Individual Nutritional Requirements Research Articles

Adaptability and Bromatological Characterization of Grass Varieties (Cichorium Sp, Plantago Menor, Pennisetum Clandestenium)

Objective: The present research aimed to characterize the bromatological composition of three grass varieties in the flowering stage. Theoretical Framework: The text emphasizes the crucial importance of forage quality in milk production, especially in tropical zones. It highlights that forage quality, determined by its digestibility and nutritional content, varies according to factors such as climate, soil, and management practices. Additionally, the text underscores the need to adjust cow feeding according to their production stage and individual nutritional requirements, considering factors such as body weight, body condition, and forage intake. Method: A non-parametric exploratory investigation was conducted, analyzing three treatments using the statistical software INFOSTAT. MANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were applied for multivariate analysis, using the Wilks, Pillai, Lauley, Hotelling, and Roy statistical software through a DCA. Results and Discussion: With the values obtained from the Tukey mean test (p>0.05) of the evaluated grasses, kikuyo had protein values of 2.63, crude fiber of 2.24, and fat of 0.30, showing a significant difference. Chicory had a higher range in moisture with 90.45, and its values were 2.01 for protein, 1.41 for crude fiber, 0.30 for fat, and 1.76 for ash. Finally, plantain had values of 1.86 for crude fiber, 2.15 for protein, 87.80 for moisture, 0.24 for fat, and 1.52 for ash. Implications of the research: The implications of this research are highly relevant to the livestock sector, especially in tropical zones. By demonstrating the importance of forage quality in milk production and how factors such as climate, soil, and management practices influence this quality, it opens up a wide range of possibilities to improve the efficiency and sustainability of production systems. Originality/Value: The originality and value of this research lie in its practical and applied approach to a specific reality. While the relationship between forage quality and animal production is a widely studied topic, this research provides a particular perspective by focusing on the specific conditions of tropical zones and providing practical recommendations for dairy producers.

446 A stochastic, dynamic agent-based model of swine nutrient requirements for the growing finishing production phase

Abstract Agent-based modeling (ABM) is a powerful tool that offers the flexibility to represent the stochasticity exhibited by swine systems due to individual animal nutritional requirements. ABM can also accurately mimic the biological dynamic growth performance of pigs. Addressing and simulating the biological growth dynamics enables precision nutrition and sustainable production management. To realistically replicate the nutrient requirement and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs, we developed an ABM based on the principles and equations from the eleventh Swine Nutrient Requirement Council Model. Each individual pig (agent) in the model had a starting weight of 20 kg and a fixed finishing weight of 140 kg, with a variable number of days on feed. Our model considers three sexes: gilt, barrow, and intact male. Pigs move through the farm, feed, and interact with the environment. Our model dynamically simulates the complex interactions between feed intake, metabolism, and growth processes of growing pigs, thereby being a virtual visualizable growing-finishing swine farm (Figure 1). The basic parameters of the biological growth of pigs, including the body weight, feed intake, metabolizable energy (ME) intake, maintenance ME requirements, protein deposition (Pd), lipid deposition (Ld), and probe backfat thickness (Figure 2), were modeled based on NRC equations. In addition to the above parameters, the daily amino acid, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) requirements for individual pigs were calculated daily. To demonstrate ABM responsiveness to feeding strategies, ractopamine supplementation is included to evaluate the impact on protein deposition. The ABM offers more personalized nutrition management by considering unique pig growth potential and nutritional needs based on characteristics such as age and sex, which can lead to improved growth performance and feed efficiency. Besides, the ABM enables the modeling of population-level dynamics and the evaluation of different feeding scenarios to optimize growth outcomes by allocating optimized feed based on individual nutritional needs. Our ABM will be used to test different feeding management strategies and scenarios, providing valuable insights into the impact of various factors on pig nutrition and growth outcomes while minimizing both time and financial expenditures. Our ABM aims to provide a robust framework for simulating and optimizing feeding strategies and enhancing overall pig production efficiency by leveraging the comprehensive and scientifically validated guidelines provided in the NRC. To verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed ABM, the results generated by the model were rigorously evaluated and compared with the NRC model results. The results demonstrated a highly satisfactory prediction performance by our ABM, paving the way for more real-time decisions to be made for daily feed management on growing-finishing swine operations.

Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics: Special emphasis on optimization of human health and animal performance

Environmental factors, food’s nutrients, and genetic makeup play an important role in phenotypic appearance of a trait via the principles of biological sciences. The nutritional genomics focuses on the interaction between bioactive food components and the genome, which includes nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. The influence of nutrients on genes expression is called nutrigenomics, while the heterogeneous response of gene variants to dietary nutrients is called nutrigenetics. Nutrigenomics is providing the effects of ingested food’s nutrients on gene expression and gene regulation, i.e., diet-gene interaction in order to identify the dietetic components having beneficial or detrimental health effects. It elucidates that how DNA and genetic code influence the need for specific nutrients and also within specific quantities are required for maintaining good health throughout life. It is helpful to determine the personalized diet that means individual nutritional requirements based on the genetic makeup of the person as well as clarifies some etiological perspectives of chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes, cancer, obesity and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) because of associations between diet and chronic diseases. Rearing of farmed animals is a vital component of global food production systems, its impact on the environment, human health, animal welfare, and biodiversity is being increasingly challenged. Developments in genetic and genomic technologies have had a key role in improving the productivity of farmed animals for decades. The goal of discussing these issues is to get a better understanding of basic biological issues and to apply their knowledge to practical problems such as medicine, and improvement of animal performance. Therefore, this review article is focus on the role of genes and the use of genomic techniques in human health, as well as animals’ well-being and welfare.

Role of Chia Seeds in Fitness

Sports drinks typically contain high levels of carbs, which are a useful energy source. Sports drinks also help to keep the body in balance, enhance performance, and include several electrolytes that, when taken before or during intense activity, can enhance performance. Sports drink formulations should take into account the individual energy, nutritional, fluid, and electrolyte requirements of athletes, taking into account the phase of exercise (before, during, or after). A balanced, healthy diet that includes chia seeds and regular exercise can help athletes meet their performance objectives while also maintaining their general health.

McDonald's food target recognition and calorie display based on YOLOv5 algorithm

This research paper delves into the development and assessment of a novel food recognition and evaluation system tailored for McDonald's menu items, leveraging the capabilities of the YOLOv5 algorithm. The study demonstrates that the system can successfully identify McDonald's food items from images and seamlessly query calorie and nutritional information from a backend database. The data is then presented to the user, aiding in more informed dietary choices and promoting public health awareness. The system has particular utility for McDonald's customers, facilitating real-time decisions that align with individual health goals and nutritional requirements. Our experimental findings show a high degree of accuracy and efficiency, although the system's scope is currently limited to five key menu items. Future directions for this work include expanding the range of recognizable food categories and implementing user feedback mechanisms to refine recognition accuracy. Moreover, the paper discusses potential optimizations for reducing system response time and further enhancing the practical utility of the technology. This research serves as a significant step towards utilizing computer vision technologies for public health interventions, aiming to combat the rise of obesity and related diseases.

Investigation of carrot/squid blends as edible inks for extrusion 3D printing: Effect of hydrocolloids incorporation

Extrusion-based food printing is an emerging technology that enables the creation of personalized food products in terms of shapes and designs while satisfying individual nutritional and sensory requirements. The present study focused on the optimization of carrot- and squid-based ink formulations for extrusion-based three-dimensional (3D) printing while systematically investigating the impacts of varying hydrocolloids on the water retention, rheological characteristics, and printing performance of the inks. Of the ten food hydrocolloids, xanthan gum (XG) and alginate had the greatest effect on preventing water syneresis in the inks. Moreover, the inks supplemented with hydrocolloids exhibited proper shear-thinning behavior, softer network strength, and lower yield stress than the control ink. Three-interval thixotropy (3ITT) test results also revealed an enhanced solid-like character after nonlinear deformation in the inks with XG, alginate, or high-methoxyl (HM) pectin addition. Finally, 3D printing assessment showed that only the addition of XG or alginate allowed smooth extrusion and precise filament stacking into the predefined geometry, which was attributed to the homogeneity of the inks resulting from their superior water-holding capacity. 3D constructs fabricated using XG-added ink achieved time-dependent structural stability, whereas alginate addition caused slight filament sagging owing to insufficient self-supporting ability. Collectively, XG was found to be the best additive for carrot/squid-based printing, providing useful suggestions for future investigations on determining the 3D/4D printing and post-printing processes of carrot or squid powder-based nutritious inks.

Optimizing Animal Nutrition and Sustainability Through Precision Feeding: A Mini Review of Emerging Strategies and Technologies

Abstract Precision feeding, a practice involving customized diets tailored to individual nutritional requirements, has emerged as a promising paradigm within animal production, underpinned by advanced technologies and data analytics. This mini review embarks on an exploration of the evolutionary trajectory of precision feeding and its profound ramifications on animal nutrition, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Prominent technological advancements, exemplified by sensors and automation, have wrought transformative change across various sectors, spanning from dairy farming to poultry production. These technological innovations facilitate real-time monitoring and data accrual, thereby augmenting feed efficiency and fostering animal well-being. Environmental sustainability assumes an integral role in the precision feeding paradigm. Through the reduction of feed wastage and the minimization of nutrient excretion, it serves as a potent mitigating solution against the environmental footprint synonymous with livestock production. This entails a noteworthy reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the prevention of water pollution. The interplay between precision feeding and animal welfare is intricate and multifaceted. On one hand, it furnishes farmers with the capability to expeditiously monitor and address animal health issues. On the other hand, it poses challenges associated with social interactions and the fulfilment of individualized nutritional needs. The future trajectory of precision feeding is inherently tied to the resolution of imminent challenges, including the imperative for real-time monitoring, the development of cost-effective large-scale implementation, and comprehensive elucidation of long-term effects on animal health and welfare. The ensuing panorama portends promising prospects, encompassing the optimization of resource efficiency, diminution of environmental impacts, and the formulation of personalized nutritional strategies. In summation, precision feeding stands as a domain teeming with potential, poised to optimize both animal nutrition and the sustainability quotient within animal production. Realizing this potential hinge on the adept addressing of forthcoming challenges, coupled with the astute harnessing of emergent technologies, in our collective pursuit of a more sustainable and ethically principled agricultural landscape.

Patch choice decisions by a fission–fusion forager as a test of the ecological constraints model

Chapman et al.’s (Behav Ecol Sociobiol 36:59–70, 1995) ecological constraints model posits that the size and distribution of food patches place restrictions upon foraging group size. Larger groups incur increased travel costs for any given array of patches, and thus, to fulfil individual energetic and nutritional requirements, foragers should adjust group sizes to balance energy obtained against that spent on travelling. Support for this model comes from both comparative and species-specific studies but findings are contradictory, and the utility of the model has been questioned. This study provides a rigorous test, analysing measurements from distinct food patches and individual inter-patch movements, on an appropriately shorter temporal scale. Using data drawn from two social groups of a species characterised by a high degree of fission–fusion dynamics, the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), we show that larger parties foraged in larger food patches and for longer durations, and that larger parties were associated with further travel between patches. Overt contest competition over food increased with party size. We found no evidence of distinct sex differences in either party size or travel distances: the predictive power of forager sex was low compared to that of ecological variables. We propose that analysis at the patch level is more appropriate than a daily averaging approach that may smooth out the very variation being investigated. Our findings suggest that, despite certain limitations, Chapman et al.’s (Behav Ecol Sociobiol 36:59–70, 1995) model of ecological constraints remains a useful tool. Ecology does indeed constrain grouping patterns, and the impact of this is not necessarily differentiated by sex.Significance statementForaging animals face the ‘more mouths to feed’ problem: as the numbers in a group increase, the group must travel further to find enough food, using up energy. Hence, foragers should adjust numbers to minimise these costs, but tests of this idea have proved inconclusive. We investigated the foraging behaviour of chimpanzees, a species with highly flexible grouping, considering their travel between specific patches of food. We found clear support for this proposition, with larger patches of food hosting larger numbers of foragers, and such groups having to travel further to find food. Although it is often thought that female animals should respond more strongly to foraging costs, we found little evidence of sex differences. Our results show that ecology does indeed constrain grouping patterns, and that the impact is felt equally by males and females.

A 3‐D approach to personalised nutrition

A <scp>3‐D</scp> approach to personalised nutrition

The Dietary Intake of Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis Is Less Than the Prescribed Half: It Is Not Enough to Prescribe, It Is Necessary to Monitor

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the prescribed nutrition with dietary intake in hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Methods This is a cross-sectional study performed with hospitalized decompensated cirrhotic patients. The individual nutritional requirements were determined through the registered dietitian and the patient's nutrition prescription was checked from the electronic medical records. A one-day food record was applied to all participants, who received prior guidance on how to properly report their meals. Data are expressed as mean ± SD or median [interquartile range]. The student's t-test was used to compare variables with a parametric distribution and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for those with a non-parametric distribution. P &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results This study included 94 patients with a mean age of 60.3 ± 9.3 years and 64.8% were men. The main etiology of cirrhosis was hepatitis C (27.6%). Ascites was the most common complication, with a prevalence of 73.4%. The mean energy prescribed and the actual mean dietary intake were 2191.25 ± 295.77 kcal/d (31.25 ± 7.7 kcal/kg/d) and 1289.40 ± 509.71 kcal/d (18.61 ± 7.93 kcal/kg/d), respectively. The actual mean dietary intake was 902.68 ± 475.08 kcal/d less than the energy prescribed, p &amp;lt; 0.001. The median protein prescribed and the actual median protein intake were 94 g/d [88.9–110] (1.4 g/kg/d [1.2–1.7]) and 51.44 g/d [34.79–64.84] (0.7 g/ptn/d [0.5–0.9]), respectively. The actual median protein intake was 48.69 g/d [34.07–64.70] less than the protein prescribed, P &amp;lt; 0.001. The mean carbohydrate prescribed and the actual mean carbohydrate intake were 304.77 ± 80.74 g/d and 179.65 ± 73.62 g/d, respectively. The actual mean carbohydrate intake was 124.57 ± 96.82 less than the carbohydrate prescribed, P &amp;lt; 0.001. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that patients with decompensated cirrhosis have inadequate food intake. Encourage eating and monitoring of the daily food intake should be part of the management of these patients and occur throughout hospitalization. Funding Sources This study was supported by a CAPES and FIPE/HCPA scholarship. The sources of funding were not involved in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data.

P0951THE DIETARY TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 AND FEATURES OF PROTEIN-ENERGY WASTING

Abstract Background and Aims The percentage of patients receiving RRT for ESRD secondary to diabetes mellitus (DM) is equal to 20-30% nowadays and is trending upward. Unfavourable changes in nutrition and body composition is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis. DM type 2 (DM2) coupled with CKD is an additional factor for nutrition abnormalities in dialysis patients due to more prominent inflammatory status and insulin resistance. Resting energy expenditure is significantly higher in hemodialysis patients with DM2 than in those without it. Daily energy intake as usual is substantially less than required in the most dialysis patient, suggesting that patients could develop protein-calorie wasting and sarcopenia. The aims of our study were to compare of nutritional status in hemodialysis patients with and without DM2 and to treat revealed nutritional abnormalities by correction of the protein and energy intake. Method 79 hemodialysis patients (aged 50 to 70 years) were divided in two groups: 40 with DM2 and 39 without DM2. The groups didn’t distinguish by age, gender, comorbidity, dialysis duration and adequacy. In the DM2 group there were no patients with severe diabetes complications or decompensation. All patients kept a 3-days food diary for assessment of protein and other nutrients and energy intake. The examination, which included anthropometry, measurement of body composition by bioimpedance analysis, biochemical parameters (serum albumin, transthyretin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins 1 and 6 (IL1 and IL6), advanced glycation endproducts (AGE)), was performed at baseline, and then after 6 and 12 weeks of the dietary treatment. The pattern of the diet for every patient was based on the individual parameters of nutrient and energy intake obtained from the food diary. The aim of the diet was to make good the deficit of protein and energy intake. Results Baseline BMI and degree of abdominal obesity were significantly higher in DM2 group, but lean mass (LM), hand grip strength and gait velocity were significantly less. The significantly more decreased level of transthyretin was identified in DM2 group. Levels of AGE and CRP were not different between the groups, but were twice higher of normal range. IL6 was significantly higher in DM2 group. Protein and energy intake were under dietary recommendations for dialysis patients in DM2 group. We identified positive association between protein intake and levels of albumin and transthyretin and negative with IL1, IL6 and AGE in patients with DM2. In patients without DM2 we revealed negative correlation between LM and CRP. The dynamic of the main anthropometric and biochemical parameters are represented in the table. Conclusion A degree of persistent inflammation and sarcopenia more prominent in hemodialysis patients with DM2. Absence of appetite due to inflammation is a probable cause of low protein and energy intake in those patients. Balanced diet based on individual nutritional requirements can effectively improve nutritional status of the dialysis patients with DM2 and decrease inflammation.

The older patient's experience of the healthcare chain and information when undergoing colorectal cancer surgery according to the enhanced recovery after surgery concept.

To describe how older patients experience the healthcare chain and information given before, during and after colorectal cancer surgery. Most persons with colorectal cancer are older than 70years and undergo surgery with subsequent enhanced recovery programmes aiming to quickly restore preoperative function. However, adaptation of such programmes to suit the older patient has not been made. Qualitative descriptive study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 16 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery at a Swedish University Hospital. The inductive content analysis was employed. During the period of primary investigation and diagnosis, a paucity of information regarding the disease and management, and lack of help in coping with the diagnosis of cancer and its impact on future life, leads to a feeling of vulnerability. During their stay in hospital, the patient's negative perception of the hospital environment, their need for support, and uncertainty and anxiety about the future are evident. After discharge, rehabilitation is perceived as lacking in structure and individual adaptation, leading to disappointment. Persistent difficulty with nutrition delays recovery, and confusion regarding division of responsibility between primary and specialist care leads to increased anxiety and feelings of vulnerability. Information on self-care is perceived as inadequate. Furthermore, provided information is not always understood and therefore not useful. Information before and after surgery must be tailored to meet the needs of older persons, considering the patient's knowledge and ability to understand. Furthermore, individual nutritional requirements and preoperative physical activity and status must be taken into account when planning rehabilitation. Patient information must be personalised and made understandable. This can improve self-preparation and participation in the own recovery. Special needs must be addressed early and followed up.

Translation of Nutritional Genomics into Nutrition Practice: The Next Step.

Genetics is an important piece of every individual health puzzle. The completion of the Human Genome Project sequence has deeply changed the research of life sciences including nutrition. The analysis of the genome is already part of clinical care in oncology, pharmacology, infectious disease and, rare and undiagnosed diseases. The implications of genetic variations in shaping individual nutritional requirements have been recognised and conclusively proven, yet routine use of genetic information in nutrition and dietetics practice is still far from being implemented. This article sets out the path that needs to be taken to build a framework to translate gene–nutrient interaction studies into best-practice guidelines, providing tools that health professionals can use to understand whether genetic variation affects nutritional requirements in their daily clinical practice.

Feed Conversion Efficiency, Milk Production and Methane Emission in Cows Fed Balanced Rations Containing Bypass Protein Feed

A field study was conducted on early lactating crossbred cows (n=27) to evaluate the effect of feeding balanced rations containing bypass protein feed on feed conversion efficiency (FCE), milk production, metabolic profile and enteric methane emission. Nutritional status of animals before feeding balanced ration was assessed by using ration balancing software developed by NDDB. Thereafter, the ration of each cow was balanced as per individual's nutritional requirements and fed for 40 days. Feeding practice revealed that dietary intake of protein and energy was higher by 9.9 and 5.0%, respectively whereas calcium and phosphorus intake was lower by 33.9 and 27.0%, respectively than the requirements of cows. Balanced feeding improved (P<0.01) daily milk yield and fat corrected milk (FCM) by 4.5 and 8.0%, respectively whereas cost of milk production (/kg FCM) reduced by 8.6% (P<0.01). Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) improved (P<0.01) by 12.3 and 19.0%, respectively after feeding balanced rations in cows. Balanced feeding reduced (P<0.05) faecal nitrogen loss and parasitic infestation by 10.0 and 44.4%, respectively. Level of immunoglobulin IgA increased by 37.5% (P<0.01) whereas blood urea nitrogen reduced by 33.2% (P<0.01) after feeding balanced rations in cows. Balanced feeding included bypass protein feed reduced (P<0.01) enteric methane emission by 13.5 and 17.9% when expressed in terms of g/d and g/kg milk yield, respectively. Hence, balanced feeding with higher rumen un-degradable protein has potential for improving FCE, NUE, milk production, health status and reducing enteric methane emission in dairy cows

Editorial: The Human Gutome: Nutrigenomics of Host-Microbiome Interactions

The concept of the “Human Gutome,” as a unifying term for multilevel system interaction between the microbiome and the human digestive tract, was established in 2011 (Dimitrov, 2011). In the effort to overcome low translatability of bench-to-bedside research, two major approaches gained recent attention, namely the computational modeling of human metabolism (Aurich and Thiele, 2016) and organ-on-chip, including gut-on-chip tools (Shah et al., 2016). Human digestion starts in the mouth and the correlation between oral microbial species and health is well established (Lockhart et al., 2012). Previously, we also suggested a practical model of cross-talk among diet, oral microbial pathogens and disease susceptibility (Dimitrov). Precision nutrition takes into account nutritional epidemiology across different ethnic groups, differences in macro and micro nutrient intake during lifespan, snapshot or longitudinal multi-omics profiles with or without nutritional challenges in different phenotypes, as well as personalized tailor-made and/or algorithm-based diets targeting individual nutritional requirements for disease prevention or in conjunction with dedicated dietary recommendations with or without pharmacotherapy (Ferguson et al., 2016). The papers in this issue present inter-disciplinary approaches of research of system biology (Shoaie and Nielsen) and medical practice (Salazar et al.). They look at the dynamic systems of the human body as part of an integrated whole (Magnusdottir et al.). Models on extensive experimental data are applied (Adamberg et al.; Ahmed Nasef et al.), and aim to understand disease mechanism and suggest personalized treatments (Tailford et al.).

Determinants of daily path length in black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in northeastern Argentina.

Models used to explain the social organization of primates suggest that variation in daily path length (DPL) is a response to variation in resource distribution and the intensity of intragroup feeding competition. However, daily path length may be affected by a number of other factors including the availability and distribution of nutritionally complementary food items, temperature which can influence activity budget, patterns of subgrouping, and the frequency and function of intergroup encounters. In this 6-month study (total 495 hr of quantitative data), we examined daily path lengths in two neighboring groups of black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) inhabiting a semi-deciduous gallery forest in San Cayetano (27° 30'S, 58° 41'W), in the northwest province of Corrientes, Argentina. Both study groups were of similar size and composition. We identified relationships across groups between time spent feeding on fruits, leaves, and flowers, the number of trees visited, group spread, frequency of intergroup encounters, mean daily temperature, and DPL. Our results suggest that variation in food availability had a significant impact on howler ranging behavior by increasing DPL under conditions of high immature and mature fruit availability, and by decreasing DPL with increased availability and increased time invested in feeding on mature leaves. These results do not support the contention that a reduction in food availability or an increase in within-group feeding competition increased DPL in black and gold howler monkeys. DPL in black and gold howlers is influenced by several interrelated factors. In this regard we suggest that models of socio-ecology and ecological constraints need to reconsider how factors such as individual nutritional requirements, social tolerance and group cohesion, and the spatial and temporal availability of preferred and nearby food resources influence primate ranging behavior. Am. J. Primatol. 78:825-837, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nutrigenomics: concept, advances and applications

The interface between the nutritional environment and cellular/genetic processes is referred to as Nutritional genomics or Nutrigenomics. It seeks to understand the effects of diet on an individual's genes and health. Nutrigenomics seeks to provide a genetic understanding for how common dietary chemicals (i.e., nutrition) affect the balance between health and disease by altering the expression or structure of an individual's genetic makeup. It is the science that examines the response of individuals to food compounds using post-genomic and related technologies (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics etc.). Nutritional genetics is considered as the combination of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics. Nutrigenomics is establishing the effects of ingested nutrients and other food components on gene expression and gene regulation. It will also determine the individual nutritional requirements based on the genetic makeup of the person (personalized diet) as well as the association between diet and chronic diseases which will help to understand the etiologic aspects of chronic diseases such as cancer, type-2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVS). Nutrigenetics on the other hand identifies how the genetic makeup of a particular individual co-ordinates his or her response to various dietary nutrients. It also reveals why and how people respond differently to the same nutrient. The long-term aim of nutrigenomics is to understand how the whole body responds to real foods using an integrated approach termed 'systems biology'. The huge advantage in this approach is that the studies can examine people (i.e. populations, sub-populations - based on genes or disease and individuals), food, life-stage and life-style without preconceived ideas. Nutrigenomic approaches will enhance researcher abilities to maintain animal health, optimize animal performance and improve milk and meat quality.

Short-term sodium inputs attract microbi-detritivores and their predators

Understanding individual nutritional requirements can generate good predictions for how communities should be structured over gradients of nutrient availability. Sodium (Na) bioaccumulates from plants to predators: it is relatively unimportant for plants, which concentrate very little Na in their tissues, but critical for consumers, which concentrate Na well above plant levels. Thus, plant consumers are likely Na-limited but their predators, which consume salty prey, are likely not. From this framework, we can make predictions about how an entire community should respond to Na subsidies in Na-poor environments. We tested these predictions in an interior Amazonian brown (detrital) food web. Specifically, we quantified the responses of microbi-detritivores and their predators to experimental pulses of Na by adding 250 ml 0.5% NaCl solution that mimicked patchy urine deposition, or river water as controls, to 55 paired 0.25 m2 plots every other day. We regularly harvested plots over a 19 day period. Consistent with the hypothesis of Na-limitation among plant consumers, the response (effect size) to Na addition by microbi-detritivores like termites was >6 times that of predators. Moreover, consistent with the bioaccumulation of Na, fewer predatory invertebrates increased on +NaCl plots, thus trophic position alone was a good predictor of response. Our results support the Na bioaccumulation hypothesis and suggest that patchy, short-term Na inputs (like urine) facilitate heterogeneity in these leaf litter communities. Further, this study demonstrates that combining principles from nutritional and community ecology can generate predictions about how communities should be structured over gradients of nutrient availability with good accuracy.

Temperal Trends in Wine and Food Consumption in Italy

There is a strong link between drinking wine and eating meals in Italy, that can explain the decrease in wine drinking between the 1970s and the 2000s. At the end of the 1960s greater amounts of food than in the previous decade were eaten, in particular cereals, and individual nutritional requirements were met. Food consumption continued growing during the early 1970s, while traditional food items of the rural past were becoming less popular and were being replaced by new ones preferred by the newer generations. The first food item to lose in popularity was wine, followed by bread and pasta. In the 1980s and 1990s, new social and cultural tendencies emerged. Expenditures on food as a proportion of income kept going down. Again, wine consumption kept decreasing.

Molecular Ecological Analysis of the Gastrointestinal Microbiota: A Review

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota of mammals is characterized by its high population density, wide diversity and complexity of interactions. While all major groups of microbes are represented, bacteria predominate. Importantly, bacterial cells outnumber animal (host) cells by a factor of ten and have a profound influence on nutritional, physiological and immunological processes in the host animal. Our knowledge of the molecular and cellular bases of host-microbe interactions is limited, though critically needed to determine if and how the GI microbiota contributes to various enteric disorders in humans and animals. Traditionally, GI bacteria have been studied via cultivation-based techniques, which are labor intensive and require previous knowledge of individual nutritional and growth requirements. Recently, findings from culture-based methods have been supplemented with molecular ecology techniques that are based on the 16S rRNA gene. These techniques enable characterization and quantification of the microbiota, while also providing a classification scheme to predict phylogenetic relationships. The choice of a particular molecular-based approach depends on the questions being addressed. Clone libraries can be sequenced to identify the composition of the microbiota, often to the species level. Microbial community structure can be analyzed via fingerprinting techniques, while dot blot hybridization or fluorescent in situ hybridization can measure abundance of particular taxa. Emerging approaches, such as those based on functional genes and their expression and the combined use of stable isotopes and biomarkers, are being developed and optimized to study metabolic activities of groups or individual organisms in situ. Here, a critical summary is provided of current molecular ecological approaches for studying the GI microbiota.