Nutrient Deficiency Research Articles

Advancements in Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques for Crop Yield Prediction: A Comprehensive Review

Agriculture is the crucial pillar and basic building block of our nation. Agriculture plays a key role as the major source of revenue for our nation. Farming is the primary financial source of India. Abrupt environmental changes affect crop yield prediction. Unpredictable climate changes, lack of water resources, deficiency of nutrients, depletion of soil fertility, unbalanced irrigation systems, and conventional farming techniques are the major causes of crop yield prediction. Today, AI, the use of machine learning, and deep learning techniques provide an achievable solution to improve crop yields. The key intent of the survey is to accurately predict and improve crop yield by combining agricultural statistics with machine learning and deep learning models. To accomplish this, we have surveyed the optimization algorithms implemented in conjunction with the Random Forest and Cat Boost models. A survey made across multiple databases to determine the effectiveness of crop yield prediction and analysis was performed on the included articles. The survey results show that a hybrid CNN DNN and RNN model with optimization algorithms outperforms the other existing traditional models.

From intercropping to monocropping: the effects of Pseudomonas strain to facilitate nutrient efficiency in peanut and soil

As an oilseed crop, the yield and quality of peanuts are severely constrained by nutrient deficiencies, particularly in calcareous soils in northern China. Maize-peanut intercropping is an effective strategy to enhance mineral nutrient efficiency in peanuts via plant-microbe interaction, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we conducted experiments using a Pseudomonas strain (Pse.IP6) with diverse beneficial characteristics, which was isolated from the rhizosphere of intercropped peanuts. Additionally, Pse.IP6 exhibits high phylogenetic similarity with the Amplicon Sequence Variants 48 (ASV48) which belongs to Pseudomonas and is positively correlated with Fe in plants and soil in intercropping. To confirm the plant growth-promoting potential of Pse.IP6 and its role in intercropping advantage, we constructed pot experiments. Results revealed that Pse.IP6 promoted shoot growth and root development, as well significantly enhanced SPAD value, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of peanut leaves. Moreover, the application of Pse.IP6 resulted in a notable accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in shoot and active iron (Fe) in leaves, accompanied by an increased K-N ratio. The primary reason for the nutrient promotion is the enhancement of the bioavailability of nitrate, ammonium, P, K, and Fe in the rhizosphere. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Pse.IP6, enriched in intercropping peanut, is a plant growth-promoting bacteria, represented by transferring the intercropping advantage on nutrients activation to monocropping peanuts. Our results offer insights into plant-rhizobacteria interaction mechanisms and therefore provide a rhizobacteria-based pathway to improve nutrient efficiency and productivity of crops.

Spatial-spectral feature mining in hyperspectral corn leaf venation structure and its application in nitrogen content estimation

The growth of corn plants requires a significant amount of nitrogen nutrient supply to ensure the yield. Meanwhile, overfertilization could result in adverse environmental impacts, making it crucial to monitor the nitrogen supply condition in corn plants precisely. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) could be the solution to this challenge, as HSI plant phenotyping technology has been widely utilized to nondestructively identify plant traits, such as mineral nutrient deficiencies in corn plants. However, limitations persist where the conventional HSI nitrogen prediction models mainly relied on the overall colors of the plant tissue extracted from the spectral domain but rarely included the spatially distributed information on the leaf level. This study aimed to examine if including new information from the spatial domain could potentially improve the performance of HSI models. Because the venation structure plays a crucial role in the distribution of various nutrients across the leaf, a series of physiological responses caused by nitrogen deficiency could result in non-uniform color patterns related to the veins. The recent advancement of HSI techniques such as LeafSpec, whose imaging quality and spatial-spectral resolution have been significantly improved, made it possible to extract the venation structure together with high-resolution spatial-spectral features. In this study, the hypothesis was that utilizing high-resolution spatial-spectral features extracted based on the venation structure could yield a better-performed nitrogen content prediction model compared to the averaged spectrum of the corn leaf. First, a venation structure segmentation algorithm was developed using the Local Binary Patterns (LBP) method for hyperspectral corn leaf images scanned with LeafSpec. Second, for every hyperspectral leaf image, 131 spectral index heatmaps were generated, and 30 leaf regions were picked based on the venation structure, resulting in 3930 spatial-spectral features. Third, the features were picked using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. As the results tested with a field assay involving two different corn genotypes and two nitrogen treatments, the Partial Least Square Regression (PLS-R) model built with selected spatial-spectral features outperformed the model built with the averaged leaf spectra in terms of the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of predictions. The results provided encouraging proof and guidance for the potential benefit of using high-resolution spatial-spectral features derived from hyperspectral leaf images to improve the accuracy and robustness of the nitrogen content prediction models for corn plants.

Urban Small-Scale Hydroponics: A Compact, Smart Home-based Hydroponics System

The increasing population and urbanization have created a massive gap in the demand-supply model of food grains. The world is facing an acute problem with global warming and EI Nino effects, which have affected the equilibrium of the food chain. It is a need of the hour to introduce new reforms in farming to reap increased yields and reduce dependency on natural resources. Hydroponics cultivation is a boon to the agricultural sector, it enhances the cultivation of plants in an organic way by enabling Internet of Things (IoT) technology and combines technology and conventional nutritional mechanisms to enable the co-plant's growth without the strain of nutrient deficiency. This research suggests a system that integrates hardware and software into the traditional hydroponics system that the users can use to have their plantation setup in an urban environment within a small and confined space at home. This system will benefit hobbyist gardeners and small-scale urban farmers seeking an efficient, compact, and smart solution for hydroponic plant cultivation.

Maternal Nutritional Knowledge and Nutritional Outcome of Children: A Cross-sectional Study from a Developing Country

Objectives: Malnutrition is a state in which a deficiency or excess of nutrients causes adverse effects on the body. Any diet that does not supply a healthy amount of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and lipids, can cause malnutrition. Malnutrition accounts for half of all childhood deaths worldwide. Pakistan has the second highest infant and child mortality rate in South Asia. Mothers play an important role in providing food and looking after their children; thus, their knowledge has significant importance in their child’s nutritional status and growth outcome. Material and Methods: Maternal nutritional knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire, which was divided into multiple sections covering the demographic data, knowledge about various food ingredients, dietary recommendations, and consequences of not following them. Children’s height was measured and plotted on the World Health Organization growth charts for girls and boys under 5 years and the height was measured using Z scores. Data were then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23. Chi-square was applied, and a regression analysis was performed. Results: According to the study, the child’s height has a significant association with maternal education (0.008), the mother’s employment (0.04) status, and the area where the child belongs (0.02). Thirty-eight per cent of children have height falling in 3 standard deviation (SD), indicating good height for age. The knowledge score among the mother of the child with good height, that is, 2SD, which is relatively higher than the mother of a child with severe stunting, that is, >−2SD for all the categories of food ingredients, dietary recommendations, and consequences of not following them, Children of educated mothers have good height and physical health. However, the child’s height is not much influenced by specific maternal knowledge of food ingredients, their dietary importance, and daily recommendations. Conclusion: Child growth depends on their mothers’ education, employment, and area of residence but not on their specific knowledge about food. This can highlight the importance of other factors such as genetics, ethnicity, hormonal, metabolism, medical conditions, and environmental factors, in determining a child’s overall height and nutritional status.

Vascular Cognitive Impairment—The Molecular Basis and Potential Influence of the Gut Microbiota on the Pathological Process

Cognitive impairment is a major healthcare challenge worldwide, with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) being its second leading cause after Alzheimer’s disease. VCI is a heterogeneous group of cognitive disorders resulting from various vascular pathologies. Therefore, it is particularly difficult to determine its underlying cause and exact molecular basis. Nevertheless, the current understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying VCI has changed and evolved in the last decades. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on VCI pathogenesis and to analyze the potential role of the gut microbiota in this process, considering the most recent scientific reports and in accordance with the current understanding of these processes. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, which results in impaired blood supply, i.e., oxygen and nutrient deficiency, is the main underlying mechanism of VCI. Furthermore, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion triggers a cascade of molecular changes, starting with an energy imbalance, leading to glutamate excitotoxicity, acidotoxicity, and oxidative stress. Also, all of the above provoke the activation of microglia and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit systemic immune cells and lead to their infiltration into the central nervous system, resulting in neuroinflammation. Blood–brain barrier dysfunction may occur at various stages of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, ultimately increasing its permeability and allowing potentially toxic substances to enter the brain parenchyma. Gut microbiota and their metabolites, which have been identified in numerous inflammatory conditions, may also influence the pathophysiological processes of VCI.

Efficacy of Bat Guano as a Plant Fertiliser on Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in Sustainable Agriculture

Synthetic/chemical fertilizers has been rapidly increased due to extensive agricultural activities to meet the demand for food to sustain an ever-expanding global population which has become a pressing concern. There is a need for development of sustainable agricultural practices which promote the use of natural fertilizers to improve soil health and support high value crops for cultivation. Bat guano, an organic fertilizer composed of bat excrement, has gained attention as a promising substitute for synthetic fertilizers, offering numerous benefits to plants and soil health as it’s highly rich in nutrient contents. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), a versatile annual herb, with multifarious uses can be used for exploring natural fertilizers for enhancing quality and crop productivity. Hence present study was under taken to examine the impact of bat guano application on the growth and productivity of fenugreek. Amongst all the treatments, the highest germination was recorded in 50% guano with soil amendments treatment resulting in 99% germination rate followed by 100% guano (96.3%). Least germination rate was observed in control with only 85.3%. Also, 50% was best treatment with maximum plant height of about 16.3 cm within 4 weeks period compared to vermicompost (15.9cm) and control (11.3cm). Similarly, leaves number per plant was also maximum in 50% guano (10.33 leaves/plant) followed by vermicompost (10 leaves/plant). NPK content of plant and soil were also analysed using standard techniques which provides valuable insights into the existing soil composition, enabling informed decisions on how to use bat guano effectively to correct nutrient deficiencies and support optimal crop growth. Further studies are recommended to assess the benefits from the use of Bat Guano as a plant fertilizer in sustainable agriculture.

Foliar Application of Micronutrients in Orchards: A Comprehensive Review

Applying micronutrients via foliar sprays has become increasingly important in modern orchard management as it addresses nutrient deficiencies that are often difficult to correct with conventional soil applications. This review summarizes existing research on the efficacy, methods, and benefits of foliar micronutrient application in different orchard systems. Particular emphasis is placed on key micronutrients such as iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine to emphasize their importance to tree physiology, fruit quality, and overall orchard yield. It also examines the obstacles and best practices related to foliar fertilization, taking into account the timing of application, concentration and environmental aspects. By bringing together evidence from recent studies, this paper aims to provide fruit growers and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of foliar micronutrient strategies to optimize orchard well-being and overall productivity.

Exploring the Synergistic Role of Zinc in NPK Fertilization on the Agronomic Performance of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Safflower is a multipurpose, underutilized annual crop that could be an alternate oilseed crop for normal and marginal lands around the world. Zinc as a nutrient plays a critical role in enzyme activity and nutrient absorption, leading to improved productivity and quality of oilseeds. However, imbalances between NPK and Zn can result in antagonistic interactions, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, this field experiment at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, was conducted to explore the synergistic effects of NPK and Zn on safflower growth, yield, and oil content. Safflower accession (UAF-SAFF-100) was treated with ten different combinations of zinc and NPK having different concentrations, i.e., T0 = control, T1 = NPK at 40:40:40 kg ha−1, T2 = NPK at 50:50:40 kg ha−1, T3 = NPK at 60:60:40 kg ha−1, T4 = NPK at 70:70:40 kg ha−1, T5 = NPK at 80:80:40 kg ha−1, T6 = T1 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, T7 = T2 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, T8 = T3 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, T9 = T4 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, and T10 = T5 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1. The results indicated that the application of T9 (NPK @ 70:70:40 kg/ha−1 + zinc @ 7.5 kg/ha−1) showed the most promising results in terms of growth and yield attributes. This treatment significantly improved key metrics such as capitulum diameter, the number of capitula per plant, seed yield, petal yield, and oil content. Thus, this treatment (T9) is proposed as an effective strategy for enhancing safflower growth and productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study underscores the importance of optimizing nutrient management to achieve superior crop performance and suggests that tailored NPK and Zn applications can be a promising approach to maximizing safflower yield and oil quality.

Automated Nutrient Deficiency Detection and Recommendation Systems Using Deep Learning in Nutrition Science

Nutrient deficiencies affect millions globally, contributing to severe health issues and reduced quality of life. Traditional methods of diagnosing these deficiencies and recommending dietary adjustments are often time-intensive, prone to error, and lack personalization. The advent of deep learning has revolutionized nutrition science, offering automated, accurate, and scalable solutions. This paper delves into the development and application of automated nutrient deficiency detection and recommendation systems powered by deep learning. Key components of such systems include advanced data processing techniques that analyze multimodal datasets, such as biomarkers, dietary records, and food images. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) excel in recognizing and quantifying nutrients from food images, while Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) handle time-series dietary data. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) facilitate data augmentation and textual analysis of dietary logs, respectively. These systems enable precise detection of deficiencies and generate tailored dietary plans based on individual needs, considering demographic and lifestyle factors. This article highlights case studies and practical implementations of deep learning models in real-world applications, such as AI-powered nutrition apps and biomarker-based deficiency prediction. It also addresses significant challenges, including data quality, algorithmic bias, and ethical concerns related to privacy and equity. Furthermore, the study explores future opportunities, such as integrating explainable AI, leveraging multi-modal data sources, and enhancing IoT-based tracking devices to improve recommendation systems. By bridging the gap between AI technology and nutrition science, these systems hold the potential to revolutionize global dietary health, offering scalable, personalized, and efficient solutions to combat nutrient deficiencies.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Improving the Soil Sustainability and Crop Productivity: A Review

The excessive of chemical fertilizers with minimal organic inputs in modern agriculture are resulted in nutrient deficiencies and environmental problems. The inorganic chemical fertilizers cannot sustain plant nutrition in highly intensive agricultural systems. Sustainable yield and crop performance are difficult to improve without balanced application of nutrient management practices. The integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies involved the application of vermi-compost, green manure, cover crops, crop residues, vermi-compost and farmyard manure. Since organic manure cannot synchronized the concentrated requirement of plant nutrients as per crop demands, hence balanced integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers helps to improve the crop productivity and economic returns to famers. Therefore, INM strategy has come up as field specific approach in modern era. The INM strategy build-up the organic matter which improve the crop performance and efficient management of water and nutrients. However, optimizing the timing, rate, source and methods of nutrient application is helpful in achieving the higher apparent recovery efficiency and crop production synchronization with crop demands.

The effect of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation on some plant nutrients and growth parameters of common bean under laboratory conditions

We investigated the effect of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch infestation on some nutrient elements and growth parameters of common bean plants under laboratory conditions (28±2 °C, 65±10% RH, photoperiod of 16/8 (L/D) h). Three different plant growth stages (young: 2nd trifoliate- leaf formation, middle: pre-flowering, old; fruit formation) were infested with four mite densities (0, 20, 40, 80 (adult mites/plant)) and four replications per treatment in completely randomized design were used. The infested plants were left for 14 days, and then macro- (P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B) in leaf samples were determined, number and length of leaves and height and dry weight of plant were recorded. The lowest phosphorus content (0.19%) was recorded in the old stage of the plant in the treatment with a density of 40-mites, while it was 0.29 and 0.25% in the young and middle stage, respectively. However, the lowest potassium content (6.59%) was observed at the density of 40 mites and in the young stage. As the density of mites increased, the calcium content in the plant decreased, but no change in the magnesium content. Micronutrients did not significantly vary with mite density, except for copper, which showed a difference. The increase in mite density resulted in an increase in the plant dry weight and a decrease in plant height and leaf length. This study may further suggest fertilization programs might help to overcome nutrient deficiencies in crops due to mite infestation.

Optimizing Micronutrient Management for Improved Growth and Yield of Broccoli Varieties in Coastal Bangladesh

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) is a nutrient-dense vegetable, widely valued for its health-promoting properties, yet its cultivation in Bangladesh is hindered by nutrient deficiencies and limited adoption of effective fertilization practices. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) application on the growth, yield, and quality of two broccoli varieties— ‘Green Carpet’ and ‘Early You’—in the Gangetic Tidal Floodplain region, where soil deficiencies in these micronutrients are common. A two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed, with treatments consisting of four B and Zn application levels: control (M0), 2 kg B + 4 kg Zn ha⁻¹ (M1), 2.5 kg B + 4.5 kg Zn ha⁻¹ (M2), and 3 kg B + 5 kg Zn ha⁻¹ (M3). Growth parameters, curd characteristics, and yield were measured to determine the optimal nutrient application level and variety for local conditions. The findings revealed that the combination of 2 kg B + 4 kg Zn ha⁻¹ (M1) with the ‘Early You’ variety (V2) produced the most significant improvements in plant height, leaf growth, stem length and diameter, and primary curd size. The combination of ‘Early variety’ and 2 kg B + 4 kg Zn ha⁻¹ treatment significantly reduced days to curd initiation and produced the highest yield per hectare (20.18 tons), outperforming the control treatment (13.01 tons). This combination also resulted in higher dry weight and greater nutritional density of the broccoli curds, emphasizing the critical role of B and Zn in promoting growth, structural robustness, and curd development. Both primary and secondary curd weights were notably enhanced under M1, particularly with ‘Early You’, highlighting the synergistic effect of variety-specific nutrient optimization. These results underscore the potential of tailored boron and zinc applications to address soil nutrient deficiencies and optimize broccoli production under Bangladesh’s unique agroecological conditions. By adopting the recommended M1 micronutrient treatment and prioritizing the ‘Early You’ variety, local farmers can achieve higher yields and improved broccoli quality, contributing to enhanced food security and economic sustainability in the region. This study provides a foundational framework for future research on nutrient management strategies in broccoli and serves as a model for other regions with similar soil nutrient constraints.

Haematological and Biochemical Profiles, Including Vitamin A and Zinc Status, in Clinical and Subclinical Oriental Theileriosis in Cattle

Aim: The present study investigated the clinical, haematological and biochemical profiles in cattle infected with Theileria orientalis, correlating disease severity with various parameters. Study Design: A total of 32 clinically ill, 10 subclinically infected, and 10 healthy control animals were included. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, between November 2023 to September 2024. Methodology: Theileria piroplasms, observed via Giemsa staining, appeared as thick and thin rods with trailing cytoplasm and annular, pyriform, garland, and signet-ring shapes. PCR amplification of the T. orientalis major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) yielded a specific 776 bp product in clinically and subclinically infected animals. Results: Haematological analysis revealed significant anaemia and thrombocytopenia in infected groups, without notable changes in leukocyte counts. Serum protein analysis indicated hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, while liver enzymes, particularly AST, were elevated in clinically infected cattle, suggesting hepatic involvement. Additionally, serum vitamin A and zinc concentrations were significantly lower in infected cattle, underscoring a possible role for oxidative stress in disease pathogenesis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that T. orientalis infection is associated with multi-systemic impacts, including haematological abnormalities, liver damage, and nutrient deficiencies, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management strategies.

A Ten-year Nutrient Intake of an Elderly Cohort in South Africa

Food insecurity and malnutrition are often evident among the elderly population residing in low-income communities. This study is part of a broad collaborative investigation that recorded nutritional status, socio-demographic variables, and anthropometric indices from 2004 to 2014. The baseline was recorded for 2004, and a five-year follow-up was done for 2009, and 2014. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, over ten years, the dietary intake and nutritional status of elderly people in terms of anthropometric measurements at an elderly day care center, to determine if socio-demographic variables influence their diets, and if dietary intakes changed over the ten years. The study used a quantitative descriptive approach with a longitudinal cohort. This review only reflects the nutrient analysis of the diet amongst the cohort group (n=62). Measures included two 24-hour recalls assessing both the food and nutrient intake, as well as the dietary pattern of the cohort group. Results reflect many fluctuations in nutrient intake. Overall, participants consumed less energy, carbohydrates, and dietary fibre than dietary reference intakes (DRI), with protein intake above DRI during 2004 and 2009, but declining between 2009 and 2014. Micronutrient intake revealed calcium consistently below DRI, with variations in other nutrients over the years. Gender differences were significant for certain nutrients, with men generally consuming more niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin E as compared to women. Median nutrient intakes failed to meet average requirements, except for protein, carbohydrates, chromium, riboflavin, pantothenate and vitamin K. Only a few nutrients, such as niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin E reflected significant differences in values between the different genders. T-tests comparing nutrient averages between years found significant differences in fat intake between 2004 and 2009, and between 2009 and 2014, while protein differed significantly between 2009 and 2014. Other nutrients did not show significant differences across these periods, except for cholesterol and zinc between 2004 and 2014, and protein, fat, cholesterol, and zinc between 2009 and 2014. The collective picture reveals deficiencies, especially in key nutrients like zinc and iron, which fluctuated over a ten-year period. Analysis showed no significant difference in nutrient intake across the three periods, except for fat intake, which significantly differed between 2009 and 2014. Energy intake appeared to be higher from 2004 to 2009 but decreased notably by 2014. These findings underscore the importance of tailored dietary interventions to address nutrient deficiencies in aging populations, considering both individual needs and changing dietary patterns over time. Key words: Cohort, elderly, nutrient intake, food insecurity, dietary intake, care centre

Personalized Nutrition Plan Based on DNA

This project explores the concept of personalized nutrition by using DNA analysis to create customized diet plans tailored to an individual's genetic profile. As people increasingly seek healthier lifestyles, generic diet recommendations often fall short because they do not account for the unique genetic factors that influence how we process different nutrients. By examining an individual's DNA, we can gain insights into how their body metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as identify potential food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and predispositions to certain health conditions. This approach allows for the development of highly personalized nutrition plans designed to optimize health, support weight management, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Ultimately, this project aims to empower individuals to make more informed dietary choices based on their genetic makeup, leading to better long-term health outcomes.

DNAzyme-loaded bimetallic nanoflowers for STING activation and dual metabolic regulation to enhance antitumor immunity

Metabolic competition between tumor cells and killer T cells induces microenvironmental nutrient deficiencies and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to insufficient killer T cell activation and infiltration. In this study, we proposed a synergistic nanosystem of ion interference and gene silencing that can effectively inhibit the glutamine/glycolysis metabolism dual pathway in tumor cells and activate the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway, which in turn promotes the activation and infiltration of killer T cells. Manganese ion (Mn2+)-activated DNAzyme decreases the glutamine transporter protein ASCT2, limiting glutamine absorption by tumor cells, whereas released zinc ions (Zn2+) limits glucose utilization by tumor cells as well as compensatory glycolysis, and the two synergistically alleviate the competitive pressure of glutamine and glucose from the killer T-cells while disrupting the redox homeostasis of tumor cells. Additionally, the released Mn2+ and Zn2+ synergistically activate the cGAS-STING pathway. In this study, the nanosystems not only disrupted tumor cell metabolism, but also activated a robust immune response, which may drastically reduce subcutaneous cancer growth and reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Overall, the gene silencing-ion interference strategy provides a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy.

Effects of Nutrient Deficiency on Crop Yield and Soil Nutrients Under Winter Wheat–Summer Maize Rotation System in the North China Plain

The wheat–maize rotation system in the North China Plain (NCP) has a large amount of crop straw. However, improper crop straw management and blind fertilization lead to nutrient imbalance and accelerated nutrient loss from the soil, ultimately leading to nutrient deficiency affecting the wheat–maize rotation system. In order to explore the effects of nutrient deficiency on the yield and nutrient use efficiency of wheat and maize, the experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design consisting of five treatments with three replicates for each treatment: (1) a potassium fertilizer deficiency and appropriate nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer treatment (NP); (2) a phosphate fertilizer deficiency and appropriate nitrogen and potassium fertilizer treatment (NK); (3) a nitrogen fertilizer deficiency and appropriate phosphate and potassium fertilizer treatment (PK); (4) an adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer treatment (NPK); and (5) a no-fertilizer treatment (CK). The results showed that, compared with CK, the yields of wheat and maize treated with NPK were increased by 21.5% and 27.5%, respectively, and the accumulation of the dry matter of the wheat and maize was increased by 42.5% and 57.3%. In all the deficiency treatments, the NK treatment performed better in terms of yield compared to the NP and PK treatments, while the NP treatment demonstrated a greater increase in dry matter accumulation. The NPK treatment significantly improved the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of the wheat and maize, which resulted in higher nitrogen accumulation in the NPK treatment, and the NP treatment was the best among the other nutrient deficiency treatments. The inorganic nitrogen content showed a similar trend. In conclusion, nutrient deficiency can severely restrict crop growth. Nitrogen deficiency can significantly reduce crop yields. Phosphorus deficiency had a greater impact than potassium deficiency in terms of nutrient absorption and accumulation. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer application should be emphasized in crop rotation systems, with moderate increases in phosphorus fertilizer application. This practice can effectively improve the nutrient deficiency under the wheat and maize rotation system in the NCP and complete a rational fertilization system.

Biology and mechanobiology of the intervertebral disc : Challenges for regenerative therapies

The fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs between the vertebrae give the spine mobility and flexibility. Age and degeneration contribute to tissue changes that affect the composition and structure of the intervertebral discs and can lead to loss of function and back pain. The intervertebral disc cells are responsible for the formation and maintenance of the tissue and are influenced by the physiological load. Degenerative changes that promote tissue degradation are influenced by cellular responses to overuse, inflammation and nutrient deficiency. The mechanobiology of intervertebral discs deals with the interrelationships of the functional adaptation of this organ down to the cellular and molecular level and contributes to the understanding of the causes and consequences of degeneration. Based on these findings, the challenges for suitable regenerative therapy concepts can be understood.

텍스트마이닝을 활용한 청소년의 에너지드링크에 대한 인식 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the adolescents' perception of energy-drinks using big data. Methods In order to analyze big data, ‘adolescents’ and ‘energy-drinks’ related documents that had been generated from March 31, 2023 to March 30, 2024 were collected from major portal sites (“Naver”, “Daum” and “Google”) using Textom. A total of 15,959 documents were collected. Non-relevant and inaccurate words were removed for text mining. Among them, 50 words with a high frequency of appearance were extracted, and 50 keywords were derived around words with high meaning through refining. Results After that, frequency analysis, TF-IDF (Term Frequency - Inverse Document Frequency) analysis, centrality analysis, and CONCOR (Convergence of iteration Correlation) analysis were performed using NetDraw and the UCINET program, and clustering results between major keywords were investigated. As a result, Group 1 was routine caffeine intakes, Group 2 was purchasing facilitating factors, Group 3 was purchasing determining factors, and Group 4 was concerns of nutrient deficiency. Conclusions Based on these results, adolescents’ perceptions and issues of energy-drinks were identified. Furthermore, this study will provide theoretical implications for future research as well as practical implications for preparing policy regulatory measures and developing educational programs.