Effect of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Growth, Mineral Composition, and Nutritional Value of Wheat & Lentil Sprouts

Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.

Effect of Biostimulants Based on Natural Products on the Growth and Nutritional Value of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are widely grown in Cameroon and play a key role in the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. However, its cultivation encounters problems due to abiotic and biotic stresses, which leads to the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which cause significant damage to the environment and human health due to the presence of synthetics residues in the seeds, pods and in the leaves that are eaten. Promoting the use of natural products is becoming a necessity for organic and eco-responsible agriculture that limits contamination problems and improves people’s purchasing power. This study aims to assess the effect of biostimulants based on natural products on the growth and nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Bean seedlings from white variety (MEX-142) and red variety (DOR-701) were treated every seven days in the field from their pre-emergence, emergence and growth to their maturation under a randomized block experimental design. Six treatments and three repetitions with the biostimulants based on natural products and controls were thus performed and the agromorphological parameters were measured. After 120 days, the contents of growth biomarkers and defense-related enzymes were evaluated in leaves, while the contents of macromolecules, minerals and antinutrients were evaluated in seeds. These biostimulants significantly increased (P P < 0.0001) of antinutrients including oxalates, phytates, tannins and saponins in seeds compared to controls (T+ and T−). Treatment with biostimulants, in particular BS4, improves the performance of bean plants in the field as well as the biofortification of seeds regardless of the variety.

Associations between Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index,bone mineral density and body composition in type 2 diabetes patients

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),a fast-growing issue in public health,is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders in older individuals.Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in T2DM patients and may result in fractures and disabilities.In people with T2DM,the association between nutrition,sarcopenia,and osteoporosis has rarely been explored.AIM To evaluate the connections among nutrition,bone mineral density(BMD)and body composition in patients with T2DM.METHODS We enrolled 689 patients with T2DM for this cross-sectional study.All patients underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)examination and were categorized according to baseline Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index(GNRI)values calculated from serum albumin levels and body weight.The GNRI was used to evaluate nutritional status,and DXA was used to investigate BMD and body composition.Multivariate forward linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with BMD and skeletal muscle mass index.RESULTS Of the total patients,394 were men and 295 were women.Compared with patients in tertile 1,those in tertile 3 who had a high GNRI tended to be younger and had lower HbA1c,higher BMD at all bone sites,and higher appendicular skeletal muscle index(ASMI).These important trends persisted even when the patients were divided into younger and older subgroups.The GNRI was positively related to ASMI(men:r=0.644,P<0.001;women:r=0.649,P<0.001),total body fat(men:r=0.453,P<0.001;women:r=0.557,P<0.001),BMD at all bone sites,lumbar spine(L1-L4)BMD(men:r=0.110,P=0.029;women:r=0.256,P<0.001),FN-BMD(men:r=0.293,P<0.001;women:r=0.273,P<0.001),and hip BMD(men:r=0.358,P<0.001;women:r=0.377,P<0.001).After adjustment for other clinical parameters,the GNRI was still significantly associated with BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck.Additionally,a low lean mass index and higherβ-collagen special sequence were associated with low BMD at all bone sites.Age was negatively correlated with ASMI,whereas weight was positively correlated with ASMI.CONCLUSION Poor nutrition,as indicated by a low GNRI,was associated with low levels of ASMI and BMD at all bone sites in T2DM patients.Using the GNRI to evaluate nutritional status and using DXA to investigate body composition in patients with T2DM is of value in assessing bone health and physical performance.

Effects of Variable Lighting Intensity on Growth Characteristics and Nutritional Quality of Hydroponically Grown Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.)

Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.),as an edible medicinal vegetable of peculiar flavor,is served as uncooked dish.The influence of variable lighting intensity(LI)on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of hydroponically grown arugula was investigated by using light-emitting diodes(LEDs)to light the hydroponically grown arugula for a reference for industrialized arugula production.The dynamic demands of arugula for LI in the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage were tested under two light quality conditions including a red/blue light ratio of 7:1 and a light/dark photoperiod of 12 h/12 h.Then,the curves of variable LI-induced changes in the growth indices of arugula in different development periods were drawn.Next,the influence of variable LI on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of arugula was investigated by measuring the dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content,vitamin C content and soluble protein content.Variable LI significantly increased the height,stem diameter,leaf width,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content of arugula plant.Plant height,stem diameter,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content were the highest in the group exposed to LI of 200,300 and 300μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1)during the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage,respectively.The greatest leaf width was achieved at LI of 100,250 and 350μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1),respectively.High intensity LI markedly repressed the synthesis of vitamin C.

Minerals in edible insects:a review of content and potential for sustainable sourcing

In response to the rapid increase in world population and subsequent demands for food,edible insects represent an alternative food source for humans that is rich in proteins,amino acids and minerals.Entomophagy is a tradition in many countries including China and Thailand,and edible insects have attracted a lot of attention in Western World due to their suitable nutrient composition,high mineral content(e.g.,Fe,Zn,Ca,Mg)and potential use as a supplement in human diet.In this study,we surveyed mineral content in seven insect orders and 67 species of mass produced and wild-harvested edible insects.The total content of essential elements in edible insects was very high in Tenebrio molitor,Bombyx mori,and Zonocerus variegatus.The heavy metal content(summarized for eight species)was below the maximum limit allowed for safe consumption.Sustainable supply of minerals derived from insect biomass is complicated due to the high variations of mineral content in insects and the potential of its change due to processing.

Correlation of dietary mineral intake and malnutrition in cancer patients:A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background:To examine the correlation between the dietary mineral intake and the nutritional status of patients suffering from malignan-cies.Methods:This multi-center cross-sectional study included a total of 866 patients with malignant tumors recruited from seven hospitals throughout China.The information of socio-demographic characteristics and biochemical indicators were obtained from electronic medical records of inpatients.Dietary data were collected using a 3-day 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire.The intake of energy,dietary calcium(Ca),phosphorus(P),potassium(K),sodium(Na),magnesium(Mg),iron(Fe),zinc(Zn),selenium(Se),copper(Cu)and manganese(Mn)were estimated according to the Chinese Food Composition Tables standard edition.The weight and height of patients were measured,and the body mass index(BMI)was calculated.Nutritional risk and malnutrition were assessed by the Nutritional Screening 2002(NRS 2002)and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition(GLIM)diagnostic criteria.We used a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate the asso-ciations between dietary minerals and malnutrition.Results:The patients had an average age of 61.98(±15.49)years,and 40.6%(n=352)were female.Slightly less than half(44.5%)of the patients were at nutritional risk(NRS 2002≥3),and 32.7%were diagnosed with malnutrition(using the GUM criteria).Univariate analy-ses revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between dietary mineral intake and the occurrence of nutritional risk(P<0.001).After adjusting the collinearity,we found that higher levels of P,Mn and Se intake were negatively associated with nutritional risk as-sessed by the NRS 2002 score.Moderate intake of Ca and high intake of Zn might also decrease the nutritional risk(Ca:OR,0.53,95%CI,0.32-0.88;Zn:OR,0.36,95%CI,0.19-0.68).However,no significant relationships were observed between any dietary mineral intake and malnutrition identified by the GUM criteria.Conclusions:Dietary minerals,especially P,Se,and Mn,may have a protective effect on the occurrence of nutritional risk in patients with malignant tumors.In addition,patients should maintain appropriate levels of Ca and Zn.

Genetic Variability and Phenotypic Correlations Study among Grain Quality Traits and Mineral Elements Concentrations in Colored and Non-Colored Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Twenty-four rice genotypes were examined to assess genetic variability,heritability,and correlations for seven-grain quality traits,eight nutritional elements,and protein.ANOVA revealed significant differences for the quality traits studied.For every trait under study,the phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the correspon-dence genotypic coefficient of variation.Heritability in a broad sense varied from 29.75%for grain length to 98.31%for the elongation trait.Hulling percentage recovery had a highly significant positive correlation with milling and head rice percentage.Consequently,milling percentage had a highly positive correlation with head rice percentage.In amylose percentage,all the genotypes belonged to low amylose except the Hassawi-1 variety,which had intermediate amylose content.Mineral nutrition contents of magnesium(Mg),sodium(Na),potas-sium(K),calcium(Ca),copper(Cu),manganese(Mn),zinc(Zn),iron(Fe),or protein percentage gave different variations for 24 rice genotypes under all the nutritional elements.Among the 24 genotypes,ten rice genotypes–HighNutrient-1,HighNutrient-2,HighNutrient-9,HighNutrient-8,HighNutrient-3,Hassawi-2,HighNutrient-7,HighNutrient-6,Hassawi-1,and HighNutrient-4–had the highest heist value for all nutritional and protein con-tents,and could be used as a donor to improving new varieties.There was a positive and significant correlation between magnesium Mg,K,Zn and Fe.Consequently,K had a positive correlation with zinc Zn,Fe,and protein percentage.Clustering analysis was divided into two groups:thefirst group included all genotypes rich in nutri-ents,while the remaining genotypes with low nutritional content were included in the second group.

Efficiency of Bio-Fertilizing as One of the Natural Alternatives to Improve the Growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni Trees and for Sustainability

A field experiment was carried out at Ismailia Research Station, Ismailia Governorate from 2020-2022 to improve the growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni by using a combination of mineral fertilizer (NPK) and biological fertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megatherium, and Bacillus circulant) as recommended dose under new sandy soils conditions. Split plot designed with four treatments (Control, (50% Mineral fertilizer (M.) + 50% Biological fertilizer (Bio.)), 100% M. and 100% Bio.) of each species. Vegetative growth, leaf area, tree biomass, stored carbon, basal area, tree volume, and in the soil both of microbial account and mineral content were determined. The experimental results showed no significant differences between studied species among the most studied parameters except for Khaya senegalensis which gave the highest significant difference in root biomass and below-stored carbon than Swietenia mahagoni. Evidently, the highest significant growth parameters were 100% mineral fertilizer followed by (50% M. + 50% Bio.) as compared with control. No significant difference between 100% M. and (50% M. + 50% Bio.) of shoot dry biomass (15.19 and 12.02 kg, respectively) and above-stored carbon (0.28 and 0.22 Mt, respectively). Microbial account and mineral content in soil were improved after cultivation of tree species compared to before planting and control, especially with 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer treatment. In conclusion, a treatment containing 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer has led to the ideal Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni growth in sandy soil for cheaper and sustainable.

Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and Light Levels on Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Juvenile Cacao Genotypes

In many countries cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is invariably grown as an understory crop in agroforestry types of cropping systems and subjected to low levels photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) due to presence of large number of upper story shade trees with poorly managed canopy structure. In recent years carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is steadily increasing and it is unclear what impact this will have on performance of cacao grown under shade of upper story shade trees. A climatically controlled greenhouse experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of ambient and elevated carbon dioxide (400 and 700 μmol·mol-1) and three levels of PPFD (100, 200, and 400 μmol·m-2·s-1) on growth, and macro- and micronutrient use efficiency of three genetically contrasting cacao genotypes (CCN 51, VB 1117 and NO 81). Intraspecific variations were observed in cacao genotypes for growth parameters at ambient to elevated carbon dioxide and low to adequate levels of PPFD. With the exceptions of total root length and leaf area, irrespective of carbon dioxide and PPFD levels, all three genotypes showed significant differences in all the growth parameters. For all the cacao genotypes, increasing PPFD from 100 to 400 μmol·m-2·s-1 and carbon dioxide from 400 to 700 μmol·mol-1 increased overall growth parameters such as leaf, shoot and root biomass accumulation, stem height, leaf area, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate. Irrespective of carbon dioxide and PPFD, invariably genotypes differed significantly in macro-micronutrient uptake parameters such as concentration, uptake, influx, transport and use efficiency. With few exceptions, raising PPFD from 100 to 400 μmol·m-2·s-1 and carbon dioxide from 400 to 700 μmol·mol-1 increased nutrient use efficiency for all the cacao genotypes. Elevated carbon dioxide and adequate PPFD are beneficial in improving cacao growth and mineral nutrient uptake and use efficiency.

Nutritional Profile of Children with Major Sickle Cell Syndrome at the Centre of Medical and Health Advice of Kipé, Conakry, 2018

Introduction: Growth is a reflection of a child’s health and nutritional status. Children with sickle cell disease often have slower statural and weight development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional profile of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) registered in the CEMECO centre database. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with simple random sampling of children aged 1 to 16 years registered in the clinic database. Results: We collected information on 208 children, 121 of whom had sickle cell disease and 87 of whom were normal, with a sex ratio of 1.02. The mean age of the sickle cell patients was 8.7 ± 4.4 years, while that of the non-sickle cell patients was 9.5 ± 4 years. Haemoglobin electrophoresis revealed 103 homozygous (SS), 18 double heterozygous (SC, SBetaThal, SE) and 87 normal (AA) and/or sickle cell trait (AS) sickle cell cases. We observed a significant difference in the height/age ratio (P ¥). Conclusion: The results of our study revealed stunted growth in children with sickle cell disease.

Nutritional strategies for reducing nitrogen, phosphorus and trace mineral excretions of livestock and poultry

Animal agriculture contributes to environmental pollutions through the surplus nitrogen（N）, phosphorus（P）, and trace minerals that animals excrete. Animal nutritionists have sought alternatives to formulate more efficient diets and reduce production costs and environmental concerns. In general, element excretions may be reduced by avoiding the overfeeding of specific elements or using nutritional approaches to improve element utilizations by the animals. Several nutritional strategies are possible for minimizing N, P, and trace mineral excretions： 1） to accurately meet dietary N, P and trace mineral requirements of animals, which includes reducing the dietary crude protein contents with synthetic amino acids or feeding high rumenally undegraded protein, minimizing the adequate levels of dietary P and trace elements, adopting phase or group-feeding program, and considering the bioavailable trace mineral contents in the feed ingredients; 2） to improve the bioavailabilities of dietary N, P, and trace elements for animals by using some additives（enzymes, growth promoters, probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D isomers, and organic acids）; 3） to use highly available P sources or organic trace elements. In the future, nutrient strategies must be integrated into total production systems so that animal production systems are environmentally safe as well as economically viable.

Growth and mineral nutrient analysis of teak (Tectona grandis) grown on acidic soils in south China

Teak （Tectona grandis L.f.） is widely planted in the world due to its high market demand, economic, ecological and social value. Its plantations have mostly been established and expanded into sites that are acidic to severely acidic in southern China. But, there are no available and specific evidence-based nutrient management techniques. To better recognize and understand the relationship between teak tree growth and nutrient content in the foliage and soil and establish nutrient norms are critical to optimally manage these young plantations. We studied the foliar nutrient and soil chemistry in 19 representative teak plantations aged 5-8 years. Regression analysis indicated that the mean annual increment of teak volume was linearly and positively correlated with foliar N, Ca, Fe and B concentrations, with soil base saturation percentage, available P and Zn concentrations, and negatively correlated with soil Al concentration. Only if the Ca and Mg contents in soil were enhanced, could the increase in soil base saturation percentage benefit teak growth. A revised classification of low-and high-yielding stands was established by using a sorting method of principal components over 6 foliar macro and 8 micro elements in a Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System （DRIS）. Specific DRIS norms for teak plantations in acid soils were derived. The nutrient balance of N, P, K Ca, Mg, Zn, B with Fe or A1, Ca with Mg, and Fe with AI provided a key to promote the growth of teak in acid soils. Meanwhile, soil Zn was also found as a primary trace element that affected teak growth in this study.

Overview of Relation between Mineral Nutrient Elements and Growth and Development of Fruit Trees

Mineral nutrition is the material basis for growth and development,yield and quality of fruit trees. It exerts a great effect on the growth and development,fruit quality,yield,and resistance of fruit trees. On the basis of reading a large number of references both at home and abroad,this paper elaborated the relationship between mineral nutrient elements and growth and fruit yield and quality of fruit trees,so as to make proper fertilizer mixing,balance the fertilizer application,promote growth and development of fruit trees,and increase the yield of fruit trees and improve the fruit quality.

Altered Nutrition State in the Severe Multiple Trauma Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Nutritional Support Therapy

In order to observe the nutrition state in the severe multiple trauma patients undergoing adjuvant recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) nutritional support therapy, 45 patients with severe multiple traumas (ISS>25) were randomly divided into 3 groups. All the 3 groups had been supplied with nitrogen and caloricity according to the need of patients for 16 days. The rhGH therapy started 48 h after surgery and lasted for 14 days in two rhGH-treated groups in which rhGH was 0.2 and 0.4 U/(kg·d) respectively, and the resting group served as control one. The levels of nitrogen balance, prealbumin and safety variables (blood sugar, Na+, TT3 and TT4) were observed and com- pared among the three groups. The levels of nitrogen balance on the postoperative day (POD) 3 and 5 in the rhGH-treated groups were -1.28±3.19, 5.45±2.00 and -0.18±2.55, 6.11±1.60, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (-5.17±1.68 and -1.08±3.31, P<0.01). The values of prealbumin on the POD 3 and 5 in the rhGH-treated groups were 180.19±27.15, 194.44±50.82 and 194.94±29.65, 194.11±16.17, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (117.42±19.10 and 135.63±28.31, P<0.01). There was no sig- nificant difference between the rhGH 0.2 U/(kg·d) group and rhGH 0.4 U/(kg·d) group in both of the levels of nitrogen balance and prealbumin. It is concluded that the nutritional support therapy with adjuvant rhGH which starts 48 h after surgery improves the nutrition state of the patients with severe multiple trauma. It is safe for severe multiple trauma patients who accept rhGH at the dose of 0.2 and 0.4 U/(kg·d).

Genotypic Difference in Plant Growth and Mineral Composition in Barley Under Aluminum Stress

Four barley genotypes (Tiantaiyangdamai, Xiyin2, Mimaill4 and Tai94-Ce6) were exposed to 0, 50, 100, and 150μM of Al-containing solution with pH 4.5, to determine the differences in growth inhibition , Al concentration and accumulation and mineral composition among genotypes. The results showed that Mimaill4 and Tai94-Ce6 had significantly higher Al concentration and accumulation than Tiantaiyangdami and Xiyin2, especially in roots, and the growth traits including root and shoot dry weights, shoot height, root length and tillers per plant were more inhibited in the former two genotypes. Al treatments caused a significant reduction of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn content in both roots and shoots, of Cu in shoots; and a significant increase in Fe and Zn content in both roots and shoots, of Cu in roots. The changed rates of mineral content caused by Al treatments, in terms of the content in 150μM Al divided by the content in the control, differed significantly among four genotypes. Two Al-sensitive genotypes, Mimaill4 and Tai94-Ce6 had much greater changes in mineral content than other two Al-tolerant genotypes Tiantaiyangdamai and Xiyin2 when subjected to Al stress in comparison with the control. It is indicated that the Al-tolerant genotype is characterized by less uptake and accumulation of Al in roots and smaller disorders in mineral metabolism and ion homeostasis.

Antioxidant capacity and concentration of redox-active trace mineral in fully weaned intra-uterine growth retardation piglets

Background： The redox status of intra-uterine growth retardation（IUGR） piglets post-weaning has been poorly studied.Methods： Newborns from twenty-four sows were weighted, weaned at 21 d and fed a starter diet until sampling.Sampling was done at 14 d post-weaning. A piglet was defined as IUGR when its birth weight was 2 SD below the mean birth weight of the total population. At weaning, eighteen piglets with nearly equal body weight from each category（i.e. IUGR or normal birth weight（NBW） piglets） were selected and then allocated to two treatments,consisted of six replicates with each pen having three piglets.Results： Compared with NBW group, IUGR significantly decreased average daily gain（P 〈 0.001）, average daily feed intake（P = 0.003）, and feed efficiency（P 〈 0.001） of piglets during the first two weeks post-weaning. IUGR decreased the activities of total antioxidant capacity（P = 0.019）, total superoxide dismutase（T-SOD, P = 0.023）,and ceruloplasmin（P = 0.044） but increased the levels of malondialdehyde（P = 0.040） and protein carbonyl（P = 0.010） in plasma. Similarly, the decreased activities of T-SOD（P = 0.005）, copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase（Cu/Zn-SOD, P = 0.002）, and catalase（P = 0.049） was observed in the liver of IUGR piglets than these of NBW piglets. IUGR decreased hepatic Cu/Zn-SOD activity（P = 0.023） per unit of Cu/Zn-SOD protein in piglets when compared with NBW piglets. In addition, IUGR piglets exhibited the decreases in accumulation of copper in both plasma（P = 0.001） and liver（P = 0.014）, as well as the concentrations of iron（P = 0.002） and zinc（P = 0.048） in liver. Compared with NBW, IUGR down-regulated m RNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD（P = 0.021） in the liver of piglets.Conclusions： The results indicated that IUGR impaired antioxidant capacity and resulted in oxidative damage in fully weaned piglets, which might be associated with the decreased levels of redox-active trace minerals. This study highlights the importance of redox status in IUGR offspring and provides a rationale for alleviating oxidative damage by dietary interventions aiming to supplement trace minerals and to restore redox balance in the future.

Plant Ionomics: A Platform for Identifying Novel Gene Regulating Plant Mineral Nutrition

In the present era of genomics, ionomics is one of the major pillars for the structural and functional genomic study. The complete set of ions present in an organism is referred to as the ionome of the organism. Hence, the ionomics is defined as the, “study of quantitative complement of low molecular weight molecules present in cells in a particular physiological and developmental state of the plant” [1]. The complete ionomic profiling of the plants are done by using a number of analytical tools like ICP-MS, ICP-OES, X-Ray crystallography, Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) etc. All these analytical tools gave complete profile of the ions present in the plants. These data are stored in a database called PiiMS (Purdue Ionomics Information Management System) [2]. The huge data available in the database helps in the forward and reverse genetic approach for studying the structural and functional genomics of the particular organism. This review describes the role of the ionomic study in crop plants like arabidopsis, rice and maize.

Hydroxychloride trace minerals have a positive effect on growth performance,carcass quality and impact ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens

Background:The objective was to study the effect of hydroxychloride trace minerals(HTM)on growth performance,carcass quality and gut microbiota of broiler chickens in comparison to sulphate trace minerals(STM).In total 1440 male Ross 308 day-old chicks were divided into 12 replicate pens with 30 birds each per treatment.Four different treatments were tested according to a 2×2 factorial study design,where the animals received a three phase diet containing either inorganic Zn from sulphates or Zn from HTM in high(80 mg/kg Zn)or low Zn dosage(20 mg/kg Zn).In all treatments 15 mg/kg Cu was added from the same mineral source as the Zn.Body weight and feed intake were measured on day 0,10,27 and 34,while carcass and breast meat yields were measured at the end of the study(day 34).In addition,high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed in digesta samples from ileum and cecum to study the gut microbiome(day 34).Results:The results showed an improved(P<0.05)body weight of broiler chickens fed HTM,regardless of Zn level,on day 27,while on day 34 this effect remained as a tendency(P=0.0542).In the overall study period,birds fed HTM had a higher(P<0.05)average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared to birds fed STM.The mineral source did not affect the carcass characteristics,however,feeding 80 mg/kg Zn resulted in a significantly higher(P=0.0171)breast meat yield,regardless of source.High-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota revealed a higher microbial diversity in the ileum and cecum of HTM fed birds compared to STM fed birds.Taxonomical differences were mainly found in the cecum,specifically between the group fed high and low Zn levels from HTM.This correlated with the mineral contents observed in the cecal digesta.Comparing both groups fed 80 mg/kg Zn,the HTM group had more Streptococcaceae,Streptococcus,Clostridia,Weissella and Leuconostocaceae compared to the STM group.Conclusions:HTM improved growth performance of broiler chickens;and the source and level of Zn modulated the gut microbiota communities in broilers differentially.

Effect of Cu and Ni on Growth, Mineral Uptake,Photosynthesis and Enzyme Activities of Chlorella vulgaris at Different pH Values

A pH dependent reduction in growth, Pigment, ATP content, O,' evolution, carbonfixation, Photosynthetic electron transport system, nutrient uptake (NO,' and NH4+),nitrate reductase, and ATPase activities and increase in K+ emux of Chlorella vulgaris wasnoticed following supplementation of Cu and Ni to the culture medium. PS II was foundto be more sensitive to both pH and metals than PS I. Though, nitrate reductase (NR) wasmore sensitive to both PH and metals, the ATPase was however, more sensitive t0 metalsbut less sensitive to acidic pH. Acid PH was found to dst the nutrient (NO,' and NH4+)uptake and nitrate reductase in a non-competitive manner. The inhibition Pnduced by thetest metals alone was of noncompetitive type for NO3' uptake, nitrate reductase andATPase and competitive for NH'+ uptake. Acidity not only inhibited the metabolicvariables directly but also through facilitated uptake of metals and increased membranepermeability. A very low sensitivity of ATPase to acidic pH seems to be resgnsible forthe survival of algae in acid environment.

Adjusted Nutrition Solution Formula Improves the Growth and Yield of Soilless Tomato Culture in Southern Xinjiang

The tomato production facilities in southern Xinjiang have unique climatic conditions.However,due to the high salinity and degree of mineralization of the soil and the extensive management of irrigation water sources,the tomato production efficiency is low,and there is still much room for improvement.In this study,the formulas of tomato nutrient solutions were adjusted according to the local irrigation water quality characteristics,and tomato was grown in a greenhouse using sand cultivation.To select a nutrient solution formula suitable for the tomato cultivated in the local facilities,various parameters of tomato treated with different formulas were compared.The results showed the following:①Adjusting the nutrient solution formula could effectively improve the vegetative and reproductive growth indexes of tomato.②Properly decreasing the nutrient solution concentration could improve the growth indexes of tomato.③Decreases in Ca^(2+) and Mg^(2+) in the nutrient solution did not affect the growth and yield of tomato.The possible reason for the third result was that excessive cations in the water inhibited the absorption of Ca^(2+) and Mg^(2+) in the nutrient solution and had antagonistic effects.Therefore,a high nutrient solution concentration does not necessarily promote the growth of tomatoes.In summary,this study will improve the production conditions of protected tomato in the southern Xinjiang area by supporting tomato nutrient solution adjustments according to actual conditions in combination with reasonable irrigation systems and scientific management.