Tissue Body Composition Research Articles

Predator-prey trait associations and feeding preferences of demersal fishes in the southern North Sea

In marine ecosystems under ongoing long-term changes, reducing complex food webs to their functionally important properties enables systematic analysis of bottom-up/top-down regulations and species turnover. The assessment of feeding interactions in the form of predator and prey trait associations provides a better understanding of predators’ criteria for prey selection and thus is a promising approach to reduce complexity. Here, we tested RLQ ordination and fourth-corner analysis, complementary multivariate approaches, as tools to identify ecologically relevant associations between the traits of 8 demersal fish species in the southern North Sea and their fish or benthic prey. To scrutinize the trait-based results in their appropriateness to reflect selective feeding behaviour of the predator species, we compared them with a taxon-based electivity index, Chesson’s α. Among 7 predator traits investigated, body tissue composition represented by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content was significantly associated with prey traits, being positively correlated with energy density of the prey and negatively with prey of low mobility. Comparisons with the electivity indices showed that the prey preferred by predators corresponded relatively well with the identified prey trait preferences. The results of the tested analysis approach support its use when assessing the mutual dependences of predator and prey populations on a functional level. Provided the data availability and quality of feeding-related traits is sufficiently high, trait-based predator-prey analysis with RLQ and fourth-corner analyses offers new possibilities for understanding food web dynamics in the context of climate-change-induced species distribution shifts.

Inferring condition in wild mammals: body condition indices confer no benefit over measuring body mass across ecological contexts.

Many studies assume that it is beneficial for individuals of a species to be heavier, or have a higher body condition index (BCI), without accounting for the physiological relevance of variation in the composition of different body tissues. We hypothesized that the relationship between BCI and masses of physiologically important tissues (fat and lean) would be conditional on annual patterns of energy acquisition and expenditure. We studied three species with contrasting ecologies in their respective natural ranges: an obligate hibernator (Columbian ground squirrel, Urocitellus columbianus), a facultative hibernator (black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus), and a food-caching non-hibernator (North American red squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). We measured fat and lean mass in adults of both sexes using quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR). We measured body mass and two measures of skeletal structure (zygomatic width and right hind foot length) to develop sex- and species-specific BCIs, and tested the utility of BCI to predict body composition in each species. Body condition indices were more consistently, and more strongly correlated, with lean mass than fat mass. The indices were most positively correlated with fat when fat was expected to be very high (pre-hibernation prairie dogs). In all cases, however, BCI was never better than body mass alone in predicting fat or lean mass. While the accuracy of BCI in estimating fat varied across the natural histories and annual energetic patterns of the species considered, measuring body mass alone was as effective, or superior in capturing sufficient variation in fat and lean in most cases.

Эффективность применения новой кормовой добавки в птицеводстве

Purpose. Assessment of the influence of the organomineral feed additive "Si-lact" on the productivity and metabolism of broiler chickens. Materials and Мethods. The object of the study was broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross and an organomineral feed additive. The studies were carried out on 90 broiler chickens, divided into 3 groups: control and two experimental ones. The control bird received a diet according to the recommendations of VNITIP (2019), chickens of experimental group I were given an organomineral feed additive (lactulose, succinic acid, arginine, silicon), II – were given a feed additive devoid of lactulose. Morphological blood parameters were determined using a DF 50 VetPlus device (URIT Medial Electronic Co., Ltd, China). Biochemical studies of blood serum were carried out on a CS-T240 apparatus (DIRUI Industrial Co., Ltd, China) using commercial kits for veterinary research DiaVetTest (Russia). The chemical composition of broiler droppings, feed and body tissue was determined using standard methods. Statistical analysis of the data obtained during the experiment was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 program (StatSoft Inc., USA) and Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, USA). Results. Feeding with an organomineral feed additive (group I) ensured an increase in live weight of 2.28 kg, which was 10.7% (P≤0.05) higher than the same parameter in the control. The growth rate during the experiment in experimental group II was similar (2.27 kg; P≤0.05). At the same time, chickens of experimental group I in terms of live weight by the end of the experiment exceeded their peers from the control group by 17.9% (P≤0.05), group II – by 10.8%. The organomineral additive improved some metabolic parameters. The level of digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, carbohydrates and nitrogen-free extractive substances increases in experimental I by 5.6 (P≤0.05); 4.2; 5.9 (P≤0.05) and 5.3%, respectively, compared with control. Conclusion. An organomineral feed additive containing lactulose has a greater effect on the growth and, as a consequence, the productivity of broiler chickens.

Isocaloric diets with varying protein levels affected energy metabolism in young adult Sprague-Dawley rats via modifying the gut microbes: A lipid imbalance was brought on by a diet with a particularly high protein content

Protein is the most important macro-nutrient when it comes to maximizing health, body composition, muscle growth, and recovery of body tissue. In recent years, it has been found that protein also plays an important role in metabolism and gut microbiota. This study was performed to investigate the effects of an isocaloric diet with different crude protein contents on the energy metabolism of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Results revealed that compared with the 20% crude protein (CP; control) diet, the 38% CP diet improved serum parameters that are associated with dyslipidemia and glucose metabolic disorders in SD rats, whereas the 50% CP diet increased liver injury indicators and fatty acid synthesis-related genes and protein expression in the liver. Compared with the control diet, the 14% CP diet increased the abundance of colonic short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Ruminiclostridium_9) and promoted colonic microbial cysteine and methionine metabolism, the 38% CP diet up-regulated colonic microbial lysine biosynthesis and degradation pathways, and the 50% CP diet down-regulated colonic mucosal cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, the increase of multiple colonic enteropathogenic bacteria in the 50% CP group was associated with higher palmitic acid and stearic acid concentrations in the colonic microbes and lower cholesterol and arachidonic acid concentrations in the colonic mucosa. These findings revealed that the 14% CP and 38% CP diets improved rats' energy metabolism, while the 50% CP diet was accompanied by lipid metabolism imbalances and an increase in the abundance of multiple enteropathogenic bacteria.

Correction: Effect of body tissue composition on the outcome of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors

Correction: Effect of body tissue composition on the outcome of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors

Optimized formula for the hybrid abalone Haliotis discus hannai♀ × H. fulgens♂: Betaine supplementation increases the use of rice bran meal as a replacement for kelp

Two trials were conducted to determine the optimal replacement level of rice bran meal (RBM) as a substitute for kelp meal (KM) in the diet of the hybrid abalone Haliotis discus hannai ♀ × H. fulgens ♂. This study also investigated whether betaine as an attractant supplementation could be used to facilitate RBM as a replacement for KM. In Trial 1, RBM was used to replace 25%, 50%, and 100% of the dietary KM (RBM25, RBM50, and RBM100, respectively) based on a diet containing 30% KM (Con). In Trial 2, RBM50 was the same as in Trial 1, and betaine was supplemented in RBM50 at 0.2% (B1), 0.4% (B2), and 0.8% (B3) in the diets. Abalone (weight approximately 4 g) were randomly assigned to four groups replicated in triplicate (60 abalone/replicate). The abalone were fed the experimental diets for 10 weeks. In Trial 1, compared to the Con group, no significant differences were observed in final weight (FW), final shell length (FSL), specific growth rate (SGR), or daily increment in shell length (DISL) at 25% KM replacement by RBM. However, 50% KM replacement significantly reduced the FW, FSL, SGR, and DISL compared to the Con group. There were no significant differences in the proximate composition of the soft body tissues of the abalone. In Trial 2, growth performance parameters of the hybrid abalone were significantly improved with increasing levels of betaine in the diets compared to those fed diet RBM50, reaching the maximum value in the B2 group. Consistent with the feed intake results, the hormone concentrations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and orexins in the digestive gland and cerebral ganglia of abalone were significantly increased when the supplementation level of betaine in the diets was increased to 0.2%. However, no apparent impacts were observed on NPY or orexin concentrations among the B1, B2, and B3 groups. Finally, we suggest 0.4% betaine supplementation along with replacing 50% of the KM with RBM in the hybrid abalone diet. The optimal diet is a cost-effective alternative feed formulation that can reduce the dependence on KM for abalone production in China. This study also demonstrates the potential of betaine as a feed attractant in abalone aquaculture.

Adipopenia in body composition analysis: a promising imaging biomarker and potential predictive factor for patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement

Body tissue composition plays a crucial role in the multisystemic processes of advanced liver disease and has been shown to be influenced by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). A differentiated analysis of the various tissue compartments has not been performed until now. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of imaging biomarkers derived from automated body composition analysis (BCA) to predict clinical and functional outcome. A retrospective analysis of 56 patients undergoing TIPS procedure between 2013 and 2021 was performed. BCA on the base of pre-interventional CT examination was used to determine quantitative data as well as ratios of bone, muscle and fat masses. Furthermore, a BCA-derived sarcopenia marker was investigated. Regarding potential correlations between BCA imaging biomarkers and the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) as well as 1-year survival, an exploratory analysis was conducted. No BCA imaging biomarker was associated with the occurrence of HE after TIPS placement. However, there were significant differences in alive and deceased patients regarding the BCA-derived sarcopenia marker (alive: 1.60, deceased: 1.83, p = 0.046), ratios of intra- and intermuscular fat/skeletal volume (alive: 0.53, deceased: 0.31, p = 0.015) and intra- and intermuscular fat/muscle volume (alive: 0.21, deceased: 0.14, p = 0.031). A lower amount of intra- and intermuscular adipose tissue might have protective effects regarding liver derived complications and survival. Precise characterization of body tissue components with automated BCA might provide prognostic information in patients with advanced liver disease undergoing TIPS procedure.

Can automated CT body composition analysis predict high-grade Clavien–Dindo complications in patients with RCC undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy?

This study investigated the relationship between body tissue composition analysis and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent partial (PN) or radical nephrectomies (RN). We obtained all data of 210 patients with RCC from the 2019 Kidney and Kidney Tumor Segmentation Challenge (C4KC-KiTS) dataset and obtained radiological images from the cancer image archive. Body composition was assessed with automated artificial intelligence software using the convolutional network segmentation technique from abdominal computed tomography images. We included 125 PN and 63 RN in the study. The relationship between body fat and muscle tissue distribution and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification was evaluated between these two groups. Clavien-Dindo 3A and higher (high grade) complications were developed in 9 of 125 patients who underwent PN and 7 of 63 patients who underwent RN. There was no significant difference between all body composition values between patients with and without high-grade complications. This study showed that body muscle-fat tissue distribution did not affect patients with 3A and above complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification in patients who underwent nephrectomy due to RCC.

Effect of body tissue composition on the outcome of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Obesity and sarcopenia have been reported to affect outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We analyzed prospective data from 52 patients with non-oncogene driven metastatic NSCLC treated with ICIs. Body tissue composition was calculated by measuring the fat and muscle densities at the level of 3rd lumbar vertebra in each patient computed tomography scan before ICI initiation using sliceOmatic tomovision. We converted the densities to indices [Intramuscular Fat Index (IMFI), Visceral Fat Index (VFI), Subcutaneous Fat Index (SFI), Lumbar Skeletal Muscle Index (LSMI)] by dividing them by height in meters squared. Patients were dichotomized based on their baseline IMFI, VFI and SFI according to their gender-specific median value. The cut-offs that were set for LMSI values were 55 cm2/m2 for males and 39 cm2/m2 for females. SFI distribution was significantly higher (p = 0.040) in responders compared to non-responders. None of the other variables affected response rates. Low LSMI HR: 2.90 (95% CI: 1.261-6.667, p = 0.012) and low SFI: 2.20 (95% CI: 1.114-4.333, p = 0.023) values predicted for inferior OS. VFI and IMFI values did not affect survival. Subcutaneous adipose and skeletal muscle tissue composition significantly affected immunotherapy outcomes in our cohort.

Lessons from linking bio- and ecological traits to stoichiometric traits in stream macroinvertebrates.

Ecologists rely on various functional traits when investigating the functioning of ecological systems and its responses to global changes. Changing nutrient levels, for example, can affect taxa expressing different trait combinations in various ways, e.g., favoring small, fast-growing species under high phosphorus conditions. Stoichiometric traits, describing the elemental composition of organism body tissues, can help in understanding the mechanisms behind such functional shifts. So far, mainly life-history traits have been related to body stoichiometry (e.g., the growth rate hypothesis) on a limited number of taxa, and there is little knowledge of the general link between stoichiometric and other functional traits on a taxonomically large scale. Here, we highlight this link in the freshwater macroinvertebrates, testing predictions from underlying trait-based and Ecological Stoichiometry Theory (EST) in >200 taxa belonging to eight larger taxonomic groups. We applied a series of multivariate analyses on six of their stoichiometric traits (%C, %N, %P, C:N, C:P, and N:P) and 23 biological and ecological traits. We found significant relationships between stoichiometric traits and other types of traits when analyzing single-trait and multi-trait profiles. Patterns found within traits related to organism development or nutrient cycling were in line with our assumptions based on EST, e.g., traits describing predators were associated with high %N; traits suggesting a fast development (small maximum body size and high molting frequency) with high %P. Associations between ecological traits and body stoichiometry could be explained by the longitudinal stream gradient: Taxa preferring headwater habitats (i.e., high altitude, coarse substrate, and cold temperature) exhibited high %N and %P. Demonstrating the link between stoichiometric and both bio- and ecological traits on a large diversity of taxa underlines the potential of integrating stoichiometric traits into ecological analyses to improve our understanding of taxonomic and functional responses of communities-and ecosystems-to changing environmental conditions worldwide.

Reproductive management of the mugilid Liza aurata and characterization of proximate and fatty acid composition of broodstock tissues and spawnings

The golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) is a promising species for aquaculture's sustainable expansion. However, the lack of sustainable juvenile provision, mainly related to the lack of reproductive control, is one of the most significant bottlenecks for further expanding the culture of this species. In many cases, mullet broodstock management needs the application of hormone treatments to induce gonadal maturation or spawning. However, no works are directly related to the broodstock collection, acclimation, and reproductive management of Liza aurata. On the other hand, the knowledge of essential fatty acids (EFA) requirements and mobilization patterns by the broodstock is a first step to designing appropriate feeding protocols and formulas, which are crucial for the success of reproduction and larval development.For these reasons, this study aimed 1) to describe for the first time the reproductive management of Liza aurata broodstock under controlled conditions and 2) to offer a first approach to the reproductive lipid metabolism of the former species.A selection of 22 Liza aurata broodstock from wild origin was acclimated in open seawater conditions. Additionally, the proximate and fatty acid composition of body tissues (gonads, liver, and muscle) of the initial wild population were evaluated, to be later compared with the profile of the eggs obtained after one year from the selected broodstock, for the first time described under cultured conditions.The results highlighted the feasibility for the obtention of natural spawnings from broodstock with a mean weight of 787 g and 604 g (females and males, respectively), at a sex ratio of 2:1 (females/males), under natural photoperiod and marine water conditions with temperatures decreasing from 20.4 ± 0.3 °C to 18.8 ± 0.4 °C.On the other hand, it was evidenced the crucial role of HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acids) precursors for the gonadal development of Liza aurata, primarily for females. Additionally, the wild males' gonads presented a remarkable high content of HUFA, predominantly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) (34% of the total fatty acids). In the eggs, significant variations appeared under captivity conditions, with lower levels of ARA (arachidonic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and higher EPA/ARA and DHA/ARA ratios than the wild female gonad. Additionally, it was evidenced the significant role of the liver as a physiological reservoir of HUFA, which seem to be mobilized to the gonad during the maturation process.Present results may help obtain a better insight to adjust broodstock management conditions and feeds, contributing to a more sustainable aquaculture growth.

Effects of environmental enrichments on ovarian development of Buitta Catfish (Sperata sp.: Family Bagridae) in captivity

Environmental enrichment (EE) is an important factor that helps improve both the physical and psychological behavior of farmed animals. This factor also controls social interactions and provides more stimulants to influence the reproductive performance of animals in captivity. As EE plays an important role in animal reproduction, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of different types of tank bottom enrichments on the ovarian development of Buitta (Sperata sp.) catfish in captivity. Barren (TA), muddy (TB), and sandy (TC) enrichments were utilized for four months to observe the physical and psychological changes of the catfish. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the weight gain, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of the fish, however, no significant difference was found in the fish fecundity. The most prominent changes include weight, ripeness, the biochemical composition of body tissues, and the frequency distribution of the migratory nucleus in the oocytes. Moreover, the diameter of oocytes that occurred in the enrichment TC (p < 0.05) was significantly higher than the enrichments TA and TB. Histological observation found at least two stages of the ovarian oocytes development process in each ovary indicating the asynchronous self-reproduction of the fish. Additionally, biological macromolecules analysis found higher protein content in the muscle (86.04%), liver (52.97%), and oocyte (64.71%) and a higher deposition of lipid within the oocytes (32.33%) and liver (27.06%) for enrichment TC, while these values were lower for the other two treatments. Finally, the study suggests that a sandy environment should be used to obtain an acceptable level of oocyte development in the female Buitta fish in captivity.

HIIT system programming and some practical problems of its application examined within the sample of selected Czech probands in Brno

High Intensity Interval Training is a training method based on a combination of periods in which high-intensity load alternate with low-intensity exercise or passive rest, the so-called rest interval or inactive phase. Nowadays it is gaining more popularity among the general population and is applied in modern fitness centers. The authors found that more than 95 % sports centers organizing group lessons in Brno offer some form of HIIT (“Tabata System”, especially). Changing one of the HIIT components will affect the efficiency of the whole system. This effect is demonstrable on the aerobic and anaerobic performance and the composition of body tissues. Our goal within the broad research is to find out what effect changing one variable has on the most widely used HIIT program, and we wanted to examine whether the method is suitable for recreational athletes.The authors have made the first step in the form of pilot research described in this article, trying to design the system and applying the components in it. The experiment involved twenty deliberately selected male probands. They were randomly divided into two intervention groups of ten probands. In both intervention groups, we observed: number of repetitions performed, subjective load assessment (on the Borg scale) and heart rate. The original design of the pilot study included three training units per week for two weeks (a total of six training units). Basic multiple articulated exercises (Burpees and Jump Squats) were selected for both sets in these protocols in order to achieve key intensity for HIIT. There were some limitations of the experiment described in the article.The result of the first pilot study was essential concerning the adequacy of the cycle settings. The authors were forced to stop the piloting after the completion of the first week due to the acute overtraining of the probands. The reason to stop the experiment is attributed to an inadequate frequency of training units in individual weeks, which we reflected in the design of the following pilot study and reduced the number to two. The authors have kept the research questions and present the results of the modified piloting below.It can be assumed that the prolongation of the rest interval has an impact on the ability to perform repeated exercises, heart rate and subjective perception of stress in selected exercises. These results of our pilot research are also related to people's desire to get as much as possible in as little (time) as possible. The HIIT method is (in many aspects) more effective than the continuous method. Its undeniable advantage is time saving, but efficiency is "redeemed" by intensity and demanding character (proved not just in the described experiments). Where is the line between benefit sport and health-threatening sport? What is the "correct" HIIT setting/programming and what causes a change in one of the key variables? Is less sometimes more or more demanding means more effective? Respecting people's demands and desires for performance, mental fitness and physical beauty, with regard to sustainability and health above all, we will seek answers to all these questions. The first step towards finding them is the study carried out.

Changes in the biochemical composition of broiler body tissues when feeding with Bacillus cereus probiotic and coumarin

The article presents the study results on the effect of probiotic (Bacillus cereus IP 5832) and coumarin on the chemical and amino acid composition of body tissues when fed to broiler chickens together with the main diet. According to the experimental results, an increase in the concentration of dry matter by 0.27% and crude fat by 0.75% was found in the liver of young animals from the I experimental group compared to the control. At the end of the experiment, the broilers from the control group were inferior in the protein amount in the liver of the experimental poultry by 0.46%, 2.69 (P ≤0.05) and 1.16%. A similar pattern was observed when studying pectoral muscles' chemical composition on the 16 and 29 day study period; the accumulation of dry matter and protein in the poultry's pectoral muscles from the III experimental group by 0.7 and 0.71%; 0.89 and 1.21% relative to the control was revealed. Feeding broilers with a basic diet plus coumarin contributed to the accumulation of essential amino acids in their liver: lysine – by 1.05%, phenylalanine – by 0.41% and leucine-isoleucine by 0.63% relative to the control.

Estimating the cost of growth in southern right whales from drone photogrammetry data and long-term sighting histories

Animal body size and growth patterns play important roles in shaping the life history of species. Baleen whales include the largest animals on the planet, with somatic growth costs expected to be substantial. We used unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry and long-term individual sighting histories from photo identification (1991-2019) to estimate the cost of somatic growth for southern right whales (SRWs) Eubalaena australis. A Richards length-at-age growth model was developed, based on 161 calves, 20 yearlings, 1 juvenile and 23 adults, ranging in age from newborn to 27 yr. Predicted lengths were 4.7 m at birth, 12.5 m at minimum age of first parturition (6 yr) and an asymptotic length of 14.3 m. A volume-at-age curve was estimated from the body volume versus length relationship, and converted to a mass-at-age curve, using data on body tissue composition of North Pacific right whales E. japonica (n = 13). The energetic cost of growth was estimated using published estimates of tissue lipid and protein concentrations. The cost of growth for SRWs (in MJ d-1) was 2112 at birth, 544 at 4 mo, 314 at 1 yr (~weaning age), 108 at 5 yr (minimum age of sexual maturity), 51.5 at 10 yr and 5.2 at 30 yr. The cumulative cost to age 30 was 764.3 GJ, but varied widely (458-995 GJ) depending on the tissue energy content. Our estimates represent a healthy SRW population, and provide a baseline to investigate individual and population level impacts of anthropogenic disturbance (including climate change).

Subcutaneous fat area at the upper thigh level is a useful prognostic marker in the elderly with femur fracture.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic value of body tissue composition at the upper thigh level for 1 year mortality in elderly patients with proximal femur fracture.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included consecutive elderly (aged ≥65) patients diagnosed with proximal femur fracture based on the findings of pelvic bone computed tomography (CT) performed at the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital and treated with surgery between 2010 and 2017. The cross‐sectional area of subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle at the upper thigh level was measured using CT. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 1 year mortality were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Survival based on the SFA quartiles was assessed using nonparametric Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and compared used log‐rank tests.ResultsAmong 876 elderly patients included in this study, the median age was 79.0 years, and 646 (73.7%) patients were female. A total of 93 (10.6%) died within 1 year after admission to the emergency department. Survivors had a significantly higher median subcutaneous fat area (SFA) than non‐survivors (170.2 vs. 133.0 cm2, P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between the skeletal muscle area (median, 156.7 vs. 160.3 cm2, P = 0.504) and muscle density (median, 19.0 vs. 19.1 HU, P = 0.861) of both groups. After adjustment of other clinical characteristics and body compositions, the multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that SFA (adjusted HR, 0.987; 95% CI, 0.982–0.992; P < 0.001) was independently associated with 1 year mortality. With 384 deaths during 51 322 person‐months of follow‐up, the median estimated survival duration of all the patients was 92.8 months (95% CI, 80.8–104.7 months). The patients with SFA in the third (165.6–195.0 cm2) and fourth (>195.0 cm2) quartiles showed significantly longer survival duration than those with SFA in the first (<131.4 cm2; median survival time, 51.3 months) and second (131.4–165.5 cm2; median survival time, 88.7 months) quartiles (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test).ConclusionsThe SFAs measured at the upper thigh level and 1 year mortality are positively associated in elderly patients with proximal femur fracture. SFA may be an independent prognostic biomarker for 1 year mortality of femur fracture.

Organic Selenium (OH-MetSe) Effect on Whole Body Fatty Acids and Mx Gene Expression against Viral Infection in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles.

Simple SummaryDietary hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) reduces oxidative stress and modulates immune response against bacterial infection in fish. However, the effect of OH-SeMet on essential fatty acids with a high oxidation risk or on the response against viral infection has not been sufficiently studied. This study aimed to assess the impact of dietary OH-SeMet supplementation on whole-body fatty acid profiles and response against viral infection. Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles were fed for 91 days with three experimental diets, a control diet without Se supplementation (0.29 mg Se kg diet−1) and two diets supplemented with OH-SeMet (0.52 and 0.79 mg Se kg diet−1). Afterwards, a crowding stress challenge and an anti-viral response challenge were conducted. Selenium (Se), proximate and fatty acid composition of diets and body tissues were analyzed, as well as plasma cortisol and the antiviral response protein Mx gene expression. Elevation in dietary Se (from 0.29 to 0.79 mg kg−1) proportionally raised Se contents in body tissues (from 0.79 to 1.35 mg kg−1), increased lipid contents in whole body (from 9.46 to 10.83%), and promoted the retention and synthesis of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (from 44.59 to 72.91%), reducing monounsaturated (from 44.07 to 42.00 %) and saturated fatty acids (29.77 to 26.92 %) contents in whole-body lipids. Additionally, it increased 2 h post-stress plasma cortisol levels and after poly I:C injection up-regulated Mx and other immune response related genes, showing, for the first time in gilthead seabream, the importance of dietary Se levels on antiviral defense.The supplementation of fish diets with OH-SeMet reduces oxidative stress and modulates immune response against bacterial infection. However, despite the importance of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish nutrition and their high risk of oxidation, the potential protective effect of OH-SeMet on these essential fatty acids has not been studied in detail. Moreover, while viral infection is very relevant in seabream production, no studies have focused the Se effects against viral infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of dietary supplementation with OH-SeMet on gilthead seabream fatty acid profiles, growth performance and response against viral infection. Gilthead seabream juveniles (21.73 ± 0.27 g) were fed for 91 days with three experimental diets, a control diet without supplementation of Se (0.29 mg Se kg diet−1) and two diets supplemented with OH-SeMet (0.52 and 0.79 mg Se kg diet−1). A crowding stress test was performed at week 7 and an anti-viral response challenge were conducted at the end of the feeding trial. Selenium, proximate and fatty acid composition of diets and body tissues were analyzed. Although fish growth was not affected, elevation in dietary Se proportionally raised Se content in body tissues, increased lipid content in the whole body and promoted retention and synthesis of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, a net production of DHA was observed in those fish fed diets with a higher Se content. Additionally, both monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids were significantly reduced by the increase in dietary Se. Despite the elevation of dietary Se to 0.79 mg kg−1 not affecting basal cortisol levels, 2 h post-stress plasma cortisol levels were markedly increased. Finally, at 24 h post-stimulation, dietary OH-SeMet supplementation significantly increased the expression of the antiviral response myxovirus protein gene, showing, for the first time in gilthead seabream, the importance of dietary Se levels on antiviral defense.

Fugacity-Based Trophic Magnification Factors Characterize Bioaccumulation of Cyclic Methyl Siloxanes within an Urban Terrestrial Avian Food Web: Importance of Organism Body Temperature and Composition.

Trophic magnification of cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMS) in a terrestrial food web was investigated by measuring concentrations of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) and two reference chemicals within air and biota samples from an avian food web located in a mixed urban-agricultural landscape. Terrestrial trophic magnification factors derived from lipid normalized concentrations (TMFLs) for D5 and D6 were 0.94 (0.17 SE) and 1.1 (0.23 SE) and not statistically different from 1 (p > 0.05); however, the TMFL of D4 was 0.62 (0.11 SE) and statistically less than 1 (p < 0.001). TMFLs of PCB-153 and p,p'-DDE were 5.6 (2.2 SE) and 6.1 (2.8 SE) and statistically greater than 1 (p < 0.001). TMFLs of cVMS in this terrestrial system were similar to those reported in aquatic systems. However, trophic magnification factors derived on a fugacity basis (TMFFs), which recognize differences in body temperature and lipid composition between organisms, were greater than corresponding TMFLs primarily because a temperature-induced thermodynamic biomagnification of hydrophobic chemicals occurs when endothermic organisms consume poikilothermic organisms. Therefore, we recommend that biomagnification studies of food webs including endothermic and poikilothermic organisms incorporate differences in body temperature and tissue composition to accurately characterize the biomagnification potential of chemicals.

Показатель качества трабекулярной костной ткани и оценка вертебральных переломов у португальских пременопаузальных женщин с гипертиреозом

Гипертиреоз является фактором риска снижения минеральной плотности костной ткани (МПКТ) и возникновения остеопоротических переломов. Оценка вертебральных переломов (ОВП) помогает диагностировать вертебральный перелом, а показатель качества трабекулярной костной ткани (ТКТ) — оценить костную микроархитектуру. Мы поставили себе цель оценить влияние гипертиреоза на МПКТ, состав мягких тканей тела, частоту «немых» (невыявленных) вертебральных переломов и ТКТ. 80 пременопаузальных португальских женщин были распределены в группу пациентов с подтвержденным гипертиреозом (n = 40) и контрольную группу (n = 40). МПКТ (г/см2) поясничного отдела позвоночника, бедренной кости, 33 % лучевой кости, всего скелета исследовали с помощью двухэнергетической рентгеновской абсорбциометрии (ДРА) с учетом массы тела (кг) пациентов. ОВП применялась для диагностики переломов, которые впоследствии классифицировали с применением полуколичественного метода Женанта и подтверждали с помощью рентгенографии. Показатель ТКТ получали с помощью ДРА поясничного отдела позвоночника. Ни один пациент ранее не получал лечения по поводу гипертиреоза, остеопороза или пониженной костной массы (остеопении). Полученные результаты подтверждались статистическими подсчетами. В группе пациентов с гипертиреозом средняя МПКТ (МПКТ бедренной кости, шейки бедренной кости, всего скелета), общая обезжиренная масса и ТКТ были достоверно ниже, чем в контрольной группе; согласно классификации Международной ассоциации клинической денситометрии (ISCD), отмечалась тенденция к большей частоте снижения МПКТ; количество вертебральных переломов также достоверно возрастало. Эти результаты свидетельствуют о том, что в группе пременопаузальных женщин с гипертиреозом показатели МПКТ, обезжиренной массы и ТКТ являются достоверно более низкими. Частота «немых» вертебральных переломов также достоверно выше.

Selected Essential and Toxic Chemical Elements in Hypothyroidism-A Literature Review (2001-2021).

Thyroid hormones are known for controlling metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and electrolytes and for regulating body temperature. Normal thyroid status depends on the chemical/elemental composition of body fluids and tissues, which changes depending on physiological state, lifestyle and environment. A deficiency or excess of certain essential chemical elements (selenium, zinc, copper, iron or fluorine) or exposure to toxic (cadmium or lead) or potentially toxic elements (manganese or chromium) interacts with thyroid hormone synthesis and may disturb thyroid homeostasis. In our review, accessible databases (Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science) were searched for articles from 2001–2021 on the influence of selected chemical elements on the development of hypothyroidism. Our review adopted some of the strengths of a systematic review. After non-eligible reports were rejected, 29 remaining articles were reviewed. The review found that disruption of the physiological levels of elements in the body adversely affects the functioning of cells and tissues, which can lead to the development of disease.