Deficiency Of Essential Nutrients Research Articles

Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels in Chilean Women with PCOS and Their Association with Metabolic Outcomes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Many women with PCOS have been found to have an unbalanced diet and deficiencies in essential nutrients. This study aimed to assess the levels of folate and vitamin B12 (B12) and their relationship with metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Anthropometric, clinical, and genetic analyses were conducted to evaluate markers related to one-carbon metabolism in women with PCOS and in a control group. The PCOS group had a higher BMI and HOMA-IR (1.7 vs. 3.1; p < 0.0001). HDL cholesterol levels were 23% lower and triglyceride levels were 74% higher in women with PCOS. Although there were no significant differences in folate and B12 levels between the PCOS and control groups, over 60% of women with PCOS had low B12 levels (<300 pg/mL) and high homocysteine levels. In addition, the MTHFR A1298C and C677T polymorphisms were not associated with PCOS. Moreover, erythrocyte folate levels were positively correlated with fasting glucose, triglycerides, and free androgen index, and negatively correlated with SHBG and LH levels. These results suggest that B vitamins may be associated with the metabolic phenotype in PCOS. This study emphasizes the potential link between folate, vitamin B12, and metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS.

Aspergillus fumigatus escape mechanisms from its harsh survival environments.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogenic mold and causes several diseases, including mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions, and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis), with high mortality rates. In its ecological niche, the fungus has evolved and mastered many reply strategies to resist and survive against negative threats, including harsh environmental stress and deficiency of essential nutrients from natural environments, immunity responses and drug treatments in host, and competition from symbiotic microorganisms. Hence, treating A. fumigatus infection is a growing challenge. In this review, we summarized A. fumigatus reply strategies and escape mechanisms and clarified the main competitive or symbiotic relationships between A. fumigatus, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in host microecology. Additionally, we discussed the contemporary drug repertoire used to treat A. fumigatus and the latest evidence of potential resistance mechanisms. This review provides valuable knowledge which will stimulate further investigations and clinical applications for treating and preventing A. fumigatus infections. KEY POINTS: • Harsh living environment was a great challenge for A. fumigatus survival. • A. fumigatus has evolved multiple strategies to escape host immune responses. • A. fumigatus withstands antifungal drugs via intrinsic escape mechanisms.

Reuse of wastewater for irrigation of coriander in Morocco: Evaluation of effects on crop growth parameters

AbstractCurrently, the convergence of climate change, population growth, and deteriorating water quality has triggered a scarcity of freshwater resources, presenting substantial hurdles for agricultural endeavors. Consequently, repurposing treated wastewater for agricultural use is gaining prominence. This strategy offers a noteworthy advantage by furnishing an alternative water source, distinct from conventional freshwater, for agricultural irrigation. The considered irrigation water categories encompass treated wastewater, sewage treated with supplementary fertilization, treated water of a specific quality, and treated water quality fortified with fertilizer. An assessment of the treated wastewater extracted from the Imzouren‐Bni Bouayach treatment facility was undertaken, encompassing scrutiny of its physical, chemical, and bacteriological attributes. This analysis yielded measurements for a range of parameters, including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, suspended matter, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci. These measurements align with acceptable thresholds for direct discharge and are following Morocco's established water quality standards tailored for irrigation. In light of the soil analysis, the soil is classified as alkaline, with a pH of 8.2, and displays low salinity, evidenced by an electrical conductivity of 2.42 mS/cm. Furthermore, the soil exhibits deficiencies in organic matter and essential nutrients, with carbon content measuring 0.84%, organic matter at 1.45%, nitrogen at 0.07%, phosphorus at 10.6 mg/L, and potassium at 56.5 mg/L. The utilization of treated wastewater for irrigation purposes bestows the crop with a dependable water supply, ensuring stability in its growth.

The Role of Food Security in the Incident of Stunting in Toddlers

Food security has a direct impact on the nutritional intake received by children. When a community or country is unable to ensure a consistent supply of nutritious food, children become vulnerable to deficiencies in essential nutrients needed for their growth and development. This can cause stunting if not treated properly. This study aimed to present the role of food security in the incidence of stunting in toddlers. The literature search process was carried out on various databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar) regarding the role of food security on the incidence of stunting in toddlers. This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) recommendations. Food security plays a key role in preventing stunting in children. This includes the availability of sufficient and nutritious food, fair access to food, food security, food diversification, good environmental sanitation, support for farmers, nutrition education, and public awareness about nutritious food. In order to prevent stunting, it is important to ensure that children have adequate access to nutrient-rich and safe food, as well as to educate the public about the importance of good nutrition. With this comprehensive effort, we can create an environment that supports healthy growth and development in children and reduces stunting rates in communities.

THU536 Pseudoglucagonoma Syndrome: A Rare Complication After Partial Pancreatectomy

Abstract Disclosure: E.P. Monsour: None. S. Badour: None. K.M. Tuna: None. J. Leey: None. M. Lamas: None. Introduction/Background: Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a specific cutaneous eruption associated with glucagonoma, an alpha-cell secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Glucagonoma syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by NME, diabetes, stomatitis, anemia, weight loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Rarely NME can occur in the absence of an alpha-cell tumor of the pancreas, termed pseudoglucagonoma syndrome, seen in other clinical entities such as hepatic disease and intestinal malabsorption. Here, we describe a rare case of pseudoglucagonoma syndrome as a long-term complication following partial pancreatectomy. Clinical Case: A 45-year-old male with a history of benign pancreatic head cyst s/p partial pancreatectomy, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and pancreatogenic diabetes reported a 2-week history of a rash on his bilateral upper and lower extremities that was accompanied with blistering and skin peeling. Associated symptoms included tongue pain, diarrhea, and worsening paresthesias. Medications included subcutaneous insulin aspart, pantoprazole, and pancrelipase. Physical examination revealed a patchy rash with hyperpigmented plaques and shellac-like scales, a smooth red tongue, and symmetric hyperreflexia. Preliminary punch biopsy was concerning for NME; thus, the patient was evaluated for possible glucagonoma. Laboratory evaluation revealed normocytic anemia with hemoglobin of 9.8 mg/dL, plasma glucose of 104 mg/dL, and glucagon level of 103 ng/L (RR: &amp;lt;208 ng/L). MRCP was negative for any pancreatic lesions. The patient was further evaluated for nutritional deficiencies and had strinkingly low vitamin A, D, E, K, B6, serum copper, and zinc levels. Plasma amino acids revealed low phenylalanine and tryptophan levels. He was started on a multivitamin (with minerals) and oral nutritional supplements with resolution of rash and subsequent improvement in symptoms. Final pathology of punch biopsy revealed parakeratosis with dermal edema, most compatible with nutritional deficiency. Discussion and conclusion: The pathogenesis and etiology of NME in glucagonoma and pseudoglucagonoma syndromes are not entirely understood. NME is thought to be multifactorial to multiple (essential) nutrient and vitamin deficiencies, as seen in our patient and other nutrient deficiency dermatoses such as zinc deficiency, necrolytic acral erythema, and pellagra. After further investigation, the patient reported poor adherence to pancrelipase supplementation, likely contributing to his clinical presentation and symptoms. Whereas in glucagonoma, excess glucagon levels cause a state of catabolism and exert its effect on the liver to increase gluconeogenesis via amino acid catabolism leading to deficiency. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of this rare and underrecognized phenomenon. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Undernutrition and associated factors among adults with mental and neurological disorders in public health hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia, 2019: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPoor nutritional status can be consequence of impaired mental health that may lead to involuntary weight gain, weight loss, or deficiency of essential nutrients. However, little has been documented about the nutritional status of adults with mental disorders and the contributing factors in low-income countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among adults with mental disorders in public hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 507 adults with mental disorders from March 1, 2019 to April 1, 2019. Interviewer administered pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric data were collected using calibrated weighing scale and height measuring board. Descriptive statistics was computed to describe the data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors associated with the undernutrition. Odds ratio alongside 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p-value less than 0.05.ResultsUndernutrition affected 62.7%; 95% CI: (58.3%, 67.7%) of the patients. Undernutrition was associated with meal frequency < 3 per day (adjusted odds ratio [(AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: (1.18, 3.63)], use of multiple medication (adjusted odds ratio [(AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: (1.88, 4.84)], being non-smoker [(AOR = 0.50, 95%CI: (0.25, 0.91)], and use of prescribed diet [(AOR = 0.45, 95%CI: (0.26, 0.78)].ConclusionsThe magnitude of undernutrition was high among the study participants. Multiple medication, cigarette smoking, frequency of meal and taking prescribed diet were significantly associated with undernutrition. Nutrition education for patients with mental disorders and their caregivers about the impact of taking multiple medication and substance use needs to be emphasized alongside nutritional screening and support to improve their nutritional status.

Imazethapyr disrupts plant phosphorus homeostasis and acquisition strategies

The deficiency of essential mineral nutrients caused by xenobiotics often results in plant mortality or an inability to complete its life cycle. Imazethapyr, a widely utilized imidazolinone herbicide, has a long-lasting presence in the soil-plant system and can induce toxicity in non-target plants. However, the effects of imazethapyr on mineral nutrient homeostasis remain poorly comprehended. In this study, Arabidopsis seedlings exposed to concentrations of 4 and 10 μg/L imazethapyr showed noticeable reductions in shoot development and displayed a distinct dark purple color, which is commonly associated with phosphorus (P) deficiency in crops. Additionally, the total P content in both the shoots and roots of Arabidopsis significantly decreased following imazethapyr treatment when compared to the control groups. Through the complementary use of physiological and molecular analyses, we discovered that imazethapyr hinders the abundance and functionality of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) transporters and acid phosphatase. Furthermore, imazethapyr impairs the plant's Pi-deficiency adaptation strategies, such as inhibiting Pi transporter activities and impeding root hair development, which ultimately exacerbate P starvation. These results provide compelling evidence that residues of imazethapyr have the potential to disrupt plant P homeostasis and acquisition strategies. These findings offer valuable insights for risk assessment and highlight the need to reconsider the indiscriminate use of imazethapyr, particularly under specific scenarios such as nutrient deficiency.

A systematic in silico report on iron and zinc proteome of Zea mays.

Zea mays is an essential staple food crop across the globe. Maize contains macro and micronutrients but is limited in essential mineral micronutrients such as Fe and Zn. Worldwide, serious health concerns have risen due to the deficiencies of essential nutrients in human diets, which rigorously jeopardizes economic development. In the present study, the systematic in silico approach has been used to predict Fe and Zn binding proteins from the whole proteome of maize. A total of 356 and 546 putative proteins have been predicted, which contain sequence and structural motifs for Fe and Zn ions, respectively. Furthermore, the functional annotation of these predicted proteins, based on their domains, subcellular localization, gene ontology, and literature support, showed their roles in distinct cellular and biological processes, such as metabolism, gene expression and regulation, transport, stress response, protein folding, and proteolysis. The versatile roles of these shortlisted putative Fe and Zn binding proteins of maize could be used to manipulate many facets of maize physiology. Moreover, in the future, the predicted Fe and Zn binding proteins may act as relevant, novel, and economical markers for various crop improvement programs.

Gastro-Intestinal Disorders and Micronutrient Deficiencies following Oncologic Esophagectomy and Gastrectomy.

Primary surgical indications for the esophagus and stomach mainly involve cancer surgeries. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of esogastric surgery, driven by advancements in surgical techniques and improvements in perioperative care. The rate of resectability has increased, and surgical strategies have evolved to encompass a broader patient population. However, despite a reduction in postoperative mortality and morbidity, malnutrition remains a significant challenge after surgery, leading to weight loss, muscle mass reduction, and deficiencies in essential nutrients due to digestive complications. Malnutrition worsens quality of life and increases the risk of tumor recurrence, significantly affecting prognosis. Nevertheless, the nutritional consequences following surgery are frequently overlooked, mainly due to a lack of awareness regarding their long-term effects on patients who have undergone digestive surgery, extending beyond six months. Micronutrient deficiencies are frequently observed following both partial and total gastrectomy, as anticipated. Surprisingly, these deficiencies appear to be similarly prevalent in patients who have undergone esophagectomy with iron, vitamins A, B1, B12, D, and E deficiencies commonly observed in up to 78.3% of the patients. Recognizing the distinct consequences associated with each type of intervention underscores the importance of implementing preventive measures, early detection, and prompt management.

Partial weight reduction protocols in cats lead to better weight outcomes, compared with complete protocols, in cats with obesity.

To date, there have been no studies comparing outcomes of cats with obesity following either complete or partial weight reduction protocols. Fifty-eight cats participated in this non-randomized observational cohort study, including 46 (79%) and 12 (21%) that underwent complete or partial weight reduction protocols, respectively. Weight loss outcomes, body composition changes and essential nutrient intake were compared between cats in the two groups. All cats remained healthy, and those on a complete weight reduction protocol lost a median of 23% (range 10-39%) of starting body weight (SBW) over 294 days (113-967 days), whereas those undergoing partial restriction lost 25% (10-41%) over 178 days (54-512 days). Neither duration nor percentage weight loss differed between groups, but those that followed a partial weight reduction protocol lost weight at a faster rate (0.81% per week) and required fewer visits (4-19) than those that followed a complete weight reduction protocol (0.61% per week, p = 0.028; 11, 4-40 visits, p = 0.009). Further, lean tissue mass declined in cats on a complete weight reduction protocol (pre: 4.20 kg, 2.64-5.72 kg; post: 3.90 kg, 2.76-5.24 kg, p < 0.001), whereas lean tissue mass was unchanged in cats on partial weight reduction protocols (pre: 3.45 kg, 2.79-4.71 kg; post: 3.41 kg, 2.90-4.59 kg, p = 0.109). In 33 (57%) cats, median intake of selenium per day was less than NRC AI and RA recommendations, whilst intake was under FEDIAF recommendation in 42 (72%) cats. Median intake of choline per day was less than NRC MR and RA recommendations in 22 (38%) and 53 (91%) cats, respectively, whereas it was under the FEDIAF recommendation in 51 (88%) cats. In a small proportion (12-14%) of cats, phenylalanine/tyrosine and potassium were under recommendations; besides these, no other essential nutrient deficiencies were seen, and there were no differences between cats undergoing complete and partial weight reduction. Partial weight reduction protocols in cats lead to quicker average weight loss, with the possibility that lean tissue loss might be minimized. Such protocols might be more suitable for older cats and those with marked obesity.

ОБҐРУНТУВАННЯ НЕОБХІДНОСТІ ФОРМУВАННЯ БОЙОВИХ СУХИХ ПАЙКІВ І РАЦІОНІВ ХАРЧУВАННЯ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ СИЛ СЕКТОРУ БЕЗПЕКИ І ОБОРОНИ УКРАЇНИ

Analysis of daily dry products (MRE, norm 10) shows that the nutrient composition, biological, energy and physiological value of the MRE do not fully satisfy the needs of the serviceman’s body during adaptation to the conditions of service, while performing duties in crisis and conflict regions of the country in emergency cases as well as in extreme conditions due to insufficient content of full-fledged animal proteins, unbalanced ratio of essential amino acids, such as: methionine, lysine and tryptophan, fat acids, insufficient content of mono- and disaccharides, imbalance between proteins, fats and carbohydrates in daily ration, lack of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, deficiency of vitamins A, В2 and C. The energy content of actual ration doesn’t fully compensate for the real average daily energy expenditure of the personnel [8-10, 13], which is 3500-4000 kcal for ground troops. The heavy physical, moral and psychological burdens faced by military personnel while performing service and combat missions increase the body's need for nutrients. It is possible to overcome the deficiency of essential nutrients, micro- and macronutrients by increasing the range of products in the ration. According to the scientists, either one liter of milk or 10 kilograms of beef or three kilograms of carrots ensure the daily norm of calcium. 500 grams of meat or one kilogram of black bread grant daily norm of vitamin B needed for the body. A bucket of apples, or 2 kg of carrots or 5 lemons can provide the body with daily norm of vitamin C. It is clear that this is not expedient from an economic point of view and because of the issue of mass-dimensional indicators, which do not fully cover the needs of personnel in combat environment. Today, the daily set of dry rations (MRE) is mainly made up of canned products. It is mostly represented by animal proteins in the composition of meat and meat-vegetable preserves. We believe that in order to solve the stated problems, it is necessary to develop new dry rations (MREs) taking into account service burden, conduct an analysis of the chemical composition, and adjust the rations according to minerals and vitamins. This will contribute to increasing the resistance of the body of military personnel to intense physical and environmentally unfavorable burdens and will improve the level of their military and professional efficiency.

Utilization of isolated microbe and treated wastewater for enhanced growth of Jatropha curcas for bioremediation of fly ash amended soil

The generation of Fly Ash (FA) waste is continuously piling up with the increasing energy demand. Recent research is focused towards reutilizing this fly ash waste through bioremediation practices. But fly ash retards the growth of plants and holds back to support the bioremediation process due to a deficiency of essential main nutrients. The present research envisages overcoming this problem by providing a novel concept of inducing isolated microbes and treated wastewater which provides necessary nutrients and promotes better plant growth and metal extraction. A pot experimental study was executed with treatments T1 (FA amended soil), T2 (FA with isolated microbe), and T3 (FA with microbes and treated wastewater). As an outcome of the present research, T3 gained relatively higher morphological characteristics viz. Leaf area (29.8%), absolute growth rate (61.7%), plastochron index (18.6%), biomass yield (47.3%) and enhanced metal extraction for Fe (34.4%), Al (27.1%), Mn (72.0%), Zn (17.5%) in comparison to the control. Treatment T3 also gained higher Remediation Efficiency (RE) and Bio-Concentration Factor (BCF) values for Al, Fe, and Mn. The involvement of nutrients via treated wastewater energizes the process mechanism and increases the working zone for the microbes thereby, enhancing the bioremediation.

Dysfunctions of liver and behavioural disorders of females rats suffering from malnutrition: Physiological and histological information as a model of animal anorexia nervosa disease

Anorexia nervosa disease is an eating deficiency that occurs around 1 per 100 individuals. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of malnutrition (animal anorexia nervosa models) via removing certain elements from food on liver functions and behaviours of female rats. Eighteen Females of rats were divided into three groups: Control, in which food intake quantity was 25 g /day, moderately food-restricted Group, in which food intake quantity was 15 g /day, and severe food-restricted Group, in which food intake quantity was 5 g /day, for 90 days. Physiological parameters, liver histopathological analysis, and the behaviour measurement by multiple T maze tests were examined. All food-restricted groups observed a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in aminotransferase, Malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Antioxidant activity, acid phosphatase, hepatic protein, glycogen and serotonin levels were significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased in all food-restricted groups. The hyperactivity behaviour appeared as a feature of restricted rats. Histopathological examinations indicated a marked alteration in the hepatocyte with features of autophagy in the restricted Group. Food-restriction (animal anorexia nervosa model) in rats caused disorders in hepatic aminotransferase and serotonin levels and antioxidant activity in addition to hyperactivity behaviours with changes in the liver histological structure in the restricted Group. The study focused on the effect deficiency in essential nutrients needed by the body may have side effects on liver functions and behavioural activity of the animals linked with food searching was measured by multiple T maze tests.

Assessment of nutrient adequacy and associated factors among lactating women of rural Bangladesh using observed intake: Findings from Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey 2018-2019.

Lactating women of low- and middle-income countries are prone to develop deficiencies in essential nutrients due to various demographic and socioeconomic components. This study aimed to estimate the adequacy of dietary intake and the determinants of diet quality of lactating women in rural Bangladesh. One-day dietary recall (24-Hour recall) data of 973 lactating women were obtained from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) 2018-2019. Nutrient adequacy was determined using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point approach. The molar ratios of phytate to zinc, calcium, and iron were calculated. Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) was calculated to measure diet quality, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the sociodemographic determinants of MAR. While the intakes of protein and carbohydrate were equal to/above the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) among most of the subjects, intakes of total energy and fat were below the reference intakes for 74.4% and 98.3%, respectively. Nutrient adequacy remained unmet for riboflavin, calcium, vitamin A, and folate among most (87.2%-97.6%) of the study population, and the mean (SD) MAR was 0.72 (0.12). Cereals were the major contributor of energy and B vitamins, while protein and iron mainly came from plant-based sources. The molar ratio of phytate to iron was greater than the critical limit among most respondents. Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) (beta=0.003, p=.014) and education level (beta=0.017, p=.038) were associated with their diet quality. The diet of most lactating women in rural Bangladesh indicates the inadequacy of several micronutrients. This can lead to a worsening of the double burden of malnutrition in women. Lactating women should be given special consideration when designing food and nutrition programs for reproductive women in rural Bangladesh.

Evaluation of spray-dried eggs as a micronutrient-rich nutritional supplement

Regular consumption of hen eggs can help to prevent deficiencies of essential nutrients, such as essential amino acids, vitamin A and E or trace elements zinc and selenium, for vulnerable populations. This study focused on assessing the nutritional value of spray-dried eggs, favored by their manufacturability, storability and ease of addition to (complementary) foods. Using a wide range of analytical techniques, we recorded and compared the nutrient profiles of commercially produced pasteurized whole eggs and their respective powder samples spray-dried at 160°C. Important nutrients that were not significantly affected by spray-drying include total fat content, several amino acids, α- and δ-tocopherol, lutein, zeaxanthin, essential trace elements and cobalamin. The most notable mean losses were found for unsaturated fatty acids, e.g., linoleic (by −38.7%, from 4.11 ± 0.45 to 2.52 ± 0.75 g/100 g DM) and linolenic acid (by −60.8%, from 0.76 ± 0.05 to 0.30 ± 0.04 g/100 g DM). Despite recording significant retinol losses in two out of three batches, the overall low reduction of −14% recommend spray-dried eggs as a valuable source of vitamin A. A daily intake of spray-dried egg powder corresponding to one medium sized egg meets dietary reference values for children, e.g., by 100% for vitamin E, by 24% for retinol, by 61% for selenium and by 22% for zinc. In conclusion, even though a dry weight comparison favors supplementation with pasteurized whole eggs, our results demonstrate a high potential for spray-dried eggs as nutritional supplement. However, the spray-drying process should be optimized toward higher retentions of unsaturated fatty acids and retinol.

Food Safety Issues Across the Food Chain and the Contaminants Involved

Variety of food contaminants, toxicants and adulterants have been found to be responsible for certain health challenges such as poor utilization of nutrients upon consuming contaminated foods which ultimately results in the deficiency of essential nutrients required by the body. Sequel to this, several food borne disease outbreaks and problems of ill health in humans and animals have gained wide international recognition. Majority of food contamination occurs through naturally occurring toxins and environmental pollutants or during processing, packaging, preparing, storage, and transportation of food. At normal levels of food consumption, there is little potential for toxicity from natural food toxins. Nevertheless, there is always the possibility of an idiosyncratic response of undetected contamination. As technology advances, the detection of such contaminants becomes easier. However, there are several contaminants that are still unknown. This review provides current insight on the effects elicited by food contaminants on the body’s ability to utilize nutrients upon consuming contaminated foods. Keywords: Contaminants, Nutrients, Health Hazards, Food, Toxicants, Health hazards. DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/118-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

Evaluation of Co-Composting as an Alternative for the Use of Agricultural Waste of Spring Onions, Chicken Manure and Bio-Waste Produced in Moorland Ecosystems

Composting is an adequate method for treating and valorizing agricultural waste such as those from spring onion (SO) cultivation and chicken breeding (chicken manure–CM). However, the low content of Total Organic Carbon in the waste from SO and the high concentration of total nitrogen in CM are limitations for the composting process. This research studied the co-composting of SO and CM in a moorland ecosystem, together with locally available co-substrates such as biowaste (BW) and woodchips (WC), focusing on the effect of co-composting in process development and end-product quality. A pilot-scale experiment was carried out using three treatments in triplicated composting piles: (i) Treatment A: 43% CM + 41% BW + 16% WC; (ii) Treatment B: 52% CM + 32% SO + 16% WC, and (iii) Treatment C: 70% SO + 30% WC. Treatments A and B reached thermophilic temperatures after two days of the process start and remained at that level for 17 days. However, treatment B reached environmental temperature during curing in a shorter time (43 days) than treatment A (53 days). Treatment C did not achieve thermophilic temperatures. Tests carried out at the end of the process showed end-product stability and non-phytotoxic characteristics (germination indexes 80%). The fertility index of the products showed that treatments A and B presented values of 4.3 (over 5.0) while treatment C obtained a value of 2.5. From the perspective of agricultural use, products from the three treatments had limitations due to deficiencies in essential nutrients like phosphorus. Still, they had potential as a soil amendment for restoration processes. In summary, we have demonstrated that this waste, in combination with other organic materials, could be a good amendment for the composting process and the end product.

Dietary Change and Global Sustainable Development Goals

Food production for human consumption is a leading cause of environmental damage in the world and yet over two billion people suffer from malnutrition. Several studies have presented evidence that changes in dietary patterns across the world can lead to win-win outcomes for environmental and social sustainability and can complement ongoing technological and policy efforts to improve the efficiency of agricultural production. However, the existing evidence have been compiled in “silos” by a large range of researchers across several disciplines using different indicators. The aim of this quantitative review is to bring together the existing knowledge on heterogeneity of current dietary patterns across the world and how a transition toward healthy diets in different countries can aid in progress toward multiple global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We first summarize the nutritional quality, economic cost, and environmental footprint of current diets of over 150 countries using multiple indicators. Next, we review which shifts in dietary patterns across different world regions can help toward achievement of SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG3 (Good health and wellbeing), SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG13 (Climate action), SDG14 (Life below water), and SDG15 (Life on land). Finally, we briefly discuss how to enable the shift toward sustainable dietary patterns and identify the research and data gaps that need to be filled through future efforts. Our analysis reveals that dietary change is necessary in all countries as each one has unique priorities and action items. For regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, increased intake of nutrient dense foods is needed to address deficiency of essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin A. For North America and Europe, shifting toward more plant-based diets would be healthier and simultaneously reduce the per capita environmental footprints. The results can be useful for policymakers in designing country-specific strategies for adoption of sustainable dietary behaviors and for food industry to ensure the supply of sustainable food items customized with regions' need.

Nutrition, Epigenetics, and Major Depressive Disorder: Understanding the Connection.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex, multifactorial disorder of rising prevalence and incidence worldwide. Nearly, 280 million of people suffer from this leading cause of disability in the world. Moreover, patients with this condition are frequently co-affected by essential nutrient deficiency. The typical scene with stress and hustle in developed countries tends to be accompanied by eating disorders implying overnutrition from high-carbohydrates and high-fat diets with low micronutrients intake. In fact, currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drawn more attention to this underdiagnosed condition, besides the importance of the nutritional status in shaping immunomodulation, in which minerals, vitamins, or omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) play an important role. The awareness of nutritional assessment is greater and greater in the patients with depression since antidepressant treatments have such a significant probability of failing. As diet is considered a crucial environmental factor, underlying epigenetic mechanisms that experience an adaptation or consequence on their signaling and expression mechanisms are reviewed. In this study, we included metabolic changes derived from an impairment in cellular processes due to lacking some essential nutrients in diet and therefore in the organism. Finally, aspects related to nutritional interventions and recommendations are also addressed.

Identifying Quality Protein Maize Inbred Lines for Improved Nutritional Value of Maize in Southern Africa.

Malnutrition, as a result of deficiency in essential nutrients in cereal food products and consumption of a poorly balanced diet, is a major challenge facing millions of people in developing countries. However, developing maize inbred lines that are high yielding with enhanced nutritional traits for hybrid development remains a challenge. This study evaluated 40 inbred lines: 26 quality protein maize (QPM) lines, nine non-QPM lines, and five checks (three QPM lines and two non-QPM lines) in four optimum environments in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The objective of the study was to identify good-quality QPM inbred lines for future hybrid breeding efforts in order to increase the nutritional value of maize. The QPM lines had a lower protein content (7% lower) than that of the non-QPM lines but had 1.9 times more tryptophan and double the quality index. The lysine- and tryptophan-poor α-zein protein fraction was 41% lower in QPM than in non-QPM, with a subsequent increase in γ-zein. There was significant variation within the QPM inbred lines for all measured quality characteristics, indicating that the best lines can be selected from this material without a yield penalty. QPM lines that had both high protein and tryptophan levels, which can be used as parents for highly nutritious hybrids, were identified.