Geographical identification of Chinese wine based on chemometrics combined with mineral elements, volatile components and untargeted metabonomics

Identifying the geographic origin of a wine is of great importance, as origin fakery is commonplace in the wine industry. This study analyzed the mineral elements, volatile components, and metabolites in wine using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry. The most critical variables (5 mineral elements, 13 volatile components, and 51 metabolites) for wine origin classification were selected via principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Subsequently, three algorithms-K-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, and random forest -were used to model single and fused datasets for origin identification. These results indicated that fused datasets, based on feature variables (mineral elements, volatile components, and metabolites), achieved the best performance, with predictive rates of 100% for all three algorithms. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-source data fusion strategy for authenticity identification of Chinese wine.

Tea quality estimation based on multi-source information from leaf and soil using machine learning algorithm

Mineral nutrients play a significant role in influencing the quality of tea. In order to detect the quantitative relationships between tea quality and mineral elements from the soil and tea plant, samples of soil and tea leaves from 'Baiyeyihao' and 'Huangjinya' cultivars were collected from 160 tea plantations, and these were used to determine 16 types of soil mineral elements, 16 leaf nutrient elements, and 10 key tea quality compositions. Three predictive models including linear regression, multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) were applied to predict the main constituents of tea quality. The usage of mineral elements in the soil and tea leaves improved the estimation accuracy of tea quality compositions, the RF performed best for EGCG (R2 = 0.67-0.77), amino acid (R2 = 0.61-0.88), tea polyphenols (R2 = 0.68-0.77) and caffeine (R2 = 0.59-0.68), while the MLR performed well for predicting the soluble sugars (R2 = 0.54-0.84). The multi-source information demonstrated a superior accuracy in predicting the biochemical components of tea when compared to individual mineral elements.

Investigation of the effects of mineral elements on flower coloration of plants growing in different habitats (limestone, serpentine, gypsum)

In this study, 25 plant species growing in different habitats in Erzincan province were studied with gypsum (Ebenus macrophylla, Gypsophila lepidioides, Linum flavum, Onobrychis nitida, Paracaryum stenolophum, Psephellus recepii, Tanacetum heterotomum, Verbascum alyssifolium), limestone (Alkanna megacarpa, Alyssum sibiricum, Anthemis sp., Astragalus sp., Chrysophthalmum montanum, Ebenus laguroides, Genista aucheri, Pelargonium endlicherianum, Stachys sparsipilosa), or serpentine (Artedia squamata, Consolida olopetala, Convolvulus pseudoscammania, Erysimum pulchellum, Fumana aciphylla, Gladiolus halophilus, Hypericum thymbrifolium, Salvia indica). Within the scope of the study, element concentrations were determined in plants with different flower colors (yellow, purple-blue-pink, white) and in the soils where they grow. Our goal was to assess whether there were differences in mineral element concentrations within plants from these different areas and whether those differences (if they existed) led to changes in plant morphology, specifically flower coloration. The flowers, leaves and root parts of the collected plants and the soils of the habitats where they grow were pre-treated in the laboratory. Mineral element concentrations in the prepared samples were determined by ICP-MS. Plant and soil data obtained were statistically evaluated, and the differences between the habitats were determined. It was observed that there were differences in terms of mineral elements in the generative and vegetative parts of the plant and these differences impacted flower color; these coloration differences in plants from other areas might be used to indicate the presence of potentially important minerals.

Asymmetric distribution of mineral nutrients aggravates uneven fruit pigmentation driven by sunlight exposure in litchi

MAIN CONCLUSION

Sunlight boosts anthocyanin synthesis/accumulation in sunny pericarp of litchi fruit, directly leading to uneven pigmentation. Distribution discrepancy of mineral element aggravates uneven coloration by modulating synthesis/accumulation of anthocyanin and sugar. Uneven coloration, characterized by red pericarp on sunny side and green pericarp on shady side, impacts fruit quality of 'Feizixiao' (cv.) litchi. The mechanisms of this phenomenon were explored by investigating the distribution of chlorophyll, flavonoids, sugars, and mineral elements in both types of pericarp. Transcriptome analysis in pericarp was conducted as well. Sunny pericarp contained higher anthocyanins in an order of magnitude and higher fructose, glucose, co-pigments (flavanols, flavonols, ferulic acid), and mineral elements like Ca, Mg and Mn, along with lower N, P, K, S, Cu, Zn and B (P < 0.01), compared to shady pericarp. Sunlight regulated the expression of genes involved in synthesis/accumulation of flavonoids and sugars and genes functioning in nutrient uptake and transport, leading to asymmetric distribution of these substances. Anthocyanins conferred red color on sunny pericarp, sugars, Ca and Mg promoted synthesis/accumulation of anthocyanins, and co-pigments enhanced color display of anthocyanins. The insufficiencies of anthocyanins, sugars and co-pigments, and inhibition effect of excess K, S, N and P on synthesis/accumulation of anthocyanins and sugars, jointly contributed to green color of shady pericarp. These findings highlight the role of asymmetric distribution of substances, mineral elements in particular, on uneven pigmentation in litchi, and provide insights into coloration improvement via precise fertilization.

Cultivar-specific response of rhizosphere bacterial community to uptake of cadmium and mineral elements in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Toxic metal-contaminated farmland from Cadmium (Cd) can enhance the accumulation of Cd and impair the absorption of mineral elements in brown rice. Although several studies have been conducted on Cd exposure on rice, little has been reported on the relationship between Cd and mineral elements in brown rice and the regulatory mechanism of rhizosphere microorganisms during element uptake. Thus, a field study was undertaken to screen japonica rice cultivars with low Cd and high mineral elements levels, analyze the quantitative relationship between Cd and seven mineral elements, and investigate the cultivar-specific response of rice rhizosphere bacterial communities to differences in Cd and mineral uptake in japonica rice. Results showed that Huaidao-9 and Xudao-7 had low Cd absorption and high amounts of mineral nutrient elements (Fe, Zn, Mg, and Ca, LCHM group), whereas Zhongdao-1 and Xinkedao-31 showed opposite accumulation characteristics (HCLM group). Stepwise regression analysis showed that zinc, iron, and potassium are the key minerals that affect Cd accumulation in japonica rice and zinc was the most important factor, accounting for 68.99 %. The accumulation of Cd and mineral elements is potentially associated with rhizosphere soil bacteria. Taxa enriched in the LCHM rhizosphere (phyla Acidobacteriota and MBNT15) indicated the high nutrient characteristics of the soil and reduced activity of Cd in soil. The HCLM rhizosphere was highly colonized by metal-activating bacteria (Actinobacteria), lignin-degrading bacteria (Actinobacteria and Chlorofexi), and bacteria scavenging nutrients and trace elements (Anaerolinea and Ketobacter). Moreover, the differences in the uptake of Cd and mineral elements affected predicted functions of microbial communities, including sulfur oxidation and sulfur derivative formation, human or plant pathogen, and functions related to the iron oxidation and nitrate reduction. The results indicate a potential association of Cd and mineral elements uptake and accumulation with rhizosphere bacteria in rice, thus providing theoretical basis and a new perspective on the maintenance of rice security and high quality simultaneously.

Transcriptional analysis of heavy metal P1B-ATPases (HMAs) elucidates competitive interaction in metal transport between cadmium and mineral elements in rice plants

Cadmium (Cd) pollution has become a major threat to crop production and quality globally. The heavy metal P_1B-ATPases (HMAs) play a crucial role in metal transport in plants. In the present study, we investigated the interaction in metal transport by HMAs between Cd and mineral elements in rice plants. Rice seedlings were treated with cadmium nitrate either in the nutrient solution ("Cd+M") or in the ultrapure water ("Cd-M"). Result showed that phytotoxicity of Cd to rice seedlings was evident from both Cd treatments, judged by relative growth rate (RGR), where more severe repression (p < 0.05) of RGR was observed in the "Cd-M" treatments than the "Cd+M" treatments. More Cd (p < 0.05) was accumulated in rice tissues from the "Cd-M" treatments than the "Cd+M" treatments, while there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in distribution and translocation of mineral elements in rice tissues between the "Cd+M" and the "Cd-M" treatments. RT-qPCR analysis displayed that the expression patterns of HMAs related genes were quite different between "Cd+M" and "Cd-M" treatments, suggesting their different regulatory effects during the transport of Cd and mineral elements within rice plants. The competition in metal transport by HMAs mainly occurs between Cd and micro-elements of Zn and Cu in rice tissues during Cd exposure. Overall, this study provides new evidence to clarify the different translocation mechanisms of HMAs in metal transport between Cd and mineral elements in rice seedlings during Cd exposure.

A comparison of the mineral element content of 70 different varieties of pear fruit (Pyrus ussuriensis) in China

Background

Pyrus ussuriensis (Maxim.) is a unique pear tree that grows in northern China. The tree has strong cold resistance and can withstand low temperatures from -30 °C to -35 °C. Due to its unique growth environment, its fruit is rich in minerals and has much higher levels of minerals such as K, Ca and Mg than the fruit of Pyrus pyrifolia (Nakai.) and Pyrus bretschneideri (Rehd.) on the market, and many say the ripe fruit tastes better than other varieties. A comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of mineral elements in the fruits of different varieties of P. ussuriensis will provide a valuable scientific basis for the selection, breeding and production of consumer varieties of P. ussuriensis, and provide a more complete understanding of nutritional differences between fruit varieties.

Methods

In this study, 70 varieties of wild, domesticated and cultivated species of P. ussuriensis from different geographical locations were compared. Targeting four main mineral elements and eight trace mineral elements contained in the fruit, the differences in mineral content in the peel and pulp of different varieties of P. ussuriensis were analyzed, compared and classified using modern microwave digestion ICP-MS.

Results

The mineral elements in the fruit of P. ussuriensis generally followed the following content pattern: K > P > Ca > Mg > Na > Al > Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd. The mineral element compositions in the peel and pulp of different fruits were also significantly different. The four main mineral elements in the peel were K > Ca > P > Mg, and K > P > Mg > Ca in the pulp. The mineral element content of wild fruit varieties was higher than that of cultivated and domesticated varieties. Correlation analysis results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between K, P and Cu in both the peel and pulp of P. ussuriensis fruit (P < 0. 01). Cluster analysis results showed that the 70 varieties of P. ussuriensis could be divided into three slightly different categories according to the content of the peel or pulp. According to the contents of the fruit peel, these varieties were divided into: (1) varieties with high Na, Mg, P, K, Fe and Zn content, (2) varieties with high Ca content and (3) varieties with medium levels of mineral elements. According to the fruit pulp content, these varieties were divided into: (1) varieties with high Mg, P and K content, (2) varieties with low mineral element content, and (3) varieties with high Na and Ca content. The comprehensive analysis of relevant mineral element content factors showed that 'SSHMSL,' 'QYL,' 'SWSL' and 'ZLTSL-3' were the best varieties, and could be used as the focus varieties of future breeding programs for large-scale pear production.

Brazilian Genetic Diversity for Desirable and Undesirable Elements in the Wheat Grain

Micronutrient deficiency affects billions of people, especially in countries where the diet is low in diversity with inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods, and higher consumption of staple food, i.e., cereals, that have low concentrations of micronutrients. Genetic biofortification is a strategy to mitigate this problem and ensure nutritional security. Wheat is a target of genetic biofortification since it contributes significantly to the caloric requirement. The biofortification process involves a screening related to the presence of genetic variability for grain mineral content. Also, the accumulation of toxic elements must be considered to ensure food safety, because if ingested above the allowed concentrations, it represents health risks. In this sense, this study aimed to quantify the micronutrients iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese and toxic elements arsenic and cadmium in a Brazilian wheat panel grown in Southern Brazil. The presence of genetic variability for the accumulation of micronutrients in the grain was detected; however, we observed that only the copper and manganese accumulation meet the human daily requirements. Iron, zinc, and selenium were detected in insufficient concentration to meet the daily demand. Arsenic and cadmium accumulation were not detected in wheat grain. The wheat genotypes grown in Brazil displayed a similar profile to that found in other countries which may be due to common high-yield breeding goals and the narrowing of the genetic variability, observed worldwide. Thus, the wheat genetic biofortification success in Brazil depends on the introduction of foreign genotypes, landraces, and wild relatives.

ICP-MS-based ionomics method for discriminating the geographical origin of honey of Apis cerana Fabricius

The identification of geographical origin is an important factor in evaluating the authenticity of honey. However, at present, there are few studies concerning the honey of Apis cerana Fabricius (A. cerana, Asiatic honeybee). To identify geographical origin, we used two common methods (multi-physicochemical parameters and phenolic chromatographic fingerprints) but achieved only poor identification. To compensate for this shortcoming, we established an ICP-MS-based ionomics method using 18 elements in 27 A. cerana honey samples from three different areas in Shaanxi Province, China. Multivariate analysis showed that significant differences in contents can be used to discriminate the geographical origin of A. cerana honey. The method was further validated using an independent test set of 11 samples with 90.91% accuracy, demonstrating its potential for the identification and prediction of the geographical origin of honey.

Discrimination of mutton from different sources (regions, feeding patterns and species) by mineral elements in Inner Mongolia, China

The traceability of mineral element fingerprints to mutton in a small area of China was studied. The element data of 104 sheep and 24 goat samples from Inner Mongolia were measured, and the data were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis from different origins, species and feeding patterns. The results shows that 11 elements (Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ba) in sheep meat had significant differences between different regions (P < 0.05), and the results of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed that the accuracy of the original classification rate was 95.2%, and the cross-validation rate was 85.9%. Goat meat and sheep meat samples from Alxa League were also clearly identified with LDA results showing that the cross-validation accuracy of the two species was 70.2%. Then the feeding patterns of sheep meat were effectively classified. The results showed that the multi-element analysis has certain potential as a method to distinguish mutton in a small area.

Starch and mineral element accumulation during root tuber expansion period of Pueraria thomsonii Benth

Pueraria is a medicine plant with rich starch, and thus can be a potential agricultural and industrial resource. In this study, we evaluated the root tuber yield of a cultivar of starch kudzu (Pueraria thomsonii) and the starch accumulation during expansion period of root tuber. Additionally, mineral elements were quantified in root tuber and starch. The results indicated that the starch kudzu cultivar owned high yield of root tuber (greater than42 tons/hm²), high starch content (greater than17% FW) in root tuber, and rich accumulation of beneficial mineral elements. Interestingly, the root tuber of P. thomsonii contained a high concentration of selenium (70 mg/kg FW) and strontium (40 mg/kg FW), and thus it can be utilized as a Se and Sr rich food. Furthermore, Se and Sr can be well preserved in starch through the optimized starch extraction method.

Genetic dissection of the shoot and root ionomes of Brassica napus grown with contrasting phosphate supplies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mineral elements have many essential and beneficial functions in plants. Phosphorus (P) deficiency can result in changes in the ionomes of plant organs. The aims of this study were to characterize the effects of P supply on the ionomes of shoots and roots, and to identify chromosomal quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for shoot and root ionomic traits, as well as those affecting the partitioning of mineral elements between shoot and root in Brassica napus grown with contrasting P supplies.

METHODS

Shoot and root concentrations of 11 mineral elements (B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S and Zn) were investigated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in a Brassica napus double haploid population grown at an optimal (OP) and a low phosphorus supply (LP) in an agar system. Shoot, root and plant contents, and the partitioning of mineral elements between shoot and root were calculated.

KEY RESULTS

The tissue concentrations of B, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P and Zn were reduced by P starvation, while the concentration of Fe was increased by P starvation in the BnaTNDH population. A total of 133 and 123 QTLs for shoot and root ionomic traits were identified at OP and LP, respectively. A major QTL cluster on chromosome C07 had a significant effect on shoot Mg and S concentrations at LP and was narrowed down to a 2.1 Mb region using an advanced backcross population.

CONCLUSIONS

The tissue concentration and partitioning of each mineral element was affected differently by P starvation. There was a significant difference in mineral element composition between shoots and roots. Identification of the genes underlying these QTLs will enhance our understanding of processes affecting the uptake and partitioning of mineral elements in Brassica napus.

High serum concentration of selenium, but not calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, and magnesium, increased the risk of both hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in adults: A health examination center based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic disorders of glucose and lipid were associated with some mineral elements, and data were warranted from various contexts to make the association more explicit.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationships between the serum concentrations of six mineral elements (calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium) and the risk of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in adults.

METHODS

The basic information and the over-night fasting serum samples of adults were randomly collected at a health examination center. The serum concentrations of glucose and lipids were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mineral elements were measured with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Data were analyzed between the hyperglycemia group (HGg) and the normal glucose group (NGg) as well as between the dyslipidemia group (DLg) and the normal lipid group (NLg).

RESULTS

A total of 1466 adults aged 22-81 years (male/female = 1.8) were included, 110 in the HGg and 1356 in the NGg, or 873 in the DLg and 593 in the NLg. The serum element concentration medians [P50 (P25-P75)] significantly different between the HGg and the NGg were 0.83 (0.75-0.94) vs. 0.76 (0.68-0.87) mg/L for copper and 100 (90-110) vs. 94 (87-103) μg/L for selenium (P < 0.001), while those between the DLg and the NLg were 99 (92-110) vs. 97 (90-106) mg/L for calcium, 0.78 (0.69-0.88) vs. 0.75 (0.66-0.85) mg/L for copper, 1.7 (1.4-2.0) vs. 1.6 (1.3-2.0) mg/L for iron, 24 (22-28) vs. 23 (22-27) mg/L for magnesium, and 97 (89-106) vs. 92 (84-100) μg/L for selenium (P < 0.05). When the copper and selenium between the HGg and the NGg were analyzed by logistic regression with age, gender, body mass index, and mineral elements adjusted, only the highest quartile of selenium concentration had association with the increased risk of hyperglycemia [quartile (Q) 4 against Q1: OR = 2.9, 95 % CI = 1.5-5.5, P < 0.001). When the five differed mineral elements between the DLg and the NLg were similarly analyzed, only iron and selenium had associations with the increased risk of dyslipidemia (e.g., Q4 against Q1: OR = 1.4, 95 % CI = 1.1-2.0 for iron and OR = 2.9, 95 % CI = 2.1-4.0 for selenium, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In contrast to those of calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, and magnesium, the higher serum concentration of selenium increased the risk of both hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in the study population of adult Chinese.

Authentication of organic pork and identification of geographical origins of pork in four regions of China by combined analysis of stable isotopes and multi-elements

The purpose of this study was to verify that the organic status of pork purchased in the markets from four different regions of China can be authenticated by the combined analysis of stable isotopes and multiple elements. Four stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ²H and δ¹⁸O) and the concentrations of seven elements (K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu and Se) were determined in organic and conventional pork samples from four locations of China. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyze stable isotope ratios and multi-element concentrations in pork. Based on the limited database of analytical values, the methodology would be potentially able to confirm whether a sample of pork came from the region and organic status it claimed. These results provide a possibility for authenticity of organic agricultural products from a large scope such as a province even a country.

Similar potential of foliar δ13C and silicon levels for inferring local climate information in the Tibetan Plateau region

Stable carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C) are widely used as climate proxies for assessing and predicting climatic information at an annual resolution. However, the detailed information in the isotopes that results from intra-annual climate scenarios and is associated with mineral accumulation remains unclear. Combined with investigations of elements and ash contents, variations in foliar δ¹³C in relation to annual, winter and summer climate scenarios were investigated in a dendroclimatologically important tree species Sabina przewalskii Kom. Foliar δ¹³C exhibited a significant negative correlation with mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation and mean annual relative humidity as well as significant positive correlations with elevation. Climatic factors in winter and summer have opposite effects on the variation of δ¹³C. The beneficial mineral element Si had a significant positive correlation with foliar δ¹³C, whereas the essential mineral elements K, Ca, and Mg did not. Specifically, Si and δ¹³C have similar correlations with climate factors and elevation. These results suggest that measurement of Si content has a similar potential to δ¹³C for use as an alternative climate indicator when detailed climatic information may otherwise be limited and provide a basis for understanding the integration of δ¹³C in plant responses to climate.

Impacts of CO2 elevation on the physiology and seed quality of soybean

Understanding the responses of crops to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (E[CO₂]) is very important in terms of global food supplies. The present study investigates the effects of CO₂ enrichment (to 800 μmol mol^-1) on the physiology of soybean plants and the nutritional value of their seeds under growth chamber conditions. The photosynthesis of soybean was significantly promoted by E[CO₂] at all growth stages, but leaf area and specific leaf weight were not affected. The levels of mineral elements in the leaves decreased under E[CO₂]. The soil properties after soybean cultivation under E[CO₂] were not affected, except for a decrease in available potassium. Moreover, the levels of soluble sugars in the seeds were not affected by E[CO₂], but the levels of natural antioxidants decreased. In addition, the level of oleic acid decreased under E[CO₂]. However, levels of fatty acid peroxidation and saturation were maintained. In conclusion, E[CO₂] appears to have positive effects on the growth of cultivated soybean plants, but its influence on the nutritional values of soybean seeds is complex.

Endophyte infection enhances accumulation of organic acids and minerals in rice under Pb2+ stress conditions

This study aimed to assess the effects of endophyte infection on Pb accumulation, organic acids (OAs) and mineral element contents by comparing endophyte-uninfected (E-) and endophyte-infected (E+) rice exposed to 0, 10.36, 20.72, 31.08 and 41.44 mg/L Pb²⁺ for 10 days. Pb²⁺ stress decreased growth, dry weight, and chlorophyll (Chl) content in E- and E+ in a concentration-dependent manner. Pb²⁺ accumulation was similar in E- and E+. Under Pb²⁺ stress, E+ accumulated more malate and fumarate in the leaves compared to E-, as well as more tartrate, malate, succinate and fumarate in the roots. Furthermore, E+ secreted more malate and lactate under 41.44 mg/L Pb²⁺ stress. Malate accumulation was induced by endophyte infection under Pb²⁺ exposure suggesting that malate is the most obvious candidate ligand for Pb²⁺. Endophyte infection increased Ca, Mg, P, Fe and Ni contents in the leaves and Ni contents in the roots under Pb²⁺ stress, but reduced Fe content in the roots under high Pb²⁺ stress. Under same Pb²⁺ concentration, endophyte infection significantly increased plant height, the dry weight of the shoots, and Chl content. The effects of endophyte infection might be due to changes in OAs accumulation and exudation and improvements in mineral uptake under Pb²⁺ stress.

Effect of a novel Ca-Si composite mineral on Cd bioavailability, transport and accumulation in paddy soil-rice system

Ubiquitous cadmium (Cd) contamination in mine impacted paddy soil has been jeopardizing regional rice quality, which represents a dominant pathway of Cd exposure in populations depending on a rice diet. Two major aspects of mitigation, soil liming and Si fertilization, were integrated and investigated with a Ca-Si-rich composite mineral (CS) derived from feldspar and carbonate. With the CS amendment, bioavailable Cd in rice rhizosphere was reduced by 92-100% from tillering to maturation stage, paralleled by a marked increase in Cd bound to Fe/Mn oxides and carbonate. As indicated by XRD analysis, the much reduced labile pool of Cd in the CS-amended soil could be mainly attributed to Cd (co)precipitation (Cd(OH)₂, Cd₂(OH)₃Cl, CH₆Br₃CdN) and surface complexation on more negatively charged oxides at elevated soil pH with CS addition. EDX line scan illustrated much more intensified Si deposition along root cross-section in the CS treatment, which resulted in 1.5-2.1-fold higher Cd sequestration in the CS-amended root than control. As a direct result, the root-to-shoots Cd translocation was reduced significantly by 42-51%, while a slightly less significant decrease in brown rice Cd was obtained with the CS treatment relative to control. The CS amendment showed differing effects on brown rice mineral accumulation, with 1.2-1.5-fold increase in brown rice Zn and simultaneously reduced Fe, Mn, Mg and Cu in brown rice. Our results call the readers' attention to the potential impact of soil ameliorator on grain mineral uptake, and we suggest that proper fortification with mineral fertilizers should be supplemented to assist sustainable rice production with improved mineral nutrition.

Effects of Modified Palygorskite Supplementation on Egg Quality and Mineral Element Content, and Intestinal Integrity and Barrier Function of Laying Hens

This study was conducted to investigate effects of modified palygorskite (MPal) supplementation on the laying performance, egg quality and mineral element content, immunity, oxidative status, and intestinal integrity and barrier function of laying hens. A total of 360 52-week-old Hyline Brown hens were randomly assigned into four dietary treatments for a 7-week feeding trial. The birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control group), 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/kg MPal, respectively. The supplementation of MPal did not alter laying performance and egg quality among groups. Compared with the control group, MPal inclusion decreased lead (Pb) content in yolks at 49 days, and either 0.5- or 1-g/kg MPal supplementation decreased Pb accumulation in yolks at 25 days and manganese (Mn) accumulation in yolks at 25 and 49 days. The contents of jejunal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), ileal SIgA, and immunoglobulin G were decreased by the dietary 0.5-g/kg MPal supplementation. The supplementation of MPal also decreased malondialdehyde content in jejunum and ileum, and decreased serum diamine oxidase activity of the laying hens at 25 and 49 days. The inclusion of 0.5 and 1 g/kg MPal enhanced villus height in jejunum and ileum, and also increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in ileum. In conclusion, MPal supplementation decreased Pb and Mn contents in yolks, and exhibited beneficial effects on the intestinal immunity, oxidative status, and intestinal integrity and barrier function of laying hens and its optimal dosage was 0.5 g/kg.

Element uptake and physiological responses of Lactuca sativa upon co-exposures to tourmaline and dissolved humic acids

Element migration and physiological response in Lactuca sativa upon co-exposure to tourmaline (T) and dissolved humic acids (DHAs) were investigated. Different fractions of DHA1 and DHA4 and three different doses of T were introduced into Hoagland's solution. The results indicated that T enhanced the contents of elements such as N and C, Si and Al in the roots and shoots. The correlation between TF values of Si and Al (R2 = 0.7387) was higher than that of Si and Mn (R2 = 0.4961) without the presence of DHAs. However, both DHA1 and DHA4 increased the correlation between Si and Mn, but decreased the one between Si and Al. CAT activities in T treatments were positively correlated to the contents of N and Al in the shoots, whose R 2 was 0.9994 and 0.9897, respectively. In the co-exposure of DHAs and tourmaline, DHA4 exhibited more impacts on element uptake, CAT activities, as well as ABA contents in comparison with the presence of DHA1, regardless of the T exposure doses. These results suggested that DHAs have effects on mineral element behaviors and physiological response in Lactuca sativa upon exposure to tourmaline for the first time, which had great use in guiding soil remediation.

Effects of Palygorskite Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Ability, and Mineral Element Content of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate different levels of palygorskite supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, muscular oxidative status, and mineral element accumulation of broilers. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatments with six replicates of eight chicks per replicate. Birds in the four treatments were given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg palygorskite for 42 days, respectively. Compared with the control group, neither 5 g/kg nor 10 g/kg palygorskite inclusion affected growth performance of broilers during the 42-day study (P > 0.05). However, the highest level of palygorskite supplementation at 20 g/kg increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) of broilers (P < 0.001). Yellowness (P < 0.001) and redness (P = 0.003) of breast muscle and yellowness of leg muscle (P = 0.001) were decreased by palygorskite supplementation at the levels of 10 g/kg and especially 20 g/kg. In addition, redness of leg muscle was also reduced by the inclusion of 20 g/kg palygorskite (P = 0.009). In contrast, malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulation in the breast muscle was significantly increased by 20 g/kg palygorskite supplementation (P < 0.001). Supplementation of palygorskite at either 10 or 20 g/kg significantly decreased lead (Pb) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.001) or thigh (P = 0.045) and copper (Cu) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.022). In conclusion, growth performance, meat color, and antioxidant capacity of meat would reduce with the increasing level of palygorskite supplementation, whereas a higher level of palygorskite (10 or 20 g/kg) can alter mineral element accumulations in muscles as evidenced by reduced muscular Cu and Pb contents.

Gene expression analysis of metallothionein and mineral elements uptake in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) exposed to cadmium

Heavy metals such as Cd are considered to be the most important pollutants in soil contamination. Cd is a non-essential element adversely affecting plant growth and development, and it has caused some physiological and molecular changes. Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, and metal binding proteins. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the MT gene expression levels and minerals uptake in the tissues of Solanum lycopersicum exposed to Cd. The transcriptional expression of the MT genes was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The MT genes were regulated by the Cd and the mineral elements uptake changed tissue type and applied doses. The MT1 and MT2 transcript levels increased in the roots, the leaves and the fruits of the tomato. The MT3 and MT4 transcript pattern changed according to the tissue types. The Cd treatment on the growth medium increased the Mg, Ca, and Fe content in both the leaves and fruits of the tomato. However, the Cd affected the mineral levels in the roots depending on the mineral types and doses. Also, the Cd content increased in the roots, the leaves, and the fruits of the tomato, respectively. The results presented in this study show that Cd has synergistic and/or antagonistic effects on minerals depending on the tissue types. These results indicate that the MT1 and MT2 expression pattern increased together with the Mg, Ca, and Fe content in both the leaves and the fruits of the tomato.