Nutritional Responses Research Articles

Evaluation of the emergency nutrition response in Malatya after Türkiye-Syria earthquake.

The Türkiye-Syria earthquake struck eleven provinces directly in Türkiye on 6 February 2023. Emergency nutrition care is indispensable for sustaining the lives of victims and rescue personnel. To optimally support their well-being, emergency food must be both healthy (i.e. aligned with dietary guidelines) and safe. However, globally, there is a dearth of research on the emergency nutrition conditions in shelters in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters. This lack of scientific evidence could limit the extent to which nutritional gaps can be identified and remedied for future relief efforts. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the nutrition environment and nutritional quality of emergency meals distributed to survivors in Malatya, a heavily affected province in Türkiye. The rapid assessment was conducted in thirteen locations by using an embedded case-study design to evaluate the nutrition environment both quantitatively and qualitatively. Meals served to earthquake victims and volunteers were found to be insufficient in protein, fat, fibre, vitamin C, Ca and Fe, but Na levels were higher than the maximum threshold in many of the centres. The qualitative analysis illustrated insufficiency in three domains of the emergency food and nutrition environment: foods and beverages offered, cooking/food preparation and food safety and dining areas and other facilities. Given the major nutritional gaps identified in this study, future disaster preparations should implement emergency nutrition plans that ensure healthy, nutritious and safe food for survivors. Better coordination and use of technology are necessary for interventions to prevent malnutrition.

Profiling the Physiological Roles in Fish Primary Cell Culture.

Fish primary cell culture has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating the physiological roles and responses of various cell types found in fish species. This review aims to provide an overview of the advancements and applications of fish primary cell culture techniques, focusing on the profiling of physiological roles exhibited by fish cells in vitro. Fish primary cell culture involves the isolation and cultivation of cells directly derived from fish tissues, maintaining their functional characteristics and enabling researchers to study their behavior and responses under controlled conditions. Over the years, significant progress has been made in optimizing the culture conditions, establishing standardized protocols, and improving the characterization techniques for fish primary cell cultures. The review highlights the diverse cell types that have been successfully cultured from different fish species, including gonad cells, pituitary cells, muscle cells, hepatocytes, kidney and immune cells, adipocyte cells and myeloid cells, brain cells, primary fin cells, gill cells, and other cells. Each cell type exhibits distinct physiological functions, contributing to vital processes such as metabolism, tissue regeneration, immune response, and toxin metabolism. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of fish primary cell culture in elucidating the mechanisms underlying various physiological processes. Researchers have utilized fish primary cell cultures to study the effects of environmental factors, toxins, pathogens, and pharmaceutical compounds on cellular functions, providing valuable insights into fish health, disease pathogenesis, and drug development. The paper also discusses the application of fish primary cell cultures in aquaculture research, particularly in investigating fish growth, nutrition, reproduction, and stress responses. By mimicking the in vivo conditions in vitro, primary cell culture has proven instrumental in identifying key factors influencing fish health and performance, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable aquaculture practices.

Association of admission cortisol levels with outcomes and treatment response in patients at nutritional risk

IntroductionCortisol is a metabolically active stress hormone that may play a role in the pathogenesis of malnutrition. We studied the association between admission cortisol levels and nutritional parameters, disease severity, and response to nutritional support among medical inpatients at nutritional risk.MethodsAdmission cortisol was measured in a subset of 764 patients participating in the Effect of Early Nutritional Support on Frailty, Functional Outcomes, and Recovery of Malnourished Medical Inpatients Trial (EFFORT), a multicentre, randomized-controlled trial that compared individualized nutritional support with usual nutritional care.ResultsOverall, mean cortisol levels were 570 (± 293) nmol/L and significantly higher in patients with high nutritional risk (NRS ≥ 5) and in patients reporting loss of appetite. Cortisol levels in the highest quartile (> 723 nmol/l) were associated with adverse outcomes including mortality at 30 days and 5 years (adjusted HR 2.31, [95%CI 1.47 to 3.62], p = 0.001 and 1.51, [95%CI 1.23 to 1.87], p < 0.001). Nutritional treatment tended to be more effective regarding mortality reduction in patients with high vs. low cortisol levels (adjusted OR of nutritional support 0.54, [95%CI 0.24 to 1.24] vs. OR 1.11, [95%CI 0.6 to 2.04], p for interaction = 0.134). This effect was most pronounced in the subgroup of patients with severe malnutrition (NRS 2002 ≥ 5, p for interaction = 0.047).ConclusionThis secondary analysis of a randomized nutritional trial suggests that cortisol levels are linked to nutritional and clinical outcome among multimorbid medical patients at nutritional risk and may help to improve risk assessment, as well as response to nutritional treatment.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02517476.

Multi-Omics Analysis of Genes Encoding Proteins Involved in Alpha-Linolenic Acid Metabolism in Chicken.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, ω-3) is an antioxidant that reduces triglyceride (TG) levels in blood, a component of cell membranes and a precursor compound of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, ω-3) and eicosatrienoic acid (DHA, ω-3). Fatty acid content is a quantitative trait regulated by multiple genes, and the key genes regulating fatty acid metabolism have not been systematically identified. This study aims at investigating the protein-encoding genes regulating ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in chicken meat. We integrated genomics, transcriptomics and lipidomics data of Jingxing yellow chicken (JXY) to explore the interactions and associations among multiple genes involved in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism. Several key genes and pathways regulating ω-3 fatty acid metabolism in chickens were identified. The upregulation of GRB10 inhibited the mTOR signaling pathway, thereby improving the content of EPA and DHA. The downregulation of FGFR3 facilitated the conversion of ALA to EPA. Additionally, we analyzed the effects of ALA supplementation dose on glycerol esters (GLs), phospholipid (PL) and fatty acyl (FA) contents, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of nutritional responses in FFA metabolism. This study provides a basis for identifying genes and pathways that regulate the content of FFAs, and offers a reference for nutritional regulation systems in production.

212 Effect of Low Crude Protein Diets in Young Pigs When Using Crystalline Isoleucine and Leucine

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response to low crude protein (CP) while maintaining equal standardized ileal digestible (SID) LYS and equal SID amino acid-to-LYS ratios (including MET+CYS, THR, TRP, VAL, ILE, and LEU) to test whether the addition of LEU and ILE allowed CP to decline below 19.5% without impacting performance when SID LYS was 1.35%. For the experiment, pigs (n = 288; ~22 days of age, 6.29 ± 0.71 kg BW, 8 reps/treatmentt, 6 pigs/pen) were stratified by BW and randomly allotted to one of 6 treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatments had a fixed SID LYS of 1.35% and CP ranging from 21 to 17.25% in 0.75% increments. Experimental diets were fed for 21 days, and BW and feed disappearance were recorded. Visual fecal scores (1 = normal to 4 = watery) and visual pig appearance scores (1 = pale and hairy to 4 = normal color and well-rounded muscle) were assessed on ordered likert scales to determine the probabilities of observing a more normal stool quality and a worse visual appearance, respectively. Performance data were analyzed as a general linear model. Stool quality and visual appearance were analyzed as a generalized linear mixed model. Contrasts were used to test linear and quadratic effects of dietary CP. Results of the experiment are presented in Table 1. With constant SID Lys of 1.35%, reducing CP from 21.00 to 17.25% resulted in an increase then a decrease (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.005; quadratic, P &amp;lt; 0.005) in BW, ADG, ADFI, and gain:feed. Average daily gain and ADFI began decreasing when CP decreased below 20.25%, whereas body weight and gain:feed began decreasing once CP was below 19.50%. There was a difference detected amongst treatments in stool quality, but this was not due to changes in crude protein levels of the diets. This suggests that protein fermentation was not directly impacting stool quality in these pigs. Decreasing dietary CP also linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.05) affected the visual appearance of the pigs in a similar manner to performance. At the least levels of crude protein, pigs had a greater probability of having more coarse hair and paler skin suggesting that a nutritional stress response may be occurring. These results indicate that the addition of ILE and LEU to the formula do not allow CP to decrease below 19.5% without affecting performance when SID LYS is 1.35 in young pigs.

Nutrition quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas L. Lam) varieties to deficit irrigation in Tanzania

AbstractMalnutrition in all its forms is a global problem, with the worst effects felt in developing countries. The importance of producing food to improve nutrition security is self‐evidently a promising approach to combating malnutrition. The present study assessed the nutritional quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties to deficit irrigation (DI). The study's specific objectives were to (i) evaluate yield and root quality and (ii) assess the nutritional root yield and nutritional water productivity of selected OFSP varieties under full and DI. Beta‐carotene, iron, and zinc were the root quality parameters studied. A factorial arrangement of treatments was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The irrigation rates used for scheduling were 100% (full irrigation), 60% (60 [DI]), and 30% (30 [DI]) of total available water (TAW). The test varieties were Naspot‐13 and Jewel of the OFSP crop. The beta‐carotene content of the Jewel cultivar was 27% higher than that of the Naspot‐13 cultivar. However, neither cultivar's root quality changed under DI. The results show that serving 125 g of boiled OFSP varieties provides more than 100% of vitamin A, sufficient iron, and minimal zinc dietary requirements for 4‐ to 8‐year‐old children and 10‐ to 50‐year‐old pregnant women. In general, the nutritional water productivity of root quality parameters increased with a decrease in water application. In conclusion, a positive water‐food‐nutrition nexus was established under the Naspot‐13 variety, suggesting a capacity for alleviating vitamin A, iron, and zinc deficiency health‐related problems, particularly in children and pregnant women in regions with limited water resources. Therefore, adoption of DI strategies for underutilized crops using smart pressurized irrigation systems could be significant in undertaking water management reforms.

Synergistic Strategies for Gastrointestinal Cancer Care: Unveiling the Benefits of Immunonutrition and Microbiota Modulation.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of highly prevalent malignant tumors affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Globally, one in four cancer cases and one in three cancer deaths are estimated to be GI cancers. They can alter digestive and absorption functions, leading to severe malnutrition which may worsen the prognosis of the patients. Therefore, nutritional intervention and monitoring play a fundamental role in managing metabolic alterations and cancer symptoms, as well as minimizing side effects and increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. In this scenario, the use of immunonutrients that are able to modulate the immune system and the modification/regulation of the gut microbiota composition have gained attention as a possible strategy to improve the conditions of these patients. The complex interaction between nutrients and microbiota might contribute to maintaining the homeostasis of each individual's immune system; therefore, concurrent use of specific nutrients in combination with traditional cancer treatments may synergistically improve the overall care of GI cancer patients. This work aims to review and discuss the role of immunonutrition and microbiota modulation in improving nutritional status, postoperative recovery, and response to therapies in patients with GI cancer.

Yield and nutritional responses of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) genotypes to irrigated, rainfed, and drought-stress environments

This study aimed to select higher-yielding and drought-tolerant quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) lines suitable for cultivation in the U.S. Midwest, where water scarcity poses a common challenge for crop production. Quinoa, known as a superfood and climate-smart crop, is rich in nutrients, possesses resilience to abiotic stress, and is ideal for sustainable food production and supporting nutritional security in the face of changing climate conditions. To achieve this goal, 128 quinoa germplasms, collected from the USDA-ARS-GRIN, were evaluated. Among those lines, ten quinoa lines were selected for further assessment and evaluated at four different locations in Missouri, United States. Evaluations were conducted under three environments: irrigated, rainfed, and drought stress, over 2 years (summer of 2021 and 2022). Two of the selected ten lines, Ames13746 and PI614927, produced higher yields across various locations and environments. Remarkably, these lines demonstrated significantly higher grain yields under drought stress compared to irrigated and rainfed conditions. However, there was no significant difference in grain yield between irrigated and rainfed environments. Notably, despite the presence of moisture stress, the concentration of essential amino acids remained unaffected, while there was a slight decrease in the total protein content under drought-stress conditions. These research results and selected genotypes can potentially facilitate quinoa production in the U.S. Midwest regions prone to water stress, contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Impact of Nutrition Education on Nutritional Status, Tolerance and Response to Chemotherapy: Experience at Douala General Hospital, Cameroon, Central Africa

Impact of Nutrition Education on Nutritional Status, Tolerance and Response to Chemotherapy: Experience at Douala General Hospital, Cameroon, Central Africa

Qualitative Review of National Nutrition Surveillance Systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

This study focused on the functional nutrition surveillance systems in eight Arab countries; namely Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The study's analysis involved utilizing primary data collected from both published and unpublished reports. Additionally, a structured checklist was employed to gather information from all countries involved in the study. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with the EMRO offices to gain deeper insights into the challenges, if any, that these nutrition surveillance systems face in functioning optimally. All countries use health facilities as a basic source of data for their nutrition surveillance, some countries triangulate their nutrition surveillance reports with data from other sources of information such as community or school surveys. Identified nutrition surveillance approaches are closely split between those who operate in stable settings and use routine health information systems (Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait) and other countries that operate in fragile settings; for example, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan struggle to provide early warning reports for rapid nutritional responses. Nutrition surveillance systems that utilize existing health information systems are the most sustained in the EMRO region. However, by integrating data from multiple sources, such as health facilities, surveys, and population censuses, countries can provide a holistic view of the nutritional situation, enhance their response to any emergency, and can leverage the infrastructure and resources already in place for health data collection and reporting. Collaboration between countries in the region through sharing experiences and success stories is important in order to reach a standardized system that can be implemented in different settings.

Phosphate starvation response precedes abscisic acid response under progressive mild drought in plants

Drought severely damages crop production, even under conditions so mild that the leaves show no signs of wilting. However, it is unclear how field-grown plants respond to mild drought. Here, we show through six years of field trials that ridges are a useful experimental tool to mimic mild drought stress in the field. Mild drought reduces inorganic phosphate levels in the leaves to activate the phosphate starvation response (PSR) in soybean plants in the field. Using Arabidopsis thaliana and its mutant plants grown in pots under controlled environments, we demonstrate that PSR occurs before abscisic acid response under progressive mild drought and that PSR plays a crucial role in plant growth under mild drought. Our observations in the field and laboratory using model crop and experimental plants provide insight into the molecular response to mild drought in field-grown plants and the relationship between nutrition and drought stress response.

A BRIEF UPDATE ON SHEEP PRODUCTION IN MEXICO: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

&lt;p class="Default"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Looking towards 2050, substantial increases in agricultural productivity are needed to meet the projected demands of the growing world population. Inevitably, profound changes will occur in the sheep production systems and Latin-American countries such as Mexico will need to adapt to these changes. &lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To provide a brief update on sheep production in Mexico and discuss the current challenges and prospects. &lt;strong&gt;Main findings: &lt;/strong&gt;The development of the Mexican sheep sector is relatively slow since it is affected by complex factors including social, political, and economic changes that impact sheep production, and consumption of sheep products, as well as the diverse type of production systems throughout the country. Extensive production systems in Mexico are associated with limitations but have the potential for improvement in areas such as nutrition management, breeding programs, and response to consumer perception trends. In this regard, integrated efforts should be made to enhance sheep productivity in Mexico. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; The analysis was limited only to scientific contributions explored. An analysis that considered other sources of information could have strengthened this analytical exercise.&lt;strong&gt; Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The sheep industry in this country will concurrently face with two challenges related to increasing production efficiency: a) sheep production aimed to keep sustainability and animal welfare, and b) production of by-products, considering product quality, differentiation, value added, and marketing. Lastly, Mexican sheep production will require to consider the animal, social, and farming systems that together promote sustainable production. &lt;/p&gt;

24-Epibrassinolide alleviates drought effects in young Carapa guianensis plants, improving the hydraulic safety margin, gas exchange and antioxidant defence.

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme events such as droughts, limiting plant growth and productivity. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators, such as 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), might be a solution as this molecule is organic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. This is the first research to examine possible roles of EBR on the hydraulic safety margin, physiological behaviour, and metabolism in Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae) exposed to drought. C. guianensis is a widely distributed tree in tropical forests of the Amazon. The objective was to determine whether EBR can improve tolerance to water deficit in young C. guianensis by measuring hydraulic traits, nutritional, biochemical and physiological responses, and biomass. The experiment had four randomized treatments: two water conditions (control and water deficit) and two concentrations of EBR (0 and 100 nM EBR). EBR increased the water potential and hydraulic safety margin, increased CO2 fixation, and improved stomatal performance. EBR also stimulated antioxidant defences (SOD, CAT, APX, and POX). Overall, tretreatment with EBR improved drought tolerance of young C. guianensis plants.

Effect of Dietary Orange Peel Meal and Multi-Enzymes on Productive, Physiological and Nutritional Responses of Broiler Chickens.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of various concentrations of orange (Citrus sinensis) peel meal (OPM), with or without the supplementation of multi-enzymes, on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant properties, and blood metabolic profile of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted on 240 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks, assigned to eight dietary treatments with 30 broilers per treatment group. Four dietary orange peel meal (OPM) concentrations were supplemented, namely, the control (without OPM), and with 80, 160, and 240 g/kg of the diet. To each of these diets was added two concentrations of multi-enzyme inclusion (0 or 0.6 g as a combination of 0.5 g of Nutrikem and 0.1 g Optiphos per kg diet) in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. The experiment lasted until 42 days of age. Body weight gain (BWG) was influenced during the grower period (22-42 days) and the overall period (0-42 days), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved by supplementations of OPM compared with the control for 22-42 days and overall (0-42 days) periods. Moreover, BWG, FCR during the grower and overall periods, and crude fiber digestibility were improved (p < 0.01) by multi-enzyme supplementation compared to the non-supplemented groups. Broilers with diets supplemented with OPM had considerably lower abdominal fat (p < 0.01) than the control. In addition, when compared to the non-supplemented enzyme group, serum T3 and T3/T4 ratios were significantly improved in response to enzyme addition. When compared to the control group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in the OPM groups, showing the largest improvement in antioxidant response. Interaction effects were observed only for serum SOD levels. Based on our findings, it is recommended that OPM be used as a feed supplement for raising broilers, and adding 0.6 m g/kg of multi-enzymes could provide additional benefits to the performance of broilers.

Evaluation of Zinc efficiency and some of nutritional and physiological responses of tomatoes cultivars

Zinc (Zn) is an enzyme cofactor involved in plant metabolism, required in auxin biosynthesis and membrane integrity required to maintain ion transport systems. Nonetheless, only a few studies have shown that Zn is efficient in tomatoes. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the responses of several tomato cultivars to Zn application and classify the tomato cultivars that were efficient and responsive to Zn. This study utilized seven commercial lowland tomato cultivars (Tyrana, Permata, Mirah, Tombatu, Zamrud, Tymoti, and Ratna) and comprised five levels of Zn dose 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg Zn kg−1, which is given in the form of ZnSO4 7 H2O. Based on the results of the analysis, the study revealed that the application of ZnSO4 up to 40 mg Zn kg−1 could increase the growth of tomato roots, while at a dose of 20 mg, Zn kg−1 could provide the most excellent physiological efficiency and utilization efficiency in tomato plants. The Tyrana and Permata cultivars are a group of cultivars that are efficient and responsive to Zn. This shows that both cultivars can grow under conditions of low Zn supply and response to Zn fertilizer.

Nutritional stress-induced regulation of microtubule organization and mRNP transport by HDAC1 controlled α-tubulin acetylation

In response to nutritional stress, microtubules in cells of the Drosophila female germline are depleted from the cytoplasm and accumulate cortically. This triggers aggregation of mRNPs into large processing bodies (P-bodies) and oogenesis arrest. Here, we show that hyperacetylation of α-tubulin at lysine 40 (K40) alters microtubule dynamics and P-body formation. We found that depletion of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) by RNAi phenocopies the nutritional stress response, causing α-tubulin hyperacetylation and accumulation of maternally deposited mRNPs in P-bodies. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we identify HDAC1 as a direct regulator of α-tubulin K40 acetylation status. In well-fed flies, HDAC1 maintains low levels of α-tubulin acetylation, enabling the microtubule dynamics required for mRNP transport. Using quantitative phosphoproteomics we identify nutritional stress-induced changes in protein phosphorylation that act upstream of α-tubulin acetylation, including phosphorylation of HDAC1 at S391, which reduces its ability to deacetylate α-tubulin. These results reveal that Drosophila HDAC1 senses and relays the nutritional status, which regulates germline development through modulation of cytoskeleton dynamics.

Cold storage as part of a Varroa management strategy: effects on honey bee colony performance, mite levels and stress biomarkers

Placing honey bee colonies in cold storage has been proposed as a way to induce a pause in brood production as part of a Varroa mite treatment plan. Here, we exposed colonies to combinations of with or without an October cold storage period and with or without a subsequent miticide application. We then measured the effects of those treatments on colony-level variables (i.e. colony size, Varroa infestation level, survivorship and hive weight and temperature) and pooled individual-level variables that are associated with nutritional and stress responses. Colonies were assessed before and after cold storage, and again post winter, for a total duration of about 5 months, and the experiment was repeated. Brood levels were significantly lower after cold storage, and hive temperatures indicated that most or all brood had emerged after about two weeks in cold storage. However, Varroa levels at the end of the experiments in February were not significantly different among treatment groups. Colonies kept outside (not subjected to cold storage) and treated with a miticide had higher survivorship on average than any other treatment group, but no other group comparisons were significant, and long-term impact of cold storage on adult bee populations and on colony thermoregulation was low. The bee forage environment was also very different between the 2 years of the study, as rainfall and bee forage availability were much higher the second year. Colonies were over 2.5 times larger on average the second year compared to the first, both in terms of adult bee mass and brood area, and expression levels of nutrition and stress response genes were also significantly higher the second year. The results indicate that limited cold storage would likely have little long-term impact on most colony and individual measures of health, but for such a strategy to succeed levels of stressors, such as Varroa, may also need to be low.

Improvement of tomato yield and quality using slow release NPK fertilizers prepared by carnauba wax emulsion, starch-based latex and hydrogel nanocomposite combination

The modern agriculture is working on introducing new generation of fertilizers that apt to slow down the nutrients release to be more in synchrony with plant’s need throughout growth season, enhance fertilizer performance, and decrease nutrient losses into the environment. The aim of this research was to develop an advanced NPK slow-release fertilizer (SRF) and investigate its effect on yield, nutritional and morphological responses of tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) as a model crop. To this goal, three water-based bio-polymeric formulations including starch-g-poly (acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) nanocomposite hydrogel, starch-g-poly(styrene-co-butylacrylate) latex, and carnauba wax emulsion were synthesized and used for production of NPK-SRF samples. Different samples of coated fertilizers (urea, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate granules) were prepared using different ratios of latex and wax emulsion, and for phosphorus and potash (R-treatment). Moreover, some of coated fertilizers (15 and 30 wt.%) was replaced with nanocomposite hydrogel containing fertilizers, named D and H treatments, respectively. The effect of SRF samples were compared with commercial fertilizers (NPK treatment) and a commercial SRF (T treatment), on the growth of tomato in the greenhouse, at two different levels (100 and 60). The efficiency of all the synthesized formulations were higher than NPK and T treatments, and among them, H100 significantly improved the morphological and physiological characteristics of tomato. For instance, amount of residual elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) as well as micro elements of calcium, iron and zinc in tomato cultivation bed and accordingly the uptake of these elements in the roots, aerial parts and fruits were increased in the R, H, and D treatments. The highest yield (1671.54 g), highest agricultural agronomy efficiency of fertilizer, and the highest dry matter percentage (9.52%) were obtained in H100. The highest amount of lycopene, antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was also observed in H100. Nitrate accumulation in tomato fruit in the synthesized SRF samples were decreased significantly compared to NPK100, and the lowest amount was observed in H100, which was 55.24% less than NPK100. Accordingly, it is suggested that combination of natural-based nanocomposite hydrogels along with coating latexes and wax emulsions can be a successful method to synthesize efficient NPK-SRF formulations for improvement of crop growth and quality.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Carthamus tinctorius L. to zinc at vegetative stage

AbstractBackgroundEnvironment contamination with heavy metals is a major problem both to the environment and human health.AimsThe aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological, nutritional, and biochemical responses of safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.) grown under different zinc concentrations at vegetative stage.MethodsThe effect of zinc on safflower plants was studied through the evaluation of growth parameters, colorimetric assay of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant enzymes activities.ResultsZinc inhibited shoot and root growth and resulted in leaf chlorosis at 75, 225, and 1000 µM zinc concentrations. At higher concentrations, Zn also reduced photosynthetic parameters except the internal CO2 concentration that was higher at these levels. Zinc reduced potassium content of the shoots at 75 µM of zinc. The presence of Zn at 1000 µM concentration reduced the iron content and led to the accumulation of the copper content in the shoots. In roots, iron and copper contents were reduced from 15 µM Zn. In the case of copper, this content was canceled out at 225 and 1000 µM of zinc. Lipid peroxidation (evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content) increased with zinc treatment. Safflower plants generally responded to this oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. There was no increase in superoxide dismutase activity in shoots and roots, except at the highest zinc concentration in the roots. Total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch contents increased, whereas proline content decreased in shoots. In roots, TSS was not altered, whereas starch was decreased, and proline content was increased. There were no changes in the protein content in both organs under different Zn treatments. There was a gradual increase in the total polyphenols in shoots with increasing zinc concentration; however, no changes were observed in the roots. Flavonoids decreased in roots at 225 and 1000 µM Zn. Total antioxidant activity increased in shoots but it decreased in roots with increasing zinc concentration. The inverse trend was observed for the DPPH and ABTS tests.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the decline in safflower plant growth under high zinc concentrations is related to altered photosynthetic activity and antioxidant response to oxidative stress.

Nutrition Response Testing® in the Dissolution of Persistent Cystoliths and Choleliths in a Miniature Schnauzer

A 10-year-old, 5 kg, spayed female Miniature Schnauzer presented with a history of long-term urolithiasis that had recurred and persisted despite conventional medical management. After 2 cystotomies, the owner did not want to pursue another surgery when the dog was diagnosed with cystoliths complicated by hyperlipidemia and choleliths. The owner sought alternative treatment, and the dog was referred for Nutrition Response Testing® (NRT). The base diet was changed to a minimally processed, whole-food, homemade diet. A nutritional supplement program was designed using NRT. Dissolution of both the uroliths and the choleliths occurred within 3 months, and the dog’s overall quality of life (QOL) improved significantly.