Source Of Minerals Research Articles

Exploring Potential of Organo-mineral Fertilizers in Augmenting Crop Yield and Quality – A Review

Inorganic fertilizers are essential for improving crop yield and quality through enhanced crop efficiency. However, their continuous use often causes nutrient imbalances, leading to poor yield and quality. Organic manures, while effective in improving soil fertility and crop productivity, face challenges such as limited availability, variable quality, transportation issues, heavy metal contamination and slow nutrient release. The exclusive dependence of either organic or inorganic fertilizers has not adequately fulfilled the increasing demands for enhanced agricultural output and quality. To address these challenges, organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) have emerged as an innovative solution. OMFs are derived from the combination of mineral and organic nutrient sources, integrating the benefits of both. This low input technology supplies nutrients in balanced quantities that are readily and steadily available throughout the growing season. OMFs improve soil physical properties, enhance fertility and support sustainable crop production. They also promote plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, offering a holistic approach to agricultural challenges. The development of OMFs aligns with the recycling of urban, industrial and agricultural residues, reducing dependency on raw materials for chemical fertilizers and contributing to environmental sustainability. Advances in OMF preparation, using various mineral and organic matrices, have demonstrated their ability to address nutrient deficiencies, particularly in tropical soils, where poor fertility often limits productivity. OMFs enhance soil physico-chemical and biological properties, addressing soil degradation while improving crop yield and quality. They ensure an optimal supply of nutrients, support long-term soil health and align with modern fertilizer management strategies aimed at sustainable agricultural productivity. In conclusion, OMFs are a promising solution for boosting crop quality and yield while maintaining soil fertility. By incorporating the advantages of organic and inorganic inputs, they provide a balanced, sustainable, and efficient strategy to address growing demands for food production.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Sensory Properties of Spent Laying Hen Burgers Formulated with Cashew Pomace Flour

Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding different proportions of cashew flour on the quality characteristics of burgers from spent laying hens’ meat. Methods: Spent laying hens (~ 60 weeks old) were used to prepare hamburgers containing different proportions (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of cashew flour, which were evaluated for chemical and nutritional composition, pH, retention capacity of water, instrumental color, cooking yield and sensory aspects. Results and Discussion: The addition of cashew flour significantly increased the levels of total fiber, carbohydrates and minerals (calcium and iron). It decreased the levels of moisture, fat, protein, and percentage of shrinkage proportionally compared to the other formulations. The burger formulation with up to 5% had greater acceptance and purchase intention. However, burgers formulated with increased cashew fiber flour up to 15% produced darker samples, with an aftertaste and a more brittle texture. Conclusion: Thus, it was concluded that using cashew fiber flour as a dietary supplement increases the nutritional value and did not affect the sensory characteristic of hamburgers made from meat from discarded laying hens, making them a source of mineral and dietary fiber.

Valor nutrimental de una receta basada en la “Dieta de la Milpa”: Tortitas de quelites. Hacia una alimentación saludable y sostenible.

Currently, modernization has had a negative effect on Mexican culinary traditions and this has an impact on the environment. The Milpa diet is a traditional Mexican food pattern that uses beans, corn, chili and pumpkin as a base, and also integrates the consumption of other local and traditional foods such as a wide variety of vegetables. One of these vegetables is quelites, it is a type of edible leaves, which provide an important source of vitamins and minerals. Rescuing the consumption of these foods is of utmost importance for a sustainable and healthy diet. Therefore, the objective of this study is the nutritional value of a recipe based on the “Milpa Diet”: Quelites pancakes. To inform about the relevance and health benefits of consuming this type of recipes.

Organic modes of occurrence and evolution mechanism of germanium and lithium in coal: Insights from density functional theory

Critical elements in coal, such as Ge and Li, recently have attracted attention due to their economic significance. Modes of occurrence of these critical elements are academically and practically important, because they can not only provide evidence for sources of elements and minerals in coal and regional geological background information, but also help with design of recovery methods. However, conventional analytical methods are unable to observe precisely the organic binding sites of Ge and Li in coal, and this limits the understanding of their enrichment mechanism and the improvements for recovery techniques. In this study, organic modes of occurrence and evolution mechanism of Ge4+ and Li+ were investigated at the atom level by constructing molecular models of Ge- and Li-rich coals combined with density functional theory (DFT) methods. The solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and helium pycnometry analyses indicate that the molecular formulas of Ge- and Li-rich coals are C166H162N2O32 and C153H174N2O24S, respectively. The DFT analysis reveals that the binding sites for Ge4+ in Ge-rich coal are located near the carboxyl group (-COOH) and the pyrrole ring, while those for Li+ in Li-rich coal are near the carbonyl group (-C=O) and the pyrrole ring. The Ge4+ is immobilized in the Ge-rich coal molecular model through coordination bonds with the O atom in the -COOH and the C atom in the pyrrole ring, while being away from the N atom in the pyrrole ring. Li+ forms a coordination bond with the O atom in the -C=O and additional coordination bond with the nearby hydroxyl group during binding to the pyrrole ring. The impact of coal rank on the organic modes of occurrence of Ge4+ and Li+ was investigated using Wender coals of different ranks, which were one of the earliest proposed coal models. At the lignite stage, oxygen-containing functional groups and aromatic rings show a strong binding ability to Ge4+ and Li+, facilitating their enrichment in coals. Along with coal rank advance to bituminous coal, the reduction of oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., -COOH and -C=O) and the relatively low condensation of aromatic rings decrease binding sites for Ge4+ and Li+, and the binding ability also decline, resulting in a decrease in their concentration. In anthracite stage, highly condensed aromatic rings provide binding sites for Ge4+ and Li+. The strong binding ability of aromatic rings to Ge4+ indicates that it is probably enriched in anthracite, whereas Li+ is difficult to enrich owing to its relatively weak binding ability to aromatic rings. The low content of oxygen-containing functional groups in anthracite reduces their effect on the organic modes of occurrence of Ge4+ and Li+. This study elucidates the organic modes of occurrence and evolution mechanism of Ge4+ and Li+ from the perspective of coal structure, providing fundamental insights for future research on the interaction between organic and inorganic matter within coal.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure treatment on in vitro digestibility and in vivo glycemic response of sweet potato flour: Effects of HHP on digestibility and glycemic response of sweet potato starch

Sweet potato is a rich source of resistant starch, fibre, vitamins and minerals, which is associated with healthy benefits. In this study, the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment at 200–600 MPa on the digestibility of sweet potato flour (SPF) through starch composition analysis, in vitro digestion assays, and glycemic index (GI) and response in diabetic mice. Changes in the morphology of starch granules post-treatment were observed using an scanning electron microscope (SEM). Treatments at 400 and 600 MPa increased amylose in sweet potato starch and significantly increased the proportion of slowly digestible starch (SDS), as indicated by in vitro digestion assays. Resistant starch content decreased, with no significant change in rapidly digestible starch. Peak glucose levels in diabetic mice post-consuming SPF treated at 400 and 600 MPa were 476 and 514, respectively, significantly lower than 608 in the control group. The area under the curve (AUC) of 400 MPa treated-SPF is 14% lower than control SPF. The GI of SPF in the control group was 78.6, reducing to 66.2 and 68.3 post-HHP treatment at 400 and 600 MPa, respectively, with no significant difference in the 200 MPa group from that of the control group. SEM observations showed that damage to starch granules increased with increasing processing pressure. HHP caused the starch granules to gelatinize and recoagulate, forming an irregular shape. The HHP treatment changed the composition of SPF, significantly increasing SDS content and it stabilized postprandial blood glucose levels and reduced GI, rendering it a potential method to develop processed products of sweet potatoes with a low GI, providing a novel technical option for developing health-promoting products.

Fortification of Mangrove Crab Shell Flour (Scylla serrata) as a Mineral Source in Functional Cookie Formulation

The importance of calcium and magnesium intake for health, especially bones, teeth, and the nervous system, encourages the development of functional food products rich in minerals. Mangrove crab shell (Scylla serrata) is a waste with calcium-magnesium content that is beneficial for health. This study aims to determine the potential calcium and magnesium content in cookies fortified with mud crab shell flour. The research design used a complete randomised design (CRD). Crab shell flour fortification concentration was 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15%. Repetition was done 4 times. Data were analysed using the variance analysis (ANOVA) method. The results significantly affected increased calcium and magnesium levels of cookies fortified with mud crab shell flour. The calcium content of cookies ranged from 65.325 – 1,802.773 mg/kg, and magnesium in cookies ranged from 82.719 – 188.553 mg/kg, so cookies with the fortification of mangrove crab shell flour can be used as an alternative functional food product for calcium and magnesium mineral sources.

Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry) Exerts Neuroprotective Effects on Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Background: Stroke is one of the most important causes of mortality and disability in the world. Over 80% of strokes are ischemic, resulting from blockages in cerebral arteries. Increasing evidence suggests that enriching the diet with nutritional antioxidants could decrease brain damage and enhance cognitive function. Cornelian cherry has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is introduced as a potential source of active ingredients, like anthocyanins, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and minerals. Objective: Our research study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective impact of Cornus mas L. (cornelian cherry) on a rat model of Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury (CIRI). Methods: Middle cerebral artery blockage induced CIRI for 60 minutes. After inducing CIRI, intraperitoneal injections of Cornus mas Extract (CME) were administered for 14 days in a dosedependent manner (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight). The effects of CME on learning and memory recovery were evaluated using a shuttle box behavioral test. Two weeks following CIRI, several factors of oxidative stress, such as nitrite (NO2-), Ferric ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured in the hippocampal tissues and serum. Anti-inflammatory genes, such as miR-125b, and the target genes (TNF-α and iNOS) were evaluated via real-time PCR assay. Additionally, neural damage in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus was assessed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Results: The avoidance time in the shuttle-box behavior test supported our finding that CME exhibited improved fear memory. Furthermore, it increased the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal post-stroke pyramidal cell layers. Levels of NO2- and MDA were decreased, and FRAP was considerably increased in both the hippocampus and serum by CME. Additionally, CME increased miR-125b expression, while modulating TNF-α and iNOS production in the hippocampal regions. Conclusion: Based on our findings, we can conclude CME to possess antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, which confer neuroprotective potential against CIRI, thereby protecting neurons from ischemic death.

Mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of the Ibaga copper ore deposit in Singida-Tanzania: Implication for source of copper mineralization and ore quality

The Ibaga copper deposit in the Nzega-Sekenke terrane is hosted in meta-sedimentary rocks and it has been rudimentarily mined by small scale miners for more than a decade. To study mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of the deposit, samples from outcrops and mining pit were collected for XRD, XRF and ICP-MS analysis. Results show that the ore is composed of chalcopyrite, covellite, cuprite, malachite and azurite as ore minerals; whereas augite, chlorite, actinolite, greenalite, birnessite, quartz, magnetite, berlinite, cristobalite, hematite, calcite and parisite are gangue minerals. The deposit is characterized by Cu (3.2–31.3 wt %), Fe (2.1–25.1 wt %), Ag (0.6–16.6 wt %) and lower concentration of penalized impurities Sb, Bi, As, Cd and (Al2O3 + MgO) than threshold limit set by copper smelters and refineries. The ore shows significant variation of Y/Ho = 21.75–40.00, Zr/Hf = 23.33–58.61 and Nb/Ta = 4.20–27.17. Presence of higher REE values of up to 2000 ppm in sample BG04 due to REE minerals known as parisite indicates that the deposit is potential prospect for REE. Consistent with the granites, the ore has Sm/Nd < 0.24 and enriched in LREE relative to HREE where ∑LREE/∑HREE = 4.7–9.0 and La/Lu = 32–769.3. The scatter plot of δCe versus δEu for ore and rock samples suggests closer genetic relationship between the ore, granite and quartz-sericite-schist. These results imply that the granitic intrusion triggered mineralization by skarnification into meta-sedimentary rocks and subsequently the ore underwent supergene enrichment.

Unraveling the genetic type and metallogenetic mechanism of the oldest uranium deposit associated with granitoid, South China: A comprehensive analysis of whole-rock geochemistry, and elemental and U-Pb isotopic signatures of uranium minerals

The Daliang deposit in the Motianling area of South China is unique for its synchronous uranium mineralization with regional metamorphism. To elucidate its genetic mechanism, whole-rock geochemistry from the Daliang deposit was undertaken, along with analyses of the chemical and isotopic signatures of minerals. The Motianling granitoids exhibit strongly peraluminous S-type affinities with low Th/U ratios, representing a uranium source for mineralization. Altered mineralogical and geochemical signatures of altered and ore samples indicate a multi-stage history after granitic emplacement: (1) Late magmatic-hydrothermal alteration characterized by greisenization, K-feldspathization, and propylitization; and (2) brittle-ductile deformation with uranium mineralization. Notably, ore-stage alteration mineral contains chlorite + quartz + sericite, which is consistent with the mineral assemblage of low-greenschist facies metamorphism. EMPA and LA-ICPMS dating on pitchblende yielded ages of 378 and 380 Ma, coinciding with the timing of regional ductile deformation. The pitchblende exhibits weak fractionation between LREEs and HREEs and negative Eu anomalies, mirroring characteristics observed in syn-metamorphic uranium deposits. Therefore, we suggest that uranium mineralization within the Daliang was related to crustal metamorphism, and the Daliang deposit belongs to syn-metamorphic deposit. Fluids likely have been liberated from the acidic brines-bearing Sibao Group that underwent low-greenschist facies metamorphism. Paleozoic intracontinental orogeny in South China resulted in brittle-ductile deformation in the Motianling pluton. These zones provided favorable pathways for the migration of ore-forming fluids and subsequent uranium mineralization. Late Devonian retro-metamorphism facilitated the percolation of oxidizing metamorphic fluids into the Motianling granitoids, circulating along the pre-existing brittle-ductile zones. This study presents the first evidence for syn-metamorphic uranium deposits within the granite of South China. This finding suggests potentially distinct mineralization mechanisms compared to traditional granite-related uranium deposits in the region, warranting further investigation.

Replacing sulfate with hydroxychloride sources of trace minerals modulated the growth performance and plasma indicators of inflammation and energy metabolism in beef heifers during periods of feed restriction and adaptation to a high-starch diet.

This study evaluated the effects of different sources (sulfate vs. hydroxychloride) of Cu, Mn, and Zn during feed restriction and high-starch diet on heifer growth performance. On day 0, Nelore heifers (n = 40) were stratified by body weight (BW = 238 ± 38kg) and age (21 ± 1 mo), and individually allocated into 1 of 40 drylot pens. The study was divided into periods of pen acclimation (day 0 to 27), nutrient surplus (day 28 to 55), nutrient restriction (day 56 to 83), and step-up adaptation to a high-starch diet (day 84 to 112). Heifers had free choice access to Tifton hay (Cynodon sp.) and salt from day 0 to 27. On day 28, 20 heifers/treatment were randomly assigned to receive free choice access to Tifton hay and protein supplementation at 0.10% of BW (dry matter, DM) added with sulfate (SUL) or hydroxychloride (HYD) sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn from day 28 to 112. From day 56 to 83, heifers were offered 50% of the average hay DM intake obtained from day 50 to 55. From day 84 to 112, each respective protein supplement was mixed with a starch-based total mixed ration (TMR) and concentrate DM amount was gradually increased every 7 days (starting with 35% concentrate and 65% hay on day 84 and ending with 80% concentrate and 20% hay from day 106 to 112). Effects of treatment × day and treatment were not detected (P ≥ 0.37) for heifer BW, fecal pH, average daily gain (ADG), and DM intake, except for ADG from day 28 to 56, which was less (P = 0.05) for SUL vs. HYD heifers. Effects of treatment × day were detected (P = 0.02) for plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and haptoglobin. Plasma concentrations of IGF-1 were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for HYD vs. SUL heifers on days 56, 70, 77, 84, and 91. Plasma concentration of haptoglobin was greater (P = 0.05) for SUL vs. HYD heifers on day 63. Effects of treatment × day of the study and treatment were not detected (P ≥ 0.35) for plasma concentrations of cortisol, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Thus, Nelore heifers offered hydroxychloride sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn exhibited greater plasma concentrations of IGF-1 and a temporary increase in ADG during nutrient surplus compared to those receiving sulfate sources. While hydroxychloride supplementation reduced the acute phase response early in nutrient restriction, it did not improve growth and plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, cortisol, NEFA and BHBA during nutrient restriction and adaptation to a high-starch diet.

Effect of calcium on quality parameters in three varieties of tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. at harvest and after four and eight months of cold storage conservation

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) is one of the most important food crops worldwide, being a carbohydrate-rich food and &amp;nbsp;resenting a good source of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the mineral enrichment of potatoes through foliar application &amp;nbsp;as been implemented over the years, namely in calcium (Ca). As such, this study aimed to assess the Ca effect on some &amp;nbsp;uality parameters in three varieties of tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. plants produced in Portugal (Agria, Picasso, and &amp;nbsp;ossi) and submitted to Ca biofortification process carried out with two types of Ca (CaCl2 and Ca-EDTA) and two different &amp;nbsp;oncentrations (12 and 24 kg.ha-1), at harvest and after four and eight months under cold storage conservation. The Ca &amp;nbsp;ontent increased with the biofortification treatments in the three varieties relative to control tubers and different &amp;nbsp;orrelations were observed between the mineral elements analyzed (Ca, P, K, Fe, Zn, and Mg). Only Agria (the control and &amp;nbsp;reatment with 24 kg.ha-1 of Ca-EDTA) was found suitable for industrial processing in the three periods analyzed (harvest, 4M and 8M) and overall, both in raw and cooked tubers, there were differences between each variety considering the work strength, adhesiveness and CIELAB parameters (L, a*, and b*).

WILD FRUITS – A REVIEW OF FOOD AND MEDICAL IMPORTANCE

Wild fruits can be consumed in different forms, both fresh and integrated into processed foods such as spreads, juices, or even pastries and confectionery. Introducing them as functional foods into the daily menu can contribute to postponing or avoiding the onset of certain diseases, constituting an important source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with significant prophylactic effects. The wide range of benefits brought by consuming these fruits represents an important source of food supplements useful in primary medicine. The purpose of this paper was to review the specialized literature regarding the methods of consuming wild fruits and the beneficial effects of this habit on human health.

Biomagnetic monitoring of the spatial distribution of atmospheric particulate matter in an industrialized city in Japan: Case study at Muroran

&lt;p&gt;Japan has 111 active volcanoes, supplying a great amount of magnetically-enhanced fly ashes. Such fly ashes likely mask anthropogenic magnetic signals; therefore, only a few magnetic biomonitoring studies have been reported in active volcanic regions, including Japan. The environmental magnetic results are reported for the materials deposited on Sasa Kurilensis, also known as dwarf bamboo, in the vicinity of the industrialized Muroran city center in Japan. The dust on the ten leaves at 105 sites was wiped off with a commercial wipe sheet, and their rock magnetic properties were analyzed. Room- and low-temperature magnetic analyses indicate that the major magnetic mineral in the dust is partially oxidized magnetite, ranging from single to pseudo single domain size, and the magnetic mineralogy on the leaves’ surface remains consistent throughout the study area. Much higher saturation isothermal remanent magnetization intensities are observed in the city’s eastern parts. The dominant wind directions in Muroran city are northwest, indicating that the steel companies in the city center are the major source of the fine-grained magnetic minerals on the dwarf bamboo leaves. These results indicate that using the leaves of dwarf bamboo for magnetic biomonitoring can be a non-destructive and rapid method to study the spatial distribution of atmospheric particulate matter from local industrial activities, even in active volcanic areas.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Elucidation of the genetic diversity of desi-type chickpeas in relation to their adaptability to various autumn weather conditions

Chickpeas are one of the most important sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It has been proven that cultivating them in autumn leads to an increase in seed yield. However, the cultivation of this crop is limited in many parts of the world during autumn due to its low tolerance for cold temperatures. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of 27 desi-type chickpea genotypes in three regions with different climates during autumn cultivation using multivariate analysis. Agro-morphological attributes were used to differentiate and group the selected genotypes. The seed yield in Mashhad ranged from 0.10 to 1.71 t ha−1, in Jolgeh rokh from 0.12 to 1.66 t ha−1, and in Shirvan from 0.63 to 1.48 t ha−1. In all three regions, there was a strong and positive correlation between seed yield and biological yield. Three principal components were identified in all three regions, explaining a significant proportion of the total variability. The first principal component had a high negative coefficient in all three regions for seed yield and biological yield. According to the cluster analysis, the genotypes of the fifth group in Mashhad exhibited superiority in terms of five traits. In Jolgeh rokh and Shirvan, the genotypes of the first group, which had seven traits (all of which were significant based on ANOVA), were also superior to the genotypes of the other groups. The results of the stepwise regression analysis showed that in three regions, the two traits, biological yield and harvest index, were found to be significant factors in explaining the seed yield of chickpeas. The findings of this study indicate that the use of multivariate statistical methods is appropriate for identifying the agro-morphological traits that affect the yield of chickpeas in different climates.

The Impact of Biotechnology in Shaping the Modern Agriculture

Advances in biotechnology have created new opportunities for food diversity in terms of both quantity and quality, as well as for collecting food in proportion to the world's expanding population and ensuring food security. With the advancement of molecular biology, DNA sequencing, and recombinant DNA in the middle of the 20th century, modern-day advancement of molecular breeding gave rise to genetic engineering and recombinent DNA techniques that are today frequently connected to biotechnology. This expansion has been facilitated by a variety of fields, including genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. The use of genetic engineering in agriculture has grown due to its ability to precisely create and insert a gene from any living organism. Molecular markers are also utilized to identify disease and pest resistance in order to increase agricultural output using traditional techniques. Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in agriculture, representing the scientific and technical advancement of traditional methods for crop enhancement. Recombinant DNA technology, RNA interference, and CRISPR genomic editing are some of the instruments and methods used in genetic engineering. The emergence of biotechnological innovations aimed at improving the nutritional composition of individual foods has led to the growing problem of a malnourished world population, where a growing number of people rely on large regions of the world for food used as the only source of protein, carbohydrates, fats and several essential minerals and vitamins, in addition to being a source of energy.

De Novo Transcriptome Assembly of Rice Bean (Vigna umbellata) and Characterization of WRKY Transcription Factors Response to Aluminum Stress.

Rice bean is an underutilized legume crop cultivated in Asia, and it is a good source of protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids for human consumption. Moreover, the leaves left over after harvesting rice bean seeds contain various biological constituents beneficial to humans and animals. In our study, we performed a de-novo transcriptome assembly of rice bean, characterized the WRKY transcription factors, and studied their response to aluminum stress. A total of 46.6 million clean reads, with a GC value of 43%, were generated via transcriptome sequencing. De novo assembly of the clean reads resulted in 90,933 transcripts and 74,926 unigenes, with minimum and maximum lengths of 301 bp and 24,052 bp, and N50 values of 1801 bp and 1710 bp, respectively. A total of 27,095 and 28,378 unigenes were annotated and subjected to GO and KEGG analyses. Among the unigenes, 15,593, 20,770, and 15,385 unigenes were identified in the domains of biological process, molecular function, and cellular component, respectively. A total of 16,132 unigenes were assigned to 188 pathways, including metabolic pathways (5500) and secondary metabolite biosynthesis (2858). Transcription factor analysis revealed 4860 unigenes from 98 different transcription factor families. For WRKY, a total of 95 unigenes were identified. Further analysis revealed the diverse response of WRKY transcription factors to aluminum stress. Collectively, the results of this study boost genomic resources and provide a baseline for further research on the role of WRKY transcription factors in aluminum tolerance in rice bean.

Genome-wide analysis of miR172-mediated response to heavy metal stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): physiological, biochemical, and molecular insights

BackgroundChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a critical diploid legume in the Fabaceae family, is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, heavy metal toxicity severely affects its growth, yield, and quality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating plant responses to both abiotic and biotic stress, including heavy metal exposure, by suppressing the expression of target genes. Plants respond to heavy metal stress through miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms at multiple physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. Although the Fabaceae family is well represented in miRNA studies, chickpeas have been notably underrepresented. This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metal-induced stress, particularly from 100 µM concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and 30 µM arsenic (As), on two chickpea varieties: ILC 482 (sensitive) and Azkan (tolerant). The assessment focused on physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters. Furthermore, a systematic characterization of the miR172 gene family in the chickpea genome was conducted to better understand the plant’s molecular response to heavy metal stress.ResultsVariance analysis indicated significant effects of genotype (G), treatment (T), and genotype-by-treatment (GxT) interactions on plant growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters. Heavy metal stress negatively impacted plant growth in chickpea genotypes ILC 482 and Azkan. A reduction in chlorophyll content and relative leaf water content was observed, along with increased cell membrane damage. In ILC 482, the highest hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels in shoot tissue were recorded under As, Cd, and Ni treatments, while in Azkan, peak levels were observed with Pb treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in root tissue were highest in ILC 482 under Cd and Ni exposure and in Azkan under As, Cr, and Cd treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were significantly elevated under heavy metal stress in both genotypes. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of essential antioxidant enzyme genes, such as SOD, CAT, and APX, with APX showing notable increases in both shoot and root tissues compared to the control. Additionally, seven miR172 genes (miR172a, miR172b, miR172c, miR172d, miR172e, miR172f, and miR172g) were identified in the chickpea genome, distributed across five chromosomes. All genes exhibited conserved hairpin structures essential for miRNA functionality. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these miR172 genes into three clades, suggesting strong evolutionary conservation with other plant species. The expression analysis of miR172 and its target genes under heavy metal stress showed varied expression patterns, indicating their role in enhancing heavy metal tolerance in chickpea.ConclusionsHeavy metal stress significantly impaired plant growth and physiological and biochemical parameters in chickpea genotypes, except for cell membrane damage. The findings underscore the critical role of miR172 and its target genes in modulating chickpea’s response to heavy metal stress. These insights provide a foundational understanding for developing stress-tolerant chickpea varieties through miRNA-based genetic engineering approaches.

Bronze age supply chains between ancient Egypt and Nubia revealed by lead isotope analysis of kohl samples

While there is a considerable body of data regarding the sources of minerals employed in Bronze Age Egypt, the supply chains to Sudanese Lower Nubia are virtually unknown. This paper presents results of lead isotope analysis of 11 samples of kohl from C-group, Pan-grave and New Kingdom funerary contexts across the Debeira and Ashkeit areas in Sudanese Lower Nubia during the Bronze Age. The samples could be divided in two groups based on their lead isotope ratios. A comparison between the kohl samples from Sudanese Lower Nubia and galena ores from various mining sites on the Red Sea coast of Egypt indicated that some of the galena used in kohl mixtures in Sudanese Lower Nubia came from the Pharaonic mining site of Gebel el-Zeit. The second group of Nubian samples seems to have originated from an alternative galena source yet to be determined. This is the first time that kohl samples from Sudanese Lower Nubia are integrated into known northeast African networks of supply by using Lead isotope analysis.

Exploring Edible Insects: From Sustainable Nutrition to Pasta and Noodle Applications-A Critical Review.

Edible insects provide an alternative source of high-quality proteins, essential lipids, minerals, and vitamins. However, they lack the acceptability and consumption rates of more common staple foods. In contrast, pasta and noodles are globally appreciated foods that are consumed across various cultures. These products contribute greatly to the population's energy intake but generally lack essential nutrients. Recently, edible insects have gained in popularity due to their numerous benefits, both environmental and nutritional. Current research indicates that incorporating edible insect ingredients into pasta and noodle formulations enhances their nutritional quality by increasing protein and fiber content and reducing carbohydrates. However, adding new ingredients to enrich common foods often carries technological and sensory challenges, such as changes in processing parameters, texture, flavor, and appearance. Technology assessment, scientific research, information campaigns, and public policies can help overcome these issues. This review aims to summarize the benefits of entomophagy (the consumption of insects as food) for sustainability, nutrition, and health; highlight the potential of pasta and noodles as carriers of nutritious and bioactive ingredients, including insects; and critically address the advancements in insect-enriched pasta and noodle technology, identifying current challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities.

Electrical architecture across the Ridge-Fault structure in the seismically active Jind-Rohtak-Delhi regions, NW India: Imaged from magnetotellurics studies

The Delhi region is principally seismically active in the process of the India-Asia collision. Therefore, broadband Magnetotelluric (MT) studies were carried out at 11 stations along NW-SE profile passing through Jind-Rohtak regions. The rotation of the impedance tensor showed a regional strike angle of N8oW, and phase tensor response approximate the 2-D structure. Therefore, electrical crustal structure was obtained from joint TE- and TM-modes data using a 2-D nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm. The outcomes showed a ∼300 m thick sediments layer with conductivity ∼1 Ω-m beneath the entire profile, and conductor C2 revealed in the upper crust that joins the surface conductive layer. The conductors C1 and C3 are crustal features associated with Lahore-Delhi Ridge (LDR) and Delhi-Haridwar Ridge (DHR), respectively. The NNE-SSW trending Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault (MDF) parallel to the DHR is suggested northwest dipping. The high conductivity supports the source of serpentine minerals in the lower crust. Our inference that the two ridges may be connected in the lower crust in the study region, and suggesting a triple junction. The fault zone tectonically associated with Himalayan arc, seismicity in the region occurs due to the movement of deep-seated heat in the process subduction. The surface conductive layer is attributed to Pleistocene age alluvium materials (silts and clays), and conductors are interpreted the partial melt or fluids that migrate upward through the pathway.