Protein Requirements Research Articles

Spatial Evaluation of Carp Production by Using Geography Information Systems (GIS) in the Anatolian Region of Türkiye

Fish industry has significant importance all over the world because red meat is not enough to complete the protein requirements of growing population. Therefore, focus is now on those fish species production rate which are more suitable. In this study we focused on common carp which has important commercial value due to its size and tasty meat. Common carp is a fresh water fish and mostly found in rivers, ponds, dams and lakes. It is special due to its ability of adjustment in any aquatic habitat and sometimes beneficial also for other aquatic animals by releasing nutrients in habitat. Türkiye is a rich country in terms of rivers, dams and lakes. In this research, we described famous water reservoirs in Türkiye and in which regions higher amount of carp fish produced. It was focused on Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye which has large amount of water reservoirs. Geography Information System (GIS) based mapping and spatial analysis was used in this study to check the production rate of carp in Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye for long period from year 2000 to 2019. It was concluded from this study that highest average production rate of carp is obtained in Konya province (total: 11919,2 tons/2000-2019; average: 596 tons/20 year) which is west part of Anatolian region and lowest average production rate is found in the Niğde province (total: 163,5 tons/2000-2019; average: 8,2 tons/20 year) which is south part of the Central Anatolian Region.

The effect of deep-frying and pan-frying methods on the organoleptic properties, protein, and calcium content of presto milkfish floss (<i>Chanos chanos</i>)

This study investigates the impact of deep-frying and pan-frying processing methods on the sensory characteristics, protein content, and calcium levels of presto milkfish floss (Chanos chanos). A pre-experimental study design was employed using a randomized block design, with data analyzed through unpaired t-tests and the Mann-Whitney test at a 95% confidence interval. Significant differences were observed in the acceptability of the floss regarding color, taste, and texture (p<0.05). In contrast, no significant difference was found in aroma (p>0.823) between the deep-fried (A1) and pan-fried (A2) samples. The post-hoc analysis revealed that deep-fried presto milkfish floss (A1) achieved the highest overall acceptability regarding color, taste, aroma, and texture. The deep-fried variant (A1) was preferred by the panelist and met the fish floss quality standards set by SNI 7690-1-2013. This variant was characterized by a yellowish-brown color, enhanced taste due to higher oil content, which determines the number of double bonds that will accelerate the oxidation rate, and a crunchier texture resulting from reduced moisture content, which also slowed microbial growth. The aroma was deemed pleasant and consistent with the ingredients used. Chemical analysis showed that the deep-fried presto milkfish floss (A1) contained 20.6 g of protein and 115.7 mg of calcium per 100 g. This composition contributes approximately 103% of the daily protein requirement and 17.8% of the daily calcium requirement for children aged two years.

Two secretory T2 RNases from a fungal pathogen target distinct insect cell transmembrane proteins to cause cytotoxicity.

Fungal pathogens produce secretory ribonuclease (RNase) T2 proteins during infection, which contribute to fungal virulence via their enzyme functions in degradation of host cell RNA. However, the details of those proteins entering the host cells are unclear. Our previous study demonstrated that the two secretory RNase T2 members, BbRNT2 and BbTrv, produced by the insect fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana, caused cytotoxic damage to insect cells and contributed to fungal virulence. Here, the Spodoptera frugiperda ovarian epithelial cells (sf9 cells) were used as models to investigate the interactions of the two fungus-produced RNase T2 proteins with the insect cells. Two transmembrane proteins, an ABC transporter (SfABCG) and an Innexin 7-like protein (Sfinx), were identified from the sf9 cells as interacting with BbRNT2 and BbTrv, respectively, through protein immunoprecipitation, yeast-two hybrid tests and protein pull-down assays. Although a slight decrease in the sf9 cell viability was examined by transfection of RNA interference of SfABCG or Sfinx, the transfected cells displayed a dramatically decreased sensitivity to BbRNT2 or BbTrv, suggesting the requirement of the twotransmembrane proteins for BbRNT2 and BbTrv to enter the insect cells. These results reveal a mechanism of the cytotoxic molecules, T2 RNases, produced by the fungal pathogen, entering the insect cells via interaction with specific insect cell transmembrane proteins and causing cytotoxic damage.

What is the role of parenteral nutrition in the management of the patient with severe acute pancreatitis?

Severe acute pancreatitis often presents as a complex critical illness associated with a high rate of infectious morbidity, multiple organ failure, and in-hospital mortality. Breakdown of gut barrier defenses, dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, and exaggerated immune responses dictate that early enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN) as the primary route of nutrition therapy. EN, however, is not feasible in all cases because of intolerance, risk of complications, or a direct contraindication to enteral feeding. For these patients, PN can be provided in a manner that is safe, is metabolically appropriate, and follows the principles of modern critical care nutrition. Adherence to goal-directed fluid resuscitation, provision of trophic doses of PN to meet 20%-25% of protein and/or calorie requirements through the acute phases of illness, use of less-inflammatory intravenous lipid emulsions, and close monitoring of electrolytes, triglyceride levels, and signs of refeeding syndrome all serve to optimize the response to this route of nutrition support. For these reasons, prescribing PN remains an important strategy in the management of this difficult population of patients.

Screening of the effect of new food prototypes based on fermented lentil and quinoa flours on the colonic microbiota of older adults through a static in vitro colonic fermentation model.

In view of the increasing demand for plant-based protein alternatives, along with the increased protein requirements of older adults, the formulation of new food concepts based on protein-rich ingredients from legumes or pseudo-cereals seems a promising approach. Previous studies have found that solid-state fermentation can improve the nutritional value and digestibility of plant-based commodities; however, scarce evidence exists regarding the effect on prebiotic potential. This study aimed to compare the effect of fermented and unfermented quinoa and lentil flours on the colonic microbiota, as well as that of new food prototypes (gels and breads) made with the flours. After simulating static colonic fermentation of the substrates by using a pool faecal inoculum obtained from four older adults, the microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, gas chromatography GC-FID) were determined. The results showed statistically significant changes in the microbiota at the genus taxonomic level in the range of -5.8% to +17.6% relative abundance. Common findings in all experiments were increased Bacteroides, Acidaminococcus and Parabacteroides and decreased Asteroleplasma, Oscillospiraceae UCG-002 group and Alistipes, as well as increased SCFA production. Overall, the food matrix (flour, gel or bread) was the variable that most affected the changes in the microbiota composition and diversity, while the impact of fermentation of the lentils or quinoa was not statistically significant for most cases. Concretely, the gel-like prototypes produced the most beneficial changes in microbiota composition, while the bread-like formulations were more favourable for increased SCFA and decreased bSCFA production. In conclusion, new food prototypes based on lentil and quinoa flour could have beneficial prebiotic potential. However, few additional advantages were observed from previous solid-state fermentation for obtaining the fermented lentils and quinoa flour.

The alphavirus determinants of intercellular long extension formation.

The alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a serious human pathogen that can cause large-scale epidemics characterized by fever and joint pain and often resulting in chronic arthritis. Infection by alphaviruses including CHIKV and the closely related Semliki Forest virus (SFV) can induce the formation of filopodia-like intercellular long extensions (ILEs). ILEs emanate from an infected cell, stably attach to a neighboring cell, and mediate cell-to-cell viral transmission that is resistant to neutralizing antibodies. However, our mechanistic understanding of ILE formation is limited, and the potential contribution of ILEs to CHIKV virulence or human CHIKV infection is unknown. Here, we used well-characterized virus mutants and monoclonal antibodies with known epitopes to dissect the virus requirements for ILE formation. Our results showed that both the viral E2 and E1 envelope proteins were required for ILE formation, while viral proteins 6K and transframe, and cytoplasmic nucleocapsid formation were dispensable. A subset of CHIKV monoclonal antibodies reduced ILE formation by masking specific regions particularly on the E2 A domain. Studies of the viral proteins from different CHIKV strains showed that ILE formation is conserved across the four major CHIKV lineages. Sera from convalescent human CHIKV patients inhibited ILE formation in cell culture, providing the first evidence for ILE inhibitory antibody production during human CHIKV infections.IMPORTANCEChikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections can cause severe fever and long-lasting joint pain in humans. CHIKV is disseminated by mosquitoes and is now found world-wide, including in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. In cultured cells, CHIKV can induce the formation of long intercellular extensions that can transmit virus to another cell. However, our understanding of the formation of extensions and their importance in human CHIKV infection is limited. We here identified viral protein requirements for extension formation. We demonstrated that specific monoclonal antibodies against the virus envelope proteins or sera from human CHIKV patients can inhibit extension formation. Our data highlight the importance of evaluation of extension formation in the context of human CHIKV infection.

APEX-based proximity labeling in Plasmodium identifies a membrane protein with dual functions during mosquito infection.

Transmission of the malaria parasite Plasmodium to mosquitoes necessitates gamete egress from red blood cells to allow zygote formation and ookinete motility to enable penetration of the midgut epithelium. Both processes are dependent on the secretion of proteins from distinct sets of specialized vesicles. Inhibiting some of these proteins has shown potential for blocking parasite transmission to the mosquito. To identify new transmission blocking vaccine candidates, we aimed to define the microneme content from ookinetes of the rodent model organism Plasmodium berghei using APEX2-mediated rapid proximity-dependent biotinylation. Besides known proteins of ookinete micronemes, this identified over 50 novel candidates and sharpened the list of a previous survey based on subcellular fractionation. Functional analysis of a first candidate uncovered a dual role for this membrane protein in male gametogenesis and ookinete midgut traversal. Mutation of a putative trafficking motif in the C-terminus affected ookinete to oocyst transition but not gamete formation. This suggests the existence of distinct functional and transport requirements for Plasmodium proteins in different parasite stages.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Impact of Baobab Leaves (Adansonia digitata L.) as a Dietary Intervention to Combat Nutrient Deficiencies and Poverty-Related Health Problems.

Baobab (Adansonia digitate L.) is an underutilized species and edible parts (fruits, leaves and seeds) contribute to food security and human health in tropical areas. Although the fruits have attracted greater research interest and have recently been approved for consumption in EU countries, the leaves are traditionally consumed but they have yet to be studied from an interventional perspective. The aim of this study was to propose a protocol for a dietary intervention using baobab leaves (BLs) to achieve the recommended reference values for proteins and minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn) for different target groups of the Sudanese population. Dry matter, crude fat, protein and ash content, mineral content (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Mn), total phenolic, and flavonoid compounds were determined in BLs from six different areas. To assess the health and nutrition status in Sudan, time-series data (2013-2023) from the DataBank Health Nutrition and Population Statistics database were used. The reference values for nutrients recommended by the European Food Safety Authority were used to estimate the amount of baobab leaf intake (BLI, g/day). For each nutrient, the study area with the lowest amount of BLs to be consumed is recommended. Leaves from the area of El Gari (BN3) 18.312 g/day and 30.712 g/day are recommended for K and Ca, which are particularly beneficial for children aged 1-3 years and lactating women. Leaves from Kor Tagat (KR1) are suitable for sodium intake, requiring approximately 13-23 g/day across all age groups. Leaves from Kazgil (KR2) (46-81 g/day), (35-66 g/day), (0.48-0.68 g/day), and (4-6 g/day) are optimal for fulfilling the daily requirements of magnesium, iron, manganese, and protein in this order. The systematic inclusion of BLs in the diet can positively support the nutritional status of various demographics. Moreover, the findings of this study demonstrated the foundation for public health and nutritional policy-makers on how they will tackle malnutrition and food insecurity worldwide by incorporating naturally available diets and nutritious alternatives. Further research should focus on assessing the nutritional composition factors that could affect the absorption of nutrients such as phytates and oxalates and investigating the in vitro bioavailability of the elements.

Degradable protein requirements of beef cattle consuming winter forage hay

Degradable protein requirements of beef cattle consuming winter forage hay

Retrospect of fishmeal substitution in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): a review.

With the growth of the population, the demand for aquatic products is increasing. Additionally, the development of the aquaculture industry has led to a heightened demand for fishmeal (FM). FM is a high-protein feed raw material made from one or more types of fish, which has been deoiled, dehydrated, and crushed. The world's major FM-producing countries include Peru, Chile, Japan, Denmark, etc., among which exports from Peru and Chile account for about 70% of the total trade volume. However, in recent years, global warming, environmental pollution, and overfishing have gradually declined marine fishery resources. The shortage of high-quality FM and its rising prices have become a significant constraint to the development of fisheries. Consequently, aquaculture nutritionists are actively seeking solutions to reduce the reliance on FM by either enhancing the utilization rate of existing FM or developing new protein sources as substitutes. The challenge of FM replacement has thus emerged as a significant global issue. Largemouth bass (LMB) is one of the more cultured freshwater fishes in the world and is popular among consumers for its delicious and delicate flesh and rich and diverse nutrition. The protein content in feed is an essential factor affecting LMB growth and feed cost. LMB protein requirement is about 40-50%, and the amount of FM added accounts for about 50% of the protein feed. This article reviews the current research status of alternative protein sources, including plant proteins, livestock and poultry by-product proteins, insect proteins, and single-cell proteins. This research is significant for exploring feed formulation and cost reduction for LMB.

The Association Between Maternal and Child Nutritional Status: Evidence From a Social Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal and child nutritional status, considering the importance of children’s nutrition at an early age. Material and Methods: Mother-child pairs who attended a social pediatrics outpatient clinic participated in the study. A survey form was used to collect data, including questions regarding general information, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and dietary records. The 24-hour dietary recall method was used as a dietary assessment method. Height and body weight were taken using measurement techniques by researchers. Data of pairs were collected from mothers, and they assisted in taking anthropometric measurements of the children. The recorded data were used to calculate the percentage of daily energy and nutrient requirements met by each participant. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to detect the coefficients of the relationship in SPSS statistic package program. Results: The study included 104 mother-child pairs. The mean age of the mother and children was 30.7±5.7 years and 41.7±17.3 months, respectively. While 13.5% of the mothers were obese, 16.3% of the children were obese. A significant relationship was found between mothers’ and children’s daily main and snack numbers. The percentage of meeting their energy and protein requirements did not vary according to breastfeeding and complementary feeding parameters. Statistical analysis results showed significant relationships between percentages of meeting their macro and micronutrient requirements of mother-child pairs, except for energy and magnesium. Conclusion: The study’s results indicate that there is a relationship between the nutritional status of mothers and their children. There is a need for further research investigating the nutritional status of both mothers and children and emphasizing the interdependency of nutrition within the family.

Clinical nutrition in patients with Acute Kidney Injury: Traditional approaches and emerging perspectives.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function, often resulting in complex metabolic and hormonal derangements. A major concern in managing AKI patients is the development of protein energy wasting (PEW), a condition marked by loss of lean body mass and negative impact on overall health outcomes. Additionally, the need of Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) for the most severe forms of AKI may further increase the risk of PEW, with a substantial impact on fluid and metabolic balance. Adequate nutritional support is crucial in the management of AKI, as it plays a pivotal role in muscle mass preservation, morbidity reduction and recovery of renal function. This paper aims to evaluate the current evidence regarding nutritional strategies in AKI patients, focusing on energy and protein requirements, timing and route of nutritional intervention, and impact of individualized nutrition plans on PEW prevention and management.

Cultural context shapes the carbon footprints of recipes

Food systems are responsible for a third of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions central to global warming and climate change. Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of food-centric emissions has led to the carbon footprint quantification of food products. However, food consumption is influenced by traditional dishes, the cultural capsules that encode traditional protocols for culinary preparations. Carbon footprint estimation of recipes will provide actionable insights into the environmental sustainability of culturally influenced patterns in recipe compositions. We implemented language models to integrate the carbon footprint data of food products with a gold standard repository of recipes to investigate the carbon load of recipes. Our results highlight the role of culture in shaping the carbon load of recipes. South American dishes have high carbon footprints owing to the high culinary utility of dairy and meat products. On the contrary, dishes from the Indian Subcontinent are the most environmentally friendly, with low carbon footprints due to the higher use of vegetables. While emphasizing the widely understood harms of animal-sourced ingredients, this article presents a nuanced perspective on the environmental impact of culturally influenced dietary practices. The study points to the need for efforts to develop techniques for plant-based and lab-grown meat to meet the protein requirements. We present an extensive repository of the estimated carbon footprints of recipes from across the world and enable their exploration through a user-friendly web server, SustainableFoodDB. Going forward, our study points to the need for high spatial resolution data on carbon footprints of ingredients.

Reducing dietary crude protein levels while meeting metabolizable protein requirements: Performance of dairy cows over a full lactation period.

A total of 90 Holstein dairy cows (24 primiparous, 66 multiparous, mean parity = 3.0) were fed diets containing either 150, 160, or 170 g CP/kg DM from 8 to 180 DIM, with all diets designed to supply at least 100% MP requirements. On d 181, half of the cows in each treatment changed to a diet containing 140 g CP/kg DM (supplying 100% MP requirements), with the remaining cows continuing to be offered their original treatment diets. This resulted in 6 treatments in the mid-late lactation period (181-280 DIM): 150, 150/140, 160, 160/140, 170, and 170/140 g CP/kg DM. Decreasing dietary CP concentration from 170 to 150 g CP/kg DM did not affect DMI, milk yield, milk fat or protein yield in early lactation (8-181 DIM), but reduced MUN and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in milk, as well as serum albumin, globulin, total protein, and urea concentrations. In addition, reducing dietary CP content from 170 to 160 g CP/kg DM improved N use efficiency (NUE; milk N/N intake), with no further improvement with 150 g CP/kg DM. Treatment had no effect on apparent total-tract ration digestibility in early lactation. Urinary N output decreased with decreasing dietary CP content in early lactation, whereas manure N (fecal N plus urinary N) output increased. Urinary N/manure N decreased from 170 to 160 g CP/kg DM diet, whereas no further reduction was observed with the 150 g CP/kg DM diet. Cows that remained on the 150 g CP/kg DM treatment in mid-late lactation (181-280 DIM) had a lower DMI than those which remained on the diet containing 170 g CP/kg DM. Reducing the dietary CP concentration to 140 g CP/kg DM in mid-late lactation reduced DMI, milk yield, and milk fat and protein yields, compared with offering the 170 or 160 g CP/kg DM diet throughout lactation, possibly reflecting a response to oversupply of MP with the latter treatments, rather than an undersupply of MP with the former, although this is uncertain. Concentrations of C18:2 cis-9,trans-11 and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in milk were lower for cows offered diets containing 140 or 150 g CP/kg DM in mid-late lactation compared with 160 or 170 g CP/kg DM. Reducing dietary CP concentration from 170 to 140 g CP/kg DM improved NUE from 0.28 to 0.34 in mid-late lactation. Nitrogen digestibility was reduced when cows were offered the 140 g CP/kg DM diet compared with the 150 or 160 g CP/kg DM diet. Lowering the dietary CP concentration from 170 to 140 g CP/kg DM in mid-late lactation decreased N output in milk, feces, urine, and manure. These results indicate that a dietary CP content of 160 g CP/kg DM, which met the MP requirement of cows, may be optimal to support performance over a whole lactation, improve NUE, and reduce N excretion, thus contributing to a more sustainable approach to dairy cow production.

Dietary intake of soya flour synergistically influences carcinogenic action in fish, Channa punctatus.

Influence of dietary intake on Physiological and biochemical status of the living being is an established fact. Similarly, certain Micronutrients associated with the biochemical component of parent products and their byproducts are often deleterious to the Consumers. A classical example is Cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA), a natural constituent present in triglyceride fraction of the fat of cotton plants. It acts Synergistically with aflatoxin B1, if at all present in the diet due to infestation of some toxic fungi A. flavus and A.parasiticus. Studies on Channa punctatus, an air breathing teleost administered with three concentrations of pure crystalline aflatoxin B1( 15, 30 and 45 ppm) intraperitonially and reared on standard diet formulation (SDF) added with Soya flour (SF) Supplements. In contrast, the pathological lesions in the group reared on Soya flour supplement was almost comparable to the control group receiving similar concentration of aflatoxinB1 and reared on SDF. The Soya flour is usually used as dietary supplement for pets and livestock in order to meat protein requirements from the left out amount of the oil following extraction. In particular, the findings gain significance on account of the fact that the Soya flour (SF) is one of the major ingredientsof aqua culture feed formulation all through the country.. KEYWORDS :Dietary factors , Aflatoxin B1, Synergistic Action, Carcinogenicity.

Deployment of power-to-protein technology in Ethiopia to provide drought-related emergency relief and mitigate food insecurity

Food insecurity in Ethiopia is an immediate humanitarian crisis that is expected to worsen due to population growth and climate change. This study applied GIS-based approaches to evaluate the feasibility of deploying an emergent type of single-cell protein (SCP) technology to supplement the nutritional needs of Ethiopian citizens who are most vulnerable to drought. The technology—power-to-protein (PtP)—uses H2 and O2 from water electrolysis and CO2 from woody biomass combustion in a two-stage bioprocess to produce nutrient-rich protein powder for human consumption. Population density, land use, and other geographical data were used to identify optimal site locations for these PtP systems based on two deployment strategies: large centralized plants vs. small decentralized units. The model also accounted for biomass availability, collection, and distribution logistics. The analysis revealed three sites that are both (highly) vulnerable/food-insecure and accessible within walking distance. The identified sites are proximate to the urban areas of Mekele in northern Ethiopia, Addis Ababa in central Ethiopia, and Hawasa south of Addis Ababa. If centralized PtP were deployed, the protein requirements of these populations could be sustained for several months, assuming a modest biomass collection radius of 35 km. Decentralized PtP deployment was similarly effective, requiring a distribution density of 5.4–11.0 PtP units per km2 under conservative estimates and 0.76–1.1 units per km2 under optimistic estimates. Lastly, a theoretical comparison showed that PtP is more efficient than conventional agricultural food production regarding biomass-to-protein conversion yields. Overall, our study suggests that PtP technology would be a feasible approach to supplement the nutritional needs of Ethiopian people in times of drought-related emergencies. However, given logistical limitations and considering social preference factors, it would be more practical to implement PtP in conjunction with standard emergency food aid measures.

The nutritional potency of Southern African Schistocerca gregaria, Encosternum delegorguei and Macrotermes spp. for food and feed

Abstract The current study examined the chemical composition of four (4) African adult edible insects: Schistocerca gregaria (desert locust), Encosternum delegorguei (green stinkbug), Macrotermes falciger (soldier termites) and Macrotermes natalensis (winged termites). Fresh insects (1 000g of each) were acquired, euthanised, processed and packaged into triplicates. Only M. natalensis were further exposed to oil extraction to produce by-products: winged termite meal (WTM) and winged termite oil (WTO). Hence, a total of six (6) insect samples were chemically and statistically evaluated for proximate, amino acid and fatty acid contents. S. gregaria (66.11%) and WTM (53.64%) had higher (p<0.05) crude protein than the other insect samples, respectively. Fats, crude fibre and NDF were more abundant (p<0.05) in E. delegorguei than other insect samples, whereas only WTM and M. natalensis had elevated ash content. A total of 16 amino acids (9 essential and 7 non-essential) and 30 fatty acids (15 SFA, 6 MUFA and 9 PUFA) were detected in selected insect samples. Although, S. gregaria and M. natalensis had more (p<0.05) essential amino acids (EAAs) than other insect meals, EAAs from all insect samples met the human protein requirements recommended by the WHO (2007). Leucine (2.32 to 5.67 g/100 g) was the most predominant (p<0.05) while methionine (0.38 to 1.03 g/100 g) was the least abundant (p<0.05) EEA across all insect meals. MUFA were predominantly higher (p<0.05) in E. delegorguei (59.53 g/100 g) and WTO (52.05 g/100 g), respectively, while PUFA (29.11 g/100 g) and omega 6 (n-6) fatty acids (26.92 g/100 g) concentration were higher (p<0.05) in M. falciger, but omega 3 (n-3) fatty acids (12.41 g/100 g) dominated in S. gregaria. In conclusion, the selected African insects could be utilised in human and livestock diets to supply protein, essential amino acids and fatty acids. Hence, their mass production could help improve the overall availability of conventional edible insects in the market.

Energy, Macronutrients and Micronutrients Intake Among Pregnant Women in Lebanon: Findings from the Updated Lebanese National Food Consumption Survey (LEBANON-FCS).

Pregnancy is a crucial period for maternal and fetal health, and in Lebanon, where cultural and economic factors influence dietary practices, there is an urgent need to evaluate the food consumption patterns and diet quality of pregnant women. To evaluate the food consumption patterns, energy intake, as well as macro- and micro-nutrient intake among a nationally representative sample of Lebanese pregnant women aged 18-49 years old. A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to October 2023, involving 500 pregnant women from all eight Lebanese governorates. Sociodemographic and medical information was gathered, food consumption was evaluated using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and three 24-h recall, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. The current population did not meet the USDA healthy pattern recommendations for whole grain, seafood, dairy, nuts, seeds and soy products consumption but exceeded the guidelines for vegetables, meats, poultry, eggs, oils, and refined grains. According to Mediterranean diet guidelines, the sample fell short in recommended intakes for fruits, olives/nuts/seeds, eggs, and olive oil, while surpassing the recommended levels for potatoes, legumes, pulses, sweets, red meat, processed meat, and fish and seafood. None of the participants met the energy requirements for their trimester and age group. In terms of macronutrient intake, the requirements for protein, unsaturated fats, and fiber were not met, while intakes of fats and sugars were exceeded. Regarding micronutrients, the recommended levels were not fully achieved, with particularly low intakes of vitamin D and iodine, as well as inadequate adherence to recommendations for iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and choline. Additionally, a third of the participants did not meet the recommended intakes for folate and vitamin B12. The findings reveal significant dietary inadequacies among the current population, with participants failing to meet essential recommendations for whole grains and key food groups, alongside insufficient energy intake for their trimesters and age groups. Critical micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, iodine, and B vitamins, highlight the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions and public health initiatives to improve dietary practices among pregnant women in Lebanon.

Combining evolution and protein language models for an interpretable cancer driver mutation prediction with D2Deep.

The mutations driving cancer are being increasingly exposed through tumor-specific genomic data. However, differentiating between cancer-causing driver mutations and random passenger mutations remains challenging. State-of-the-art homology-based predictors contain built-in biases and are often ill-suited to the intricacies of cancer biology. Protein language models have successfully addressed various biological problems but have not yet been tested on the challenging task of cancer driver mutation prediction at a large scale. Additionally, they often fail to offer result interpretation, hindering their effective use in clinical settings. The AI-based D2Deep method we introduce here addresses these challenges by combining two powerful elements: (i) a nonspecialized protein language model that captures the makeup of all protein sequences and (ii) protein-specific evolutionary information that encompasses functional requirements for a particular protein. D2Deep relies exclusively on sequence information, outperforms state-of-the-art predictors, and captures intricate epistatic changes throughout the protein caused by mutations. These epistatic changes correlate with known mutations in the clinical setting and can be used for the interpretation of results. The model is trained on a balanced, somatic training set and so effectively mitigates biases related to hotspot mutations compared to state-of-the-art techniques. The versatility of D2Deep is illustrated by its performance on non-cancer mutation prediction, where most variants still lack known consequences. D2Deep predictions and confidence scores are available via https://tumorscope.be/d2deep to help with clinical interpretation and mutation prioritization.

SNG2], a prion form of Cut4/Apc1, confers non-Mendelian inheritance of heterochromatin silencing defect in fission yeast.

Prions represent epigenetic regulator proteins that can self-propagate their structure and confer their misfolded structure and function on normally folded proteins. Like the mammalian prion PrPSc, prions also occur in fungi. While a few prions, like Swi1, affect gene expression, none are shown to affect heterochromatin structure and function. In fission yeast and metazoans, histone methyltransferase Clr4/Suv39 causes H3-Lys9 methylation, which is bound by the chromodomain protein Swi6/HP1 to assemble heterochromatin. Earlier, we showed that sng2-1 mutation in the Cut4 subunit of anaphase-promoting complex abrogates heterochromatin structure due to defective binding and recruitment of Swi6. Here, we demonstrate that the Cut4p forms a non-canonical prion form, designated as [SNG2], which abrogates heterochromatin silencing. [SNG2] exhibits various prion-like properties, e.g. non-Mendelian inheritance, requirement of Hsp proteins for its propagation, de novo generation upon cut4 overexpression, reversible curing by guanidine, cytoplasmic inheritance and formation of infectious protein aggregates, which are dissolved upon overexpression of hsp genes. Interestingly, [SNG2] prion imparts an enhanced tolerance to stress conditions, supporting its role in promoting cell survival under environmental stress during evolution.