Feeding Habits Research Articles

Trait-environment interactions of saproxylic beetles as a guide to biodiversity conservation strategies

Conservation of biodiversity requires in-depth knowledge of trait-environment interactions to understand the influence the environment has on species assemblages. Saproxylic beetles exhibit a wide range of traits and functions in the forest ecosystems. Understanding their responses to surrounding environment thus improves our capacity to identify habitats that should be restored or protected. We investigated potential interactions between ecological traits in saproxylic beetles (feeding guilds and habitat preferences) and environmental variables (deadwood, type and age of surrounding forest). We sampled beetles from 78 plots containing newly created high stumps of Scots pine and Silver birch in boreal forest landscapes in Sweden for three consecutive years. Using a model based approach, our aim was to explore potential interactions between ecological traits and the surrounding environment at close and distant scale (20 m and 500 m radius). We found that broadleaf-preferring beetle species are positively associated with the local broadleaf-originated deadwood and broadleaf-rich forests in the surrounding landscapes. Conifer-preferring species are positively associated with the local amount of coniferous deadwood and young and old forests in the surrounding landscape. Fungivorous and predatory beetles are positively associated with old forests in the surrounding landscapes. Our results indicate that both local amounts of deadwood and types of forests in the landscape are important in shaping saproxylic beetle communities. We particularly highlight the need to increase deadwood amounts of various qualities in the landscape, exempt older forests from production and to increase broadleaf-rich habitats in order to meet different beetle species’ habitat requirements. Trait responses among saproxylic beetles provide insights into the significance of broadleaf forest and dead wood as essential attributes in boreal forest restoration, which helps conservation planning and management in forest landscapes.

Assessing Diet & Trophic Position of Fish in Chenderoh Reservoir, Malaysia: SCA & SIA Approach

The present study assessed and compared the diet and trophic positions (TP) of two carnivorous fish H. macrolepidota and C. ocellaris from Chenderoh Reservoir, Malaysia. The focal goal of the study was to understand the effects of invasive non-indigenous species (NIS), C. ocellaris, on the native indigenous (IS) fish species, H. macrolepidota. Data were acquired from September 2014 to February 2015 within the study area. The assessment was grounded in stomach content analysis (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA), which collectively clarified the feeding habits and trophic positions (TP) of these selected fish. In total, 184 fish samples (comprising 64 individuals of H. macrolepidota and 120 individuals of C. ocellaris) underwent stomach content analysis (SCA). Additionally, 24 individuals (12 of H. macrolepidota and 12 of C. ocellaris), sampled from December 2014 to February 2015, were selected for stable isotope analysis (SIA). The mean RGL values for H. macrolepidota and C ocellaris were 0.98 ± 0.18 and 1.10 ± 0.15 (Mean ± SD), respectively, aligning with known ranges for carnivorous fish. These values also clarified that both species occupy higher TP in the food web as tertiary or quaternary consumers. SCA findings also revealed that fish and crustaceans were the predominant food categories for H. macrolepidota, while C. ocellaris predominantly fed on fish. The mean stomach fullness index (MSF) and the gastrosomatic index (GSI) corroborated the differences in the foraging performance of the fishes, with C. ocellaris having a higher MSF (2.03) compared to H. macrolepidota (0.65). These implied that C. ocellaris had plentiful of food and encountered fewer diet-related challenges in the ecosystem. From SIA, δ13C values indicated that the primary carbon sources for both species are C3 plants, particularly aquatic vegetation. Further, δ15N values further ensured that both H. macrolepidota and C. ocellaris are carnivorous in nature and occupy higher TP in the ecosystem.

Probing into the impacts of endogenous and exogenous short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in fish health and growth

Abstract Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are small organic acids exist in the fish gastrointestinal tract, mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs are produced through anaerobic fermentation of dietary non-digestible carbohydrates by gut microbes. Though enough studies have been devoted to showcasing the potential of SCFAs in human nutrition, the research on their production, potential, and existence in fish has been comparatively limited until recently. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding SCFAs in aquaculture. It starts with commenting on the different sources, such as substrate and microbial species that are responsible for the production of SCFAs and their transportation and ends up depicting the relationship between biofloc technology and SCFAs production. This review also discusses the factors influencing SCFA production, such as environment, diet, and feeding habits of fish. Furthermore, the biological functions of SCFAs have been highlighted, and critical findings were compiled, including immunomodulatory effects, physiological response, gut health, and immunity.

137Cesium (137Cs) assessment in wild boars from northwestern Italy.

Radionuclide contamination is a serious health issue caused by nuclear experiments and plant accidents, as seen for the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear plants. Italy has been especially interested in northwestern alpine regions, as have several other nations. The aim of this work was to indagate 134Cs and 137Cs contamination in wild boars, which were considered bioindicators sampled in the Chisone/Germanasca Valley and the Pellice Valley districts (Piedmont, Italy) in two hunting seasons (2014 and 2016). In the 2014 season, only the livers of the animals (n = 48) were sampled, whereas in 2016, five different anatomical sampling sites were sampled for each animal (n = 16). The analyses were conducted in an accredited laboratory (Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente-ARPA) by the aid of an HPGe detector (Ortec) with a relative efficiency of 50%. In general, the contamination levels registered in 2014 were under the detection limit for 134Cs and low for 137Cs (Chisone/Germanasca valley: min: 0.0, max: 23.9 median 11.0 Bq/kg vs Pellice valley: min 0, max: 31.7, median: 9.6 Bq/kg) and no health concern can be supposed. In the first-year samples, the liver showed a negative correlation between age and contamination level. In the second year of sampling, low levels were confirmed (min: 3.1 Bq/kg, max: 113.3; median 17.7 Bq/kg). Multiple sampling from the same animal showed that the diaphragm (median = 27.7 Bq/kg) kidney (27.4) and tongue (27.6) were more contaminated than the liver (17.7) and spleen (15.3). Moreover, a linear mixed model revealed a negative organ-by-age interaction, meaning that interorgan differences in contamination level were greater in younger (5-11 months) than in older (18-36 months) animals. Different feeding habits can be the explanation. Our paper shows that muscle sites (diaphragm and tongue) can be useful for radionuclide pollution surveillance in wild boar populations and that younger animals show more interorgan variability in contamination levels than older animals. More investigations are needed to confirm this correlation and to fulfill the request for more data to achieve better risk assessment.

Coexisting in the Surf Zone: Age and Feeding Habits of the Spotted Seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus) and European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) on the Gulf of Cádiz Beaches (Southwest Iberian Peninsula)

Various commercial fish species utilize different coastal habitats as nurseries in their juvenile stages, with surf zones being particularly crucial due to the protection and abundant food resources they offer. Among the species that rely on these areas are the spotted seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus) and the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). This study aimed to investigate the age and feeding habits of surf zone specimens of these species and explore their environmental adaptations. The average size for D. punctatus was 16.94 ± 4.05 cm, and for D. labrax, it was 23.23 ± 6.30 cm. The length–weight relationship for D. punctatus was TW = 0.013*TL2.885 (parameter a: 95% CI: 0.012–0.014; parameter b: 95% CI: 2.854–2.917), and for D. labrax, it was TW = 0.008*TL3.095 (parameter a: 95% CI: 0.006–0.009; parameter b: 95% CI: 3.040–3.151). In both D. punctatus (79.20%) and D. labrax (75.92%), the predominant age classes were 1+ and 2+. Significant variations in age class abundance were observed in D. punctatus based on the time of day, lunar phase, and season, while D. labrax showed variations only by season. A diet analysis revealed that both species primarily consume mysids and fish, with D. punctatus showing dietary variations related to the time of day, lunar phase, and season, and D. labrax showing variations with the time of day and season.

Food habits of invasive masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in northern Japan

Abstract We examined the feeding habits and seasonal changes in invasive masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in northern Japan, to understand their feeding strategies. Between 2020 and 2022, we collected 98 fecal samples from masked palm civets and analyzed their content. The civets fed mainly on fruits (78 % in terms of the point-frame method) and arthropods (15 %); fruits were consumed throughout the year, but increased in winter when arthropods were not available. The feeding plasticity of masked palm civets, in addition to their physical and behavioral adaptations, enables them to expand their distribution in introduced habitats in temperate regions.

The Culture of Complementary Feeding Practice Among Stunting in Toddlers Aged Under 24 Months

This systematic review examined the relationship between complementary feeding practices and the prevalence of stunting among children under 24 months. Drawing on a diverse range of studies, in the last 10 years (2013-2023) the review investigated the local cultural conditions, and complementary feeding practices factors influencing stunting. Methods involved synthesizing data from various contexts to identify patterns and associations between the culture, complementary feeding practices, and stunting prevalence. This study carried out a systematic review of journals using two academic databases (PubMed, and Google Scholar) with a publication range from 2013 to 2023. The journal-reviewed guidelines used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results revealed a significant relationship between the local cultural conditions, complementary feeding, and the impact of stunting on child development. This study found 10 studies exploring the relationship between the local cultural conditions, complementary feeding, and the prevalence of stunting among children under 24 months in the last 10 years. The review underscored the need for interventions targeting cultural determinants of stunting and complementary feeding. In conclusion, this systematic review of 10 journals explored the relationship between the local cultural conditions, complementary feeding practices, and the prevalence of stunting among children under two years old in the last 10 years offers. The study elucidated the multifaceted nature of stunting, influenced by cultural beliefs, and complementary feeding practices. The findings emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive interventions aimed at educating parents on proper complementary feeding practices to prevent stunting, particularly in communities where cultural beliefs shape complementary feeding habits. In addition, this observation underscored the importance of addressing contextual factors such as the mother's knowledge of complementary feeding, and the food diversity given, so that there are no food taboos whose nutrients the child's body needs for growth the time to start complementary feeding, and hygiene during complementary feeding processing. It is necessary to emphasize sensitive interventions in solving the stunting problem so that stunting can be resolved comprehensively.

Indian Freshwater Elasmobranchs: Ongoing Threats along with IUCN Current Status and Conservation of Protecting Hidden Treasures: A Review

We always thought that elasmobranchs inhabit marine environments, but this is only partially true. About 5% of known elasmobranch species are the freshwater compared to 40% of teleost species. A systematic checklist is available for Indian freshwater elasmobranches with names and IUCN status. A total of 13 species belonging to 3 orders, 3 families and 10 genera were enlisted from secondary data. Euryhaline and obligate species include sharks as Carcharhinus, Glyphis (Carcharhinidae), Chiloscyllium (Hemiscylliidae), sawfishes or Pristis (Pristidae), stingrays or Himantura (whiprays) and Pastinachus (cowtailed rays) (Dasyatidae). We focus on distribution, feeding habits, threats and conservation. Freshwater excursions are relatively rare in extant elasmobranchs than other groups of fish. The low growth rate is probably due to late age at maturity and low fecundity, long gestation periods, slow growth and productivity (small, infrequent litters), high natural survivorship for all age classes and long life. Despite this, some species of freshwater elasmobranchs can tolerate and even thrive in freshwater.

A Study on Potential Feed Sources to Boost Guppy Fish, Poecilia reticulata Productivity

Aquaculture may simply be referred as “Underwater Agriculture.”India is a major maritime state and an important aquaculture- based country in the worldhaving major aquaculture activitiesin the production of Carp from Freshwater,Shrimp from Brackish water, etc. Feed requirements of fish vary in quantity and quality according to the feeding habits, physiological stages of the species and environmental variations viz., temperature; amount and type of natural food availability in the culture system.A nutritious and cheap feed is a pre requested for profitable aquaculture. Though, use of commercially available feed is in practice in many countries. The feed cost consumes more Than half of running expenditure. Therefore, the search of nutritionally well-balanced feed Prepared from very cheap locally available ingredients in progress in all the aqua farming countries. In the present study, an attempt has been made to well-balanced nutritious feed Particularly from the locally available cheaper ingredients. The objectives of the present study are: to assess the effect of feed on the growth of finfish and shellfish in the laboratory, to prepare the conventional feed with traditional ingredients and to check the effect of feed on the growth performance of ornamental fish - Guppy, Poecilia reticulata.

Dam‐induced difference of fish habitat distribution in the fluctuating backwater zone of the Three Gorges Dam

AbstractChanges in fish habitat induced by dam construction in the downstream river have been well documented in an increasing body of literature. Fish habitats in the backwater zone of dams have undergone dramatic changes, which have still remained poorly understood. This study aims to provide a more complete understanding of fish habitat distribution and clarify fish habitat utilization patterns in the upstream dam in order to adopt effective remediation activities. This study was conducted in the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) as it is the world's largest installed capacity hydropower station, with a backwater zone length of about 660 km. Four major Chinese carp (FMCC) were selected as target fish species, and fish habitat distribution upstream of TGD was assessed by integrating the swimming ability and environmental preference of different fish species into their critical life stages. Assessment results at different life stages of the target fish species showed that June was a critical period for spawning activities FMCC in the fluctuating backwater zone of TGD. The riverbank was an important feeding habitat for FMCC, and the high‐velocity flow in the centre of the channel exceeded the limits of the swimming ability of target fish. The fish habitat distribution in the fluctuating backwater zone of TGD was heavily affected by runoff from April to September and by dam operation from October to March of the next year. This work provide valuable information about river conservation and management in the upstream of TGD.

Morphology of the eyeball of Neotropical bats with different feeding habits

Morphology of the eyeball of Neotropical bats with different feeding habits

Determinants of severe acute malnutrition among children less than five years visiting health centers in Leqa Dulacha District, East Wallaga Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A case control study.

In underdeveloped nations like Ethiopia, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is one of the most pressing public health issues. Despite efforts to pinpoint the causes of SAM, the impact of parents' drug usage on their children's nutritional status remains unclear and unresolved. The purpose of this research was to determine the risk factors for SAM in children under five who were attending medical facilities in the Leqa Dulacha district. A health facility-based case-control study was carried out from March 1 to July 30, 2022, with 256 children under the age of five. Random sampling was used to identify study participants in a methodical manner. Mothers and other child caretakers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were performed using standardized, calibrated equipment. Epi-data version 3.1 was used to code and enter the data, and it was then exported to IBM SPSS for analysis. An analysis of multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted, and the measure of association employed was the adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 96.5% of respondents responded. SAM in children was significantly correlated with the following factors: parent alcohol consumption [AOR = 3.142; 95% CI = (1.104, 8.945)]; child illness in the previous 15 days [AOR = 4.122; 95% CI = (1.686, 10.07)]; poor dietary diversity [AOR = 3.044; 95% CI = (1.189, 7.788)]; household food insecurity [AOR = 4.024; 95% CI = (1.544, 10.490)]; and parent chewing chat [AOR = 3.484; 95% CI = (1.329, 9.134)]. A number of factors have been linked to SAM in children, including the use of health services, the child's illness within the previous 15 days, food security, child feeding practices, and parent substance use. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the value of health education programs on child feeding habits, particularly the significance of dietary diversity, and to work together to modify the way that parents raise their children.

Determinants of microbiome composition: Insights from free-ranging hybrid zebras (Equus quagga × grevyi).

The composition of mammalian gut microbiomes is highly conserved within species, yet the mechanisms by which microbiome composition is transmitted and maintained within lineages of wild animals remain unclear. Mutually compatible hypotheses exist, including that microbiome fidelity results from inherited dietary habits, shared environmental exposure, morphophysiological filtering and/or maternal effects. Interspecific hybrids are a promising system in which to interrogate the determinants of microbiome composition because hybrids can decouple traits and processes that are otherwise co-inherited in their parent species. We used a population of free-living hybrid zebras (Equus quagga × grevyi) in Kenya to evaluate the roles of these four mechanisms in regulating microbiome composition. We analysed faecal DNA for both the trnL-P6 and the 16S rRNA V4 region to characterize the diets and microbiomes of the hybrid zebra and of their parent species, plains zebra (E. quagga) and Grevy's zebra (E. grevyi). We found that both diet and microbiome composition clustered by species, and that hybrid diets and microbiomes were largely nested within those of the maternal species, plains zebra. Hybrid microbiomes were less variable than those of either parent species where they co-occurred. Diet and microbiome composition were strongly correlated, although the strength of this correlation varied between species. These patterns are most consistent with the maternal-effects hypothesis, somewhat consistent with the diet hypothesis, and largely inconsistent with the environmental-sourcing and morphophysiological-filtering hypotheses. Maternal transmittance likely operates in conjunction with inherited feeding habits to conserve microbiome composition within species.

A Personalized Mediterranean Diet Improves Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a form of chronic pain that affects a large number of women. It can start at any age and last a lifetime, with no cure. The Mediterranean diet is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate possible beneficial effects of a personalized Mediterranean diet in patients with fibromyalgia. Outpatients with fibromyalgia were recruited and invited to participate in the study, including clinical, nutritional, and dietary assessments. Patients received a personalized Mediterranean diet (DIET group) or a general balanced diet (NODIET group) to be followed for 8weeks. All tests were carried out at baseline and repeated after 4 and 8weeks. In total, 100 subjects were included, 84 of whom completed the study. Most of the patients showed incorrect habits in terms of food choices, timing of meals and composition of nutrients. The DIET group showed an improvement in most of the fibromyalgia parameters, including the disability scores, fatigue, and anxiety. The habit of eating inflammatory foods and/or eating meals with the wrong nutritional content would increase the negative status of patients with fibromyalgia. With this study, we confirm that proper attention to feeding habits would improve the quality of life of such patients.

Trophic ecology of the greater amberjack in relation to marine environmental characteristics in Taiwanese waters illustrated by stable isotope and stomach content approach

The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) holds significant commercially and ecologically important large pelagic marine species in Taiwanese waters. The aim of this study was investigates its stomach contents and stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) were used to explore the trophic ecology and to detect the dietary variations by length, sex, and season and their associations with marine environmental characteristics. Utilizing a generalized additive model, we elucidate how marine environmental variables influence greater amberjack feeding habitats. Our findings revealed that the mixed layer depth and sea surface temperature explained the highest influence in the greater amberjack feeding ground. To reveal the trophic ecology of the greater amberjack and their ecosystem trophic dynamics, we used an innovative approach combining stomach content analysis (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA) of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) coupled with Bayesian mixing model analysis. By contrast, some of the results in SIA were different from the most important food items identified in SCA; in general, they prefer to consume pelagic prey species. The Bayesian mixing models indicated that the target predator species diet structure was dominated by Trichiuridae and Leiognathidae prey species, as indicated by the highest δ15N values. The relationships of the greater amberjack weight and length were not significant with δ13C values (p > 0.05) but were significant (p < 0.001) with δ15N values. The relationships between trophic positions (TPs) in terms of length, sex, and season suggested an ontogenetic shift, with varied TP values between 4.01 and 5.18, indicating that the greater amberjack is the top-level predator species in the pelagic marine ecosystem. These findings can guide ecosystem-based adaptive fishery management and conservation because the local prey species depletion and variations in marine environmental conditions may affect greater amberjack fisheries in Taiwanese waters.

When the predator becomes the prey: record of Mischocyttarus rotundicollis (Cameron, 1912) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) feeding on a spider in southeastern Brazil

Social wasps are commonly considered generalists in their feeding habits, but there are genera with little information regarding their diet, such as Mischocyttarus de Saussure, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), the most species-rich wasp genus in the world. The objective of this study is to report Mischocyttarus rotundicollis (Cameron, 1912) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) feeding on a spider in the southeastern region of Brazil, aiming to expand information about its feeding behavior. The record occurred occasionally on September 23, 2023, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the ecotone region between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. The feeding of a species from the Araneidae family occurred in its web, and the individual of M. rotundicollis used the tarsi of its legs to cling to the silk threads of the web, which could suggest a specialization for the exploitation of this food resource. Our record provides further information on the feeding behavior and diet of M. rotundicollis and presents the first information on spider feeding by this species. Further studies are suggested to evaluate this possible hypothesis of specialization of the genus for foraging in spider webs.

Macro- and micro-morphological comparison of the detailed structure of the oral cavity roof in two different feeding habits marine fishes: Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops.

The feeding habits and habitats of fish influence the morphology of the oral cavity. This study used gross anatomy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, in addition to morphometric analysis, to investigate the anatomical characteristics of the oral cavity roof in Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops, which have different dietary habits. The oral cavity roof appeared U-shaped and divided into the palate and upper pharyngeal regions. The upper lip of P. pagrus was broad, while B. boops'upper lip was small and thin. Both species had a stratified squamous epithelium with an irregular shape and a folded surface. P. pagrus had a horseshoe-shaped upper velum with a high middle part, and its surface resembled sea waves with obvious mucous-secreting openings with cilia and many folds and grooves between them. B. boops's upper velum was thin and appeared as a triangle pouch with a pointed cranial apex. The palate in both species was narrow in the front and increased in width backward until it ended. The upper pharyngeal teeth in P. pagrus appeared as two patches, separated by a median longitudinal ridge and an anterior V-shape separator. Meanwhile, in B. boops, they appeared as a ball patch on both sides and a separator ridge in the middle. Because P. pagrus fed on harder structures than B. boops, their feeding habits were reflected in the structure of the oral cavity roof. P. pagrus, a carnivorous species, had several rows of sharp upper jaw and upper pharyngeal teeth, thick spinous tubercles on oblique transverse ridges, and massive mucous glands. On the other hand, B. boops, an omnivorous species, had only one row of upper jaw teeth, a few upper pharyngeal teeth scattered on two oval patches, and thin filaments on the oblique transverse ridges.

Natural history of the Fuegian snipe (Gallinago stricklandii (Gray 1845): a resident bird at Cape Horn?

The Fuegian snipe Gallinago stricklandii (Gray, 1845) is one of the most enigmatic members of the family Scolopacidae Rafinesque, 1815. It is the least known species of the Gallinago genus and inhabits throughout the range of the biome of South American temperate forests, between the Maule region (36°S) and Cape Horn (56°S). In this biogeographical range, its reproductive and migratory habits are still poorly known. In this study, we report observations conducted between the years 2002 and 2023 in the Cape Horn National Park, with an emphasis on the most recent fieldwork on Horn Island. On this island, between January and October 2023, we recorded the autoecology of a family group composed of two adults and one juvenile. One of these adults was captured, banded, and measured in February 2023 (55°57.896’S - 67°13.478’W). The family group of G. stricklandii on Horn Island resided there during the summer, fall, winter, and spring seasons. This behavior contrasts with the migratory habit of the Magellanic snipe G. magellanica (King 1828), a better-known sympatric species. In addition to the resident habits of this family group and other individuals of G. stricklandii, we report new information about the morphology, feeding, and reproductive habits in the southern end of its distribution. This information recorded at the southern extreme of the American continent will enable new studies about this species and open up comparative analyses with other species of the cosmopolitan Scolopacidae family, which includes the world’s northernmost breeding birds at the boreal extreme of the Americas

How do Age at the Surgery and Birth Weight Influence Post-Operative Anthropometric Parameters in Infants with Surgical Closure of Large Ventricular Septal Defects? A Prospective Cohort Study from a Lower-Middle-Income Country.

Closure of the large ventricular septal defects (VSD) in infancy can lead to normalization of growth, but data are limited. Our study is done to assess the growth pattern in different age groups of children and lower birth weight babies after shunt closure. This is a prospective observational study that included infants with isolated large VSD operated in infancy. Anthropometric data were collected at baseline and at follow-up, and growth patterns were analyzed. 99 infants were included in the study. The mean age and weight at the time of surgery were 6.97 ± 2.79months and 5.07 ± 1.16kg, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 8.99 ± 2.31months. The weight for age (W/A) was the most adversely affected parameter preoperatively, and there was significant improvement noted in the mean Z score for W/A after shunt closure (-3.67 ± 1.18 vs. -1.76 ± 1.14, p = 0.0012). There was improvement in Z-scores for length for age (L/A) and weight for length (W/L), although it was not statistically significant. The infants from all the age groups had statistically significant growth in the anthropometric parameters. The rate of weight gain was maximum in the infants operated below 8months of age (2-4months = 3588g, 5-6months = 3592g, 7-8months = 3606g, 9-10months = 2590g, 11-12months = 2250g). Low birth weight and normal birth weight infants had similar Z-scores at the time of surgery and at follow-up in all 3 anthropometric parameters, and birth weight did not affect pre- as well as post-operative growth parameters. Suboptimal improvement in weight and length was seen in 40 and 20% of babies even after successful surgical repair, respectively. Growth failure in infants with a large VSD can be multifactorial. Early surgical closure of the shunt can lead to early normalization of growth parameters and faster catch-up growth. Few babies may fail to demonstrate a positive growth response even after timely surgical correction, and may be related to intrauterine and genetic factors or faulty feeding habits.

Nutritional Habits of Hungarian Older Adults.

There are many nutritional changes that come with aging, mostly as consequences of health regression. Malnutrition and overweight often start with inadequate food consumption, followed by alterations in biochemical indices and body composition. In our study, we aimed to analyze the feeding habits and energy and nutrient intake of a Hungarian elderly population, focusing on macronutrient, water, fruit, and vegetable consumption while searching for possible nutritional factors leading to NCD and many other chronic diseases in this population. Two questionnaires were used. These were the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and one asking about nutritional habits, and a 3-day feeding diary was also filled. Subjects (n = 179, 111; females (F), 68 males (M), older than 50 years were recruited. Based on MNA results, 78 adults (43.57% of the studied population) were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, although, according to BMI categories, 69% were overweight and 7.3% were obese among M, while 42.3% were overweight among F. The average daily meal number was diverse. The amount of people consuming fruit (11.7%) and vegetables (8.93%) several times a day was extremely low (15.3% of F and 4.4% of M). Daily fruit consumption in the whole sample was 79.3%. Overall, 36.3% consumed 1 L of liquid and 0.5 L of consumption was found in 15.1% of participants. A significant gender difference was found in water consumption, with F drinking more than M (p ≤ 0.01). In our sample, 27.93% of the respondents took dietary supplements. Further analysis and research are needed to explore the specific health implications of and reasons behind these findings.