Trade optimality and micro-nutrient productivity: Assessing the impact of crop trade on nitrogen fertiliser use efficiency.

Intensification of agricultural practices has been pivotal in meeting the nutritional demands of a burgeoning global population. However, the widespread application of nitrogen (N) fertilisers has contributed to environmental pollution. In this study, we quantitatively assessed the role of international crop trade in optimising the productivity of micro-nutrients and its implications for N fertiliser use. Using a comprehensive dataset spanning from 1961 to 2019, we analysed the trade flows of seven key micro-nutrients-vitamin C (VC), vitamin B3 (VB3), vitamin B6 (VB6), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn)-embedded in agricultural products. We developed a novel framework to evaluate trade optimality and functionality based on the concentration-weighted productivity of micro-nutrients per kilogram of N fertiliser. Our findings reveal that while international trade has generally contributed to enhancing micro-nutrient productivity per unit of N fertiliser, trade optimality has shown a decreasing trend. High-productivity countries tend to export less relative to their potential, whereas countries with lower productivity import a larger share of crops. This decoupling suggests the need to re-evaluate trade policies to ensure that they align with sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation goals. We also identified potential savings in N fertiliser use through optimised trade practices, with estimated savings of 15-45 Tg of N per year. This could mitigate the negative agricultural impact and demonstrates the significant role that trade can play in achieving global sustainability targets. Overall, our research underscores the importance of aligning international crop trade with sustainable N management strategies to enhance micro-nutrient availability, improve environmental outcomes, and contribute to global efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Chemico-nutritional characterization and anti-inflammatory potential of Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb.) seed: alternate source of protein supplement and fatty acids.

Exploring unconventional protein sources can be an alternative strategy to meet the deficiency. The seeds of Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb., Family- Ulmaceae) are eaten raw by the ethnic communities of Southeast Asian countries. The present study assessed the chemical, nutritional, and biological potential of the seeds (HIS) and pericarp (HISP) of H. integrifolia. The seeds contain mainly fixed and very few essential oils. The fixed oil of HIS is composed primarily of unsaturated oleic (47%) and saturated palmitic (37%) acids. The HIS are exceptional due to a high content of lipid (50%), protein (24%), carbohydrates (19%), fiber (4%), and anti-nutritional components within permissible limits. The high content (in mg/Kg) of phosphorus (6000), magnesium (422), Calcium (279), and essential nutrients (Ni, Co, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cr) in the range of (0.04-6.69) were observed. The moderate anti-oxidant potential of HISP was evident in single electron transfer in-vitro assays. Moreover, HISP extract and HIS solvent-extracted fixed oil showed anti-inflammatory action in lipopolysaccharide-induced HaCaT cells by significantly attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) without causing cytotoxicity. Results support de-oiled HIS cake as an alternative source of a high-protein diet and its oil with anti-inflammatory attributes for topical applications.

Examining the Effects of Supplemental Magnesium on Self-Reported Anxiety and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review.

Self-treatment with vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements has become increasingly common among patients for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Magnesium, in particular, is popular on social media for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Meanwhile, preclinical studies support associations between magnesium status, sleep quality, and symptoms of anxiety. The extent to which these claims are evidence-based is unclear. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to provide an updated examination of the clinical evidence on the use of magnesium for the treatment of the above conditions given the popularity of such supplements among patients and the public at large. A thorough search of the PubMed database was performed and results were systematically reviewed using PRISMA guidelines. The search was limited to anxiety disorders and sleep disorders and included interventional trials only. Exclusion criteria included insufficient (<50 mg/12.5% of recommended daily allowance (RDA)) or unknown magnesium dose, >3 other potentially active compounds present in the formulation, and articles in languages other than English. This query returned 860 articles of which 15 met full inclusion criteria. Eight measured sleep-related outcomes, seven measured anxiety-related outcomes, and one examined both. Sleep quality was measured most frequently using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Anxiety measures included self-reported measures such as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. The majority of included studies demonstrated improvement in at least one sleep- or anxiety-related parameter. Five out of eight sleep-related studies reported improvements in sleep parameters, while two studies reported no improvements, and one reported mixed results. Five out of seven studies measuring anxiety-related outcomes reported improvements in self-reported anxiety. Firm conclusions were limited by the heterogeneity of the data and the small number of participants involved in most of the studies. The dosages, formulations, and durations of the magnesium interventions used also differed across studies. Furthermore, some studies included additional, potentially active ingredients, further complicating interpretations. Given the generally positive results across studies, the preponderance of preclinical evidence, and minimal side effects, however, supplemental magnesium is likely useful in the treatment of mild anxiety and insomnia, particularly in those with low magnesium status at baseline. Notably, both negative anxiety trials featured populations with underlying endocrine factors likely contributing to their symptoms (patients with premenstrual symptoms and post-partum women). Nonetheless, larger, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and to establish the most effective forms and dosages of magnesium for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders.

Are the nutritional status and growth parameters of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis akin to their healthy peers? A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Proper nutrition is a significant contributor to growth achievement in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In this study, the aim was to analyze the growth parameters and nutritional status of children with JIA and then compare them with their healthy peers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 patients with JIA and the same number of healthy peers. Growth parameter z-scores and nutrient distributions were analyzed and compared with a control group and among disease subgroups. RESULTS: While the average height in the control group was significantly greater than in the patient group, there was similarity in terms of body weight and body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001, P = 0.33, P = 0.14, respectively). Body weight and BMI z-scores of patients with high disease activity at the most recent visit were significantly lower (P = 0.03, P = 0.01, respectively). Both groups had similar energy and protein requirement-meeting percentages (P = 0.62, P = 0.51). JIA atients had higher carbohydrate intake (P = 0.04), and fat intake was higher in controls (P = 0.02). Energy obtained from junk food was higher in patients with entesitis-related arthritis (ERA) compared to oligoarticular JIA and polyarticular JIA (P = 0.03). Micronutrient intake in the ERA group was significantly lower for vitamin E, C, and folate (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our cohort, patients had a lower height score. As they have a diet characterized by adequate energy/protein, carbohydrate, and high fat intake, this may be a reflection of disease activity. Although some of the micronutrient intakes were less than normal in both groups, significant deficiencies were identified in the ERA group.

Maternal antioxidant micronutrient deficiencies among pre-eclamptic women in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional analytical study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of antioxidant micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women, and to assess the relationships between trace element deficiency in pregnancy and the severity of pre-eclampsia in Enugu, Nigeria. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional analytical study of serum concentrations of copper, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese in 81 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women (controls) who were matched for age, gestational age, body mass index, and parity. This study was performed at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. Participants' sera were analyzed with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Trace element deficiencies were common and similar between women with pre-eclampsia and controls. However, women with pre-eclampsia were more likely to be deficient in manganese than controls (odds ratio = 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.90-2.75). Among the micronutrients studied, only manganese concentrations were significantly lower in women without severe symptoms of pre-eclampsia than in those with severe symptoms of pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Micronutrient deficiency is common in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and in healthy pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria. Only manganese deficiency is higher in women with pre-eclampsia than in healthy pregnant women.

Iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Sierra Leone: multi-level logistic regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. Also, iron deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Sierra Leone. METHOD: This study is a cross-sectional study based on data from the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey dataset with a total weighted sample of 2622 children aged 6-23 months. Data cleaning, coding, and labeling were done using STATA version 14 software. A multilevel logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors. RESULT: Almost half (53.38%) of children aged between 6-23 months consumed iron-rich foods. The odds of iron rich food consumption were high among children in the age group of 12-17 months (AOR = 4.81, 95% CI: 3.67, 6.31) and 18-23 months (AOR = 9.3, 95% CI: 6.55, 13.2), and who fed minimum acceptable diet (AOR = 22.5, 95% CI: 11.65, 43.46). Moreover, a child from a mother who had work (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.06), and with a mother who had more than four ANC visits during her pregnancy of the most recent live birth (AOR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.36-2.55) had higher odds of iron-rich food consumption compared to their counterparts. On the other hand, children who were breastfeeding (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.97), and mothers aged 15-19 (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.85) decreased the odds of iron rich food consumption. CONCLUSION: Consumption of iron-rich food is low among children aged 6-23 months in Sierra Leone. Iron-rich food consumption among children was significantly associated with maternal occupation, child's age, child's breastfeeding status, taking drugs for intestinal parasites, minimum acceptable diet, frequency, and timing of ANC, and region. Thus, special emphasis should be given to those children aged between 6-11 months, currently breastfeeding, children who did not get the minimum acceptable diet, and children from women who did not have work.

Correlation of Iron Status and Micronutrients With Anaemia of Childhood Haematopoietic Malignancies: A Study From Northern India.

BACKGROUND: Most cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy develop anemia during their course of treatment. There is a need for early treatment for chemotherapy-induced anemia to prevent morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a hospital-based study, conducted over one year and included 59 children who are known cases of hematological malignancy aged up to 18 years. Standard methods were used to measure micronutrients and complete blood count. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS for Windows, Version 15.0 (Released 2006; SPSS Inc., Chicago, United States). RESULTS: The majority of subjects (n=21; 35.6%) were aged six to nine years with male dominance. Micronutrient deficiency and significant anemia were noted in 40-50% and 64.4% of cases, respectively. Both malignancy and blood indices showed no association with micronutrients. CONCLUSION: Anemia with micronutrient deficiency is common in children with hematopoietic malignancies receiving chemotherapy. However, no significant association was noted between red cell indices and levels of micronutrients.

Vitamin E supplementation in diet ameliorates growth of Nile tilapia by upgrading muscle health.

Vitamin E (VE), an important lipid-soluble antioxidant, has great influence on growth and maintenance in animal. The effects of VE supplemented diet on growth and feed usage in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was investigated in this study. Three formulated diets containing VE (0, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were fed to Nile tilapia (3.56 ± 0.16 g) in glass aquaria maintaining three replicate groups for 56 days (8 weeks). Survival, growth performance including weight gain, percent weight gain, and specific growth rate (WG, % WG, and SGR), and feed utilization comprising protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio (PER and FCR) were calculated. Hemato-biochemical indices including hemoglobin level (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) and glucose level were analyzed. In addition, muscle morphology was examined after completion of the experiment. At the end of the trial, WG, %WG, SGR, FCR and PER increased significantly which had dietary VE supplimentation. However, no distinct changes were observed in Hb level, RBC count, WBC count and glucose level among these different dietary groups. Dietary VE treatments significantly upgraded the muscle fiber diameter and lowered the intra-muscle gap. Moreover, quantity of hyperplastic muscle fiber as well as nucleus also significantly enhanced by VE. Morphological structure of muscle characterized by a huge proportion of hyperplastic muscle that may be supposed to contribute the enhanced growth of Nile tilapia receiving VE supplemented diet. Therefore these results suggested that VE incorporation into the feed can be effective to improve the feed efficiency and maximize the growth of O. niloticus.

A Literature Review of Taste Change and Zinc Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery: Could There Be a Causal Link?

In this review, we collated evidence relating to taste change and zinc deficiency in relation to bariatric surgery (BS) and effects of zinc replacement on taste perception and speculate on the possible role of zinc deficiency to induce taste change after BS. A literature search was conducted (33 studies, N = 3264). We showed that taste change and zinc deficiency are frequent complications after BS, which both typically occurred at 6 months post-surgery. Our analysis did not support a causal link between the two, but similar onset of incidences indirectly indicates a link. Supplementation with 45-50 mg of zinc sulphate, higher than current recommendation, was effective in improving taste. Further studies are required to establish the causal link between the two in the context of BS.

Short-term Dietary Selenium Deficiency Induced Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Rats.

The effects of short-term dietary selenium deficiency on the liver and protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway were evaluated. Fourteen growing rats were randomly divided into control and selenium deficiency groups and fed standard and selenium-deficient diets for 4 weeks, respectively. The serum and liver selenium concentrations were measured to evaluate the construction of animal models with selenium deficiency. Liver tissues were analyzed by transmission electron microscope, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson staining to observe the ultrastructural changes, pathological changes, and severity of liver fibrosis, respectively. Besides, immunohistochemical staining (IHC) was used to analyze the effects of selenium deficiency on the expression of key proteins in the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The results showed that selenium concentrations in the serum and liver tissue were significantly lower in the selenium deficiency group than in the control group, and the selenium deficiency intervention could affect the morphology and structure of hepatocytes and mitochondria. Meanwhile, the liver tissue showed structural damage and fibrotic changes in the selenium deficiency group. The IHC results showed the positive staining rates of Akt, phosphorylation-modified protein kinase B (p-Akt), mTOR, and phosphorylation-modified mammalian target of the rapamycin (p-mTOR) in the liver of the selenium deficiency group which were significantly lower than that of the control group. In conclusion, short-term selenium deficiency dietary intervention could lead to liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

[The role of supplying population with vitamin D in conditions of COVID-19 pandemic: foreign publications review].

The overview of scientific information concerning actual characteristics of population's supply with vitamin D and its role in case of risk of development of infectious diseases and COVID-19 is presented. The analysis established that vitamin D deficiency contributes both to higher risk of susceptibility to infectious agent and to negative impact to course and outcome of disease. The significant role of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of viral diseases is established. The international research studies confirm that at infectious diseases and early stages of COVID-19 protective immune response is responsible for elimination of the virus. Therefore, using vitamin D in treatment of COVID-19 is the strategy of immune protection. The authors consider that in case of infectious risks, preventive application of vitamin D is necessary. In case of initial manifestations of COVID-19, it is appropriate to promptly achieve levels of optimal status of micro-nutrient supply.

Comparative Study of Early- and Mid-Ripening Peach (Prunus persica L.) Varieties: Biological Activity, Macro-, and Micro- Nutrient Profile.

Exploring the chemical composition and biological activity of different fruit varieties is essential for the valorization of their health claims. The current study focuses on a detailed comparative analysis of three early- and two mid-ripening peach varieties: "Filina" (peach), "July Lady" (peach), "Laskava" (peach), "Gergana" (nectarine), and "Ufo 4" (flat peach). They were characterized in terms of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates (sugars and dietary fibers), amino acid content, and lipids as well as mineral content, fat-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. Polyphenolic compounds and the related antioxidant activity were also assessed. The methanolic extract of the peel seems to be richer in the studied biologically active substances compared to the fleshy part of the fruit. Anthocyanins were most abundant in "Gergana" and "July Lady" extracts (6624.8 ± 404.9 and 7133.6 ± 388.8 µg cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g fw, resp.). The total phenol content of the samples varied from 34.11 ± 0.54 to 157.97 ± 0.67 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g fw. "Filina" and "July Lady" varieties possessed the highest antioxidant activity. Overall, the results of this study confirm that the studied peach varieties have satisfactory nutritional value and are potential sources of biologically active substances. Each variety represents an individual palette of nutrients that should be considered separately from the other.

Nutritional and phytochemical profiling of nutracereal finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) genotypes.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is gaining popularity as healthy food due to its nutritional and phytochemical properties. This study reports nutritional and phytochemical profile of ten finger millet genotypes. Proximate analysis of finger millet genotypes revealed moisture, total carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber and ash in the range of 7.50-11.75, 71.90-76.38, 6.7-8.0, 1.2-1.7, 3.1-3.8 and 3.1-3.8 per cent respectively. Micro-nutrient profiling showed Ca, Fe, Zn, P, K and Mn in the range of 2400.00-3400.00, 40.28-47.60, 12.40-17.45, 1600.00-2900.00, 3800.00-5200.00 and 51.33-61.28 mg kg-1 respectively. Phytochemical profiling was done for total phenol, phytic acid, tannins, flavonoids, HCN, oxalate and trypsin inhibitor which were observed in the range of 99.75-112.25, 210.75-302.75, 340.00-500.00, 62.23-74.05, 2.45-2.80, 19.80-26.23 mg 100 g-1 and 207.35-234.23 TIU g-1 respectively. Amino acid profiling showed good amount of essential amino acids. Nutritional and phytochemical profiling of finger millet genotypes showed its potentiality to become source of health promoting food.

A Review of Selected Studies on the Factors Associated with the Nutrition Status of Children Under the Age of Five Years in South Africa.

Malnutrition is a considerable contributor to child mortality and morbidity. Child malnutrition further affects the country's economic development. Child malnutrition in South Africa is persistent, continuing to be an alarming burden. The nutritional status of kids under the age of five years is a critical indicator of the country's economic condition and health status. An understanding of the influencers of the nutritional status of children can act as a catalyst in combatting all forms of malnutrition. The purpose of this paper was to review selected studies concerning the factors that affect the nutritional status of children in South Africa. Studies were selected from electronic databases, which were PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Sabinet African Journals, and the University of Zululand library catalog. The keywords that were used to search studies and articles from the selected database were: risk factors, child nutritional status, children under the age of five years, South Africa, malnutrition, underweight, stunted, wasting, and over-nutrition. Studies and surveys published from 2010-2019 that reported on the factors influencing the nutritional status of children under the age of five years were included in this review. Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria of the study. The 27 articles were made up of 21 cross-sectional articles and six longitudinal articles. The finding from this review highlights that there is a lack of studies conducted in urban areas. The results show that the nutritional status of children is affected by several factors. These include household food insecurity, low household income, illiterate caregivers, unemployment, inadequate dietary intake, low birth weight, consumption of monotonous diets, poor caregiver's nutritional knowledge, poor access to water and sanitation, poor weaning practices, age of the caregiver, and demographic characteristics of a child (age and gender). It is critical to have an understanding of the factors that affect the nutritional status of children. Such knowledge can significantly contribute to formulating policies that can enhance nutrition security and the country's economy. Moreover, insights into strategic interventions to eradicate all forms of malnutrition can be made.

Nutrient, non-nutrient and sensory profile of peeled and unpeeled dika (Irvingia gabonensis) fruit juice.

BACKGROUND: Many underutilized wild fruits offer potential novel sources of macro- and micro-nutrients,  as well as health-promoting antioxidants and phytochemicals. However, these benefits are not fully harnessed due to limited information on their composition. Dika fruit is one of such underutilized wild fruits. This study was carried out to analyze juice samples processed from dika fruit for nutrient and non-nutrient contents,   as well as for their sensory attributes. METHODS: Fruits harvested from rural communities in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria were washed and divided into two portions. The skin of one portion was peeled off and sliced into small pieces (2 cm) (PDJ), while the other portion was sliced (2 cm) with the peel (UPDJ). Each portion was liquefied with a high-speed Kenwood kitchen blender, filtered through a clean muslin cloth and evaluated for proximate, mineral, vitamin, phytochemical and anti-nutrient contents. A 9-point hedonic scale was used to evaluate the sensory properties of the juices. The data were analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Science, version 21 and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The UPDJ had significantly (p < 0.05) higher carbohydrate (15.75%), protein (4.72%), fat (2.65%) and ash (0.47%) contents than PDJ. No significant difference existed in both vitamin and mineral contents of the two samples except for zinc, which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the PDJ. Phytochemicals and anti-nutrients were significantly (p < 0.05) more numerous in the UPDJ than PDJ. The PDJ was rated higher than the UPDJ in all sensory attributes. CONCLUSIONS: The juice samples contain appreciable amounts of carbohydrate, vitamin C, flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. The anti-nutrients were within acceptable levels. Dika fruit is locally available and could be incorporated into meals to promote good health.

The Effect of Zinc on Post-neurosurgical Wound Healing: A Review.

The aim of this article is to explore neurosurgeons' knowledge and understanding of the physiology of zinc and provide current information about the role zinc plays in post-neurological wound healing. We review several medical journals and bring together the most updated information related to lesion-healing after surgery.

Selective pressurized hot water extraction of nutritious macro-nutrients vs. micro-nutrients in Moringa oleifera leaves-a chemometric approach.

Moringa oleifera leaves are widely used in traditional medicine as a food supplement because they are high in essential and nutritious content. Pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), which is a green approach, was used for the recovery of the macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient elements from dried leaf powder of Moringa oleifera. In this study, response surface methodology was applied to assess the influence of temperature (50-200 °C) and time (5-60 min) on the extractability pattern of macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient elements from the leaves of Moringa oleifera when processed by PHWE. The quantification of macro-nutrient elements such as Ca, K and Mg and micro-nutrient elements like Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn from the leaves was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Obtained results revealed that the extraction of macro-nutrient elements from the Moringa oleifera leaves was enhanced by increasing the extraction time more than the extraction temperature. On the contrary, the amounts of extractable micro-nutrient elements were increased by increasing the extraction temperature. Hence, the recovery for macro-nutrient elements ranged from 88 to 98% while for micro-nutrients it ranged from 21 to 46%. This implies that macro-nutrient elements are extracted with relatively high selectivity in relation to micro-nutrient elements in Moringa dried leaf powder using the PHWE technique.

Crosstalk of Zn in Combination with Other Fertilizers Underpins Interactive Effects and Induces Resistance in Tomato Plant against Early Blight Disease.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the integrated effect of zinc (Zn) with other nutrients in managing early blight (EB) disease in tomato. A pot experiment was carried out with basal application of the recommended level of macronutrients [nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK)] and micronutrients [magnesium (Mg) and boron (B)] in bilateral combination with Zn (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) in a completely randomized deigned in replicates. Results revealed that interactive effect of Zn with Mg or B was often futile and in some cases synergistic. Zn with NPK yield synergistic outcome, therefore EB disease was managed significantly (disease incidence: 25% and percent severity index: 13%), which resulted in an efficient signaling network that reciprocally controls nutrient acquisition and uses with improved growth and development in a tomato plant. Thus, crosstalk and convergence of mechanisms in metabolic pathways resulted in induction of resistance in tomato plant against a pathogen which significantly improved photosynthetic pigment, total phenolics, total protein content and defense-related enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL)]. The tremendous increase in total phenolics and PAL activity suggesting their additive effect on salicylic acid which may help the plant to systemically induce resistance against pathogen attack. It was concluded that interactive effect of Zn (5.0 mg/kg) with NPK significantly managed EB disease and showed positive effect on growth, physiological and biochemical attributes therefor use of Zn + NPK is simple and credible efforts to combat Alternaria stress in tomato plants.

Does low uranium concentration generates phytotoxic symptoms in Pisum sativum L. in nutrient medium?

Due to excessive mining and use of radionuclide especially uranium (U) and its fission products, numerous health hazards as well as environmental contamination worldwide have been created. The present study focused on demonstrating whether low concentration of U treatment in liquid nutient medium may translocate traces of U in plants and in fruits of Pisum sativum after 30 and 60 days of exposure for the safe use as a food supplement for human/animals. Hydroponically grown plants (in amended Hoagland medium) were treated with two different concentrations of uranium ([U] = 100 and 500 nM, respectively). Plants showed a decrease in total chlorophyll after 60 days of treatment. On the other hand, Eh of the nutrient medium was not affected from the initial days till 60 days of treatment, but pH of nutrient medium was increased upon durations, highest at 60 days of treatment. In seeds, micro/macro elements were under limit as well as U concentration was also under detection limit. We did not observe any U in the above ground parts (shoots/seeds) of the plant, i.e., under detection limit. Our observation suggests that P. sativum plants may be useful to grow at low radionuclide [U]-contaminated areas for safe human/animal use, but for other fission products, we have to investigate further for the safe human/animal use.

Removal of hydrogen sulfide generated during anaerobic treatment of sulfate-laden wastewater using biochar: Evaluation of efficiency and mechanisms.

Removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from biogas was investigated in a biochar column integrated with a bench-scale continuous-stirred tank reactor (CSTR) treating sulfate-laden wastewater. Synthetic wastewater containing sulfate concentrations of 200-2000mg SO42-/L was used as substrate, and the CSTR was operated at an organic loading rate of 1.5g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L·day and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20days. The biochar was able to remove about 98.0 (±1.2)% of H2S for the ranges of concentrations from 105-1020ppmv, especially at high moisture content (80-85%). Very high H2S adsorption capacity (up to 273.2±1.9mg H2S/g) of biochar is expected to enhance the H2S oxidation into S0 and sulfate. These findings bring a potentially novel application of sulfur-rich biochar as a source of sulfur, an essential but often deficient micro-nutrient in soils.