Nutrient Supplementation Research Articles

Impact of abandonment on leaf morphology traits and nutrient utilization strategies of dominant tree seedlings in Moso bamboo forests

The restoration of ecological functions in abandoned Moso bamboo forests facilitates positive succession in evergreen vegetation. Nevertheless, there is a limited understanding regarding the leaf functional traits and nutrient utilization strategies of understory vegetation after abandonment. This study investigated the impact of abandonment duration (9 and 21 years) on leaf morphological traits, soluble sugars characteristics, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and their ratios in dominant tree seedlings (Lithocarpus brevicaudatus and Schima superba) within Moso bamboo forests. Leaf sizes increased significantly with prolonged abandonment in both species, accompanied by a consistent decrease in leaf thickness and leaf tissue density. These morphological indices were more pronounced in L. brevicaudatus compared to S. superba (P < 0.05), and they showed a positive correlation with tree sizes. Moreover, leaf soluble sugars, C, and C: N: P ratios of both tree species decreased over duration abandonment, while N and P contents increased. Specifically, L. brevicaudatus exhibited elevated levels of fructose, glucose, N, and P, whereas S. superba displayed higher sucrose, C, and C: N: P ratios. Our findings reveal that both species, with extended abandonment, enlarged their leaf area and improved carbon utilization, facilitating adaptation to competitive resource habitats. Particularly, L. brevicaudatus exhibited a propensity to augment leaf sizes, as well as N, and P contents, suggesting a strategy to enhance carbon assimilation through additional N and P nutrient supplementation. Conversely, S. superba primarily focused on bolstering carbohydrate reserves, indicating that moderate thinning or pruning of bamboo forests could boost sunlight penetration, along with the appropriate nutrient supplementation. These insights significantly contribute to the scientific understanding necessary for the classification and management of mixed stands in abandoned bamboo forests.

A Case Report on the Management of Asthikshaya (Nutritional Rickets) by Ayurveda and Yoga

Rickets is a disorder of growing bone due to abnormal mineralisation of bone. It affects longer bones, leading to poor bone growth and bony deformities such as bow legs and knock-knees in children. No direct description of such disease has been found in Ayurveda; the clinical manifestations due to Asthikshaya (deficient bony tissue) can be considered as rickets. Despite conventional treatment of supplementation of deficient nutrients, many children do not show satisfactory response to the treatment. This is a case report of nutritional rickets in a 3.5-year-old boy who presented with leg pain, cramps and frequent falls due to knocking of knees for the last four months. He was treated with the combined principles of Ayurveda and Yoga. The patient was treated with oral drugs like Ashwagandhadi Churna, Kukkutandatwaka Bhasma, Godanti Bhasma, Muktashukti Bhasma, Lakshadi guggulu, Gandha Tail, Tiktaksheer Basti (medicated enema), Sthanika Snehan-Swedana (local oleation and sudation), Gatravestana (bandaging), knee braces, and practice of Yogasana like Tadasana (standing pose), Vrikshasana (tree pose), Utkatasana (chair pose), and Bhadrasana (butterfly pose). The symptoms were relieved, the biochemical parameters were improved and no further bending of lower limbs was observed. Thus, the patient of nutritional rickets was treated with Ayurveda and Yoga.

Chickpea peptide as a plant-based cryoprotectant in frozen dough: Insight into the water states, gluten structures, and storage stabilities

The potentials of pulse peptides as cryoprotectants remain less exploited than other well-known applications, e.g., nutrient supplements, stabilizers, antioxidants etc. Thus, for the first time, this study screened a number of widely-used pulse peptides (pea, chickpea, lentil, mung bean, and white kidney bean) by evaluating their ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) and thermal hysteresis (TH) activities. Then, chickpea peptide (CP) with the most prominent anti-freezing performance was selected for systematical evaluation of its cryoprotective effects on frozen dough in terms of water state, gluten structure, and storage stability. CP reduced the content of freezable water to 60% and unified the water distributions of frozen dough in a dose-dependent manner (0–6 g peptide per 100 g wheat flour). Freezing-induced changes on gluten disulfide bonds, secondary structures, and dough microstructures were also restrained. Accordingly, dumpling wrappers prepared from CP-added frozen dough manifested the reduced cracking rates (31%–5%), increased toughness (68%–79%), extensibility (82%–92%), and cooking stabilities. CP was rich in basic amino acids (arginine, lysine, and histidine), accounting for 27% of total amino acids, which were responsible for its outstanding cryoprotective activity. Chickpea peptide might therefore be a good candidate for development of high-performance dough cryoprotectants.

Frequency and Types of Anemia in Primary Hypothyroidism Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from inadequate production of thyroid hormones. Anemia is a common condition that can occur in hypothyroidism. Anemia may occur due to nutrient deficiency, such as iron or vitamin B12 deficiency due to chronic disease in hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the cause of anemia in hypothyroidism. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anemia and its types in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted at the Department of Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan, using non-probability consecutive sampling. A total of 176 adults aged 18-65 years of either gender, newly diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism, or with any of its symptoms were included in the study. Patients already on anti-thyroid medication and with post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism were excluded from the study. The duration of the study was 1.5 years, from January 2020 to July 2021. After ethical approval, written informed consent was obtained from each patient. Demographical data along with results of complete blood picture, including Hb and MCV for diagnosing anemia and its types were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. The chi-square test was applied keeping p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results The mean age of the patients was 42.19 ± 8.43 years, with 59.66% (n = 105) females and 40.34% (n = 71) males. A total of 67% (n =118) patients were found to be anemic. Of these, 38.64% (n = 68) patients had normocytic anemia, 19.32% (n = 34) microcytic anemia, and 9.25% (n = 16) patients had macrocytic anemia; 56.34% (n = 40) males and 74.29% (n = 78) females were reported to be anemic (p = 0.01). Conclusion In our study, the frequency of anemia in patients with hypothyroidism was high, with normocytic anemia being the most common type. It is important to know the type of anemia in hypothyroidism, as normocytic anemia is due to the chronic disease process (anemia of chronic disease) and may not respond to nutrient supplementation. Conversely, microcytic anemia is commonly due to iron deficiency and macrocytic anemia is due to vitamin B12 deficiency and therefore, they require replacement therapy. In any case, it is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of anemia.

Unveiling the Cultivation of Nostoc sp. under Controlled Laboratory Conditions.

Cyanobacteria, photoautotrophic Gram-negative bacteria, play a crucial role in aquatic and terrestrial environments, contributing significantly to fundamental ecological processes and displaying potential for various biotechnological applications. It is, therefore, critical to identify viable strains for aquaculture and establish accurate culture parameters to ensure an extensive biomass supply for biotechnology purposes. This study aims to establish optimal laboratory batch culture conditions for Nostoc 136, sourced from Alga2O, Coimbra, Portugal. Preliminary investigations were conducted to identify the optimal culture parameters and to perform biomass analysis, including protein and pigment content. The highest growth was achieved with an initial inoculum concentration of 1 g.L-1, using modified BG11 supplemented with nitrogen, resulting in a Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 0.232 ± 0.017 μ.day-1. When exposed to white, red, and blue LED light, the most favourable growth occurred under a combination of white and red LED light exhibiting an SGR of 0.142 ± 0.020 μ.day-1. The protein content was determined to be 10.80 ± 2.09%. Regarding the pigments, phycocyanin reached a concentration of 200.29 ± 30.07 µg.mL-1, phycoerythrin 148.29 ± 26.74 µg.mL-1, and allophycocyanin 10.69 ± 6.07 µg.mL-1. This study underscores the influence of light and nutrient supplementation on the growth of the Nostoc biomass.

Phloem Sap and Wood Carbon Isotope Abundance (δ13C) Varies with Growth and Wood Density of Eucalyptus globulus under Nutrient Deficit and Inform Supplemental Nutrient Application

Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as blue gum or southern blue gum, is a tall, evergreen tree endemic to southeastern Australia. E. globulus is grown extensively in plantations to improve the sustainability of timber and fibre production across Australia. Sustainable forest management practices necessitate the consideration of ‘off-site’ carbon and ecological footprints. Pursuing optimal supplemental nutrient application and maximum growth rates is therefore critical to the establishment of a sustainable timber and fibre production industry. Biological indicators that can predict growth responses are therefore of extreme value. We investigated the carbon isotope abundance of wood cellulose (δ13Ccel) in E. globulus to determine potential relationships with the carbon isotope abundance of phloem sap (δ13Cphl) where the trees were subjected to different level of nutrient availability. This study also sought to determine the effect of nutrient additions on the growth of the E. globulus and to quantify the relationship between the volumetric growth of wood and δ13Ccel. Phloem sap and wood cores were collected from trees within study plots which were subjected to seven nutrient treatments over a two-year period in a monoculture E. globulus plantation in South Australia. Phloem sap was collected using the razor blade technique and wood cores were collected using a stem borer. The carbon isotope abundance (δ13C) of phloem sap and wood grown in the radial direction of the stem were determined. The basic and dry densities of wood were determined, and their relationships with phloem and wood δ13C were established. The δ13Cphl was significantly correlated with δ13Ccel. The relationship between δ13Ccel and the wood density of the respective wood sections was significant but did not consistently show the same pattern. There was no significant variation in basic density observed along the radial direction of the stem wood of the short-rotation E. globulus trees. A positive correlation was observed between δ13Ccel and the wood basic density, but the relationship was not consistent along the radial direction of the stem. However, positive correlations were observed between δ13Ccel and the air-dry density of respective wood sections. The relationship between phloem and wood δ13C and the relationship between δ13C and wood density along the radial direction of the stem needs to be considered while monitoring forest growth under nutrient- and water-limited conditions.

The study of novelty nutrients supplementary scheme and methodology on advanced carbon sequestration of microalgae

Microalgae has great potential in carbon sequestration and production of biofuel even with a low concentrations of CO2. In this paper, an Andrews based microalgae growth kinetic model and a novel and multiple nutrient supplementary scheme that significantly extends the carbon sequestration period and enhances growth rates of microalgae are proposed. First, the correlation between nutrient concentration and microalgal growth is constructed experimentally. The advanced growth kinetic model incorporating nitrogen and phosphorus consumption is developed. Then, the optimum cultivation conditions including initial nutrients concentration, nutrients supplementary interval and daily nutrients supplementary quantities are obtained in the conical flask reactor. The findings led to a novel nutrient supplementation strategy that initiates with a 0.2BC concentration, followed by a 0.3BC addition at 100 h, with subsequent supplements every 72 h. After adopting this supplementary strategy, the microalgae growth rate is increased by 42.9 % and the carbon sequestration rate is increased by 56.2 % compared with that of the original microalgae cultivation method in one cultivation cycle. Finally, the universal microalgae nutrients supplementary model is proposed in a piecewise model. It can be concluded from the model that in the first cultivation period, microalgae needs a higher affinity for nutrients and after nutrients supplementary, the sensitivity to nutrient inhibition is reduced. The paper is significantly helpful to improve the sustainability of the microalgae growth rate and the carbon sequestration rate.

The role of insect gut microbiota in host fitness, detoxification and nutrient supplementation.

Insects are incredibly diverse, ubiquitous and have successfully flourished out of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of evolutionary processes. The resident microbiome has accompanied the physical and biological adaptations that enable their continued survival and proliferation in a wide array of environments. The host insect and microbiome's bidirectional relationship exhibits their capability to influence each other's physiology, behavior and characteristics. Insects are reported to rely directly on the microbial community to break down complex food, adapt to nutrient-deficit environments, protect themselves from natural adversaries and control the expression of social behavior. High-throughput metagenomic approaches have enhanced the potential for determining the abundance, composition, diversity and functional activities of microbial fauna associated with insect hosts, enabling in-depth investigation into insect-microbe interactions. We undertook a review of some of the major advances in the field of metagenomics, focusing on insect-microbe interaction, diversity and composition of resident microbiota, the functional capability of endosymbionts and discussions on different symbiotic relationships. The review aims to be a valuable resource on insect gut symbiotic microbiota by providing a comprehensive understanding of how insect gut symbionts systematically perform a range of functions, viz., insecticide degradation, nutritional support and immune fitness. A thorough understanding of manipulating specific gut symbionts may aid in developing advanced insect-associated research to attain health and design strategies for pest management.

A cluster-randomized trial of water, sanitation, handwashing and nutritional interventions on stress and epigenetic programming

A regulated stress response is essential for healthy child growth and development trajectories. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial in rural Bangladesh (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01590095) to assess the effects of an integrated nutritional, water, sanitation, and handwashing intervention on child health. We previously reported on the primary outcomes of the trial, linear growth and caregiver-reported diarrhea. Here, we assessed additional prespecified outcomes: physiological stress response, oxidative stress, and DNA methylation (N = 759, ages 1–2 years). Eight neighboring pregnant women were grouped into a study cluster. Eight geographically adjacent clusters were block-randomized into the control or the combined nutrition, water, sanitation, and handwashing (N + WSH) intervention group (receiving nutritional counseling and lipid-based nutrient supplements, chlorinated drinking water, upgraded sanitation, and handwashing with soap). Participants and data collectors were not masked, but analyses were masked. There were 358 children (68 clusters) in the control group and 401 children (63 clusters) in the intervention group. We measured four F2-isoprostanes isomers (iPF(2α)-III; 2,3-dinor-iPF(2α)-III; iPF(2α)-VI; 8,12-iso-iPF(2α)-VI), salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol, and methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) exon 1F promoter including the NGFI-A binding site. Compared with control, the N + WSH group had lower concentrations of F2-isoprostanes isomers (differences ranging from −0.16 to −0.19 log ng/mg of creatinine, P < 0.01), elevated post-stressor cortisol (0.24 log µg/dl; P < 0.01), higher cortisol residualized gain scores (0.06 µg/dl; P = 0.023), and decreased methylation of the NGFI-A binding site (−0.04; P = 0.037). The N + WSH intervention enhanced adaptive responses of the physiological stress system in early childhood.

Threonine dehydrogenase regulates neutrophil homeostasis but not H3K4me3 levels in zebrafish.

l-threonine dehydrogenase (Tdh) is an enzyme that links threonine metabolism to epigenetic modifications and mitochondria biogenesis. In vitro studies show that it is critical for the regulation of trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) levels and cell fate determination of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). However, whether Tdh regulates a developmental process in vivo and, if it does, whether it also primarily regulates H3K4me3 levels in this process as it does in mESCs, remains elusive. Here, we revealed that, in zebrafish hematopoiesis, tdh is preferentially expressed in neutrophils. Knockout of tdh causes a decrease in neutrophil number and slightly suppresses their acute injury-induced migration, but, unlike the mESCs, the level of H3K4me3 is not evidently reduced in neutrophils sorted from the kidney marrow of adult tdh-null zebrafish. These phenotypes are dependent on the enzymatic activity of Tdh. Importantly, a soluble supplement of nutrients that are able to fuel the acetyl-CoA pool, such as pyruvate, glucose and branched-chain amino acids, is sufficient to rescue the reduction in neutrophils caused by tdh deletion. In summary, our study presents evidence for the functional requirement of Tdh-mediated threonine metabolism in a developmental process in vivo. It also provides an animal model for investigating the nutritional regulation of myelopoiesis and immune response, as well as a useful tool for high-throughput drug/nutrition screening.

Association of Dietary and Supplement Intake of Antioxidants with Risk of Dementia: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies.

Dementia is a neuropsychiatric disorder with cognitive decline due to multiple factors. With the arrival of the aging population, the incidence of dementia has gradually increased. There is still no effective treatment for dementia, and therefore, the prevention of dementia has become crucial. Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the pathogenesis of dementia; therefore, antioxidant therapy and prevention of dementia have been gradually proposed. Our meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of antioxidants with risk of dementia. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles on antioxidants associated with dementia risk, and those containing cohort studies with high-dose versus low-dose controls were included in our meta-analysis. The resulting risk ratios (RR) and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were statistically analyzed using Stata12.0 free software. A total of 17 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Of 98,264 participants, 7,425 had dementia after 3-23 years of follow-up. The results of the meta-analysis showed a trend towards a lower incidence of dementia with high intake of antioxidants (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.77-1.19 I2 = 54.6%), but this was not statistically significant. High antioxidant intake significantly reduced the incidence of Alzheimer 's disease (RR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.92 I2 = 45.5%), and we additionally carried out subgroup analyses by nutrient type, diet or supplement, region, and study quality score. Dietary intake of antioxidants or supplements reduces both the risk of dementia and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Interactions of Microbial Inoculations with Fertilization Options and Crop Establishment Methods on Modulation of Soil Microbial Properties and Productivity of Rice

A field investigation was undertaken to assess the interactive effects of different crop establishment methods (CEMs) and microbial formulations in field conditions. The two year experiment was carried out in kharif season (June to October) of both 2013–14 and 2014–15 at Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi India. The CEMs studied consist of puddled transplanted rice (PTR), system of rice intensification (SRI) and aerobic rice system (ARS); while microbial formulations consist of Anabaena sp. (CR1)+Providencia sp. (PR3) consortium (MC1) and Anabaena–Pseudomonas biofilm formulation (MC2). The microbial inoculation was applied with 75% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) (90 kg nitrogen ha-1 and 19.35 kg phosphorus ha-1) and compared with 100% RDN. Soil microbiological properties showed significantly higher values in SRI in the first year; while in the second year, SRI and PTR remained on par and superior to ARS. Among the combinations of nutrient supplements, application of Anabaena–Pseudomonas biofilm formulation (MC2) with 75% RDN was superior in terms of all microbiological attributes studied [acetylene reduction activity (ARA), soil chlorophyll, soil dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon and alkaline phosphatase activity]. Application of microbial inoculation led to an increase in milled rice yield from 230 to 240 kg ha-1. Among the different combinations of CEMs and inputs investigated the application of 75% RDN+MC2+zinc (Zn) (soil applied 5 kg Zn ha-1 through zinc sulphate heptahydrate) in SRI can be a judicious option to maximize rice yield and soil health.

Nutritional Interventions to Improve Immune Function and Reduce Infection Rates in Burn Patients

This prospective interventional study investigated the impact of individualized nutritional interventions on immune function and infection rates in burn patients. This study enrolled 120 burn patients between December 2022 and January 2024. The nutritional interventions focused on protein supplementation, micronutrient replenishment, and inclusion of anti-inflammatory nutrients, specifically omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. The nutrients were administered through oral, enteral, and parenteral routes based on dietary preferences and the medical condition of individuals. Protein was prioritized because of its role in leukocyte production; zinc and vitamin C were supplemented to optimize immune function; and omega-3 fatty acids were included to mitigate inflammation and enhance wound healing. The study assessed outcomes through changes in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, cytokine levels, infection rates, wound healing rates, and the length of hospital stays. Results indicated significant improvements in immune markers and reduced infection rates post-intervention (P &lt; 0.05). Leukocyte count increased significantly, cytokine levels decreased, and the infection rate reduced from 30% to 14.2% (P &lt; 0.05). These outcomes highlighted the efficacy of targeted nutritional interventions in supporting immune health and reducing infections in burn patients. The findings advocated for integrating comprehensive nutritional strategies in managing burn injuries to improve clinical outcomes.

Predicting nutrition and environmental factors associated with female reproductive disorders using a knowledge graph and random forests

ObjectiveFemale reproductive disorders (FRDs) are common health conditions that may present with significant symptoms. Diet and environment are potential areas for FRD interventions. We utilized a knowledge graph (KG) method to predict factors associated with common FRDs (for example, endometriosis, ovarian cyst, and uterine fibroids). Materials and MethodsWe harmonized survey data from the Personalized Environment and Genes Study (PEGS) on internal and external environmental exposures and health conditions with biomedical ontology content. We merged the harmonized data and ontologies with supplemental nutrient and agricultural chemical data to create a KG. We analyzed the KG by embedding edges and applying a random forest for edge prediction to identify variables potentially associated with FRDs. We also conducted logistic regression analysis for comparison. ResultsAcross 9765 PEGS respondents, the KG analysis resulted in 8535 significant or suggestive predicted links between FRDs and chemicals, phenotypes, and diseases. Amongst these links, 32 were exact matches when compared with the logistic regression results, including comorbidities, medications, foods, and occupational exposures. DiscussionMechanistic underpinnings of predicted links documented in the literature may support some of our findings. Our KG methods are useful for predicting possible associations in large, survey-based datasets with added information on directionality and magnitude of effect from logistic regression. These results should not be construed as causal but can support hypothesis generation. ConclusionThis investigation enabled the generation of hypotheses on a variety of potential links between FRDs and exposures. Future investigations should prospectively evaluate the variables hypothesized to impact FRDs.

Zinc Supplementation Initiated Prior to or During Pregnancy Modestly Impacted Maternal Status and High Prevalence of Hypozincemia in Pregnancy and Lactation: The Women First Preconception Maternal Nutrition Trial

BackgroundData regarding effects of small-quantity-lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) on maternal serum zinc concentrations (SZC) in pregnancy and lactation are limited. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of preconception compared with prenatal zinc supplementation (compared with control) on maternal SZC and hypozincemia during pregnancy and early lactation in women in low-resource settings, and assess associations with birth anthropometry. MethodsFrom ∼100 women/arm at each of 3 sites (Guatemala, India, and Pakistan) of the Women First Preconception Maternal Nutrition trial, we compared SZC at 12- and 34-wk gestation (n = 651 and 838, respectively) and 3-mo postpartum (n = 742) in women randomly assigned to daily SQ-LNS containing 15 mg zinc from ≥3 mo before conception (preconception, arm 1), from ∼12 wk gestation through delivery (early pregnancy, arm 2) or not at all (control, arm 3). Birth anthropometry was examined for newborns with ultrasound-determined gestational age. Statistical analyses were performed separately for each time point. ResultsAt 12-wk gestation and 3-mo postpartum, no statistical differences in mean SZC were observed among arms. At 34-wk, mean SZC for arms 1 and 2 were significantly higher than for arm 3 (50.3, 50.8, 47.8 μg/dL, respectively; P = 0.005). Results were not impacted by correction for inflammation or albumin concentrations. Prevalence of hypozincemia at 12-wk (<56 μg/dL) was 23% in Guatemala, 26% in India, and 65% in Pakistan; at 34 wk (<50 μg/dL), 36% in Guatemala, 48% in India, and 74% in Pakistan; and at 3-mo postpartum (<66 μg/dL) 79% in Guatemala, 91% in India, and 92% in Pakistan. Maternal hypozincemia at 34-wk was associated with lower birth length-for-age Z-scores (all sites P = 0.013, Pakistan P = 0.008) and weight-for-age Z-scores (all sites P = 0.017, Pakistan P = 0.022). ConclusionsDespite daily zinc supplementation for ≥7 mo, high rates of maternal hypozincemia were observed. The association of hypozincemia with impaired fetal growth suggests widespread zinc deficiency in these settings.This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01883193.

From shower to table: fate of organic micropollutants in hydroponic systems for greywater treatment and lettuce cultivation

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the dual functionality of hydroponic systems to grow edible crops while treating greywater (GW) containing 20 organic micropollutants (OMPs). Various conditions with differing nutrient contents were tested: raw GW, GW with struvite, and GW with commercial nutrient solution. System performance was assessed with plant growth and standard parameters and OMP removal. After 4-week exposure, all conditions produced healthy-looking plants, proving GW as a viable hydroponic growth medium. However, only the condition with commercial solution yielded plants comparable to the biotic control, indicating the necessity of nutrient supplementation. Effluent from conditions with well-developed plants met the requirements of the European water reuse legislation (EU 2020/741) for scenarios B–D (food crops not in direct contact with the reclaimed water and industrial crops), and had the highest OMP removal, showcasing the effectiveness of the system for OMP treatment. Estimated calculations of OMP detected in leaves (10/20 OMP detected, predominantly positive and small) resulted in calculated potential human health risks through lettuce intake for two compounds: atenolol and epoxycarbamazepine. These findings support a continued evaluation of the behavior of other OMPs and their transformation products in water–plant systems, and their consideration in legislation on water reuse and food safety.

Production and Characterization of Red Fruit Spirits Made from Red Raspberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries.

This study demonstrated the feasibility of fermenting and distilling low-commercial-value red fruits such as red raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries to produce high-value red fruit spirits. The fermentation process was efficient, with all red berry wines achieving a notable ethanol conversion yield (46.33 to 66.31%), without the need for nutrient supplementation or fruit juice solid separation, which showed no significant effect on the quality of the final product. Small-scale copper Charentais alembic distillation of the fermented red fruit juices resulted in fruit spirits equivalent to 1%, 7%, and 2% of the initial volume for red raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, respectively. Except for the blueberry spirit, which had a lower volatile compound concentration (79.4 g/hL, absolute alcohol), all the produced red fruit spirits complied with legislation, including ethanol (37.9-40.2% v/v) and methanol (22.8-877.9 g/hL, absolute alcohol) concentrations and exhibited favorable aromatic profiles. The findings highlight that fermentation and distillation are straightforward, consistent, and reproducible methods, enabling the production of high-quality red fruit spirits from economically viable red fruit sources. This presents a significant opportunity in the spirits market, offering versatile applications as low-alcohol options, base spirits, or, with re-distillation, high-alcohol spirits.

Optimizing perinatal wellbeing in pregnancy with obesity: a clinical trial with a multi-component nutrition intervention for prevention of gestational diabetes and infant growth and neurodevelopment impairment.

Pregnancy complicated by obesity represents an increased risk of unfavorable perinatal outcomes such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, preterm birth, and impaired fetal growth, among others. Obesity is associated with deficiencies of micronutrients, and pregnant women with obesity may have higher needs. The intrauterine environment in pregnancies complicated with obesity is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, where maternal nutrition and metabolic status have significant influence and are critical in maternal health and in fetal programming of health in the offspring later in life. Comprehensive lifestyle interventions, including intensive nutrition care, are associated with a lower risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Routine supplementation during pregnancy includes folic acid and iron; other nutrient supplementation is recommended for high-risk women or women in low-middle income countries. This study is an open label randomized clinical trial of parallel groups (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000052753, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000060194) to evaluate the effect of an intensive nutrition therapy and nutrient supplementation intervention (folic acid, iron, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, myo-inositol and micronutrients) in pregnant women with obesity on the prevention of GDM, other perinatal outcomes, maternal and newborn nutritional status, and infant growth, adiposity, and neurodevelopment compared to usual care. Given the absence of established nutritional guidelines for managing obesity during pregnancy, there is a pressing need to develop and implement new nutritional programs to enhance perinatal outcomes.

Colloidal interaction of fly ash and soil clay

The combustion of coal worldwide creates a large quantity of fly ash (FA), and the application of FA to agricultural soils is being encouraged as a resource utilization strategy. While most of our attention has focused on positive aspects such as nutrient supplementation and pollution mitigation, the negative impacts of FA have likely been overlooked. In this study, we examined the colloidal properties of FA and soil clay, aiming to demonstrate the ability of FA to increase the dispersibility and transportability of soil clay. Dynamic light scattering technique was coupled with the test tube method to track the kinetics and pH-dependent changes in the zeta potential, hydrodynamic size and colloidal stability of FA, soil clay and their mixtures. We found that FA occurred in solution as “negatively charged balls”, and its negative surface charges increased with increasing pH. FA itself showed a low dispersibility; however, FA became more dispersive when it was introduced to clay suspensions. The mechanism is that the introduction of FA supplied more negative charges to the clay suspension, inducing electrostatic repulsion with soil clay, from which both FA and soil clay were favoured to disperse. Therefore, it can be inferred that off-site transport of FA is possible. More importantly, excessive application of FA can inadvertently intensify clay dispersibility, eventually resulting in soil clays together with FA being more vulnerable to leaching and/or surface run-off erosion. This suggests that the application of FA needs more careful consideration, and the development of more suitable techniques for the sustainable application of FA is still needed.

The Cost and Cost-Effectiveness of an Integrated Wasting Prevention and Screening Intervention Package in Burkina Faso and Mali

BackgroundLittle is known about costs and cost effectiveness of interventions that integrate wasting prevention into screening for child wasting. ObjectivesThis study’s objective was to estimate the cost and cost-effectiveness of an intervention that integrated behavior change communication (BCC) and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) into platforms for wasting screening in Burkina Faso (a facility-based platform, where BCC was enhanced compared with standard care) and Mali (a community-based platform, with standard BCC). MethodsActivity-based costing was used to estimate the cost per child-contact for the intervention and the comparison group, which did not receive the intervention. Costs were ascertained from accounting records, interviews, surveys, and observations. The number of child-contacts was calculated using population size estimates and average attendance rates for each service. Costs per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted were estimated using a Markov model populated with data from the parent trials on impact of wasting incidence and treatment coverage. ResultsIn the intervention group in Burkina Faso, the cost per child-contact of facility-based screening was $0.85 of enhanced BCC was $4.28, and of SQ-LNS was $8.86. In Mali, the cost per child-contact of community-based screening was $0.57, standard BCC was $0.72, and SQ-LNS was $4.14. Although no SQ-LNS costs were incurred in the comparison groups (hence lower total costs), costs per child-contact for screening and BCC were higher because coverage of these services was lower. The intervention package cost $1073 per DALY averted in Burkina Faso and $747 in Mali. ConclusionsIntegration of wasting prevention into screening for child wasting led to higher total costs but lower unit costs than standard screening due to increased coverage. Greater cost-effectiveness could be achieved if BCC were strengthened and led to improved caregiver health and nutrition practices and if screening triggered appropriate use of services and higher treatment coverage.