Protein Deficit Research Articles

Incomplete total body protein recovery in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa

Bone health and growth during adolescence require adequate total body protein (TBPr). Renutrition for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) should aim to normalize body composition and to recover both fat mass and TBPr. We intended to analyze predictors of protein status, including exercise status, in adolescents with AN and to investigate whether weight gain would replenish body protein deficits. We assessed TBPr in a longitudinal, observational study as height-adjusted nitrogen index (NI) using in vivo neutron activation analysis in 103 adolescents with AN [mean ± SD age, 15.6±1.4 y; body mass index (BMI, in kg/m2), 16.5±1.6] at the commencement of inpatient refeeding (T0), in 56 of these patients 7 mo thereafter as outpatients (T1), and in age-matched controls (C; n=51, 15.5±2.1 y, BMI 20.7±1.9). Lean tissue and fat mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMI, BMI standard deviation score, and lean tissue mass were tested as predictors of protein status using receiver operating characteristic analysis. At T0, NI was decreased in AN (AN, 0.88±0.10 compared with C, 1.00±0.08, P<0.001). In 34%, the patients showed protein depletion. Patients classified as ``exercisers'' had a higher NI than did ``nonexercisers'' (0.89 ± 0.11 compared with 0.85 ± 0.08, P = 0.045). BMI, BMI standard deviation score, and lean tissue mass did not show potential as predictors of protein status. Despite increases in weight (+6.9±4.5 kg), and BMI (+2.5±1.7), protein status did not improve (TBPr T0, 8.0±1.1 kg; T1, 8.1±1.0kg, P= 0.495). In an AN subgroup at 7 mo matched with controls in age (AN, 16.5±1.1y; C, 16.2±1.8 y) and BMI (AN, 20.5±1.4; C, 20.7±1.3), protein status was still not normalized in AN (NI: AN, 0.89±0.09 compared with C, 1.00±0.07, P < 0.001). Adolescents recovering from AN remained protein depleted at 7 mo after baseline assessment, even though they were weight restored.

Quantitative Proteomics of Synaptosomal Fractions in a Rat Overexpressing Human DISC1 Gene Indicates Profound Synaptic Dysregulation in the Dorsal Striatum.

Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a key protein involved in behavioral processes and various mental disorders, including schizophrenia and major depression. A transgenic rat overexpressing non-mutant human DISC1, modeling aberrant proteostasis of the DISC1 protein, displays behavioral, biochemical and anatomical deficits consistent with aspects of mental disorders, including changes in the dorsal striatum, an anatomical region critical in the development of behavioral disorders. Herein, dorsal striatum of 10 transgenic DISC1 (tgDISC1) and 10 wild type (WT) littermate control rats was used for synaptosomal preparations and for performing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based quantitative proteomics, using isobaric labeling (TMT10plex). Functional enrichment analysis was generated from proteins with level changes. The increase in DISC1 expression leads to changes in proteins and synaptic-associated processes including membrane trafficking, ion transport, synaptic organization and neurodevelopment. Canonical pathway analysis assigned proteins with level changes to actin cytoskeleton, Gαq, Rho family GTPase and Rho GDI, axonal guidance, ephrin receptor and dopamine-DARPP32 feedback in cAMP signaling. DISC1-regulated proteins proposed in the current study are also highly associated with neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. Bioinformatics analyses from the current study predicted that the following biological processes may be activated by overexpression of DISC1, i.e., regulation of cell quantities, neuronal and axonal extension and long term potentiation. Our findings demonstrate that the effects of overexpression of non-mutant DISC1 or its misassembly has profound consequences on protein networks essential for behavioral control. These results are also relevant for the interpretation of previous as well as for the design of future studies on DISC1.

Prevalence and duration of reasons for enteral nutrition feeding interruption in a tertiary intensive care unit.

Intensive care unit (ICU) enteral nutrition (EN) can involve frequent feeding interruption (FI). The prevalence, causes, and duration of such interruption were investigated. Reasons for EN FI identified from extensive literature review were prospectively collected in adult mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Results were reported by descriptive statistics. Baseline and nutritional characteristics between patients who died and those alive at day 60 were compared. A total of 148 patients receiving ≥1 day of EN for the full 12-day observational period were included in the analysis. About 332 episodes of EN FI were recorded and contributed to 12.8% (4190 hours) of the total 1367 evaluable nutrition days. For each patient, FI occurred for a median of 3 days and the total duration of FI for the entire ICU stay was 24.5 hours. Median energy and protein deficits per patient due to FI for the entire ICU stay were -1780.23 kcal and -100.58 g, respectively. Duration of FI, days with FI, and the amount of energy and protein deficits due to FI were not different between patients who had died and those who were still alive at day 60 (all P > 0.05). About 72% of the total duration of EN FI was due to procedural-related and potentially avoidable causes (primarily human factors), while only about 20% was due to feeding intolerances. EN FI occurred primarily due to human factors, which may be minimized by adherence to an evidence-based feeding protocol as determined by a nutrition support team.

Early nutritional inadequacy is associated with psoas muscle deterioration and worse clinical outcomes in critically ill surgical patients

PurposeTo explore whether psoas cross sectional area (CSA) and density (Hounsfield Units, HU) are associated with nutritional adequacy and clinical outcomes in surgical intensive care unit patients. Materials and methodsSubjects with at least one CT scan within 72h of ICU admission were included. Demographic, nutritional, radiographic, and outcomes data were collected. Psoas muscle CSA and HU were assessed at the L4–L5 intervertebral disk level. Change (Δ) in CSA and HU overall and per day were calculated. Results140 patients were included. There was no significant correlation between baseline CSA and HU and clinical outcomes. Patients with at least two CT scans (n=65), had a median decrease in CSA of −15% [IQR: −20%, −8%] and decrease in HU of −2% [IQR: −30%, +24%]. Patients with the greatest daily %HU decline received significantly fewer calories/kg and proteins/kg and accumulated greater protein deficits at day 7 and overall. Patients with daily %HU increase had the shortest ICU and hospital LOS and more ventilator-free days in univariate and multivariable analyses. ConclusionsIn this exploratory study, early nutritional deficits were correlated with muscle quality deterioration. Inpatient gain in psoas density, compared to maintenance or loss, is associated with shorter hospital stay.

АШЫТҚЫ ЖӘНЕ СҮТҚЫШҚЫЛДЫ БАКТЕРИЯЛАРДЫҢ САБАН ШИКІЗАТЫНДА ӨСУ БЕЛСЕНДІЛІГІН ЗЕРТТЕУ

Currently, due to the lack of feed for livestock, special attention is paid to microbial biomass as a source of protein. With the help of microorganisms, it is possible to obtain fodder protein and other protein-containing products, which contributes to reducing the protein deficit in feed. The production of such biomass on cheap raw materials is considered as one of the means of eliminating the growing protein deficiency in animal nutrition. In this regard, as the source of carbohydrates for the biosynthesis of fodder yeast, renewable plant raw materials are considered. As a plant raw material, agricultural crops and by-products and waste generated during processing are used. Such production facilities can provide an opportunity to obtain additional microbial protein for animal husbandry and, at the same time, to solve problems of utilization of waste polluting the environment. To increase the nutritional value of feeds, it is necessary to enrich the plant raw materials with a protein of microorganisms. Fortification of plant raw materials with a microbial protein is carried out by symbiosis of yeast and lactobacilli. Yeast, enriching the feed with protein and amino acids, creates the conditions for the development of lactobacilli, producers of biologically active animals beneficial. The activity of growth of yeast and lactic acid bacteria on agricultural wastes - wheat bran - has been studied. The protein accumulation activity and acid formation of yeast and lactic acid bacteria on an optimized medium were studied. As a result of the work, a consortium of yeasts and lactobacilli were designed for co-cultivation on plant substrates. Key words: fodder protein, consortium, yeast, lactic acid bacteria, biomass.

Natural Bioactive Food Components for Improving Enteral Tube Feeding Tolerance in Adult Patient Populations.

Tube feeding (TF) is the most common form of nutrition support. In recent years, TF administration has increased among patient populations within and outside hospital settings, in part due to greater insurance coverage, reduced use of parenteral nutrition, and improved formularies suitable for sole source nutrition. With increasing life expectancy and improved access to TFs, the number of adults dependent on enteral nutrition is expected to grow. However, enteral TF intolerance (ETFI) is the most common complication of TFs, typically presenting with at least 1 adverse gastrointestinal event, including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. ETFI often leads to reductions in TF volume with associated energy and protein deficits. Potentially ensuing malnutrition is a major public health concern due its effects on increased risk of morbidity and mortality, infections, prolonged hospital length of stay, and higher healthcare costs. As such, there is a need for intervention strategies to prevent and reduce ETFI. Incorporating whole foods with bioactive properties is a promising strategy. Emerging research has elucidated bioactive properties of whole foods with specific benefits for the prevention and management of adverse gastrointestinal events commonly associated with TFs. However, lack of evidence-based recommendations and technological challenges have limited the use of such foods in commercial TF formulas. This review addresses research gaps by discussing 5 whole foods (rhubarb, banana, curcumin, peppermint oil, and ginger) with bioactive attributes identified through literature searches and clinical experience as having substantial scientific rationale to consider their application for ETFI in adult populations.

Early Protein Inadequacy Is Associated With Longer Intensive Care Unit Stay and Fewer Ventilator-Free Days: A Retrospective Analysis of Patients With Prolonged Surgical Intensive Care Unit Stay.

Failure to provide adequate nutrition in the intensive care unit (ICU) may be particularly harmful for patients with prolonged critical illness. We hypothesized that early nutrition inadequacy is more influential for those requiring a longer ICU stay versus those requiring a shorter stay. We enrolled 280 adult patients with prolonged surgical ICU stay who were receiving enteral nutrition for >72 hours. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: shortICU (<14 days) and longICU (≥14 days). Nutrition deficits at ICU days 3 and 7 were calculated. To investigate whether early nutrient deficit was associated with ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, 28-day ventilator-free days, and discharge disposition (home/rehabilitation vs death/nursing home), we performed linear and logistic regression analyses controlling for age, sex, body mass index, and APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation). While the shortICU (n = 163) and longICU (n = 117) groups were similar in age, APACHE II, Injury Severity Score, energy/protein prescription, and enteral nutrition initiation within 48 hours, the longICU group was more commonly male (76% vs 61%, P = .007) and had higher body mass index (27.4 vs 25.6, P = .007). Significant interactions occurred: in the longICU group but not the shortICU group, protein deficits were associated with longer ICU stay and fewer 28-day ventilator-free days. Early protein deficits accumulating at ICU days 3 and 7 are associated with worse clinical outcomes among patients requiring longer ICU stays. Additional studies are required to confirm these findings.

Évaluation d’une modification de politique nutritionnelle sur la fréquence du retard de croissance extra-utérin chez le nouveau-né prématuré entre 2012 et 2014

Extrauterine growth restriction is associated with long-term effects on growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a change in nutritional policy on the postnatal growth of premature infants. Prospective observational study carried out between 01/01/14and 31/12/14in all newborns under 33weeks GA admitted to the Bordeaux University Hospital after modification of the nutrition policy at the beginning of January 2014. This cohort was compared to a retrospective historical cohort of children born between 01/01/12and 31/12/12. In the second period, the nutrient intakes received were evaluated and compared with the recent recommendations (ESPGHAN 2005, 2010, Nutritional care of preterm infant). The impact of EUGR was compared between the two populations. A total of 144children were included: 66in the 2012cohort and 78in the 2014cohort. Their initial characteristics were similar. The moderate EUGR rate was 86.4% in 2012vs. 39.7% in 2014and the severe EUGR rate was 21.2% in 2012vs. 5.1% in 2014. In 2014, half of the newborns had an energy deficit and two-thirds had a protein deficit at the end of the 6weeks of hospitalization. This study shows that optimization of the nutrition policy can reduce the incidence of EUGR.

Glutaminase and MMP-9 Downregulation in Cortex and Hippocampus of LPA1 Receptor Null Mice Correlate with Altered Dendritic Spine Plasticity.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an extracellular lipid mediator that regulates nervous system development and functions acting through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we explore the crosstalk between LPA1 receptor and glutamatergic transmission by examining expression of glutaminase (GA) isoforms in different brain areas isolated from wild-type (WT) and KOLPA1 mice. Silencing of LPA1 receptor induced a severe down-regulation of Gls-encoded long glutaminase protein variant (KGA) (glutaminase gene encoding the kidney-type isoforms, GLS) protein expression in several brain regions, particularly in brain cortex and hippocampus. Immunohistochemical assessment of protein levels for the second type of glutaminase (GA) isoform, glutaminase gene encoding the liver-type isoforms (GLS2), did not detect substantial differences with regard to WT animals. The regional mRNA levels of GLS were determined by real time RT-PCR and did not show significant variations, except for prefrontal and motor cortex values which clearly diminished in KO mice. Total GA activity was also significantly reduced in prefrontal and motor cortex, but remained essentially unchanged in the hippocampus and rest of brain regions examined, suggesting activation of genetic compensatory mechanisms and/or post-translational modifications to compensate for KGA protein deficit. Remarkably, Golgi staining of hippocampal regions showed an altered morphology of glutamatergic pyramidal cells dendritic spines towards a less mature filopodia-like phenotype, as compared with WT littermates. This structural change correlated with a strong decrease of active matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of KOLPA1 mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LPA signaling through LPA1 influence expression of the main isoenzyme of glutamate biosynthesis with strong repercussions on dendritic spines maturation, which may partially explain the cognitive and learning defects previously reported for this colony of KOLPA1 mice.

OR67: Effects of the Infusion of Intravenous Fluids on the Caloric and Protein Deficits in Critically Ill Patients

OR67: Effects of the Infusion of Intravenous Fluids on the Caloric and Protein Deficits in Critically Ill Patients

Risk factors for severe acute malnutrition in under-five children attending nutritional rehabilitation centre of tertiary teaching hospital in Karnataka: a case control study

Background: To determine and analyse the risk factors leading to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children under 5 years of age attending nutritional rehabilitation centre of our hospital.Methods: This questionnaire based case control study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2016 on SAM children. For comparison children attending outpatient department without any evidence of malnutrition were included. These SAM children were admitted to the nutritional rehabilitation centre of Cheluvamba Hospital attached to Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka.Results: A total of 103 SAM cases were compared with 100 controls. The sociodemographic risk factors were age less than 2 yrs, more family members (55.3% had 5 to 8 members), Birth spacing less than 2 years (39.8%), open air defecation (37.9%) and living in kucha house (32%). The dietary risk factors which were statistically significant were poor appetite (33%), prelacteal feed (19.4%), lack of exclusive breast feeding (42.7%), discontinuing breast feed before 2 years (74.8%), receiving complementary feed before 6 months (67%), bottle feeding (32%), calorie deficit (79.6%), protein deficit (66%) and feeding difficulty (17.5%).Conclusions: The social risk factors identified in this study were large family size, low income, more number of siblings and living standards like type of house, open air defecation. The nutritional risk factors were giving prelacteal feed, not giving exclusive breast feeding until 6 months, starting complementary feed before 6 months and giving food low in calories and protein.

Uncoupling DAPK1 from NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit exerts rapid antidepressant-like effects

Several preclinical studies have reported the rapid antidepressant effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists, although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) couples GluN2B subunits at extrasynaptic sites to regulate NMDAR channel conductance. In the present study, we found that chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induced extracellular glutamate accumulation, accompanied by an increase in the DAPK1–NMDAR interaction, the high expression of DAPK1 and phosphorylated GluN2B at Ser1303, a decrease in phosphorylated DAPK1 at Ser308 and synaptic protein deficits in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). CUS also enhanced GluN2B-mediated NMDA currents and extrasynaptic responses that were induced by bursts of high-frequency stimulation, which may be associated with the loss of astrocytes and low expression of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). The blockade of GLT-1 in the mPFC was sufficient to induce depressive-like behavior and cause similar molecular changes. Selective GluN2B antagonist, DAPK1 knockdown by adeno-associated virus-mediated short-hairpin RNA or a pharmacological inhibitor, and the uncoupling of DAPK1 from the NMDAR GluN2B subunit produced rapid antidepressant-like effects and reversed CUS-induced alterations in the mPFC. The inhibition of DAPK1 and its interaction with GluN2B subunit in the mPFC also rescued CUS-induced depressive-like behavior 7 days after treatment. A selective GluN2B antagonist did not have rewarding effects in the conditioned place preference paradigm. Altogether, our findings suggest that the DAPK1 interaction with the NMDAR GluN2B subunit acts as a critical component in the pathophysiology of depression and is a potential target for new antidepressant treatments.

Early neurotrophic pharmacotherapy rescues developmental delay and Alzheimer\u2019s-like memory deficits in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and is associated with a greatly increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Ts65Dn mouse model of DS exhibits several key features of the disease including developmental delay and AD-like cognitive impairment. Accumulating evidence suggests that impairments in early brain development caused by trisomy 21 contribute significantly to memory deficits in adult life in DS. Prenatal genetic testing to diagnose DS in utero, provides the novel opportunity to initiate early pharmacological treatment to target this critical period of brain development. Here, we report that prenatal to early postnatal treatment with a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) small-molecule peptide mimetic, Peptide 021 (P021), rescued developmental delay in pups and AD-like hippocampus-dependent memory impairments in adult life in Ts65Dn mice. Furthermore, this treatment prevented pre-synaptic protein deficit, decreased glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3β) activity, and increased levels of synaptic plasticity markers including brain derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and phosphorylated CREB, both in young (3-week-old) and adult (~ 7-month-old) Ts65Dn mice. These findings provide novel evidence that providing neurotrophic support during early brain development can prevent developmental delay and AD-like memory impairments in a DS mouse model.

Визначення токсичності люпинового борошна і дивосилу та функціональних котлет з їх вмістом

На сьогодні, надзвичайно гостро постає проблема екологічно чистого, раціонального, збалансованого харчування. Оскільки, концепція сучасного харчування є не просто модною тенденцією, і велінням часу, то доцільно виведення на ринок нових функціональних продуктів із заданими оздоровчо-профілактичними властивостями. Харчування всіх груп населення України є важливим фактором, що в значній мірі визначає здоров’я нації. На білих мишах було проведено вивчення токсичності люпинового борошна, кореня дивосилу та функціональних котлет що містять у складі 5%, 10%, 15% люпинового борошна із заміною м’ясної частини та 0,5% дивосилу, як пряно-ароматичної добавки. Досліджено, що люпинове борошно та дивосил не викликають катарального або геморагічного запалення шлунково-кишкового тракту, та загибель мишей, отож є нетоксичні. При згодовуванні мишам котлет з 10% вмістом люпинового борошна та 0,5% дивосилу встановлено, що при патологоанатомічному розтині макроскопічних змін в органах і тканинах не виявлено, Р &gt; 0,05, що є в межах норми та гематологічні дослідження крові мишей підтверджують, що даний продукт можна включати в раціон харчування людей.

Response to the Ebola-related bushmeat consumption ban in rural C\xf4te d\u2019Ivoire

BackgroundBushmeat represents an important animal protein source for populations in rural areas of Côte d’Ivoire; consequently, the exploitation of the bushmeat reserves has contributed to food security in these areas for long time. However, emergence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa in 2014 has led to a ban and stigmatization of this essential food source in rural zones. The present study analyses the influence of the decision to ban bushmeat consumption due to EVD on the patterns of consumption of proteins sources and food security. It aims to characterize the different protein sources consumed in rural areas in the Toumodi region before and after the EVD outbreak in order to identify alternatives to bushmeat.ResultsThe results demonstrated that fish remains the principal animal protein source (92.1% of households) even outside the EVD crisis. Among protein sources, only bushmeat and fish consumptions have been modified with the Ebola threat. The proportion of households that regularly consume bushmeat decreased to 19.8%, however, this reduction in consumption has been driving by sensitization and repression. Fish consumption frequency increased from 4 to 7 times per week in the EVD crisis period. Picking up in the bush is a main mode of supply of some protein sources such as snail or shellfish but their seasonal character limits their use in the households. Vegetable protein sources seem to play a minor role in the diet of the households assessed, whereas edible mushrooms are consumed frequently to complement or substitute animal protein sources.ConclusionThe ban on bushmeat has led to a reduction in its consumption while fish and edible mushrooms seem to have filled related protein deficits in the households assessed. However, constraints in availability and utilization of these alternative sources build an inconsistent basis to fulfil the nutritional needs. To counteract potentially arising protein deficiencies among the population, the development and implementation of fish farming and livestock at short cycle are suggested in order to improve access to protein sources other than bushmeat.

Enteral nutritional support in non-ICU hospitalized patients: current practice in Mexico.

Patients receiving >=80% of their energy requirements by enteral nutrition (EN) have better clinical outcomes; unfortunately, there are discrepancies between the amount prescribed and amount received. The aim of this study was to explore the nutritional clinical practice, determine the adequacy and identify reasons for underfeeding. A retrospective study was conducted in hospitalized, non-intensive care unit, adult patients receiving EN for >=72 h. The following data were recorded: the prescribed target of energy and protein per day, daily energy intake, and the percentage of adequacy of the energy and protein requirement up to hospital day seven. Complications during administration or reasons for interruption and the proportion of patients who received >=80% of the energy goals on days four and seven were also recorded. In total, 52 patients were included (61.5% women), with a median age of 57.5 years; 20.4% and 6.1% of the patients received >=80% of their energy and protein goals, respectively, on day four, which improved to 28% (p<0.005) and 19% (p<0.001), respectively, on day seven. During the first seven days, a statistically significant (p<0.001) difference was observed between the amount of prescribed and administered energy over 24 h. The patients who received <80% of their total energy requirement remained hospitalized for 29 days (IQR 16.5-45.5), while those who received >=80% were hospitalized for 18 days (IQR 13.3-28.8) (p<0.05). Significant energy and protein deficits were documented. Furthermore, it is necessary to use strategies such as the implementation of an algorithm to optimize EN.

Implementation of an Aggressive Enteral Nutrition Protocol and the Effect on Clinical Outcomes.

Macronutrient deficiency in critical illness is associated with worse outcomes. We hypothesized that an aggressive enteral nutrition (EN) protocol would result in higher macronutrient delivery and fewer late infections. We enrolled adult surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving >72 hours of EN from July 2012 to June 2014. Our intervention consisted of increasing protein prescription (2.0-2.5 vs 1.5-2.0 g/kg/d) and compensatory feeds for EN interruption. We compared the intervention group with historical controls. To test the association of the aggressive EN protocol with the risk of late infections (defined as occurring >96 hours after ICU admission), we performed a Poisson regression analysis, while controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and exposure to gastrointestinal surgery. The study cohort comprised 213 patients, who were divided into the intervention group (n = 119) and the historical control group (n = 94). There was no difference in age, sex, BMI, admission category, or Injury Severity Score between the groups. Mean APACHE II score was higher in the intervention group (17 ± 8 vs 14 ± 6, P = .002). The intervention group received more calories (19 ± 5 vs 17 ± 6 kcal/kg/d, P = .005) and protein (1.2 ± 0.4 vs 0.8 ± 0.3 g/kg/d, P < .001), had a higher percentage of prescribed calories (77% vs 68%, P < .001) and protein (93% vs 64%, P < .001), and accumulated a lower overall protein deficit (123 ± 282 vs 297 ± 233 g, P < .001). On logistic regression, the intervention group had fewer late infections (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.83). In surgical ICU patients, implementation of an aggressive EN protocol resulted in greater macronutrient delivery and fewer late infections.

Does acute or habitual protein deprivation influence liking for monosodium glutamate?

The umami flavour generated by monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been proposed as the marker for the presence of protein in foods. As protein is the most closely regulated macronutrient in the diet, the present study addressed whether acute protein deprivation, habitual protein intake or a combination of the two influenced liking for the taste of MSG. 24 low-restraint male participants (mean age: 22; BMI: 23) consumed either their habitual breakfast (baseline), a low protein breakfast (breakfast meal with low protein milk and milkshake) or a high protein breakfast (breakfast meal with high protein milk and milkshake) on three different days, and then evaluated the acceptability of umami (MSG), salty (NaCl) or sweet (Acesulphame K) tastes at low or high concentrations in a soup context at lunchtime. Participants also completed a habitual protein intake questionnaire (39-item protein Food Frequency Questionnaire). Liking for all tastes was higher on the low than on the high protein day, and NaCl and Acesulphame K were liked less on both protein manipulation days when compared to the no added flavour control. Habitual protein intake was not related to liking for MSG stimuli alone but habitual high protein consumers rated a high concentration of MSG as more pleasant than any other taste when in protein deficit. Overall, these findings suggest that liking for high MSG concentrations may be moderated by nutritional need in high protein consumers.

High density silvopasture systems for quality forage production and carbon sequestration in humid tropics of Southern India

In comparison to conventional grass monoculture practices, well managed silvopasture systems with high tree densities have greater potential for quality forage production and climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration in humid tropics, but needs quantification on above aspects for popularizing among farmers and for payment of ecosystem services. We therefore investigated the comparative forage and crude protein (CP) yields and carbon stocks of six different fodder production systems, viz; 3-tier hybrid Napier (HN) + mulberry + stylosanthus system (planted in 3:1:1 ratio, area basis), 2-tier HN + mulberry/stylosanthus (3:2 ratio) and HN/mulberry/stylosanthus monoculture systems and one control plot with natural grass vegetation, for 2 years. Trees were planted at 60 × 60 cm spacing, pruned at 1 m height at 3 months interval. At the end of 2 years, HN monoculture produced significantly higher dry fodder yield (51 Mg ha−1) (P HN + mulberry > 3-tier system, whereas CP yield was significantly lower for HN and stylosanthus monocultures and their combinations. Carbon stocks were significantly higher (P < 0.001) for mulberry monoculture (174.84 Mg ha−1); followed by 2-tier HN + mulberry (147.67 Mg C ha−1), which captured 11–13% more carbon than 3-tier silvopasture and HN monoculture systems. However, fodder yields from mulberry sole plots were lower. HN monoculture out yielded all other systems in fodder yields, but fodder quality as indicated by CP yield, as well as carbon storage was comparatively poor. Hence, considering the fodder (24 Mg ha−1 year−1, dry basis) and CP yields (3.15 Mg ha−1 year−1), and carbon fixation rates (11 Mg C ha−1 year−1), 2-tier HN + mulberry system with tree density of 11,111 trees ha−1 was found to be the most promising system for meeting both farmer needs and environmental services. Adopting these systems in at least 3 M ha can supply 72 and 9.45 Mt of dry matter and CP respectively, which can meet one-third of the annual dry matter and crude protein deficit of Indian livestock industry and half of the carbon emission standards of India’s INDC commitment over a period of 10 years.

Enzyme Enhanced Protein Recovery from Green Biomass Pulp

Globally, animal feed protein is a key factor for production of meat for human consumption. Protein for animal feed is in many parts of the world not available in sufficient amounts; demand is met only through import of feed protein. Such protein deficit can be minimized through optimized use of local protein resources based on upgrade from e.g. green plant biomass. In present work we consider different strategies for protein recovery from white clover and ryegrass screw press pulps, using aqueous extraction, as well as carbohydrases and proteases enhanced extraction. Protein recovery in these studies was determined as a yield of solubilized protein with regard to the total protein in a screw press pulp. Aqueous extraction at pH 8.0 resulted in approx. 40 % protein recovery, while proteases application (Savinase 16.0L, Novozymes) enabled twice higher protein yield. Application of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (Cellic CTec2 and Cellic HTec2, Novozymes) did not provide detectable protein recovery, while consecutive proteases treatment resulted in approx. 95 % protein yield. RuBisCO peptides were demonstrated by amino acid analysis to be the major component of white clover and ryegrass pulp proteolyzates, generated by Savinase 16.0L protease.