Nutrient Supply Research Articles

Physiological Activities of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Plants: A Review

Abstract Free radicals are defined as chemical species (atoms or molecules) that possess one or more unpaired electrons in their outer orbit, making them unstable and highly reactive with a short half-life. During metabolic processes, cells produce oxidants and active species at low concentrations, which an antioxidant defense system control. The instability of these species makes it difficult to monitor them in biological environments. There are a lot of chemical reactions in living things that involve oxidation. Molecular oxygen takes in the last electron, which creates reactive oxygen species that can be radical or non-radical. Free radicals have several effects on plant cells, particularly by attacking biomolecules such as RNA and DNA, leading to significant disruptions in the plant’s metabolic processes. They also cause lipoxygenase enzymes to break down and oxidize lipid membranes, which speeds up the aging process in plants, lowers meristematic activity, and stops cells from growing longer. Additionally, free radicals increase cellular respiration rates, consume a significant amount of energy, reduce the supply of essential nutrients from metabolic products to plant cells and tissues, disrupt hormonal balance within cells, reduce protein and nucleic acid synthesis, and lead to toxicity within cells due to the accumulation of toxic ions such as chloride and sodium.

Surface functionalization of microscaffolds produced by high-resolution 3D printing: A new layer of freedom.

Surface functionalization of microscaffolds produced by high-resolution 3D printing: A new layer of freedom.

E7 peptide for in situ tissue engineering applications in bone repair

Abstract In regenerative medicine, leveraging bioactive molecules to enhance endogenous repair mechanisms represents a critical advancement. The E7 peptide, a novel short peptide, has emerged as a key candidate for bone defect repair due to its unique ability to interact with stem cells directly. Unlike traditional tissue‐engineered bone constructs that rely on exogenous cell delivery or scaffold‐based strategies, E7 enables in situ regeneration by actively recruiting and anchoring endogenous stem cells to the defect site. Studies demonstrate that E7‐functionalized materials significantly enhance stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation while concurrently stimulating local angiogenesis through VEGF upregulation. These dual effects—stem cell homing and vascularization—address two major bottlenecks in bone repair: insufficient cell supply and poor nutrient diffusion in avascular regions. Despite these advantages, optimizing E7's spatiotemporal presentation and elucidating its signaling mechanisms remain critical. Further investigations into E7's receptor specificity, dose dependency, and long‐term safety will accelerate its clinical translation. It is of great guiding significance to clarify what role. E7 peptide plays in various bone repair materials and which pathways are activated for future research of bone defect repair.

Effects of upwelling and submarine groundwater discharges on phytoplankton communities off the north coast of the Yucatan peninsula

IntroductionCoastal regions around the world are influenced by numerous dynamical processes that supply nutrients for primary producers and trigger the food web. Rivers, submarine groundwater discharges (SGD), sediment suspension events, and upwelling, are amongst the more important. However, it is not just the concentration, but also the composition of nutrient supply that determines the type of phytoplankton community that develops, subsequently influencing the entire food web. It is therefore necessary to better understand the link between physical processes, nutrient composition and phytoplankton response in coastal oceans. This study investigates the effects of upwelling and submarine groundwater discharges on the phytoplankton community of a wide and shallow continental shelf.MethodsResults are achieved by using numerical modeling of dispersion events, as well as field data obtained from three oceanographic cruises, each representing a different hydrographic scenario (“No upwelling”, “Minor upwelling and SGD” and “Major upwelling and minor SGD”).ResultsThe upwelled water mass (SUW – Subtropical Underwater) was primarily found at the eastern end of the shelf (Cabo Catoche), where it rises and is transported westward by advection. The oceanographic stations influenced by the upwelled water showed an increase in diatom species population, known to thrive in environments with abundant inorganic nutrients. In contrast, submarine groundwater discharges were recorded nearshore on the western half of the shelf, mainly related to karst features of hydrogeological importance (a sinkhole ring associated with the Chicxulub crater). The stations with SGD influence had higher presence of nutrients such as NH4, suggesting recycling processes. This can modify either the phytoplankton community advected from Cabo Catoche, or promote local growth, leading to a dominance of dinoflagellates and unknown flagellates.DiscussionThis result implies a food web, similar to that of the mixoplankton-dominated microbial loop, which would be fed by organic matter of continental origin.

Preweaning nutrient supply improves lactation productivity and reduces the risk of culling in Holstein cows.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of preweaning nutrient intake on milk production in the 2 first lactations, risk of culling, and metabolomic profiles of dairy cows fed a restricted (RES) or an elevated (ELE) milk supply preweaning. A total of 86 female Holstein Friesian calves were randomly assigned to either 5.4 Mcal of ME in 8 L of milk replacer (MR) per day (ELE) or 2.7 Mcal of ME in 4 L of MR per day (RES) from d 2 after birth until they were stepped down by 50% from d 42 to d 49 and fully weaned at d 50. Starting from d 50, animals from both treatment groups were fed and managed in the same way, with treatments being blinded, for the entire study duration. At 60 DIM in the first lactation, blood samples were taken for metabolomic analysis. Heifers fed the ELE diet exhibited higher ADG (0.79 vs. 0.49 kg/d) in the preweaning period, leading to higher BW at 70 d of age (94 vs. 85 kg). In the first lactation, cows fed the ELE diet preweaning exhibited higher DMI (+0.7 kg/d), higher milk fat yield (+50 g/d), and higher milk fat content (+0.24%) but lower feed efficiency (-0.04) than cows in the RES group. In the second lactation, fat- and protein-corrected milk yield (+1.8 kg/d), milk fat yield (+115 g/d), milk fat content (+0.22%), and feed efficiency (+0.06) were all higher in ELE cows. Throughout these 2 lactations, ELE cows were leaner, as indicated by a lower BCS. Cows fed the ELE diet preweaning had a higher first-service conception rate during the second lactation than cows fed the RES diet (40.7% vs. 13.0%). Moreover, the likelihood to be culled before third, fourth, or fifth calving was halved when calves were fed ELE compared with RES. Metabolomic profiling revealed distinct metabolomic profiles at 60 DIM in response to preweaning milk supply. The major metabolic pathways affected by preweaning nutrient supply at 60 DIM were pyrimidine, sphingosine, guanidino, acetamido, and purine metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The metabolic profile differences between the groups describe a metabolic configuration that was sustained into adulthood and that may explain the improved productivity and resilience of cows fed a greater milk supply during the preweaning period.

Phytoplankton Dynamics and Environmental Variability in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Over Glacial‐Interglacial Timescales

Abstract The Eastern Equatorial Pacific serves as a critical region for understanding the interplay between phytoplankton dynamics and global carbon cycling over glacial‐interglacial timescales. This study investigates the calcareous nannofossils from sediment core MV1014‐02‐17JC (17JC) and previously published diatom assemblage data from core MD02‐2529, correlating their abundances with environmental proxy records for temperature, nutrient availability, and productivity from previously published data obtained from 17JC and nearby core ME‐0005A‐24JC. Coccolithophore abundance data were obtained on a 10 cm sampling interval to observe glacial‐interglacial variability in fossil assemblages. The analysis reveals that coccolithophore species, particularly Gephyrocapsa oceanica and Florisphaera profunda, display significant shifts in dominance corresponding to glacial and interglacial intervals. During interglacial stages, increased stratification and higher sea surface temperatures favor F. profunda, whereas glacial intervals with enhanced upwelling and nutrient availability support G. oceanica. Principal Coordinate Analysis and cluster analysis demonstrate that sea surface temperature (SST), or nutrients that covary with SST, is a primary driver of these assemblage changes, with minor secondary influences from nutrient fluxes. The comparison of primary controls on the calcareous nannofossil and diatom group abundances suggests that the two groups are responding to different primary drivers of change, potentially differing nutrient supply regimes. These findings underscore the complex interactions between phytoplankton communities and their environment, contributing to our understanding of past oceanographic conditions and their implications for future climate scenarios.

Effects of organic material addition on carbon cycling and soil fertility in paddy soil.

Effects of organic material addition on carbon cycling and soil fertility in paddy soil.

Nutrient Limitation Induces a Productivity Decline From Light‐Controlled Maximum

Abstract Nutrient impacts on productivity in stream ecosystems can be obscured by light limitation imposed by canopy cover and water turbidity, thereby creating uncertainties in linking nutrient and productivity regimes. Evaluations of nutrient limitations are often based on a response ratio (RR) quantifying productivity stimulation above ambient levels given augmented nutrient supply. This metric neglects the primacy of light effects on productivity. We propose an alternative approach to quantify nutrient limitations using a “decline ratio” (DR), which quantifies the productivity decline from the maximum established by light availability. The DR treats light as the first‐order control and nutrient depletion as a disturbance causing productivity decline, allowing separation of nutrient and light influences. We used DR to assess nutrient diffusing substrate (NDS) experiments with three nutrients (nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P], iron [Fe]) from five Greenland streams during summer, where light is not limited due to the lack of canopy and low turbidity. We tested two hypotheses: (a) productivity maximum (i.e., highest chlorophyll‐a among NDS treatments) is controlled by light and (b) DR depends on both light and nutrients. The productivity maximum was strongly predicted by light (R2 = 0.60). The productivity decline induced by N limitation (i.e., DRN) was best explained by light availability when parameterized with either dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration (R2 = 0.79) or N:Fe ratio (R2 = 0.87). These predictions outperformed predictions of RR for which light was not a significant factor. Reversing the perspective on nutrient limitation from “stimulation above ambient” to “decline below maximum” provides insights into both light and nutrient impacts on stream productivity.

Linking rock outcrop size and distance to soil multifunctionality in mountain ecosystems

Abstract Rock outcrops, prevalent in mountain ecosystems worldwide, occupy space and exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties compared with soil. Therefore, it is theorized that these properties significantly affect soil functions. However, previous studies have either overlooked rocks entirely or only considered the proportion of rock covered, leaving a gap in understanding rock outcrops' distance and size on soil ecological processes and ecosystem functions. To address this, we conducted a field study to evaluate the distance and size effects of rock outcrops on the surrounding soil multifunctionality. A total of 31 rock outcrops of varying sizes were selected and categorized into five diameter classes: 0–1 m, 1–2 m, 2–3 m, 3–4 m and 4–5 m. Plant litter and soil samples were collected at two distances (0–20 cm and 20–50 cm) to capture the direct influence of rock outcrops while minimizing interference from broader environmental factors. Five functions assessed soil multifunctionality: nutrient provisioning, microbial growth efficiency, soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, nutrient cycling and plant‐microbe symbiosis. Our results suggested that soil multifunctionality and microbial growth efficiency were significantly greater at closer distances (0–20 cm) (approximately 17% and 24% higher, respectively) than at further distances (20–50 cm) from rock outcrops. Although plant litter increased with the increasing size of rocks, the effect of rock size on soil multifunctionality exhibited a convex hump‐shaped curve. Soil multifunctionality around medium‐sized rocks (i.e. 2–4 m) was approximately 40%–60% greater than that around smaller rocks (i.e. 0–1 m). Nutrient provisioning, microbial growth efficiency and SOM decomposition functions showed similar trends. Further analysis showed that exchangeable calcium and soil organic carbon emerged as the most important intermediary variables connecting rock size and distance to soil multifunctionality. Overall, the soil near rock outcrops benefits from extra resources such as plant litter, rainfall, atmospheric deposition and nutrients released from rock weathering, which may directly contribute to its high soil multifunctionality; however, excessively large rock outcrops may hinder these resources from contributing to soil multifunctionality. Future surveys and models of mountain ecosystem functions should incorporate factors such as rock size and distance from rocks to enhance assessment accuracy. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Effects of enteral nutrition in stroke: an updated review.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and functional decline that places a significant burden on healthcare systems. Malnutrition is a critical clinical concern that complicates the condition of stroke patients and contributes to unfavorable outcomes. Dysphagia is the primary cause of malnutrition in the acute stage after stroke. Enteral nutrition (EN) has been employed to manage the nutritional status of stroke patients to prevent and treat malnutrition. Early EN (EEN) has been shown to reduce mortality and the prevalence of malnutrition while enhancing functional outcomes. In the majority of cases requiring nutritional support, nasogastric tube (NGT) placement is prioritized. However, under specific circumstances, direct enteral tube (DET) feeding that includes percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ), offers distinct advantages, particularly for PEG. Compared to intermittent EN, continuous EN demonstrates better tolerance. An EN protocol providing sufficient nutrient supply and energy support can alleviate neurological deficits and reduce the severity of motor dysfunction in stroke patients, thereby improving their prognosis. Energy-rich formulations of EN and EEN may be associated with a lower incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). However, the use of EN may lead to an increased incidence of digestive complications, and hyperglycemia. In this study, we reviewed the indications, opportunities, and management methods for EN application, along with the nutrient composition of nutritional protocols for stroke patients.

클라우드 기반 근권 환경관리 의사결정지원 시스템

This study aimed to develop a cloud-based decision-making support system for root zone environment management by establishing control criteria for key environmental factors. Data were collected from three of six cultivation beds in a test greenhouse at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, with root zone measurement devices installed at the midpoint of each bed. The dataset comprised device identification, substrate weight, greenhouse temperature and humidity, nutrient solution supply and drainage volumes, substrate electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and temperature, recorded at 1-second intervals. Additionally, indoor and outdoor temperatures were measured at 5-minute intervals. Missing data were imputed using the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm. The service platform was implemented on OpenStack Newton and deployed on an Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS, integrating a database and a visualization service. Key factors for decision-making support included substrate conditions, nutrient solution supply EC, drainage rate, substrate temperature, and dryback levels. The root zone environment dashboard enables real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making support to optimize moisture levels, nutrient solution management, and greenhouse climate control. This system enables precise root zone environment management and adaptive nutrient supply adjustments based on crop growth stages. By improving environmental control, it enhances the productivity of hydroponically grown fruit vegetables, offering a scalable solution for smart agriculture.

Supplementary Calcium Overcomes Nocturnal Chilling-Induced Carbon Source-Sink Limitations of Cyclic Electron Transport in Peanuts.

'Calcium (Ca2+) priming' is an effective strategy to restore efficient carbon assimilation with undergoing unfavourable cold stress (day/night: 25°C/8°C). However, it is unclear how exogenous calcium strengthens the cyclic electron transfer (CET) to attain optimal carbon flux. To assess the nutrient fortification role of Ca2+ (15 mM) in facilitating this process for peanuts, we added antimycin (AA, 100 μM) and rotenone (R, 100 μM) as specific inhibitors. Our results revealed that inhibiting CET caused a negative effect on photosynthesis. The Ca2+ treatment accelerated the turnover of non-structural carbohydrates, and linear electron carriers while balancing the photosystem I (PSI) bilateral redox potential. The treatment also strengthened the PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION5 (PGR5)/PGR5-LIKE PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHENOTYPE1 (PGRL1) and the NADH dehydrogenase-like (NDH)-mediated CET, with plausible crosstalk between thioredoxin (Trx) system and Ca2+ signalling, to regulate chloroplast redox homoeostasis. Specifically, exogenous Ca2+ strengthened the PGR5/PGRL1-mediated CET by providing sufficient ATP and adequate photoprotection during the long-term exposure; the NDH-mediated CET served to alleviate limitations on the PSI acceptor side by translocating protons. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of harnessing optimal nutrient supply, in the form of foliar Ca2+-based sprays to strengthen the eco-physiological resilience of peanuts against cold stress.

New insights into nutrient- and drought-responsive flowering.

Nutrients not only provide energy and structural components but also play essential roles as regulatory molecules to control plant growth and development. Flowering is a key developmental phase transition (from vegetative to reproductive growth), and its precise timing determines reproductive fitness and crop yield. This requires coordination of metabolism, partitioning between source and sink tissues, and apical meristem activity with nutrient supplies. Here we summarize recent advances in our understanding of nutrient-regulated flowering, focusing on sugars and the three primary (soil supplied) macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, also considering drought stress as a highly relevant condition affecting nutrient availability. Most notably, recent evidence indicates that the evolutionarily conserved SNF1-RELATED KINASE 1 (SnRK1) kinase, a key metabolic sensor, serves as an integrator of nutrient status to control flowering. However, the combined effects of multiple nutrients on flowering and differences in responses between plant species remain underexplored and are an important topic for future research.

Exposure of Parental Zebrafish to Difenoconazole throughout Their Life Cycle May Lead to Developmental Toxicity in the F1 Generation through Epigenetic Changes in Gametes, Impaired Nutrient Supply from the Ovum, and Maternal Transfer of Difenoconazole.

Difenoconazole is a widely used agricultural fungicide that has been frequently detected in aquatic environments. Given its stable presence in aquatic environments, long-term exposure of wild fish may pose a risk to offspring embryonic development. This study demonstrated that exposure of zebrafish to environmental concentrations of difenoconazole throughout their life cycle resulted in abnormal development of offspring embryos/larvae, including decreased heart rate, delayed hatching, increased malformation rate, shortened body length, and increased mortality. These changes were significantly correlated with the affected apoptosis, autophagy, energy metabolism and MAPK signaling pathways in F1 generation. This transgenerational toxic effect results from epigenetic alterations in gametes, impaired nutrient supply from the ovum, and maternal transfer of difenoconazole. After exposure to difenoconazole, the development of female fish offspring was affected more than that of male fish offspring, which was mainly caused by the impaired nutrient supply from the ovum and the maternal transfer of difenoconazole. Because this transgenerational developmental toxicity was observed at environmental levels, difenoconazole may pose a threat to the survival of wild larvae and therefore a risk to wild fish populations.

Effect of Foliar Application of Nano DAP on Yield and N, P and K Uptakes and Post Harvest Soil Nutrient Status of Finger Millet

The present study aimed to determine the effect of foliar application of Nano DAP on yield and N, P and K uptakes and post-harvest soil nutrient status of finger millet. Finger millet is mostly grown in poor and marginal soils under low to no input supply conditions. Adequate plant nutrient supply is required to explore the full yield potential of improved varieties. Nano DAP application through seedling treatment followed by foliar sprays efficiently meets the crop's need for phosphorus and nitrogen. A field experiment was carried out during rabi, 2023-24 at Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments viz., T1 : 100 % NPK , T2 : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP at Tillering stage, T3 : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP at PI stage, T4 : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T5 : 100 % NK only, T6 : T 5 + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T7 : T 5 + 50 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T 8 : T 5 + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T9 : T5 + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP at Tillering stage and T10 : T5 + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP at PI stage. Results revealed that 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP @ 2.5 ml L-1 at Tillering and PI stage (T4) significantly enhanced the grain and straw yield, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents and uptakes of both grain and straw, post-harvest soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, however, this treatment remained at par with 100 % NK + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage (T8). Hence, 100 % NK + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at the Tillering and PI stage (T8) can be regarded as the best treatment as it saves 25 % of conventional phosphorus fertilizers in addition to environmental safety.

MENTAL STATUS , ABILITIES MOBILIZATION AND THE RISK OF FALLS IN THE ELDERLY WITH HYPERTENSION; A CORRELATIVE STUDY

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a vascular disorder that hampers oxygen and nutrient supply to body tissues. Elderly individuals are prone to hypertension due to physical and psychological changes, increasing their risk of falls. Falls can significantly impact cognitive function and mobility. This study analyzes the correlation between mental status, mobility, and fall risk among elderly hypertensive individuals in Tanjungrejo Village. This cross-sectional correlation study involved 64 randomly selected participants from Tanjungrejo Village in November 2024. Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) assessed mental status, mobility, and fall risk, respectively. Spearman Rank test analyzed the data.Results showed: most elderly hypertensive individuals (45.3%) had probable cognitive impairment. Majority (57.8%) demonstrated independent mobility. Most participants (57.8%) had moderate fall riskA significant correlation exists between mental status, mobility, and fall risk among elderly hypertensive individuals in Tanjungrejo Village, Jekulo Subdistrict, Kudus Regency (p-value 0.05).

Improving Lunar Soil Simulant for Plant Cultivation: Earthworm-Mediated Organic Waste Integration and Plant-Microbe Interactions.

Long-term human residence on the Moon is an inevitable trend in lunar exploration, necessitating the development of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs). In BLSSs, plant cultivation serves as the core functional unit, requiring substantial amounts of cultivation substrates. Lunar soil has potential as a cultivation substrate, but its suitability for plant growth must be improved to meet life-support requirements. As a fine-grained, organics-free, in situ resource, lunar soil's high compaction significantly restricts crops' root access to oxygen, water, and nutrients. While the addition of organic solid waste-a byproduct of BLSSs-could alleviate compaction, issues such as salinization, incomplete decomposition, and the presence of pathogens pose risks to crop health. In this study, we introduced earthworms into wheat cultivation systems to gradually digest, transfer (as vermicompost), and mix solid waste with a lunar soil simulant substrate. We set five experimental groups: a positive control group using vermiculite (named as V) as the optimal growth substrate, a negative control group using pure lunar soil simulant (LS), and three treatment groups using lunar soil simulant with solid waste and 15 (LS+15ew), 30 (LS+30ew), and 45 (LS+45ew) earthworms added. Our results demonstrated significant improvements in both compaction (e.g., bulk density, hydraulic conductivity) and salinization (e.g., salinity, electrical conductivity), likely due to the improved soil aggregate structures, which increased the porosity and ion adsorption capacity of the soil. Additionally, the microbial community within the substrate shifted toward a cooperative pattern dominated by significantly enriched plant probiotics. Consequently, the cultivated wheat achieved approximately 80% of the growth parameters (including production) compared to the control group grown in vermiculite with nutrient solution (representing ideal cultivation conditions), indicating sufficient nutrient supply from the mineralized waste. We can conclude that the earthworms "complementarily" improved the lunar soil simulant and organic waste by addressing compaction and salinization, respectively, leading to comprehensive improvements in key parameters, including the microbial environment. This study proposes a conceptual framework for improving lunar soil for crop cultivation, and it innovatively introduces earthworms as a preliminary yet effective solution. These findings provide a feasible and inspiring foundation for future lunar agriculture.

Macrophages harness hepatocyte glutamate to boost liver regeneration.

Liver regeneration after hepatectomy follows accurate coordination with the body's specific requirements1-3. However, the molecular mechanisms, factors and particular hepatocyte population influencing its efficiency remain unclear. Here we report on a unique regeneration mechanism involving unconventional RPB5 prefoldin interactor 1 (URI1), which exclusively colocalizes with, binds to and activates glutamine synthase (GS) in pericentral hepatocytes. Genetic GS or URI1 depletion in mouse pericentral hepatocytes increases circulating glutamate levels, accelerating liver regeneration after two-third hepatectomy. Conversely, mouse hepatocyticURI1 overexpression hinders liver restoration, which can be reversed by elevating glutamate through supplementation or genetic GS depletion. Glutamate metabolically reprograms bone-marrow-derived macrophages, stabilizing HIF1α, which transcriptionally activates WNT3 to promote YAP1-dependent hepatocyte proliferation, boosting liver regeneration. GS regulation by URI1 is a mechanism that maintains optimal glutamate levels, probably to spatiotemporally fine-tune liver growth in accordance with the body's homeostasis and nutrient supply. Accordingly, in acute and chronic injury models, including in cirrhotic mice with low glutamate levels and in early mortality after liver resection, as well as in mice undergoing 90% hepatectomy, glutamate addition enhances hepatocyte proliferation and survival. Furthermore, URI1 and GS expression co-localize in human hepatocytes and correlate with WNT3 in immune cells across liver disease stages. Glutamate supplementation may therefore support liver regeneration, benefiting patients awaiting transplants or recovering from hepatectomy.

Growth and Yield of Microgreens in Two Varieties of Curly Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under Different Concentrations of Liquid Organic Fertilizer

INDRA LESMANA SAEPUROHMAN, 2024. Growth and Yield of Microgreens in Two Varieties of Curly Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under Different Concentrations of Liquid Organic Fertilizer. Under the guidance of YAYU SRI RAHAYU, WINDA RIANTI, dan ZAHARA MAHARDIAH. Microgreens are plants that can be cultivated in a short period, having a lifespan longer than sprouts but younger than baby greens, yet possessing higher nutritional content than mature plants. Despite their short lifespan, the provision of additional nutrients during cultivation can enhance the growth and yield of microgreens. This study aims to investigate the growth and yield of microgreens from two lettuce varieties under various concentrations of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). The method used in this research is an experimental method with a factorial randomized block design (RBD) consisting of two factors. The first factor is the lettuce variety, comprising 2 levels, and the second factor is the concentration of LOF, comprising 4 levels, with 3 repetitions, resulting in 24 experimental units. The treatment effects were analyzed using variance analysis, and if the F-test at the 5% level was significant, further analysis was conducted using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The results showed interactions between the two lettuce varieties of microgreens and various LOF concentrations on parameters such as germination uniformity, plant height growth rate, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and phenolic content. Microgreens of the Olga Red lettuce variety with an LOF concentration of 2 ml/l provided the best growth and yield in terms of germination uniformity, plant height growth rate, fresh weight and chlorophyll content. In contrast, microgreens of the New Grand Rapid lettuce variety with an LOF concentration of 6 ml/l showed the best growth in terms of root length, plant height growth rate, and chlorophyll content. Keywords: Microgreens, Curly Lettuce, Liquid Organic Fertilizer, Plant Growth, Antioxidants.

Eye features and retinal photoreceptors of the nocturnal aardvark (Orycteropus afer, Tubulidentata).

The nocturnal aardvark Orycteropus afer is the only extant species in the mammalian order Tubulidentata. Previous studies have claimed that it has an all-rod retina. In the retina of one aardvark, we found rod densities ranging from 124,000/mm² in peripheral retina to 214,000/mm² in central retina; the retina of another aardvark had 163,000 - 245,000 rods/mm². This is moderate in comparison to other nocturnal mammals. With opsin immunolabelling we found that the aardvark also has a small population of cone photoreceptors. Cone densities ranged from about 300 to 1,300/mm² in one animal, and from 1,100 to 1,600/mm² in a limited sample of the other animal, with a central-peripheral density gradient and some local variations. Overall, cones comprised 0.25-0.9% of the photoreceptors. Both typical mammalian cone opsins, longwave-sensitive (L) and shortwave-sensitive (S), were present. However, there was colocalization of the two opsins in many cones across the retina (35 - 96% dual pigment cones). Pure L cones and S cones formed smaller populations. This probably results in poor colour discrimination. Thyroid hormones, important regulators of cone opsin expression, showed normal blood serum levels. The relatively low rod density and hence a relatively thin retina may be related to the fact that the aardvark retina is avascular and its oxygen and nutrient supply have to come from the choriocapillaris by diffusion. In contrast to some previous studies, we found that the aardvark eye has a reflective tapetum lucidum with features of a choroidal tapetum fibrosum, in front of which the retinal pigment epithelium is unpigmented. The discussion considers these findings from a comparative perspective.