An axenically cultured isolate of single-celled freshwater microalgae (Chlorella sp.) metabolized toxic selenate to volatile dimethylselenide at exceptionally high rates when transferred from mineral-nutrient solution to water for 24 h. The Se-volatilization rates were orders of magnitude higher than those similarly measured for wetland macroalgae and higher plants. Ninety percent of 20 micro m...

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is responsible for the generation of all the aerial parts of plants. Given its critical role, dynamical changes in SAM activity should play a central role in the adaptation of plant architecture to the environment. Using quantitative microscopy, grafting experiments, and genetic perturbations, we connect the plant environment to the SAM by describing the molecula...

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that women of child-bearing ages should maintain good nutritional status through a lifestyle that optimizes maternal health and reduces the risk of birth defects, suboptimal fetal growth and development, and chronic health problems in their children. The key components of a health-promoting lifestyle during pregnancy include appropriate we...

BACKGROUND Essential nutrients are considered for the prevention of the bone loss that occurs after bariatric surgery. AIM Evaluate nutrients involved in bone metabolism, and relate to serum concentrations of calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone, and the use of supplements and sun exposure on the bone mass of patients who had undergone gastric bypass surgery. METHODS An observational...

Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (ERM) may specialize in capturing nutrients from their host's litter as a strategy for regulating nutrient cycles in terrestrial ecosystems. In spite of their potential significance, we know little about the structure of ERM fungal communities and the genetic basis of their saprotrophic traits (e.g., genes encoding extracellular enzymes). Rhododendron maximum is a mode...

Biochar, as an high efficiency, environmental friendly, and low-cost adsorbent, is usually used as soil conditioner, bio-fuel, and carbon sequestration regent. Recently, biochar has attracted much attention in wastewater treatment field. There are plenty of studies about application of biochar to adsorb pollutants in wastewater, because of its low-cost preparation, high surface area, large pore...

Humic substances (HS) are macromolecular organic materials ubiquitous in both aquatic and terrestrial systems, effective electron shuttling compounds providing macro- microelements organochelate form, play an important role determining the mobility bioavailability of organic/inorganic nutrients mineral fertilizers [...]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Crop yield and nutritional quality are significantly reduced when potassium (K) in soil is deficient. As a beneficial element for plants, silicon (Si) is effective in alleviating the toxic effects of mineral nutrients. However, the roles played by Si in mediating deficiency in essential mineral nutrients in general and K in particular have not been investigated. METHODS To...

Breast-fed infants and young children need complementary foods with a very high nutrient density (particularly for iron and zinc), especially at ages 6-12 mo. However, in low-income countries, their diet is usually dominated by cereal-based porridges with low nutrient density and poor mineral bioavailability. Complementary feeding diets typically fall short in iron and zinc and sometimes in oth...

This paper reviews published data that contributes to the knowledge of the ingredients and nutrients of Cameroon traditional dishes. Macronutrient (energy, carbohydrates, protein, total fat, fibre and ash) and mineral (iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, potassium, sodium and selenium) data are presented for 117 commonly consumed dishes from three eco-regions. Tables ...