Similar Diet Research Articles

A Systematic Review of Literature on the Representation of Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups in Clinical Nutrition Interventions

The racial and ethnic disparities in diet-related chronic diseases are major concerns. This systematic review examines the extent to which diet-induced changes in health outcomes, such as cardiometabolic, inflammation, cancer, bone health, and kidney function outcomes, etc., have been reported and discussed by race or ethnicity in randomized trials with 2 or more diet arms that recruited both minority and non-Hispanic White groups. Databases (i.e., PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched up to August 2021. Thirty-four studies that discussed effects of defined dietary interventions on health outcomes by racial or ethnic minority group compared with non-Hispanic Whites were included in the systematic review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021229256). Acute trials and those with 1 diet arm that accounted for race or ethnicity in their analyses and studies that focused on a single racial or ethnic group were discussed separately. Most studies were conducted in Black compared with White adults testing effects of energy restriction, macronutrient modification, sodium reduction, or variations of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on cardiometabolic outcomes. There was limited focus on other minority groups. Evidence suggests greater blood pressure reduction for Black adults compared with Whites particularly with DASH (or similar) diets. Overall, there was limited consideration for group-specific eating patterns and diet acceptability. Overall risk of bias was low. With emerging precision nutrition initiatives that aim to optimize metabolic responses in population subgroups through tailored approaches, it is imperative to ensure adequate representation of racial and ethnic subgroups for addressing health disparities. Factors that help explain variability in responses such as socioecological context should be included and adequately powered. Given the racial and ethnic disparities in chronic diseases, studying the adoption, maintenance, and effectiveness of dietary interventions on health outcomes among different groups is critical for developing approaches that can mitigate diet-related health disparities.

Prey preference of an aphidophagous ladybird, Coccinella transversalis (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) on two aphid species

Prey Preference of adult male and female, Coccinella transversalis (Fabricius) was studied when fed on aphids, Aphis craccivora (Koch) and Aphis gossypii (Glover), which sequester toxic allelochemicals from their host plants. Adult males and females of C. transversalis prefer to consume A. gossypii over A. craccivora in most mixed diet combinations (cafeteria setup). This was strongly supported by significantly high values of β and C prey preference indices. However, when provided with A. craccivora and A. gossypii separately, we found a similar reluctant behaviour in the adults. The adults showed no significant difference in aphid consumption, regardless of the species of aphid and the sex of the adult ladybird. Therefore, we conclude that host plant allelochemicals/ toxicants have a direct effect on the prey preference of ladybirds. Mixing two toxic similar diets can make one diet more suitable than the other.

Assessing the Diet of a Predator Using a DNA Metabarcoding Approach

The diet of top predators is vital information needed to determine their ecological function and for their conservation management. However, the elusive habit and low population density of many predators constrains determination of their diets. While the morphological identification of scat contents is the traditional method, DNA metabarcoding has lately proven a more efficient and accurate method of identifying prey taxa. We applied DNA metabarcoding to analyzing the diet of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), a top predator in freshwater ecosystems, using 12S and 16S rRNA mitochondrial primers target vertebrate prey. Diet did not vary among different data removal thresholds of 0.1, 1, 3, and 5%, comprising fishes (>90%), amphibians and birds (>2%), and occasionally mammals (<2%). Both 12S and 16S primers revealed similar otter diets, indicating that a single set of primers with a higher threshold is cost-effective for detecting the main prey taxa. Using 12S primers and a 5% threshold, we found no seasonal variation of otter diet in the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve. A different prey community was found outside the reserve, which resulted in different prey composition for otters. However, prey taxon richness was not different between otters in- and outside the reserve. Otters preferred Schizothorax spp., the largest-sized fish species in the reserve, whereas they mainly preyed on Triplophysa bleekeri, a small-sized fish species, outside the reserve. Otters’ flexible feeding strategy reflect their high adaptability. However, greater human disturbance outside the reserve may present significant challenges to otters by altering prey communities and reducing prey profitability. Combining fecal DNA metabarcoding and local fish survey will provide opportunities for more detailed studies on the impact of different levels of human disturbances on prey communities and otters.

Reduced nitric oxide synthesis in winter: A potential contributing factor to increased cardiovascular risk

BackgroundNitric oxide is a key signalling molecule that elicits a range of biological functions to maintain vascular homeostasis. A reduced availability of nitric oxide is implicated in the progression of cardiovascular diseases and increases the risk of pathogenic events. AimsTo compare the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites in healthy adults between winter and summer months. DesignAn observational study of healthy adults (age 32 ± 9 years) living in central Scotland. MethodsThirty-four healthy adults (13 females) were monitored for 7 days in summer and winter to record sunlight exposure (ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation), diet, and physical activity. At the end of each phase, blood pressure was measured, and samples of blood and saliva collected. The samples were analysed to determine the concentrations of plasma and salivary nitrate and nitrite and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). ResultsThe participants maintained similar diets in each measurement phase but were exposed to more UV-A radiation (550%) and undertook more moderate-vigorous physical activity (23%) in the summer than in winter. Plasma nitrite (46%) and serum 25(OH)D (59%) were higher and blood pressure was lower in the summer compared to winter months. Plasma nitrite concentration was negatively associated with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure. ConclusionsPlasma nitrite, an established marker of nitric oxide synthesis, is higher in healthy adults during the summer than in winter. This may be mediated by a greater exposure to UV-A which stimulates the release of nitric oxide metabolites from skin stores. While it is possible that seasonal variation in nitric oxide availability may contribute to an increased blood pressure in the winter months, the overall impact on cardiovascular health remains to be determined.

The Effect of an Anti-inflammatory Diet on Periodontal Health in Adult Patients in the Dental Setting

ObjectivesTo explore findings that answer the clinical question, “Among adult patients (>18 years old) who received care in a dental setting, what is the effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on measures of periodontal health?” MethodsAn electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, EBSCOhost, and Biomed Central. The initial search was broad and utilized keywords including “dental clinics,” “diet intake,” and “diet education” in order to find studies that investigated the effect of diet interventions and education in the dental setting. Filters and exclusion criteria were applied to further limit to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of an anti-inflammatory diet on periodontal outcomes. The search generated 1755 articles, 4 of which were reviewed in full text, of which 2 were then excluded. Via hand search, 2 additional articles were found, resulting in 4 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria to answer the clinical question. ResultsAll 4 RCTs included components of an anti-inflammatory diet intervention; 3 included similar anti-inflammatory diet recommendations, while 1 included personalized recommendations with anti-inflammatory components. Education was provided and compliance was monitored in all studies. Three of the studies assessed changes in markers of gingival health and found significant improvements in some outcomes of interest; however, these outcomes did not improve consistently across studies. In the first study, both gingival bleeding index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) decreased significantly in the experimental group. In the second study, only GI decreased significantly in the experimental group. In the third study, there were no significant changes in GI or BOP in the experimental group, however, there was a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity. The last study assessed changes in bacterial count of dental plaque and saliva and found significant reductions in some bacterial counts in the experimental group following an anti-inflammatory diet, compared to the control group. ConclusionsFollowing an anti-inflammatory diet with appropriate dietary guidance provided in a dental setting may improve gingival health. More research on the effects of an anti-inflammatory diet is necessary to further examine its clinical impact on gingival health. Funding SourcesNone.

TRPV6 channel mediates alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and systemic response.

SUMMARYIntestinal epithelial tight junction disruption is a primary contributing factor in alcohol-associated endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ damage. Ethanol and acetaldehyde disrupt tight junctions by elevating intracellular Ca2+. Here we identify TRPV6, a Ca2+-permeable channel, as responsible for alcohol-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Ethanol and acetaldehyde elicit TRPV6 ionic currents in Caco-2 cells. Studies in Caco-2 cell monolayers and mouse intestinal organoids show that TRPV6 deficiency or inhibition attenuates ethanol- and acetaldehyde-induced Ca2+ influx, tight junction disruption, and barrier dysfunction. Moreover, Trpv6−/− mice are resistant to alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Photoaffinity labeling of 3-azibutanol identifies a histidine as a potential alcohol-binding site in TRPV6. The substitution of this histidine, and a nearby arginine, reduces ethanol-activated currents. Our findings reveal that TRPV6 is required for alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Molecules that decrease TRPV6 function have the potential to attenuate alcohol-associated tissue injury.

Diet of the Chanyu and his people: Stable isotope analysis of the human remains from Xiongnu burials in western and northern Mongolia

AbstractThis study was designed to study the effect of social stratification on human diet in the Xiongnu society. Human remains unearthed from three different sites in western and northern Mongolia were analyzed for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values. The results demonstrate that a certain amount of C4 component was consumed by people of different social levels. The three noble individuals from terrace tombs at the Gol Mod 2 site ate a similar diet to most of the burial followers buried in satellite tombs, indicating similar lifestyle or a close relationship between them. Commoners from the Ereen Hailaas were very close to the nobles in isotopic features; this might indicate dietary similarity or could be related to the environment factors. The Salkhitiin Am commoners were lower in both carbon and nitrogen isotope values compared with other Xiongnu people analyzed before; it is likely that they had a quite different diet featuring less C4 plant and animal protein. If such dietary variation was not related to social stratification, possible differences in subsistence strategies or dietary traditions should be considered. These results provide an important window into the social structure and subsistence strategies of the Xiongnu people and will facilitate future study on cultural communication and material exchange across the Eurasian continent.

The Occurrence of a Negative Energy Balance in Holstein-Friesian and Simmental Cows and Its Association with the Time of Resumption of Reproductive Activity.

Intensive lactation (lactogenesis) in cows is conducive to a negative energy balance (NEB), so the search for traits associated with the physiological capacity to cope with its consequences is a current area of research. This is especially important because NEB overlaps with the resumption of the reproductive cycle, which determines the profitability of herds. This study analysed the relationship between NEB and the time of resumption of reproductive activity in cows with varying genetic potential (Simmental and Holstein-Friesian), fed a similar diet (TMR). The aim of the study was to analyse the dependencies between NEB markers and changes in progesterone levels between 25 and 31 days postpartum. A strong positive correlation was shown between daily milk production (DMP) and loss of body condition (LBCS; 0.772; p ≤ 0.05). These parameters were associated with the levels of NEB biomarkers. Higher values of NEB indicators (LBCS, C16:0, C18:1, NEFA, and BHBA) were usually noted during periods with higher DMP (II and III). The trends observed were confirmed by positive correlation coefficients (r), which ranged from 0.324 to 0.810 (p ≤ 0.05). The reverse trend was noted for glucose and leptin, which decreased as productivity increased, as confirmed by r values from −0.368 to −0.530 (p ≤ 0.05). In both breeds, the glucose and leptin levels decreased as DMP increased. Higher values for NEB indicators were shown to be negatively correlated with progesterone levels (r from −0.300 to −0.712; p ≤ 0.05), and a lower progesterone level was associated with a longer calving-to-first-service interval and calving-to-conception interval. The rate of postpartum triglyceride release depends on daily milk production, and therefore the adaptability of the liver should be considered an important element of mitigation of the consequences of NEB. This may have practical applications by extending productive life, which is often shortened due to deteriorating reproductive performance.

Asymmetric competition for seeds between two sympatric food hoarding rodents: implications for coexistence.

Asymmetric competition occurs when some species have distinct advantages over their competitors and is common in animals with overlapping habitats and diet. However, the mechanism allowing coexistence between asymmetric competitors is not fully clear. Chinese white-bellied rats (Niviventer confucianus, CWR) and Korean field mice (Apodemus peninsulae, KFM) are common asymmetric competitors in shrublands and forests west of Beijing city. They share similar diet (e.g. plant seeds) and activity (nocturnal), but differ in body size (CWR are bigger than KFM), food hoarding habit (CWR: mainly larder hoarding; KFM: both larder and scatter hoarding), and ability to protect cached food (CWR are more aggressive than KFM). Here, we tested seed competition in 15 CWR-KFM pairs over a 10-day period under semi-natural enclosure conditions to uncover the differences in food hoarding, cache pilferage, and food protection between the 2 rodents, and discuss the implication for coexistence. Prior to pilferage, CWR harvested and ate more seeds than KFM. CWR tended to larder hoard seeds, whereas KFM preferred to scatter hoard seeds. Following pilferage, CWR increased consumption, decreased intensity of hoarding, and pilfered more caches from KFM than they lost, while KFM increased consumption more than they hoarded, and they preferred to hoard seeds in low and medium competition areas. Accordingly, both of the 2 rodent species increased their total energy consumption and hoarding following pilferage. Both rodent species tended to harvest seeds from the source, rather than pilfer caches from each other to compensate for cache loss via pilferage. Compared to CWR, KFM consumed fewer seeds when considering seed number, but hoarded more seeds when considering the seeds' relative energy (energy of hoarded seeds/rodent body mass2/3 ) at the end of the trials. These results suggest that asymmetric competition for food exists between CWR and KFM, but differentiation in hoarding behavior could help the subordinate species (i.e. KFM) hoard more energy than the dominant species (i.e. CWR), and may contribute to their coexistence in the field.

Detailed comparison between organic and conventional milk from Holstein-Friesian dairy herds in Italy

Several studies have reported gross composition differences between organic and conventional milk; however, most studies have not considered other factors such as breed and diet ingredients, which are known to influence milk composition. Thus, this study aimed to provide a detailed characterization of Holstein-Friesian cow milk from organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV) herds with similar diet ingredients and in the same geographic area. Bulk milk samples (n = 225) of 12 ORG and 12 CONV farms were collected from September 2019 to August 2020. Farms were located in Northern Italy, included corn (meal, silage, or both) in the lactating diets, and had similar management conditions, but ORG herds spent a period on pasture. Factors affecting milk composition were tested using a linear mixed model, which included calendar month, farming system (ORG and CONV), and their interactions as fixed effects, and farm nested within farming system as random effect. Results showed that total fat, lactose, vitamin E, and AA did not significantly differ between farming systems. Total protein and casein contents were significantly lower in ORG than CONV herds, and somatic cell score (SCS) was greater in ORG than CONV. Among minerals, differences were observed for Fe, K, Mg, and S in some months, being lower in ORG than CONV for K, Mg, and S and greater or lower for Fe depending on the month. Among fatty acid (FA) groups, index, and ratios, only polyunsaturated FA and n-3 FA tended to be greater in ORG than CONV, and cis-FA were greater in ORG than CONV during October. Among the most abundant individual FA, only C16:1n-9 differed, being lower in ORG than CONV. The calendar month (and hence seasonal feed ration) was significant for milk gross composition, SCS, vitamin E, mineral profile (except for Mo, Sr, and Zn), AA profile, FA groups (except for medium-chain FA), FA index and ratios, and individual FA (except C16:0). We conclude that the overall milk composition was quite similar between the 2 farming systems. This could be related to the similarity of the selected farms, the Holstein-Friesian breed, and generally high level of intensity in both farming systems.

Feeding Rate and Protein Quality Differentially Affect Growth and Feeding Efficiency Response Variables of Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Manipulating feeding rate and protein quality may improve growth and feeding efficiency of cultured species. However, whether feeding rate, protein quality, or their interaction has a greater effect on growth and feeding efficiency response variables is unknown. To determine whether feeding rate and protein quality individually or interactively affect growth and feeding efficiency, juvenile Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were either offered nutritionally similar diet consisting of either menhaden fishmeal protein or a 100% replacement of fishmeal with soybean meal-based protein restrictively or to satiation. Total length, weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured throughout the duration of the study. Protein quality and feeding rate individually and interactively affected feed intake and FCR: Zebrafish offered feed to satiation had higher growth and FCR than those fed restrictively, and Zebrafish fed soybean meal-based diet showed lower growth and higher FCR and feed intake compared to those fed fishmeal-based diet, although magnitude of response depended on feeding rate. These findings likely indicate lower digestibility of soybean meal or the presence of antinutritional factors in soybean meal that led to impaired nutrient absorption of fish offered soybean meal-based diet. Differences in measured response variables between protein qualities and feeding rates highlight the importance of determining interactive effects in nutritional studies.

Fecal microbiota and diets of muskox female adults and calves.

In mammals, the gut microbiome is vertically transmitted during maternal lactation at birth. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiome and diets of muskox, a large herbivore inhabiting in the high Arctic. We compared the microbiota composition using bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and diets using stable isotope analysis of muskox feces of six female adults and four calves on Ella Island, East Greenland. Firmicutes were the most abundant bacterial phylum in both the adults and calves, comprising 94.36% and 94.03%, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of the two Firmicutes families. The adults were primarily dominated by Ruminococcaceae (73.90%), and the calves were dominated by both Ruminococcaceae (56.25%) and Lachnospiraceae (24.00%). Stable isotope analysis of the feces in the study area revealed that both adults and calves had similar ranges of 13C and 15N, likely derived from the dominant diet plants. Despite their similar diets, the different gut microbiome compositions in muskox adults and calves indicate that the gut microbiome of the calves may not be fully colonized to the extent of that of the adults.

69 Impact of DON in a Protocol of Calcium Depletion and Repletion in Piglets

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate factors that modulate phosphorus (P) use, such as calcium (Ca) intake that is well known and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination which has been the subject of few studies until now. A total of 64 piglets (2 piglets per pen) received 1 of 4 treatments distributed into 8 blocks during an initial 13-d phase: control (DON-) or DON-contaminated treatment (DON+, 2.72 mg/kg) with either a low Ca (Ca-, 0.39%) or normal Ca (Ca+, 0.65%) level with a constant digestible P level (0.40%). During a second 14-d phase, piglets that received Ca+ and Ca- were fed a similar diet containing 0.65% Ca and 0.35% P without DON contamination. Growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca and P for piglets and bone mineral content (BMC) of 1 pig per pen were evaluated. After phase 1, ATTD P was higher for Ca-DON+ (DON x Ca interaction, P < 0.01). The ATTD Ca was higher for DON+ (( P < 0.001). The DON+ increased BMC in Ca+ but opposite effect was observed in Ca- (DON x Ca interaction, P < 0.001). The plasma P concentration was greater for Ca- (P = 0.05). After phase 2, average daily gain (P = 0.08) and average daily feed intake (P = 0.09) tended to be less for Ca- than for Ca+. The Ca- piglets recovered their BMC deficit in DON-, but not those receiving DON+ (DON x Ca interaction, P = 0.06). ATTP P in DON- was lower in Ca+ but increased in DON+ regardless of Ca level (DON x Ca interaction, P = 0.04). Plasma P and Mg were greater for Ca- (P = 0.05). The results show that piglets can regain the BMC caused by Ca depletion in DON non-contaminated feed. DON contamination increased Ca and P digestibility and modified BMC depending on Ca supply.

Different Clinical Features of Idiopathic Achalasia in Various Countries

Idiopathic achalasia is a motility disorder affecting the lower esophageal sphincter. Dysphagia is a hallmark symptom, but patients may exhibit other symptoms. The aim of this review is to compare achalasia symptoms globally. PubMed and Google Scholar were filtered from 1952–2021 with the search terms achalasia, epidemiology, diet, countries, and genetics. A total of 14 articles addressed demographics, symptom profiles, genetics, and diagnosis criteria amongst 2463 patients. Data on countries’ climate and diet were obtained through Arc Geographic Information System (GIS) and Our World in Data. Countries were grouped by similar climate zones and diets. Achalasia symptoms varied by region. In West Africa, patients exhibit parotid swelling, anemia, and dehydration; diminished appetite in East Asia; dysphagia and weight loss in West Asia and Europe; respiratory symptoms, reflux, and retrosternal pain in North America; and vomiting in Southern Asia. Weighted percentages of dietary oils/fats were (24.3%) in North America, Western Asia (17.8%); Europe (17.7%); East Asia (17.6%); West Africa (14.7%); Southern Asia (13.8%); North Africa (12.4%); Northeast Africa (10.1%). Conditions such as Down Syndrome and Triple A syndrome are associated with achalasia. There was no correlation for achalasia presentation and climate zones. Achalasia symptoms are likely multifactorial. Diet, genetics, and environmental factors may play significant roles.

Enemies or good neighbors? No indication of spatial or temporal avoidance between two sympatric South American canids

AbstractNiche partitioning is a common mechanism by which sympatric mammal carnivore species mitigate competition and achieve coexistence. This ecological process is usually measured along three axes: diet, space, and time. The Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and the crab‐eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) have similar morphologies and diets and share a wide area of sympatry in South America. We conducted a large camera‐trap survey (~25 000 km2, 234 stations, 10 494 camera‐trap days) in the subtropical savannas of Argentina to understand if the crab‐eating fox and the Pampas fox have a competitive coexistence, which would be evidenced by spatial and temporal avoidance. We predicted that the smaller and less social Pampas fox would avoid, either spatially or temporally, the presumably dominant crab‐eating fox. To study habitat associations, we used single‐species occupancy models. We used two‐species occupancy models to assess if the Pampas fox has a lower probability of occurrence (ψ) or detection (p) at locations occupied by the crab‐eating fox. We used circular statistics to evaluate if the Pampas fox becomes more diurnal in areas with high ψ of the nocturnal crab‐eating fox. These foxes showed different habitat associations. The Pampas fox had lower ψ in forest habitat. The crab‐eating fox had higher ψ at locations with more wetlands. Both foxes had higher ψ at locations with cattle. The ψ and p of the Pampas fox were not negatively affected by those of the crab‐eating fox, and there was no indication of spatial avoidance. Contrary to our prediction, the Pampas fox did not become more diurnal at locations with high ψ of the crab‐eating fox. The coexistence of these species seems to be facilitated by their similarity in body weight, which reduces the chances of intraguild killing, coupled with their divergent niches, which is evidenced in their different habitat preferences within shared landscapes.

Physico-Chemical and Metagenomic Profile Analyses of Animal Manures Routinely Used as Inocula in Anaerobic Digestion for Biogas Production.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste is considered a sustainable solution to energy shortage and waste management challenges. The process is facilitated by complex communities of micro-organisms, yet most wastes do not have these and thus need microbial inoculation using animal manures to initiate the process. However, the degradation efficiency and methane yield achieved in using different inocula vary due to their different microbial diversities. This study used metagenomics tools to compare the autochthonous microbial composition of cow, pig, chicken, and horse manures commonly used for biogas production. Cows exhibited the highest carbon utilisation (>30%) and showed a carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) favourable for microbial growth. Pigs showed the least nitrogen utilisation (<3%) which explains their low C/N whilst horses showed the highest nitrogen utilisation (>40%), which explains its high C/N above the optimal range of 20–30 for efficient AD. Manures from animals with similar gastrointestinal tract (GIT) physiologies were observed to largely harbour similar microbial communities. Conversely, some samples from animals with different GITs also shared common microbial communities plausibly because of similar diets and rearing conditions. Insights from this study will lay a foundation upon which in-depth studies of AD metabolic pathways and strategies to boost methane production through efficient catalysis can be derived.

Effect of micro-algae Schizochytrium sp. supplementation in plant diet on reproduction of female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): maternal programming impact of progeny

BackgroundThe broodstock diet, and in particular the lipid and fatty acid composition of the diet, is known to play a key role in reproductive efficiency and survival of the progeny in fish. A major problem when replacing both fish meal and fish oil by plant sources is the lack of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). To address this problem, we studied the effect of the plant-based diet supplemented with Schizochytrium sp. microalgae, source of DHA, compared to a conventional commercial diet rich in fish meal and fish oil on reproductive performance and egg quality and the consequences on progeny, in female rainbow trout broodstock.ResultsThe results demonstrated that DHA-rich microalgae supplementation in a plant-based diet allowed for the maintenance of reproductive performance and egg quality comparable to a conventional commercial feed rich in fish meal and fish oil and led to an increased significant fry survival after resorption. Moreover, when females were fed a plant-based diet supplemented with micro-algae, the 4-month-old progenies showed a significant higher growth when they were challenged with a similar diet as broodstock during 1 month. We provide evidence for metabolic programming in which the maternal dietary induced significant protracted effects on lipid metabolism of progeny.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that supplementation of a plant-based diet with DHA-rich microalgae can be an effective alternative to fish meal and fish oil in rainbow trout broodstock aquafeed.

An isotope signature for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?

ObjectivesDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has recurrently been associated with a rich diet (high in protein and higher trophic level foods); however, very few studies have investigated this link using carbon and nitrogen (δ 13C and δ 15N) stable isotope analysis. This paper explores the relationship between DISH and diet in two Roman urban communities by analyzing individuals with and without DISH.Materials and methods δ 13C and δ 15N analysis carried out on collagen from 33 rib samples (No DISH: 27; early DISH: 4; DISH: 2) selected from individuals buried at the Romano‐British site of Baldock (UK), 41 rib samples (No DISH: 38; early DISH: 3) from individuals from the Catalan Roman site of Santa Caterina (Barcelona, Spain). Additionally, six faunal samples from Baldock and seven from Santa Caterina were analyzed.ResultsStandardized human isotope data from Santa Caterina show high δ 15N probably associated to a diet combining terrestrial resources and freshwater fish. In contrast, isotope results from Baldock suggest a terrestrial‐based diet. Individuals with DISH do not show isotopic ratios indicative of rich diet and there is no correlation between stage of DISH development and δ 13C and δ 15N.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that individuals with DISH followed a similar or isotopically similar diet as those individuals without DISH in Baldock and in Santa Caterina and therefore, while DISH may have been influenced by individual's dietary habits, this is not reflected in their isotopic signature.

Tree-Based Analysis of Dietary Diversity Captures Associations Between Fiber Intake and Gut Microbiota Composition in a Healthy US Adult Cohort

BackgroundDiet patterns are a significant and modifiable contributing factor to the composition of the human gut microbiota. ObjectivesWe set out to identify reproducible relationships between diet and gut microbial community composition in a diverse, healthy US adult cohort. MethodsWe collected 2 to 3 automated self-administered 24-hour dietary recalls over 10–14 days, together with a single stool sample, from 343 healthy adults in a cross-sectional phenotyping study. This study examined a multi-ethnic cohort balanced for age (18–65 years), sex, and BMI (18.5–45 kg/m2). Dietary data were edited to a tree format according to published methods. The tree structure was annotated with the average total grams of dry weight, fat, protein, carbohydrate, or fiber from each food item reported. The alpha and beta diversity measurements, calculated using the tree structure, were analyzed relative to the microbial community diversity, determined by a Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME) 2 analysis of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA V4 region, sequenced from stool samples. K-means clustering was used to form groups of individuals consuming similar diets, and gut microbial communities were compared among groups using differential expression analysis for sequence count data. ResultsThe alpha diversity of diet dry weight was significantly correlated with the gut microbial community alpha diversity (r = 0.171). The correlation improved when diet was characterized using grams of carbohydrates (r = 0.186) or fiber (r = 0.213). Bifidobacterium was enriched with diets containing higher levels of total carbohydrate from cooked grains. Lachnospira, was enriched with diet patterns containing high consumption of fiber from fruits excluding berries. ConclusionsThe tree structure, annotated with grams of carbohydrate, is a robust analysis method for comparing self-reported diet to the gut microbial community composition. This method identified consumption of fiber from fruit robustly associated with an abundance of pectinolytic bacterial genus, Lachnospira, in the guts of healthy adults. This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02367287.

Dietary patterns of five freshwater fish species in a large Mediterranean lake

The diet of five freshwater fish species of Lake Trichonis, the largest natural lake of Greece, was studied. Specifically, the studied species were Atherina boyeri, Luciobarbus albanicus, Leucos panosi, Scardinius acarnanicus and Tropidophoxinellus hellenicus. The diet analysis was based on stomach content analysis of seasonal samples collected during 2019 by experimental Nordic multimesh gillnets. Additionally, trophic indices were estimated (Shannon-Wiener, Levins’, Schoener, Trophic level) so as to investigate each species’ feeding diversity, trophic niche breadth, trophic level as well as their trophic competition and overlap. Moreover, the annual and the seasonal relative condition factor was estimated. The diet analysis indicated a tendency of the studied species to omnivorous feeding strategy and a seasonal fluctuation in their diet composition. In addition, the estimated trophic indices revealed similar feeding behavior and significant diet overlap between species, suggesting narrow partitioning of the food resources. However, the relative condition factor ranged between 0.973 and 1.041, indicating a state of wellbeing for the fish species and possibly sufficient food availability.