Pyrite-functionalized biochar via the mechanochemical ball-milling method enhanced soil lead/cadmium passivation and promoted plant growth.

Objectives. To identify nutritional characteristics associated with the perceived addictive potential of commonly consumed foods in the US food supply, the majority of which are ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). Methods. In a demographically diverse sample of US adults (n = 1664; 55.2% female), participants rated the perceived addictiveness of 297 commonly consumed foods (74.4% UPFs). Data were collected through Prolific in June 2024. Machine-learning models identified nutritional predictors of addictiveness using both the 15 variables required on US Nutrition Facts labels and an expanded set of 166 nutrient characteristics from the Nutrition Data System for Research. Results. Models performed comparably and revealed consistent nonlinear associations between nutrient content and perceived addictiveness. Foods higher in carbohydrates, glycemic load, energy density, and fat were rated as more addictive. These nutrient profiles were rare in minimally processed foods but common in UPFs, which frequently exceeded multiple addictive nutrient thresholds simultaneously. Conclusions. This study identifies a nutritional signature linked to perceived addictive potential. Findings provide a data-driven framework for identifying foods most likely to promote compulsive intake and inform policies aimed at creating a healthier, less addictive food environment. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(7):950-959. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308500).

Scientific evidence validating spiritual beliefs for controlling pathogenic microbes in the Ganga river.

GAF-ResNet-MHSA: A novel transfer learning method for soil nutrient prediction in small sample datasets.

It is unknown whether the high prevalence of Equine Squamous (ESGD) and Equine Glandular (EGGD) Gastric Disease in extensively grazed Icelandic horses in the autumn/winter is seasonally driven. To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastroscopically significant ESGD (ESGDSIGN:score of ≥2/4); gastroscopically severe ESGD (ESGDSEV:score of ≥3/4) and gastroscopically significant EGGD (EGGDSIGN:score of ≥1/2) in extensively pasture-managed Icelandic horses at four timepoints. Prospective longitudinal cohort. Gastroscopy was undertaken in 80 Icelandic horses (3-26 years) from four farms in three different Icelandic regions on four different occasions in one calendar year (May: n = 80, August: n = 70, November: n = 66, and following February: n = 63). Various morphometric, clinical, behavioural, and management factors were evaluated as potential risk factors through multivariable logistic regression. Prevalences of 48%-72% (ESGDSIGN) and 33%-45% (EGGDSIGN) were recorded across the year. Seven risk factors were associated with ESGDSIGN: including reduction in grass availability but no additional forage provided (OR 10.55 [95% confidence interval 1.78-62.71] vs. low grass with forage provided); and Region (South: OR 10.11 [2.82-36.28] vs. North); body-condition score (BCS ≥7/9 odds ratio 4.44 [1.43-13.75] vs. BCS 6/9). Four risk factors were associated with EGGDSIGN, including presence of ESGDSIGN (OR 3.38 [1.73-6.61]), age (OR 2.93 [1.23-6.97] for horses >14 years compared to those 3-4 years old), dental score >0/2 (OR 2.30 [1.08-4.88]). Loss of horses over study period; specific pasture nutrient content is unknown. Confirmation of consistently moderate EGGD prevalences in extensively managed horses not being intensively exercised, and moderate/high prevalences of ESGD in horses not being fed high starch/sugar-rich diets. New potential risk factors were identified. Unknown social factors, associated with increasing herd size, might influence the prevalence of ESGD under such conditions, whilst age and dental abnormalities might be important for EGGD.

Soil organic carbon accumulation in response to vegetation restoration across global mining areas: A meta-analysis.

Coastal wetlands act as significant natural sources of the potent greenhouse gas, methane (CH4). While burrowing benthos such as crabs are recognized as important regulators of biogeochemical processes in these ecosystems, their specific impacts on CH4 oxidation and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that crab bioturbation substantially enhances potential aerobic and anaerobic CH4 oxidation within burrow systems. This stimulatory effect exhibits distinct spatial heterogeneity, diminishing with an increase in the distance from the burrow walls. We found that this heterogeneity is driven by the three-dimensional burrow architecture, which establishes steep gradients in physicochemical conditions, electron-acceptor availability, and the abundance of CH4-oxidizing microorganisms. Furthermore, total organic carbon, salinity, the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio, and nutrient contents were identified as key environmental predictors of the CH4 oxidation dynamics. These findings advance the mechanistic understanding of CH4 sinks in complex coastal habitats and provide a critical scientific basis for accurately assessing wetland carbon budgets in the context of global climate change.

Conventional vitamin C intake estimations via food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) typically ignore cooking techniques, which can significantly alter nutrient content. This study evaluates the effect of incorporating a home cooking frequency questionnaire (HCFQ) alongside a FFQ to calculate vitamin C intake and its impact on adherence to dietary recommendations. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in the PREDIMAR study, a randomized trial that aims to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil on atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation. Vitamin C intake was estimated in two ways: derived from (1) raw food using a FFQ and the Spanish food composition tables, and (2) from raw and cooked food using a FFQ+HCFQ. Adherence to estimated average requirements and a recommended intake of 200mg/day were used to assess nutritional adequacy. Paired t-Test compared vitamin C mean intakes derived from both methods, and paired McNemar tests assessed differences in adequacy rates. Among 447 patients (25.1% female; mean age = 59.7 years (10.1)), mean vitamin C intake (SD) was significantly higher when derived solely from the FFQ (173.7mg/day (71.2)) vs. FFQ+HCFQ (160.1mg/day (68.8); p < 0.001). The largest decreases of vitamin C, when cooking techniques were considered, were observed in legumes (- 88.0%), tubers (- 62.7%), and vegetables (- 12.5%). The main source of between-person variability in vitamin C intake from vegetables and tubers was raw vegetables and boiled potatoes, respectively. Adequacy of vitamin C intake significantly dropped using FFQ+HCFQ (21.5%) vs. FFQ alone (30.4%, p < 0.001). Ignoring cooking methods may lead to overestimation by approximately 8% of both vitamin C intake and adequacy prevalence in epidemiologic research. Incorporating a cooking-frequency questionnaire yields more conservative and potentially accurate estimates, improving nutritional epidemiology precision.

Replacing peat in green roof substrates with sustainable alternatives while maintaining plant performance and ecosystem services remains a critical challenge. We studied biochar-substrate interactions across four commercial green roof formulations (based on the type of organic component) in a greenhouse experiment: pure vermicompost, vermicompost + fen peat, fen peat, and mixed fen/high-moor peat. Substrates were amended with straw biochar, pine bark biochar, or left unamended (5% v/v, n = 4 replicates) and planted with a grass seed mixture mimicking early green roof establishment. Plant growth, nutrient contents (nitrate and phosphate contents), and microbial indicators (microbial biomass carbon (MBC), qCO2, and enzyme activities) were measured 30 days after the experiment began. Straw biochar in vermicompost boosted nitrate (90.8 mg kg−1) and root N (3.1%) compared to the control, while pine bark biochar in mixed peat released phosphate (+375%) and maximized MBC (874 µg g−1). Biochar intensified substrate effects, suppressing CO2 in peat through liming effects (pH from 4.6 to 6.5–7.1) but priming respiration in vermicompost via labile C supply. PCA explained 63% of the variance, with nitrate, plant N, and microbial parameters driving substrate separation. These short-term greenhouse results demonstrate critical biochar-substrate specificity for green roof substrate development, emphasizing formulation-specific matching over universal biochar application.

Artificial grassland establishment alters soil metabolomes by reshaping multi-domain microbial networks.

Reliable tools to quantify nutrition knowledge are crucial for planning education and prevention. We developed the Questionario delle Conoscenze Alimentari Italiano (QCAI) for Italian adults and assessed its reliability. A convenience sample of 165 participants (18-89 years; 70.9% women) completed a self-administered, 69-item questionnaire organized into four content sections (experts' recommendations; nutrient content of foods; healthy choices; meal frequency and labels) plus demographics. Participants completed the questionnaire at baseline (T0) and again after seven days (T1) under identical conditions. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha (and KR-20 for dichotomous items). Temporal stability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC<inf>(2,1)</inf>) for section and total scores, Cohen's kappa (κ) for items, and Bland-Altman analysis. Total-scale internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α=0.757 for available items), but domain-level α values were heterogeneous and in some sections low (α: 0.307-0.638), indicating limited coherence of some subscales. Test-retest stability for the total score was moderate (ICC<inf>(2,1)</inf>=0.62), and 64.29% of items showed at least moderate agreement (κ≥0.40). Age-stratified analyses showed no linear trend in the total score across groups (18-39, 40-59, ≥60; P<inf>trend</inf>=0.26). QCAI is a low-cost instrument that shows moderate temporal stability and acceptable reliability for the total score in Italian adults. However, the low internal consistency observed in some domains limits the interpretability of section scores and highlights the need for item refinement and formal validation (content, construct, and criterion validity) against established measures before routine clinical or public-health use.

Salinity stress restricts the growth and productivity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a salt-sensitive legume. This study evaluated the foliar application of nanoparticle (NP) formulations to alleviate salt stress under moderate soil salinity (EC 7.71-7.83 dS m⁻¹). A two-season field experiment tested foliar sprays with salicylic acid (SA), silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs), chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-NPs), chitosan-silicon nanoparticles [Ch-Si (NPs)], and Ch-Si (NPs) + SA. Growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, osmoprotectants, nutrient content, and pod yield were measured. Salinity stress reduced plant growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and nutrient balance while increasing oxidative damage. All treatments mitigated these effects, with Ch-Si (NPs) + SA showing the greatest improvement. Compared with the saline control, this treatment increased shoot dry weight and green pod yield by approximately twofold and enhanced net photosynthetic rate by about 40%. Leaf K⁺/Na⁺ ratios increased by 113.9%-126.3%, while Na⁺ content decreased by 37.2%-39.9%, electrolyte leakage by 44.7%-46.7%, and malondialdehyde by 55.8%-59.0% across both seasons. Ch-Si (NPs) + SA also increased activities of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase) and levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (proline, ascorbate, glutathione, α-tocopherol) compared with the control. Foliar application of Ch-Si (NPs) + SA was associated with improved physiological performance, oxidative balance, and yield of common bean grown under saline field conditions. This combination may offer a promising biostimulant strategy for legume production in salt-affected soils, though further research is needed to establish broader applicability and long-term effects.

ABSTRACT Composting and vermicomposting represent sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies that transform crop straw, livestock, and poultry manure into organic fertilizer. This study aimed to compare the changes in physicochemical parameters, compost maturity, and microbial community composition during composting and vermicomposting processes using peanut stalks mixed with varying proportions of cow dung, rabbit manure, and chicken manure. A 90-day composting and vermicomposting experiment was conducted with varying mass ratios of peanut stalks (PS), chicken manure (CM), cow dung (CD), and rabbit manure (RM). The organic matter degradation rate in vermicomposting treatments was significantly higher than that in composting treatments (P < 0.05). V1 (56.25% CM + 18.75% CD + 25% PS) showed the highest organic matter degradation rate of 45.91% among various vermicomposting treatments. Further analysis indicated that the nutrient content and seed germination rate (GI) of vermicomposting products were significantly higher than those of composting products. Among the treatments, the V1 group demonstrated optimal performance in total nitrogen, nitrate-N, and available phosphorus indices, with a 30.59% increase in seed germination rate compared to the V3 treatment. Additionally, V1 treatment demonstrated a significant superiority in larval population and cocoon yield (P < 0.05), indicating that it substantially promoted earthworm reproduction. At the genus level, this treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Lutemimonas, Pseudomonas, BIrii41, and Subgroup_6. In summary, vermicomposting outperformed composting in both nutrient and microbial activity, with the V1 treatment yielding the highest quality vermicompost.

Plants regulate nutrient uptake and growth by recruiting rhizosphere microorganisms via root exudates. However, a systematic understanding of how the rhizosphere core and functional microbiota jointly regulate the dynamics of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium across the entire plant life cycle in desert ecosystems remains limited. In this study, we asked: how does the succession of rhizosphere bacterial communities align with stage-specific nutrient demands in the desert plant Leymus racemosus? We used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to analyze the rhizosphere bacterial communities and nutrient contents of the desert plant Leymus racemosus at three growth stages (seedling, flowering, maturity) in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, Xinjiang, China. For each stage, ten 5 × 5m quadrats (20m apart) were established; 6-10 healthy plants were sampled per quadrat, and rhizosphere soil from each quadrat was pooled into one composite sample (n = 10 per stage). Arthrobacter, identified as a core taxon, was associated with the stability of hydrolyzable nitrogen across all growth stages. Bacillus became the dominant genus during the flowering stage, based on correlation and functional prediction, it may contribute to nutrient supply, reflecting a potential "investment" strategy. At maturity, enhanced microbial cooperation (inferred from co-occurrence and correlation analyses) combined with reduced plant demand was associated with the accumulation of rhizosphere nutrients, possibly facilitating energy storage for subsequent growth. These findings provide a potential answer to our question, suggesting that the plant recruits distinct microbial alliances at different phenological phases-a persistent Arthrobacter-based system for nitrogen buffering, a transient Bacillus-enriched community for rapid nutrient mobilization at flowering, and a synergistic network at maturity for delayed nutrient accumulation. This study reveals the developmental dynamics of rhizosphere bacterial community assembly and nutrient regulation in L. racemosus and provides a theoretical basis for further elucidating plant-microbe interactions in desert ecosystems. However, the proposed functional roles of specific taxa are primarily derived from correlation and predictive analyses; experimental validation (e.g., strain isolation, inoculation tests, and metabolomics) is needed to establish causality.

As a key ornamental plant, the core value of rose (Rosa spp.) resides in its petals. Variations in petal development and physio-biochemical parameters among cultivars exhibiting divergent floral coloration could significantly influence their horticultural performance and commercial viability. To address this, we systematically analyzed eight common rose cultivars from Nanning Botanical Garden, measuring petal color parameters, pigment content, morphological structure, antioxidant capacity, nutrient and mineral element content. Our objectives were to: (1) characterize coloration features, (2) identify key drivers of color variation, and (3) identify superior cultivar. Our study revealed that: Petal coloration is primarily regulated by pigment content (chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids), enabling classification into deep-toned and light-toned groups. Morphological and physio-biochemical parameters collectively drive color variation: deep-toned cultivars (R4, Rosa 'Golden Scepter'; R5, Rosa 'Brass Band'; R7, Rosa 'Sheherazad'; R8, Rosa 'Hiogi') are synergistically regulated by petal thickness and width ratio (TWR), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) content, and phosphorus (P), boron (B), and calcium (Ca) content, whereas light-toned cultivars (R1, Rosa 'Icecap'; R2, Rosa 'Scepter'd Isle'; R6, Rosa 'Pink Fan') are synergistically regulated by soluble sugar (SS), catalase (CAT) content, nitrogen (N), and zinc (Zn). The blue hue (R3, Rosa 'Shinoburedo') is specifically regulated by elevated pH and Ca. Membership function analysis identifies R4 as the top-performing cultivar, demonstrating superior landscape applicability and comprehensive development potential.

Rapid urbanization in Chennai has increased sewage sludge generation, while challenges such as land scarcity and limited treatment infrastructure continue to affect its management. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive region-specific data on physicochemical, organics, nutrients, metals, and microbiological properties of digested and dewatered sludge from sewage treatment plants (STPs), limiting decision-making for its safe disposal and reuse. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of sewage sludge from the STPs in Chennai. Key indicators like the fertilizer index, cleanliness index, and pathogen load were used to assess sludge quality and classify it into Classes A, B, C, D and restricted-access categories. The fertilizing potential was calculated based on the total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK), which ranged from 1 to 2.2. The cleanliness index was determined to have a value of 5. Based on the fertilizer and cleanliness indices, the sludge was classified into Class D, indicating limited suitability for direct agricultural application. The nutrient concentrations were lower than the minimum requirements specified in the Fertilizer Control Order standards for compost. Despite high pathogen levels, including fecal coliforms (33-28,000 MPN/g TS), helminth eggs, and Salmonella species, the sludge met United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Class B biosolid standards. Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong connection between heavy metals and nutrient content, indicating a similar sludge composition across the STPs. The findings highlight the need for advanced treatment methods, such as pasteurization or thermo-chemical processes, to achieve Class A quality biosolids and enable safe reuse. This study provides critical region-specific insights to support improved sludge management and recycling strategies in India.

As plant-based (PB) diets become more common among UK children, understanding their nutritional adequacy and environmental impact is vital. This study addresses that lack of understanding through assessment of the nutrient content and greenhouse gas emissions for omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan diets. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using three-day weighed food diaries from 39 UK children aged 2–12 years (omnivore n = 15; and PB: vegetarian n = 11; vegan n = 13). Nutrients were analysed with and without supplementation using Nutritics software. GHG emissions were calculated at the ingredient level (kgCO₂e/day) and grouped by Eatwell Guide food categories. No dietary group met all nutrient reference values. Omnivores exceeded recommended intakes for saturated fat and free sugars while failing to meet the recommended intake for fibre, whereas PB children had intakes of these nutrients in the healthy range. PB diets were adequate in protein and vitamin B12 even in the absence of supplementation. Vegan children also met iron requirements from diet alone, whereas omnivore and vegetarian children did not meet iron targets without supplementation. Vitamin D intake was insufficient across all groups when supplements were excluded, with only vegan children achieving recommended levels through supplementation. Zinc requirements were met only by vegetarian children with the aid of supplements and were not met by vegan or omnivore children with or without supplementation. Iodine intake remained inadequate in vegan children even with supplementation. Mean daily greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions differed significantly between diet groups, with omnivores having the highest emissions, while vegans had the lowest emissions: 46% lower than omnivores, and 20% lower than vegetarians. Well-planned PB diets can meet most nutrient needs in UK children when supported by fortified foods and supplements, while substantially reducing dietary GHG emissions compared with omnivorous diets. Shifting away from animal protein and dairy provides an opportunity for improving both nutritional quality and environmental sustainability.

This study evaluated the effects of poultry manure and chemical fertilizer on soil chemical and biological properties in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and maize (Zea mays) at the Research Farm of the University of Kurdistan, Iran, during 2022 and 2023. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot factor included three crops (pearl millet, sorghum, and maize), while the subplot factor consisted of five fertilizer treatments, including control, poultry manure, chemical fertilizer, and combinations of poultry manure with urea and triple superphosphate at varying rates. The results showed that, among the fertilizer treatments, the highest soil organic carbon levels across all three crops were observed in the F2 treatment (poultry manure). Soil nitrate levels were higher under pearl millet (11.75 mg kg⁻1) and maize (11.23 mg kg⁻1) than under sorghum (10.53 mg kg⁻1). The highest soil potassium concentration (139.9 mg kg⁻1) was recorded in the full chemical fertilizer treatment (F5), whereas the lowest value (118 mg kg⁻1) was observed in the control treatment. Poultry manure significantly improved soil nutrient content, increased acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. The highest acid phosphatase activity (132.83 μg PNP g⁻1 h⁻1) was observed with poultry manure application, while the lowest activities were recorded in the control (79.45 μg PNP g⁻1 h⁻1) and chemical fertilizer (88.2 μg PNP g⁻1 h⁻1) treatments. Although poultry manure increased soil EC, its benefits for soil fertility and biological activity indicate that it may be suitable under controlled application rates and regular EC monitoring.

Abstract Biochar is increasingly recognized in biorefineries for its unique physicochemical properties that enhance microbial performance and process stability. However, limited research has examined its biocatalytic functions in food waste valorization, particularly in the Global South regions. This study investigates the functional roles of Eucalyptus grandis -derived biochar in a pilot-scale anaerobic system, emphasizing pH modulation, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) dynamics, microbial network transitions, and technoeconomic studies. Comprehensive biochar characterization using FTIR, BET, SEM, TGA, XRD, and CHNS analyses revealed favorable surface functionality, porosity, and nutrient content conducive to microbial colonization. Biochar addition maintained a stable pH range of 7.03–5.0, contrasting with the sharper decline observed in the control (7.03–4.30). Acetic acid was the dominant VFA, with a markedly higher relative proportion in the biochar-amended reactor (53.23%) than in the control (15.23%). Nutrient recovery in the resulting biofertilizer was also enhanced, attaining 92.12 ± 0.13, 682.08 ± 0.21, and 4238.06 ± 0.05 mg/L for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), respectively. Enhanced VFA depletion indicated stimulated syntrophic activity, corroborated by microbial community analysis, which showed enrichment of Pseudomonadota and Campylobacterota , taxa pivotal to syntrophic metabolism and carbon flux regulation. Preliminary techno-economic studies also confirmed the cost-effectiveness of biochar in food waste biorefineries. These findings demonstrate that Eucalyptus grandis biochar functions as a sustainable, low-cost bioadditive that enhances biocatalytic efficiency and nutrient recovery in food waste valorization. This work establishes a scalable biorefinery model for a biochar-mediated bioprocess that advances circular bioeconomy principles and promotes environmental and socioeconomic resilience in developing regions.

Citrus production in Florida has declined drastically due to Huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterial disease associated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. This disease significantly reduces fruit yield and quality and shortens the tree's lifespan, severely impacting Florida's economy. As no resistant citrus cultivars are currently available, intensive management is essential to maintain tree health and productivity. We conducted a commercial-scale field study in southwest Florida to test whether biannual compost applications improve soil health and belowground functioning of young 'Valencia' sweet orange trees grafted on four different rootstocks under endemic HLB. Compost increased soil organic matter, pH, nutrient content, and cation exchange capacity, while also increasing soil moisture and electrical conductivity. This translated into higher fibrous root respiration and increases in first-order specific root length. Metabolomics analysis revealed strong compost-associated reshaping of the fibrous root metabolome, including enrichment of several nitrogen-related amino acids and central carbon intermediates. Endorhizosphere profiling showed that compost altered the active bacterial community composition with limited effects on alpha diversity. Despite these belowground gains, compost did not affect tree size and productivity - rather, rootstock was the primary determinant. This suggests that the belowground improvements from compost are insufficient to overcome the physiological constraints imposed by HLB.