Changes in phytochemical properties and water use efficiency of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) using superabsorbent polymer under drought stress

Water consumption management and the application of advanced techniques in the agricultural sector can significantly contribute to the efficient utilization of limited water resources. This can be achieved by improving soil texture, increasing water retention, reducing erosion, and enhancing seedling germination through the use of superabsorbent polymers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Aquasource superabsorbent (AS) on the morphological characteristics, phytochemical properties, antioxidant content, and water use efficiency of peppermint. It was conducted under different irrigation management and using different superabsorbent levels. Therefore, a 3 × 4 factorial design was used to determine the effects of irrigation intervals (2-, 4-, and 6-day) and different levels of AS amount (zero [control], 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%). The effects of these factors on various parameters (morphological characteristics, essential oil percentage, nutrient, protein, proline, carotenoid, antioxidant, and chlorophyll content, leaf area index, relative water content, and water use efficiency [WUE]) were evaluated. The results showed that morphological characteristics and essential oil percentage decreased significantly under drought stress (increasing the irrigation intervals). However, the addition of 0.5 (wt%) AS improved plant growth conditions. Increasing the amount of superabsorbent used to 1 and 2 (wt%) decreased the measured traits, which indicates the creation of unsuitable conditions for plant growth. AS application improved the growth of the root more than the leaf yield of peppermint. A 0.5 (wt%) addition of AS resulted in root length increases of 3, 13, and 15%, respectively, at irrigation intervals of 2, 4, and 6 days, respectively. Additionally, at 0.5 (wt%) AS, root weight increased by 8, 15, and 16% in 2-, 4-, and 6-day irrigation intervals, respectively. Also, the height of the plant increased by 3, 5, and 17% at 2-, 4-, and 6-day irrigation intervals when 0.5 (wt%) of AS was used compared to the control. As well, essential oil percentage increased by 2.14, 2.06, and 1.63% at 2-, 4-, and 6-day irrigation intervals. The nutrient and protein contents decreased as irrigation intervals and AS usage increased, indicating a similar trend. However, compared with the control, the addition of 0.5 (wt%) of AS resulted in some improvements in nutrients and protein. The highest WUE (3.075 kg m-3) was attained in the 4-day irrigation interval and 1 wt% AS addition. This was followed closely by the 2-day irrigation interval with 1 wt% AS addition at 3.025 kg m-3, and the 4-day irrigation interval with 0.5 wt% AS addition, which reached 2.941 kg m-3. Overall, the use of AS in appropriate amounts (0.5 wt%) can reduce water consumption and enhance essential oil yield and WUE in peppermint cultivation in water-scarce arid and semi-arid regions.

Critical review on phytoremediation of polyfluoroalkyl substances from environmental matrices: Need for global concern

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of emerging organic contaminants that are impervious to standard physicochemical treatments. The widespread use of PFAS poses serious environmental issues. PFAS pollution of soils and water has become a significant issue due to the harmful effects of these chemicals both on the environment and public health. Owing to their complex chemical structures and interaction with soil and water, PFAS are difficult to remove from the environment. Traditional soil remediation procedures have not been successful in reducing or removing them from the environment. Therefore, this review focuses on new phytoremediation techniques for PFAS contamination of soils and water. The bioaccumulation and dispersion of PFAS inside plant compartments has shown great potential for phytoremediation, which is a promising and unique technology that is realistic, cost-effective, and may be employed as a wide scale in situ remediation strategy.

Descriptions of diabetes burnout from individuals with Type 1 diabetes: an analysis of YouTube videos

AIM

The purpose of the study was to analyse self-descriptions of diabetes burnout in individuals with Type 1 diabetes via YouTube videos.

METHODS

In this qualitative descriptive study, a systematic approach was used to search YouTube videos with a title, description or content specifically about diabetes burnout dated between 2007 and 2017. Irrelevant or duplicated videos were excluded using eligibility criteria. All videos meeting inclusion criteria (n = 32) from individuals with Type 1 diabetes were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse video characteristics.

RESULTS

The four major themes associated with diabetes burnout were: (i) feeling mentally drained and physically tired of dealing with self-care; (ii) experiencing a detachment from self, diabetes care and support system; (iii) being powerless and paralysed to 'climb out' of diabetes burnout; and (iv) contributing potential factors to diabetes burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-descriptions of diabetes burnout suggest that it is a combination of emotions and behaviours on a spectrum from exhaustion to detachment accompanied by an overwhelming sense of powerlessness. More studies are needed to further clarify diabetes burnout and its distinction from, or overlap with, other related psychosocial concepts in diabetes care.

The empowerment process in people with diabetes: an Iranian perspective

BACKGROUND

Empowerment and power are well-researched concepts concerning people with chronic diseases. However, few researchers have focused specifically on the process of empowerment in Iranian people with diabetes. Understanding the empowerment process could help health professionals facilitate empowerment.

AIM

To explore the empowerment process in Iranian people with diabetes.

METHOD

A grounded theory research design was used incorporating in-depth interviews to collect the data from men and women aged 21-73 years (n = 16). Data were collected between February and July 2007. Constant comparative analysis was undertaken to identify key categories.

FINDINGS

Participants indicated being embarrassed by the diagnosis, thirsting to learn, living in the shadow of fear, accepting diabetes as reality, managing diabetes and feeling empowered were distinct but interconnected phases in the empowerment process. The empowerment process was influenced by cultural and religious beliefs including the concept of the doctor as holy man, accepting diabetes as God's will, caring for the body because it was God's gift, paying attention to symptomatic disease, and support from peers and family, especially daughters.

CONCLUSION

The empowerment process consists of several distinct but interconnected phases. The findings will help health professionals develop a deeper understanding of how Iranian people with diabetes become empowered.