Dietary Shifts Research Articles

Abstract B004: Targeting Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Pancreatic Cancer: The Synergistic Anti- Tumor Effects of a Ketogenic Diet and IDH1 Inhibition

Abstract Background: A ketogenic diet, characterized by high fat (90% kCal) and low carbohydrates (5% kCal), induces ketosis. Previous research suggests that a ketogenic diet shifts cancer cell metabolism from glycolysis to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in the mitochondria. While the overall impact on cancer growth remains uncertain, most studies suggest an anti-cancer effect. We hypothesize that understanding the molecular and biochemical adaptations of pancreatic cancer cells to a ketogenic diet will reveal metabolic vulnerabilities and lead to rational therapeutic strategies that complement the diet. Methods: Mice were fed a ketogenic diet, with control mice on a normal diet. Pancreatic cancer xenografts were monitored for growth and subjected to biochemical analyses. Tumor metabolites were measured using LC/GC-MS, and oxidative stress was assessed by NADP+/NADPH, NAD+/NADH levels, and lipid peroxidation assays. Enzyme expression was determined by Western blot. In vitro, mitochondrial function was analyzed using the Seahorse FX Analyzer, and cell growth was measured by PicoGreen DNA quantitation. Results: A ketogenic diet slowed pancreatic cancer growth in multiple in vivo models, including MIA-PaCa2, KPC, and patient-derived xenografts. TCA metabolites increased in xenografts exposed to the ketogenic diet, with a significant upregulation of TCA cycle-associated enzymes. Specifically, the expression of BDH1 (a ketolytic enzyme), IDH1 (supports antioxidant defense and mitochondrial function), and IDH2 (mitochondrial homolog of IDH1) were elevated. Conversely, the glycolytic enzyme G3P was reduced. Additionally, a ketogenic diet induced oxidative stress in pancreatic cancer in vivo. Combining a ketogenic diet with an IDH1 inhibitor impaired antioxidant defense and mitochondrial function, resulting in significantly reduced tumor proliferation compared to either treatment alone. In vitro studies indicated that low glucose and fatty acids primarily drive the reduced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells on a ketogenic diet, while exogenous ketone bodies are utilized for energy under glucose deprivation, generally promoting tumor growth. Conclusion: A ketogenic diet exerts a strong anti-tumor effect in multiple pancreatic cancer mouse models, likely due to low glucose and increased fatty acid load. The metabolic shift towards an oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) phenotype makes pancreatic cancer cells particularly vulnerable to antioxidant and mitochondrial inhibitors. Citation Format: Omid Hajihassani, Mehrdad Zarei, Soubhi Tahan, Peter Gallagher, William Beegan, John Speers, James Choi, Aya Murray, Alexander Loftus, Helen Cheng, Anusha Mudigonda, Karen Ji, Jonathan Hue, Hallie Graor, Jordan Winter. Targeting Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Pancreatic Cancer: The Synergistic Anti- Tumor Effects of a Ketogenic Diet and IDH1 Inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B004.

Exploring sustainable food system transformation options in China: An integrated environmental-economic modelling approach based on the applied general equilibrium framework

Our food system drives global environmental change, and differences in environmental concerns of consumers may cause negative environmental ‘spillover effects’ in less concerned countries. While food system transformation is increasingly recognised as crucial for mitigating such negative environmental spillovers, possible unintended negative environmental consequences in other regions and/or economic sectors have received less attention. Using an integrated environmental-economic modelling framework and scenario analyses, we explored options for more sustainable food systems and to mitigate the negative environmental spillovers from trading partners to China. We found that doubling novel soy-based food (soy-based meat) consumption while reducing pork consumption in China decreased Chinese economy-wide emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 1 % and acidification pollutants by 3 %. However, it increased Chinese economy-wide emissions of eutrophication pollutants by 2 %, driven by the increased production of soy-based food and other food with relatively high emission intensities of eutrophication pollutants. Combining a dietary shift with the adoption of cleaner cereals production technology for half of the current resources used for cereals production decreased Chinese economy-wide emissions of GHGs by 1 %, acidification pollutants by 7 %, and eutrophication pollutants by 3 %, but required capital reallocation from other sectors. Implementing a unilateral environmental policy in China (i.e., implementing incentive-based emission permits to reduce emissions of all pollutants by 3 % annually) increased economy-wide emissions of GHGs in trading partners by 2 %. This ‘carbon leakage’ emerges due to the shift of production of products with relatively high emission intensities (i.e., nitrogen fertiliser and livestock) from China to its trading partners through international trade. We demonstrate that indirect environmental impacts are crucial to consider when analysing the economy-wide consequences of food system transformations, as these indirect impacts may inadvertently affect other regions and/or economic sectors that were not initially targeted. Our study offers policymakers insights into designing effective policies for more sustainable food systems and sheds light on trade-offs among competing environmental and economic goals.

A Culturally Acceptable Shift in Diet to Reduce Land Footprint: an Optimization Study for Estonia

A Culturally Acceptable Shift in Diet to Reduce Land Footprint: an Optimization Study for Estonia

Perspectives on healthcare decarbonization through plant-rich dietary shifts: cases from the US, Austria and Taiwan

The reduction of meat consumption in health systems is a high-impact pathway for healthcare decarbonization. Effects including changes in greenhouse gas emissions are rarely calculated following interventions, such as the implementation of plant-forward menus in hospitals, and the results of these changes are rarely published in peer-reviewed literature. In this perspective, we discuss the decarbonization outcomes of plant-rich dietary shifts across five health systems worldwide, gathered from peer-reviewed and gray literature. In each case, the implementation of a plant-rich approach reduced food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Health co-benefits are also commonly reported. The measurement of greenhouse gas emissions of plant-rich dietary shifts in future health system interventions is encouraged, with the results published in peer-reviewed journals.

Diet and feeding ecology of the pike perch (Sander lucioperca), an invasive fish species: seasonal diet shifts

Diet and feeding ecology of the pike perch (Sander lucioperca), an invasive fish species: seasonal diet shifts

Dietary Shift in a Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Population Following Partial Abandonment of Cultivated Fields (Central Apennine Hills, Italy).

While most studies focused on the impact of intensive agriculture on the barn owl's diet, little is known about the effect of cropland abandonment. We compared the taxon composition/evenness and feeding guild structure of small mammal prey identified in pellets collected before (2004) and after (2012) the abandonment of 9% of cultivated fields within a cultural landscape. Data on prey abundance per pellet were analysed through non-metric multidimensional scaling and permutational, paired tests. Prey taxon evenness in 2012 was significantly lower than in 2004. That induced a shift in prey taxon composition as indicated by the significantly lower dietary similarity compared with the random expectation. The increasing and declining abundance of Murinae and Crocidurinae, respectively, had the largest contribution to the differentiation of the diet spectrum. Insectivorous prey was significantly more abundant in 2004 compared to 2012, while the opposite was true for omnivorous prey. Our results suggest that even a small fraction of abandoned crops in the landscape might induce a detectable shift in the barn owl's food niche. The dietary effects are similar to those observed after agricultural intensification, that is, an increase in the abundance of generalists to the detriment of specialist mammal prey.

Understanding the Potential of Microbial Protein as a more Sustainable Food Source

Abstract The increasing global demand for protein, driven by population growth and dietary shifts, poses a challenge to conventional, inefficient food production systems. In response, alternative protein sources like microbial protein have gained traction for their potential to supply nutritional food more sustainably. Microbial protein, the protein-rich biomass of microorganisms, offers a promising solution due to its high nutritional value, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. However, challenges persist in transitioning to the use of sustainable feedstocks and navigating complex legislative frameworks, hindering widespread adoption. Effective legislative reforms, streamlined regulatory processes, and technological innovations are essential to unlock the full potential of microbial protein as a more sustainable food source. Moreover, consumer acceptance and behavioral changes are crucial for driving adoption and harnessing the environmental benefits of microbial protein. Ultimately, collaborative efforts across stakeholders, informed consumer choices, and policy interventions are imperative for realizing a sustainable food future, with microbial protein playing a pivotal role in this transformative journey. Information © The Authors 2024

A Case Study on the Dietary Shifts in an Older Tongan Migrant to the United States.

This case study, anchored in the Social Ecological Model (SEM), delves into the dietary behaviors of a 67-year-old first-generation Tongan woman in Utah. It uncovers pivotal themes through narrative and thematic analysis: cultural identity, economic constraints, environmental adaptation, and health perceptions. The study underscores the importance of cultural preservation, economic stability, and the centrality of traditional Tongan foods, revealing a complex interplay between cultural adaptation and health awareness. Community support and engagement emerged as crucial in sustaining healthy dietary practices amid cultural changes. The study advocates for an SEM-based framework to guide future research and develop culturally sensitive interventions to improve dietary behaviors among first-generation Tongan immigrants and similar groups and offers valuable insights. The limited generalizability of this study due to its single-case design necessitates future investigations to incorporate broader and more diverse samples to validate the findings and tailor more precise interventions.

Measuring Diabetic Medication Adherence and Factors That Lead to Non-adherence Among Patients in Erbil.

Introduction T2D is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from inadequate insulin secretion or utilization. The global prevalence of T2D is increasing rapidly, posing a significant health burden in many regions. In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, T2D presents a significant health burden, exacerbated by socioeconomic changes, dietary shifts, and rising obesity rates. Poor adherence to antidiabetic medications is a major factor contributing to poor glycemic control, accelerating disease progression, and increasing complications. This study aims to assess medication adherence rates among adult T2D patients in Erbil using the Kurdish version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and identify factors associated with non-adherence. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at public and private clinics in Erbil City, Kurdistan, Iraq, between May 1 and September 30, 2023. A convenience sample of 300 adult Kurdish T2D patients, aged ≥ 25 years and on antidiabetic medications for three months or more, was recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and anthropometric measures, and medication adherence assessed by the Kurdish version of the MMAS-8. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and logistic regression models to identify factors associated with medication adherence. Results Of the 300 participants, 81 (27%) demonstrated high adherence, 98 (32.6%) moderate adherence, and 121 (40.3%) low adherence based on the MMAS-8. Low adherence was significantly associated with lower education (56/121, 46.3% vs. 13/81, 16.0%, p < 0.001), unemployment (73/121, 60.3% vs. 29/81, 35.8%, p = 0.008), rural residence (41/121, 33.9% vs. 10/81, 12.3%, p < 0.001), and lower income (62/121, 51.2% vs. 12/81, 14.8%, p < 0.001). High adherence was linked to better diabetes knowledge, home glucose monitoring, and exercise. High adherence was also associated with better glycemic control, with 76/81 (93.8%) of highly adherent patients achieving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7%, compared to 15/121 (12.4%) in the low adherence group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified HbA1c, dyslipidemia, and home blood glucose monitoring as independent factors associated with high adherence. Conclusions This study highlights the substantial impact of socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical factors on medication adherence among T2D patients in Erbil. Low adherence is associated with lower education, income, and awareness of diabetes management, while high adherence is linked to improved glycemic control and reduced complications. Targeted interventions addressing these factors are essential to enhance adherence and optimize T2D management in this population.

Synergistic effects of climate and urbanisation on the diet of a globally near threatened subtropical falcon.

Understanding how human activities affect wildlife is fundamental for global biodiversity conservation. Ongoing land use change and human-induced climate change, compel species to adapt their behaviour in response to shifts in their natural environments. Such responses include changes to a species' diet or trophic ecology, with implications for the wider ecosystem. This is particularly the case for predatory species or those that occupy high positions within trophic webs, such as raptors. Between 2002 and 2019, we observed 1578 feeding events of the globally near threatened and understudied, Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicquera) in Bangladesh. We explored the effects of mean monthly temperature, precipitation, temperature differences, and urban land cover on (a) mean prey weights and (b) dietary composition of 15 falcon pairs. Falcons hunted smaller prey items during months with increased temperatures and precipitation, and in more urban areas. However, during months with increased temperature differences, falcons tended to prey on larger prey items. Being specialist aerial hunters, these dietary patterns were largely driven by the probabilities of bats and birds in the diet. Falcons were more likely to prey on bats during warmer and wetter months. Furthermore, urban pairs tended to prey on bats, whereas more rural pairs tended to prey on birds. Mean monthly temperature difference, i.e., a proxy for climate change, was better at explaining the probability of bats in the falcon diet than mean monthly temperature alone. Anthropogenic dietary shifts can have deleterious effects on species with declining populations or those of conservation concern. The effects of urbanisation and human-induced climate change are expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Therefore, our findings represent a cornerstone in our understanding of how falcons respond to an increasingly human-dominated world.

Pros and Cons of APOE4 Homozygosity and Effects on Neuroplasticity, Malnutrition, and Infections in Early Life Adversity, Alzheimer's Disease, and Alzheimer's Prevention.

Fortea et al.'s. (2024) recent data analysis elegantly calls attention to familial late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) with APOE4 homozygosity. The article by Grant (2024) reviews the factors associated with AD, particularly the APOE genotype and lifestyle, and the broad implications for prevention, both for individuals with the lifestyles associated with living in resource-rich countries and for those enduring environmental adversity in poverty settings, including high exposure to enteric pathogens and precarious access to healthcare. Grant discusses the issue of APOE genotype and its implications for the benefits of lifestyle modifications. This review highlights that bearing APOE4 could constitute an evolutionary benefit in coping with heavy enteric infections and malnutrition early in life in the critical formative first two years of brain development. However, the critical issue may be that this genotype could be a health concern under shifts in lifestyle and unhealthy diets during aging, leading to severe cognitive impairments and increased risk of AD. This commentary supports the discussions of Grant and the benefits of improving lifestyle for decreasing the risks for AD while providing further understanding and modelling of the early life benefits of APOE4 amidst adversity. This attention to the pathophysiology of AD should help further elucidate these critical, newly appreciated pathogenic pathways for developing approaches to the prevention and management in the context of the APOE genetic variations associated with AD.

Relationship between fish traits and the methane‐derived carbon contribution to fish in a shallow lake

Abstract Although the transfer of methane‐derived carbon (MDC) to benthic macroinvertebrates such as chironomid larvae and oligochaetes has been well documented, knowledge of the transfer of MDC to fish is limited. We investigated the MDC contribution to 28 fish species through their growth stages and examined the relationship between fish traits including body size, and MDC contribution to fish within species in Lake Kasumigaura, Japan. We used carbon stable isotope ratios and a two‐source mixing model (methane‐oxidation bacteria [MOB] and particulate organic matter) to estimate the MDC contribution to fish. The MDC contribution to individual fish ranged from 0% to 21.5%. Anguilla japonica showed the highest MDC contribution (mean 3.8%). Fish species were classified into four groups according to two criteria: (a) whether the correlation between the MDC contribution and fish size (within species) was significantly negative (negative vs. not significant; ns); and (b) whether the 90th percentile of MDC contribution was 0% or not. The mean MDC contribution was highest (2.18% ± 2.93%, 12 species) for the group with (a)ns/(b)&gt;0%, including the high contribution species such as Abbottina rivularis (mean 5.5%) and Biwia zezera (mean 9.8%). This group (12 species) included relatively high numbers of benthic habitat use (eight species) and omnivores (nine species). The mean MDC contributions were almost zero for the group with (a)ns/(b)=0% (seven species), which included only two species of benthic habitat use and one species of omnivores. The mean MDC contributions were intermediate for the other groups with (a)negative/(b)&gt;0% (1.30% ± 1.17%, seven species) and (a)negative/(b)=0% (0.10%, two species). The negative correlation between fish size within species and MDC contribution in groups with (a)negative/(b)&gt;0% and (a)negative/(b)=0% indicated that ontogenetic habitat and dietary shifts induced changes in MDC transfer. Our results suggest that 21 out of 28 fish species were involved in the MDC transfer in a shallow lake, but variation in MDC transfer could be explained by fish traits (trophic guild and habitat use). Although the mean MDC contribution to all fish species was low (0.61% ± 1.97%), the roughly estimated annual consumption rate of fish on MOB corresponded to approximately 10% of the MOB production in the sediment, suggesting that fish contribute to methane dynamics from the perspective of biogeochemical cycles.

Mediterranean Marine Mammals: Possible Future Trends and Threats Due to Mercury Contamination and Interaction with Other Environmental Stressors.

Despite decreasing anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions in Europe and the banning and restriction of many persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, Mediterranean marine mammals still have one of the highest body burdens of persistent pollutants in the world. Moreover, the Mediterranean basin is one of the most sensitive to climate change, with likely changes in the biogeochemical cycle and bioavailability of Hg, primary productivity, and the length and composition of pelagic food webs. The availability of food resources for marine mammals is also affected by widespread overfishing and the increasing number of alien species colonizing the basin. After reporting the most recent findings on the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in the Mediterranean Sea and the physico-chemical and bio-ecological factors determining its exceptional bioaccumulation in odontocetes, this review discusses possible future changes in the bioavailability of the metal. Recent ocean-atmosphere-land models predict that in mid-latitude seas, water warming (which in the Mediterranean is 20% faster than the global average) is likely to decrease the solubility of Hg and favor the escape of the metal to the atmosphere. However, the basin has been affected for thousands of years by natural and anthropogenic inputs of metals and climate change with sea level rise (3.6 ± 0.3 mm year-1 in the last two decades), and the frequency of extreme weather events will likely remobilize a large amount of legacy Hg from soils, riverine, and coastal sediments. Moreover, possible changes in pelagic food webs and food availability could determine dietary shifts and lower growth rates in Mediterranean cetaceans, increasing their Hg body burden. Although, in adulthood, many marine mammals have evolved the ability to detoxify monomethylmercury (MMHg) and store the metal in the liver and other organs as insoluble HgSe crystals, in Mediterranean populations more exposed to the metal, this process can deplete the biological pool of Se, increasing their susceptibility to infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Mediterranean mammals are also among the most exposed in the world to legacy POPs, micro- and nanoplastics, and contaminants of emerging interest. Concomitant exposure to these synthetic chemicals may pose a much more serious threat than the Se depletion. Unfortunately, as shown by the literature data summarized in this review, the most exposed populations are those living in the NW basin, the main feeding and reproductive area for most Mediterranean cetaceans, declared a sanctuary for their protection since 2002. Thus, while emphasizing the adoption of all available approaches to mitigate anthropogenic pressure with fishing and maritime traffic, it is recommended to direct future research efforts towards the assessment of possible biological effects, at the individual and population levels, of chronic and simultaneous exposure to Hg, legacy POPs, contaminants of emerging interest, and microplastics.

Long-term changes of methane emissions from rice cultivation during 2000 – 2060 in China: Trends, driving factors, predictions and policy implications

Regional budget assessments of methane (CH4) are critical for future climate and environmental management. CH4 emissions from rice cultivation (CH4-rice) constitute one of the most significant sources. However, previous studies mainly focus on historical emission estimates and lack consideration of future changes in CH4-rice under climate change or anthropogenic policy intervention, which hampers our understanding of long-term trends and the implementation of targeted emission reduction efforts. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variations of CH4-rice over the past two decades, using an integrated method to identify the major drivers and predict future emissions under climate change scenarios and policy perspectives. Results indicate that the CH4-rice emissions in China ranged between 6.21 and 6.57 Tg yr−1 over the past two decades, with a spatial distribution characterized by decreases in the south and increases in the north, associated with economic development, dietary shifts, technological advancements, and climate change. Factors such as the rate of straw added (RSA), fertilization, soil texture, temperature, and precipitation significantly influence CH4 emissions per unit rice production (CH4-urp), with RSA identified as the most significant tillage management factor, explaining 32 % of the variance. Lowering RSA to 8 % is beneficial for reducing CH4-urp. Scenario analysis indicates that under policies focusing on production or demand, CH4-rice is expected to increase by 0.3 % to 5.6 %, while adjusting RSA can reduce CH4-rice by 9.4 % to 10.0 %. Structural adjustments and regional cooperation serve as beneficial starting points for controlling and reducing CH4-rice in China, while optimizing industrial layouts contributes to regional development and CH4-rice control. Implementing policies related to maintaining field and crop yields can achieve a balance between rice supply and demand ahead of schedule. Dynamic adjustment of rice cultivation based on supply–demand balance can effectively reduce CH4-rice from excess rice production. By 2060, the reduction effect could reach 8.95 %–12.01 %. Introducing policy-driven tillage management measures as reference indicators facilitates the reduction of CH4-rice.

Reducing climate change impacts from the global food system through diet shifts

How much and what we eat and where it is produced can create huge differences in GHG emissions. On the basis of detailed household-expenditure data, we evaluate the unequal distribution of dietary emissions from 140 food products in 139 countries or areas and further model changes in emissions of global diet shifts. Within countries, consumer groups with higher expenditures generally cause more dietary emissions due to higher red meat and dairy intake. Such inequality is more pronounced in low-income countries. The present global annual dietary emissions would fall by 17% with the worldwide adoption of the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet, primarily attributed to shifts from red meat to legumes and nuts as principal protein sources. More than half (56.9%) of the global population, which is presently overconsuming, would save 32.4% of global emissions through diet shifts, offsetting the 15.4% increase in global emissions from presently underconsuming populations moving towards healthier diets.

The spatiotemporal and genetic architecture of extraoral taste buds in Astyanax cavefish

Intense environmental pressures can yield both regressive and constructive traits through complex evolutionary mechanisms. Although regression is well-studied, the biological bases of constructive features are less well understood. Cave-dwelling Astyanax fish harbor prolific extraoral taste buds on their heads, which are absent in conspecific surface-dwellers. Here, we present novel ontogenetic data demonstrating extraoral taste buds appear gradually and late in life history. This appearance is similar but non-identical in different cavefish populations, where patterning has evolved to permit taste bud re-specification across the endoderm-ectoderm germ layer boundary. Quantitative genetic analyses revealed that spatially distinct taste buds on the head are primarily mediated by two different cave-dominant loci. While the precise function of this late expansion on to the head is unknown, the appearance of extraoral taste buds coincides with a dietary shift from live-foods to bat guano, suggesting an adaptive mechanism to detect nutrition in food-starved caves. This work provides fundamental insight to a constructive evolutionary feature, arising late in life history, promising a new window into unresolved features of vertebrate sensory organ development.

Feeding Habits of Scomber japonicus Inferred by Stable Isotope and Fatty Acid Analyses

Scomber japonicus is widely distributed off the coast of Japan and in the northwestern Pacific. It is an important target for fisheries. To reveal the differences in diet shifts and niche changes of S. japonicus, we collected samples in the high seas of the northwest Pacific (38°59′ N–43°00′ N, 150°30′ E–161°48′ E) from June to August 2021. We utilized stable isotope and fatty acid analyses to study the differences in body length and sex of S. japonicus. The results showed no significant differences in stable isotope values and fatty acid composition between male and female individuals (p &gt; 0.05). Differences in δ13C and δ15N values among different body length groups were also not significant (p &gt; 0.05). Both δ13C and δ15N values showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing across different body length groups. The niche width of S. japonicus in different body length groups first increased and then decreased, with niche overlap among the groups exceeding 60%. Principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that the main fatty acids in S. japonicus were C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C16:1n-7, C18:1n-9, C18:3n-6, C20:5n-3, C20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3. Except for C18:0 and C20:4n-6, the content of the other fatty acids showed significant differences among different body length groups (p &lt; 0.05). The results of the similarity analysis (ANOSIM) indicated that the fatty acid compositions of the 100–130 mm length group were significantly different from those of the 131–160 mm and 161–190 mm length groups (p &lt; 0.05). However, there were no significant differences among the other size groups (p &gt; 0.05). During the growth and development of S. japonicus, the proportion of krill in their diet gradually decreased. Meanwhile, their consumption of zooplankton, diatoms and fish significantly increased. Additionally, S. japonicus also consumed crustaceans, but their intakes of planktonic bacteria and green algae were relatively low. We suggested that there were no significant differences between male and female individuals of S. japonicus. As they grew and developed, the ecological niche and feeding habits of S. japonicus continuously changed.

Invasive Ponto‐Caspian amphipods are less carnivorous outside their native range

AbstractA species' expansion beyond the native range is often assumed to be associated with an increased dietary niche breadth. However, empirical evidence remains limited due to a scarcity of studies comparing both the parental and invaded ranges. Here, we test the trophic niche expansion hypothesis by examining stable isotopes and functional morphology across native (NW Black Sea) and invaded (SE Baltic Sea) ranges of two amphipods, Dikerogammarus villosus and Pontogammarus robustoides, originating from the Ponto‐Caspian region—a major source of species invading Holarctic inland waters. Stable isotopes revealed that both species underwent a marked dietary niche contraction by becoming less carnivorous in the invaded range. This dietary shift was morphologically mirrored by an overall reduction of functional traits related to predation. The magnitude of dietary and morphological change was greater in D. villosus. Our findings indicate that previous experimental reports of aggressive predation in D. villosus reflect opportunistic foraging and align with local stable isotope studies which generally indicate a low trophic position. We conclude that Ponto‐Caspian species can undergo rapid dietary changes outside the native range, and that dietary niche expansion is not a prerequisite for successful non‐native establishment.

Targeted and untargeted lipidomics with integration of liver dynamics and microbiome after dietary reversal of obesogenic diet targeting inflammation-resolution signaling in aging mice

Obesity, a global epidemic linked to around 4 million deaths yearly, arises from lifestyle imbalances impacting inflammation-related conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and gut dysbiosis. But the long-term effects of inflammation caused by lifestyle-related dietary changes remain unexplained. In this study, we used young male C57Bl/6 mice which were fed either an obesogenic diet (OBD) or a control diet (CON) for six months. Later, a group of mice from the OBD group were intervened to the CON diet (OBD-R) for four months, while another OBD group remained on the OBD diet. The OBD induced distinct changes in gut microbial, notably elevating Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while reducing Bacteroidetes and Tenericutes. OBD-R restored microbial abundance like CON. Analyzing liver, plasma, and fecal samples revealed OBD-induced alterations in various structural and bioactive lipids, which were normalized to CON in the OBD-R, showcasing lipid metabolism flexibility and adaptability to dietary shifts. OBD increased omega 6 fatty acid, Arachidonic Acid (AA) and decreased omega 3-derived lipid mediators in the OBD mimicking non-alcoholic fatty liver disease thus impacting inflammation-resolution pathways. OBD also induced hepatic inflammation via increasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and proinflammatory markers CCR2, TNF-α, and IL-1β in liver. Transitioning from OBD to CON mitigated inflammatory gene expression and restored lipid and cholesterol networks. This study underscores the intricate interplay between lifestyle-driven dietary changes, gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, and liver health. Notably, it suggests that shift from an OBD (omega-6 enriched) to CON partially alleviates signs of chronic inflammation during aging. Understanding these microbial, lipidomic, and hepatic inflammatory dynamics reveals potential therapeutic avenues for metabolic disorders induced by diet, emphasizing the pivotal role of diet in sustaining metabolic health.

South Africa’s food system: An industry perspective on past, present and future applications of science and technology

The South African food system is facing severe challenges as increasing hunger, rising food costs, lack of dietary diversity, child stunting, foodborne illnesses, food waste and an obesity epidemic coupled with malnutrition are observed. In this study, we aimed to establish the application of science and technology advances in the food and beverage industry in South Africa in response to food consumption pattern changes since 1994 and how they could be used to address food security challenges. We found that food consumption shifts have been towards sugar-sweetened beverages, processed and packaged food, animal-source foods and added caloric sweeteners, and away from vegetables. These dietary shifts are concerning as they relate to public health. Most commitments to improve the nutritional status of South Africans have been limited to corporate social investment strategies and should be extended into core business strategies. Furthermore, although the South African food and beverage industry has kept pace with developments in food manufacturing practices, there has been little experimentation with non-commercial novel technologies. The expert survey revealed that indigenous African crops and food waste recovery are the two most promising emerging food sources that could be available to South Africans in the shortest time frame. South Africa has many enabling drivers to become a global leader in food technology advances. However, many barriers need to be overcome for industry, academia and government to collaborate to advance novel food science and technologies to reach commercialisation.