Major Source Of Protein Research Articles

COVID-19 epidemic lockdown-induced changes of cereals and animal protein foods consumption of Iran population: the first nationwide survey

BackgroundThe COVID-19 epidemic has affected diverse issues of life including economy, health and nutrition. This nationwide study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the epidemic lockdown-induced socio-economic changes on animal source proteins and cereals intakes of Iran population for the first time.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study using a web-based electronic self-administered questionnaire. A questionnaire was designed with the aim of detecting any changes in the dietary pattern of the Iranian household following coronavirus epidemic.ResultsA total of 21,290 households participated in the study. Approximately 33%, 24%, 14.2% and 7% of the households had decreased the weekly consumption of red meat, white meat, eggs and rice/bread, respectively, following COVID-19 epidemic. The results of ordered logistic regression showed that the female-headed households, as compared with male-headed ones, were 30% more likely to decrease their weekly consumption of white meat (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5). About 8.6% of the households had reduced all three major dietary sources of animal protein. Close to half of the households (46.9%) who decreased their intake of the animal protein sources had increased their intake of rice or bread, too. The major reasons for these changes were decrease of income and job loss.ConclusionIn conclusion, animal protein food consumption decreased during epidemic lockdown but the amounts of rice and bread, as the major sources of dietary energy, have increased. These changes, if persist long enough, can seriously affect micronutrient status of the whole population. Early nutritional interventions for needy families are warranted.

Dietary protein intake during pregnancy and birth weight among Chinese pregnant women with low intake of protein

BackgroundPrevious studies have yielded inconsistent results on the association between maternal dietary protein intake and birth weight. Moreover, little is known about the effects of dietary protein intake from different sources on fetal growth. This study aimed to investigate the associations of different dietary protein sources (total protein, animal protein, plant protein, and major dietary protein sources) during pregnancy with birth weight and the related adverse birth outcomes.Methods7310 women were recruited using a stratified multistage random sampling method at 0–12 months (median: 3; 10–90th percentile: 0–7) after delivery in Shaanxi, China. Maternal diets were gathered by a validated FFQ and other characteristics were collected by a standard questionnaire. Multilevel linear or logistic regression models were used to estimate birth weight changes or ORs (95% CIs) for adverse birth outcomes associated with different dietary protein sources during pregnancy.ResultsThe mean percentage of energy from total protein was 11.4% (SD 2.2), with only 27.4% of total protein derived from animal protein. Per 3% increase in energy from total protein, animal protein, and dairy protein was associated with birth weight increases of 19.4 g (95% CI 6.0–32.9), 20.6 g (4.8–36.5), and 18.2 g (4.7–31.7), respectively. Per 3% increase in energy from total protein, animal protein, and dairy protein was also associated with lower risks of low birth weight (LBW) (total protein: OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.94; animal protein: 0.79, 0.65–0.96; dairy protein: 0.71, 0.56–0.91), small for gestational age (SGA) (total protein: 0.88, 0.79–0.98; animal protein: 0.87, 0.78–0.97; dairy protein: 0.81, 0.68–0.96), and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) (total protein: 0.84, 0.72–0.98; animal protein: 0.86, 0.75–0.98; dairy protein: 0.78, 0.66–0.92). We observed no associations of plant protein and other major dietary protein sources with birth weight and the above birth outcomes. The results did not change when maternal protein was substituted for fat or carbohydrate.ConclusionsAmong Chinese pregnant women with low intake of protein, higher intake of dietary protein, in particular animal protein and dairy protein, is associated with higher birth weight and lower risks of LBW, SGA, and IUGR.

A Divergent Selection on Breast Meat Ultimate pH, a Key Factor for Chicken Meat Quality, is Associated With Different Circulating Lipid Profiles.

Background: Chicken meat has become a major source of protein for human consumption. However, the quality of the meat is not yet under control, especially since pH values that are too low or too high are often observed. In an attempt to get a better understanding of the genetic and biochemical determinants of the ultimate pH, two genetic lines of broilers were divergently selected for low (pHu−) or high (pHu+) breast meat pHu. In this study, the serum lipidome of 17-day-old broilers from both lines was screened for pHu markers using liquid-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Results: A total of 185 lipids belonging to 4 groups (glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sterols, sphingolipids) were identified in the sera of 268 broilers from the pHu lines by targeted lipidomics. The glycerolipids, which are involved in energy storage, were in higher concentration in the blood of pHu− birds. The glycerophospholipids (phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines) with long and polyunsaturated acyl chains were more abundant in pHu+ than in pHu− while the lysophosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylethanolamines, known to be associated with starch, were observed in higher quantity in the serum of the pHu− line. Finally, the concentration of the sterols and the ceramides, belonging to the sphingolipids class, were higher in the pHu+ and pHu−, respectively. Furthermore, orthogonal partial least-squares analyses highlighted a set of 68 lipids explaining 77% of the differences between the two broilers lines (R2Y = 0.77, Q2 = 0.67). Among these lipids, a subset of 40 predictors of the pHu value was identified with a Root Mean Squared Error of Estimation of 0.18 pH unit (R2Y = 0.69 and Q2 = 0.62). The predictive model of the pHu value was externally validated on 68 birds with a Root Mean Squared Error of Prediction of 0.25 pH unit. Conclusion: The sets of molecules identified will be useful for a better understanding of relationship between serum lipid profile and meat quality, and will contribute to define easily accessible pHu biomarkers on live birds that could be useful in genetic selection.

​​Effect of Production Components of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) under Different Resource Constraints Practices

Background: Lentil occupy a unique place in India’s nutritional food security as it’s a major source of proteins for vegetarians, supply twice protein as compare to rice and wheat. India ranked second in terms of production followed by turkey producing 1.06 million tonnes (Annual Rreport DPB, 2016-17). Still lentil production far from its actual position because of farmer’s negligence in terms of fertilizer, irrigation, weeding, plant protection etc. Based on above mention criteria experiment was conducted to find out the production components for optimization of growth and yield of lentil under resource constraints. Methods: Experiment was conducted during winter season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the District Seed Farm, Kalyani, under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal with a view to identify the most appropriate production components of lentil under resource constraints situation. Result: Fertilizer and weeding components were more noticeable effect on plant height and escaping these two components markedly reduce the plant height in all the growth stages. Skipping of individual component like irrigation only did not vary the dry matter production significantly but when it was combined with fertilizer and weeding components the dry matter production reduced significantly. Among the individual component escaping of fertilizer component greatly reduce the number pods plant-1 followed by weeding and irrigation components. Escaping of irrigation either as single component or in combined with weeding and plant protection did not reduce the 1000 seed weight significantly. Yield reduction was significantly noticed with escaping of production component either in single or in combination. 26-28% of yield reduction was found when component like fertilizer was escaped followed by 25-27% when weeding was escaped from full package. But no significant yield reduction was recorded under the FP-Irrigation and FP-Plant protection. The yield reduction was more pronounced (27-32%) when fertilizer along with weeding components was escaped. Weed growth and density increased with increased the crop age and number of weeds m-2 was found maximum at 45 DAS Highest BCR was found under the treatment FP-(weeding + PP).

R2R3-MYBs in Durum Wheat: Genome-Wide Identification, Poaceae-Specific Clusters, Expression, and Regulatory Dynamics Under Abiotic Stresses.

MYB transcription factors (TFs) represent one of the biggest TF families in plants, being involved in various specific plant processes, such as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The implication of MYB TFs in the tolerance mechanisms to abiotic stress is particularly interesting for crop breeding, since environmental conditions can negatively affect growth and productivity. Wheat is a worldwide-cultivated cereal, and is a major source of plant-based proteins in human food. In particular, durum wheat plays an important role in global food security improvement, since its adaptation to hot and dry conditions constitutes the base for the success of wheat breeding programs in future. In the present study, a genome-wide identification of R2R3-MYB TFs in durum wheat was performed. MYB profile search and phylogenetic analyses based on homology with Arabidopsis and rice MYB TFs led to the identification of 233 R2R3-TdMYB (Triticum durum MYB). Three Poaceae-specific MYB clusters were detected, one of which had never been described before. The expression of eight selected genes under different abiotic stress conditions, revealed that most of them responded especially to salt and drought stress. Finally, gene regulatory network analyses led to the identification of 41 gene targets for three TdR2R3-MYBs that represent novel candidates for functional analyses. This study provides a detailed description of durum wheat R2R3-MYB genes and contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular response of durum wheat to unfavorable climate conditions.

Quality of fresh frozen tilapia from selected supermarkets in Malawi

Fish provides a major source of dietary animal protein to Malawi’s population. Majority of tilapia in supermarkets are of different origins and bought from different suppliers. Fish is highly perishable commodity and its quality degrades even in frozen form due to microbial activity. The quality of frozen tilapia (the most commonly traded and consumed fish in Malawi) sold in some reputable supermarkets in Malawi was determined. Fish were collected from nine (9) reputable supermarkets in three (3) regions of the country (north, central and south) and analysed in the laboratory for sensory quality, microbiological, chemical and proximate analyses. Sensory quality evaluation was performed following guidelines earlier developed for fresh tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) in Malawi. Differences and changes in the fish sensory quality were attributed to the effect of storage duration and conditions within the freezer compartment. Two types of bacteria namely, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli were identified on the frozen tilapia, suggesting poor and unhygienic pre-handling. Despite the presence of bacteria on the fish and differences in sensory quality, the frozen tilapia were within the acceptable range for human consumption. Nutrient composition of frozen tilapia was high despite differences (p<0.05) in moisture, ash and crude fat. Fish from different origin were sold mixed in all supermarkets, poor handling along the fish market chain was identified as the major source of fish contamination. Mechanical damages were reminiscent of the effects of frozen storage. There is a need to establish optimum storage time for frozen tilapia in supermarkets to provide products with good quality in terms of sensory properties, nutrient content and safe microbial loads. Key words: fish quality, fresh fish, frozen fish, tilapia, supermarkets, Malawi, Oreochromis spp.

Sclerocarya birrea caffra nut meal as a substitute to soyabean meal: Effects on growth performance, feed intake and utilisation and viscera macromorphometry of blue-helmeted guinea fowl

Imported soyabean meal (SBM) is the major dietary protein (DP) source for the sub-Saharan African poultry industry making poultry production costly. Therefore, alternative locally available DP sources are required. We evaluated the potential of locally available Marula nut meal (MNM) to substitute SBM in Guinea fowl (GF) diets by determining its effects on growth, feed intake (FI) and utilisation and viscera macromorphometry. Five grower diets wherein, on a CP basis, MNM substituted SBM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% were formulated. Thirty-eight 4-week-old keets (n = 7 – 8), each individually housed in a cage, were randomly assigned to grower diets, and fed for 5 weeks and then transferred to corresponding finisher diets and fed for 3 weeks. Induction and weekly body mass, daily FI, and terminal body mass (TBM), body mass gain (BMG), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined. On slaughter, viscera masses, small and large intestines lengths, tibiae and femora indices were determined. In week 2 of the grower phase GF fed diet 3 (50% MNM CP) had the highest weekly BMG and ADG (P < 0.05) and in week 5 GF fed diet 5 (100% MNM CP) had the highest FI (P < 0.05). Dietary MNM did not affect the GF's BMG, ADG, FI and FCR during weeks 1, 3 and 4 of the grower phase. In week 3 of the finisher phase GF fed diet 3 (50% MNM CP) had the highest (P < 0.05) FCR. Dietary MNM had no effect (P > 0.05) on the trial BMG, ADG and FI of the GF but GF reared on grower and finisher diets 3 (50% substitution of SBM CP) had the highest (P < 0.05) FCR. MNM had no effect on tibiae and femora masses, lengths, and mass: length ratios and viscera macromorphometry of the GF. We conclude that MNM can, on a CP basis, substitute SBM, in GF grower and finisher diets at 25%, 75% and 100% without compromising growth, FI and utilization and viscera of GF.

Nutrient Utilisation in Ram Lambs Fed with Coated Slow Release Non-protein Nitrogen Sources

Background: Urea is commonly used as source of non protein nitrogen for ruminants. However, the fact that the rate of release of NH3-N must coincide with the rate of digestion of carbohydrates or else lead to toxicity, this has led the industry to seek the development of compounds with a slow release urea (SRU), which have less risk of toxicity in animals. Methods: A study was conducted on 30 ram lambs (1-2 month old; 14.73±0.49 kg body weight) randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments with 6 animals in each group in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of supplementation of SRNPN products on nitrogen balance, plane of nutrition and nutrient utilisation. Five maize stover based complete diets (2190kcal ME/kg and 14.6% CP) were prepared viz. control diet with SBM as major protein source (45% CP) and without any NPN supplement, positive control diet, having urea (46% N) around 1% of dietary DM and in other 3 diets, urea was totally replaced with FCU, CFCU and HMCCU. Result: Supplementation of SRNPN products did not affect the intake of nutrients viz. DM, OM, CP, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose and the digestibilities of DM, OM, NFE and ADF. While, CP digestibility (%) reduced (P less than 0.01) with feeding of urea (78.52) based diet compared to control diet (84.34) and replacement of urea with FCU (85.24) improved the CP digestibility (%) and was comparable to control. Incorporation of urea in the diets decreased (P less than 0.01) the CF and cellulose digestibility compared to control, while incorporation of FCU or CFCU in diets improved (P less than 0.01) CF, NDF and hemicellulose digestibilities. The N intake, excretion and balance (g/d) was though comparable among the dietary groups, the retention in lambs fed urea diets was lower by 14.71% compared to control group, while in FCU, CFCU and HMCCU fed lambs, N retention improved by 18.17, 10.05 and 7.84%, respectively compared to urea diet fed lambs.

Combination of two multiplex genome-edited soybean varieties enables customization of protein functional properties

Combination of two multiplex genome-edited soybean varieties enables customization of protein functional properties

Diversification of farmed fish species: A means to increase aquaculture production in Nigeria

AbstractAquaculture produces about half the fish consumed globally and is the fastest‐growing food sector. In Africa, fish is one of the major sources of animal protein, and although the need for increased production of farmed fish to make up for the decline in capture fisheries is acknowledged, efforts put into aquaculture in the continent have not yielded commensurate results. The success recorded in aquaculture in Nigeria is based on the production of the African catfish. However, a high level of production and resilience within the aquaculture sector has been shown to be positively correlated with the culture of several species or species items. Thus, enhanced diversification of species and farming systems may boost aquaculture in Nigeria, as diversification of farming systems would allow optimum utilization of the abundant natural resources in the country. Many indigenous fish species that can be domesticated for culture have been identified. A great deal of scientific research and collaboration between major stakeholders, including the government, private industries, research institutions, and researchers, is required, so the production of these species can thrive like the already farmed catfish in Nigeria. As the successful domestication of any fish species takes a lot of time, effort, and resources, the species that have already proven to some extent to thrive in Nigeria, should be explored first. It is recommended that the best strategy for diversification of aquaculture for Nigeria is to increase the use of some already farmed species and the employment of a variety of production systems.

A Putative Plasma Membrane Na+/H+ Antiporter GmSOS1 Is Critical for Salt Stress Tolerance in Glycine max.

Soybean (Glycine max) is a staple crop and a major source of vegetable protein and vegetable oil. The growth of soybean is dramatically inhibited by salt stress, especially by the excessive toxic Na+. Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) is the only extensively characterized Na+ efflux transporter in multiple plant species so far. However, the role of GmSOS1 in soybean salt stress responses remains unclear. Herein, we created three gmsos1 mutants using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in soybean. We found a significant accumulation of Na+ in the roots of the gmsos1 mutants, resulting in the imbalance of Na+ and K+, which links to impaired Na+ efflux and increased K+ efflux in the roots of the gmsos1 mutants under salt stress. Compared to the wild type, our RNA-seq analysis revealed that the roots of the gmsos1-1 showed preferential up and downregulation of ion transporters under salt stress, supporting impaired stress detection or an inability to develop a comprehensive response to salinity in the gmsos1 mutants. Our findings indicate that the plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchanger GmSOS1 plays a critical role in soybean salt tolerance by maintaining Na+ homeostasis and provides evidence for molecular breeding to improve salt tolerance in soybean and other crops.

Mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling for identification of biomarkers in serum related to the change of laying ducks in different physiological periods

Eggs are a major animal protein source for humans. Egg formation is a complex process involved in coordinating various tissues and organs, while blood is necessary for gonad differentiation and egg formation. In this study, non-targeted metabolomics technology was employed to determine the serum metabolites at the time point of 70 days (before laying period, T0), 130 days (pre-laying period, T1), 300 days (peak laying period, T2), and 340 days (post laying period, T3) in female ducks, to provide comprehensive metabolic profiling in reflecting the overall temporal changes. The results showed significant differences in the metabolites of different comparison groups (T0 vs. T1, T2 vs. T3, and T0 & T1 vs. T2& T3), supporting the main physiological responses in ducks are differential among laying periods. L-Aspartic Acid, Biotin, and Thyroxine can be considered the potential biomarkers related to sexual maturity. L-Lysine, Lumichrome, Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Pyridoxine may be biomarkers related to egg formation. Sorbitol, Isorhamnetin, Naringenin, and Hydroxykynurenine were the biomarkers associated with the decline of egg production. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that sexual maturity was mainly involved in the biosynthesis of secondary plant metabolites, Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, Mineral absorption, pentose phosphate pathway, and Oxocarboxylic acid metabolism. Egg formation disturbed amino acid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. The neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway may affect egg production. These findings can detect the different physiological statuses in female ducks and provide a theoretical basis for increasing egg production, and ensuring sustainable farming. Highlights The main physiological responses in ducks are differential among laying periods. 3, 6, and 4 biomarkers related to sexual maturity, the formation of the egg, and the decline of egg production, respectively. Sexual maturity was mainly involved in the biosynthesis of secondary plant metabolites, Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, Mineral absorption, pentose phosphate pathway, and Oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, and egg formation disturbed amino acid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. while the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway may affect egg production.

Feed Insects as a Reservoir of Granadaene-Producing Lactococci.

Insects are a component of the diet of different animal species and have been suggested as the major source of human dietary protein for the future. However, insects are also carriers of potentially pathogenic microbes that constitute a risk to food and feed safety. In this study, we reported the occurrence of a hemolytic orange pigmented producing phenotype of Lactococcus garvieae/petauri/formosensis in the fecal microbiota of golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) and feed larvae (Zophobas atratus). Feed insects were identified as a regular source of L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis based on a reanalysis of available 16S rRNA gene libraries. Pan-genome analysis suggested the existence of four clusters within the L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis group. The presence of cyl cluster indicated that some strains of the L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis group produced a pigment similar to granadaene, an orange cytotoxic lipid produced by group B streptococci, including Streptococcus agalactiae. Pigment production by L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis strains was dependent on the presence of the fermentable sugars, with no pigment being observed at pH <4.7. The addition of buffering compounds or arginine, which can be metabolized to ammonium, restored pigment formation. In addition, pigment formation might be related to the source of peptone. These data suggest that edible insects are a possible source of granadaene-producing lactococci, which can be considered a pathogenic risk with zoonotic potential.

Grains - a major source of sustainable protein for health.

Cereal grains are the main dietary source of energy, carbohydrates, and plant proteins world-wide. Currently, only 41% of grains are used for human consumption, and up to 35% are used for animal feed. Cereals have been overlooked as a source of environmentally sustainable and healthy plant proteins and could play a major role in transitioning towards a more sustainable food system for healthy diets. Cereal plant proteins are of good nutritional quality, but lysine is often the limiting amino acid. When consumed as whole grains, cereals provide health-protecting components such as dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Shifting grain use from feed to traditional foods and conceptually new foods and ingredients could improve protein security and alleviate climate change. Rapid development of new grain-based food ingredients and use of grains in new food contexts, such as dairy replacements and meat analogues, could accelerate the transition. This review discusses recent developments and outlines future perspectives for cereal grain use.

Influence of Dietary Molecules on Human Health: Whey Proteins

Whey protein is one of the major sources of essential proteins which is being used widely now days for maintaining a healthy life style and to meet the daily protein requirement. In order to maintain a healthy body weight, regular exercise accompanied with a healthy diet is very important, and whey protein is a perfect source of fulfilling the protein requirements of the body. Whey is obtained majorly from milk which is formed by the production of cheese. Milk is the major source of whey as it comprises 20% of the total constituent of milk. Whey protein is a high-quality protein with a rich amino acid profile. It contains the broad spectrum of amino acids that includes essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are important in the growth and repair of tissues. Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine are the amino acids that play a major role in BCAA in protein synthesis and has recently been identified as playing role in muscle building and increase in the hormonal growth. It is easy to digest as compared to other components of milk like casein and has no fat content in it which makes it possible to help in gaining lean muscle mass in the body. These are one of the many advantages of consuming whey for which its demand in the market is rising. .Despite numerous advantages it can show some side effects like kidney problems, indigestion, bloating, etc. So it is advisable to consume it after consulting with a physician or some health expert in a specific dosage for a period of time. This review article gives a brief explanation of the role of whey proteins present in milk.

Modeling the demand across three major protein sources: Focusing on seafood protein

Despite recent dramatic growth in seafood consumption worldwide, knowledge about seafood demand is limited relative to other protein sources. We model demand across three major protein categories (i.e., terrestrial meat, seafood, and plant-based protein) in South Korea to fill the research gap. This study models a quadratic almost ideal demand system (QUAIDS) by utilizing household panel data. The study takes this one step further by modeling demand within four seafood categories (i.e., fish, cephalopods, shellfish, and crustaceans). Sociodemographic variables, including health-related factors, are incorporated into the demand models. Results indicate that seafood is in a complementary relationship with terrestrial meat while it is a substitute for plant-based protein. All four seafood categories are a substitute for each other. The results reveal that people who take their health seriously tend to consume more seafood, particularly fish. The results have economic and marketing implications for which strategies could be adopted to influence seafood consumption.

Dietary Protein Patterns during Pregnancy Are Associated with Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Pregnant Women.

Controversies around the association between dietary protein intake and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) persist. To the best of our knowledge, this association has not previously been reported from the perspective of dietary protein patterns. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary protein patterns and GDM risk in pregnant women, and 1014 pregnant women (20–28 weeks of gestation) were recruited in Guangzhou, China, during 2017–2018. Maternal dietary information was collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire, which covered the most common foods consumed in Guangzhou, China. GDM was identified by a 75g oral glucose tolerance test. A K-means cluster analysis was conducted to aggregate individuals into three groups, which were determined by the major sources of protein. Logistic regression was employed to explore the relationship between dietary protein patterns and the risk of GDM. Among the 1014 participants, 191 (18.84%) were diagnosed with GDM. In the total population, when comparing the highest quartile with the lowest, we found that total protein and animal protein intake increased the risk of GDM with the adjusted odds ratios (95%CI) being 6.27, 5.43 (1.71–23.03, 1.71–17.22), respectively. Pregnant women were further divided into three dietary protein patterns, namely, white meat, plant–dairy–eggs, and red meat protein patterns. Compared to women with the plant–dairy–eggs protein pattern, those with the red meat protein pattern (OR: 1.80; 95%CI: 1.06–3.07) or white meat protein pattern (OR: 1.83; 95%CI: 1.04–3.24) had an increased risk of GDM. Higher dietary intakes of total or animal protein during mid-pregnancy were related to an increased risk of GDM. Furthermore, we first found that, compared to women with the plant–dairy–eggs protein pattern, women with the red meat or white meat protein patterns had a higher risk of GDM.

Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Among Humans, Beef Cattle, and Abattoir Environments in Nigeria.

IntroductionBeef cattle, one of the food-producing animals, are linked to humans through a shared environment and the food chain as a major source of animal protein. Antimicrobial drugs are readily accessible for use in food animal production in Nigeria. Beef cattle and abattoir environments harbor pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) which have developed resistance to antimicrobial agents used for prophylaxis or treatment. This study investigated the zoonotic transmission of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) among humans, beef cattle, and abattoir environments in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among abattoir workers, beef cattle, and abattoir environments in Abuja and Lagos. Stool, cecal, and environmental samples were collected from apparently healthy workers, slaughtered cattle, and abattoir environments from May to December 2020. Data were collected electronically using open data kit app installed on a mobile phone. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against a panel of 16 antimicrobial agents. Phenotypic and genotypic characterizations of the isolates were conducted. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.ResultsFrom 21.7% (n = 97) of 448 samples, ESBL-EC were isolated and further characterized. Prevalence of ESBL-EC was highest in cattle (45.4%; n = 44), abattoir workers (41.2%; n = 40), and abattoir environment (13.4%; n = 13). Whole-genome sequencing of ESBL-EC showed dissemination of blaCTX-M-15 (90.7%; n = 88); blaCTX-M-14 (5.2%; n = 5); and blaCTX-M-55 (2.1%; n = 2) genes. The blaCTX-M-15 coexisted with blaCTX-M-14 and blaTEM-1 genes in 2.1% (n = 2) and 39.2% (n = 38) of the isolates, respectively. The presence of blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-15 genes was significantly associated with isolates originating from abattoir workers when compared with beef cattle isolates (p = 0.05; p < 0.01). The most prevalent sequence types (ST) were ST10 (n = 11), ST215 (n = 7), ST4684 (n = 7), and ST2178 (n = 6). ESBL-EC strain (ST205/B1) harbored mcr-1.1 and blaCTX-M15 and was isolated from a worker at Lagos abattoir. In 91 ESBL-EC isolates, 219 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) harbored resistance genes out of which β-lactam genes were carried on 64 different MGEs. Isolates showed equal distribution of insertion sequences and miniature inverted repeats although only a few composite transposons were detected (humans n = 12; cattle n = 9; environment n = 4). Two isolates of human and cattle origin (ST46/A) harboring ESBL genes and carried by MGEs were clonally related.ConclusionsThis is the first report of blaCTX-M-55 gene in humans and cattle in Nigeria. This study demonstrates the horizontal transfer of ESBL genes possibly by MGEs and buttresses the importance of genomic surveillance. Healthcare workers should be sensitized that people working closely with cattle or in abattoir environments are a high-risk group for fecal carriage of ESBL-EC when compared with the general population.

The Bacteriological Quality and Multi-drug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ‎Isolated from Smoked Dried Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Kaduna ‎Metropolis, Nigeria‎

Smoked dried catfish is a major source of protein in resource-poor countries. Unhygienic processing and handling of fish are a source of foodborne pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to determine the bacteriological quality of ready to eat smoked dried catfish and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S. aureus from catfish in Kaduna, Metropolis, Nigeria. Three hundred smoked catfish specimens were collected from 4 markets (Central, Mando, Kawo and Tudun wada)and processed. The smoked dried catfish were subjected to total aerobic and coliform count, isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of S. aureus. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics and presented in tables. The overall mean total aerobic and coliform counts were 3.01 × 106 CFU/g and 1.41 × 106 CFU/g, respectively. The Central market had the highest aerobic count (5.63 × 106 CFU/g), and Mando market had the highest coliform count (2.7 × 106 CFU/g). The overall isolation rate of S. aureus from smoked catfish was 276 (92.0%). Mando market had the highest isolation of S. aureus 74 (98.7%), while Kawo and Tudun Wada markets had 67 (89.3%). Of the 276 S. aureus isolates, 225 (75.0%) were identified as coagulase positive. The isolate showed the lowest resistance to Ciprofloxacin 21 (9.3%), Gentamycin 21 (9.3%) and Chloramphenicol 39 (17.3%). Resistance to Ampicillin and Penicillin was 100%. Multi drug resistantS. aureus contamination of ready to eat smoked dried catfish pose a severe public health hazard to the consumers.

In silico investigation of molecular targets, pharmacokinetics, and biological activities of chicken egg ovalbumin protein hydrolysates

Food-derived bioactive peptides are promising ingredients for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their putative safety, low cost, and multiple health benefits. Chicken egg is considered a major source of dietary protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals but is also highly allergenic. The aim of this work was to investigate the inherent bioactive properties of chicken ovalbumin peptides using in silico approaches. Ovalbumin was in silico hydrolyzed with gastrointestinal proteases (chymotrypsin, trypsin, and pepsin) and results indicated cleavage of the most allergenic protein with an overall 36.62% theoretical degree of hydrolysis, consisting of 132 fragments of which 65 were di-, tri-, tetra- or oligopeptides. The most represented biological targets obtained for these peptides include HLA class I histocompatibility antigen A-3, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase XIAP, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. Notably, peptides AIVF and AVL were found to have multi-target potentials. Gene enrichment analysis showed interaction of these peptides with some kinases and transcription factors. Overall, results from binding affinity, pharmacokinetics and physicochemical properties, and therapeutic activity showed that PGF, SSL, GGL, AVL, VY, and IL are promising peptide candidates for further studies. These results are important in the design of peptide-based functional foods and therapeutic products devoid of allergenic property of ovalbumin.