatal period. Mutations in DGAT1, which is crucial for triglyceride synthesis and lipid absorption in the small intestine, are causal factors for congenital diarrhea. In this study, we aimed to determine the value of tissue RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) for assisting with the clinical diagnosis of some genetic variants of uncertain significance. Methods: We clinically evaluated a patient with watery diarrhea, vomiting, severe malnutrition, and total parenteral nutrition dependence. Possible pathogenic variants were detected using whole-exome sequencing (WES). RNA-seq was utilized to explore the transcriptional alterations in DGAT1 variants identified by WES with unknown clinical significance, according to the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Systemic examinations, including endoscopic and histopathological examinations of the intestinal mucosa, were conducted to rule out other potential diagnoses. Results: We successfully diagnosed a patient with congenital diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy caused by a DGAT1 mutation and reviewed the literature of 19 cases of children with DGAT defects. The missense mutation c.620A>G, p.Lys207Arg located in exon 15, and the intronic mutation c.1249-6T>G in DGAT1 were identified by WES. RNA-seq revealed two aberrant splicing events in the DGAT1 gene of the patient’s small intestinal tissue. Both variants lead to loss-of-function consequences and are classified as pathogenic variants of congenital diarrhea. Conclusions: Rare DGAT1 variants were identified as pathogenic evidence of congenital diarrhea, and the detection of tissue-specific mRNA splicing and transcriptional effects can provide auxiliary evidence. Full article

This review explores sexual aggression in broiler breeder males, aiming to synthesize existing scientific evidence regarding its causes, behavioral manifestations, and consequences, while addressing the genetic, neuroendocrine, and environmental mechanisms involved. Through an extensive analysis of scientific literature, the paper highlights that intensive genetic selection aimed at enhancing growth and productivity has resulted in unintended behavioral dysfunctions. These include the reduction or absence of courtship behavior, the occurrence of forced copulations, and a notable increase in injury rates among hens. Reproductive challenges observed in meat-type breeder flocks, in contrast to those in layer lines, appear to stem from selection practices that have overlooked traits related to mating behavior. Environmental and managerial conditions, including photoperiod manipulation, stocking density, nutritional imbalances, and the use of mixed-sex rearing systems, are also identified as contributing factors to the expression of sexual aggression. Furthermore, recent genetic findings indicate a potential link between inherited neurobehavioral factors and aggressive behavior, with the SORCS2 gene emerging as a relevant candidate. Based on these insights, the review emphasizes the importance of considering behavioral parameters in breeding programs in order to reconcile productivity objectives with animal welfare standards. Future research may benefit from a more integrative approach that combines behavioral, physiological, and genomic data to better understand and address the multifactorial nature of sexual aggression in poultry systems. Full article

Jujubes have a beautiful taste, and high nutritional and economic value. The planting area of dwarf and densely planted jujubes is large and shows an increasing trend; however, the mechanization level and efficiency of fresh jujube harvesting are low. For this reason, our research group conducted a study on mechanical harvesting technology for fresh jujubes. A pneumatic jujube harvester was designed. This harvester is composed of a self-regulating picking mechanism, a telescopic conveying pipe, a negative pressure generator, a cleaning mechanism, a double-chamber collection box, a single-door shell, a control assembly, a generator, a towing mobile chassis, etc. During the harvest, the fresh jujubes on the branches are picked under the combined effect of the flexible squeezing of the picking roller and the suction force of the negative pressure air flow. They then enter the cleaning mechanism through the telescopic conveying pipe. Under the combined effect of the upper and lower baffles of the cleaning mechanism and the negative-pressure air flow, the fresh jujubes are separated from impurities such as jujube leaves and branches. The clean fresh jujubes fall into the collection box. We considered the damage rate of fresh jujubes, impurity rate, leakage rate, and harvesting efficiency as the indexes, and the negative-pressure suction wind speed, picking roller rotational speed, and the inclination angle of the upper and lower baffles of the cleaning and selection machinery as the test factors, and carried out the harvesting test of fresh jujubes. The test results show that when the negative-pressure suction wind speed was 25 m/s, the picking roller rotational speed was 31 r/min, and the inclination angles of the upper and lower baffle plates for cleaning and selecting were −19° and 19.5°, respectively, the breakage rate of fresh jujube harvesting was 0.90%, the rate of impurity was 1.54%, the rate of leakage was 2.59%, and the efficiency of harvesting was 73.37 kg/h, realizing the high-efficiency and low-loss harvesting of fresh jujubes. This study provides a reference for the research and development of fresh jujube mechanical harvesting technology and equipment. Full article

The Maillard reaction refers to the reaction between carbonyl compounds with reducing properties and amino-containing compounds that undergo condensation and polymerization to produce melanoidins. In flour product processing, the Maillard reaction is a critical chemical reaction influencing color, flavor, nutrition, and safety. A moderate Maillard reaction contributes to desirable color and flavor profiles in flour products, whereas an excessive reaction leads to amino acid loss and the formation of harmful substances, posing potential health risks. This review summarizes the substrate sources, reaction stages, influencing factors, impact on quality, and mitigation strategies of harmful products, aiming to provide a reference for regulating the Maillard reaction in flour product processing. Currently, most existing mitigation strategies focus on inhibiting harmful products, while research on the synergistic optimization of color and flavor remains insufficient. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of reaction pathways, understanding multi-factor synergistic effects, and developing composite regulation technologies to balance the sensory quality and safety of flour products. Full article

This study sought to quantify and characterize diverse rootstock scion interactions in cacao around graft compatibility, disease resistance, nutrient use efficiency, vigor traits, and translocation of nonstructural carbohydrates. In total, 106 grafts were performed with three scion cultivars (Matina 1/6, Criollo 22, Pound 7) and nine diverse open-pollinated seedling populations (BYNC, EQX 3348, GNV 360, IMC 14, PA 107, SCA 6, T 294, T 384, T 484). We found evidence for both local and translocated graft incompatibility. Cross sections and Micro-XCT imaging revealed anatomical anomalies, including necrosis and cavitation at the junction and accumulation of starch in the rootstock directly below the graft junction. Scion genetics were a significant factor in explaining differences in graft take, and graft take varied from 47% (Criollo 22) to 72% (Pound 7). Rootstock and scion identity both accounted for differences in survival over the course of the 30-month greenhouse study, with a low of 28.5% survival of Criollo 22 scions and a high of 72% for Pound 7 scions. Survival by rootstocks varied from 14.3% on GNV 360 to 100% survival on T 294 rootstock. A positive correlation of 0.34 (p = 0.098) was found between the graft success of different rootstock–scion combinations and their kinship coefficient, suggesting that relatedness of stock and scion could be a driver of incompatibility. Significant rootstock–scion effects were also observed for nutrient use efficiency, plant vigor, and resistance to Phytophthora palmivora. These findings, while preliminary in nature, highlight the potential of rootstock breeding to improve plant nutrition, resilience, and disease resistance in cacao. Full article

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of replacing sucrose with xylitol on serum antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study included 34 women aged 50 to 65 years who successively consumed 5 g/d, 10 g/d, and 15 g/d of xylitol. The dietary intervention lasted a total of 6 weeks, with each phase covering a 2-week period. Diet was assessed twice based on a 7-day dietary interview (Diet 6.0, NIZP–PZH, Warsaw). The material for this study was venous blood. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ABTS cation radical scavenging method. Results: In both methods, a significant increase in serum antioxidant potential was observed after replacing sugar with xylitol (p < 0.0001). An increase in the ability to neutralize free radicals was observed in almost all women studied. Additional analysis of the effect of selected nutrients on the obtained effects of the nutritional intervention showed that the most significant effect could potentially be exerted by manganese, maltose, sucrose, and mercury, and the strongest positive correlation was exerted by vitamin A, retinol, and vitamin E. Although the values obtained in the constructed models were not statistically significant, the large effect indicates potentially significant relationships that could have a significant impact on serum antioxidant potential in the studied group of women. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of xylitol in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in menopausal women. Although the sample size was relatively small, this study was powered at approximately 80% to detect large effects, supporting the reliability of the observed results. Nevertheless, given the pilot nature of this study, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to clarify the clinical significance of xylitol supplementation in populations exposed to oxidative stress. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern in Latin America, driven by rapid aging, widespread micronutrient inadequacies, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition, many older adults struggle to meet daily dietary micronutrients requirements, increasing the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the role of Multivitamin and Mineral supplements (MVMs) in promoting cognitive healthy aging among older adults in Latin America. Methods: A panel of nine experts in geriatrics, neurology, and nutrition applied a modified Delphi methodology to generate consensus statements. The panel reviewed the literature, engaged in expert discussions, and used structured voting to develop consensus statements. Results: Consensus was reached on 14 statements. Experts agreed that cognitive aging in Latin America is influenced by neurobiological, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, including widespread micronutrient inadequacies (vitamins B-complex, C, D, E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, copper, iron and selenium), which were identified as critical for global cognitive function and brain structures, yet commonly inadequate in the elderly. While a balanced diet remains essential, MVMs can be recommended as a complementary strategy to bridge nutritional gaps. Supporting evidence, including the COSMOS-Mind trials, demonstrate that MVM use improves memory and global cognition, and reduces cognitive aging by up to 2 years in older adults. Conclusions: MVMs offer a promising, accessible adjunct for cognitive healthy aging in Latin America’s elderly population, particularly where dietary challenges persist. Region-specific guidelines, public health initiatives, and targeted research are warranted to optimize outcomes and reduce health inequities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition is an imbalance of nutrients required for growth, development, and organ function. Its impact on bone development is known, but its effects on cartilage remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the femoral cartilage thickness in children with primary malnutrition. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 83 children with primary malnutrition and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Patients with primary malnutrition were classified as mild, moderate and severe. Femoral cartilage thickness measurements of all children were taken by ultrasound from the femoral lateral condyle, femoral medial condyle and intercondylar area for both knees with the patient in a supine position with the knees flexed 90 degrees. Results: The right lateral, right medial, left lateral, and left medial femoral cartilages were significantly thicker in patients with malnutrition compared to those without malnutrition (p = 0.002, 0.004, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively). A significant negative correlation was found between age, weight Z-score, and height Z-score and triceps skinfold thickness. Conclusions: Distal femoral cartilage thickness is significantly greater in children with primary malnutrition. This demonstrates the effect of nutritional factors on cartilage tissue and suggests that children with chronic malnutrition are at risk for both knee joint problems and short stature later in life. Full article

Anthocyanins, a subclass of flavonoid pigments, impart vivid red, purple, and blue coloration to horticultural plants, playing essential roles in ornamental enhancement, stress resistance, and pollinator attraction. Recent studies have identified B-box (BBX) proteins as a critical class of transcription factors (TFs) involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Despite these advances, comprehensive reviews systematically addressing BBX proteins are urgently needed, especially given the complexity and diversity of their roles in regulating anthocyanin production. In this paper, we provide an in-depth overview of the fundamental structures, biological functions, and classification of BBX TFs, along with a detailed description of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways and bioactivities. Furthermore, we emphasize the diverse molecular mechanisms through which BBX TFs regulate anthocyanin accumulation, including direct activation or repression of target genes, indirect modulation via interacting protein complexes, and co-regulation with other transcriptional regulators. Additionally, we summarize the known upstream regulatory signals and downstream target genes of BBX TFs, highlighting their significance in shaping anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. Understanding these regulatory networks mediated by BBX proteins will not only advance fundamental horticultural science but also provide valuable insights for enhancing the aesthetic quality, nutritional benefits, and stress adaptability of horticultural crops. Full article

Over the years, macromycete fungi have been used as a source of food, part of religious rites and rituals, and as a medicinal remedy. Species with strong health-promoting potential include Hericium erinaceus, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, and Inonotus obliquus. These species contain many bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, endo- and exogenous amino acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, B vitamins, minerals, and lovastatin. The level of some biologically active substances is species-specific, e.g., hericenones and erinacines, which have neuroprotective properties, and supporting the production of nerve growth factor in the brain for Hericium erinaceus. Due to their high health-promoting potential, mushrooms and substances isolated from them have found applications in livestock nutrition, improving their welfare and productivity. This phenomenon may be of particular importance in the nutrition of laying hens and broiler chickens, where an increase in pathogen resistance to antibiotics has been observed in recent years. Gallus gallus domesticus is a key farm animal for meat and egg production, so the search for new compounds to support bird health is important for food safety. Studies conducted to date indicate that feed supplementation with mushrooms has a beneficial effect on, among other things, bird weight gain; bone mineralisation; and meat and egg quality, including the lipid profile and protein content and shell thickness, and promotes the development of beneficial microbiota, thereby increasing immunity. Full article