Protein Deficit Research Articles

Influence of Various Methods of Processing Soybeans on Protein Digestibility and Reduction of Nitrogen Deposits in the Natural Environment – A Review

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM) is a significant source of protein for poultry due to its high concentration of protein and amino acids profile. The primary objective of SBM processing is the reduction and deactivation of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) to enhance nutrient digestibility. However, eliminating ANFs does not necessarily correlate with increased protein and amino acid content. Several processing methods, such as soaking, cooking, and commercial techniques, improve SBM protein digestibility. To sustain feeding qualities, soybeans must undergo heating to remove inherent chemicals that interfere with poultry digestion. However, both under and over-processing can impair meal digestibility. Extrusion heating significantly contributes to protein and starch digestibility while reducing certain ANFs. Thermomechanical and enzyme-assisted procedures reduce heat-resistant proteins more efficiently than extraction methods, producing soy protein concentrate (SPC) and fermentation. These techniques reduce ANFs in SBM, activating digestive enzymes and alleviating digestive tract pressure, leading to decreased endogenous protein deficits. Exogenous enzyme supplementation is a biotechnological approach for enhancing the nutritional content of SBM and certain other protein-rich products. However, different processing methods not only affect protein digestibility but also impact poultry production, gastrointestinal health, and the environment due to higher nitrogen excrement. Ammonia (NH3) emissions are a significant environmental concern in chicken farming, resulting from uric acid production during protein consumption. It has a negative impact on the environment and the health of birds/humans. This review investigates the impact of several processing techniques on the digestibility of SBM protein and the reduction of N2 regarding one health concept. Future research should focus on identifying optimal processing methods maximizing protein digestibility while minimizing environmental nitrogen impacts.

Change in the prevalence of extra-uterine growth restriction in very low birthweight infants, following the introduction of a written nutrition protocol, in a tertiary neonatal unit

Background: Advances in neonatal medicine, resulting in improved survival, have brought the concept of extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR), defined as postnatal growth failure secondary to protein and energy deficits, to the forefront as an important cause of morbidity, particularly in very low birthweight (VLBW) neonates. Objectives: This study’s main objective was to determine the prevalence of EUGR in Steve Biko Academic Hospital in VLBW infants. Methods: This was a pre- (epoch 1) and post- (epoch 2) intervention study. The intervention was the introduction of a written nutritional protocol in the neonatal unit in mid-November 2017. Three definitions were used to identify EUGR, namely: (1) discharge weight < 10th percentile, (2) a change by −1.28 z-score in weight at discharge, and (3) the discharge weight percentile below the nadir percentile. Results: The prevalence of EUGR in epoch 1 was 85.7%, 63.5%, and 88.0% using the above definitions, respectively. The prevalence of EUGR in epoch 2 was 73.9%, 65.8%, and 89.4% using the above definitions, respectively. EUGR using the three definitions combined was present in 95.2% and 92.8% of infants in epochs 1 and 2, respectively. None of the differences in EUGR prevalence between the two epochs were significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of EUGR was not significantly different between the two epochs, although it had been proposed that the introduction of a written nutritional protocol would have decreased the prevalence of EUGR in epoch 2. One of the reasons proposed for this finding was poor adherence to the nutritional protocol during epoch 2.

An adenosinergic positive feedback loop extends pharmacological cardioprotection duration.

Adenosine receptor activation induces delayed, sustained cardioprotection against ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury (24-72 h), but the mechanisms underlying extendedcardioprotection duration remain unresolved. We hypothesized that a positive feedback loop involving adenosine receptor-induced proteasomal degradation of adenosine kinase (ADK) and decreased myocardial adenosine metabolism extends the duration of cardioprotection. Mice were administered an ADK inhibitor, ABT-702, to induce endogenous adenosine signalling. Cardiac ADK protein and mRNA levels were analysed 24-120 h later. Theophylline or bortezomib was administered 24 h after ABT-702 to examine the late roles of adenosine receptors or proteasomal activity, respectively, in ADK expression and cardioprotection at 72 h. Coronary flow and IR tolerance were analysed by Langendorff technique. The potential for continuous adenosinergic cardioprotection was examined using heterozygous, cardiac-specific ADK KO (cADK+/-) mice. Cardiac ADK expression was also examined after A1 or A3 receptor agonist, phenylephrine, lipopolysaccharide or sildenafil administration. ABT-702 treatment decreased ADK protein content and provided cardioprotection from 24 to 72 h. ADK mRNA upregulation restored ADK protein after 96-120 h. Adenosine receptor or proteasome inhibition at 24 h reversed ABT-702-induced ADK protein deficit and cardioprotection at 72 h. cADK+/- hearts exhibited continuous cardioprotection. Diverse preconditioning agents also diminished cardiac ADK protein expression. A positive feedback loop driven by adenosine receptor-induced ADK degradation and renewed adenosine signalling extends the duration of cardioprotection by ABT-702 and possibly other preconditioning agents. The therapeutic potential of continuous adenosinergic cardioprotection is demonstrated in cADK+/- hearts.

Production of Single Cell Protein (SCP) from the Peel Waste of Pea, Potato, and Banana by Aspergillus Flavus NRRL 21882 as an Efficient Organic Poultry Supplement.

Food protein deficit has become a major issue worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Scientists are searching for a variety of less expensive solutions to this issue. One of these less expensive methods is to create single cell protein as a substrate from leftover fruit and vegetable waste, which is typically thrown away. In this regard, the fungal strain Aspergillus flavus (NRRL 21882) was used for the synthesis of SCP (single cell protein) from the waste of banana, potato, and pea. In this manner, 30 samples were collected from the whole substrate with a share of 10 samples each from banana, potato, and pea peels, which were in turn dried and powdered finely. The fermentation process was done by the process of solid state fermentation. Aspergillus flavus (NRRL 21882) generated the highest percentage, i.e. 60.67%, of crude protein from the pea peels. The composition of amino acids in crude proteins was also investigated. The findings demonstrated that the highest percentage of aspartic acid (13.34 ± 0.80%) and glutamic acid (14.92 ± 0.69%) was found in A. flavus single cell protein produced from pea peels. Soybean was supplemented with single cell protein in the boilers' diet. Compared to all treated groups, there was a substantial (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the level of antibody titer against the Newcastle disease vaccine. The supplementation of single cell protein with soybean meal had no effect on the levels of liver enzymes. The liver enzymes found in all four groups (A, B, C, and D) were within normal limits. None of the examined groups experienced any change in the feed conversion ratio, with all groups exhibiting an average FCR of 1.6. The current study concludes that broiler health and immunity is increased by supplementing poultry feed with single cell protein.

Use of non-conventional raw materials in the production of gluten-free pasta – a review

Currently, about 5% of the earth's population suffers from gluten-related disorders. Modern technologies for gluten-free diets and filling the protein deficit are aimed at manufacturing gluten-free (GF) pasta products using non-conventional plant raw materials with high biological value. GF grains and crops (rice, corn, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, etc.) are used to produce GF pasta products. However, there is a scarcity of studies that comprehensively understand GF flour addition on the nutritive, sensory and cooking properties. Therefore, the scope of this literature review covers the main types of non-conventional raw materials for GF pasta products and summarizes the research on pasta products made from them. Results indicate that the rheological and sensory attributes of pasta made from pure GF flours such as rice or corn still requires a deeper study of technological processes in producing GF pasta. Incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients such as amaranth, quinoa, sorghum, and chia flours not only enhances the nutritional profile of gluten-free pasta but also offers opportunities for diverse culinary applications. The improvement of sensory attributes in rice-, corn-, buckwheat-based pasta, coupled with the effective use of cooking enhancers like xanthan gum, transglutaminases, inulin, and alternative starches, paves the way for creating more palatable gluten-free options. As techniques such as high-temperature treatment, extrusion cooking, and starch pregelatinization become more refined, future developments may focus on optimizing these processes to further improve the texture, taste, and overall quality of gluten-free pasta. Continued research and innovation in ingredient selection and processing technologies will be crucial for meeting the growing demand for gluten-free products that do not compromise on culinary experience or nutritional value.

Abstract We117: Preclinical Evidence of Long-term Efficacy and Safety of LX2020, an AAV based Plakophilin-2 Gene Therapy, for the Treatment of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a fatal inherited cardiac disease caused by mutations in desmosomal anchoring genes, with plakophilin-2 (PKP2) being the most frequently mutated gene (70%). While AAV9-PKP2 gene therapy shows promise in mitigating ACM-related deficits in mice, high dose toxicity and organ failure of AAV9 in human clinical trials raises safety concerns. Prior studies showed AAVrh.10 exhibiting preferential cardiac gene expression at lower doses that could potentially be safer. We hypothesized that AAVrh.10.PKP2 (LX2020) could restore PKP2 to scaffold the desmosomal complex and ameliorate cardiac deficits with long-term efficacy at relatively lower doses and safety in non-human primates (NHP). We employed LX2020 to assess its efficacy in severe (PKP2 homozygous (Hom)) and mild (PKP2 heterozygous (Het)) adult ACM diseased mice, as well as safety in NHP at doses from 2E13 to 1E14 vg/kg and up to 12 weeks post-administration. A dose-dependent increase in hPKP2 expression was seen in all models, with rescue of desmosomal/gap junction protein deficits at 2E13 and 6E13 vg/kg doses in PKP2-Het and PKP2-Hom mouse hearts. Long term LX2020 efficacy was observed at the same doses in PKP2-Hom mice with dose-dependent improvements in cardiac function, arrhythmia reduction and histological improvements, such that LX2020 treated PKP2-Hom hearts resembled wild-type hearts, indicating a potential for reversal of late-stage pathology. The extended lifespan was striking with 100% of PKP2-Hom mice surviving using 2E13 vg/kg, completely averting premature death. Safety assessments in NHP also revealed no adverse events up to the highest dose of 1E14 vg/kg. These data support advancing LX2020 as a potentially viable treatment for PKP2 ACM patients, based on safety and long-term efficacy in rescuing desmosomal and cardiac deficits in ACM models at lower doses reported in the field.

CT-Analysis and Facial Reconstruction of Children Mummy from Cerro La Horca (Barranca District, Peru)

The aim of the study was a paleoradiological analysis of one of the few completely preserved pre-Columbian child mummies from the Barranca Valley region. The goal also included an attempt to reconstruction of the antemortem appearance of the face. The mummy comes from the pre-Columbian cemetery of Cerro la Horca, located in the Fortaleza River Valley. This cemetery has been subjected to systematic looting over the years. The activities of grave robbers resulted not only in the destruction of grave contexts and material culture relics, but also in the destruction of the bodies of the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the valley buried in the cemetery. The examined mummy, to our knowledge, is the only completely preserved body from this archaeological site. The analysis used conventional computed tomography, as well as standard anthropological methods and facial reconstruction techniques. The age at the time of the death was estimated at 2 to 3 years. The light color of a child’s hair suggests the presence of protein deficits known as kwashiorkor. The condition is most common after weaning and switching to carbohydrate-rich foods. The facial reconstruction performed allowed the reconstruction of the child’s life-like appearance and is the first reconstruction made for mummified remains from the area.

Nutritional Prescription in ICU Patients: Does it Matter?

The nutritional status of the patients before critical illness and nutrition support given during the critical illness play an important role in the recovery. We aimed to evaluate the nutritional prescription and its effect on ICU mortality. This was a prospective observational study conducted after institutional ethical committee approval (IEC 94/2018, CTRI/2018/06/014625) in a case-mixed (medical and surgical) ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU were enrolled within 24 hours of admission. The amount of calories and proteins prescribed and received by the patients was collected for 7 days. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. A total of 100 patients were included. The mean age was 48.63 (16.25) years, and 62% were males. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and modified Nutric (mNUTRIC) scores were comparable between the two groups. The ICU mortality was 30%. The calorie and protein deficits were comparable between survivors and non-survivors. Among the secondary outcomes, a significant time effect (p = 0.013) and interaction effect (p = 0.004) were noted for maximum glucose levels. The glucose variability calculated by coefficient of variation (CV) was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors (p = 0.031). The calorie and protein deficits did not affect ICU mortality. The maximum glucose variability and CV were significant parameters associated with ICU mortality. Havaldar AA, Selvam S. Nutritional Prescription in ICU Patients: Does it Matter? Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(7):657-661.

Description of Macro Nutrition Intake, Snack Consumption Habits with Nutritional Status in Elementary School Children at UPT SDN 86 Gresik

The nutritional status of school children can be influenced by food consumption and snacking habits, potentially leading to malnutrition and obesity. This study aims to identify the profile of macro-nutrient intake, snacking habits, and the nutritional status of elementary school children at UPT SDN 86 Gresik. It is descriptive in nature and involves 82 students as respondents. The survey method was utilized, employing questionnaires and interviews for data collection. The research conducted at UPT SDN 86 Gresik revealed that 46.7% of students had an energy deficit, 62.2% had a protein deficit, 64.4% had a fat deficit, and 57.8% had a carbohydrate deficit. Additionally, 42.2% exhibited poor snacking frequency, and 60% consumed unhealthy snacks. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that 4 students (8.9%) had poor nutritional status, 32 students (68.9%) had a normal nutritional status, 2 students (4.4%) had excess nutritional status, and 7 students (15.6%) were obese

Description of Energy, Protein, Iron and Folic Acid Intake in Pregnant Women Protein Energy Malnutrition at Sobo Health Center Banyuwangi City

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is one of the prevailing nutritional issues in Indonesia. Dietary intake is a crucial factor related to malnutrition in pregnant women, with the common impact being Low Birth Weight (LBW) of babies. This research examines the intake of energy, protein, iron, and folate among pregnant women with PEM in the working area of Sobo Health Center, Banyuwangi City. The study is descriptive in nature and involves 15 pregnant women with PEM from the Sobo Health Center area as respondents. Data collection involved filling out personal sheets, measuring upper arm circumference using a LiLA tape, and conducting 2x24-hour food recall interviews. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequency distribution tables generated by the SPSS program. The research findings indicate that among pregnant women with severe energy deficiency PEM, all 15 individuals (100%) had severe energy deficit, 7 individuals (46.7%) had severe protein deficit, and all 15 individuals (100%) had insufficient dietary intake to meet their nutritional needs during pregnancy.

An antisense lncRNA mediated mechanism controls desmoplakin gene expression

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Department of Innovation, Research and University of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol (Italy). Background Desmosomal genes are established as definitive genes for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM). The desmoplakin encoding gene, DSP, is amongst the most frequently mutated genes in ACM patients. While rare genetic variants within desmosomal genes can cause ACM, common variants might also affect cardiac conduction traits in the general population. Purpose 1) To explore the association between common genetic variants in ACM desmosomal genes (DSC2, DSG2, PKP2, JUP, DSP) and cardiac conduction traits. 2) To investigate the effect of a lncRNA, identified from downstream analyses, on DSP gene expression. Methods P-wave, PR, QRS and QT intervals were measured using standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) in 4295 participants to the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study (data release 2). Samples were genotyped using the Illumina HumanOmniExpressExome array and imputed on the 1000 Genome Phase 1 panel. We conducted a genetic association study on 3458 variants within the linkage disequilibrium blocks that encompass desmosomal genes, assuming an additive genetic model, at 1.9x10-4 statistical significance. Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses integrating ECG traits and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database transcription levels were performed. A specific GapmeR was used to downregulate the antisense RP3-512B11.3 lncRNA expression in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). hiPSC-CMs lysates were analyzed by digital droplet PCR and Wes™ immunoassay system. Results The rs2744389 variant in DSP gene is associated with a shorter QRS interval (-1.10 ms per effect allele copy; p=3.5x10-6). In the GTEx database, rs2744389 is identified as an expression quantitative trait locus for the antisense lncRNA. MR results support a causal effect of the lncRNA on QRS. To assess the hypothesis that the lncRNA regulates DSP gene expression, we identified a Gapmer able to downregulate the lncRNA expression by approximately 60% in hiPSC-CMs. The lncRNA downregulation led to a significant increase of DSP expression, both at mRNA and protein level, compared to hiPSC-CMs treated with a negative control Gapmer (DSP/RPP30: 16.39±3.32 vs 11.84±1.79; p=0.0313), (Desmoplakin/total protein: 2.44±0.29 vs 1.66±0.11; p=0.0156). Conclusions Starting with the identification of an association between a common genetic variant in DSP gene and a significantly shorter QRS interval in a general population sample, we further unrevealed a new mechanism regulating DSP expression through an antisense lncRNA. While requiring further evidence, these findings might pave the way to a potentially novel therapeutic approach for DSP mutations carriers characterized by desmoplakin protein deficit, as for example patients affected by ACM, but also by dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiocutaneous diseases such as the Carvajal syndrome, and some cancer conditions.

Evaluation of Alternative Sources of Proteins and Other Nutrients with Potential Applications in Fish Nutrition

The European Union’s (EU) agricultural self-sufficiency is challenged by its reliance on imported plant proteins, particularly soy from the Americas, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing the EU’s protein deficit, this study evaluates alternative protein sources for aquaculture, focusing on their nutritional value, elemental content, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Protein flours from gastropods (Helix pomatia, Arion lusitanicus, Arion vulgaris) and their hepatopancreas, along with plant-based proteins from food industry by-products (oilcakes, coffee grounds, spent brewer’s yeast), were analyzed. Results revealed that snail flour contained the highest protein content at 59.09%, significantly outperforming hepatopancreas flour at 42.26%. Plant-based proteins demonstrated substantial nutritional value, with coffee grounds flour exhibiting a remarkable protein content of 71.8% and spent brewer’s yeast flour at 57.9%. Elemental analysis indicated high levels of essential minerals such as magnesium in hepatopancreas flour (5719.10 mg/kg) and calcium in slug flour (48,640.11 mg/kg). However, cadmium levels in hepatopancreas flour (11.45 mg/kg) necessitate caution due to potential health risks. PAH concentrations were low across all samples, with the highest total PAH content observed in hepatopancreas flour at 0.0353 µg/kg, suggesting minimal risk of PAH-related toxicity. The analysis of plant-based protein sources, particularly oilcakes derived from sunflower, hemp, flax, and pumpkin seeds, revealed that these by-products not only exhibit high protein contents but present a promising avenue for enhancing the nutritional quality of feed. This study underscores the potential of utilizing gastropod and plant-based by-products as sustainable and nutritionally adequate alternatives to conventional feeds in aquaculture, contributing to the EU’s environmental sustainability goals.

TYROBP/DAP12 knockout in Huntington’s disease Q175 mice cell-autonomously decreases microglial expression of disease-associated genes and non-cell-autonomously mitigates astrogliosis and motor deterioration

IntroductionHuntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the Huntingtin gene (HTT). Immune activation is abundant in the striatum of HD patients. Detection of active microglia at presymptomatic stages suggests that microgliosis is a key early driver of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Recent studies showed that deletion of Tyrobp, a microglial protein, ameliorates neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease amyloidopathy and tauopathy mouse models while decreasing components of the complement subnetwork.ObjectiveWhile TYROBP/DAP12-mediated microglial activation is detrimental for some diseases such as peripheral nerve injury, it is beneficial for other diseases. We sought to determine whether the TYROBP network is implicated in HD and whether Tyrobp deletion impacts HD striatal function and transcriptomics.MethodsTo test the hypothesis that Tyrobp deficiency would be beneficial in an HD model, we placed the Q175 HD mouse model on a Tyrobp-null background. We characterized these mice with a combination of behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. Further, we evaluated the gene signature in isolated Q175 striatal microglia, with and without Tyrobp.ResultsComprehensive analysis of publicly available human HD transcriptomic data revealed that the TYROBP network is overactivated in the HD putamen. The Q175 mice showed morphologic microglial activation, reduced levels of post-synaptic density-95 protein and motor deficits at 6 and 9 months of age, all of which were ameliorated on the Tyrobp-null background. Gene expression analysis revealed that lack of Tyrobp in the Q175 model does not prevent the decrease in the expression of striatal neuronal genes but reduces pro-inflammatory pathways that are specifically active in HD human brain, including genes identified as detrimental in neurodegenerative diseases, e.g. C1q and members of the Ccr5 signaling pathway. Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed that astrogliosis and complement system pathway were reduced after Tyrobp deletion, which was further validated by immunofluorescence analysis.ConclusionsOur data provide molecular and functional support demonstrating that Tyrobp deletion prevents many of the abnormalities in the HD Q175 mouse model, suggesting that the Tyrobp pathway is a potential therapeutic candidate for Huntington’s disease.

Meat productivity and quality of meat and liver of broiler chickens after consuming diet with mineral supplements containing chelates of cuprum, iron, zinc, and manganese

Poultry farming plays an important role as a producer of high-quality animal protein, which can solve issues of protein deficit among the population. Genetic growth potential of broiler chickens can be maximized through regular supply of microelements, especially chelate aminoacids. Those compounds improve metabolic processes in the body and increase increments in live mass and slaughter-yield of meat. The main objective of the study was identifying effects of mineral supplements with chelate microminerals on meat productivity of broiler chickens, quality of breast and thigh muscles, and content of mineral compounds in meat and liver. The studies were carried out on Kobb-500 broiler chickens, divided into three groups, each comprising 25 individuals. The experiment lasted from day 1 to day 42 of raising poultry. Broilers of the control group received the basic diet balanced in nutrients; the diet of birds of the second group was supplemented with Kronotsyd-L with chelates of copper, iron, zinc, and manganese in calculation of 0.25 mL/L of water, and chickens of the third consumed a diet with copper glycinate in calculation of 0.30 mL/L of water. Subject to mineral supplements with chelate microelements, the chickens had the highest mean-daily increments of live mass, slaughter yield, and yield of breast muscles. Use of mineral supplements in the diet of broiler chickens affected the quality of their meat, in particular its chemical composition. Those supplements led to changes in mineral composition of meat, influencing the concentrations of individual minerals in the tissues of the birds. Since minerals are important components of protein metabolism, the supplements augmented the content of dry matter and protein in meat. In the broiler chickens that had been receiving copper glycinate, the breast muscles had statistically significant increases in the mass shares of dry matter and protein. We found decrease in the content of fat in the breast and thigh muscles and the liver subject to copper glycinate and Kronotsyd-L with chelates of copper, iron, zinc, and manganese. This indicates improvement of the quality of meat and the liver. Use of mineral supplements with chelated microelements increased the ash content in dry matter because of higher concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese.

The Impact of Japan’s Discharge of Nuclear-Contaminated Water on Aquaculture Production, Trade, and Food Security in China and Japan

The aquaculture and fisheries sectors play critical roles in promoting a global nutritious and climate-friendly food system. The Japanese government started implementing the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water (NCW) into the Pacific Ocean in August 2023, which was followed by stopping the import of seafood from Japan to ensure the safety of imported food for Chinese citizens. The discharge of NCW into the ocean by Japan will directly harm the marine ecological environment and the global ecosystem due to the importance of China as the largest producer, processor, and exporter of aquatic products (APs). This paper employs the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model to simulate the future impacts of discharging the NCW under three different scenarios. The results showed that discharging NCW will lead to a global decline in AP production and also has negative repercussions on the macroeconomic landscape. Japan will face the most significant negative impact on its national macroeconomy, e.g., Japan’s GDP, total imports, total exports, household income, and social welfare will decrease by 2.18%, 3.84%, 8.30%, 2.61%, and $130.07 billion; similarly, for China, the decrease will be 0.03%, 1.21%, 0.08%, and $728.15 billion, respectively. If China’s AP consumption decreases by 10% and 20%, it will result in protein deficits of 1.536 million tons and 3.132 million tons, respectively. Japan’s deficit will reach 138,000 tons and 276,000 tons. This necessitates supplementation via the consumption of other protein-rich foods, posing a significant threat to the nutritional security of food in both China and Japan.

CRISPR Activation Reverses Haploinsufficiency and Functional Deficits Caused by TTN Truncation Variants.

TTN truncation variants (TTNtvs) are the most common genetic lesion identified in individuals with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. TTNtvs reduce normal TTN (titin) protein levels, produce truncated proteins, and impair sarcomere content and function. Therapeutics targeting TTNtvs have been elusive because of the immense size of TTN, the rarity of specific TTNtvs, and incomplete knowledge of TTNtv pathogenicity. We adapted CRISPR activation using dCas9-VPR to functionally interrogate TTNtv pathogenicity and develop a therapeutic in human cardiomyocytes and 3-dimensional cardiac microtissues engineered from induced pluripotent stem cell models harboring a dilated cardiomyopathy-associated TTNtv. We performed guide RNA screening with custom TTN reporter assays, agarose gel electrophoresis to quantify TTN protein levels and isoforms, and RNA sequencing to identify molecular consequences of TTN activation. Cardiomyocyte epigenetic assays were also used to nominate DNA regulatory elements to enable cardiomyocyte-specific TTN activation. CRISPR activation of TTN using single guide RNAs targeting either the TTN promoter or regulatory elements in spatial proximity to the TTN promoter through 3-dimensional chromatin interactions rescued TTN protein deficits disturbed by TTNtvs. Increasing TTN protein levels normalized sarcomere content and contractile function despite increasing truncated TTN protein. In addition to TTN transcripts, CRISPR activation also increased levels of myofibril assembly-related and sarcomere-related transcripts. TTN CRISPR activation rescued TTNtv-related functional deficits despite increasing truncated TTN levels, which provides evidence to support haploinsufficiency as a relevant genetic mechanism underlying heterozygous TTNtvs. CRISPR activation could be developed as a therapeutic to treat a large proportion of TTNtvs.

Use of Moringa Leaves to Meet Toddler Nutrition in The Prevention of Stunting

In 2017, 43.2% of children under five in Indonesia had an energy deficit and 28.5% had a mild deficit. For protein adequacy, 31.9% of toddlers experienced a protein deficit and 14.5% experienced a mild deficit. The high prevalence of stunting is a priority that must be resolved with local food sources that are abundant and high in nutritional content, namely moringa leaves. Moringa leaves have high nutritional content and are easily available in the surrounding environment, but are still very diverse in their utilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with the utilization of moringa leaves by mothers of toddlers in preventing stunting in Sumber Rejo Village. This study is a quantitative study with a Cross Sectional design with a population and sample size of 120 respondents with total sampling technique and univariate and bivariate analysis tests using Chi Square. Respondents who had insufficient knowledge were 13.3%, respondents who had a negative attitude were 43.3%, respondents who did not have moringa availability were 23.3% and respondents who had a moringa consumption pattern were 11.7% and respondents who did not utilize moringa leaves were 40%. There is a relationship between knowledge (p-value 0.039), attitude (p-value 0.000), moringa availability (p-value 0.034) and moringa consumption patterns (p-value 0.000) with the utilization of moringa by mothers of toddlers in preventing stunting in Sumber Rejo Village. It is hoped that health workers will conduct education or counseling for mothers of toddlers to increase the knowledge of mothers of toddlers about the use of moringa and it is hoped that mothers will improve moringa consumption patterns for toddlers and families with various variations of moringa preparations in order to increase the utilization of moringa as food intake for stunting prevention.

Adequate calorie and protein administration via enteral nutrition may contribute to improved 30-day survival in patients with solid tumors at nutritional risk

Patients with cancer receiving adequate enteral nutrition (EN) have improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, discrepancies may exist between the amounts prescribed and received. This study aimed to investigate: (1) the receiving exclusive EN, (2) the relationship between inadequacy and unfavorable outcomes, and (3) the impact of inadequate EN administration on the survival of patients with cancer. This study included hospitalized patients with solid tumors who exclusively received EN and were evaluated using data extracted from electronic medical records. Nutritional risk was evaluated using Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS - 2002). EN adequacy was assessed from days 3-7 of hospitalization. Calorie and protein delivery by EN was classified as adequate (≥80% of EN administration) or inadequate (<80% of EN administration). Data were analyzed using dispersion and Bland-Altman plots, Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A total of 114 patients were evaluated (63.9±13.1 years of age, 67.5% male, 32.5% with head and neck cancer, and 86.8% at nutritional risk). During the 5-day evaluation period, only 14% of the patients received the mean volume, proteins, and calories according to the EN prescription. A relationship was observed between inadequate EN (<80%) and 30-day in-hospital mortality. This result was confirmed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p=0.020), which showed a survival benefit in patients at nutritional risk who received adequate calories and protein. This study demonstrated significant caloric and protein deficits related with EN. Furthermore, adequate calorie and protein administration could contribute to improved survival in patients with cancer who are at a risk of malnutrition, however, randomized controlled trials are required to confirm whether adequate calorie administration could contribute to improved survival.

Guide to providing optimal nutrition to ewes throughout the year

Background: Nutrition is undoubtedly the single most important aspect of managing any sheep flock. Both performance and health are directly impacted by the nutritional status of the ewe; if nutrition is suboptimal this can lead to health being compromised and performance reduced. Many health challenges can be attributed to poor nutrition, with energy and protein deficits being the most common issues. Early recognition of suboptimal nutrition is an essential skill for maintaining the overall health and performance of the flock.Aim of the article: This article aims to upskill practitioners so that they can recognise the importance of optimal nutrition and the consequences of poor feeding, and provide them with the tools to work with their clients to improve flock performance through good management.

Aβ in the Lens of the Eye: A Noninvasively Detectable Early Biomarker of Alzheimer’s Disease β‐Amyloidopathy in Humans and Transgenic Mouse Model

AbstractBackgroundAmyloid‐ß (Aß) accumulation in brain is an early hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We discovered Aß deposition, ß‐amyloidopathy, and colocalizing supranuclear cataracts (SNC) in lenses from people with AD (Goldstein LE et al., Lancet, 2003) and Down syndrome (DS; Moncaster JA et al., PLoS One, 2010), but not other neurodegenerative diseases or normal aging. These findings spurred development of an investigational drug‐device lens Aß eye scanner (Sapphire II, Cognoptix) that combines an Aß‐binding fluorescent ligand (Aftobetin) and specialized laser scanning ophthalmoscope for noninvasive measurement of lens Aß (FDA Breakthrough Device, 2021). Early clinical results indicate that lens Aß is an ideal biomarker for early AD detection. Here, we investigated Aß accumulation and amyloidopathy in lens and brain.MethodTg2576 transgenic (Tg+) mice express Swedish mutant human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP‐Swe), human Aß (hAß), ß‐amyloidopathy, and cognitive deficits (Hsiao et al., Science, 1996). Non‐transgenic (Tg–) littermates were used as controls. Lenses were examined by ex vivo lens stereomicroscopy. Brains and lenses were analyzed by Aß immunohistochemistry, amyloid histopathology, anti‐Aß immunogold electron microscopy, tryptic digest mass spectrometry, anti‐hAß ELISA/immunoblotting. Quasi‐elastic light scattering hAß‐lens protein aggregation analysis.ResultTg2576 Tg+ mice, but not Tg– controls, age‐dependently express hAPP, accumulate hAß, and develop hAß molecular pathology in the lens and exhibit age‐dependent Aß supranuclear opacification that recapitulates lens pathology and SNC phenotype expression in human AD and DS. We detected hAß in conditioned medium from Tg+ but not Tg– lens explant cultures. hAß potently promotes mouse lens protein aggregation in vitro.ConclusionThese results support mechanistic (genotype‐phenotype) linkage between age‐dependent Aß pathology and AD‐related phenotypes in lens and brain. Collectively, our findings identify Aß pathology as the shared molecular etiology of age‐dependent supranuclear cataracts associated with two human diseases (AD, DS) and homologous murine cataracts in the Tg2576 transgenic mouse model of AD. These results represent the first evidence of AD‐related Aß pathology outside the brain and support lens Aß as an optically‐accessible biomarker for early detection and longitudinal monitoring of AD.