Raw Food Research Articles

Internal exposure to heat-induced food contaminants in omnivores, vegans and strict raw food eaters: biomarkers of exposure to 2- and 3-monochloropropanediol (urinary excretion) and glycidol (hemoglobin adduct N-2,3-dihydroxypropyl-Val).

Fatty acid esters of 2/3-monochloropropanediol (2/3-MCPD) and glycidol are formed mainly during heat processing (deodorization) of vegetable oils, and are hydrolyzed by lipases in the gastrointestinal tract leading to the absorption of 2/3-MCPD and glycidol. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified 3-MCPD as possibly and glycidol as probably carcinogenic to humans. The aims of the current work were to clarify the exposure to 2/3-MCPD and glycidol associated with different dietary habits (omnivore, vegan, raw-food eating), and the exposure development between 2017 and 2021 in German study participants. The questions were addressed using the daily urinary excretion of 2/3-MCPD and the hemoglobin adduct N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-Val (DHP-Val) formed from glycidol as biomarkers of exposure, which were determined in two dietary studies including 36 omnivores, 36 vegans and 16 strict raw food eaters (abstaining from any heated food for at least four months). The median urinary excretion of 2- and 3-MCPD in non-smoking omnivores and vegans was 0.87 and 1.35µg/day (2-MCPD), respectively, and 0.79 and 1.03µg/day (3-MCPD), respectively. The 2/3-MCPD concentrations in urine samples of raw food eaters were usually below the limit of detection. The median DHP-Val levels in non-smoking vegans and omnivores were 3.9pmol/g Hb each, and 1.9pmol/g Hb in raw food eaters. Between 2017 and 2021, the exposure to 3-MCPD and glycidol did not change, however, the median 2-MCPD excretion decreased (p = 0.02, omnivores and vegans combined). The correlation between daily excretions of 2/3-MCPD determined 4years apart was weak, whereas a moderate correlation was observed for DHP-Val (rS = 0.66) in this timeframe. In conclusion, the exposure to glycidol in omnivores and vegans was alike, whereas the 2/3-MCPD exposure was somewhat (albeit not significantly) higher in vegans. While 2/3-MCPD were hardly detectable in urine samples of raw food eaters, the median DHP-Val level (about 50% of those in omnivores) indicates a glycidol source independent of the dietary exposure.

Physicochemical and sensory characterization of raw tuna muscle for plant-based fish analogs development purposes

Plant-based fish analogs are in trend for their potential to reduce overfishing and for providing enriched dietary options. Tuna is popular for raw food applications, especially the bluefin species group (Thunnus thynnus, T. orientalis and T. maccoyii) and yellowfin (T. albacares). The objective was to characterize the raw muscle of these species, identifying the most important traits and providing reference values for the development of plant-based analogs. Key factors to mimic in raw fish analogs include achieving a protein content of 25 %, emphasizing omega-3 DHA, and incorporating essential micronutrients. Visual attributes, such as color, translucency, and macrostructural aspects must be meticulously replicated. Additionally, capturing the subtle, delicate taste and aroma and replicating instrumental texture measurements are crucial yet challenging. This study highlights the importance of balancing nutrition, taste, texture, and visual appeal together to achieve consumer satisfaction, provides reference values, and establishes a pathway for developing plant-based raw tuna analogs.

Larval Rearing of the Giant Trevally, Caranx ignobilis (Forsskål, 1775), Fed Live Food Combinations of Rotifers, Copepods and Artemia salina

The giant trevally, Caranx ignobilis, is a high value fish which has been studied for spawning in captivity and domestication in the Philippines in view of its aquaculture potential. Initial larval rearing of the species encountered mortality issues, and this study attempts to address the problem to improve their survival. Hatchery-bred C. ignobilis larvae were reared for 40 days in nine units of 100 L conical fiberglass tanks at a stocking density of 500 larvae.tank-1 under three feed treatments with different combinations of rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis), brine shrimp (Artemia) and copepods (Pseudodiaptomus spp.): T1- Brachionus plicatilis + Artemia, T2- Brachionus plicatilis + Pseudodiaptomus spp., and T3-Brachionus plicatilis + Pseudodiaptomus spp. + Artemia fed at 0800 h and 1600 h. The results showed that the inclusion of copepods in the feeding regimen had positive effects on survival. Survival rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T2 (23.47 ± 3.18 %) than T1 (11.67 ± 1.90 %) but was not statistically different from T3 (14.37 ± 3.88 %). Length increment was significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatments but with no statistical difference in specific growth rate (P > 0.05). The erratic swimming behaviour leading to mortality associated with insufficient levels of highly unsaturated fatty acids in Artemia was not observed in T2, thus, validating the assumption that the feeding with copepods will increase survival during larval rearing. The use of copepods for C. ignobilis larviculture is seen to play an important role in the success of the seed production protocol for this species. However, a sustainable supply of copepods through appropriate mass propagation techniques must be ensured to achieve higher production of C. ignobilis seeds in the hatcheries.

Use of hyperboloid as an adjunct in functional jaw orthopedics – case report

Anterior open bite can be defined as a malocclusion with a negative vertical discrepancy between the incisal edges of the upper and lower anterior teeth, which do not have occlusal contacts with the antagonists and sometimes extends to the canines and, less frequently, to the premolars is one of the malocclusions with the greatest aesthetic and/or functional impairment. Anterior open bite can have several etiologies: finger sucking and/or pacifier, oral breathing, onychophagia, lip interposition, atypical swallowing, tongue interposition when uttering phonemes and anterior posture of the tongue at rest. Orofacial myofunctional disorders are present in cases of anterior open bite, generally associated with etiologies and adapt to this altered morphological condition. Regarding the anterior opening amplitude, the anterior open bite is classified as: minimum up to 1 mm, moderate between 1 and 5 mm and severe +5 mm [1]. Open bite can be classified into: maxillary, mandibular and hybrid open bite [2]. Myofunctional therapy is considered a treatment method that can increase muscle strength, cause changes in functional patterns and thus prevent deviations in craniofacial development, as it promotes new posture of structures at rest and during the performance of the functions of the stomatognathic system [3]. The hyperboloid is an instrument for increasing muscle tone and when used in chewing, it is efficient in inducing growth and remodeling. The hyperboloid fills a gap in the modern diet, with the consistency of hard, raw and dry foods [4]. Exercises with a size M hyperboloid with wire were prescribed as an initial approach. After 2 months of treatment, there was an improvement in the interincisor distance. The exercise was maintained for another 5 months. He stopped attending appointments for 2 years and 2 months. Upon his return, the results of the functional examination of swallowing, chewing, protrusion and laterality were observed, and we opted for the installation of the SN3. the hyperboloid, in this case, showed its efficiency in balancing the stomatognathic system.

Современное состояние и тенденции развития сельскохозяйственной потребительской кооперации

Today, small forms of management in the Russian agro-industrial complex occupy a significant share in the structure of producers for certain groups of agricultural raw materials and food. Institutional transformations that have taken place over decades in the agro-industrial complex have shown the viability of such a form of organization as agricultural cooperation. The advantages that determine the competitiveness of cooperation include reducing transaction costs, economies of scale, increasing the share of rural producers in the final price of products, etc. Modern socio-economic trends dictate new conditions for the formation of food chains and the participation of economic entities in them. In this connection, there is an urgent need to analyze trends in the development of agricultural consumer cooperation. This will make it possible to determine strategic directions for development and justify relevant measures of state support for both small business forms themselves and the cooperative form of their organization. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively analyze and substantiate the development trends of the institution of agricultural consumer cooperation, as the most important component of ensuring food security in Russia in modern conditions. Achieving this goal involves the use of general scientific methods of cognition (historical and logical, comparative and system-structural) and traditional methods of economic analysis. The trends in the development of the Institute of Agricultural Consumer Cooperation have been studied. A comprehensive analysis of the competitive advantages and weaknesses of small business forms in the agro-industrial complex was carried out. The potential for growth of the institution of agricultural consumer cooperation in the conditions of transformation of the socio-economic space has been identified. The experience of supporting agricultural cooperatives in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation was studied. Measures of state support for the development of this institution that are relevant to current trends in economic development are substantiated. The results of the study and the conclusions drawn on their basis will be useful for supporting management decisions in the field of development of the agro-industrial complex, increasing the efficiency of planning and implementing state support for the small business sector in the agro-industrial complex

Effect of water temperature on the beginning of active feeding of tugun and nelma larvae

Temperature conditions of transition to active feeding of tugun Coregonus tugun (Pallas, 1814) and nelma Stenodus leucichthys nelma (Pallas, 1773) larvae to substantiate elements of artificial reproduction biotechniques were studied experimentally. We added live food (Artemia nauplii) and placed larvae a day after the transition to the first stage of the larval period in aquaria with different constant temperatures. The proportion of larvae that started feeding consistently increased in the temperature range 0.2–10 °C reaching 100% at daily exposure of experiments. The 50% level of transition to active feeding was observed at 6 °C. The ability of larvae with preliminary feeding experience to consume food at a temperature 1–5 °C lower than that of larvae that had not fed before was found. The individual duration of larvae transition to active feeding varied significantly from 1 to 8–9 days in a series of experiments at a stable low temperature (0.2 °C). Delayed initiation of exogenous feeding due to the limiting effect of low temperatures is physiologically equivalent to larval starvation. This may negatively affect the subsequent development of larvae. Species specificity was not significantly revealed in all series of experiments. We recommend keeping the water temperature at least 10°C from the time of embryo transition to larval development when rearing juveniles under intensive technologies to reduce the diversity of planting material in terms of size parameters. In this case, the duration of the time interval necessary for the beginning of active feeding of all larvae will be maximally reduced.

Electrophoretic analysis of proteins from raw materials and commercial diets used in animal feed

In aquaculture, balanced feed accounts for 50% to 70% of the operational costs of cultivating aquatic organisms. This feed is made from various raw materials that serve as protein sources, which significantly influence the final cost of the feed. Therefore, an electrophoretic study was conducted to compare the protein content in different raw materials and commercial diets used in animal feed. Electrophoretic profiles with standard concentration gels (SDS-PAGE) were used to separate protein fractions from animal-origin raw materials, including Earthworm Meals of Eisenia andrei (HLF) and Eisenia fetida (HLT), meat-bone meal (MBM), and fish meal (FM), as well as plant-origin meals, such as Leucaena leaf meal (LLM), corn meal (YCM), and wheat bran (WBM). Commercial diets (A, B, and C) were also evaluated. The protein content of the samples was determined. For electrophoretic analysis, a protease inhibitor cocktail was used, along with a molecular weight standard with a range from 250 to 4 kDa. The molecular weights of the diets ranged between 31.1 and 234.1 kDa, 36.3 and 190.4 kDa, and 4.281 and 95.685 kDa. Some of the protein bands in the analyzed samples (HLF, HLT, FM, YCM, and WBM) were very close to the reference protein bands at 148, 98, 64, 50, and 36 kDa, corresponding to the molecular weight standard used. Electrophoretic characterization provided insight into the different protein fractions, offering valuable information about their potential functional and nutritional properties. Electrophoresis is an essential analytical tool for assessing both the quality and safety of raw materials and foods.

Ontogeny and Growth of Early Life Stages of Barred Spiny Eel Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton, 1822)

Background: The objective of the study was to examine the growth and development of M. pancalus larvae in captive conditions, including pigmentation patterns, yolk and oil globule utilization, growth rates and metamorphosis, as well as to identify suitable live food for larviculture. Methods: The larvae, produced through induced breeding, were kept unfed until the yolk-sac absorption and then fed with freshwater rotifer, mixed zooplankton and Tubifex worms at different stages of development. The larvae were reared in indoor glass tanks and outdoor reinforced plastic tanks to document their morphological and chronological development. Result: The findings showed that the larvae exhibited typical characteristics of eel. Notably, dentition was observed before yolk resorption, indicating the highly predatory nature of the larvae. The bands of melanophores, which were prominent at the beginning, disappeared between 5-7 days post-hatch. Additionally, the study identified distinct features of spiny eels, such as a trunk-like rostral projection at 14 days post-hatch and erectile dorsal spines at 21 days post-hatch. The growth pattern, morphological changes and adaptation to benthic burrowing habits indicated that the larvae metamorphosed into the fry stage between 28-45 days post-hatch. These results provide valuable insights into the ontogenetic development and rearing of M. pancalus and can be used to support future aquaculture and conservation programs.

The early life microbiome of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) larvae in a commercial hatchery is influenced by microorganisms in feed

Fish health, growth and disease is intricately linked to its associated microbiome. Understanding the influence, source and ultimately managing the microbiome, particularly for vulnerable early life-stages, has been identified as one of the key requirements to improving farmed fish production. One tropical fish species of aquaculture importance farmed throughout the Asia-Pacific region is the giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus). Variability in the health and survival of E. lanceolatus larvae is partially dependent on exposure to and development of its early microbiome. Here, we examined the development in the microbiome of commercially reared giant grouper larvae, its surrounding environment, and that from live food sources to understand the type of bacterial species larvae are exposed to, and where some of the sources of bacteria may originate. We show that species richness and microbial diversity of the larval microbiome significantly increased in the first 4 days after hatching, with the community composition continuing to shift over the initial 10 days in the hatchery facility. The dominant larval bacterial taxa appeared to be predominantly derived from live cultured microalgae and rotifer feeds and included Marixanthomonas, Candidatus Hepatincola, Meridianimaribacter and Vibrio. In contrast, a commercial probiotic added as part of the hatchery’s operating procedure failed to establish in the larvae microbiome. Microbial source tracking indicated that feed was the largest influence on the composition of the giant grouper larvae microbiome (up to 55.9%), supporting attempts to modulate fish microbiomes in commercial hatcheries through improved diets. The marked abundances of Vibrio (up to 21.7% of 16S rRNA gene copies in larvae) highlights a need for rigorous quality control of feed material.

Caffeine-Legal Natural Stimulant with Open Research Perspective: Spectroscopic and Theoretical Characterization.

Caffeine is an alkaloid with a purine structure and has been well known for centuries due to its presence in popular drinks-tea and coffee. However, the structural and spectroscopic parameters of this compound, as well as its chemical and biological activities, are still not fully known. In this study, for the first time, we report on the measured oxygen-17 NMR spectra of this stimulant. To support the assignment of our experimental NMR data, extensive quantum chemical calculations of NMR parameters, including nuclear magnetic shielding constants and indirect spin-spin coupling constants, were performed. In a theoretical study, using nine efficient density functionals (B3LYP, BLYP, BP86, CAM-B3LYP, LC-BLYP, M06, PBE0, TPSSh, wB97x), and in combination with a large and flexible correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVTZ basis set, the structure and NMR parameters were predicted for a free molecule of caffeine and in chloroform, DMSO and water. A polarized continuum model (PCM) was used to include a solvent effect. As a result, an optimal methodology was developed for predicting reliable NMR data, suitable for studies of known, as well as newly discovered, purines and similar alkaloids. The results of the current work could be used in future basic and applied studies, including NMR identification and intermolecular interactions of caffeine in various raw materials, like plants and food, as well as in the structural and spectroscopic characterization of new compounds with similar structures.

302 Microgreen and sprouted sorghum as ingredients in raw meat diets for healthy adult cats

Abstract Germination has the potential to naturally enhance the nutritional value of grains, enabling its inclusion in raw diets without compromising their raw status. Germinated sorghum may offer additional value compared with other grains as a sustainable, gluten-free and non-genetically modified option. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating two forms of germinated sorghum, sprouted and microgreens, into raw diets on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients and energy, and fecal characteristics of adult cats. Four complete and balanced raw diets were formulated based on a basal ration (70%), comprised of whole raw chicken, vitamins and minerals, with the addition of sorghum (30%) in four different forms: raw (SR), cooked (boiled; SC), sprouted (SS), and microgreens (SM). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonutritive; however, they were found to be slightly different in energy and protein content due to changes in nutrient composition during processing of the sorghum grain. Healthy adult shorthair cats [n = 11; 5.1 ± 1.0 kg, average body weight (BW)] were enrolled in an incomplete 4×4 Latin square design. Each experimental period consisted of a 5-d adaptation phase followed by a 5-d collection phase, during which total fecal collection and assessment of fecal score were performed. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with diet as fixed effect, and cat(square), square and period as random effects. One cat was removed from the study due to reasons unrelated to the treatments, while two cats refused to eat the SM diet. Cats fed the SM and SC diets exhibited less (P < 0.05) wet fecal output compared to those fed the SS and SR. Fecal score was affected by diet (P < 0.05), with loose stools (16.37%) observed in cats fed SS and both diarrhea (11.6%) and loose stools (20%) observed in those fed SR, which were absent in those fed the other treatments. Protein ATTD (average 90%) did not differ (P > 0.05) among dietary treatments. Dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy ATTD were 3 to 6% greater (P < 0.05) in cats fed the SC diet compared with those fed the other treatments; but digestibility coefficients remained within acceptable ranges (> 80%). Fat ATTD was affected P < 0.05) by diet, with cats fed SS having the greatest value and those fed the SC the least; however, the numerical differences (< 2%) were unlikely to have biological relevance. In conclusion, the inclusion of microgreen and sprouted sorghum at 30% in raw meat cat diets did not improve the ATTD of energy and macronutrients compared with when sorghum was added in its raw form. Nevertheless, microgreen sorghum led to an improvement in fecal quality in cats compared with when sorghum was provided in its raw form.

502 Cat and mouse: The effect of consuming four different diet formants (intact mice, raw, canned wet and kibble) on energy expended to consume a meal and immediately post-prandial in domestic cats

Abstract Cats are obligate carnivores; however, we feed them a variety of different diet formats without a clear understanding of feeding behavior and metabolism among diet formats. Whole-prey or raw diets may mimic a more natural diet and require more energy to consume. However, there is currently a dearth of literature examining feline energy expenditure (EE) during the consumption of and immediate post-prandial period when fed different diet formats. The present study aimed to investigate differences in the energetics of adult cats consuming four different diet formats in isocaloric offerings: raw intact mice, commercial raw, canned wet, and kibble diets. Adult neutered male cats [n = 12; body weight (BW) = 4.82 ± 0.164 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 replicated Latin square design and adapted to consuming each diet format before the initiation of the study. Following a 2-d adaptation period, cats were fed 25% of their daily caloric requirement (50.77 ± 1.549 kcal) in indirect calorimetry chambers in which VO2 and VCO2 exchange were measured. Energy expenditure (kcal/BW0.67 kg) was calculated for the consumption period, 15 min immediately post-prandial and 2 h post-prandial. Respiratory gases were measured for one fasted reading, followed by the first feeding. During each feeding, measurements were taken during the consumption period and 15 min post-prandial. For the following 2 h, respiratory gases were measured every 25 min for an additional 4 measures of respiratory gases. All data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model considering the effects of treatment, time and their interaction as fixed, and the effects of cat and period as random. A spatial power covariance structure was used to model repeated measures. Significance was considered at P < 0.05 and Tukey’s post-hoc test was performed to separate means. Energy expenditure during consumption and 15 min post-prandial was similar among treatments, and EE for 15 min post-prandial was greater than EE during consumption (P < 0.001). During the 2 h post-prandial, EE for the mice diet was greater than the kibble and canned wet diets (P < 0.001), while EE for the raw diet was only greater than the kibble diet (P < 0.001). Energy expenditure was similar between the kibble and canned wet diets (P = 0.919) and between the mice and raw diets (P = 0.598). Among all treatments and time periods, the mouse diet had the greatest mean EE. An increase in EE during the feeding period and post-prandial could benefit sedentary indoor cats who may be in positive energy balance. Feeding cats a naturalistic diet, such as intact mice or a raw diet, may increase activity levels and EE, but the longer-term effects of these feeding formats on energy balance need to be explored.

Properties of Skin Collagen from Southern Catfish (Silurus meridionalis) Fed with Raw and Cooked Food.

The southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) is an economically important carnivorous freshwater fish in China. In this study, we compared the properties of skin collagen from southern catfish fed with raw food (RF) and cooked food (CF). The skin collagen yield in the RF group (8.66 ± 0.11%) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (8.00 ± 0.27%). SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and FTIR analyses revealed that the collagen extracted from southern catfish skin in both groups was type I collagen, with a unique triple helix structure and high purity. The thermal denaturation temperature of collagen in the RF group (35.20 ± 0.11 °C) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (34.51 ± 0.25 °C). The DPPH free radical scavenging rates were 68.30 ± 2.41% in the RF collagen and 61.78 ± 3.91% in the CF collagen, which was higher than that found in most fish collagen. Both the RF and CF groups had high ability to form fibrils in vitro. Under the same conditions, the CF group exhibited faster fibril formation and a thicker fibril diameter (p < 0.05). In addition, the RF group exhibited significantly higher expression of col1a1 compared to the CF group. These results indicated that feeding southern catfish raw food contributed to collagen production, and the collagen from these fish may have potential in biomaterial applications.

Early life food intake modulates effects of diet restriction on lifespan and fecundity in later life in a predatory mite (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits, including development, growth, reproduction, and survival. In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), the plasticity of life history traits, such as developmental time and size at maturity, is influenced by the quality and quantity of food. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages (i.e., juvenile, early adulthood, and later adulthood) on the lifespan and fecundity of P. persimilis. We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P. persimilis. Furthermore, this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction: it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood. Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response. Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P. persimilis, where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females, with higher prey availability increasing both. The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P. persimilis, which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.

Raw meat diets are a major risk factor for carriage of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant and multidrug-resistant E. coli by dogs in the UK.

Raw-meat diets (RMD) for dogs, comprising unprocessed or non-heat-treated animal material, are increasingly popular. However, RMDs have been demonstrated to be contaminated with antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, and there is concern that such diets may pose a zoonotic disease risk. Additionally, dogs fed RMD may shed more AMR- fecal bacteria compared to those fed conventional cooked diets. Data from the UK remain limited; the present study investigated the presence of AMR-Escherichia coli in the feces of RMD and non-RMD (NRMD)-fed dogs in the UK, the E. coli AMR gene complement, and the lifestyle risk factors associated with AMR- E. coli carriage. Fecal samples from UK-owned dogs (N = 193 RMD, N = 239 NRMD) and questionnaires discussing lifestyle factors, were obtained between October 2020-August 2021. Samples underwent culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine the presence of AMR-E. coli. Whole genome sequencing determined AMR gene carriage. Risk factors for the presence of AMR-E. coli were determined by multivariable modeling. RMD dogs carried significantly more fecal AMR E. coli (p < 0.001), including third-generation cephalosporin resistant, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing, and multidrug resistant isolates and multivariable modeling confirmed raw-meat diets to be a significant risk factor. The bla CTX-M-15 gene was the most frequently identified bla ESBL gene. The bla CTX-M-55 and bla SHV-66 genes were also prevalent and were only found in RMD dogs. The mobile colistin resistance gene, mcr-4 was identified in one ESBL-producing E. coli isolate from a NRMD-fed dog. This study has shown that dogs fed RMD in the UK are significantly more likely to shed E. coli which is resistant to highest priority critically important antibiotics, and multidrug resistant E. coli, than dogs fed NRMD. Additionally, AMR-E. coli isolates from RMD-fed dogs harbor multiple, diverse, and novel AMR genes. Therefore, provision of RMD to dogs could pose an important potential threat to human and animal health, especially given the close nature of the relationship many owners share with their pets. Awareness of these findings should be shared with pet owners, veterinary and medical professionals, pet food manufacturers and public health to mitigate potential risks.

Prospects of pulsed electric fields technology in food preservation and processing applications from sensory and consumer perspectives

SummaryPulsed electric field (PEF) technology is emerging as a versatile and effective alternative to traditional thermal processing, adeptly meeting consumer demands for fresh, safe, tasty, nutritious, and sustainable food products. By applying high‐voltage electric pulses for microseconds to milliseconds, PEF achieves microbial inactivation with minimal thermal impact. Beyond preservation, PEF technology can be used as a pre‐treatment for raw food materials to modify their cell structure, thus facilitating the subsequent food processing steps. Although initially applied to liquid foods, PEF application has been expanded to a diverse range of food categories, including juices, wines, potatoes, meats, and freeze‐dried products. Each application of PEF involves specific process parameters, which significantly influence the product outcomes. This review discusses the application of PEF across various food categories, with a focus on its impact on sensory attributes under different settings. The discussion will mainly revolve current research gaps and proposes strategies to increase consumer acceptance of PEF‐treated products, along with approaches for effectively communicating the benefits of this novel processing technology. It was found that emphasising the sensory, nutritional, and shelf‐life benefits on product packaging, and highlighting its environmental‐friendly benefit can improve consumer acceptance of PEF‐treated products. Furthermore, educating industry practitioners about the advantages of PEF is crucial for its broader implementation in food manufacturing. The successful advancement of PEF technology hinges on collaboration efforts among technologists, industry experts, sensory, and consumer scientists.

Altered temperature and restricted food supply reduce pH tolerance in both young and adult ascidians

ABSTRACT Ocean acidification poses a threat to marine ecosystems. Understanding of how responses to acidification differ among life stages and how they are moderated by co-occurring stressors remains limited. This study investigated the tolerance of ascidians to acidification, under regional cooling, as experienced along the west coast of South Africa and in other eastern boundary upwelling systems. Critical pH minima (CpHmin) were established for young and adult Ciona robusta and young and adult colonies of Diplosoma listerianum, Botryllus schlosseri, Botryllus gregalis, under restricted and unrestricted food supply, at two temperatures (13°C (current) and 9°C (future cooling)). pH was reduced at a rate of 0.1 units per day, starting from the current condition of 7.9 pH. For all species, responses to decreasing pH were affected by life stage, temperature and food supply. Young individuals and young colonies were least tolerant to acidification. Regardless of life stage, cooling reduced pH tolerance, as did restricted food supply. These results suggest that tolerance to acidification is lowest during early life stages and will be exacerbated by climate change induced cooling. However, high productivity in upwelling regions may result in high food supply that could ultimately buffer against the negative effects of cooling on pH tolerance.

2D/0D Heterojunction Fluorescent Probe with Schottky Barrier Based on Ti3C2TX MXene Loaded Graphene Quantum Dots for Detection of H2S During Food Spoilage

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) contamination of food has raised widespread public health concerns, leading to substantial medical and economic burdens. Herein, a 2D/0D heterojunction fluorescent probe (TCTG) with Schottky barriers (SB) is designed and synthesized, utilizing Ti3C2Tx MXene‐loaded graphene quantum dots (GQDs), for the detection of H2S during food spoilage. The microstructures observed through SEM and TEM reveal that uniformly sized GQDs are evenly attached to the surface of a monolayer Ti3C2Tx. The chemisorption between GQDs and Ti3C2Tx facilitates charge transfer and the formation of SB, resulting in intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effects. With the introduction of H2S, TCTG(50%) exhibits the highest sensitivity, selectivity, and anti‐interference properties, with ultra‐fast fluorescence transient reaction (3s) and remarkably low detection limit of 41.82 ppb as well as noticeable color change. When TCTG(50%) reacted with H2S, the ICT effects are inhibited, leading to the recovery of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and fluorescence quenching. Notably, probe TCTG is effectively utilized to detect changes in H2S levels in raw foods to assess their quality. Overall, the significance of this study is its potential to revolutionize food spoilage detection, offering a fast, reliable, and sensitive method to ensure food safety and reduce associated health and economic burdens.

Species-level characterization of the core microbiome in healthy dogs using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Despite considerable interest and research in the canine fecal microbiome, our understanding of its species-level composition remains incomplete, as the majority of studies have only provided genus-level resolution. Here, we used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the fecal microbiomes of 286 presumed healthy dogs living in homes in North America who are devoid of clinical signs, physical conditions, medication use, and behavioral problems. We identified the bacterial species comprising the core microbiome and investigated whether a dog's sex & neuter status, age, body weight, diet, and geographic region predicted microbiome variation. Our analysis revealed that 23 bacterial species comprised the core microbiome, among them Collinsella intestinalis, Megamonas funiformis, Peptacetobacter hiranonis, Prevotella copri, and Turicibacter sanguinis. The 23 taxa comprised 75% of the microbiome on average. Sterilized females, dogs of intermediate body sizes, and those exclusively fed kibble tended to harbor the most core taxa. Host diet category, geographic region, and body weight predicted microbiome beta-diversity, but the effect sizes were modest. Specifically, the fecal microbiomes of dogs fed kibble were enriched in several core taxa, including C. intestinalis, P. copri, and Holdemanella biformis, compared to those fed raw or cooked food. Conversely, dogs on a raw food diet exhibited higher abundances of Bacteroides vulgatus, Caballeronia sordicola, and Enterococcus faecium, among others. In summary, our study provides novel insights into the species-level composition and drivers of the fecal microbiome in healthy dogs living in homes; however, extrapolation of our findings to different dog populations will require further study.

Food composition and trophic niches of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus, 1758) in Madura Strait, Pamekasan, East Java

Abstract Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is the main fishery commodity in the Madura Strait, Pamekasan Regency. The sustainability of the crab depends on the suitability of the habitat and the availability of food in the waters. This study aims to analyze the food composition and trophic niches of blue swimming crab in the Madura Strait, Pamekasan Regency. Sampling was conducted using the simple random sampling technique. The analysis included composition of the collection based on length frequency distribution, gastric fullness index, trophic niche area, food niche overlap, crab food composition, and growth (carapace width-weight relationship, and condition factor). The results of the index study showed that the index of stomach content of the female was generally greater than that of the male. Blue swimming crab is classified as a carnivore with the main food being fish. The overlap of the niches of male and female crabs of 0.9328 indicates a high level of competition for food. The male crab has a negative allometric growth pattern, while the female crab has a positive allometric growth pattern. The condition of the crab factor in each month of observation is greater than 0.5 indicating the availability of food and water conditions suitable for crab life.