Balanced Composition Research Articles

DNA damage signaling in Drosophila macrophages modulates systemic cytokine levels in response to oxidative stress.

Environmental factors, infection, or injury can cause oxidative stress in diverse tissues and loss of tissue homeostasis. Effective stress response cascades, conserved from invertebrates to mammals, ensure reestablishment of homeostasis and tissue repair. Hemocytes, the Drosophila blood-like cells, rapidly respond to oxidative stress by immune activation. However, the precise signals how they sense oxidative stress and integrate these signals to modulate and balance the response to oxidative stress in the adult fly are ill-defined. Furthermore, hemocyte diversification was not explored yet on oxidative stress. Here, we employed high-throughput single nuclei RNA-sequencing to explore hemocytes and other cell types, such as fat body, during oxidative stress in the adult fly. We identified distinct cellular responder states in plasmatocytes, the Drosophila macrophages, associated with immune response and metabolic activation upon oxidative stress. We further define oxidative stress-induced DNA damage signaling as a key sensor and a rate-limiting step in immune-activated plasmatocytes controlling JNK-mediated release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine unpaired-3. We subsequently tested the role of this specific immune activated cell stage during oxidative stress and found that inhibition of DNA damage signaling in plasmatocytes, as well as JNK or upd3 overactivation, result in a higher susceptibility to oxidative stress. Our findings uncover that a balanced composition and response of hemocyte subclusters is essential for the survival of adult Drosophila on oxidative stress by regulating systemic cytokine levels and cross-talk to other organs, such as the fat body, to control energy mobilization.

The composition and nutritional quality of biorefined lucerne protein depend on precipitation method.

Lucerne protein extract is a novel high-quality protein source with excellent amino acid (AA) composition of interest for human consumption. In this study, protein from screw-pressed lucerne juice was extracted by different precipitation methods to evaluate the effect on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of the extracted protein. Methods based on heat, acidification or fermentation were used for protein precipitation, and the nutritional value of protein was evaluated in a rat digestibility trial. Heat precipitation at 85 °C produced a protein product with a crude protein (CP) content of 589 g kg-1 dry matter (DM), a balanced AA composition and a high standardized nitrogen (N) digestibility (82.8%). Precipitation by acidification, at a lower temperature (60 °C) or by fermentation, resulted in lower CP content (425-488 g kg-1 DM). Nitrogen digestibility for the pH-adjusted precipitate was equal to the 85 °C heat-precipitated protein, while the fermented and 60 °C precipitated proteins showed lower N digestibility (76.5% and 78.6%, respectively). By applying a two-step heat precipitation method (60 °C followed by 80 °C), a protein content of 712 g kg-1 DM and an N digestibility of 93.6% was reached, which are comparable to high-quality animal-based protein sources such as milk, whey, casein, and eggs, covering the AA requirements for children >6 months. High-quality protein can be extracted from lucerne, but the future focus should be on increased yield as the current low yields of the refined product will challenge the environmental and economic sustainability of production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

РЕЦЕПТУРНІ ІННОВАЦІЇ ЯК СКЛАДОВІ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ РИНКУ МАЙОНЕЗНОЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ

Mayonnaises and mayonnaise sauces are food products for mass consumption. There is no intensive growth in the may-onnaise market, but it has a stable dynamic in terms of expanding the range of products, which differ in calorie content, composition, taste properties and functional purpose. Analysts see the main ways to the positive dynamics of mayonnaise production in Ukraine as the expansion of the assortment due to the introduction of recipe innovations, improvement of the safety and quality of mayonnaise when using components of natural origin.The market of mayonnaise products has changed significantly over the past decades. We have a significant expansion of the assortment due to dietary, vegetarian, nutrient-enriched mayonnaise sauces and products with special flavor and aroma additives and fillers. A large number of functional additives (including complex action) appeared among the prescription com-ponents, which requires their systematization, study of properties and interaction with other components, as well as research into the issues of their influence on the quality and safety of the obtained products. It is urgent to form a comprehensive ap-proach to the practical implementation of innovative recipe proposals in production, taking into account advanced global trends and transformational changes in the food market.The analysis of the publications showed that considerable attention is paid to the issue of expanding the assortment of mayonnaise products due to recipe innovations. Scientific works are carried out, which are aimed at finding new functional additives and creating products with a balanced fatty acid composition, enriched with vitamins, trace elements, dietary fibers and with improved organoleptic characteristics. The possibility of using food production waste as secondary raw materials in the production of mayonnaise sauces is being studied. At the same time, a significant number of obtained research results do not find practical implementation directly in production, which requires the search for a new approach to ensuring the full cycle of creating an innovative mayonnaise product.The information presented in the article is of an overview nature and contains an analysis of existing trends in the pro-duction of new types of mayonnaise products and the search for ways to implement recipe innovations. The creation of innova-tive mayonnaise sauces is carried out by extracting individual recipe components (for example, egg products); replacing one component with another (for example, removing sugar and introducing synthetic sweeteners, or replacing synthetic E-additives with natural analogues); additional introduction of functional additives for enrichment with vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers; use of oil mixtures with a balanced fatty acid composition, etc. The practical implementation of recipe innovations at enterprises of the industry requires close cooperation of scientists and manufacturers of mayonnaise products, the use of digital technolo-gies, artificial intelligence, taking into account changes in regulatory documents that regulate issues of product safety, waste management, etc. The production and entry into the market of innovative mayonnaise products must be accompanied by the provision of complete information about the composition and properties of the product, as well as take into account the requests of all groups of consumers, studying their reaction and the degree of acceptance of new products

Development and Evaluation of an App-Based Self-Management Program for Exercise Practice of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to develop an app-based self-management program based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) for breast cancer survivors' exercise practice, as well as to investigate the program's effects on the stage of change for exercise, exercise self-efficacy, exercise decisional balance, exercise amount, and body composition. This non-randomized controlled study included 52 participants (26 in each of the experimental and control groups, respectively). An app-based self-management program based on the TTM was conducted with the experimental group for a 12-week period. The program comprised three components: individual coaching for each stage of change for exercise based on TTM, amount of exercise and body composition monitoring, and online self-help meetings. Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly higher stages of change for exercise (p < .001), exercise self-efficacy (p < .001), exercise decisional balance (p = .002), exercise amount (p < .001), and body composition (body weight [p = .006], body mass index [p = .005], and body fat percentage [p = .010]) immediately and four weeks after the intervention. An app-based self-management program based on the TTM improves exercise behaviors in breast cancer survivors and provides physical benefits.

Effect of fertilizers and growth stimulants on the yield and feed qualities of the green mass of the yellow melilot in the Akmola region.

This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of various types of fertilizers and growth stimulants on the productivity and quality of yellow melilot. Their increase is necessary to ensure a balanced mineral composition of livestock diet. Research methods include the analysis of field germination of seeds, the study of plant growth at various stages, and the analysis of the agrochemical composition of the soil and feed mass. The field experiments were conducted in the steppe zone of the Akmola region, Kazakhstan with fluctuating air temperature and low rainfall. The results show that the use of fertilizers and growth stimulants significantly increased the field germination of seeds, the content of protein, carotene, and feed units, as well as the yield of the green mass of the yellow melilot. Particularly high rates were achieved with the use of the Fulvimax N and Start Up fertilizers and the Gumato Fosfat N and K growth stimulants. The results indicate the potential of fertilizers and growth stimulants to improve agricultural production and emphasize the importance of choosing the optimal fertilizers to achieve maximum results. The study contributes to the expansion of knowledge about methods of increasing the yield and quality of feed crops, which is an important issue in agriculture.

A comparative study of the digestion behavior and functionality of protein from chia (Salvia hispanica L.) ingredients and protein fractions

Protein derived from chia (Salvia hispanica L.), characterized by a balanced amino acid composition, represents a potentially healthier and environmentally friendly alternative poised for innovation within the plant-based food sector. It was hypothesized that the growing location of chia seeds and processing techniques used might influence protein digestion patterns, which in turn could affect the biological functions of the digestion products. To examine this hypothesis, we assessed the gastrointestinal fate of degummed-defatted flour (DDF), protein concentrate (PC), and isolated albumin (Alb) and globulin (Glo) fractions. Furthermore, we compared the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the resulting digesta by means of in vitro and cellular assays. Post-gastrointestinal digestion, the PC exhibited elevated levels of soluble protein (7.6 and 6.3 % for Mexican and British PC, respectively) and peptides (24.8 and 27.9 %, respectively) of larger molecular sizes compared to DDF, Alb, and Glo. This can be attributed to differences in the extraction/fractionation processes. Leucine was found to be the most prevalent amino acids in all chia digesta. Such variations in the digestive outcomes of chia protein components significantly influenced the bioactivity of the intestinal digestates. During gastrointestinal transit, British Glo exhibited the best reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibition activity in oxidative-stressed RAW264.7 macrophages, while Mexican digesta outperformed British samples in terms of ROS inhibition within the oxidative-stressed Caco-2 cells. Additionally, both Mexican and British Alb showed effectively anti-inflammatory potential, with keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) inhibition rate of 82 and 91 %, respectively. Additionally, Mexican PC and Alb generally demonstrated an enhanced capacity to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions in vitro. These findings highlight the substantial potential of chia seeds as functional food ingredients, resonating with the shifting preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Corporate control in emerging markets: The non-linear dynamics of foreign board involvement

This study examines the complex dynamics of foreign board membership in corporate governance within 266 family-owned corporations in Indonesia and Malaysia. By employing multiple regression analysis, we have determined a turning point in the level of foreign board representation. Once this threshold is surpassed, the advantages of governance start to diminish, indicating the necessity for a more balanced and diverse board composition. Surprisingly, the presence of women on corporate boards did not have a significant effect on governance practices. The findings indicate that although foreign expertise might be advantageous, relying too much on it can have negative consequences. These observations encourage a reassessment of the makeup of boards in developing economies, suggesting areas for further investigation into governance methods in different types of organizations and cultural contexts.

Amelioration of walnut, peony seed and camellia seed oils against D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment in mice by regulating gut microbiota.

Diet adjustment will affect the health of gut microbiota, which in turn influences the development and function of the organism's brain through the gut-brain axis. Walnut oil (WO), peony seed oil (PSO) and camellia seed oil (CSO), as typical representatives of woody plant oils, have been shown to have the potential to improve cognitive impairment in mice, but the function mechanisms are not clear. In this study, we comparatively investigated the neuroprotective effects of these three oils on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cognitive impairment in mice, and found that the ameliorative effect of WO was more prominent. During the behavioral experiments, supplementation with all three oils would improve spatial learning and memory functions in D-gal mice, with a significant reduction in the error times (p < 0.001) and a significant increase in step-down latency (p < 0.001); walnut oil supplementation also significantly increased the number of hidden platform traversals, the target quadrant spent times and percentage of distance (p < 0.05). The results of biomarker analysis showed that WO, in addition to significantly inhibiting D-gal-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation as did PSO, significantly increased the ACh content in the mouse brain (p < 0.05) and modulated neurotransmitter levels. The results of further microbiota diversity sequencing experiments also confirmed that dietary supplementation with all three oils affected the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in mice. Among them, WO significantly restored the balance of the mouse gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes) and decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria (Clostridium, Shigella, Serratia), which was consistent with the results of behavioral experiments and biomarker analyses. Based on the analysis of the fatty acid composition of the three oils and changes in the gut microbiota, it is hypothesized that there is a correlation between the fatty acid composition of the dietary supplement oils and neuroprotective effects. The superiority of WO over PSO and CSO in improving cognitive impairment is mainly attributed to its balanced composition of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Study of Changes in the Amino Acid Composition of Spiked Cereals during the Ripening Process

Introduction. The amino acid composition of compound feed is of great importance in feeding all kinds of animals. The lack of one or another amino acid limits the assimilation of other amino acids, resulting in excessive compound feed consumption, deterioration of the metabolism in the bodies of animals and increasing of their susceptibility to diseases. The use of grain heaps of wheat in the early ripening stages as feed raw materials is a promising direction for the development of the fodder base that will provide a balanced amino acid composition of compound feed with a lower content of expensive fish meal, which is the main source of protein in compound feeds. Aim of the Article. The article is aimed at determining the optimal ripening stage of spiked cereals, at which a high content of protein and proteinogenic amino acids is observed. The proposed technology and technological tools for early harvesting of spiked cereals will reduce agrotechnical terms of harvesting, reducing losses from shatter losses, and get grain of enhanced nutritive value. Materials and Methods. To study the amino acid composition, 4 samples of a winter wheat grain heap were taken: the winter wheat varieties Admiral and Luchezar, the perennial winter wheat (trititrigia) variety Pamyati Lyubimovoy and the gray wheatgrass variety Sova. Harvesting the wheat of these varieties was carried out by a combing-threshing unit in 5 phenological stages (growth stages are presented on the BBCH scale): 77 – late milk ripeness, 83 – early phase of wax ripeness, 87 – gold wax ripeness, 89 – full ripeness, 92 – overripeness. Results. The results of analyzing amino acid composition of 4 samples of wheat grain heap showed a high content of almost all the amino acids studied in the phase of gold wax ripeness, except of aspartic acid and asparagine, glutamic acid and glutamine, and tryptophan. Discussion and Conclusion. Grain heap of waxy ripeness wheat is a promising grain raw material for the production of compound feeds, which will reduce the amount of expensive components, such as fishmeal.

Кислотно-щелочное состояние крови у пациентов с мочекаменной болезнью. Исследование I: роль бикарбонатов.

Introduction. Kidneys play a leading role in maintaining acid-base balance. Kidney disorders lead to the acid-base balance violations. Data analysis showed that there are not enough attention to the problem of assessing blood acid-base balance in patients with urolithiasis. The aim of the first stage of this work was to determine the presence and severity of changes in one of the main indicators of acid-base balance - the level of blood bicarbonate in patients with urolithiasis. Materials and methods. We analyzed data from 83 patients: 39 men and 44 women aged 18 to 74 years. All patients were prescribed a biochemical blood test, a biochemical analysis of daily urine, blood acid-base balance and stone chemical composition. We studied the relationship of actual serum bicarbonate (actHCO3 - ) and standard bicarbonate (stdHCO3- ) in urolithiasis patients with level of other blood and urine parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using the methods of descriptive statistics, comparative statistical analysis, calculation of the t-test for independent groups, correlation analysis for two variables using the computer program Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft USA). Results. According to the statistical analysis performed using the calculation of Student's t-test, patients with actual serum bicarbonate [actHCO3- ] &lt;21.0 mmol/l and urine pH&gt;5.8 had lower serum total calcium levels (p&lt;0.05 ), higher serum [Cl-] (p&lt;0.05), higher serum creatinine (p&lt;0.05) and urea (p&lt;0.05), lower serum pH (p&lt;0, 05), serum pCO2 (p&lt;0.05), serum lactate concentration (p&lt;0.05), lower BE (p&lt;0.05) than patients with [actHCO3- ] blood &gt;28.0 mmol/l. Correlation analysis showed that there is a relationship between the level of [actHCO3- ] and indicators of total blood calcium (p &lt;0.05), blood chloride (p&lt;0.05), creatinine and blood urea (p &lt;0.05) and the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the daily urine (p&lt;0.05). There was no statistically confirmed relationship between the level of standard blood bicarbonate [stdHCO3- ] and the concentration of other indicators of blood and daily urine. Conclusion. Determination of the serum bicarbonate level is necessary to clarify the metabolic state in urolithiasis patients. It is necessary to determine the concentration of actual blood bicarbonate (actHCO3- ) in urolithiasis patients.

Fatty acid composition of soft whey cheese

Due to the existing environmental and economic situation, there is a tendency to produce new food products with a balanced composition and beneficial properties for the human body. In this context, new groups of products are appearing on the market, whose composition and properties differ from the standards. The key factor for the nutritional and biological value of products is again the fatty acids, which consist of saturated and unsaturated acids. Saturated fatty acids are carbon chains with a number of 4 to 30 or more atoms, found mainly in animal fats. Their function is to saturate the body with energy. Excessive saturation with fatty acids leads to a disturbance in fat metabolism and an increase in blood cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fatty acids are part of the components of cells and tissues, provide growth and metabolism, as well as the elasticity of blood vessels. The studied soft whey cheese was made from whey and is a new product of the dairy industry. In this work, the indicators of soft whey cheese such as proteins, fats, moisture, dry matter as well as fatty acid composition of the product are studied. From the analysis results, it is found that the product contains unsaturated fatty acids and its lipid composition has an optimal balance.

(Invited) Chemical and Microstructural Reaction Paths in High-Temperature Alloys in Contact to Molten Salts

Molten salts for thermal energy storage applications have gained attention in recent years. Simultaneously, demands on salt melts are also getting higher: higher thermal stability, availability, and economic feasibility.Maybe the most crucial factor, however, is the possibility to match a suitable containment material for salt melts. By increasing operation temperature, material degradation processes commonly accelerate beyond tolerable thresholds. These thresholds are referring to material integrity, strength, and local attack.It turns out that every salt melt hereby reacts along characteristic pathways influencing alloys’ surface chemistry and underlying microstructures to very deep levels.High-temperature alloys depend on their carefully balanced elemental compositions. During this presentation, we will explore how subtle salt-induced compositional shifts have a large and rapid influence on microstructural properties in alloys and thereby on their performance assessment.

Edukasi dan Sosialisasi Isi Piringku pada Siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al-Falah Kabupaten Gorontalo

The prevalence of nutritional status among children aged 5-12 in the Gorontalo Province based on BMI-for-age indicates that 2.70% are severely underweight, 8.45% are underweight, 8.93% are overweight, and 6.26% are obese. The shift from the previous 'four healthy five perfect' nutrition reference to balanced nutrition guidelines is not yet fully understood and known by all layers of society, including within school environments. The outreach activity conducted at Al-Falah Elementary Islamic School in Gorontalo District aims to provide education and socialization regarding balanced nutritional guidelines and the concept of 'My Plate' to elementary school students. The participants involved 34 students from grades 4 and 5. The methods employed included lectures, video presentations, followed by an evaluation using a 'My Plate' puzzle assembly game. The utilization of the puzzle as an evaluation medium was well comprehended by the students, as evidenced by a 75% proficiency in completing the puzzle. Enhancing students' knowledge about balanced nutritional guidance and food plate composition can be achieved through nutritional education and socialization.

A Unique Painting Ensemble Explored

The back room of 524 Herengracht in Amsterdam houses a painted ensemble of Arcadian landscapes, made in 1771 by the Amsterdam wall hanging painter Jurriaan Andriessen (1742-1819). Technical research has shown that a complex creative process underlies this ensemble, in which major changes were made at various times. It demonstrates the painter’s quest for a balanced composition. An essential element in the painted wall hangings of Andriessen, who is known to have arranged his compositions in such a way as to guide the viewer’s gaze and movement through the room. The research also showed various techniques Andriessen used in the production of his paintings. For instance, he used a special measuring system and squaring grids to transfer the compositions from small sketch to large format canvas (one square in the sketches corresponding to one square foot in the canvases). It also appears that the painter arranged his compositions in such a way that the canvases could be easily adjusted for size in the event that the opening in the panelling was a little larger or smaller than envisaged. It could also be shown that Andriessen painted some elements in the room itself. As was customary at the time, Andriessen allied the shadows in his wall hangings to the fall of the natural light in the room. Remarkably, the painter hereby adjusted the light-dark contrasts to the position of the paintings in the room. In the hangings next to the windows, for example, the contrasts are greatly increased, with which the painter anticipated the bright backlighting that affected one’s view of these paintings. This attests to its strong connection to the room. A connection that has been preserved thanks to the efforts that the Van den Santheuvel, Sobbe Foundation, and the Rijksmuseum took at the time to maintain the interior in situ.

Effects of thinning on the understory light environment of different stands and the photosynthetic performance and growth of the reforestation species Phoebe bournei

Light levels determine regeneration in stands and a key concern is how to regulate the light environment of different stand types to the requirements of the understory. In this study, we selected three stands typical in south China (a Cryptomeria japonica plantation, a Quercus acutissima plantation, and a mixed stand of both) and three thinning intensities to determine the best understory light environment for 3-year-old Phoebe bournei seedlings. The canopy structure, understory light environment, and photosynthesis and growth indicators were assessed following thinning. Thinning improved canopy structure and understory light availability of each stand; species composition was the reason for differences in the understory light environment. Under the same thinning intensity, the mixed stand had the greatest light radiation and most balanced spectral composition. P. bournei photosynthesis and growth were closely related to the light environment; all three stands required heavy thinning to create an effective and sustained understory light environment. In a suitable understory light environment, the efficiency of light interception, absorption, and use by seedlings was enhanced, resulting in a higher carbon assimilation the main limiting factor was stomatal conductance. As a shade-avoidance signal, red/far-red radiation is a critical factor driving changes in photosynthesis and growth of P. bournei seedlings, and a reduction increased light absorption and use capacity and height: diameter ratios. The growth advantage transformed from diameter to height, enabling seedlings to access more light. Our findings suggest that the regeneration of shade-tolerant species such as P. bournei could be enhanced if a targeted approach to thinning based on stand type was adopted.

Analysis of the influence of the microbial load of poultry facilities on the development of keel “mins” in turkeys

The balanced composition of the microflora in the poultry's environment is one factor that ensures the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, immune, and other systems and supports the body's homeostasis. Instead, an imbalance can lead to the development of specific pathologies in the bird. Currently, in the conditions of industrial poultry farming, studying the influence of the microbial environment of poultry houses on the health and development of birds is a relevant and important topic of scientific research. The obtained results make it possible to solve the critical tasks of the industry, aimed at creating conditions that will provide the opportunity to achieve maximum indicators of poultry productivity and the quality of the obtained products. The work aimed to investigate the dynamics of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microflora in individual facilities of poultry houses (air, walls and litter) throughout the entire cycle of growing turkeys and to further determine the role of isolated microorganisms in the etiology of keel “mins”. As a result of the research, it was established that the microbial load of the air in the poultry houses of the experimental farms during the growing turkeys was, on average, in the range from 5.13 ± 0.11 to 5.19 ± 0.88 log CFU/m3. The smallest amount of microflora in the air was determined in the period up to 30 days after the landing of the poultry; it was from 4.76 ± 1.23 to 4.95 ± 1.07 lg CFU/m3. The maximum values of the microbial load were from 60 to 90 days when 1 m3 contained from 5.35 ± 1.20 to 5.41 ± 0.17 lg CFU. From the 91st day until the end of the production cycle, a decrease in the microbial load of poultry houses' air was noted, from 2.5 to 3.9 %. The load of the walls and litter with microorganisms was also the lowest at the initial stage and was, respectively, from 4.12 ± 0.62 to 4.34 ± 0.46 lg CFU/cm3 of wash and from 5.15 ± 0.73 to 6.17 ± 0.96 CFU/h. However, unlike air, their load with microorganisms increased throughout the entire production cycle, reached maximum values at the final stage, and ranged from 5.23 ± 0.51 to 5.26 ± 0.65 lg CFU/cm3 of washing and from 9.16 ± 0.53 to 11.74 ± 1.12 CFU/g. During the entire production cycle, the microbial load of the walls of the poultry houses of the experimental farms and their litter was in the range from 4.80 ± 0.20 to 4.95 ± 0.26 lg CFU/cm3 of washing and from 7.06 ± 0.73 to 8. 93 ± 1.02 CFU/g. 13 types of microorganisms represented the microbial landscape of the studied objects. Its prominent representatives in the air were E. coli, Staphylococsus spp., Streptococcus spp., Proteus sрp. and Clostridium sрp., their share was 39.1, respectively; 18.5; 16.9; 16.6 and 5.4 %. E. coli was 43.6 and 43.4 % on the walls and litter, and Staphylococsus spp. – 17.1 and 16.9 %. Unlike air, Proteus sрp. (15.9 and 16.9 %), followed by Streptococcus spp. (15.3 and 12.8 %) and Clostridium sрp. (4.6 and 7.2 %). The number of other isolated microorganisms, including Aspergillus spp., Campilobacter sрp., Penicillium spp., P. aerugenosae, Enterobacter sрp., Yersinia sрp., Mucor spp. and Klebsiella sрp. Did not exceed 1 % for all the studied objects.

Interventions to improve young men’s utilisation of HIV-testing services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: perspectives of young men and health care providers

Introduction: HIV-testing services (HTS) are an important point of entry to prevention and treatment of HIV in South Africa. Despite the availability of HTS across the region and in SA, the uptake among men remains low, especially young men residing in rural and peri-urban communities. This study aimed to explore interventions that could improve the uptake of HTS among young men in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study was conducted in which 17 young men and two health care providers in Ladysmith were purposively and conveniently sampled. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using WhatsApp and landline audio calls between September and December 2021 and thematically analysed. Results: An improvement in the health care provider attitudes and service delivery, establishment of adherence clubs for young people living with HIV, ensuring a diverse and balanced health care provider staff composition at primary health care facilities, and increased demand creation in spaces frequented by men are vital for enhancing access and utilisation of HTS among young men. Additionally, health care providers believe that the presence of male health care providers, investment in health education, prioritising men in the morning at the primary health care facilities, and the establishment of male clinics within communities as key factors in improving the uptake of HTS among young men. Conclusion: To attract and retain young men in HTS and in HIV treatment and care, several improvements at primary health care facilities need to be implemented. These should focus on addressing the specific needs and preferences of young men, ensuring their comfort and engagement in health care.

Physico Chemical Properties and Fatty Acid Profile of Blended Vegetable Oil

Modifying dietary fat intake is essential for reducing and preventing cardiovascular disease risk. In recent years, blending oil has shown to be a more commercially viable method of improving the nutrient profile of oil while preserving a balanced fatty acid composition. The present study aims at designing blended oil and analysing its physicochemical properties and fatty acids profile. Flaxseed, groundnut, safflower, gingelly, and sunflower oil were acquired from retail outlets in Coimbatore. All five vegetable oils were combined into two blends: blended oil - I (Sunflower - 50 ml: Flaxseed-12.5 ml: Groundnut-12.5 ml: Gingelly-12.5 ml: Safflower-12.5 ml) and blended oil - II (Safflower -50 ml: Flaxseed-12.5 ml: Sunflower-12.5 ml: Groundnut-12.5 ml: Gingelly -12.5 ml). The physical and chemical properties of the blended vegetable oil. Fatty acids profiling of blended oil was carried out using the standard procedure using Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector. Modified oil was equally beneficial in terms of fatty acid composition. The peroxide values of blended oil-I and II was found to be 0.1 Meq/kg and 0.1 Meq/kg, respectively. The saturated fatty acid content of blended oil I and II were found to be 26.67±2.08 and 16.67±2.08, respectively, whereas the monounsaturated fatty acid content of both blended oil I and II was reported to be 28.67±2.08. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of blended oil I and II were observed to be 39.67±2.08 and 39.33±2.08, respectively. Thus the formulated blended oil with the combination of different types of oil was suggested to be superior compared to common cooking oil like sunflower and safflower oil.

Energy balance and body composition after switch between integrase strand transfer inhibitors and doravirine among people with HIV.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are associated with excessive weight gain among a subset of persons with HIV (PWH), due to unclear mechanisms. We assessed energy intake (EI) and expenditure (EE) following switch off and onto INSTIs. PWH with >10% weight gain on an INSTI-based regimen switched INSTI to doravirine for 12 weeks, then back to INSTI for 12 weeks while keeping their remaining regimen stable. Twenty-four-hour EE, EI and weight were measured on INSTI, following switch to doravirine, and upon INSTI restart. Mixed models analysed changes over time. Among 18 participants, unadjusted 24 h EE decreased by 83 (95% CI -181 to 14) kcal following switch to doravirine, and by 2 (-105 to 100) kcal after INSTI restart; energy balance (EE-EI) increased by 266 (-126 to 658) kcal from Week 0 to Week 12, and decreased by 3 (-429 to 423) kcal from Week 12 to Week 24. Trends toward weight loss occurred following switch to doravirine [mean -1.25 (-3.18 to 0.69) kg] and when back on INSTI [-0.47 (-2.45 to 1.52) kg]. Trunk fat decreased on doravirine [-474 (-1398 to 449) g], with some regain following INSTI restart [199 (-747 to 1145) g]. Fat-free mass decreased on doravirine [-491 (-1399 to 417) g] and increased slightly after INSTI restart [178 (-753 to 1108) g]. Among PWH with >10% weight gain on an INSTI, switch to doravirine was associated with a trend towards decreases in 24 h EE, weight, trunk fat mass and fat-free mass. Observed changes were not significant, but suggest a mild weight-suppressive effect of doravirine among PWH.

Exogenous β-Propeller Phytase and Prebiotic Mannan Oligosaccharide (MOS) Supplementation of Formulated Diets Applied to Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Impact on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility

The growth of the aquafeed sector is highly dependent upon the availability of fish feed with a balanced nutritional composition. The use of prebiotics and probiotics can be an effective solution to increase the bioavailability of feed components. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with β-propeller phytase (0, 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 U/kg) from Bacillus and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) (0, 2, 4 and 8 g/kg) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Nile tilapia over 45 days. The findings showed that adding phytase significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increases the growth performance and nutrient digestibility; the 1200 and 1800 U/kg PHY levels showed the maximum weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) and best feed conversion ratio (FCR). Furthermore, phytase increases carcass mineral composition (phosphate and calcium). At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences among all feeding groups in survival rates (above 90%). Regarding MOS inclusion, insignificant differences were seen in WG, SGR and SR. However, significant effects of MOS were observed on FCR, feed intake (FI) and PER when supplemented at 4 and 8 g/kg of feed. Taken together, our results suggest that supplementation of Nile tilapia feed with adequate amounts of β-propeller phytase from Bacillus and MOS increases growth performance and nutrient digestibility.