Search Results (1,920)

Corky split vein (CSV) is a common physiological disease in citrus that can result from multiple types of stresses. Preliminary field investigation found that more severe CSV in citrus cultivated in orchards lacking both boron (B) and other photosynthesis-related nutrients, including manganese (Mn). In this study, two-year-old ‘Newhall’ navel orange seedlings were treated with control (CK), B deficiency (BD), Mn deficiency (MnD), and combined B and Mn deficiency (BD + MnD). After 31 weeks, typical CSV symptoms appeared on old leaves (OLs) and secondary new leaves (SLs) in BD, while BD + MnD symptoms were more severe. BD and BD + MnD significantly reduced B concentrations in all leaf types, but there were no significant differences between them. Except for OLs in MnD, the net photosynthetic rate (P_n) of all leaf types significantly decreased in all treatments, with BD + MnD showing significantly lower P_n values than BD. Compared with BD, BD + MnD significantly increased minimal fluorescence (F_o) of all leaves at the later stage and significantly decreased Y(II) of new leaves. BD significantly increased sucrose and starch contents in all type leaves, while the OL starch content was significantly higher in BD + MnD than that in BD. BD + MnD significantly decreased the enzyme activities of Rubisco, TK, and FBA in OLs, FBPase and NI in PLs, and Rubisco in SLs compared with BD, while the activities of NI and AI in OLs and SS in SLs were significantly increased. BD + MnD significantly enhanced lignin concentrations and the expression of key lignin synthesis genes in leaves compared with BD. In conclusion, Mn deficiency exacerbates B-deficiency-induced CSV not only by intensifying photosynthetic dysfunction and carbohydrate accumulation but also by promoting lignin biosynthesis. These findings highlight the synergistic nature of B and Mn deficiencies in impairing leaf function and structure, providing new insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying CSV development. Full article

Climate change significantly impacts fruit production and yield, affecting its commercial value. Foliar fertilization emerges as a fast and targeted strategy to address crop nutrient deficiencies and enhance fruit quality. Sweet cherry is among the most highly valued and widely appreciated fruit crops globally. This study was conducted over two consecutive years on the sweet cherry cv. Sweetheart. Calcium (300 g hL⁻¹ and 150 g hL⁻¹) and a seaweed-based biostimulant (150 mL hL⁻¹ and 75 mL hL⁻¹), as well as a combination of both nutrients (300 g hL⁻¹ calcium and 150 mL hL⁻¹ seaweed), in addition to a control treatment (water), were applied at the foliar level to improve sweet cherry quality. To assess cherry quality, including biometric, chromatic, texture, and biochemical parameters, as well as the sensory analysis, fruits from each treatment were harvested at the commercial maturity stage. Calcium treatments improved fruit size, total soluble solids, and firmness, while also delaying fruit ripening by increasing titratable acidity. The seaweed-based biostimulant enhanced fruit size, promoted color development, and accelerated ripening. Together, these findings highlight the crucial role of calcium in improving sweet cherry quality and underscore seaweed-based biostimulants as a promising and sustainable strategy for enhancing fruit quality. Although cherry quality is highly affected by environmental conditions, this study demonstrated that calcium fertilization, either alone or in combination with seaweed, enhances sweet cherry quality attributes, making it a suitable strategy for application in commercial orchards and for the global improvement of sweet cherry production. Full article

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity, but many patients develop food intolerances that either reduce protein and micronutrient intake or shift consumption toward easily tolerated, calorie-dense “safe” foods (e.g., sweets, ice cream, sugar-sweetened beverages, refined-flour snacks), compromising nutrient adequacy and weight-loss maintenance. This narrative review summarizes evidence on the prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical impact of food intolerances after BS, focusing on red meat, dairy, water, cereal, and vegetables, and offers practical nutritional management strategies. Methods: A targeted literature search of PubMed and Cochrane Library from the past 10 years was conducted. Studies were selected based on relevance and quality. Results: Intolerance patterns vary by food type and surgical method. Red meat is the most frequently problematic food, with some patients symptomatic for years despite gradual improvement. Dairy products cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some cases, partly due to lactose intolerance. Cereal products may initially cause swallowing difficulties but are generally well tolerated two years postoperatively. Water intolerance mainly occurs shortly after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), linked to sleeve aperistalsis and edema, resolving within weeks. Cooked vegetables are overall well tolerated across procedures. Mechanisms behind intolerance include mechanical restriction, altered gastric emptying, exaggerated entero-hormonal responses, and new taste aversions. Conclusions: Food intolerances are a common, procedure-specific consequence of BS, requiring systematic assessment and personalized dietary management. Early management—modification of consistency, portion control, and supplementation—can improve product tolerance, prevent nutritional deficiencies, and support sustainable weight loss. However, further prospective studies on the mechanisms of food intolerances are needed. Full article

Background: Iron is an essential nutrient for the proper development of infants. Iron deficiency, a common cause of anemia—affects nearly half children under four years of age in developing countries. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an intensive nutritional education program on the iron status of infants. Material and methods: The parents of 115 infants were randomly assigned to two groups: the study group, which received intensive nutritional education up to 12 months of age, and the control group, which received basic infant nutrition guidelines. Serum concentrations of iron metabolism parameters—among others hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, ferroportin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)—were assessed at both the beginning and end of the study. Additionally, at the final time point, dietary intake of iron and components influencing its absorption (e.g., vitamin C, fiber, etc.) was evaluated based on food diaries completed by the parents. Results: At the end of the study, the study group showed a significantly higher level of hemoglobin (p = 0.0499), ferritin (p = 0.0067) and lower levels of TIBC (p = 0.0478) and ferroportin (p = 0.0410) compared to the control group. Moreover, infants in the study group demonstrated significantly higher intake of both iron (p = 0.0252) and vitamin C (p = 0.0458). Conclusions: Parental nutritional education contributes to improvements in iron metabolism indicators in infants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease frequently accompanied by systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances. Nutrition plays a crucial role in modulating inflammatory pathways, yet the impact of baseline dietary status on systemic therapy outcomes remains underexplored. Methods: A total of 37 patients (20 men, 17 women; mean age 47.8 ± 4.87 years) scheduled for cyclosporine A (CsA) therapy underwent dietary assessment using 24 h recall and food frequency questionnaires. Intake was compared with dietary reference values. Psoriasis severity was measured by using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) at baseline, day 42, and day 84. Mixed-effects regression models adjusted for body mass index (BMI), age, and sex assessed associations between nutrient adequacy and clinical outcomes. Results: Participants exhibited frequent dietary imbalances, including low polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamin D, folate, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc, alongside excess saturated fat and sodium. Adequate intake of fiber, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+ docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and vitamins A and D, folate, magnesium, and zinc was independently associated with a lower baseline PASI/BSA and faster improvement during CsA therapy (p < 0.05). Higher BMI, older age, and male sex predicted poorer outcomes. Conclusions: Pre-treatment nutritional inadequacies are common in psoriasis and independently predict diminished therapeutic response to CsA. Early nutritional optimization may enhance treatment efficacy and support long-term disease control. Integrating dietary assessment in psoriasis management represents a feasible, impactful adjunct to pharmacotherapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: The occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally is rising rapidly, largely due to modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diets. Studies have shown that poor dietary habits are prevalent among university students and may persist in later life, increasing the risk of chronic health conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diet of two different groups of university students, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and United Kingdom (UK), with the aim of identifying areas for intervention to improve overall health and wellbeing. Methods: Detailed 7-day diet diaries were collected from undergraduate university participants in the UAE and UK. Diet diaries were quantitatively assessed using Nutritics software generating reports on mean intakes for energy, macro- and micronutrients. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare nutrient intake between cohorts in the two different regions. Results: A total of 158 students participated in this study. Results showed significant differences in intake levels in most macronutrients and micronutrients (p ≤ 0.05). Upon comparison, UK participants consumed diets higher in sugar (+9.4 g/day), saturated fat (+4.2 g/day), cholesterol (+90 mg/day), and sodium (+307 mg/day) compared to their UAE counterparts, placing them at risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cholesterol intake was oversufficient in both UAE and UK males by 40% and 57%, respectively. In UAE females, there were notable deficiencies in protein intake, omega 3, vitamin D, iron, iodine, and folic acid (p ≤ 0.05), placing them at risk of CVDs, anemia, diabetes, and cancer. Interestingly, both UAE males and females were 100% deficient in dietary vitamin D intake. Conclusions: Nutritional imbalances should be addressed through campus-based nutrition education programs. This study also highlights the importance of dietary guidelines targeted at specific populations accounting for cultural differences. Full article

Horticultural research into the group of plants known as cycads has been deficient, and this includes the study of root growth and function. The form of nitrogen (N) available to plants is known to influence root growth and morphology. The response of cycad roots to N has not been studied to date. Cycas revoluta and Cycas edentata seedlings were grown in hydroponic culture and provided urea, nitrate, or ammonium forms of N. Solutions with all three forms of N increased root growth and branching when compared with nutrient solution devoid of N, with ammonium eliciting the greatest increases. Ammonium increased lateral root length 210% for C. revoluta and 164% for C. edentata. Ammonium decreased specific root length 38% for C. revoluta and 39% for C. edentata. The influence of the N source on stem and leaf growth was minimal. Ammonium increased the root-to-shoot ratio 15% for C. revoluta and 51% for C. edentata, but urea and nitrate did not influence this plant trait. A mixture of nitrate and ammonium generated plant responses that were no different from ammonium alone. The plants supplied with N in the solution produced coralloid root growth that was 14% of the no-N plants for C. revoluta and 22% of the no-N plants for C. edentata. This initial determination of the cycad plant response to the N form indicated that root plasticity was considerable and ammonium stimulated root growth more so than urea or nitrate. Long-term growth studies in mineral soils and nursery container medium are needed to determine if these findings from the hydroponic culture of small seedlings translate to general recommendations for the preferential use of ammonium for cycad culture. Full article

This study focused on the Wugong coal fire area in the Zhunnan coalfield of Xinjiang, analyzing 41 soil samples extending from the fire center outward. The key parameters included pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available potassium (AK), various ions (Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄²⁻, CO₃²⁻, HCO₃⁻, and Cl⁻), and heavy metal concentrations (As, Cr, Hg, Ni, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb). The primary objectives were to evaluate heavy metal pollution levels and potential ecological risks using the single factor pollution index (P_i), the Geo-accumulation index (I_Geo), Nemero’s pollution index (P_n), the pollution load index (PLI), and the ecological risk factor (E_rⁱ) and risk index (RI). Spatial distribution analysis indicated higher heavy metal concentrations in the southwestern and central regions. The heavy metals Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu, and Zn reached mild pollution levels, while Hg exhibited high pollution, with P_i, I_Geo, and P_n values of 3.27, 0.61, and 9.68, respectively. Hg (E_rⁱ = 111.07) and Cd (E_rⁱ = 45.91) emerged as the primary ecological risk factors. The overall ecological risk index (RI) of 184.98 indicated a moderate ecological risk. The results demonstrate that soils surrounding the coal fire zone are significantly impacted by coal fire, characterized by severe heavy metal contamination and nutrient deficiency. Full article

In plant tissues, nanoparticles can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, in excess, cause cellular toxicity by damaging membranes, chloroplasts, and DNA. However, they can also activate antioxidant mechanisms, aiding metabolic recovery under oxidative stress. In agriculture, iron oxide (nFe) nanoparticles stand out for their gradual release of the nutrient, preventing leaching and increasing productivity. This study aims to investigate whether iron oxide nanoparticles are effective alternatives for overcoming iron deficiencies, mitigating oxidative stress and restoring metabolic functions, while maintaining photosynthesis. The high H₂O₂ concentration observed in nFe 500 mg L⁻¹ (nFe 500) suggests that Fe, after being transported by the nanoparticles to the leaves, may have acted as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes involved in H₂O₂ decomposition, reducing malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). Maintaining low oxidative stress suggests that H₂O₂ may function not only as a stress indicator but also as a signaling molecule in intracellular processes. nFe 500 suggests the ability of plants to utilize released Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, restoring photosynthetic function in iron-deficient plants. Full article

The parturition season of grazing Tibetan ewes spans from October to March, a period that exacerbates the adverse impacts of nutrient-deficient herbage on milk yield, body condition, and postpartum recovery. To alleviate the weight loss of ewes during the cold seasons, we provided concentrate supplements at four levels (dry matter (DM) basis), 260 g (C1), 440 g (C2), 520 g (C3), and 610 g (C4), alongside a basal diet of grazed pasture. A total of 96 multiparous Tibetan ewes (third parity, body weight: 45.17 ± 3.69 kg (body weight (BW) were enrolled within 12–18 h postpartum and randomly allocated to four dietary groups (n = 24 ewes per group). We measured growth performance, ruminal histomorphology, fermentation parameters, and digestive enzymes. A multi-omics technique (16S rRNA gene sequencing and RNA-seq) was employed to investigate the mechanisms underlying alterations in ruminal function. The results showed that increasing the concentrate level decreased body weight loss and increased average dry matter intake (p < 0.05). Rumen morphology was significantly altered: papilla width and muscle layer thickness were greatest in the C4 group, whereas submucosal thickness was highest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Cellulase activity was lowest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Papilla width of lactating Tibetan ewes in the C4 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that in the C1 and C3 groups. Concentrate supplementation altered ruminal microbiota composition and diversity. Each group exhibited a distinct microbial signature: the C1 group was characterized by Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Candidatus_Omnitrophus, Paenibacillus, and unclassified_Oligoflexaceae; the C2 group was enriched in Papillibacter, Anaerovibrio, V9D2013_group, and unclassified_Peptococcaceae; the C3 group was characterized by unclassified_Bacteroidales_RF16_group; and the C4 group was characterized by Ruminococcus, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Mitsuokella (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (TRPA1, EPHB1, GATA3, C4, ABCG2, THBS4, and TNFRSF11B) that are predominantly involved in immune regulation, signal transduction, and nutrient digestion. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that Anaerovibrio was negatively correlated with propionate (r = −0.565, p < 0.05). However, it was positively correlated with the ratio of acetate and propionate (r = 0.579, p < 0.05). Moreover, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group was negatively correlated with cellulase (r = −0.699, p < 0.05) and α-amylase (r = −0.514, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the increasing concentrate supplementation alleviates body weight loss in lactating Tibetan sheep by orchestrating improvements in rumen histomorphology, digestive function, altering bacteria composition, and ruminal immune and modulating host epithelial gene expression. Full article

The Yellow River, with its extremely high sediment loads, and the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) serve as a vital conduit for material exchange between land and marine environments, where sediment–phosphorus interactions profoundly influence nutrient cycling, ecological health and eutrophication potential. This paper reviews the distribution of phosphorus in overlying water and sediment, the characteristics of phosphorus migration and transformation across the sediment–water interface, and the effecting factors of phosphorus migrate, such as sediment properties and environmental factors in the YRE. Inorganic phosphorus was the dominant form in the overlying water and sediment. Suspended sediment acts as a dynamic reservoir for phosphorus transportation in the YRE. The dynamic estuarine environment promotes sediment deposition, which helps reduce phosphorus levels in the water. Upon entering the Bohai Sea, sediment is transformed into the source of phosphorus. The released phosphorus may increase the nutrient load in shallow Bohai Sea waters. Fine particles demonstrate strong adsorption capacity for reactive phosphorus, acting as the primary carriers for phosphorus migration at the sediment–water interface. The grain size of the suspended sediment in the Yellow River exhibited significant sorting characteristics with varying sediment content, consequently affecting the forms of phosphorus. Likewise, the influence of biogeochemical conditions on the transport and transformation of sediment and phosphorus was further analyzed and the partial least squares-path model of related variables on estuarine phosphorus is constructed to interpret the behavior of sediment and phosphorus in the YRE. Finally, the current situation and indeterminacy of water quality models in the estuary were appraised. The priority of analyzing and revealing the environmental behaviors of phosphorus in a sediment-laden river estuary in the future was further proposed against the present deficiencies. This review holds significant practical importance for enhancing the assessment of ecological environment quality and ecological restoration in the YRE. Full article

Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects over 30% of the global population, with the highest burdens in developing countries reliant on cereal-based diets. As a major dietary staple in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents a promising vehicle for addressing hidden hunger. This review critically evaluates the efficacy of various strategies to enhance Zn concentration in common bean, ranging from agronomic to genetic manipulation, and proposes promising strategies for biofortifying common bean in developing countries that are resource- and technology-limited. Biofortification strategies include agronomic practices, conventional breeding, and genetic engineering, each with distinct strengths and limitations. Agronomic methods such as soil and foliar fertilization can rapidly increase micronutrient content, but they require recurrent costs and may not be sustainable for smallholders without subsidies. Genetic engineering, particularly transgenic approaches, can significantly boost Zn levels; however, regulatory hurdles, cost of production, and public acceptance remain significant obstacles to widespread adoption. Conventional breeding is secure and widely adopted, but is time-consuming and limited by genetic diversity, making it less precise and slower than genetic engineering. We argue for a context-specific and integrated biofortification framework that prioritizes agronomic interventions such as biofertilizer, seed priming, soil Zn application, and foliar Zn application as approaches for quick results. Moderate- to long-term progress towards a biofortified common bean can be achieved using conventional breeding methods by selecting for local germplasm that accumulates higher Zn amounts in grain. On the other hand, genetic engineering is best for rapid, targeted nutrient enhancement where genetic diversity is lacking, but faces regulatory and acceptance challenges. We recommend that policymakers prioritize frameworks that harmonize these approaches, improve communication and education regarding the benefits of biofortified crop produce, subsidize and strengthen biofortified seed systems, and promote soil health initiatives. Full article

Rootstock choice offers a powerful lever for tailoring economically important trees to adverse environments. Camellia oleifera Abel., a premier oil-producing species cultivated widely on red-soil hills, suffers large yield losses under chronic phosphorus deficiency. We grafted a single elite scion (CL4) onto three contrasting rootstocks (CL4, CL3, CL53) and monitored growth and root transcriptomes for 1.5 years under adequate (1 mM) or limiting (0 mM) P supply. Under low-P stress, the rootstock identity reshaped the root architecture: CL4/CL3 produced the longest, most extensive network, increasing the total root length by 49.7%, the surface area by 52.9%, and the volume by 42.6% relative to the control, whereas leaf morphology responded solely to P supply, not to the graft combination. CL4/CL3 also accumulated up to more than 17.5% of root biomass and 28.25% of whole-plant biomass than any other combination. Physiologically, CL4/CL3 acted as an aggressive P miner, accumulating 67.8% more P in its roots than the self-grafted control under P limitation, while CL4/CL4 maximized the internal P use efficiency, showing a 44.74% higher root P use efficiency than CL4/CL53—two contrasting yet effective strategies for coping with low-P stress. Transcriptome profiling uncovered 1733 DEGs in the CL4/CL3 and 2585 in the CL4/CL4 roots, with 150 and 255 uniquely co-expressed genes, respectively. CL4/CL3 up-regulated organic-acid and phenylpropanoid pathways; CL4/CL4 activated defense and phosphate transport networks. qRT-PCR of six genes confirmed that CL4/CL3 mounted a stronger low-P response via MAPK, hormonal, and lipid–metabolic signaling. These results provide a mechanistic framework for rootstock-mediated P efficiency and establish a foundation for the molecular breeding of C. oleifera under nutrient-limited conditions. Full article

Global food security is challenged by population growth and the environmental toll of conventional fertilizers. Enhancing biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legumes like soybean (Glycine max) is a sustainable fertilization alternative. This study investigates a graphitic carbon nitride/iron oxide (Fe₂O₃/g–C₃N₄ or FC) nanocomposite as a dual–functional fertilizer to improve iron (Fe) nutrition and BNF in soybeans. A pot experiment was conducted using different FC concentrations (10, 100, and 200 mg kg⁻¹), alongside controls. Results showed that the 100 mg kg⁻¹ FC treatment (FC2) was most effective, significantly increasing soybean biomass, nodule number, and nodule fresh weight. The FC2 treatment also enhanced photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll content (SPAD values) while reducing stomatal conductance and transpiration, indicating improved water–use efficiency. Furthermore, FC application bolstered the plant’s antioxidant system by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). Elemental analysis confirmed that FC treatments significantly increased the uptake and translocation of Fe and nitrogen (N) in plant tissues. These findings demonstrate that the FC nanocomposite acts as a highly effective nanofertilizer, simultaneously addressing iron deficiency and boosting nitrogen fixation to promote soybean growth. This work highlights its potential as a sustainable solution to enhance crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency in modern agriculture. Full article