Low Micronutrient Concentrations Research Articles

Interactive influences of salinity and sodicity levels on depth-wise soil organic matter and micronutrient elements in Thailand

Soil salinity and sodicity are the major environmental issues that lead to the deterioration of soil properties, nutrient cycling, and soil ecosystems around the globe. Nevertheless, the reciprocal effects of salinity and sodicity levels on depth-wise soil organic matter (SOM) and micronutrients remain elusive, particularly in Thailand. For a better understanding of such an issue, soil samples were collected from 38 sites at depths of 0–20, 30–50, 60–80, and 80–120 cm where they were affected by salts with variable levels of salinity and sodicity, having electrical conductivity (ECe), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) from 0.20–74.70 dS m–1, and 2.74%–113.23%, respectively. Soil physicochemical properties, including distribution of sand, silt, and clay, pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B) were determined. The results exhibited that SOC content, ranging from 3.36–14.74 g kg–1, was higher in topsoil (0–20 cm) compared to the other three soil depths and it correlated negatively with ECe (0–20 and 80–120 cm) and ESP (80–120 cm), suggesting the declines in SOC amount due to high salinity and sodicity levels. Topsoil Mn concentration (0.06–182.06 mg kg–1) also tended to be greater than the other soil depths while Fe concentration in that soil depth (0.02–33.99 mg kg–1) tended to be smaller. The ECe correlated negatively with the concentrations of Fe, Cu (all soil depths), and Zn (30–50 and 60–80 cm), and positively with Mn concentration (60–80 and 80–120 cm), suggesting that the availability of Fe Cu and Zn is vulnerable to high salinity and sodicity levels. Overall, our findings highlight that high salinity and sodicity levels brought about a reduction in SOC content and low concentrations of micronutrients in soils, irrespective of Mn concentration.

Trace elements in sedimentary pyrite track redox and nutrient fluctuations in the Ediacaran/Cambrian Bambuí Group, Brazil

We apply trace element analysis of syn-sedimentary pyrite to track the redox and nutrient variations in the Ediacaran-Cambrian Bambuí Group of eastern Brazil. Sedimentary pyrite from black shales interleaved within the basal cap carbonate of the 635–600 Ma Pedro Leopoldo Member, deposited in an open marine setting connected to the global sea, preserve high Mo up to >200 ppm, erratic enrichment of micronutrients such as Cu, Ni, Ba, Zn and uniform enrichment of Se. This indicates the importance of oxidative continental weathering and development of an enhanced Redox Sensitive Elements (RSE) dissolved reservoir on the aftermath of the Marinoan glaciation, with atmospheric O2 levels, calculated from Se/Co ratios of pyrites, around 2.5–3.5 wt%. A shallow oxic layer over deep euxinic realms made possible by high concentrations of dissolved sulfate was probably maintained up to the late Ediacaran, during deposition of the Cloudina-bearing Lagoa Santa Member (585–540 Ma). Upsection, however, radical shifts to muted Mo concentrations and overall low micronutrient concentrations are recorded in the Serra de Santa Helena Formation, with O2 levels plunging below 1 wt%. This indicates the development of ferruginous bottom water conditions in a sulfate-poor setting, due to restriction of the basin by the encircling Brasiliano mountains that formed Gondwana. The restricted, oxygen-poor and nutrient-depleted conditions caused the demise of complex life forms and hampered the development of typical Ediacaran-Cambrian ecosystems. Basin re-connection might have occurred during deposition of the Lagoa do Jacaré Formation, with independent proxies such as local tidal facies indicating a return to more ventilated conditions in the upper Bambuí Group. Our results highlight the importance of basin restriction and connection over coupled redox-nutrients variations during the development of Ediacaran-Cambrian ecosystems.

Zinc-solubilizing Bacillus spp. in conjunction with chemical fertilizers enhance growth, yield, nutrient content, and zinc biofortification in wheat crop.

Micronutrient deficiency is a serious health issue in resource-poor human populations worldwide, which is responsible for the death of millions of women and underage children in most developing countries. Zinc (Zn) malnutrition in middle- and lower-class families is rampant when daily calorie intake of staple cereals contains extremely low concentrations of micronutrients, especially Zn and Fe. Looking at the importance of the problem, the present investigation aimed to enhance the growth, yield, nutrient status, and biofortification of wheat crop by inoculation of native zinc-solubilizing Bacillus spp. in conjunction with soil-applied fertilizers (NPK) and zinc phosphate in saline soil. In this study, 175 bacterial isolates were recovered from the rhizosphere of wheat grown in the eastern parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain of India. These isolates were further screened for Zn solubilization potential using sparingly insoluble zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), zinc oxide (ZnO), and zinc phosphate {Zn3(PO4)2} as a source of Zn under in vitro conditions. Of 175 bacterial isolates, 42 were found to solubilize either one or two or all the three insoluble Zn compounds, and subsequently, these isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Based on zone halo diameter, solubilization efficiency, and amount of solubilized zinc, six potential bacterial strains, i.e., Bacillus altitudinis AJW-3, B. subtilis ABW-30, B. megaterium CHW-22, B. licheniformis MJW-38, Brevibacillus borstelensis CHW-2, and B. xiamenensis BLW-7, were further shortlisted for pot- and field-level evaluation in wheat crop. The results of the present investigation clearly indicated that these inoculants not only increase plant growth but also enhance the yield and yield attributes. Furthermore, bacterial inoculation also enhanced available nutrients and microbial activity in the wheat rhizosphere under pot experiments. It was observed that the application of B. megaterium CHW-22 significantly increased the Zn content in wheat straw and grains along with other nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Mn) followed by B. licheniformis MJW-38 as compared to other inoculants. By and large, similar observations were recorded under field conditions. Interestingly, when comparing the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of wheat, bacterial inoculants showed their potential in enhancing the NUE in a greater way, which was further confirmed by correlation and principal component analyses. This study apparently provides evidence of Zn biofortification in wheat upon bacterial inoculation in conjunction with chemical fertilizers and zinc phosphate in degraded soil under both nethouse and field conditions.

The Use of Silicon Substrate Amendments to Decrease Micronutrient Concentrations at Varying Micronutrient Fertility Rates with Cannabis sativa ‘Auto CBG’

Many abiotic factors impact the yield and growth of Cannabis sativa (cannabis). Cannabis has been reported to be a bio-accumulator of heavy metals. For growers who are targeting floral production and other byproducts for human consumption, this is a concern. Silicon (Si) has been examined as a beneficial plant element to limit the uptake of heavy metals in a variety of crops. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Si on heavy metal micronutrient uptake and plant growth for greenhouse-cultivated cannabis at varying Si substrate amendments. ‘Auto CBG’ plants were grown in a 70:30 peat:perlite substrate with one of three varying calcium silicate (CaSiO3) (Si) substrate amendment rates, Si0X, Si0.5X, or Si1X (of 0.0, 1.04, and 2.07 kg⋅m−3 CaSiO3), and one of three micronutrient fertility treatments, M1X [0.49 boron (B), 0.19 copper (Cu), 4.02 iron (Fe), 0.99 manganese (Mn), 0.01 molybdenum (Mo), and 0.20 zinc (Zn) mg⋅L−1], M2X, or M4X, using a modified Hoagland’s solution, creating a 3 × 3 factorial. Plants grown with a Si1X substrate amendment exhibited a significantly lower iron concentration in the foliage and root tissue when compared with those grown in a substrate without Si. After 6 weeks of growth, Si0X plants that received a M4X fertility rate exhibited greater foliar micronutrient concentrations of B, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu than plants that received a Si substrate amendment when provided a M4X fertility rate. Additionally, lower micronutrient concentrations in floral tissue were observed in plants that received a Si substrate amendment for M2X and M4X when compared with plants that did not. Silicon substrate amendments had no impact on the cannabinoid concentration or plant growth metrics after 12 weeks of growth. This research suggests that using a Si substrate amendment in a greenhouse production system can limit excessive uptake and accumulation of micronutrients in the foliage, roots, and floral material of cannabis without negative impacts on plant growth or cannabinoid concentrations.

The effect of prepregnancy body mass index on maternal micronutrient status: a meta-analysis

The relationship between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal micronutrient status is inconsistent and has not received sufficient attention. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of prepregnancy BMI on micronutrient levels in pregnant women. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles that contained information on micronutrient levels and prepregnancy BMI. A random-effects model was used to determine the association between prepregnancy BMI and maternal micronutrient status. Sixty-one eligible articles were eventually included, with 83,554 participants. Vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, iron and ferritin were the main micronutrients evaluated in our meta-analysis. Prepregnancy obesity and overweight may lead to an increased risk of micronutrient deficiency, including vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D deficiency, while prepregnancy obesity or overweight may have no significant association with ferritin deficiency. Additionally, the results of the dose–response analyses demonstrated a possible significant inverse correlation between prepregnancy BMI and levels of micronutrient, except for iron and ferritin. Compared with women with normal weight, women who were overweight or obese prepregnancy have lower micronutrient concentrations and are more likely to exhibit micronutrient deficiency during pregnancy, which is harmful to both mothers and neonates.

The Distribution of Soil Micro-Nutrients and the Effects on Herbage Micro-Nutrient Uptake and Yield in Three Different Pasture Systems

Pasture micro-nutrient concentrations are often deficient for herbage productivity and the health of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate soil and herbage micro-nutrient content and the effects on yield on the three pasture systems of the North Wyke Farm Platform (NWFP): high-sugar grass + legume mix minus nitrogen (N) fertilizer (blue/HSG + L); permanent pasture plus N fertilizer (green/P + N); high-sugar grass plus N fertilizer (red/HSG + N). The locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations had a greater slope and higher soil organic matter (SOM) content. Herbage micro-nutrient concentrations were often greater at the locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations. The concentration and uptake of nearly all micro-nutrients was greatest in the herbage of the green/P + N system, which had the highest SOM content, whereas they were often lowest in the red/HSG + N system, which had the lowest SOM and the highest yield, indicating biomass dilution of micro-nutrients in the herbage. At the locations with high soil micro-nutrient concentrations, yield was higher than at locations with low micro-nutrient concentrations, and was equal across the three pasture systems, regardless of fertilizer N treatment. Variation in micro-nutrient uptake/yield in the blue grass–legume system was predominantly explained by the soil molybdenum (Mo) concentration, possibly relating to the requirement for Mo in biological nitrogen fixation. There was, therefore, a trade-off in ploughing and re-seeding for higher yield, with the maintenance of SOM being important for herbage micro-nutrient content.

Home gardening improves dietary diversity, a cluster-randomized controlled trial among Tanzanian women.

Homestead food production (HFP) programmes improve the availability of vegetables by providing training in growing nutrient‐dense crops. In rural Tanzania, most foods consumed are carbohydrate‐rich staples with low micronutrient concentrations. This cluster‐randomized controlled trial investigated whether women growing home gardens have higher dietary diversity, household food security or probability of consuming nutrient‐rich food groups than women in a control group. We enrolled 1,006 women of reproductive age in 10 villages in Pwani Region in eastern Tanzania, split between intervention (INT) and control (CON) groups. INT received (a) agricultural training and inputs to promote HFP and dietary diversity and (b) nutrition and public health counselling from agricultural extension workers and community health workers. CON received standard services provided by agriculture and health workers. Results were analysed using linear regression models with propensity weighting adjusting for individual‐level confounders and differential loss to follow up. Women in INT consumed 0.50 (95% CI [0.20, 0.80], p = 0.001) more food groups per day than women in CON. Women in INT were also 14 percentage points (95% CI [6, 22], p = 0.001) more likely to consume at least five food groups per day, and INT households were 6 percentage points (95% CI [−13, 0], p = 0.059) less likely to experience moderate‐to‐severe food insecurity compared with CON. This home gardening intervention had positive effects on diet quality and food security after 1 year. Future research should explore whether impact is sustained over time as well as the effects of home garden interventions on additional measures of nutritional status.

Brazilian Genetic Diversity for Desirable and Undesirable Elements in the Wheat Grain

Micronutrient deficiency affects billions of people, especially in countries where the diet is low in diversity with inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods, and higher consumption of staple food, i.e., cereals, that have low concentrations of micronutrients. Genetic biofortification is a strategy to mitigate this problem and ensure nutritional security. Wheat is a target of genetic biofortification since it contributes significantly to the caloric requirement. The biofortification process involves a screening related to the presence of genetic variability for grain mineral content. Also, the accumulation of toxic elements must be considered to ensure food safety, because if ingested above the allowed concentrations, it represents health risks. In this sense, this study aimed to quantify the micronutrients iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese and toxic elements arsenic and cadmium in a Brazilian wheat panel grown in Southern Brazil. The presence of genetic variability for the accumulation of micronutrients in the grain was detected; however, we observed that only the copper and manganese accumulation meet the human daily requirements. Iron, zinc, and selenium were detected in insufficient concentration to meet the daily demand. Arsenic and cadmium accumulation were not detected in wheat grain. The wheat genotypes grown in Brazil displayed a similar profile to that found in other countries which may be due to common high-yield breeding goals and the narrowing of the genetic variability, observed worldwide. Thus, the wheat genetic biofortification success in Brazil depends on the introduction of foreign genotypes, landraces, and wild relatives.

Associations between low muscle mass, blood-borne nutritional status and mental health in older patients

BackgroundAlthough low muscle mass is an important predictor of increased physical morbidity in older patients, information on its impact on mental health and well-being is lacking. The first aim of this report is to look for associations if any between low muscle mass and mental health of older people in clinical practice. The second aim is to study underlying mechanisms including nutritional status.MethodsIn this prospective longitudinal study we randomly selected and studied 432 hospitalized older patients’ baseline demographic data, clinical characteristics and nutritional status on admission, at 6 weeks and at 6 months. Low muscle mass was diagnosed using anthropometric measures based on the European Working Group criteria. Mental health outcome measures including cognitive state, depression symptoms and quality of life were also measured.ResultsOut of 432 patients assessed 44 (10%) were diagnosed with low muscle mass. Patients diagnosed with low muscle mass at admission and over a 6-month follow up period had significantly poor cognitive function, quality of life and increased depression symptoms compared with those with normal muscle mass. After adjustment for poor prognostic indicators, age, disability, severity of acute illness and low muscle mass were associated with poor cognitive function and quality of life and higher depression symptoms in older patients over a 6 months period (p < 0.05). Although patients with low muscle mass had lower micronutrient concentrations compared to those patients with normal muscle mass, only serum albumin showed significant correlations with quality of life at admission and depression symptoms at 6 weeks.ConclusionLow muscle mass is associated with poor blood-borne poor nutritional status and mental health in hospitalized older patients, however, this is partly explained by underlying co morbidity.

Influência da vitamina B12 e do ácido fólico sobre distúrbios cognitivos em idosos

No envelhecimento é comum a ocorrência de algum nível de comprometimento funcional como consequência de problemas de saúde próprios dessa fase da vida. A literatura demonstra a importância dos micronutrientes para prevenção ou controle desses agravos. Nesse contexto, a vitamina B12 e o ácido fólico (B9) merecem destaque, pois sua deficiência está associada a complicações que podem diminuir a qualidade de vida dessa população. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão para descrever aspectos importantes relativos a associação entre B12 e B9 na saúde cognitiva de idosos. Foram utilizados um total de 16 artigos para compor a revisão, divididos em 3 categorias de análise que relacionam esses micronutrientes com a ocorrência de doença de Alzheimer, perda de cognição e presença de depressão em idosos. Foram observados baixos níveis de B12 e B9 na doença de Alzheimer. A maioria dos artigos relacionou redução dos níveis das vitaminas com baixa performance no desempenho cognitivo, e por fim, foram verificadas baixas concentrações dos micronutrientes em idosos com depressão. Com base no exposto infere-se que a deficiência de B12 e B9 está associada ao aumento da concentração de homocisteína e ácido metilmalônico que provocam alterações no sistema nervoso central, resultando especialmente em depressão e comprometimento cognitivo, tornando importante a avaliação rotineira dos níveis dessas vitaminas em idosos visto que constituem um grupo de alta vulnerabilidade.

Managing the interactions between soil abiotic factors to alleviate the effect of Fusarium wilt in bananas

Soil management offers various options to alleviate the effects of Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) in bananas. Nevertheless, it receives little attention as a strategy in Fusarium wilt management. Literature provides ample evidence linking soil conditions such as soil texture and fertility to the spread and severity of plant diseases. However, the inconsistency of results between case studies limits the attention of soil management in crop disease management. The present study aimed at unravelling the role of soil abiotic factors on nutrient concentrations in plant tissue, biomass production and the incidence of Fusarium wilt (Foc race 1) in bananas ('Gros Michel', AAA) under field conditions. A large field trial was established in which the effects of soil pH and nutrients (N, Ca, Mg and Mn) were studied. Around 30% of the plants showed symptoms of Fusarium wilt at flowering in the first season. However, Fusarium wilt incidence did not vary between treatments. Soil pH showed significant interactions with soil N and Mn concentrations resulting in a lower bunch weight and increased micronutrient concentrations in the pseudostem. With a higher pH, bunch weight increased, although higher Mn concentrations suppressed this positive effect. Interactions between a high soil pH and Ca and Mg resulted in a higher bunch weight and lower micronutrient concentrations in the pseudostem. The results can be used to develop soil management strategies for improving banana productivity in infected plantations.

How soil and elevation shape local plant biodiversity in a Mediterranean hotspot

Elucidating how evolutionary and ecological factors drive the assemblage of communities in biodiversity hotspots remains an important challenge. This currently impedes our ability to predict the responses of communities to the ongoing global changes in these major world’s biodiversity reservoirs. Here, we focus on the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a core region of the Baetic-Rifan biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean, and explore the relative importance of soil properties and elevation in shaping phylogenetic and functional diversity of shrub communities. We recorded the total number of each species in community transects across elevation gradients and contrasting soil conditions, and measured some ecologically relevant functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf carbon:nitrogen ratio, plant height and blooming duration). Phylogenetic distances among species were inferred from a genus-level time-calibrated molecular phylogeny. Elevation was the main factor predicting phylogenetic and functional alpha diversity of plant communities. Species in high-elevation communities were phylogenetically distant but functionally similar, being relatively smaller and having relatively short blooming durations, whilst species in low-elevation communities showed the opposite pattern. Beta diversity in SLA and leaf C:N ratio based on species incidences were positively correlated with a soil pH and micronutrient gradient. Specifically, communities that develop on soils of high pH and low micronutrient concentrations showed low SLA values and high leaf C:N ratios, whilst communities on soils of lower pH and high micronutrient concentrations showed the opposite pattern. We conclude that soil properties and elevation simultaneously shape the structure of Mediterranean shrub communities by differentially acting on the different dimensions of the species niches. Elevation seems to filter plant height and phenology-related traits whereas nutrient-related functional traits are more related to soil properties. Our study illustrates the primary role of environmental heterogeneity for the maintenance of diversity in Mediterranean mountain ecosystems.

Climate versus geological controls on glacial meltwater micronutrient production in southern Greenland

Low concentrations of micronutrients in subarctic North Atlantic surface waters limit phytoplankton growth. Iron, phosphorous, and silicon are all potentially bio-limiting nutrients; iron is the most well documented in the subarctic North Atlantic. Manganese, nickel, copper and zinc are also essential trace metals for phytoplankton cell function. However, the spatial and temporal variability in the flux of these elements to the subarctic North Atlantic is undercharacterized. Here we show new data from the meltseason peak in 2013 indicating that glacial meltwater from the southern tip of Greenland has elevated dissolved major and trace metal concentrations compared to glacial meltwater draining shorter melt season glacial catchments to the north. Fe concentrations range from 0.13 to 6.97 μM, Zn from 4 to 95 μM, and Si from 4 to 36 μM, all higher than the depleted surface waters of the subarctic North Atlantic. Measured hydrochemical data modeled by PHREEQC indicates meltwater is undersaturated in pyrite and silicate phases but supersaturated with respect to oxyhydroxides, hematite and goethite, all phases that precipitate Fe as colloids, of which the nanoparticle phases should remain biologically available. The variability in geologic units between the sites indicates that subglacial lithology is a minor but not the dominant control on meltwater chemistry. The disparity in concentrations is directly correlated with climate, and an extended melt season, suggesting that future warming in Greenland will lead to increased trace element, and potential micronutrient, flux to the subarctic North Atlantic surface waters.

Water and Nitrogen Management on Micronutrient Concentrations in Winter Wheat

Water status and N fertility are the critical factors in micronutrient accumulation in grain of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This field experiment was conducted to examine whether the changes in N fertility and water management can influence micronutrient concentration and bioavailability in wheat grown in soils with existing low micronutrient concentrations within drought‐prone regions. The results indicate that fertilizer N (120 or 240 kg N ha−1) application significantly improved grain Zn, Fe, Cu, and protein concentration with a mean increase of 24.7, 39.2, 18.6, 23.9% in 2009/2010 and 8.9, 21.1, 10.5, 29.6% in 2010/2011, respectively, when compared with the unfertilized treatment. However, grain Mn concentration in both cropping seasons were significantly decreased (on average by 8.4%) by N fertilization. Compared to the no irrigation treatment (NI), the water‐saving treatment (RF) significantly increased grain Zn by an average of 13.2%, grain Fe by 22.2%, grain Mn by 4.4%, and grain protein by 8.3%. Grain phytic acid (PA) concentration and PA/micronutrient ratios were on average 28.0 and 32.2% lower in the N fertilized treatment than in the unfertilized treatment. Decreasing the N application rate from 240 to 120 kg N ha−1 did not affect much of the grain nutritional quality, with the exception of a significant decrease in grain Zn concentration, and a significant increase in grain PA concentrations and the PA/Zn molar ratio. These data demonstrate the importance of monitoring grain Zn concentrations, and perhaps the inclusion of supplemental Zn when adopting alternative N fertilizer management regimes in northern China.

Alleviation of drought stress in winter wheat by late foliar application of zinc, boron, and manganese

AbstractIn many regions, drought during flowering and grain‐filling inhibits micronutrient acquisition by roots resulting in yield losses and low micronutrient concentrations in cereal grains. A field and a greenhouse experiment were conducted to study the effect of foliar applications of zinc (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn) at late growth stages of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown with or without drought stress from booting to maturity. Foliar applications of Zn, B, and Mn did not affect grain yield in the absence of drought. However, under drought, foliar application of Zn and B in the field increased grain yield (15% and 19%, respectively) as well as raising grain Zn and B concentration, while Zn and Mn sprays in the greenhouse increased grain yield (13% and 10%, respectively), and also increased grain Zn and Mn concentrations. Furthermore, under drought stress both in the field and greenhouse experiment the rate of photosynthesis, pollen viability, number of fertile spikes, number of grains per spike, and particularly water‐use efficiency (WUE) were increased by late foliar application of micronutrients. These results indicate that by increasing WUE foliar application of Zn, B, and Mn at booting to anthesis can reduce the harmful effects of drought stress that often occur during the late stages of winter wheat production. These findings therefore are of high relevance for farmers' practice, the extension service, and fertilizer industry.

Abundance of trace elements in demonstration biogas plants

Ten biogas plants across Europe were investigated for the concentrations of trace elements in their digestates. Many of these trace elements are important micro nutrients and act as microbial agents responsible for the anaerobic digestion of organic material. Great variations in concentrations from biogas plant to biogas plant were found covering a range of 1–2 orders of magnitude. No deficit of nutrients was detected in any of the biogas plants tested, but those plants with high inputs of energy crops and manure had lower values. Also biogas plants feeding high amounts of glycerol in addition to their agricultural feedstock generally showed low concentrations of micro nutrients. The highest concentrations of nutrients were detected at biogas plants fed by bleaching earth. Biogas plants fed with wastes like blood, kitchen and food waste also revealed higher concentrations of micro nutrients.

Micronutrient status in children with cerebral palsy

To investigate micronutrient status in a group of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-six children with CP, aged 1.5-17 years, completed a 4-day food diary, underwent anthropometric measurements and delivered blood for analysis of micronutrient concentrations. Low intake of iron, folate, niacin, calcium, vitamin E and vitamin D was common, even among those who were receiving nutritional supplements. Laboratory tests revealed low serum concentration of folate in eight children, alpha-tocopherol in six children, ferritin in five children and pyridoxal-5-phosphate in three children. Two participants were low in zinc and one was low in selenium. Severely disabled children received nutrition supplements more frequently than those with less severe disability (71% vs.16%, p = 0.01). Tube feeding and use of nutrition supplements was reflected in higher concentrations of micronutrients in blood and serum. Low intake of micronutrients as well as low micronutrient concentrations was common in this heterogenic group of children with CP. Children with neurological disabilities should have their nutritional status evaluated in order to ascertain sufficient intake of micronutrients.

Cytokines related to nutritional status in patients with untreated pulmonary tuberculosis in Indonesia.

Although several studies have dealt with the patterns of cytokine production in tuberculosis, little is known about the association between nutrient deficiencies and cytokines in tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to assess the concentration of cytokines related to nutritional status during tuberculosis. In 41 untreated tuberculosis patients and matched healthy controls in an urban hospital in Indonesia, we measured: height and weight, parameters of iron, vitamin A and zinc; and cytokines concentrations in the circulation and production in whole blood cultures. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Patients with cavities (n=26) had higher concentrations of IL-6 than patients without cavities (n=15). Body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 was associated with high concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-6. Anaemia was associated with high concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1ra. Zinc deficiency was associated with high LPS-stimulated production of TNF-alpha and IL-1ra. Marginal plasma retinol concentrations were associated with high concentrations of IL-6 after LPS stimulation. In conclusion, low concentrations of micronutrients in tuberculosis were associated with increased cytokine production. An intervention study would allow causality to be examined.

Soil pH and the Foliar Macronutrient/Micronutrient Balance of Green and Interveinally Chlorotic Pin Oaks

Soil pH values around chlorotic pin oaks and green pin oaks were significantly different to a depth of 55 cm. Throughout that depth, average values around green trees were 6.1–6.8; those around chlorotic trees averaged 7.2–7.4 and were within a total range of 6.7–7.9. Mean foliar concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Zn were each significantly lower in chlorotic tree foliage for at least 1 of the 3 seasonal sampling periods. Mean concentrations of P, K, and Mg were each significantly higher in chlorotic tree foliage for at least 1 of the 3 sampling periods. Eighty-six percent of all chlorotic tree samples (159) could be distinguished from all green tree samples (124) either by lower micronutrient concentrations or higher macronutrient/micronutrient ratios. As treated trees progressed from a chlorotic to a totally green condition, each underwent reductions in foliar N and P concentrations. Green trees fertilized with ammonium phosphate had significantly lower concentrations of Fe, Cu, and K + Ca + Mg concurrent with significantly higher concentrations of N and P when compared to the controls. It is concluded that chlorotic pin oaks should not be deemed as simply iron-deficient and that indiscriminant fertilization of pin oaks or the lawns around them with NPK fertilizers may be deleterious.