Dietary Requirements Research Articles

Optimizing valine supplementation in low-fish meal diets for enhanced growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study evaluates the effects of valine on the growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a low fish meal diet (10 %). The trouts with an initial body weight of 15.08±0.20 g were fed with five different isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing levels of valine: 0.86 % (G1), 1.79 % (G2), 2.43 % (G3), 3.02 % (G4), and 3.68 % (G5) for 56 days. The results showed that the weight growth rate and specific growth rate of the 2.43 % group were significantly higher than those of the 0.86 % control group (P<0.05). The intestinal villus length and muscle layer thickness propria were significantly increased in the 3.02 % group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The activities of intestinal protease, amylase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lysozyme in the 2.43 % group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were lowest in the 3.02 % group, while the IL-10 level was highest in the 3.02 % group (P<0.05). Elevated levels of valine in the dietary regimen correlated positively with the upregulation of pivotal genes associated with antioxidant mechanisms, notably nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and thioredoxin (Trx). Additionally, the expression of genes implicated in the synthesis of tight junction proteins, including occludin, claudin 7b, and claudin 15, exhibited significant augmentation with escalating valine concentrations in the feed. In conclusion, dietary valine enhanced the growth, digestive and absorptive capabilities, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of O. mykiss. An analysis based on a quadratic curve model, which incorporates specific rates of growth and weight gain, establishes that the optimal dietary valine requirement for triploid O. mykiss consuming a 10 % fish meal diet ranges between 2.43 % and 2.69 %.

Nutritional Quality of the Mid-Afternoon Snack of Schooled Children between the Ages of 3 and 12 Years in Three Areas in Spain.

The aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional quality of mid-afternoon snacks for schooled children aged 3 to 12 years in three areas of Catalonia (Spain). A descriptive observational study collected information on habits and the mid-afternoon snack of 782 schooled children aged 3 to 12 years in three cities, Barcelona, Girona, and Lleida, located in Catalonia (Spain). The children's families voluntarily agreed to complete an online questionnaire that collected information about demographic data and snacking habits in the afternoon, as well as a record of mid-afternoon snack intake over three school days. A total of 2163 mid-afternoon snacks were analyzed from a sample of 764 families with 3 to 12 year-old children. Sandwiches emerged as the most prevalent choice, accounting for 41.89%, followed by pastries at 23.86%, fruit at 14.38%, and a combination of fruit and pastries at 6.29%. Of the mid-afternoon snacks recorded, 22.19% were healthy, 20.90% were quite healthy, 12.85% were quite unhealthy, and 44.06% were unhealthy. The nutritional quality of mid-afternoon snacks for a large majority of schooled children should be improved. It is essential to develop food education programs to improve the quality of this intake from early childhood and to consider it as an opportunity to adjust the daily dietary requirements of Spanish children.

Evaluating Validated Diet Quality Indices Used in Pregnant Women in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Diet quality indices (DQIs) assess the level of adherence to dietary recommendations and a specified dietary pattern in populations; however, there is limited evidence regarding the construct criteria and validation methodology of DQIs used in pregnant women. The objectives of this study were to (i) identify and describe characteristics of DQIs that have been validated for use in pregnant women in high-income countries, and (ii) evaluate criteria used to develop DQIs and validation methodologies employed. CINAHL, Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were systematically searched for eligible articles published between 1980 and November 2022 that focused on DQIs validated for use in pregnant women from high-income countries. Characteristics, development criteria, and validation methodologies used in the included articles were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. A narrative synthesis and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the review findings. Reporting was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Six articles with 5 validated DQIs were identified. In total, 3777 participants were included - five articles had pregnant women aged 31-50 years and in their second trimester. Food frequency questionnaires were used as the dietary assessment method in all studies, and 3 DQIs were used to assess dietary intake at 1 time point, using 2 different dietary assessment methods. No indices fulfilled preferred features for the DQI development criteria developed by Burggraf et al (2018). Construct validity was assessed by all DQIs, followed by criterion validity (n = 4) and test-retest reliability (n = 2). Limited high-quality validated DQIs for use in pregnant women in high-income countries were identified. Scoring for DQI components were not specific to nutrient requirements for pregnant women. Findings from this review may inform the development of DQIs that evaluate specific dietary requirements and specific food safety considerations applicable to pregnancy. https://osf.io/u2hrq.

Effect of dietary iron (Fe) supplementation on growth performance, hematological parameters and anti-oxidant responses of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) post-smolts

Effects of graded dietary iron (Fe) levels on coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) post-smolts were assessed by determining the growth performance, Fe deposited in tissue, liver and serum antioxidant and immunity responses. Six experimental diets containing graded Fe (FeSO4·7 H2O as a Fe source) levels of 23.70, 42.40, 63.80, 89.30, 102.70 and 125.70 mg/kg were made and fed to three replicate groups of fish. A total 180 coho salmon post-smolts (188.28 ± 0.40 g) were randomly distributed to 18 floating cages (water volume 1000-L) with a flow-through system for 10 weeks, and fed three times daily until satiation. The results showed that the final body weight (FBW) and specific growth rate (SGR) were increased (p < 0.05) with increasing Fe content (from 23.70 to 89.30 mg/kg) in the diet, and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in these traits were recorded when dietary Fe supplementation was further increased (from 89.30 to 125.70 mg/kg). However, feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed the opposite trend. Survival rate, morphological indices, and body proximate compositions did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the Fe contents in the whole body and muscle exhibited a steady rise (linear, p < 0.05), meanwhile, the liver Fe content significantly increased with increasing dietary Fe levels (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05). Increasing dietary Fe levels increased (p < 0.05) the hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte counts and hematocrit. In serum, lysozyme activity was significantly increased in 89.30 mg/kg diets ( p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in liver and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in response to the Fe levels in the diet, whereas a significant quadratic decrease in malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Quadratic regression analysis of SGR and FCR against dietary Fe levels indicated that the optimal dietary Fe requirements were estimated to be 100.00 mg/kg and 104.17 mg/kg. Broken-line model analyses of the hepatic Fe content and SOD activity, the Hb content in the blood, and serum SOD activity against dietary Fe levels indicated that the optimal dietary Fe levels are 85.01, 87.53, 87.04, 91.23 mg/kg in Oncorhynchus kisutch post-smolts, respectively.

Differences in perceived energy and macronutrient requirements across divisions in NCAA athletes.

Sports nutrition is an impactful component to sports performance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the sports nutrition knowledge of National Collegiate Athletic Association collegiate athletes and assess self-reported perceived requirements for energy and macronutrient intake. A secondary aim was to evaluate the awareness of physical and emotional perceptions associated with mindful eating. Participants included NCAA Division I (DI, n = 45), II (DII, n = 31), and III (DIII, n = 47) athletes. Athletes completed a validated questionnaire designed to assess sports nutrition knowledge and were asked questions about their perceived dietary energy and macronutrient requirements. Daily energy intake values were calculated using a recommended relative energy intake value of 40, 50, and 60 kcal/kg/day for low, moderate, and high activity levels, respectively. Carbohydrate recommendations were calculated using 4, 6, and 8 g/kg/day, protein recommendations were calculated using relative intakes of 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 g/kg/day, and fat recommendations were calculated from a relative percentage of total predicted daily energy requirements, equating to 15, 25, and 30% of daily energy. Additionally, athletes completed a questionnaire to assess mindfulness regarding eating habits. Overall, athletes answered 45.5 ± 13.5% of questions correctly on the nutrition questionnaire with significant differences observed between male (48.6 ± 13.6%) and female athletes (43.6 ± 13.2%; p = 0.044), as well as significant differences observed between DI athlete scores (38.8 ± 14.1%) and DII athletes (47.7 ± 11.4%; p = 0.002), and DI athletes and DIII athletes (51.71 ± 11.83%; p = <0.001). All athletes significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated daily energy intake requirements (female, 2,112 ± 575 kcal/day; male, 3,283 ± 538 kcal/day). The mindfulness eating habits total score was significantly higher in male athletes (65.1 ± 6.5) compared to female athletes (60.9 ± 9.5; p = 0.009). Division I, II, and III collegiate athletes have poor sports nutrition knowledge, with Division I athletes having exhibited lower scores compared to Division II and III athletes on the sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Athletes from all levels of collegiate sports underestimated their energy and macronutrient requirements. Differences in mindful eating habits among female and male athletes were also evident.

Evaluation of minerals, trace elements, and antinutritional factors in selected legume fodder species (Fabaceae) with the potential to improve cattle nutrition and gastrointestinal health

The study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition, trace elements and anti-nutritional factors of fodder species belonging to the family Fabaceae potentially used as an alternative feed for cattle. The proximate composition, particularly dry matter, moisture, fats, crude proteins (CP), carbohydrates, crude fibre (CF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), were analysed, thereby, nonfibre carbohydrate (NFC) and gross energy (GE) were calculated. Thirty-three trace elements were determined from chemically digested dried plant material using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and ICP-OES (ICP-Optical Emission Spectrophotometry). The tannin levels, a known antinutritional factor, were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteu method. The methods were validated by the relative standard deviation (RSD) values and acceptable recovery percentage, linearity, limit of quantification (LoQ), and limit of detection (LoD). The proximate composition analysis estimated levels of dry matter (> 90 %), ash (3.77–26.98 %), crude proteins (8.22–22.19 %), carbohydrates (54.00–86.79 %), crude fibre (10.54–40.10 %), NDF (22.26–59.20 %) and GE (< 100 Kcal kg−1 DM) in leguminous species. Essential elements were detected in recommended levels including Zn (21.20–50.30 mg/kg), Co (0.06–0.045 mg kg), Cr (0.5–5.08 mg kg−1), Mn (9.02–197 mg kg−1), Mg (0.10–0.52 mg kg−1), Fe (42.40–812 mg kg−1) and Na (72.00–1721 mg kg−1). The concentration of toxic elements was below critical levels and tannin occurred at a safe level (< 50 mgTAE kg−1) for ruminant consumption. Therefore, the selected fodder can effectively contribute to cattle dietary requirements for smallscale farmers in Onderstepoort, Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Fat-Free Mass Derived From Bioimpedance Spectroscopy and Computed Tomography are in Good Agreement in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in patients with kidney failure. Since body weight does not reflect body composition, other methods are needed to determine muscle mass, often estimated by fat-free mass (FFM). Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is frequently used for monitoring body composition in patients with kidney failure. Unfortunately, BIS-derived lean tissue mass (LTMBIS) is not suitable for comparison with FFM cutoff values for the diagnosis of malnutrition, or for calculating dietary protein requirements. Hypothetically, FFM could be derived from BIS (FFMBIS). This study aims to compare FFMBIS and LTMBIS with computed tomography (CT) derived FFM (FFMCT). Secondarily, we aimed to explore the impact of different methods on calculated protein requirements. CT scans of 60 patients with kidney failure stages 4-5 were analyzed at the L3 level for muscle cross-sectional area, which was converted to FFMCT. Spearman rank correlation coefficient and 95% limits of agreement were calculated to compare FFMBIS and LTMBIS with FFMCT. Protein requirements were determined based on FFMCT, FFMBIS, and adjusted body weight. Deviations over 10% were considered clinically relevant. FFMCT correlated most strongly with FFMBIS (r=0.78, P<.001), in males (r=0.72, P<.001) and in females (r=0.60, P<.001). A mean difference of -0.54kg was found between FFMBIS and FFMCT (limits of agreement: -14.88 to 13.7kg, P=.544). Between LTMBIS and FFMCT a mean difference of -12.2kg was apparent (limits of agreement: -28.7 to 4.2kg, P<.001). Using FFMCT as a reference, FFMBIS best predicted protein requirements. The mean difference between protein requirements according to FFMBIS and FFMCT was -0.7±9.9g in males and -0.9±10.9g in females. FFMBIS correlates well with FFMCT at a group level, but shows large variation within individuals. As expected, large clinically relevant differences were observed in calculated protein requirements.

Exploring the novel benefits of leucine: Protecting nitrite-induced liver damage in sub-adult grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through regulating mitochondria quality control

Leucine is an essential amino acid for fish. The ability of leucine to resist stress in fish has not been reported. Nitrite is a common pollutant in the aquatic environment. Therefore, we investigated the effects of dietary leucine on growth performance and nitrite-induced liver damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and apoptosis for sub-adult grass carp. A total of 450 grass carp (615.91 ± 1.15 g) were selected and randomly placed into 18 net cages. The leucine contents of the six diets were 2.91, 5.90, 8.92, 11.91, 14.93, and 17.92 g/kg, respectively. After a 9-week feeding trial, the nitrite exposure experiment was set up for 96 h. These results indicated that dietary leucine significantly promoted FW, WG, PWG, and SGR of sub-adult grass carp (P < 0.05). Appropriate levels of dietary leucine (11.91–17.92 g/kg) decreased the activities of serum parameters (glucose, cortisol, and methemoglobin contents, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−). In addition, appropriate levels of dietary leucine (11.91–17.92 g/kg) increased the mRNA levels of mitochondrial biogenesis genes (PGC-1α, Nrf1/2, TFAM), fusion-related genes (Opa1, Mfn1/2) (P < 0.05), and decreased the mRNA levels of caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, fission-related gene (Drp1), mitophagy-related genes (Pink1, Parkin) and autophagy-related genes (Beclin1, Ulk1, Atg5, Atg7, Atg12) (P < 0.05). Appropriate levels of dietary leucine (8.92–17.92 g/kg) also increased the protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), prostacyclin (p62) and decreased the protein levels of protein light chain 3 (LC3), E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin), and Cytochrome c (Cytc). Appropriate levels of leucine (8.92–17.92 g/kg) could promote growth performance and alleviate nitrite-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, apoptosis for sub-adult grass carp. Based on quadratic regression analysis of PWG and serum GPT activity, dietary leucine requirements of sub-adult grass carp were recommended to be 12.47 g/kg diet and 12.55 g/kg diet, respectively.

CANTEEN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM : THE FINAL PROJECT

ABSTRACT : A sophisticated digital solution called the School Canteen Management System (SCMS) was created to streamline the management and operations of school canteens. Essential functions including menu planning, user account administration, inventory management, point of sale (POS), and extensive reporting and analytics are all included in this system. Through process simplification and automation of repetitive tasks, the SCMS increases productivity, lowers error rates, and enhances user experience. Faster service, precise financial tracking, improved stock control, and the capacity to satisfy dietary requirements and preferences are some of the main advantages. In the end, the SCMS ensures convenience and happiness for students, staff, and parents by helping to create a more orderly, transparent, and user-friendly cafeteria environment. INDEX TEARMS – Frontend development HTML, CSS, JavaScript, react js, Database management, mongodb, Chatgpt.

A strategy integrating GC–MS, UPLC profiling, and DNA metabarcoding for characterization and discrimination of the medicinal and culinary pieces from four Curcuma species

Curcumae pieces prepared in ready-to-use forms, consumed extensively for their significant medicinal and culinary benefits, present a challenge in discrimination due to their heterogeneous origins, analogous morphologies, and varied components. This study explored the metabolites of nine Curcumae pieces (NCPs) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time of Flight–Mass Spectrometry (UPLC/UHPLC–QTOF–MS) technologies, augmented by multivariate statistical analysis (Principal Component Analysis, PCA; Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis, OPLS–DA) and machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, RF). Twenty-six key differential markers in volatile and non-volatile metabolites each were found subsequently. Additionally, DNA metabarcoding was employed to develop specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers for the precise identification of Curcuma species in single and mixed samples, and for CRa even contained in Chinese patent prescriptions. The integration of these three methodologies facilitates a more reliable authentication of NCPs, enhancing the overall strategy for their global discrimination. This research contributes to the advancement of quality control and the development of functional foods or products derived from Curcumae pieces, tailored to meet specific health and dietary requirements.

High protein requirements of juvenile Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus: Effects of dietary protein levels on growth, health, and welfare.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the optimal dietary protein requirement and the effect of varying protein levels on the growth and health of juvenile, wild-caught Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus, a promising candidate for cold-water aquaculture diversification. Six iso-energetic (ca. 18.3 MJ kg-1), fish meal-based experimental diets were formulated with crude protein levels ranging from 35% to 60%, with graded increments of 5% in a 12-week feeding trial in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and condition factor (K) were evaluated in response to dietary protein levels. Liver, muscle, and blood parameters were assessed for possible changes in protein and lipid metabolism and welfare. Overall growth was highly variable throughout the experiment on all diets, as expected for a wild population. The feed with highest in protein (60%) inclusion resulted in the highest growth rates, with an average weight gain of 37.4% ± 33.8% and an SGR of 0.31% ± 0.2% day-1. This was closely followed by feeds with 55% and 50% protein inclusion with an average weight gain of 22.9% ± 34.8% and 28.5% ± 38.3%, respectively, and an SGR of 0.18% ± 0.3% day-1 and 0.22% ± 0.3% day-1, respectively. Fish fed the high protein diets generally had increased hepatic lipid deposition (17%-18%) and reduced free fatty acid levels (3.1-6.8 μmol L-1) in the plasma relative to fish that were fed the lower protein diets (35%-45%). No effects of diet were found on plasma protein levels or muscle protein content. Furthermore, stress parameters such as plasma cortisol and glucose levels were unaffected by diet, as were plasma ghrelin levels. Overall, these results suggest that a high protein inclusion in the diet for Atlantic wolffish is required to sustain growth with a minimum protein level of 50%.

Effects of dietary lipid levels on growth, lipid metabolism, fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of juvenile greasyback shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis)

The optimal dietary lipid requirement and underlying lipid metabolic mechanisms remain elusive in greasyback shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis), presenting significant obstacles to the advancement of their culture development. Five isonitrogenous diets (38.39% crude protein) containing lipid levels of 2.25%, 4.72%, 7.50%, 10.18%, and 12.71% were formulated to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth, lipid metabolism, fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of juvenile greasyback shrimp. The results indicated that shrimps fed a diet with 7.50% lipid exhibited significantly higher percent weight gain (161.36%) and specific growth rate (1.72%/d) than those fed other diets (P < 0.05). As the dietary fat content increased, the lipid levels of the whole shrimp, muscle, hepatopancreas, and serum exhibited similar elevations. Concurrently, H&E staining clearly revealed the occurrence of hepatocyte swelling and hepatocyte vacuolization in the 10.18% and 12.71% groups, and hepatic lipid accumulation was further observed in these groups by Oil red O staining. In addition, with the increase in dietary fat levels, saturated fatty acids (SFA) decreased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased in both hepatopancreas and muscle. The expression of genes involved in lipogenesis (fas, acc and dgat) was initially up-regulated and subsequently down-regulated with increasing dietary lipid levels, whereas the expression trends of lipolysis genes (hsl, atgl) remained similar. The mRNA levels of genes associated with long-chain PUFA biosynthesis (elovl5, lxrβ, srebp1) and fatty acid oxidation (cpt1, acox1) in the hepatopancreas of shrimp fed a diet with 7.50% lipid were significantly elevated compared to those in other dietary groups (P < 0.05). With the increase in dietary fat levels, the expression of fatty acid transport genes fatp4 and fabp1 was up-regulated. Antioxidant enzyme activities in the hepatopancreas initially increased with dietary lipid levels, peaking in shrimp fed the 7.50% lipid diet, but subsequently declined. In conclusion, optimal dietary fat levels enhance growth performance, while high lipid levels impede growth, decrease antioxidant enzyme activities, and regulate lipid deposition in greasyback shrimp by modulating lipid metabolic pathways.

Unveiling prey preferences of endangered wild Malayan tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni, in Peninsular Malaysia through scat analysis via COI DNA metabarcoding

Understanding the prey preference of Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) in Malaysia is important to guide conservation planning initiatives. The utilisation of DNA metabarcoding provides valuable insights, particularly in the field of carnivora diet research. This technique has been proven to be effective for identifying various species within complex mixtures such as scat materials, where visual identification is challenging. The Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) locus has been selected as it is a widely used as an effective non-invasive approach for diet studies. Hence, given this advance approach, Malayan tiger scats were collected on the basis of existing records of their presence in two types of habitats, namely, protected areas (PA) and human–tiger conflict (HTC) areas. This study aimed to identify prey species in Peninsular Malaysia, based on Malayan tiger scat samples using DNA metabarcoding. Based on the partial mitochondrial COI region, DNA metabarcoding led to the taxonomic resolution of prey DNA remnants in scats and the identification of prey species consumed by Malayan tiger, which were predominately small-to-medium-sized prey, including livestock. The dominant DNA prey detected belongs to the family Canidae, followed by Bovidae, Vespertilionidae, Homonidae, Felidae, Phasianidae and Muridae. A significant difference (p &amp;lt; 0.05) was observed in alpha and beta diversity using the Shannon index and PERMANOVA with regard to prey richness and evenness in two different habitat groups, namely, PA and HTC. Our finding provides insights into Malayan tiger dietary requirements, which can be used to develop conservation plans and strategies for Malayan tiger, particularly for habitat priorities.

'Down pythons' throats we thrust live goats': snakes, zoos and animal welfare in nineteenth-century Britain.

In nineteenth-century Britain, captive snakes in menageries and zoological gardens were routinely fed with live prey - primarily rabbits, pigeons and guinea pigs. From the late 1860s, this practice began to generate opposition on animal welfare grounds, leading to a protracted debate over its necessity, visibility and morality. Focusing on the c.1870-1914 period, when the snake-feeding controversy reached its zenith, this article charts changing attitudes towards the treatment of reptiles in captivity and asks why an apparently niche practice generated so much interest. By looking at the biological arguments put forward for and against live feeding, the article traces the changing nature of humanitarian activism in the late nineteenth century and shows how the shifting character of the live-feeding debate paralleled wider trends in the animal welfare movement. It also highlights the different types of knowledge and expertise involved in the debate, as naturalists, veterinary surgeons, legal professionals, zookeepers and humanitarians offered conflicting perspectives on questions of reptilian dietary requirements and animal sentience.

Protective effects of butyric acid during heat stress on the survival, immune response, histopathology, and gene expression in the hepatopancreas of juvenile pacific shrimp (L. Vannamei)

This study looked at the effects of adding butyric acid (BA) to the diets of juvenile Pacific shrimp and how it affected their response to survival, immunity, histopathological, and gene expression profiles under heat stress. The shrimp were divided into groups: a control group with no BA supplementation and groups with BA inclusion levels of 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 %, and 2.5 %. Following the 8-week feeding trial period, the shrimp endured a heat stress test lasting 1 h at a temperature of 38 °C. The results showed that the control group had a lower survival rate than those given BA. Interestingly, no mortality was observed in the group receiving 1.5 % BA supplementation. Heat stress had a negative impact on the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the control group. Still, these activities were increased in shrimp fed the BA diet. Similar variations were observed in AST and ALT fluctuations among the different groups. The levels of triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) increased with high temperatures but were reduced in shrimp-supplemented BA. The activity of an antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased with higher BA levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, the groups supplemented with 1.5 % BA exhibited a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05), suggesting the potential antioxidant properties of BA. The histology of the shrimp's hepatopancreas showed improvements in the groups given BA. Conversely, the BA significantly down-regulated the HSPs and up-regulated MnSOD transcript level in response to heat stress. The measured parameters determine the essential dietary requirement of BA for shrimp. Based on the results, the optimal level of BA for survival, antioxidant function, and immunity for shrimp under heat stress is 1.5 %.

Nutritional aspects in autoimmune diseases undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: overview and recommendations on behalf of the EBMT ADWP and Nurses Group.

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) represent a heterogeneous group of conditions affecting 5-10% of the global population. In recent decades, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), mainly autologous, has been successfully adopted to treat patients affected by severe/refractory ADs. In this context malnutrition has a detrimental impact on relapse, mortality, infection rate, engraftment, long-term survival, and prolongation of hospitalization. However, in this population, the management of nutrition should be improved since nutritional assessment is partially performed in routine clinical practice. A panel of nurses and physicians from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) reviewed all available evidence based on current literature and expert practices from centers with extensive experience in HSCT for ADs, on the nutritional management of ADs patients during HSCT procedure. In this context, adequate nutritional status predicts a better response to treatment and improves quality of life. Herein, a systematic and comprehensive monitoring of nutritional status before, during and after HSCT, with adequate nutritional support in the case of ADs patients, in addition to assessing the dietary requirements associated with HSCT has been covered. Moreover, given the singularity of each AD, the underlying disease should be considered for an appropriate approach. The management and evaluation of nutritional status must be carried out by a multidisciplinary team to assess the needs, monitor the effectiveness of each intervention, and prevent complications, especially in complex situations as patients affected by ADs.

Variation in dietary composition of the Banna fanged frog (Limnonectes bannaensis Ye, Fei, Xie &amp; Jiang, 2007) from Vietnam

Abstract The Banna fanged frog (Limnonectes bannaensis) is known from China, Laos, and Vietnam; however knowledge about the natural history and dietary requirements of this species is virtually lacking. In this study, we provide data on the variation in dietary composition of L. bannaensis based on stomach-flushing of 117 individuals (41 males and 76 females) captured and subsequently released during our recent field work in Son La Province, northwestern Vietnam. A total of 19 prey categories with 513 items, comprising 502 items of invertebrates, seven items of vertebrates, and four unidentified items were found in the stomachs of L. bannaensis. The most important groups among the prey of L. bannaensis were Coleoptera (38.04%), followed by Hymenoptera (9.31%), Araneae (7.93%), Polydesmida (7.07%), Orthoptera (6.37%), Hemiptera (5.23%), and Lepidoptera (5.01%). Adult males (16 prey categories) consumed preys with slightly lower diversity than adult females (17 prey categories). There was 88.25% overlap in the diet between males and females and in both sexes the trophic spectrum was similar, predominantly consisting of Coleoptera, Polydesmida, Araneae, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera.

Dietary Protein Optimization for Growth and Immune Enhancement in Juvenile Hybrid Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii × A. schrenckii): Balancing Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Expression of Immune-Related Genes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels on growth performance, serum indices, body amino acid composition, and intestinal gene expression in juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii × A. schrenckii). Hybrid sturgeons (initial weight 29.21 ± 2.04 g) were fed isolipidic diets containing 30%, 33%, 36%, 39%, 42% or 45% crude protein for 12 weeks (n = 18 tanks, 30 fish/tank). Results showed significant differences between treatments, where weight gain and protein efficiency ratio peaked optimally between 35.9% and 38.3% dietary protein. Serum parameters such as glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation levels varied significantly with changes in dietary protein levels. Specifically, the highest enzymatic activities and growth parameters were observed in groups fed with 33% to 39% protein, enhancing whole-body concentrations of lysine, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, and glutamic acid. Immune parameters such as immunoglobulin M and lysozyme activity also showed peak levels at higher protein concentrations, particularly notable at 42% for lysozyme and 36% for both component 3 and immunoglobulin M. Gene expression related to immune and growth pathways, including MyD88, TLR1, IL-8, IL-6, NF-κB, and IL1β, was significantly upregulated at protein levels of 33% to 36%, with a noted peak in expression at 39% for TLR1, IL-10, and TOR signaling genes, before diminishing at higher protein levels. Overall, the dietary protein requirement for juvenile hybrid sturgeon ranges from 35.9% to 38.3% crude protein.

Dietary DNA metabarcoding reveals a trophic niche partitioning among sympatric Iberian sandgrouses and bustards

The study of trophic niche partitioning is of great importance for understanding community structure and species coexistence, particularly if these are threatened. Here DNA metabarcoding was used to assess the diet of four threatened steppe bird species (two bustards and two sandgrouses), with the aim of better understanding their dietary requirements, trophic interactions, and potential threats. The results showed seasonal and interspecific differences in their plant diet, with greater importance of cultivated plants during autumn and winter (around 50 % of their diet) than spring. Plants of the genus Convolvulus and of the family Brassicaceae were frequently consumed by all species. In spring, poppies (Papaver spp.) were a considerable part of their diet, and could be used as a source of carotenoids or for their anti-parasitic properties. Furthermore, results evidenced a trophic niche partitioning among species, with a marked segregation between bustard species and, to a lesser extent, between sandgrouse species. Diet similarity was generally higher between species from different orders that occur in mixed-species flocks (bustard - sandgrouse) than between species of the same order. This partitioning was probably related to a stratification in habitat use rather than to specialisation and might prevent competition to some extent. However, the homogenization of trophic resources resulting from agricultural intensification could pose an important threat, particularly during autumn, when weeds are scarcer and the most abundant trophic resource are sown seeds, which are often treated with pesticides.

33 1-Carbon metabolism: Methionine and more

Abstract Methionine, via S-adenosylmethionine, has an important role in the post-translational methylation of Arg, Lys, and His in proteins, methylation of DNA and RNA, and methylation of serotonin (to melatonin), noradrenaline (to adrenaline), and guanidinoacetate (to creatine). After the methyl-group of Met is transferred to an acceptor, the resulting homocysteine can transfer its sulfur group to Ser yielding Cys. Homocysteine can also be remethylated back to Met in the so-called Met salvage pathway, which requires betaine or N5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (THF) as a 1-carbon donor. Methionine is, thus, not necessarily the dietary source of 1-carbon in methylation reactions. N5-methyl THF is one of the “1-carbon flavors” of THF and the catabolism of Ser, Gly, His, and formate (e.g., from Trp catabolism) results in the formation of 1-carbon metabolites linked to THF. These amino acids (and choline and betaine) are thus potential dietary sources of 1-carbon groups, of which only Ser and Gly can be synthesized de novo. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the role of Ser and Gly in 1-carbon metabolism. Glycine has the unique property that it is able to accept and donate 1-carbon groups and the high concentration of Gly in plasma may be indicative for its 1-carbon buffering capacity. Glycine is also one of the few non-essential amino acids for which the retention (e.g., for collagen synthesis) largely exceeds the dietary intake. However, the de novo synthesis of Gly has been considered “a weak link in metabolism” because it is always associated with the synthesis of a 1-carbon group, and the capacity of the animal to dispose of excess 1-carbon groups may be limited. An excess supply of 1-carbon groups may therefore lead to a dietary requirement for Gly.