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Introduction: Regular monitoring of Vitamin B12 (VB12) levels and intake of supplements is crucial since their deficiency may cause serious health conditions including neurological and cardiovascular complications. Medical professionals recommend supplements in the form of oral tablets and parenteral replacement for patients who cannot obtain these nutrients through diet or who are deficient due to other health conditions. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of oral medications and parenteral administrations, especially intramuscular (IM) injections for managing VB12 deficiency. Methods: The patients diagnosed with confirmed VB12 deficiency (

The aim of the present work was to assess the physiological state of plants and photosynthetic apparatus activity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by non-invasive methods (leaf diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and chlorophyll fluorescence) under the deficiency of one of the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium). Our experiments assessed the deficiency of each of the macronutrients relative to plants vegetating under optimal nutrition. The used methods showed that the deficiency of macronutrients causes changes in the optical characteristics of lettuce plants (cvs. 'Vitaminnyi' and 'Kokarda'), including a decrease in the chlorophyll content (57% and 51%) and a change in metabolism, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency of light energy conversion in photochemical processes of photosynthesis and an increase in the dissipation of excess light energy (19% and 10%). Linear regression equations, describing the relationship between net productivity and spectral characteristics of diffuse leaf reflectance with high accuracy, have been obtained. Changes in all studied indicators of the physiological state of plants under the influence of macronutrient deficiency are more pronounced at the early stages of development than in later periods, when the first symptoms of aging appear (decrease in ChlRI). The observed differences between lettuce cultivars and their response to nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium deficiency are non-specific and mainly represent quantitative variation. The method for assessing the spectral characteristics of diffuse reflection of leaves seems to be the most promising for monitoring the physiological status of plants and early detection of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Viral hepatitis caused by various hepatotropic viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, and E) is common in developing countries and continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The liver is the largest organ of the body with various metabolic functions. Patients with acute and chronic viral hepatitis often have altered metabolism leading to decreased food intake and malnutrition. The presence of protein and calorie malnutrition in these patients may increase morbidity and mortality. Early identification and prompt treatment of malnutrition improve prognosis and overall survival. The aim of this review was to address the metabolic role of the liver, and the prevalence, and etiopathogenesis of various micro and macronutrient deficiencies in patients with viral hepatitis. The role of nutrition in specific high-risk groups has also been outlined. Recent Findings: Patients with viral hepatitis can have both micro and macronutrient deficiency. Reduced dietary intake and altered metabolic state are the leading causes of malnutrition. Summary: Early diagnosis and management of malnutrition in viral hepatitis are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. Provision should be made to educate public leaders, primary health care workers, and treating physicians to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to assess the physiological state of plants and photosynthetic apparatus activity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by non-invasive methods (leaf diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and chlorophyll fluorescence) under the deficiency of one of the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium). Our experiments assessed the deficiency of each of the macronutrients relative to plants vegetating under optimal nutrition. The used methods showed that the deficiency of macronutrients causes changes in the optical characteristics of lettuce plants (cvs. ‘Vitaminnyi’ and ‘Kokarda’), including a decrease in the chlorophyll content (57% and 51%) and a change in metabolism, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency of light energy conversion in photochemical processes of photosynthesis and an increase in the dissipation of excess light energy (19% and 10%). Linear regression equations, describing the relationship between net productivity and spectral characteristics of diffuse leaf reflectance with high accuracy, have been obtained. Changes in all studied indicators of the physiological state of plants under the influence of macronutrient deficiency are more pronounced at the early stages of development than in later periods, when the first symptoms of aging appear (decrease in ChlRI). The observed differences between lettuce cultivars and their response to nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium deficiency are non-specific and mainly represent quantitative variation. The method for assessing the spectral characteristics of diffuse reflection of leaves seems to be the most promising for monitoring the physiological status of plants and early detection of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium deficiency.

Abstract Plants produce strigolactones (SLs) in roots in response to nitrogen or phosphate deficiency. To evaluate SL levels under other mineral deficiencies in rice, we cultivated rice seedlings in hydroponic media without nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Tiller bud outgrowth was stimulated under calcium deficiency because of low SL levels. SL levels increased under sulfur deficiency, in addition to phosphate, and nitrogen deficiencies. To explore which genes are key regulators of SL production under sulfur deficiency, we analyzed the expression of SL‐related genes in sulfur‐sufficient and sulfur‐deficient conditions. An SL biosynthesis gene, DWARF27 (D27), was strongly expressed under sulfur deficiency, and its expression was decreased by sulfur supply. The levels of D10, D17, and OsMAX1 transcripts did not differ between sulfur‐sufficient and sulfur‐deficient conditions. These results suggest that the increased SL levels under sulfur deficiency are due to a high expression of D27. A combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur deficiencies had no additive synergistic effect on SL production. Under combined phosphorus and sulfur deficiency, the expression levels of most SL biosynthesis genes were elevated. The number of tiller buds in the d27 mutant was higher than in the wild type, but lower than in other d mutants. Under sulfur deficiency, the chlorophyll content of d27 was lower than those of other d mutants. These results indicate that D27 plays an important role in adaptation to sulfur deficiency in rice.

Plants produce strigolactones (SLs) in roots in response to nitrogen or phosphate deficiency. To evaluate SL levels under other mineral deficiencies in rice, we cultivated rice seedlings in hydroponic media without nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Tiller bud outgrowth was stimulated under calcium deficiency because of low SL levels. SL levels increased under sulfur deficiency, in addition to phosphate, and nitrogen deficiencies. To explore which genes are key regulators of SL production under sulfur deficiency, we analyzed the expression of SL‐related genes in sulfur‐sufficient and sulfur‐deficient conditions. An SL biosynthesis gene, DWARF27 (D27), was strongly expressed under sulfur deficiency, and its expression was decreased by sulfur supply. The levels of D10, D17, and OsMAX1 transcripts did not differ between sulfur‐sufficient and sulfur‐deficient conditions. These results suggest that the increased SL levels under sulfur deficiency are due to a high expression of D27. A combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur deficiencies had no additive synergistic effect on SL production. Under combined phosphorus and sulfur deficiency, the expression levels of most SL biosynthesis genes were elevated. The number of tiller buds in the d27 mutant was higher than in the wild type, but lower than in other d mutants. Under sulfur deficiency, the chlorophyll content of d27 was lower than those of other d mutants. These results indicate that D27 plays an important role in adaptation to sulfur deficiency in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiency of the three essential macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, leads to large reduction in crop growth and yield. To characterize the molecular genetic basis of adaptation to macronutrient deprivation, we performed microarray analysis of rice root at 6 and 24 h after nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium deficiency treatments. The transcriptome response to nitrogen depletion occurred more rapidly than corresponding responses to phosphorus and potassium deprivation. We identified several genes important for response and adaptation to each nutrient deficiency. Furthermore, we found that signaling via reactive oxygen species is a common feature in response to macronutrient deficiency and signaling via jasmonic acid is associated with potassium depletion response. These results will facilitate deeper understanding of nutrient utilization of plants.