Food Limitation Research Articles

Amine-reactive crosslinking enhances type 0 collagen hydrogel properties for regenerative medicine.

Collagen is extensively utilised in regenerative medicine due to its highly desirable properties. However, collagen is typically derived from mammalian sources, which poses several limitations, including high cost, potential risk of immunogenicity and transmission of infectious diseases, and ethical and religious constraints. Jellyfish-sourced type 0 collagen represents a safer and more environmentally sustainable alternative collagen source. Thus, we investigated the potential of jellyfish collagen-based hydrogels, obtained from Rhizostoma pulmo (R. pulmo) jellyfish, to be utilised in regenerative medicine. A variety of R. pulmo collagen hydrogels (RpCol hydrogels) were formed by adding a range of chemical crosslinking agents and their physicochemical and biological properties were characterised to assess their suitability for regenerative medicine applications. The characteristic chemical composition of RpCol was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the degradation kinetics, morphological, and rheological properties of RpCol hydrogels were shown to be adaptable through the addition of specific chemical crosslinking agents. The endotoxin levels of RpCol were below the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limit for medical devices, thus allowing the potential use of RpCol in vivo. 8-arm polyethylene glycol succinimidyl carboxyl methyl ester (PEG-SCM)-crosslinked RpCol hydrogels preserved the viability and induced a significant increase in the metabolic activity of immortalised human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (TERT-hMSCs), therefore demonstrating their potential to be utilised in a wide range of regenerative medicine applications.

Isotachophoretic quantification of total viable bacteria on meat and surfaces

BackgroundThe quantification of microbes, particularly live bacteria, is of utmost importance in assessing the quality of meat products. In the context of meat processing facilities, prompt identification and removal of contaminated carcasses or surfaces is crucial to ensuring the continuous production of safe meat for human consumption. The plate count method and other traditional detection methods are not only labour-intensive but also time-consuming taking 24–48 h. ResultsIn this report, we present a novel isotachophoretic quantification method utilizing two nucleic acid stains, SYTO9 and propionic iodide, for the detection of total viable bacteria. The study employed E. coli M23 bacteria as a model organism, with an analysis time of only 30 min. The method demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 184 CFU mL−1 and 14 cells mL−1 for total viable count and total cell count, respectively. Furthermore, this new approach is capable of detecting the microbial quality standard limits for food contacting surfaces (10 CFU cm−2) and meat (1.99 × 104 CFU cm−2) by swabbing an area of 10 × 10 cm2. SignificanceIn contrast to the culture-based methods usually employed in food processing facilities, this isotachophoretic technique enables easy and rapid detection (<30 min) of microorganisms, facilitating crucial decision-making essential for maintaining product quality and safety.

Effects of acclimation temperature and feed restriction on the metabolic performance of green sturgeon.

Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) are an anadromous threatened species of sturgeon found along the Pacific coast of North America. The southern distinct population segment only spawns in the Sacramento River and is exposed to water temperatures kept artificially cold for the conservation and management of winter-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Past research has demonstrated costs of cold-water rearing including reduced growth rates, condition and survivorship of juvenile green sturgeon. Our research investigates how the stressors of water temperature and food limitation influence the metabolic performance of green sturgeon. We reared green sturgeon at two acclimation temperatures (13 and 19°C) and two ration amounts (100% and 40% of optimal feed). We then measured the routine and maximum metabolic rates (RMR and MMR, respectively) of sturgeon acclimated to these rearing conditions across a range of acute temperature exposures (11 to 31°C). Among both temperature acclimation treatments (13 or 19°C), we found that feed restriction reduced RMR across a range of acute temperatures. The influence of feed restriction on RMR and MMR interacted with acclimation temperature. Fish reared at 13°C preserved their MMR and aerobic scope (AS) despite feed restriction, while fish fed reduced rations and acclimated to 19°C showed reduced MMR and AS capacity primarily at temperatures below 16°C. The sympatry of threatened green sturgeon with endangered salmonids produces a conservation conflict, such that cold-water releases for the conservation of at-risk salmonids may constrain the metabolic performance of juvenile green sturgeon. Understanding the impacts of environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen) on ecological interactions of green sturgeon will be necessary to determine the influence of salmonid-focused management.

Reconstructing Recent Paradigm Through the Interpretation of Halal Consumption with Shifting Paradigm Theory

The obligation to consume halal food and beverages was originally an implementation of religious values in life. However, now, these values have been systematized in such a way as to gain profit by Moslems themselves and non-Muslims. The old paradigm of halal food is generally measured through the limits of unlawful food and drinks in the Qur'an and Hadith. The knowledge of society about unlawful food and drinks forms an understanding that other than the forbidden food means halal to consume. However, this paradigm clashes with recent science and technology, which prove that halal foods can be haram because of the processes carried out on the food or any external factors. This encourages various parties to form a new paradigm about the halal concept. This research is a descriptive-analytical library research to clearly describe the data on various paradigms in halal studies and analyze the anomalies in old studies that have moved various groups to form a new paradigm. This study uses the shift paradigm theory by Thomas Kuhn, which consists of pre-paradigm, normal phase, crisis or anomaly phase, and new paradigm shift phase. The data in this study are divided into primary and secondary data; the primary data of this study is the old paradigm in the interpretation of QS. Al-Baqarah [2]: 168, and secondary data in this study come from books, scientific journals, theses, dissertations, and others. The results of this study indicate that the interpretation of QS. Al-Baqarah [2]: 168 needs to be developed again because the old interpretation cannot solve the problems that arise in the current era. In forming a new paradigm, the government of the Republic of Indonesia commodifies the halal value of religion. It implements the JPH Law as a new standard that is more specific and systematic in determining halal products. Research like this is interesting to find new solutions to every social problem from various scientific backgrounds.

Spice-Induced Metal Contamination and Microbiological Risk Assessment of Instant Noodles Prepared for Human Consumption.

With the rising worries of potential metal contamination in cooked noodles, this study aimed at unravelling, for the first time, the possible source of metal contamination in cooked noodles. Noodles cooked with full spices (CWFS), cooked with half spices (CWHS), cooked with quarter spices (CWQS), and cooked with no spices (CWNS: control) and their spices were analysed for metals using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The microbiological quality of the noodles was also evaluated. Metal concentrations in cooked noodles varied with spice quantity. Noodles CWFS had the highest significant (p < 0.05) concentration of Pb (0.36 ± 0.12mg/kg), Ni (1.05 ± 0.01mg/kg), Cd (0.07 ± 0.04mg/kg), Co (0.02 ± 0.002mg/kg), and Na (9.45 ± 0.04mg/kg), compared to the control (CWNS). The mean Pb and Ni of spice and cooked noodles were above the WHO acceptable limits for food and could be harmful to consumers. Pearson's correlation and PCA showed that packed noodle spices introduced metals into the cooked noodles. Although the hazard indices (adults and children) in all noodle's groups were less than 1, children still had the potential to contract cancer from Ni exposure because the carcinogenic risk values of CWQS (2.87 × 10-4), CWHS (3.03 × 10-4), and CWFS (3.21 × 10-4) were greater than 10-4. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of potential pathogens that showed multidrug resistance and the ability to elaborate protease and amylase enzymes. Given the impending chronic health risks inherent in processed noodles, consistent consumption should be avoided.

Analysis of the Relationship between Nutritional Behavior in Emergency Conditions and the Nutritional Status of Toddlers: The Case of the Semeru Eruption in Lumajang Regency

Toddlers are a group that is classified as vulnerable in disaster emergencies. One of the areas running a nutrition emergency program is Lumajang Regency, which also has a prevalence of severely wasted reaching 6.9%. A factor that indirectly influences the nutritional status of toddlers is the mother's nutritional fulfillment behavior. This can apply especially in disaster situations that cause local food limitations. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between nutritional behavior in emergency conditions and the nutritional status of toddlers. This research is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Data collection was carried out by filling out questionnaires for 44 parents of toddlers and measuring the nutritional status of 44 toddlers. Data analysis was carried out by giving a score on the questionnaire and calculating the z-score on the anthropometric data. The Sommers'd test was carried out to analyze the relationship between nutritional behavior and nutritional status. This research found there was no relationship between the mother’s nutritional behavior (including participation, reactions, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behavior) and the nutritional status of toddlers (p&gt;0.05). This can be caused by food availability factors which directly influence the nutritional status of toddlers.

Temporal Changes in Cd Sorption and Plant Bioavailability in Compost-Amended Soils

The application of Cd-contaminated phosphate fertiliser has enriched concentrations of this non-essential element in many agricultural soils. Consequently, concentrations of the metal in some agricultural products exceed the Maximum Limit in foods. Composts can reduce the transfer of Cd from soil to plants; however, it is unclear how long this beneficial effect endures. We aimed to determine temporal changes of phytoavailable Cd in two market garden soils (an Allophanic Orthic Granular Soil and a Recent Silt Loam). Soils were amended with either municipal green waste compost or sawdust and animal waste compost at a rate of 2.5% w/w under three incubation regimes: at 19 °C, at 30 °C, and at 30 °C with additional N added as urea at 0.6 g urea/kg soil added over 1 year. Each replicate was sampled after 1, 5, 9, 13, 21, 31, and 49 weeks, and phytoavailable Cd was estimated through 0.05 M Ca(NO3)2 extraction. Seed potato (Solanum tuberosum), ‘Nadine’ variety, was grown in the Pukekohe Allophanic Orthic Granular Soil, freshly amended with municipal compost and the same soil aged for one year. The concentration of Cd in all samples was analysed using an ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer). The C concentration in the soil—compost mixtures decreased over the year, with the greatest decreases occurring in the soils incubated at 30 °C with added N. Unexpectedly, the concentration of Ca(NO3)2-extractable Cd in the compost-amended soils did not increase over time and in some cases even decreased. This was confirmed through a pot experiment, which showed the Cd concentration in potato was reduced by 50% in both the freshly amended soil and the amended soil aged for one year. Cadmium immobilisation in soils might be due to both the sorption of Cd by organic matter and the occlusion of sorbed Cd by oxy-hydroxides of iron and aluminium. Over 49 weeks, soluble Cd does not increase as organic matter oxidises. The application of municipal compost to soil will reduce both plant Cd solubility and plant Cd uptake for at least one year in the soils tested.

Predation Risk, and Not Shelter or Food Availability, as the Main Determinant of Reproduction Investment in Island Lizards

Reproductive investment, including the number of offspring produced, is one of the fundamental characteristics of a species. It is particularly important for island vertebrates, which face a disproportionate number of threats to their survival, because it predicts, among other things, a species’ resilience to environmental disruption. Taxa producing more offspring recover more quickly from environmental perturbations and survive environmental change better. However, ecologists do not understand which primary drivers shape a species’ reproductive investment well. Here, we compare the reproductive efforts of 14 island populations of the Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii), which lives across widely diverging environmental conditions. We test three hypotheses, namely that reproductive investment (measured as clutch size, clutch volume) is (1) positively associated with predation risk [‘Predation Risk Hypothesis’]; (2) positively associated with the presence of reliable vegetation cover that provides shelter [‘Gravid Female Protection Hypothesis’]; and (3) limited by (and hence positively correlated with) food availability [‘Food Limitation Hypothesis’]. Although field data are somewhat consistent with all three hypotheses, statistical analyses provide strong support for the Predation Risk Hypothesis. The results not only shed light on which fundamental forces shape reproductive investment in island vertebrates, but can also help shape conservation priorities.

A methodology based on territorial metabolism analysis to assess the multi-criteria sustainability of African village terroirs with contrasted crop-livestock systems

CONTEXTAgricultural intensification to ensure food security and limit rural exodus is a major issue in sub-Saharan Africa. The potential of livestock farming to improve the sustainability of farming systems has been studied but rarely at the landscape level. However, because the herds move about in the landscape, thereby creating horizontal biomass and nutrient flows between plots and households, the landscape is the only level where all the interactions between the different components of the agro-ecosystem (animals, crops and trees) can be considered. OBJECTIVEOur objective was to develop a methodology that uses territorial metabolism for multicriteria assessment of sustainability to compare contrasted livestock systems. METHODSWe compare two neighboring village terroirs in the former groundnut basin of Senegal. One village (Diohine), has kept a “traditional extensive system” based on fallow, free grazing and night corralling, while the other (Barry) uses a “modern semi-intensive system” based on livestock fattening in which the livestock is stall-fed with feed concentrate and crop residues. During the survey, village households were asked to describe their practices and to quantify biomass and nitrogen (N) flows to enable us to calculate sustainability indicators (productivity, balance, efficiency, dependency, profitability) at plot, household and village terroir levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSAt village terroir level, introducing livestock fattening increased the livestock stocking rate (0.96 TLU ha-1 in Diohine and 2.31 TLU ha-1 in Barry) and spreading of solid manure on crop fields (respectively 337 and 482 kgDM ha-1). Fattening livestock requires large imports of feed concentrate, 23.67 kgN ha-1 in Barry versus 3.39 kgN ha-1 in Diohine. The improved livestock productivity of fattening (+217 kgLW ha-1) produces higher financial returns (+432€ household-1 year-1) that enable the use of more mineral fertilizers (6.28 kgN ha-1 in Barry versus 1.09 kgN ha-1 in Diohine). The additional N inputs in Barry enable increased yields of the main staple crop (millet) (+101 kgDM ha-1). The population density of Barry village is +78% higher (320 capita km-2 in Barry versus 180 capita km-2 in Diohine). The village nitrogen balance (24.88 kgN ha-1 in Barry versus 8.51 kgN ha-1 in Diohine) and N use efficiencies (respectively 0.64 and 0.15) demonstrate that nutrient cycling and soil fertility management are more sustainable in Barry. SIGNIFICANCEWe propose a methodology to rebuild territorial metabolism from surveys. Territorial metabolism is used to calculate a set of multi-criteria sustainability indicators. This methodology will be particularly useful in sub-Saharan Africa where data on agricultural systems are lacking.

Hormonal residues in chicken and cattle meat: A risk threat the present and future consumer health

The study was designated to determine some hormonal residues (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) in chicken and cattle meat as well as assess the risk of these residues for adult and child consumer health. A total of 92 chicken meat samples were collected from four different chicken farm sales outlets, and 56 cattle meat samples from two brands were collected from markets through 2022 in Assiut City, Egypt. An enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was used to measure the hormonal residues. Results showed that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of estradiol exceeded acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) in all analyzed samples except four chicken farm meat samples for adults only, which were below 0.05 μg/kg bw, and the hazard index (HI) of estradiol and testosterone residues for adults and children exceeded 1 in all examined samples of the study. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set safe limits for these anabolic hormones to ensure high food quality and quantity for humans, but in Egypt, monitoring and assessment of hormonal residues in food became very urgent as no safe limits have been set till now.

Food deprivation reduces sensitivity of liver Igf1 synthesis pathways to growth hormone in juvenile gopher rockfish (Sebastes carnatus)

Growth hormone (Gh) regulates growth in part by stimulating the liver to synthesize and release insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1), which then promotes somatic growth. However, for fish experiencing food limitation, elevated blood Gh can occur even with low circulating Igf1 and slow growth, suggesting that nutritional stress can alter the sensitivity of liver Igf1 synthesis pathways to Gh. Here, we examined how recent feeding experience affected Gh regulation of liver Igf1 synthesis pathways in juvenile gopher rockfish (Sebastes carnatus) to illuminate mechanisms underlying the nutritional modulation of Igf1 production. Juvenile gopher rockfish were maintained under conditions of feeding or complete food deprivation (fasting) for 14 d and then treated with recombinant sea bream (Sparus aurata) Gh or saline control. Gh upregulated hepatic igf1 mRNA levels in fed fish but not in fasted fish. The liver of fasted rockfish also showed a lower relative abundance of gene transcripts encoding teleost Gh receptors 1 (ghr1) and 2 (ghr2), as well as reduced protein levels of phosphorylated janus tyrosine kinase 2 (pJak2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pStat5), which function to induce igf1 gene transcription following Gh binding to Gh receptors. Relative hepatic mRNA levels for suppressors of cytokine signaling (Socs) genes socs2, socs3a, and socs3b were also lower in fasted rockfish. Socs2 can suppress Gh activation of Jak2/Stat5, and fasting-related variation in socs expression may reflect modulated inhibitory control of igf1 gene transcription. Fasted rockfish also had elevated liver mRNA abundances for lipolytic hormone-sensitive lipase 1 (hsl1) and Igf binding proteins igfbp1a, -1b and –3a, reduced liver mRNAs encoding igfbp2b and an Igfbp acid labile subunit-like (igfals) gene, and higher transcript abundances for Igf1 receptors igf1ra and igf1rb in skeletal muscle. Together, these findings suggest that food deprivation impacts liver Igf1 responsiveness to Gh via multiple mechanisms that include a downregulation of hepatic Gh receptors, modulation of the intracellular Jak2/Stat5 transduction pathway, and possible shifts in Socs-inhibitory control of igf1 gene transcription, while also demonstrating that these changes occur in concert with shifts in liver Igfbp expression and muscle Gh/Igf1 signaling pathway components.

Food limitation reduces risk avoidance by prey, but does not increase kill rates in a simple predator–prey system

AbstractPrey often induce antipredator behaviors when balancing food acquisition against safety. The starvation–predation hypothesis (SPH) posits that, during food shortages, the risk of starvation requires prey to forego antipredator behavior to increase feeding rates. Such shifts in antipredator behavior may further increase the risk of predation and therefore kill rates by predators. We tested the SPH and its consequences for kill rates in a single large prey, single large predator system. In the Argentine Andes, we evaluated whether risk avoidance by vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) decreased during periods of food scarcity. From three years of GPS relocations collected simultaneously from vicuñas and pumas (Puma concolor), resource selection functions revealed that vicuñas increased their exposure to pumas during nongrowing seasons by reducing the avoidance of canyons and increasing selection for meadows, both of which offer more food of higher quality than relatively safe plains. However, and despite vicuñas becoming more risk‐prone during nongrowing seasons, kill rates by pumas did not change between growing and nongrowing seasons. Contrary to evidence from mesocosm experiments, relaxation of antipredator behavior by prey did not translate into increased kill rates by predators. Our results enhance understanding of the interplay between food limitation and predator–prey interactions within ecosystems and may improve ecologists' ability to predict when and where behaviorally mediated trophic cascades are more likely to occur.

Sorbets as Functional Food Products, Unexplored Food Matrices, Their Challenges, and Advancements

Functional foods and beverages are becoming one of the leading food products on the global market today. This is predominately due to the consumer, industry and research-related interests in the use of food-derived products for the management of several chronic conditions. The diversity of currently available functional food products also provides an opportunity for the use of fruit-based sorbets as a carrier of functional ingredients. Therefore, the aim of this literature review is to explore the use of sorbets as a functional food product, which is one commercial method that can be utilized to provide health benefits, extend the shelf life of foods, and preserve nutrients and improve taste. Firstly, we provide an overview of sorbets as a functional food matrix, their development and implications for the absorption of functional ingredients in humans. We discuss the developmental considerations of functional foods, such as the technical conditions and physicochemical and organoleptic properties through which functional foods can provide beneficial health effects. These include product stability, metabolism of the functional food ingredient, its interactions with the food matrix and limitations related to its production. There is a paucity of clinical data that investigate the long-term health effects of products claiming additional functional benefits. Given the extensive potential benefits of functional bioactive food compounds and their heavy prevalence in the market, extensive research and further regulation is needed to ensure health recommendations for large populations in longitudinal clinical studies warranting any functional claim.

Movement behavior, habitat selection, and functional responses to habitat availability among four species of wintering waterfowl in California

IntroductionHabitat selection analyses provide a window into the perceived value of habitats by animals and how those perceptions compare with other animals, change across time, or change in relation to availability (termed functional responses). Habitat selection analysis and functional responses can be used to develop strategies to avoid habitat limitations, guide habitat management, and set attainable conservation goals. GPS relocations of marked animals are the principal data used in habitat selection analysis. The accuracy and frequency with which tracking devices collect data are increasing and may result in non-stationary point processes that result from latent behaviors previously unidentifiable in sparse data.MethodsWe investigated non-stationary step length distributions and integrated a two-mixture model of animal movement with step selection analysis to identify patterns of activity among four species of co-occurring waterfowl that winter in the Central Valley of California, United States. We evaluated relative strength of selection and compared functional responses across a range of habitat types for two goose and two dabbling duck species.ResultsGoose species (greater white-fronted goose [Anser albifrons] and lesser snow goose [Anser caerulescens caerulescens]) used habitats similarly and displayed similar functional responses with habitat availability. Northern pintail (Anas acuta) displayed functional responses for habitats that provided primary food resources and sanctuary from hunting that were more similar to geese than to mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), which expressed a more generalist pattern of habitat selection.DiscussionOur results define conditions where food resource competition between geese and ducks could operate, which indicate that some species may be more impacted than others. Specifically, early season food limitation may manifest more strongly in snow geese due to longer movements and stronger functional response with rice availability. Late season limitations may manifest in northern pintail, which remain reliant on rice later but may not be reflected in habitat selection patterns due to a consistent functional response with rice availability. We show that multiple movement processes present in high-resolution data can be used to obtain a variety of information about animal behavior and that subsequent step selection analyses may demonstrate unique functional responses relative to alternate habitat selection methods that warrant additional investigation.

Density-dependent population regulation in freshwater fishes and small mammals: A literature review and insights for Ecological Risk Assessment.

The regulation of populations through density dependence (DD) has long been a central tenet of studies of ecological systems. As an important factor in regulating populations, DD is also crucial for understanding risks to populations from stressors, including its incorporation into population models applied for this purpose. However, study of density-dependent regulation is challenging because it can occur through various mechanisms, and their identification in the field, as well as the quantification of the consequences on individuals and populations, can be difficult. We conducted a targeted literature review specifically focusing on empirical laboratory or field studies addressing negative DD in freshwater fish and small rodent populations, two vertebrate groups considered in pesticide Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA). We found that the most commonly recognized causes of negative DD were food (63% of 19 reviewed fish studies, 40% of 25 mammal studies) or space limitations (32% of mammal studies). In addition, trophic interactions were reported as causes of population regulation, with predation shaping mostly small mammal populations (36% of the mammal studies) and cannibalism impacting freshwater fish (26%). In the case of freshwater fish, 63% of the studies were experimental (i.e., with a length of weeks or months). They generally focused on the individual-level causes and effects of DD, and had a short duration. Moreover, DD affected mostly juvenile growth and survival of fish (68%). On the other hand, studies on small mammals were mainly based on time series analyzing field population properties over longer timespans (68%). Density dependence primarily affected survival in subadult and adult mammal stages and, to a lesser extent, reproduction (60% vs. 36%). Furthermore, delayed DD was often observed (56%). We conclude by making suggestions on future research paths, providing recommendations for including DD in population models developed for ERA, and making the best use of the available data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1225-1236. © 2023 Syngenta Crop Protection. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Influence of bacterial strains and incubation conditions on the viability and quality of biological silage for use in animal production

The objective of this estudio was to determine the viability of biological silage (EB) using two native BAL strains of chicken or pigs, molecularly identified, as fillet residue raw material (Rp) Chelidonichthys obscurusor Diplectrum conceptione, incubated at room temperature (RT) or compared with 30°C and 40°C. The BALs were evaluated biochemically. For the EB, 70% (Rp), 25% (molasses) and 5% (BAL inoculum) were used. The EB viability was measured according to the pH and percentage of titratable acidity (%A), (according to day 3-5-10-15-30). In incubation at RT, EB using Lactobacillus brevisfrom pigs and Enterococcus aviumfrom chickens, with two Rp, was viable from day 10. In incubation at different temperatures, fermentation is affected at 40°C (faster). The stability from day 10 with an EB temperature of 32 °C, the amount of BAL and undesirable microorganisms, were within the acceptable limit for fermented food, the protein value from 33,8% to 36,7%. in D. conceptioneand 33% to 33,16% in C. obscurus. The raw material and incubation temperature modifies the process and final product where the BAL strains used in the incubation are indifferent to the fermentation process.

Interactive roles of temperature and food availability in predicting habitat suitability for marine invertebrates

Natural variability in habitat characteristics, including their interactions, can affect marine invertebrate development. Controlled laboratory experiments seek to assess responses to such variability. For marine invertebrates, responses to temperature are typically assessed but a continuous gradient of all temperatures that a species may encounter is not frequently used. For planktonic larvae of marine invertebrates, biotic factors such as food availability receive less attention due to difficulty in simulating planktonic biotic interactions in a controlled laboratory setting. Here, a laboratory experiment was used to quantify larval development (growth, pelagic larval duration and survival) of the Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, in response to a continuous range of temperatures and food (phytoplankton) concentrations, allowing quantification of thermal and food availability niches. A second experiment was conducted to quantify the thermal and food availability niches for recruit (post-settlement) surfclams. These experiments were uniquely designed to inform future climate change-based forecasting and habitat suitability modeling. Larval growth and survival increased with increased food availability, while pelagic larval duration decreased with increased food availability. Larval survival decreased with increased temperature, growth peaked near 22 °C and pelagic larval duration was lowest near 22 °C. For recruits, survival and growth increased with both temperature and food availability, but growth decreased at temperatures >22 °C. Broadly, results suggest potential food limitation for continental shelf bivalve larvae and demonstrate that natural variation in food availability may affect thermal tolerances. Results also suggest that throughout the range of the surfclam, high food and moderate temperature areas such as New York Bight and Georges Bank are ideal for larvae and early recruits, whereas low food and high temperature areas, including continental shelf waters in the southern Middle Atlantic Bight, are suboptimal for early life stages of surfclams. This framework may be used for habitat suitability modeling, from an energetic perspective, for other marine invertebrate taxa.

Winter is coming: Interactions of multiple stressors in winter and implications for the natural world.

Winter is a key driver of ecological processes in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in higher latitudes. Species have evolved various adaptive strategies to cope with food limitations and the cold and dark wintertime. However, human-induced climate change and other anthropogenic stressors are impacting organisms in winter in unpredictable ways. In this paper, we show that global change experiments investigating multiple stressors have predominantly been conducted during summer months. However, effects of anthropogenic stressors sometimes differ between winter and other seasons, necessitating comprehensive investigations. Here, we outline a framework for understanding the different effects of anthropogenic stressors in winter compared to other seasons and discuss the primary mechanisms that will alter ecological responses of organisms (microbes, animals and plants). For instance, while the magnitude of some anthropogenic stressors can be greater in winter than in other seasons (e.g. some pollutants), others may alleviate natural winter stress (e.g. warmer temperatures). These changes can have immediate, delayed or carry-over effects on organisms during winter or later seasons. Interactions between stressors may also vary with season. We call for a renewed research direction focusing on multiple stressor effects on winter ecology and evolution to fully understand, and predict, how ecosystems will fare under changing winters. We also argue the importance of incorporating the interactions of anthropogenic stressors with winter into ecological risk assessments, management and conservation efforts.

Liver Glycogen as a Sensitive Indicator of Food Limitation in Delta Smelt

AbstractAssessing habitat quality is a major goal of conservationists and restoration practitioners, but to associate habitat quality with biomarkers of vagile animals, the biomarkers must respond rapidly. Here, we identified a biomarker capable of rapidly detecting food limitation in the imperiled Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), a pelagic fish endemic to the San Francisco Estuary (SFE). We conducted an experiment with fed and unfed treatments of hatchery-raised, sub-adult Delta Smelt that were sampled at 12 time points: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, and 21 days. We then compared four biomarkers using Day 21 fish: RNA/DNA in liver, triglycerides in liver, glycogen in liver, and glycogen in muscle. Of the liver endpoints, glycogen had the largest difference between treatments at Day 21, so we compared it to muscle glycogen across all time points. Liver glycogen declined by 60% after 1 day of fasting and remained depressed in the fasting treatment across all subsequent time points. Muscle glycogen also responded rapidly, taking only 2 days to decline by 39% in the fasting treatment, but the difference was inconsistent across subsequent time points. When applied to hatchery-released Delta Smelt collected from the SFE, liver glycogen concentrations were less than half that of the fed hatchery fish, consistent with the hypothesis of food limitation in the wild, but also several other potential causes. This study highlights the utility of liver glycogen as an indicator of recent foraging success in Delta Smelt.

Recent Advances in the Determination of Veterinary Drug Residues in Food.

The presence of drug residues in food products has become a growing concern because of the adverse health risks and regulatory implications. Drug residues in food refer to the presence of pharmaceutical compounds or their metabolites in products such as meat, fish, eggs, poultry and ready-to-eat foods, which are intended for human consumption. These residues can come from the use of drugs in the field of veterinary medicine, such as antibiotics, antiparasitic agents, growth promoters and other veterinary drugs given to livestock and aquaculture with the aim of providing them as prophylaxis, therapy and for promoting growth. Various analytical techniques are used for this purpose to control the maximum residue limit. Compliance with the maximum residue limit is very important for food manufacturers according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Union (EU) regulations. Effective monitoring and control of drug residues in food requires continuous advances in analytical techniques. Few studies have been reviewed on sample extraction and preparation techniques as well as challenges and future directions for the determination of veterinary drug residues in food. This current review focuses on the overview of regulations, classifications and types of food, as well as the latest analytical methods that have been used in recent years (2020-2023) for the determination of drug residues in food so that appropriate methods and accurate results can be used. The results show that chromatography is still a widely used technique for the determination of drug residue in food. Other approaches have been developed including immunoassay, biosensors, electrophoresis and molecular-based methods. This review provides a new development method that has been used to control veterinary drug residue limit in food.