Nutritional Improvement Research Articles

Bacillus: a eco-friendly source for plant development and sanity

Bacillus are non-pathogenic gram-positive bacteria capable of producing resistant spores. They have several beneficial characteristics to crop production, such as increased plant growth, resistance to abiotic/biotic stresses, nutritional improvement, and potential for bioremediation of contaminated soils. The use of microorganisms in agriculture has increased due to the reduction in the use of agrochemicals, and sustainable production. Therefore, the present study was based on bibliographical research on the current state of the art of biotechnological prospecting and obtaining commercial products of Bacillus for the agricultural sector. The search was conducted through the Google Academic platform limiting the search to the years 2015 to 2020. Papers that explained in vitro or in vivo prospecting methodologies of Bacillus with promoter or protective activity of plants and those that described microbial inoculants with this genus were selected. Different species of Bacillus can modulate plant growth producing plant hormones. Molecular biology tools such as DNA sequencing and PCR are applied to the study of genes involved in plant growth modulation by Bacillus such as AcPho, ipdC and asbA. For the elaboration of agricultural bioproducts, vegetative structures or endospores are used, under an optimal concentration of 1 x 108 CFU/mL. In the face of species diversity, many have not yet been studied and are promising to become bioproducts. This fact is enhanced by the immeasurable applicability of Bacillus.

Metabolic diversity in a collection of wild and cultivated Brassica rapa subspecies.

Brassica rapa (B. rapa) and its subspecies contain many bioactive metabolites that are important for plant defense and human health. This study aimed at investigating the metabolite composition and variation among a large collection of B. rapa genotypes, including subspecies and their accessions. Metabolite profiling of leaves of 102 B. rapa genotypes was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-QTOF-MS/MS). In total, 346 metabolites belonging to different chemical classes were tentatively identified; 36 out of them were assigned with high confidence using authentic standards and 184 were those reported in B. rapa leaves for the first time. The accumulation and variation of metabolites among genotypes were characterized and compared to their phylogenetic distance. We found 47 metabolites, mostly representing anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives that displayed a significant correlation to the phylogenetic relatedness and determined four major phylometabolic branches; 1) Chinese cabbage, 2) yellow sarson and rapid cycling, 3) the mizuna-komatsuna-turnip-caitai; and 4) a mixed cluster. These metabolites denote the selective pressure on the metabolic network during B. rapa breeding. We present a unique study that combines metabolite profiling data with phylogenetic analysis in a large collection of B. rapa subspecies. We showed how selective breeding utilizes the biochemical potential of wild B. rapa leading to highly diverse metabolic phenotypes. Our work provides the basis for further studies on B. rapa metabolism and nutritional traits improvement.

Assessment of undernutrition using the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) and its determinants: A cross-sectional study in the rural area of the Bogor District in Indonesia

BackgroundThe Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) can comprehensively identify undernutrition by combining several indicators of nutritional status – namely, weight-for-age, length/height-for-age and weight-for-length/height – to determine the nutritional status of children under five years of age. This study aims to assess undernutrition using the CIAF and its determinants on children under five years of age in the Bogor District, Indonesia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted during February–May 2019 among 330 mother-children pairs (with children under five), selected by systematic random sampling from four villages as undernutrition pockets in the rural area of Bogor District, Indonesia. The nutritional status of the children was assessed by measuring weight and length/height. Z-score was calculated using WHO Anthro software and was categorized based on conventional indices, including weight-for-age (WAZ), length/height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-length/height (WHZ). The CIAF is measured based on a combination of conventional index measurements. In addition, mothers’ and childrens’ characteristics and clean living behaviour are assessed via structured questionnaires. Environmental sanitation is assessed using the environment meter. Binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS version 22.0 is used to analyse the dominant factors associated with undernutrition.ResultsAmong children under five, 42.1% experienced anthropometric failure (overall prevalence of undernutrition based on the CIAF), 2.4% experienced wasting only, 5.8% were classified as both wasting and underweight, 2.1% as wasting, underweight and stunting, 16.4% as underweight and stunting, 11.5% as stunting only, and 3.9% as underweight only. Assessment of nutritional status using a conventional anthropometric index shows that respective prevalences of underweight, stunted and wasted were 27.8, 29.7, and 10.6%. The mother’s height is the most dominant factor associated with anthropometric failure [p = 0.008; AOR = 1.95; 95% CI: 2.19–3.19]. The most dominant factors associated with the conventional undernutrition indices of underweight, stunted and wasted are, respectively, family income [p = 0.018; AOR = 5.44; 95% CI: 1.34–22.11], mother’s height [p = < 0.001; AOR = 3.29; 95% CI:1.83–5.91] and child’s age [p = 0.013; AOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.22–5.47].ConclusionNearly half of children under five experience anthropometric failure. Specific nutrition improvement interventions and specific nutrition interventions during pregnancy and lactation are needed, especially for malnourished mothers, to prevent malnutrition in infant.

Beneficial effects of arbuscular mycorrhizae on Cu detoxification in Mimosa pudica L. grown in Cu-polluted soils.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM) fungi are known to have beneficial effects on host plants growing on contaminated soils. The present study aimed at investigating the influence of two different AMfungi (Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae) on the growth of plants and Cu uptake by Mimosa pudica L. grown in polluted soils containing various levels of Cu (Control, 400, 500, or 600mgkg-l soil) in pot experiments. Mycorrhizal colonisation rates by the two AMfungi decreased markedly with the increasing Cu levels in soils. This inhibition was more pronounced to F. mosseae than R. intraradices, indicating that R. intraradices was more tolerant to Cu than F. mosseae. Compared with non-mycorrhizal plants, R. intraradices inoculation increased plant growth (including shoot height, numbers of compound leaves and leaflets, and dry biomass) and P concentrations in the shoots and roots of M. pudica at all levels of Cu. Meanwhile, F. mosseae displayed a capability of growth promotion to M. pudica much later and lower than R. intraradices. F. mosseae and R. intraradices markedly decreased Cu concentration in shoots at 400-600mgkg-1 Cu levels. However, R. intraradices was more efficient than F. mosseae in decreasing the shootCu concentrations. As for the increasing Cu tolerance by R. intraradices, possibly it was reached though the improvement of phosphorus nutrition and the decline of Cu transportfrom roots to shoots of M. pudica. R. intraradices showed a good potential for improving medicinal plants growth and declining toxic effects in Cu-contaminated soils.

Nutrition improvement program for rural compulsory education students and individual health.

We use the county-by-county rollout of the program and employ the difference-in-difference (DID) methodology to identify the effects of the implementation of the nutrition improvement program for rural compulsory education students on adolescent health. The results show that the nutrition improvement program reduces the frequency and probability of illness and improves the students' health status. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that the children in western regions and children left behind have a greater marginal improvement. It finds that the nutrition improvement program for rural compulsory education students improves adolescent health through diversifying nutrition intake to alleviate malnutrition and developmental delay in impoverished areas. The program can promote adolescent health in impoverished areas, which has a role in improving regional health disparities and alleviating the intergenerational entrenchment of poverty.

Acinetobacter schindleri SR-5-1 decipher morpho-physio-biochemical and nutritional improvements to Pisum sativum L. and Linum usitatissimum L. maintained under wastewater/cadmium stress.

Metal retention in wastewater fertigated crops poses a potential hazard to food chain. Current work demonstrates the bioremediation and growth-promoting potential of Acinetobacter schindleri SR-5-1 by using nitrogen-fixing (pea) and non-nitrogen fixing (linseed) plants under cadmium (Cd) and wastewater irrigation regimes. Both plants were grown at 250 or 500 CdCl2 and 75 or 100% wastewater, each separately with and without A. schindleri SR-5-1 inoculation. The results revealed that Cd and wastewater significantly decreased growth, biomass, antioxidants, and nutrient acquisition through increased malondialdehyde, H2O2, and Cd accumulation. However, application of A. schindleri SR-5-1 significantly promoted morpho-physio-biochemical attributes while diminishing MDA and H2O2 under applied Cd and wastewater stress levels in both pea and linseed. Further, PGPR inoculation positively influenced pea and linseed seedlings through a substantial decline in Cd accumulation in roots/shoots and retained the optimal level of essential nutrients. It was inferred that both pea and linseed, with A. schindleri SR-5-1 application, exhibited higher growth and metabolism under Cd and wastewater stress but substantial tolerance was acquired under wastewater stress. Studied plants exhibited tolerance in order of 75% WW ≥ 250µM Cd ≥ 100%WW ≥ 500µM Cd treatment under A. schindleri inoculation. Current findings revealed the potential of A. schindleri to be exploited both for bioremediation and bio-fertilization under Cd, and wastewater-polluted regimes to reduce metal contamination of edible plants. It was suggested that with inoculation of A. schindleri SR-5-1, 75% WW dilution can be applied for irrigation of both nitrogen-fixing and non-nitrogen-fixing crops.

Effect of Information Communication on Micronutrient Powders (or Yingyangbao) Feeding Behaviors of Different Generations of Baby Caregivers in Rural Areas

To evaluate the status of information communication concerning micronutrient powders (MNP), or yingyangbao in Pinyin, the Chinese Romanization system, in areas covered by the Child Nutrition Improvement Project in a province in southwest China, and to investigate the effect of different communication channels and message communicated on the feeding behaviors of different generations of caregivers. In October 2019, 6 counties, including two counties with predominantly Han population, two counties with substantial Tibetan population, and two counties with substantial Yi population, were selected from a province in southwest China through multistage random cluster sampling. A total of 816 pairs of babies and their caregivers from 108 villages in 36 townships were enrolled for the study. The age of the babies ranged between 6 months to 24 months. A structured questionnaire concerning the demographic data of the babies and their caregivers, the communication channel of information on MNP and the message communicated, and the caregivers' MNP feeding behaviors was designed to collect data through face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression was done to analyze the effect of MNP information communication on the feeding behaviors of caregivers from different generations. Caregivers acquired information on MNP from village and township physicians (85.66%), surrounding populations (15.81%), and brochures and mass media (4.78%). The messages they received included the free availability of MNP (37.50%), feeding methods (49.26%), and the benefits of giving babies MNP (57.84%). Among the caregivers, 89.95% knew about the availability of MNP, 69.73% were aware of the benefits, and 84.07% actually received MNP. The correct feeding rate was 68.26% and the total effective feeding rate was 49.14%. The effective feeding rate of caregivers of the grandparents' generation (59.07%) was higher than that of the caregivers of the parents' generation (45.08%) ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that, for caregivers of the parents' generation, information communication channel of village and township physicians (odds ratio [ OR]=2.20, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.13-4.31) and communication messages on feeding methods ( OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.19-2.73) and benefits of MNP ( OR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.61-3.57) facilitated their effective feeding behavior, while communication message concerning the free availability of MNP ( OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.38-0.87) inhibited their effective feeding behavior. For caregivers of the grandparents' generation, information communication channel of village and township physicians ( OR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.12-7.76) and communication messages on the feeding methods ( OR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.34-6.09) were facilitating factors of their effective feeding behaviors. The main channel of MNP information delivered to caregivers from the areas covered by the study was face-to-face explanation by doctors. The message communicated mainly involved three aspects--the administration method, the benefits and free availability of MNP. The channel and message of MNP information communnication had different effects on the feeding behaviors of caregivers of the parents' and grandparents' generations. Future research should focus on developing targeted information communication strategies according to the characteristics of populations from different generations, so as to improve the caregivers' feeding behavior.

Effects of the Duration of Ying Yang Bao Consumption on Hemoglobin Concentration in Infants and Young Children in Less Developed Areas of China.

Ying Yang Bao (YYB) is conventionally prescribed as a nutritional supplement to infants and young children (IYC) in less developed areas of China. However, whether 18-month YYB consumption is reasonable needs assessment. This study examined the influence of the duration of YYB consumption on hemoglobin (Hb) levels and anemia prevalence. Data from the Nutrition Improvement Project on Children in Poor Areas of China in 2018-2019 were used. Questionnaires were used to collect information on basic characteristics, dietary status, and YYB consumption. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance confounders. Hb levels and anemia prevalence in IYC with different durations of YYB consumption were compared. After PSM, all covariates were well-balanced, and 1151 pairs of IYC were included in subsequent analyses. During the 1st-9th months of intervention, YYB effectively increased Hb levels and reduced anemia prevalence in the intervention group. During the 10th-18th months of intervention, Hb levels in the control group increased and anemia prevalence decreased, while Hb levels and anemia prevalence fluctuated in the intervention group. In conclusion, YYB was effective in improving nutritional status of infants, but had a limited effect in young children. Nutritional supplements with different quantities or nutrients should be considered for young children.

Biochar Coating Is a Sustainable and Economical Approach to Promote Seed Coating Technology, Seed Germination, Plant Performance, and Soil Health.

Seed germination and stand establishment are the first steps of crop growth and development. However, low seed vigor, improper seedbed preparation, unfavorable climate, and the occurrence of pests and diseases reduces the germination rate and seedling quality, resulting in insufficient crop populations and undesirable plant growth. Seed coating is an effective method that is being developed and applied in modern agriculture. It has many functions, such as improving seed vigor, promoting seedling growth, and reducing the occurrence of pests and diseases. Yet, during seed coating procedures, several factors, such as difficulty in biodegradation of coating materials and hindrance in the application of chemical ingredients to seeds, force us to explore reliable and efficient coating formulations. Biochar, as a novel material, may be expected to enhance seed germination and seedling establishment, simultaneously ensuring agricultural sustainability, environment, and food safety. Recently, biochar-based seed coating has gained much interest due to biochar possessing high porosity and water holding capacity, as well as wealthy nutrients, and has been proven to be a beneficial agent in seed coating formulations. This review presents an extensive overview on the history, methods, and coating agents of seed coating. Additionally, biochar, as a promising seed coating agent, is also synthesized on its physico-chemical properties. Combining seed coating with biochar, we discussed in detail the agricultural applications of biochar-based seed coating, such as the promotion of seed germination and stand establishment, the improvement of plant growth and nutrition, suitable carriers for microbial inoculants, and increase in herbicide selectivity. Therefore, this paper could be a good source of information on the current advance and future perspectives of biochar-based seed coating for modern agriculture.

Effect of Wheat and Oat Bran on the Physicochemical Properties of Edible Starch‐Based Films Obtained by Extrusion for Food Packaging Applications

AbstractObtaining edible and biodegradable films for food packaging applications has been a strong desire of consumers, scientific community and industry for years. In this context, edible films from cassava starch with wheat or oat bran (0, 5 and 10 wt.%) manufactured from an industrially established process for packaging, such as extrusion technique, are investigated. Wheat bran is found to have a high content of total dietary fiber, being able to provide a nutritional contribution to the packaging and to consumers. Some broken bran grains smaller than 1 µm are observed, distributed quite homogeneously in the matrix and without the presence of phase separation, suggesting great miscibility between the components. Brans acted as reinforcement in concentrations of 10 wt.%, leading in thecase of wheat bran to increases of 850%, 45% and 25% in Young modulus, strength at break and toughness, respectively, and to decreases in moisture content. The incorporation of bran not significant change the thermal stability and biodegradation of the films. This investigation showed that biodegradable and edible cassava starch‐based films can be manufactured by a scalable process with possible improvements in nutrition and mechanical strength using 10 wt.% of bran for its potential employ as food packaging.

Examining the effects of social and cash transfer programs for homeless adults: Evidence from the Samaritan pilot

ObjectiveTo conduct a program evaluation of a technology-based intervention for a housing insecure population. Study designWe conduct a quantitative analysis of Samaritan pilot administrative records. MethodsSamaritan conducted an initial single-arm pilot of their technology platform among a housing insecure population (N = 500). Administrative records containing basic demographics and social determinants of health were analyzed as part of this evaluation. ResultsOur analysis revealed that among the participants, roughly 60% reported one or more improvements in unmet social determinants of health, showing the greatest improvements in the areas of utilities and nutrition. A gender subgroup analysis also revealed a differential pattern of platform use to address social determinant needs, with women more likely to report improvements in housing and nutrition while men report improvements in income and hope categories. ConclusionSamaritan, a technology-based intervention targeted at housing insecure individuals, aims to connect users to the financial and social capital necessary to improve their current situations. The results of the pilot demonstrate the potential role the Samaritan platform could play in addressing social determinant needs and insights on potentially useful technology-based intervention features for housing insecure populations.

Upaya Peningkatan Kesadaran Masyarakat terhadap Stunting pada Balita serta Peningkatan Gizi melalui Pengembangan Potensi Desa

Stunting is a chronic malnutritional problem identified by a shorter than normal. Children who suffer from stunting are more susceptible to infectious diseases, and as adults are at risk for degenerative diseases.The prevalence of stunting in Klaten Regency has increased. In 2021 the prevalence of stunting in Klaten Regency is 8.9%, while in 2022 it is 9.3%. One of the government policies to overcome stunting is to increase the efficiency of the food and nutrition information system. Methods to increase public awareness regarding stunting and improvement of under-five nutrition include: observation of village potential, seminars and discussions. The target of community service activities is the PKK community in Polanharjo District, Klaten Regency. Based on the post test results, it was found that there was a significant increase in participants' knowledge, namely 41%, in understanding the risk factors that cause stunting. By knowing and understanding stunting information, the community can apply stunting prevention behavior properly, through the supervision of cadres and health workers in their area.

INCREASED STUNTING CASES DUE TO FOOD INSECURITY AND THE NUTRITION IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Covid-19 around the world, including in Indonesia, has harmed the community's economic system, including the decline in people's income. This has an impact on people's purchasing power which leads to a lack of food availability in the family, causing reduced food intake, poor nutrition, and health problems. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the increase in the number of stunting cases due to food insecurity and malnutrition in toddlers. The results of a literature review, it shows that the Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on parents' income and has an impact on meeting family needs, especially the fulfillment of nutrition for toddlers. Children who are malnourished from an early age can affect their physical and psychological growth and development, decrease neurodevelopmental and cognitive functions, and increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. The disruption of growth and physical and psychological development of these children affects the number of stunting cases. Covid-19 not only has an impact on social, economic, and cultural conditions but also has an impact on food sovereignty. Food security as the basis for realizing a prosperous society requires maximum contribution from all stakeholders and the community. Efforts to achieve food security and nutrition improvement are encouraged, among others, by food diversification, supplementary feeding for children under five years old, nutrition education efforts to increase exclusive breastfeeding, baby and child feeding, and promotion of balanced nutrition guidelines.

Factors influencing enteral autonomy after autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery: A two-centre UK perspective

Background and AimsThe implementation of multidisciplinary care and improvements in parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) have led to better outcomes and higher survivability. Autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive (AGIR) surgery can reduce the duration on PN and lead to earlier enteral autonomy (EA). Our aim was to investigate the effect of SBS aetiology and other predictors on the achievement of enteral autonomy following AGIR surgery. MethodsRetrospective review of all patients undergoing AGIR surgery in two tertiary paediatric surgical units, between 2010 and 2021. Continuous data is presented as median (range). ResultsTwenty-seven patients underwent 29 AGIR procedures (20 serial transverse enteroplasties (STEP), 9 longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT)) at an age of 6.6 months (1.5 – 104.5). EA rate was 44% at 13.6 months after surgery (1 – 32.8). AGIR procedures achieved an increase in small bowel length of 70% (pre-operative 46.5 vs 77 cm, p = 0.003). No difference was found between STEP and LILT (p = 0.84). Percentage of expected small bowel length (based on the child's weight) was a strong predictor of EA (bowel length >15% – EA 80% vs bowel length ≤15% – EA 17%, p = 0.008). A diagnosis of gastroschisis showed a negative non-significant correlation with the ability to achieve EA (25% vs 60%, p = 0.12). Overall survival rate was 96%. ConclusionAGIR surgery is an important tool in the multidisciplinary management of children with SBS. Percentage of expected small length and aetiology of SBS are likely predictors of achievement of EA in patients undergoing AGIR surgery. Level of Evidence: IVRetrospective Case-Series

MENERAPKAN PEDULI STUNTING PADA MASYARAKAT KECAMATAN MONANO

Stunting is an acute nutritional problem which has become an official program of the Government in Presidential Regulation no. 42 of 2013 concerning the National Movement for the Acceleration of Nutrition Improvement. The stunting prevalence rate in Gorontalo in 2020 was 11.1%, while the comparison of the 2018 Riskesdas results showed that the stunting rate in north gorontalo Regency at the age of 0-24 months was b30, 66% and in the 0-59 month age group was around 33.35%. shows that the number of stunting cases in North Gorontalo is still very high. One part of the community service program is the prevention of stunting that occurs in the community. Because most people do not understand correctly about stunting, and think that stunting or stunted, the term commonly used in society, is a hereditary factor. This community service activity is carried out to increase knowledge and understanding as well as community participation in the stunting prevention and early detection program in toddlers which is expected to directly motivate the community to participate in paying attention to the growth and development of their children so that their growth and development can be optimal. The method used is lecture, interactive, and question and answer.

Improving nutrition through carbon reduction policies: an online randomized experiment

Abstract Background There has been increasing policy interest in changing dietary patterns to reduce diet-related diseases and improve population health. Meanwhile, the food choices people make every day have a determining impact on the climate change, with food systems responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Current policies focused on dietary health are designed, implemented and evaluated in relative isolation, and there is a critical open question concerning the extent of possible synergy with an additional focus on carbon removal. Methods We analysed the changes in UK households’ food purchases from an online, randomized control experiment (n = 3933) designed to contrast respondents’ current food purchase behaviour with that under a range of potential tax and labelling policies targeting improvement in dietary health, alone or combined with those designed to reduce carbon emissions. We assessed changes in the healthiness of food baskets between interventions through indicators of: i) purchase of calories; ii) % of calories purchased from 23 food groups; and iii) relative changes in nutrient composition of food purchased. Results Food labelling and fiscal measures for both health and decarbonisation have a positive impact on dietary health, by reducing the calorie content of food purchases (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Adding carbon reduction considerations into health policies achieves nutritional improvement by further reducing fat and increasing fibre, resulting in a reduction of up to 193 kcal/person/day (95%CI: 172-214). Conclusions With an additional focus on planetary health, the combined (health + carbon) tax and food labelling policies could achieve a reduction in calorie content at a magnitude close to the Public Health England's estimate of average excess calories consumed by adults (195kcal). Key messages • Policies focused on achieving both nutrition and carbon reduction goals could achieve greater improvements in food choices and produce win-win scenarios. • There is a need for greater dialogue and policy development between public health and environmental researchers, practitioners and policy makers.

The active Fe chelator proline-2'-deoxymugineic acid enhances peanut yield by improving soil Fe availability and plant Fe status.

Iron (Fe) deficiency restricts crop yields in calcareous soil. Thus, a novel Fe chelator, proline-2'-deoxymugineic acid (PDMA), based on the natural phytosiderophore 2'-deoxymugineic acid (DMA), was developed to solve the Fe deficiency problem. However, the effects and mechanisms of PDMA relevant to the Fe nutrition and yield of dicots grown under field conditions require further exploration. In this study, pot and field experiments with calcareous soil were conducted to investigate the effects of PDMA on the Fe nutrition and yield of peanuts. The results demonstrated that PDMA could dissolve insoluble Fe in the rhizosphere and up-regulate the expression of the yellow stripe-like family gene AhYSL1 to improve the Fe nutrition of peanut plants. Moreover, the chlorosis and growth inhibition caused by Fe deficiency were significantly diminished. Notably, under field conditions, the peanut yield and kernel micronutrient contents were promoted by PDMA application. Our results indicate that PDMA promotes the dissolution of insoluble Fe and a rich supply of Fe in the rhizosphere, increasing yields through integrated improvements in soil-plant Fe nutrition at the molecular and ecological levels. In conclusion, the efficacy of PDMA for improving the Fe nutrition and yield of peanut indicates its outstanding potential for agricultural applications.

Germination of White and Red Quinoa Seeds: Improvement of Nutritional and Functional Quality of Flours.

Quinoa is an Andean grain, classified as pseudocereal and the exploitation of its nutritional profile is of great interest for the cereal-based industry. The germination of quinoa seeds (white and red royal) was tested at 20 °C for different times (0, 18, 24 and 48 h) to select the best conditions for improving the nutritional quality of their flours. Changes in proximal composition, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, mineral content, unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids profiles of germinated quinoa seeds were determined. In addition, changes in structure and thermal properties of the starch and proteins as consequence of germination process were analyzed. In white quinoa, germination produced an increase in the content of lipids and total dietary fiber, at 48 h, the levels of linoleic and α-linolenic acids and antioxidant activity increase, while in red quinoa, the component that was mostly increased was total dietary fiber and, at 24 h, increased the levels of oleic and α-linolenic acids, essential amino acids (Lys, His and Met) and phenolic compounds; in addition, a decrease in the amount of sodium was detected. On the basis of the best nutritional composition, 48 h and 24 h of germination were selected for white and red quinoa seeds, respectively. Two protein bands were mostly observed at 66 kDa and 58 kDa, being in higher proportion in the sprouts. Changes in macrocomponents conformation and thermal properties were observed after germination. Germination was more positive in nutritional improvement of white quinoa, while the macromolecules (proteins and starch) of red quinoa presented greater structural changes. Therefore, germination of both quinoa seeds (48 h-white quinoa and 24 h-red quinoa) improves the nutritional value of flours producing the structural changes of proteins and starch necessary for obtaining high quality breads.

Linking small-scale fisheries co-management to U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

Small-scale fisheries account for 90% of global fishers and 40% of the global catch. Effectively managing small-scale fisheries is, therefore, crucial to progressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Co-management and community-based fisheries management are widely considered the most appropriate forms of governance for many small-scale fisheries. We outlined relationships between small-scale fisheries co-management and attainment of the SDGs, including evidence for impacts and gaps in dominant logic. We identified 11 targets across five SDGs to which small-scale fisheries co-management (including community-based fisheries management) can contribute; the theory of change by which these contributions could be achieved; and the strength of evidence for progress toward SDG targets related to various co-management strategies. Our theory of change links the 11 SDG targets by qualifying that progress toward some targets is contingent on others being achieved first. We then reviewed 58 case studies of co-management impacts from the Pacific Islands--a region rich in local marine governance--to evaluate evidence of where, to what degree, and with how much certainty different co-management strategies conferred positive impacts to each SDG target. These strategies included access restrictions, permanent area closures, periodic closures, and gear and species restrictions. Although many studies provide evidence linking multiple co-management strategies to improvements in resource status (SDG 14.4), there was limited evidence of follow-on effects, such as improvements in catch (SDG 2.3, 2.4), livelihoods (SDG 1.2), consumption (SDG 2.1), and nutrition (SDG 2.2). Our findings suggest that leaps of logic and assumptions are prevalent in co-management planning and evaluation. Hence, when evaluating co-management impacts against the SDGs, consideration of ultimate goals is required, otherwise, there is a risk of shortfalls between aspirations and impact.

Overexpression of Nicotianamine Synthase (AtNAS1) Increases Iron Accumulation in the Tuber of Potato.

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a global health problem, especially in underdeveloped countries. Biofortification with genetic engineering methods has been used to improve Fe nutrition in a number of crops. Various steps, e.g., uptake, distribution, and storage, involved in Fe homeostasis have been manipulated to increase the Fe concentration in the edible portions of plants. Nicotianamine (NA) is an important metal ion chelator in plants. It promotes the mobility of Fe and decreases cellular Fe toxicity. Increasing the Fe content in crops by promoting NA synthesis could help decrease human diseases associated with Fe deficiency. In the present study, Arabidopsis thaliana nicotianamine synthase 1 (AtNAS1) was overexpressed in potato (Solanum tuberosum, St) under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Transgenic plants had a significantly increased amount of Fe in tubers (52.7 µg/g dry weight, 2.4-fold the amount in wild-type tubers), while no differences in plant phenotype or yield were detected between transgenic and wild-type plants. The expression of genes involved in root mineral uptake and homeostasis, such as StYSL1, StIRT1, StFRO1, and StNAS, was also altered in the roots and leaves of the transgenic plants. Our results demonstrate that the manipulation of Fe chelation is a useful strategy for Fe nutrition improvement, and the increased Fe accumulation in tubers of transgenic potato plants is most likely caused by the increased movement of Fe from the leaf to the tuber.