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ABSTRACT Macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) are critical for plant growth and development. Field‐grown canola (Brassica napus L.) is supplemented with fertilizers to maximize plant productivity, while deficiency in these nutrients can cause significant yield loss. A holistic understanding of the interplay between these nutrient deficiency responses in a single study and canola cultivar is thus far lacking, hindering efforts to increase the nutrient use efficiency of this important oil seed crop. To address this, we performed a comparative quantitative proteomic analysis of both shoot and root tissue harvested from soil‐grown canola plants experiencing either nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or sulphur deficiency. Our data provide critically needed insights into the shared and distinct molecular responses to macronutrient deficiencies in canola. Importantly, we find more conserved responses to the four different nutrient deficiencies in canola roots, with more distinct proteome changes in aboveground tissue. Our results establish a foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of the shared and distinct nutrient deficiency response mechanisms of canola plants and pave the way for future breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe triple burden of malnutrition (TBM) is increasing globally, but significant evidence gaps exist regarding its burden and drivers among children in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries. We systematically searched four databases (PROSPERO-CRD42023420129) and Google Scholar through February 2024. We assessed stunting and overweight prevalence among children aged 0–18 years old across four SEA countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam) from recent national surveys. We conducted random-effect meta-analyses to estimate the pooled prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, and the pooled odds ratio for TBM-associated determinants using an adapted socio-ecological framework. 176 studies were included for systematic review, with 132 studies eligible for meta-analysis. Our findings illustrate significant variation in TBM across countries, dependent on region, age, and sex. Pooled prevalence [95% CI] of anemia, iron, vitamin A, and D deficiencies were 25% [22, 29], 14% [10, 18], 6% [4, 8], and 40% [32, 48], respectively (I2>90%). Determinants of the TBM included child-individual factors, poor early-life nutrition, and family household characteristics including maternal nutrition and education, socioeconomic, family size, sanitation, and food security. However, macro-level environmental impacts were less documented. Our findings emphasize the need for robust, timely monitoring of TBM data, including micronutrient biomarkers, and targeted policy intervention in SEA countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythropalum scandens Bl. is a medicinal woody vegetable found in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. Studies have shown improper substrate hindered E. scandens seedling growth, causing water accumulation and nutrient deficiency. In pursuit of an ideal growth medium for E. scandens seedlings during the early stages, this study conducted a pot experiment to identify a mixed substrate with optimal water permeability and fertility. In this study, pure Alfisols soil treatment as the control (CK), and two soilless substrates (peat soil and perlite) were combined with Alfisols soil into different volume ratios, in order to better use soil resources from understory space and balance the texture of mixed substrates. The growth, physiological characteristics and nutrient status of 24-month-old E. scandens seedlings were determined after planting in different mixed ratios. The results showed that as the proportion of peat soil increased in the mix, most indexes exhibited an initial increase followed by a decline, while soluble protein content decreased consistently. Conversely, an increasing perlite ratio resulted in a general decline in most growth and physiological indexes. Root growth, biomass accumulation and chlorophyll content, peaked in the 66.67% Alfisols soil + 33.33% perlite (T4) treatment. Notably, T3 (66.67% Alfisols soil + 33.33% peat soil) showcased the best above-ground growth, while T1 (50.00% Alfisols soil + 50.00% peat soil) excelled in element content accumulation. In conclusion, the cultivation substrate should primarily consist of Alfisols soil, constituting at least 50%. The addition of peat soil enhances above-ground growth and nutrients accumulation, while perlite contributes to robust root development. One third of peat soil and a small amount of perlite can be added to the substrate during E. scandens seedling cultivation, and proper fertilization should also be used in order to increase nutrient accumulation in aboveground and underground parts. This research provides valuable insights into maximizing the potential of E. scandens seedlings through precise cultivation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIron and zinc are essential for plant and human health. Biofortification is crucial for improving crop performance. We studied how biofortification of iron and zinc to flaxseed affected its yield, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity in soil water and nutrient deficiency conditions. We tested nutritional impacts of iron and zinc (0, 4, and 8 g l−1) during the onset of stem elongation (VS) and flowering (RS) within two distinct environments (well-watered (WW) and after-anthesis water deficit (WD), and their interactions, on yield and fatty acid composition of flaxseed in 2018 and 2019 in Kermanshah, Iran. Based on the results in WW, seed, oil, protein, and mucilage yield were 1756, 646, 285, and 131 kg ha−1, and WD reduced seed and oil yield by 24, 33, and significantly increased saturated fatty acids, total phenol, and zinc in the seeds. In WW and WD, iron and zinc fortification significantly increased seed, oil, and protein yield, total phenol, unsaturated fatty acids and iron and zinc in the seeds. Path analysis showed that the number of seed capsule−1 and capsule plant−1 in the WW and WD, respectively, had the most direct and positive impact on seed, oil, mucilage, and protein yield. These findings suggest that oil yield was more sensitive to WD compared to seed, mucilage, and protein yield, and application of iron and zinc can boost the oil quantity and quality, iron, zinc content, and antioxidant capacity by minimizing the harmful impacts of WD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is a preserved process in eukaryotes that allows large material degeneration and nutrient recovery via vacuoles or lysosomes in cytoplasm. Autophagy starts from the moment of induction during the formation of a phagophore. Degradation may occur in the autophagosomes even without fusion with lysosome or vacuole, particularly in microautophagosomes. This process is arbitrated by the conserved machinery of basic autophagy‐related genes (ATGs). In selective autophagy, specific materials are recruited by autophagosomes via receptors. Selective autophagy targets a vast variety of cellular components for degradation, i.e., old or damaged organelles, aggregates, and inactive or misfolded proteins. In optimal conditions, autophagy in plants ensures cellular homeostasis, proper plant growth, and fitness. Moreover, autophagy is essential during stress responses in plants and aids in survival of plants. Several biotic and abiotic stresses, i.e., pathogen infection, nutrient deficiency, plant senescence, heat stress, drought, osmotic stress, and hypoxia induce autophagy in plants. Cell death is not a stress, which induces autophagy but in contrast, sometimes it is a consequence of autophagy. In this way, autophagy plays a vital role in plant survival during harsh environmental conditions by maintaining nutrient concentration through elimination of useless cellular components. This review discussed the recent advances regarding regulatory functions of autophagy under normal and stressful conditions in plants and suggests future prospects in mitigating climate change. Autophagy in plants offers a viable way to increase plant resilience to climate change by increasing stress tolerance and nutrient usage efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male and female dioecious plants often show sexual dimorphism, differing in morphological, physiological and life‐history traits. Most previous studies have focused on differences between males and females during or after reproduction, paying little attention to the pre‐reproductive stages of the individuals. Here we assessed the response of male and female individuals of the dioecious plant Silene latifolia to abiotic stress at different life stages, including pre‐reproductive (i.e. seedlings and young plants) and reproductive individuals. We measured growth, resource allocation and discrimination against 13C under nutrient deficiency, water stress, as well as their interaction. We observed sexual dimorphism in root growth, with female seedlings having longer main roots than male plants. Pre‐reproductive male and female plants also responded differently, in terms of root allocation, to nutrient and water availability. At reproduction, females grew more roots than males when water was not limiting. These differences could help explain the female‐skewed sex ratios found in natural populations of S. latifolia. We found no evidence of sexual dimorphism in aboveground dry mass, although females had longer leaves than males at the seedling stage. We conclude that sexual dimorphism in S. latifolia may occur not as a consequence of reproduction, but well before it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient deficiencies, known as "hidden hunger" or "hidden malnutrition," pose a significant health risk to pregnant women, particularly in low-income countries like the East Africa region. This study employed eight advanced machine learning algorithms to predict the status of micronutrient supplementation among pregnant women in 12 East African countries, using recent demographic health survey (DHS) data. The analysis involved 138,426 study samples, and algorithm performance was evaluated using accuracy, area under the ROC curve (AUC), specificity, precision, recall, and F1-score. Among the algorithms tested, the random forest classifier emerged as the top performer in predicting micronutrient supplementation status, exhibiting excellent evaluation scores (AUC = 0.892 and accuracy = 94.0%). By analyzing mean SHAP values and performing association rule mining, we gained valuable insights into the importance of different variables and their combined impact, revealing hidden patterns within the data. Key predictors of micronutrient supplementation were the mother's education level, employment status, number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, access to media, number of children, and religion. By harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted strategies to improve the uptake of micronutrient supplementation. Key intervention components involve enhancing education, strengthening ANC services, and implementing comprehensive media campaigns that emphasize the importance of micronutrient supplementation. It is also crucial to consider cultural and religious sensitivities when designing interventions to ensure their effectiveness and acceptance within the specific population. Furthermore, researchers are encouraged to explore and experiment with various techniques to optimize algorithm performance, leading to the identification of the most effective predictors and enhanced accuracy in predicting micronutrient supplementation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder marked by alpha-galactosidase-A (α-Gal A) deficiency, caused by pathogenic mutations in the GLA gene, resulting in the accumulation of glycosphingolipids within lysosomes. The current screening test relies on measuring α-Gal A activity. However, this approach is limited to males. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a technique that can generate fingerprint spectra of a biofluid's molecular composition and has been successfully applied to screen numerous diseases. Herein, we investigate the discriminating vibration profile of plasma chemical bonds in patients with FD using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform IR (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Results: The Fabry disease group (n = 47) and the healthy control group (n = 52) recruited were age-matched (39.2 ± 16.9 and 36.7 ± 10.9 years, respectively), and females were predominant in both groups (59.6% and 65.4%, respectively). All patients had the classic phenotype (100%), and no late-onset phenotype was detected. A generated partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) classification model, independent of gender, allowed differentiation of samples from FD vs. control groups, reaching 100% sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Conclusion: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy harnessed to pattern recognition algorithms can distinguish between FD patients and healthy control participants, offering the potential of a fast and inexpensive screening test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Hypovitaminosis A is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, especially in developing nations. Vitamin A is a fat‐soluble essential micronutrient that serves vital functions in the visual system and in regulating bone resorption. We report on a series of four children with mixed nutritional and compressive optic neuropathy and provide a review of the literature. Methods: A retrospective observational study of four males (ages 9–12), three with autism spectrum disorder who presented with loss of vision and multiple vitamin deficiencies including hypovitaminosis A. Results: Patients presented with unexplained visual loss or a change in visual behaviour. All patients had severely restricted diet comprising of predominantly carbohydrates. Two of the four cases demonstrated optic nerve pallor at initial presentation with marked optic atrophy developing in all patients over time. Electrophysiology available in two patients demonstrated optic nerve dysfunction with preserved retinal function. Extensive investigations revealed profound deficiency in multiple vitamins including vitamin A (<0.1–0.2 μmol/L, normal = 0.9–1.7 μmol/L). Three patients also had low vitamin B12 (90–111 pmol/L, normal = 170–800 pmol/L) with normal folate. All four cases had radiological evidence of skull base thickening indicative of low vitamin A. Genetic testing did not find any relevant pathogenic variants. Conclusions: Hypovitaminosis A is a crucial form of nutritional deprivation that results in significant visual loss with potential hyperostosis and optic nerve compression exacerbating nutritional optic neuropathy. Additional micronutrient deficiencies usually co‐exist and may contribute. Extra vigilance in vitamin replacement is required of clinicians with patients with autism who have restricted diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant women and children are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is often compounded by concurrent deficiencies in other micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc, in developing countries. The study investigated the effects of early-life VAD on motor and cognitive development and trace mineral status in a mouse model. C57BL/6J dams were fed either a vitamin A-adequate (VR) or -deficient (VD) diet across two consecutive gestations and lactations. Offspring from both gestations (G1 and G2) continued the same diets until 6 or 9 weeks of age. Behavioral assays were conducted to evaluate motor coordination, grip strength, spatial cognition, and anxiety. Hepatic trace minerals were analyzed. A VD diet depleted hepatic retinoids and reduced plasma retinol across all ages and gestations. Retracted rear legs and abnormal gait were the most common clinical manifestations observed in VD offspring from both gestations at 9 weeks. Poor performance on the Rotarod test further confirmed their motor dysfunction. VAD didn't affect hemoglobin levels and had no consistent effect on hepatic trace mineral concentrations. These findings highlight the critical role of vitamin A in motor development. There was no clear evidence that VAD alters the risk of iron deficiency anemia or trace minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a disease that occurs during or after pregnancy and leads to a significant decline in cardiac function in previously healthy women. Peripartum cardiomyopathy has a varying prevalence among women depending on the part of the world where they live, but it is associated with a significant mortality and morbidity in this population. Therefore, timely diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of this disease from its onset are of utmost importance. Although many risk factors are associated with the occurrence of peripartum cardiomyopathy, such as conditions of life, age of the woman, nutrient deficiencies, or multiple pregnancies, the exact cause of its onset remains unknown. Advances in research on the genetic associations with cardiomyopathies have provided a wealth of data indicating a possible association with peripartum cardiomyopathy, but due to numerous mutations and data inconsistencies, the exact connection remains unclear. Significant insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying peripartum cardiomyopathy have been provided by the theory of an abnormal 16-kDa prolactin, which may be generated in an oxidative stress environment and lead to vascular and consequently myocardial damage. Recent studies supporting this disease mechanism also include research on the efficacy of bromocriptine (a prolactin synthesis inhibitor) in restoring cardiac function in affected patients. Despite significant progress in the research of this disease, there are still insufficient data on the safety of use of certain drugs treating heart failure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Considering the metabolic changes that occur in different stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period, determining the correct dosing regimen of medications is of utmost importance not only for better treatment and survival of mothers but also for reducing the risk of toxic effects on the fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiome may be related to the prevalence of overweight and obesity, but high interindividual variability of the human microbiome complicates our understanding. Obesity often occurs concomitantly with micronutrient deficiencies that impair energy metabolism. Microbiota composition is affected by diet. Host–microbiota interactions are bidirectional. We propose three pathways whereby these interactions may modulate the gut microbiome and obesity: (1) ingested compounds or derivatives affecting small intestinal transit, endogenous secretions, digestion, absorption, microbiome balance, and gut barrier function directly affect host metabolism; (2) substrate availability affecting colonic microbial composition and contact with the gut barrier; and (3) microbial end products affecting host metabolism. The quantity/concentration, duration, and/or frequency (circadian rhythm) of changes in these pathways can alter the gut microbiome, disrupt the gut barrier, alter host immunity, and increase the risk of and progression to overweight and obesity. Host‐specific characteristics (e.g., genetic variations) may further affect individual sensitivity and/or resilience to diet‐ and microbiome‐associated perturbations in the colonic environment. In this narrative review, the effects of selected interventions, including fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary calorie restriction, dietary fibers and prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, on the gut microbiome, body weight, and/or adiposity are summarized to help identify mechanisms of action and research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Viticulture has adapted foliar applications of biostimulants as a tool to improve crop quality. Recently, nanotechnology has been incorporated as a strategy to reduce the loss of biostimulants and treat nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of foliar applications of amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (ACP) doped with methyl jasmonate (ACP‐MeJA) and urea (ACP‐Ur), individually or together (ACP‐MeJA+Ur), on the content of volatile compounds in 'Tempranillo' grapes, compared to the conventional application of MeJA and Ur, individually or in combination (MeJA+Ur). RESULTS: The results showed that nanoparticle treatments reduced the total C6 compounds and some carbonyl compounds in the grape musts. This is of novel interest because their presence at high levels is undesirable to quality. In addition, some aroma‐positive compounds such as nerol, neral, geranyl acetone, β‐cyclocitral, β‐ionone, 2‐phenylethanal and 2‐phenylethanol increased, despite applying MeJA and Ur at a lower dose. CONCLUSION: Consequently, although few differences in grape volatile composition were detected, nanotechnology could be an option for improving the aromatic quality of grapes, at the same time as reducing the required doses of biostimulants and generating more sustainable agricultural practices. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) is necessary for plant growth and development. Iron deficiency disrupts major metabolic and cellular activities such as respiration, DNA synthesis, and chlorophyll synthesis. Iron also activates various metabolic pathways and is vital to numerous enzymes. Iron is widely distributed in soil, but plants do not readily absorb it. In addition to neutral pH, Fe also forms insoluble Fe complexes under alkaline conditions. The fundamental cause of Fe chlorosis is an imbalance between the solubility of Fe in soil and the demand for Fe by plants. Various Fe fertilizers, including organic, chelated, and inorganic, are administered to the soil and leaves to treat Fe deficiency and chlorosis. Currently, used Fe fertilizers are expensive, easily adsorb on soil particles, and cause Fe to leach out of the soil with water, thereby diminishing their efficiency. They also need to be applied repeatedly, resulting in an excessive Fe fertilizer concentration in the soil that can cause harm to the plants. The usage of Fe nanofertilizers in agricultural production has expanded to address the disadvantages of existing Fe fertilizers. The advantages of nanosized Fe fertilizers include their physical and chemical characteristics, such as the high surface area to volume ratio that aids in easy absorption by plants' roots and leaves. Controlled‐release iron oxide nanofertilizers supply the regulated release of nutrients in a way that is coordinated with the nutritional needs of the crops. This improves the accumulation of nutrients in the plant, filling in the gap of nutrient deficiency and lowering environmental risks due to leaching. The possibility of iron oxide nanoparticles as Fe micronutrient fertilizers, their uptake and mechanism of action, advantages, and limitations are critically highlighted in this review article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A balanced and healthy diet during the menopausal transition and after menopause is crucial for women to reduce the risk for morbidities and chronic diseases due to deficiency of essential nutrients. Purpose: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies that analyzed the impact of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in postmenopausal women in relation to increased morbidities and chronic conditions. Methods: Observational studies were searched in the databases PubMed, UpToDate, and Google Scholar. Results: We searched 122 studies, of which 90 were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis of the data could not be performed because of the heterogeneity of the statistical methods in the included studies. In our study, we focused on the aspects of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene, belonging to the family of carotenoids. Postmenopausal women with deficiencies of these nutrients are more vulnerable to comorbidities such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, metabolic diseases, osteoporosis, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, cognitive decline, dementia, and stroke. We concluded that women after menopause tend to have a greater probability of suffering from deficiencies in various vitamins and nutrients, and consequently have an increased risk of developing morbidities and chronic diseases. Conclusion: In conclusion, maintaining optimum serum levels of nutrients and vitamins, either through a balanced and healthy diet consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, and fats or by taking appropriate supplementation, is essential in maintaining optimal health-related quality of life and reducing the risk for women during the menopausal transition and after menopause. Nevertheless, more recent studies need to be assessed to formulate adequate recommendations to achieve positive clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf angle is an important agricultural trait of cereal crops because leaf inclination influences light interception, photosynthetic availability, cultivation density, and grain yield. Leaf angle enlargement in seedlings of a rice cultivar Shiokari is inhibited by increased strigolactone (SL) levels, which are produced by seedlings in response to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) deficiencies. In this study, we evaluated variations in the leaf angles of 12 rice cultivars in response to N-, P-, and S-limitation and analyzed the effects of SLs on leaf angle. The leaf angles of Shiokari, Koshihikari, and Hitomebore did not increase under N-, P-, and S-limitation when compared with each control. Under P- and S-deficient conditions, the leaf angles of Hinohikari, Kinumusume, Akitakomachi, Taichu 65, Kasalath, and Sasanishiki increased. However, under only N-deficient conditions, the leaves remained erect. The leaf angles of Hinohikari, Kinumusume, Akitakomachi, Taichu 65, Kasalath, and Sasanishiki increased under P- and S-deficient conditions, but the leaves were erect under only N-deficient condition. Expression levels of DWARF27 (D27), D17, and D10 increased and a natural SL 4-deoxyorobanchol was accumulated in Shiokari seedlings grown under N-deficient condition. Here, we showed that the leaf angles of all rice seedlings cannot increase under N-deficient condition and the influence of P- and S-deficiencies on the leaf angle depends on the rice cultivar. Moreover, we found that ammonium, but not nitrate, mainly affects the leaf angle in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a comprehensive overview of iron deficiency, its diagnosis, and management. It highlights the global prevalence of iron deficiency, with a particular focus on its impact on women. The document explains the classifications and diagnosis of iron deficiency, as well as the causes and investigation of the condition. It also discusses various treatment options, including oral and intravenous iron supplementation, and emphasizes the importance of monitoring response to therapy. The document includes helpful tables outlining recommended serum ferritin levels, the likelihood of different causes of iron deficiency, and the elemental iron content of different oral iron formulations. It also provides information on intravenous iron formulations and their recommended dosages. This resource is a valuable tool for individuals researching iron deficiency and its treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Climate change adversely affects Africa's agriculture which would worsen the widespread food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies. Vulnerable populations, especially female farmers, women, and children are disproportionately affected. Methods: The paper synthesizes available peer-reviewed and grey literature on the intersections of climate change, food insecurity, agriculture, gender disparities, health, child nutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies in Africa. It explores the economic ramifications of these factors, particularly their impact on public health and economic stability. The work aggregates insights into the current and future challenges of agricultural sustainability and the expected human capital development and economic costs of climate variations. Results: The prevalence of hunger and undernourishment in Africa is notably higher compared to other regions. Climate change directly threatens agriculture, with anticipated reductions in crop and livestock yields, compounded by the negative impact of greenhouse emissions on the nutritional quality of staple foods. Female farmers contribute notably to agriculture, but their labor share is less dominant than previously assumed. Exposure to high temperatures, especially for outdoor workers and pregnant women, presents significant health risks, further impacting agricultural and economic output. These interdependencies are presented in a framework along with suggested interventions that could be contextualized to address the climate drivers and interconnectivity across agriculture, health, and livelihoods. Conclusion: The interdependence between food, agriculture, health, nutrition, and human productivity, all of which are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change in Africa, form a complex challenge with profound health and economic implications. A multifaceted strategy is needed, encompassing climate-resilient farming practices, gender-sensitive interventions, health-focused measures like micronutrient supplementation, and comprehensive economic policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractUltrastructural changes and visual symptoms resulting from nutritional disorders involving boron, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and nickel depend on the species of the plant, and are unknown in passion fruit plants (Passiflora edulis Sims). A hydroponic experiment evaluated the symptoms of nickel addition and micronutrient deficiency in passion fruit seedlings “BRS Gigante Amarelo” and determined the micronutrient contents in leaf and root tissue, root development, ultrastructural changes (leaf tissue deformations) and dry matter accumulation when visual symptoms were observed. Results showed that the order of manifestation of deficiencies was Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Mo > B. Nickel toxicity appeared 40 days after the experiment was started, presenting chlorosis in the new leaves followed by general yellowing and some white parts. Boron omission of resulted in deformations in the leaf limbus and loss of apical dominance, showing deformation of the growth points. Mn omission caused reduction of growth and generalized chlorosis of young leaves with a thick reticulum. Iron omission of resulted in internerval chlorosis with a fine lattice appearance. Omission of zinc and copper resulted in deformation and elongation of the leaves, reducing height and root development. Molybdenum omission caused chlorosis in the older leaves, which was observed to spread over time. Iron was the nutrient that most reflected symptoms of deficiency by the formation of root hairs. The findings of this research suggest that the knowledgement of plant micronutrients status permits an understanding of the physiological responses of passion fruit plants to crop fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient deficiency identification in plants is crucial for precision agriculture. Over the past decade, the application of digital imagery and deep learning has been utilized to tackle challenges related to this task. Nevertheless, the constraints inherent in current models have significantly heightened the difficulty of this task. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes an ensemble transfer learning method for nutrient deficiency identification and yield-loss prediction in crops using plant-leaf images. The proposed method is evaluated through two experiments. The initial experiment canters on the classification of images according to their nutrient deficiency, while the second experiment determines the yield loss based on the severity of the deficient nutrient. The proposed ensemble transfer learning methodology achieves remarkable accuracy rates of 99% and 94% for the groundnut and rice datasets, respectively. Furthermore, the severity-based crop yield prediction method predicts yield loss of 32.5% and 28.34% for the rice and groundnut datasets, respectively. The study utilizes two different crop datasets that represent actual environmental conditions. The first dataset contains 4399 leaf images of the rice plant, while the second dataset contains 4550 leaf images of the groundnut plant. The proposed method outperforms existing models and demonstrates that digital imagery and Deep learning can play a significant role in addressing agricultural challenges within the context of precision agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic foot ulcers and infections are complications that can result in significant morbidity such as the need for amputations, especially in uncontrolled diabetes, thereby profoundly impacting quality of life. While traditional treatments like wound care and antibiotics are effective, there is growing interest in the role of micronutrients (such as vitamins C, D, E, zinc and magnesium) in improving outcomes. This study aims to evaluate how these micronutrients affect diabetic foot infections and the need for amputation, offering insights to enhance overall prognosis. Patients who were hospitalised with a diagnosis of diabetic foot infection in the Infectious Diseases Department of Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between 1 April 2022, and 31 January 2023 were included in the study. The patients' socio‐demographic information, characteristics of diabetic wounds, operation history, as well as their levels of micronutrients recorded on the case report form. A total of 202 patients were included in the study. The most common micronutrient deficiencies were vitamin D (69%), vitamin C (64%) and zinc (49%). The amputation rates were significantly higher in patients with deficiencies vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin D (p < 0.005). Our research revealed a significant prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among the participants, and we observed a noteworthy correlation between amputation rates and these deficiencies. Although these findings show promise, it is essential to emphasise that micronutrient supplements should not replace traditional treatments but should rather be considered as a warning sign for preventing complications, particularly amputation or extremity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil is an important resource worldwide with diverse physical, chemical, and biological properties. These properties vary from place to place because ecological variables such as temperature, moisture, and land use vary across different ecosystems. Soil quality has declined, which has led to increased demand for food, which poses significant problems in enhancing agricultural production and promoting environmental sustainability. The traditional methods for analyzing soil nutrients are labor-intensive, tedious, and expensive. The soil properties were effectively analyzed via artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) applications, to explain challenging problems with high accuracy and robustness. To interpret multidimensional data inputs derived from agro-industries and provide farmers with relevant information about crop conditions and soil management. AI can increase crop production by optimizing soil nutrient management. With artificial intelligence technology, farmers can identify potential deficits in soil quality, while Machine learning technologies, such as random forests (RF), support vector machines (SVMs), and Artificial and Deep neural networks (ANN, DNN), were used to generate predictive models on the basis of available soil data and auxiliary ecological variables. This review provides a detailed overview of the diverse AI tools and models used for the detection of various soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]