Alternative Sources Research Articles

Investigation of the differentiation potential of pericyte cells as an alternative source of mesenchymal stem cells

BackgroundThe mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with characterized by their multipotency and capacity to differentiate into various tissue cell types, have led to their incorporation in regenerative medicine research. However, the limited numbers of MSCs in the human body and their diverse differentiation capabilities in tissues highlight the need for exploring alternative regenerative cell sources. In this study, therefore, we conducted molecular level examinations to determine whether pericytes, specialized cell communities situated near blood vessels, could serve as a substitute for human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). In this context, the potential application of pericytes surrounds the vessels when MSCs are insufficient for functional purposes. MethodsThe pericytes utilized in this investigation were derived from the placenta and characterized at the third passage. Similarly, the hBM-MSCs were also characterized at the third passage. The pluripotent properties of the two cell types were assessed at the gene expression level. Thereafter, both pericytes and hBM-MSCs were directed towards adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. The cells in both groups were examined on days 7, 14, and, 21 and their differentiation status was compared both immunohistochemically and through gene expression analysis. ResultsUpon comparing the pluripotency characteristics of placental pericytes and hBM-MSCs, it was discovered that there was a substantial upregulation of the pluripotency genes FoxD3, Sox2, ZPF42, UTF1, and, Lin28 in both cell types. However, no significant expression of the genes Msx1, Nr6a1, Pdx1, and, GATA6 was observed in either cell type. It was also noted that pericytes differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and, chondrogenic lineages similar to hBM-MSCs. DiscussionAs a result, it has been determined that pericytes exhibit high differentiation and proliferation properties similar to those of MSCs, and therefore can be considered a suitable alternative cell source for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering research, in cases where MSCs are not available or insufficient. It is notable that pericytes have been suggested as a potential substitute in studies where MSCs are lacking.

47 Inclusion of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass as an alternative protein source in the diet of Florida native yearling ewes.

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) with black soldier fly larvae frass (BSFL) on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and blood profile of ewes consuming diets with approximately 10% SBM on a DM basis. Six yearling Florida native ewes, averaging (mean ± SD) 44 ± 3 kg BW were enrolled in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 experimental periods of 21 d each (14 d adaptation + 4 d samples collection + 3 d washout). First 14 d of each period, ewes were housed in 7.4 × 1.8 m individual pens with rubber mats, one automatic waterer and two plastic feeders. During collection, ewes were moved to 1.4 × 0.7 m metabolic crates equipped with an individual waterer and feeder and two trays for the collection of feces and urine. Animals were fed TMR ad libitum twice daily at 0730 and 1530 h consisting of different levels of SBM replacement with BSFL, as follows: no replacement (CON), partial replacement of SBM with 25% BSFL (BSFL25) and 50% BSFL (BSFL50) on a DM basis. Data on DM and nutrient intake, excretion, and apparent digestibility, and also plasma concentrations of glucose and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urine concentrations of allantoin, urine blood nitrogen, and uric acid, were collected. Data were analyzed with SAS 9.4 evaluating orthogonal polynomial contrasts to determine linear and quadratic effects of SBM replacement with BSFL for each response variable. The intakes of DM, NDF, ADF, EE, and starch were greater for BSFL25 compared with control (Quadratic effect; P < 0.01) while no differences were observed between BSFL25 and BSFL50. Similarly apparent digestibilities of DM, NDF, ADF and starch was less for BSFL25 than CON (Quadratic effect; P ≤ 0.01). Intake of CP linearly increased (P < 0.01) with BSFL, while apparent digestibility of CP linearly decreased and that of EE increased, with inclusion of BSFL. There was a quadratic effect of BSFL on total feces excretion (P < 0.01) and water consumption (P < 0.01) being greater in BSFL25 compared with CON. Urine BUN (P < 0.01) and urine nitrogen (P < 0.01) linearly increased with BSFL inclusion. Results indicate that partial replacement of SBM with BSFL in the diet of yearling Florida native ewes may quadratically increase feed intake and decrease nutrient apparent digestibility. Further research is needed to explore the long-term implications of incorporating BSFL into animal diets, considering their impact on overall growth and performance.

78 Assessing nutrient digestibility in boer×spanish castrated male goats feeding varied levels of hempseed meal

Abstract Hempseed meal (HSM) has gained considerable attention as a potential alternative protein source for animal feed in the US, although its FDA approval for this purpose remains pending due to an insufficiency of comprehensive scientific data. The HSM is a byproduct of hemp oil production. Tuskegee University, a ruminant coalition group in the US is assessing this byproduct in meat goats. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of varying HSM inclusion rates on the nutrient digestibility in Boer×Spanish castrated meat goats using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four uniform mature Boer×Spanish castrated goats (14-16 months) were randomly assigned to four treatments. These goats received ad libitum access to experimental diets containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% HSM on an as-fed basis. Experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous (crude protein: 16%) and iso-caloric (total digestible nutrients: 64%). The experiment was conducted for 21 d in four phases where 16 d was for diet adjustment and 5 d for sample collection. Feed, feces, and urine were collected during the sample collection period and composited. The feed intake and refusal, fecal and urine outputs were monitored during the sample collection period. The feed, fecal, and urine samples were analyzed for nutrient composition. Nutrient digestibility data were analyzed in SPSS 29 and Microsoft Excel 2021. Our findings revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, non-fibrous carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and ash among experimental groups, except for acid detergent fiber, where a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed. These results shed light on the potential of hempseed meal in meat-goat diets and emphasize the importance of understanding its impact on specific nutrient digestibility for optimal dietary formulation.

Restriction of Glycolysis Increases Serial Killing Capacity of Natural Killer Cells.

Tumor cells rely heavily on glycolysis to meet their high metabolic demands. While this results in nutrient deprivation within the tumor microenvironment and has negative effects on infiltrating immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, it also creates a potential target for cancer therapies. Here we use Glupin, an inhibitor of glucose transporters, to study the effect of limited glucose uptake on NK cells and their anti-tumor functions. Glupin treatment effectively inhibited glucose uptake and restricted glycolysis in NK cells. However, acute treatment had no negative effect on NK cell cytotoxicity or cytokine production. Long-term restriction of glucose uptake via Glupin treatment only delayed NK cell proliferation, as they could switch to glutaminolysis as an alternative energy source. While IFN-γ production was partially impaired, long-term Glupin treatment had no negative effect on degranulation. Interestingly, the serial killing activity of NK cells was even slightly enhanced, possibly due to changes in NAD metabolism. This demonstrates that NK cell cytotoxicity is remarkably robust and insensitive to metabolic disturbances, which makes cellular metabolism an attractive target for immune-mediated tumor therapies.

Total Replacement of Soybean Meal with Sundried Soymilk Residue in the Total Mixed Ration has a Negative Impact on Intake, Digestibility, and Milk Production in Dairy Goats.

This study aimed to evaluate whether total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with sundried soymilk residue (SSR) in a total mixed ration (TMR) affects intake, digestibility, milk production, and blood metabolites in dairy goats. A total of 12 healthy Saanen dairy goats (40.12 ± 5.80 kg of BW) in midlactation (31.23 ± 10.12 days) were used in a randomized complete design (n = 4 goats/group). Dietary treatments were based on a TMR as follows: control TMR without SSR (CON) or SBM-based TMR with 50% or 100% of SSR replacing SBM (SSR-50 and SSR-100, respectively). All goats had ad libitum access to feed and clean water throughout the experiment. The dry matter (DM) intake decreased (p < 0.05) with the increasing replacement ratio of SBM and was lowest in the SSR-100 group. Similarly, organic matter (OM) digestibility was lowest (p < 0.05) in the SSR-100 group. However, the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF did not change (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. Compared with CON, the milk yield decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing replacement ratio of SBM. In contrast, milk composition such as total solids, solids-not-fat, milk fat, lactose, protein, and pH were not influenced (p > 0.05) by feeding dietary SSR. Compared with other treatments, blood glucose concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in the SSR-100 group. In contrast, packed cell volume, glucose, and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05). The results indicated that SSR could replace SBM in a TMR at less than 50%. Thus, the present study provides support for further investigation to enhance the utilization of soybean waste as an alternative protein source in the TMR for dairy goats and potentially other ruminants.

Beyond “make” or “buy”: Evaluating value‐for‐money in public service delivery

AbstractOutsourcing of public services is under heightened scrutiny. Public managers are asked to conduct thorough “make or buy” assessments to help assure deliverability, affordability, and value for money of public services. The naivety of this request dramatically overlooks the subtlety and challenge faced by public managers. In this paper we connect a range of differently configured contractual agreements to underlying components of “value for money”, namely, the pursuit of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. We set out a framework consisting of conceptual models and the corresponding decision tree to allow comparison across alternative sourcing strategies, considering both the associated transaction costs and transaction benefits. We also use simulation methods to capture uncertainty while establishing the practicality of the framework. This study advocates for moving beyond the polarized ‘make or buy’ debate with more instrumental considerations of “how to buy” from the perspective of the public manager.

Foreign Exchange Reserves and Economic Growth of Brazil: A Nonlinear Approach

Foreign Exchange Reserves and Economic Growth of Brazil: A Nonlinear Approach

The Effect of Ultrasound on the Extraction and Functionality of Proteins from Duckweed (Lemna minor).

The inclusion of protein in the regular human diet is important for the prevention of several chronic diseases. In the search for novel alternative protein sources, plant-based proteins are widely explored from a sustainable and ecological point of view. Duckweed (Lemna minor), also known as water lentil, is an aquatic plant with potential applications for human consumption due to its protein content and carbohydrate contents. Among all the conventional and novel protein extraction methods, the utilization of ultrasound has attracted the attention of scientists because of its effects on improving protein extraction and its functionalities. In this work, a Box-Behnken experimental design was proposed to optimize the alkaline extraction of protein from duckweed. In addition, an exploration of the effects of ultrasound on the morphological, structural, and functional properties of the extracted protein was also addressed. The optimal extraction parameters were a pH of 11.5 and an ultrasound amplitude and processing time of 60% and 20 min, respectively. These process conditions doubled the protein content extracted in comparison to the value from the initial duckweed sample. Furthermore, the application of ultrasound during the extraction of protein generated changes in the FTIR spectra, color, and structure of the duckweed protein, which resulted in improvements in its solubility, emulsifying properties, and foaming capacity.

Telescoping Synthesis of 4-Organyl-5-(organylselanyl)thiazol-2-amines Promoted by Ultrasound.

In this work, we describe the synthesis of new 4-organyl-5-(organylselanyl)thiazol-2-amine hybrids through a one-pot two-step protocol. The transition metal-free method involves the use of ultrasound as an alternative energy source and Oxone® as oxidant. To obtain the products, a telescoping approach was used, in which 4-organylthiazol-2-amines were firstly prepared under ultrasonic irradiation, followed by the addition of diorganyl diselenides and Oxone®. Thus, 16 compounds were prepared, with yields ranging from 61 % to 98 %, using 2-bromoacetophenone derivatives and diorganyl diselenides as easily available starting materials.

Modelling and implementation of a photovoltaic system through improved voltage control mechanism

Renewable energy dependence is increasing daily due to the decaying of conventional energy sources. Another primary reason is the increment of pollution as well as global warming. Various alternate energy sources are being used to replace conventional ones. Among them, the prominent photovoltaic source provides clean and green energy. This research focuses on energy production through the photovoltaic source. The photovoltaic cells combination is used along with the boost converter to get the maximal power output. The maximum power point tracker was designed and implemented to obtain the optimal power from the photovoltaic cells, which do not provide the desired results. Therefore, the voltage control method is an alternative to the maximum power point tracker. Both methodologies compared at different intensities of solar light. The load is attached to the photovoltaic output to test its reliability and smooth performance. The system is designed using MATLAB simulation, and the desired results are obtained.

Harvesting Silk Fibers from Plodia interpunctella: Role of Environmental Rearing Conditions in Fiber Production and Properties.

Silk fibers are produced by a wide variety of insects. The silkworm Bombyx mori (Bombyx) was domesticated because the physical properties of its silk fibers were amenable to the production of fine textiles. Subsequently, engineers have regenerated silk fibroin to form biomaterials. The monocular focus on Bombyx silk has underutilized the expanse of diverse silk proteins produced by more than 100,000 other arthropods. This vast array of silk fibers could be utilized for biomedical engineering challenges if sufficient rearing and purification processes are developed. Herein, we show that the moth, Plodia interpunctella (Plodia), represents an alternative silk source that is easily reared in highly regulated culture environments allowing for greater consistency in the silk produced. We controlled the temperature, resource availability (larvae/gram diet), and population density (larvae/mL) with the goal of increasing silk fiber production and improving homogeneity in Plodia silk proteins. We determined that higher temperatures accelerated insect growth and reduced life cycle length. Furthermore, we established initial protocols for the production of Plodia silk with optimal silk production occurring at 24 °C, with a resource availability of 10 larvae/gram and a population density of 0.72 larvae/mL. Population density was shown to be the most prominent driving force of Plodia silk mat formation among the three parameters assessed. Future work will need to link gene expression, protein production and purification, and resulting mechanical properties as a function of environmental cues to further transition Plodia silk into regenerated silk fibroin biomaterials.

Effectiveness of Financing Measures to Reduce Low Emissions in Poland - a Case Study

Local authorities are increasingly facing the challenges of climate change, which requires adaptation of various elements of local government systems, including infrastructure, communities and local economies. Operating in an ever-changing reality, local government units should plan for the necessary sustainable local government investments, with particular attention to structural gaps and financial mismatches. Local government is responsible for ensuring local energy security and thus for 'environmental sustainability'. The overall objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of financing low-emission lowering measures from the Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund in municipalities in Lubusz Province in 2020. The article uses cause-effect relationship analysis (regression models). Investments implemented by local governments generally have a positive impact on the reduction of low emissions, although the results of the study indicate a negative impact of financing investments in alternative energy sources (RES). This may be related to large investment outlays, as well as difficulties in spatial planning, environmental impact and administrative inefficiency.

Response of Bacillus velezensis 83 to interaction with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides resembles a Greek phalanx-style formation: a stress resistant phenotype with antibiosis capacity

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, such as Bacillus spp., establish beneficial associations with plants and may inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic fungi. However, these bacteria are subject to multiple biotic stimuli from their competitors, causing stress and modifying their development. This work is a study of an in vitro interaction between two model microorganisms of socioeconomic relevance, using population dynamics and transcriptomic approaches. Co-cultures of Bacillus velezensis 83 with the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides 09 were performed to evaluate the metabolic response of the bacteria under conditions of non-nutritional limitation. The bacterial response was associated with the induction of a stress-resistant phenotype, characterized by a lower specific growth rate, but with antimicrobial production capacity. About 12% of co-cultured B. velezensis 83 coding sequences were differentially expressed, including the up-regulation of the general stress response (sigB regulon), and the down-regulation of alternative carbon sources catabolism (glucose preference). Defense strategies in B. velezensis are a determining factor in order to preserve the long-term viability of its population. Mostly, the presence of the fungus does not affect the expression of antibiosis genes, except for those corresponding to surfactin/bacillomycin D production. Indeed, the up-regulation of antibiosis genes expression is associated with bacterial growth, regardless of the presence of the fungus. This behavior in B. velezensis 83 resembles the strategy used by the classical Greek phalanx formation: by sacrificing growth rate and metabolic versatility, resources can be redistributed to defense (stress resistant phenotype) while maintaining the attack (antibiosis capacity). The presented results are the first characterization of the molecular phenotype at the transcriptome level of a biological control agent under biotic stress caused by a phytopathogen without nutrient limitation.

Review of the policies and development programs for renewable energy in Malaysia: Progress, achievements and challenges

In 2022, Malaysia was ranked 28th worldwide in terms of its energy oil consumption. Energy consumption in Malaysia has been predominantly reliant on natural gas and coal in both the past and present. Oil and gas in Malaysia are predicted to be depleted in 14 years due to the high energy consumption, especially from petroleum sources. Thus, the Malaysian government aims to expand renewable energy (RE) in the country's energy mix as an alternative source of energy. As of 2022, Malaysia has generated roughly 2% of its electricity from various renewable sources, which is still far from the initial target of reaching 20% RE penetration by 2030. However, since 2017, RE has started to contribute to energy mix generation. Several policies, including an act, have been implemented in Malaysia to achieve the target in RE, but many challenges and difficulties have hindered the progress. Thus, the present study explored the current status and challenges for RE in Malaysia and discussed the effectiveness of the available energy policies and programs. The outcomes are potentially valuable to Malaysian policymakers, industries and researchers to improve their current practices for achieving the initial national RE target by 2030 as well as to move forward towards net zero emissions by 2050. This study provides a crucial roadmap for Malaysia to achieve its RE objectives and contribute significantly to the international transition towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

Kinetic modeling of valuable phenolic compounds extraction from strawberry and apple agro‐industrial by‐products

AbstractExtracting valuable compounds from waste plant tissues is a challenging process. To better understand this process, kinetic modeling was used to study the extraction of phenolic compounds from the waste tissues of industrial strawberry (RF) and apple (GS) processing using green solvents. The experimental design variables included type of solvent (W: water, EtOH: ethanol 80%), solid–liquid ratio (1:20, 1:30, 1:40), and temperature (20, 70°C). The model of Peleg (MI) and an empirical model (MII) were applied to determine the kinetic constants for total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC). The phenolic compound profile was determined at each experimental assay. The extraction variables affected (p &lt; 0.001) TPC and AC of RF and GS extracts. Using EtOH increased TPC extraction yields from both tissues (up to 62% for RF). The highest AC was determined in EtOH extracts at 20°C (119 and 25 μmol TE/g for RF and GS, respectively). Temperature, extraction ratio, and solvent type significantly affected the kinetic constants of both models. The study identified nine phenolic compounds from both waste tissues, with Agrimoniin being the main compound in RF (0.49 g/kg) and quercetin pentoxide being the main compound in GS (0.23 g/kg). There was no significant increase in TPC and AC of the extracts after 90 min at 20°C and 60 min at 70°C. The kinetic modeling of phenolic compound extraction from strawberry and apple agro‐industrial by‐products using green solvents enabled the determination of the best extraction conditions, promoting the use of these waste tissues by obtaining bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential.Practical ApplicationsThis study provides valuable insight into the effective use of green solvents in extracting bioactive compounds, thereby promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste in the industrial processing of strawberries and apples. The kinetic modeling approach for recovering phenolic compounds from strawberry and apple agro‐industrial by‐products improves our comprehension of the influence of the extraction process variables on the phenolic compound profile and antioxidant capacity of these tissues. These findings highlight the potential of these waste tissues as an alternative source of bioactive compounds. By standardizing the extraction process and optimizing the utilization of agro‐industrial by‐products, the food industry can effectively reduce the environmental impact of these waste tissues and promote sustainable operations. Additionally, using green solvents aligns with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly practices, making it easier to turn strawberry and apple agro‐industrial processes into circular processes by eco‐friendly valorization of these biowastes.

Combination effects of phytonutrient pellet and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on rumen fermentation efficiency and nutrient degradability using in vitro technique.

Phytonutrients (PTN) namely saponins (SP) and condensed tannins (CT) have been demonstrated to assess the effect of rumen fermentation and methane mitigation. Phytonutrient pellet containing mangosteen, rambutan, and banana flower (MARABAC) and lemongrass including PTN, hence these plant-phytonutrients supplementation could be an alternative plant with a positive effect on rumen fermentation. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of MARABAC and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on in vitro fermentation modulation and the ability to mitigate methane production. The treatments were arranged according to a 3 × 3 Factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The two experimental factors consisted of MARABAC pellet levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate) and lemongrass supplementation levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate). The results of this study revealed that supplementation with MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder significantly improved gas production kinetics (P < 0.01) and rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate production (P < 0.01). While rumen methane production was subsequently reduced by both factors. Additionally, the in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and organic matter degradability (IVOMD) were greatly improved (P < 0.05) by the respective treatments. MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder combination showed effective methane mitigation by enhancing rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate concentration and both the IVDMD and IVOMD, while mitigated methane production. The combined level of both sources at 2% MARABAC pellet and 2% lemongrass powder of total substrates offered the best results. Therefore, MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder supplementation could be used as an alternative source of phytonutrient in dietary ruminant.

The Ketone Bridge Between the Heart and the Bladder: How Fast Should We Go?

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with both cardiovascular and bladder dysfunction. Insulin resistance (IR) and central obesity, in particular, are the main risk factors. In these patients, vicious pathological cycles exacerbate abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and sustain an inflammatory state, with serious implications for both the heart and bladder. Ketone bodies serve as an alternative energy source in this context. They are considered a "super-fuel" because they generate adenosine triphosphate with less oxygen consumption per molecule, thus enhancing metabolic efficiency. Ketone bodies have a positive impact on all components of MS. They aid in weight loss and glycemic control, lower blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and enhance endothelial function. Additionally, they possess direct anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties. A shared key player in dysfunction of both the heart and bladder dysfunction is the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which ketone bodies inhibit. Interventions that elevate ketone body levels-such as fasting, a ketogenic diet, ketone supplements, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors-have been shown to directly affect cardiovascular outcomes and improve lower urinary tract symptoms derived from MS. This review explores the pathophysiological basis of the benefits of ketone bodies in cardiac and bladder dysfunction.

Effects of Feather Hydrolysates Generated by Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis WHU on Gut Microbiota of Broiler and Common carp.

Due to the ever-increasing demand for meat, it has become necessary to identify cheap and sustainable sources of protein for animal feed. Feathers are the major byproduct of poultry industry, which are rich in hard-to-degrade keratin protein. Previously we found that intact feathers can be digested into free amino acids, short peptides, and nano-/micro-keratin particles by the strain Bacillus licheniformis WHU in water, and the resulting feather hydrolysates exhibit prebiotic effects on mice. To explore the potential utilization of feather hydrolysate in the feed industry, we investigated its effects on the gut microbiota of broilers and fish. Our results suggest that feather hydrolysates significantly decrease and increase the diversity of gut microbial communities in broilers and fish, respectively. The composition of the gut microbiota was markedly altered in both of the animals. The abundance of bacteria with potentially pathogenic phenotypes in the gut microbial community of the fish significantly decreased. Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Neisseria spp., Achromobacter spp. were significantly inhibited by the feather hydrolysates. In addition, feather hydrolysates significantly improved proteolytic activity in the guts of broilers and fish. In fish, the expression levels of ZO-1 and TGF-α significantly improved after administration of feather hydrolysates. The results presented here suggest that feather hydrolysates generated by B. licheniformis WHU could be an alternative protein source in aquaculture and could exert beneficial effects on fish.

Fish Responses to Alternative Feeding Ingredients under Abiotic Chronic Stress.

Aquaculture has become one of the most attractive food production activities as it provides high-quality protein for the growing human population. However, the abiotic chronic stress of fish in intensive fish farming leads to a detrimental condition that affects their health and somatic growth, comprising productive performance. This work aims to comprehensively review the impact of alternative and novel dietary protein sources on fish somatic growth, metabolism, and antioxidative capacity under environmental/abiotic stressors. The documental research indicates that ingredients from rendered animal by-products, insects, bacteria as single-cell proteins, and fungal organisms (e.g., yeast, filamentous fungus, and mushrooms) benefit fish health and performance. A set of responses allows fish growth, health, and survival to remain unaffected by feeding with alternative ingredients during chronic environmental stress. Those ingredients stimulate the production of enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and selenoproteins that counteract ROS effects. In addition, the humoral immune system promotes immunoglobulin production (IgM) and cortisol plasmatic reduction. Further investigation must be carried out to establish the specific effect by species. Additionally, the mixture and the pre-treatment of ingredients such as hydrolysates, solid fermentations, and metabolite extraction potentialize the beneficial effects of diets in chronically stressed fish.

The contribution of coastal land subsidence to potential sea-level rise impact in data-sparse settings: The case of Ghana’s Volta delta

Deltas are highly valuable environmental systems, ensuring various livelihoods through their ecosystem services. However, human impact and climate change stressors are impacting deltas immensely. Consequently, many deltas, including Ghana's Volta Delta, are facing increasing risks, especially as hazards are increasing in magnitude and impacting coastal livelihoods. To provide a better understanding of coastal hazards in the Volta Delta, this study assessed the Delta's subsidence regime and its consequences for the potential impact of sea-level rise (SLR). Using the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) surveys, vertical land motion (VLM) was documented. Interferograms of Sentinel-1 data from 2016 to 2020 indicated subsiding rates of up to −9.2 mm/yr. By combining local VLM information with recent SLR projections and elevation data, this study updates those projections and provides local assessments of potential Relative SLR (rSLR) impact. According to these locally improved scenarios, up to ∼45 % of the Delta will fall below local sea level by 2100, of which close to 10 % is explained by the integration of local VLM data alone. Depending on the climate change scenarios used, land subsidence will increase the deltaic area at risk by 4.31 % (96.27 km2) to 10.18 % (227.64 km2) and consequently exacerbate its exposure to coastal inundation. To avert the projections, the study recommends robust monitoring regimes; alternative freshwater sources to groundwater; reduced sediment trapping and river obstruction; and the need to stall ongoing oil and gas prospecting and subsequent extraction in the Voltain Basin.