Sole Source Of Nutrition Research Articles

Enhanced propanethiol biodegradation by an optimized propanethiol oxidoreductase in microbial cells within an electrode bioreactor

Propanethiol oxidoreductase (PTO) is a novel thiol-oxidizing enzyme from Pseudomonas putida S-1 that utilizes thiols as the sole nutrition source. This enzyme has shown application potential in the bioremediation of thiols, its substrate selectivity, however, has not yet been elucidated. This study reveals that PTO exhibits catalytic activity towards ethanethiol, propanethiol, and butanethiol, but not methanethiol or phenylmethanethiol, indicating unique substrate specificity. Through directed evolution and semi-rational design, we engineered a PTO mutant (A54V&G316T) with twice the specific activity towards propanethiol than the wild type (from 17.3 to 40.7μg/mg/h). Applying voltage in electrode bioreactors enhanced the microbial degradation of propanethiol, with the mutant PTO further accelerating this process. Both non-native expression in E. coli and native expression in engineered P. putida S-1 demonstrated the mutant PTO's effectiveness in increasing PT removal rates. The PT degradation efficiency of engineered P. putida S-1 increases by 3-fold compared to the wild-type in the first 5hours. These findings highlight the potential of combining metabolic and electrochemical engineering to enhance bioremediation of toxic compounds. The engineered PTO mutant improves PT degradation efficiency and broadens its application in practical bioremediation strategies.

The potato RNA metabolism machinery is targeted by the cyst nematode effector RHA1B for successful parasitism.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) cyst nematode Globodera pallida induces a multinucleate feeding site (syncytium) in potato roots as its sole source of nutrition. Here, we demonstrate that the G. pallida effector RING-H2 finger A1b (RHA1B), which is a functional ubiquitin ligase, interferes with the carbon catabolite repression 4 (CCR4)-negative on TATA-less (NOT) deadenylase-based RNA metabolism machinery that regulates syncytium development in G. pallida-infected potato. Specifically, RHA1B targets the CCR4-associated factor 1 (CAF1) and StNOT10 subunits of the CCR4-NOT complex for proteasome-mediated degradation, leading to upregulation of the cyclin gene StCycA2 involved in syncytium formation. The StCAF1 subunit of CCR4-NOT recruits the RNA binding protein StPUM5 to deadenylate StCycA2 mRNA, resulting in shortened poly-A tails of StCycA2 mRNA and subsequently reduced transcript levels. Knockdown of either subunit (StCAF1 or StNOT10) of the CCR4-NOT complex or StPUM5 in transgenic potato plants resulted in enlarged syncytia and enhanced susceptibility to G. pallida infection, which resembles the phenotypes of StCycA2 overexpression transgenic potato plants. Genetic analyses indicate that transgenic potato plants overexpressing RHA1B exhibit similar phenotypes as transgenic potato plants with knockdown of StNOT10, StCAF1, or StPUM5. Thus, our data suggest that G. pallida utilizes the RHA1B effector to manipulate RNA metabolism in host plants, thereby promoting syncytium development for parasitic success.

Impact of cultural, nutrition, and lifestyle transition on human milk composition between the Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia: A study protocol.

Background: Human milk provided by healthy, well-nourished mothers represents the best food available for infants. Human milk is species-specific and recommended as the sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life and is an important food source until the infants reach 2 years of life. Unlike infant formula, which has a standardized composition, human milk composition varies among and within women. Aim: While many studies of human milk composition have been conducted, none have been done among the Orang Asli people in Malaysia. Hence, this study protocol is designed to determine the human milk composition of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia and how the transition of culture, nutrition, and different lifestyle experiences will affect the nutrient content of their milk. Methods: Quantitative (interviewer-administered questionnaire) and qualitative (focus group discussion) approaches will be employed in this study and in addition, laboratory works will also be carried out to analyze the nutrient composition of the milk samples collected from various Orang Asli subethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia. Conclusion: Standardized, multipopulation studies of human milk composition are sorely needed to create a rigorous, comprehensive reference inclusive of nutrients and other factors. The establishment of any dietary parameters positively affecting the nutrient content of human milk may help design healthcare strategies in Malaysia to improve the quality of human milk and therefore the infants' health status.

Stimulation Therapy to Induce Mothers: Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

More than 1 million women have their labor induced in the United States each year, and synthetic oxytocin infusion is the most common method used. However, compared to spontaneous labor, medical induction is resource intensive, has increased obstetric risks, and is associated with less successful breastfeeding. In contrast to the endogenous oxytocin hormone, which is released in a pulsatile fashion in the brain, synthetic oxytocin is continuously infused intravenously, resulting in important limitations related to efficacy, safety, and cost. Akin to spontaneous labor contractions, infant suckling of the breast nipple is known to stimulate the pulsatile release of endogenous oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. Nipple stimulation therapy via an electric breast pump similarly stimulates endogenous oxytocin release and may be a favorable inpatient method for patients undergoing labor induction. This study aims to examine whether inpatient nipple stimulation therapy is an efficacious labor induction method that increases the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal delivery and sustained breastfeeding and determine whether it is a cost-effective approach. This is a multicenter, pragmatic, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial of nulliparous patients with singleton gestations ≥36 weeks undergoing labor induction. This trial compares inpatient nipple stimulation therapy via an electric breast pump versus immediate synthetic oxytocin infusion without nipple stimulation. This trial including 988 nulliparas will provide adequate statistical power to detect clinically meaningful differences in delivery mode and breast milk as the sole source of nutrition for newborns at hospital discharge or 72 hours after birth. The project received pilot funding in 2021 and full funding in 2023. Enrollment for this study began in November 2021 at a single site, and as of May 2024, recruitment is underway at 3 study sites. It is anticipated that enrollment will be completed by late 2026. Successful completion of this trial will provide rigorous data to determine whether inpatient nipple stimulation therapy with an electric breast pump can improve the way we induce labor and positively impact breastfeeding success and early infant nutrition through lactation. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05079841; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05079841. DERR1-10.2196/63463.

Evaluating the ability of desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) to grow when feeding on tomato leaves (Solanum lycopersicum) versus wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is a notorious swarm-forming agricultural pest widely collected for its use as food and feed. Its ability to grow on tomato leaf waste as a sole nutritional source was investigated given its ability to consume a wide range of plants. The growth and nutrient composition of desert locusts and their generated frass were compared in nymphs reared on tomato leaves versus wheatgrass. The desert locusts demonstrated higher growth on wheatgrass diet, but they also thrived on tomato leaves without observed mortalities. An average production of 14.38 g desert locust biomass consumed 375.8 g of fresh tomato leaves. Desert locusts fed with tomato leaves had higher crude protein content (61% compared to 58% in wheatgrass-fed desert locusts) and lower fat content (8% compared to 14% in wheatgrass-fed desert locusts). The diet also influenced the levels of Ca, Cu, Mn, S, and Zn in the desert locust biomass. Furthermore, the analysis of the generated frass revealed significant differences in the levels of B, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mo, Na, P, S, Zn, and N, depending on the plant material provided. The findings suggest that the desert locust can be reared efficiently on tomato leaves, transforming this waste stream into a protein-rich insect biomass and frass.

Two sympatric lineages of Australian Cnestus solidus share Ambrosiella symbionts but not Wolbachia

Sympatric lineages of inbreeding species provide an excellent opportunity to investigate species divergence patterns and processes. Many ambrosia beetle lineages (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) reproduce by predominant inbreeding through sib mating in nests excavated in woody plant parts wherein they cultivate symbiotic ambrosia fungi as their sole source of nutrition. The Xyleborini ambrosia beetle species Cnestus solidus and Cnestus pseudosolidus are sympatrically distributed across eastern Australia and have overlapping morphological variation. Using multilocus sequencing analysis of individuals collected from 19 sites spanning their sympatric distribution, we assessed their phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic status and microbial symbionts. We found no genetic differentiation between individuals morphologically identified as C. solidus and C. pseudosolidus confirming previous suggestions that C. pseudosolidus is synonymous to C. solidus. However, within C. solidus we unexpectedly discovered the sympatric coexistence of two morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct lineages with small nuclear yet large mitochondrial divergence. At all sites except one, individuals of both lineages carried the same primary fungal symbiont, a new Ambrosiella species, indicating that fungal symbiont differentiation may not be involved in lineage divergence. One strain of the maternally inherited bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia was found at high prevalence in individuals of the more common lineage but not in the other, suggesting that it may influence host fitness. Our data suggest that the two Australian Cnestus lineages diverged allopatrically, and one lineage then acquired Wolbachia. Predominant inbreeding and Wolbachia infection may have reinforced reproductive barriers between these two lineages after their secondary contact contributing to their current sympatric distribution.

Industrialization of Indigenous Food (Kurkufa and Qitta) Preparation

This project can cover some of the basic principles needed for a successful food processing implementations, as well as some of the most important features of industrialization of indigenous kurkufa and qitta processing operations. It includes both the physical facility, that is, the structure and supporting utilities, as well as the process. In light of the variety found in the food processing industry, it is necessary to consider the general principles that might apply across the potential range of applications. The instruments for the product industrialization which can be implemented in phases, depending on the experience of trained professionals, are the means for putting these concepts into practice. The focus of the industrialization of indigenous kurkufa & qitta manufacturing is mostly on sanitary sanitation design because it has consumer drive power, environmental petition control mechanisms & production equipment & procedures that are feasible. Once a process has been designed, it is frequently mathematically & physically simulated to study parameters & define operating conditions. The capacity to effectively replicate a process indicates that it is well understood, which is especially comforting when implementing a new or current process at a larger scale. Kurkufa & qitta processes must always be carefully monitored & documented, even if it is not mandated by law. Computer automation is now commonly used to support HACCP programs & to combine manufacturing with quality controls. The processing, industrialization & distribution of indigenous kurkufa & qitta via the OHS management system is another key working principle option of safety & quality controls. Kurkufa & qitta are indigenous products both made from maize flour which is binded with cassava root flour during dough development, were being popular traditional dishes among the Alle people of Ethiopia's Southern region's Alle zone. Moreover, qitta which is a traditional Ethiopian bread, is a basic nutritional item that dates back to the Ethiopian people's history & is created by baking on a clay pan. It is one of the most widely consumed foods in human history & for some, it is sole source of nutrition. However, the boost & control of kurkufa & qitta production & distribution via tracking & traceability mechanism has not been employed as a tool in food manufacturing systems. Therefore, kurkufa & qitta are among Ethiopia's traditional foods that should be upgraded to industrialization in order to increase supply in response to rising food demand owing to population growth.

The digital presence of the leading brands in the category of Food for Special Medical Purposes

Abstract ObjectiveFood for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) is a niche area in the food and healthcare industries that produces foods to meet the dietary requirements of people with specific medical conditions. These products provide specific nutrient amounts and ratios, which can be used as a supplement to a conventional diet, part of an entire medical treatment plan, or as a sole source of Nutrition. The market is expected to generate revenues of $19.67 billion in 2028. Most FSMPs products are purchased individually by patients or caregivers. Although these products are not advertised directly to the public might be bought online from pharmacies and other online shops. This research aims to evaluate the online presence of the most important brands within the FSMPs category and how the patients get to the online shops without direct-to-consumer advertisement. Methods:This exploratory qualitative research study examines the online presence of FSMP products and key brands using SEO as the main digital technique. Data sources included Romanian websites, Google SERPs, Brandmentions.com, Semrush, and Ubersuggest. Results: The findings showed that these websites received only a small amount of direct traffic, with only a few hundred monthly visits. To increase organic visibility, businesses must follow regulatory requirements, collaborate with medical experts, engage with potential clients, and exhibit their products at medical events and fairs. Content marketing is crucial for FSMP brands to engage with their target audience and deliver valuable information. Conclusions: FSMP brands cannot advertise directly to consumers. Instead, they should focus on SEO, reputable online pharmacies, e-commerce shops, and content marketing. This research applies to FSMP brands, digital marketers, and online pharmacies to effectively connect with target demographics, promote products, navigate regulatory constraints, and enhance online presence, improving accessibility and awareness.

Biodegradation Potential of Polyethylene Terephthalate by the Two Insect Gut Symbionts Xanthomonas sp. HY-74 and Bacillus sp. HY-75.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a plastic material that is widely used in beverage bottles, food packaging, and other consumer products, which is highly resistant to biodegradation. In this study, we investigated the effects of two insect gut symbionts, Xanthomonas sp. HY-74 and Bacillus sp. HY-75, during PET biodegradation. Both strains degraded PET-containing agar plates, and the sole nutrition source assay showed that HY-74 had different degradation rates depending on the presence of specific carbon and nitrogen sources, whereas HY-75 exhibited comparable degradation across all tested conditions. The two strains biodegraded the PET film with 1.57 ± 0.21% and 1.42 ± 0.46% weight loss after 6 weeks, respectively. Changes in the morphology and structure of the PET films, such as erosion, scratching, and surface roughening, were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further, the two strains biodegraded PET powder, broke it into its degradation products, and changed the surface functional groups. This is the first study to investigate the biodegradation of PET by Hymenoptera gut-derived microbes and offers promising insights into the potential applications of insect gut symbionts in PET waste management.

CAPABILITY OF SEA CUCUMBER Holothuria scabra TO REMOVE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHOR WASTE FROM SHRIMP PONDS CULTURE

Solid organic waste (PSW) in shrimp ponds contains relatively high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and can endanger the ecological balance of the waters. This study evaluates the ability of sea cucumber Holothuria scabra to remove nitrogen and phosphorus loads from shrimp pond sediment waste in water and sediment. Sea cucumbers were reared for 40 days with a density of 20 individuals/m2 (average body weight 2.65±0.09 g) and a double-bottom recirculation system. Five levels of PSW accumulation were inserted into the aquarium substrate and were the sole source of nutrition for sea cucumbers without additional feeding: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% (with three replications). The results showed that increasing the PSW content in the aquarium research substrate significantly increased the substrate's TOC, TN, and TP content and increased the concentrations of TOM, DOC, NH3, NO2, and PO4 in the water column. The activity of sea cucumbers in utilizing PSW nutrients in all treatments up to a PSW level of 50% significantly reduced TOC, TN, and TP in sediments. This activity also substantially removes the concentration of TOM, DOC, NH3, NO2, and PO4 in the water. It is estimated that every kilogram of H. scabra can remove up to 12.65-12.73 g of nitrogen/day and 2.57-2.60 g of phosphorus/day contained in the solid organic waste of shrimp ponds. Therefore, this study concluded that H. scabra has great potential to be used as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) species, especially to remove nitrogen and phosphorus loads from shrimp pond sediment waste in waters.

Optimization, partial purification, and characterization of a novel high molecular weight alkaline protease produced by Halobacillus sp. HAL1 using fish wastes as a substrate

BackgroundHydrolytic enzymes from halophilic microorganisms have a wide range of industrial applications. Herein, we report the isolation of Halobacillus sp. HAL1, a moderately halophilic bacterium that produces a novel high molecular weight extracellular alkaline protease when grown in fish processing wastes as a substrate. ResultsResults showed that the isolated strain belonged to the genus Halobacillus, and it was designated as Halobacillus sp. HAL1 with the GenBank accession number OK001470. The strain secreted an extracellular alkaline protease, and the highest yield was obtained when it was grown in a medium with fish wastes substrate as the sole nutritional source (10 g/L) and incubated at 25 °C under shaking conditions. The enzyme was partially purified by Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Zymographic analysis showed two casein degrading bands of about 190 and 250 KDa. The optimum enzyme activity was at a temperature of 50 °C at pH 8. The proteolytic activity was enhanced in the presence of metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+), surfactants (Tween 80, SDS, and Triton-X100), H2O2, and EDTA. ConclusionOur study indicates that Haobacillus sp. HAL1 is a moderately halophilic strain and secrets a novel high molecular wight alkaline protease that is suitable for detergent formulation.

Volatiles of fungal cultivars act as cues for host-selection in the fungus-farming ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus.

Many wood-boring insects use aggregation pheromones during mass colonization of host trees. Bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are a model system, but much less is known about the role of semiochemicals during host selection by ambrosia beetles. As an ecological clade within the bark beetles, ambrosia beetles are obligately dependent on fungal mutualists for their sole source of nutrition. Mass colonization of trees growing in horticultural settings by exotic ambrosia beetles can occur, but aggregation cues have remained enigmatic. To elucidate this mechanism, we first characterized the fungal associates of the exotic, mass-aggregating ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus in Southern Germany. Still-air olfactometer bioassays documented the attraction of X. germanus to its primary nutritional mutualist Ambrosiella grosmanniae and to a lesser extent another common fungal isolate (Acremonium sp.). During two-choice bioassays, X. germanus was preferentially attracted to branch sections (i.e., bolts) that were either pre-colonized by conspecifics or pre-inoculated with A. grosmanniae. Subsequent analyses identified microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that could potentially function as aggregation pheromones for X. germanus. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence for fungal volatiles as attractive cues during host selection by X. germanus. Adaptive benefits of responding to fungal cues associated with an infestation of conspecifics could be a function of locating a suitable substrate for cultivating fungal symbionts and/or increasing the likelihood of mating opportunities with the flightless males. However, this requires solutions for evolutionary conflict arising due to potential mixing of vertically transmitted and horizontally acquired symbiont strains, which are discussed.

Изучение возможности использования водных композиций полиакриламида с катионами цинка и меди для снижения рисков микробной контаминации объектов внутрибольничной среды

Microbial contamination means that infectious agents are identified on objects in the hospital environment. This serious issue is the most significant for healthcare organizations. Covering abiotic surfaces with a thin polymer film can be a promising way to fight against microbial adhesion and colonization. This film acts as a depot of an antibacterial substance. In this study, our aim was to investigate antimicrobial effects of new water compositions of polyacrylamides (PAM) with CuSO4 and ZnSO4. We examined antibacterial activity of 5%-solutions of CuSO4 and ZnSO4 and their compositions with various PAM types in a concentration equal to 0.075 % against such reference cultures as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniaе, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. We estimated use of PAM as a growth substrate as well as antimicrobial activity of the analyzed solutions and compositions in agar and liquid nutrient media. As a result, we established that bacterial cultures did not use PAM as sole nutrition source when growing in a liquid mineral medium and on PAM-films covering glass and plastic surfaces. More apparent inhibitory effects were produced on microorganisms cultivated on solid and liquid nutrient media by 5%-solution of ZnSO4. When PAM Praestol 857 and PAM Praestol were added to solutions of Cu2+ and Zn2+ cations, it resulted in an authentic increase in a diameter of a zone with inhibited bacterial growth in the agar medium. In the liquid medium, salts of both metals inhibited the growth and viability of all the analyzed microorganisms already in a concentration equal to 0.16 % or lower. Adding PAM Praestol 2530 led to a slight decrease in antibacterial efficiency of the examined metal salts whereas PAM Praestol 857 had practically no influence on bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects produced by them. Therefore, use of the obtained composite solutions where CuSO4 or ZnSO4, immobilized on a PAM matrix act as an antibacterial component seems a promising way to disinfect objects in the hospital environment. This can significantly reduce risks of hospital-acquired infections.

Use of aqueous compositions of polyacrylamide with zinc and copper cations as a possible way to reduce the risks of microbial contamination in objects in the hospital environment

Microbial contamination means that infectious agents are identified on objects in the hospital environment. This serious issue is the most significant for healthcare organizations. Covering abiotic surfaces with a thin polymer film can be a promising way to fight against microbial adhesion and colonization. This film acts as a depot of an antibacterial substance. In this study, our aim was to investigate antimicrobial effects of new water compositions of polyacrylamides (PAM) with CuSO4 and ZnSO4. We examined antibacterial activity of 5%-solutions of CuSO4 and ZnSO4 and their compositions with various PAM types in a concentration equal to 0.075 % against such reference cultures as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniaе, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. We estimated use of PAM as a growth substrate as well as antimicrobial activity of the analyzed solutions and compositions in agar and liquid nutrient media. As a result, we established that bacterial cultures did not use PAM as sole nutrition source when growing in a liquid mineral medium and on PAM-films covering glass and plastic surfaces. More apparent inhibitory effects were produced on microorganisms cultivated on solid and liquid nutrient media by 5%-solution of ZnSO4. When PAM Praestol 857 and PAM Praestol were added to solutions of Cu2+ and Zn2+ cations, it resulted in an authentic increase in a diameter of a zone with inhibited bacterial growth in the agar medium. In the liquid medium, salts of both metals inhibited the growth and viability of all the analyzed microorganisms already in a concentration equal to 0.16 % or lower. Adding PAM Praestol 2530 led to a slight decrease in antibacterial efficiency of the examined metal salts whereas PAM Praestol 857 had practically no influence on bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects produced by them. Therefore, use of the obtained composite solutions where CuSO4 or ZnSO4, immobilized on a PAM matrix act as an antibacterial component seems a promising way to disinfect objects in the hospital environment. This can significantly reduce risks of hospital-acquired infections.

Summary of the Joint National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration Workshop Titled “Exploring the Science Surrounding the Safe Use of Bioactive Ingredients in Infant Formula: Considerations for an Assessment Framework”

The U.S. government and many professional societies recommend that human milk be the sole source of nutrition for infants up to 6 months-of-age. ( 1 Christian P. Smith E.R. Lee S.E. Vargas A.J. Bremer A.A. Raiten D.J. The need to study human milk as a biological system. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021; 113: 1063-1072 Crossref PubMed Scopus (34) Google Scholar , 2 Rollins N.C. Bhandari N. Hajeebhoy N. Horton S. Lutter C.K. Martines J.C. et al. Why invest, and what it will take to improve breastfeeding practices?. Lancet. 2016; 387: 491-504 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1036) Google Scholar ) However, only about 25% of infants in the United States meet this goal signaling an urgent need for improved multi-level support for breastfeeding among societies, communities, and families. ( 2 Rollins N.C. Bhandari N. Hajeebhoy N. Horton S. Lutter C.K. Martines J.C. et al. Why invest, and what it will take to improve breastfeeding practices?. Lancet. 2016; 387: 491-504 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1036) Google Scholar ) In addition, when breastfeeding is not possible, access to a safe and effective source of nutrition—provided by infant formula (IF) is critical. The search for bioactive ingredients found in human milk (HM) that could be added to formula has been intense among academic institutions, governmental research institutes, and industry. ( 1 Christian P. Smith E.R. Lee S.E. Vargas A.J. Bremer A.A. Raiten D.J. The need to study human milk as a biological system. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021; 113: 1063-1072 Crossref PubMed Scopus (34) Google Scholar )The National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) developed a strategic plan (https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/strategicplan) that recognizes the importance of optimal nutrition across the lifespan. One aspirational goal is to optimize infant survival and health by optimizing formulas to mimic the composition of HM. more closely.

Two-stage algal cultivation for the biotransformation of urban wastewater’s pollutants into multiple bioproducts in a circular bioeconomy paradigm

Resource recovery and recycling of urban wastewater have become essential due to rapidly depleting water resources. Here, a newly isolated cyanobacterium Pseudoscillatoria coralii BERC01 was employed for the biotreatment of urban wastewater (UWW) via a two-stage cultivation system followed by biotransformation of the biomass into multiple bioproducts. During the stage-I, the cyanobacterial strain BERC01 removed 100 % suspended solids (9–27 g/L) from the UWW within 3–7 days via biosorption, and the resultant biomass was used as a soil amender which improved the phosphate availability, microbial carbon biomass, and nitrate-nitrogen of the soil by 2.65–5.86-fold, 2.27–3.65-fold, and 3.20–6.57-fold, respectively. During stage-II, re-culturing the BERC01 in the recycled water improved the productivities of carbohydrates and proteins by 10-fold and 3-fold, respectively, when compared to the control. Cultivation of BERC01 also improved the pH of UWW (9.47 ± 0.2 – 10.93 ± 0.16) to reduce the bacterial and/or fungal contamination. The two-stage cultivation of BERC01 in the UWW lowered the total nitrogen, total phosphorous, chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand of the UWW by 41.94 %, 95 %, 79 %, and 89.64 %, respectively, bringing the quality of treated water within the WHO’s safety limits of agricultural purposes. Cascading processing of the stage-II biomass yielded food-grade pigments (phycocyanin = 148.95 ± 1.81 mg/g, allophycocyanin = 51.92 ± 0.51 mg/g), and 470–490 mg/g of lipids which contained compounds of pharmaceutical interest such as undecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, and eicosanoic acid. Finally, the pigment-free and de-oiled residual biomass (PDRB) was completely valorized to mycoprotein and α-amylase through fungal fermentation using 10–50 g/L PDRB as a sole source of nutrition. Resultantly, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae produced 98.44 U/mL and 118.56 U/mL of α-amylase in 96 h of incubation, respectively, whereas the protein content of the fermented biomass was improved by 10.42-fold and 7.34-fold, respectively. This novel approach could help in achieving the economic and environmental sustainability of the algal biorefineries.

Protocol for a multicentre prospective observational study of families with full-term infants on postnatal wards and in the community to capture feeding practices across the first year of life: the Mother Infant Lactation Questionnaire (MILQ) study

IntroductionBreastmilk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition. Breast feeding is recommended as the sole source of nutrition between birth until around 6 months of age and should be...

S2725 Enteral Nutrition in Crohns Disease With Abscess

Introduction: Enteral nutrition has emerged as a treatment option for patients with active Crohn’s disease. We report a patient achieving remission with enteral nutrition in conjunction with ustekinumab. Case Description/Methods: A 29-year-old Caucasian male with Crohn’s disease not on therapy presented with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. In the past 3 years, he had multiple visits to urgent care for symptoms, each treated with systemic steroids. On presentation, he had an elevated CRP of 143.9 mg/L and MR enterography showed inflammation in the small bowel and terminal ileum. The patient completed a 7-day course of piperacillin-tazobactam and was started on ustekinumab. He was readmitted 10 days later with WBC of 16.9 10*3/ul, CRP of 305.6 mg/L, tachycardia, night sweats and worsening abdominal pain. Imaging showed continued inflammation of small bowel and terminal ileum with a mesenteric abscess connected to the D4 portion of duodenum by a fistulous tract. Piperacillin-tazobactam was started for 14 days along with 5 weeks of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) with BOOST, ∼2145 kcals daily. Repeat imaging showed interval decrease in abscess size and then complete resolution. Disease remission was obtained with alleviation of abdominal pain and weight gain of 5 lbs. Labs normalized with CRP < 3 mg/L, at the end of the 5 weeks of EEN. Discussion: EEN is the administration of a polymeric formula as the sole source of nutrition for a limited period (4-8 weeks). In Crohn’s disease, EEN has been shown to help reach remission in 85-90% of patients. It has special consideration in achieving remission in CD patients who have steroid intolerance or contraindications to systemic steroids. The mechanism of EEN in treatment of Crohns disease is not completely understood but is hypothesized to be multifactorial and potentially involve alterations in gut microbiota, decreasing gut permeability, and allowing restoration of epithelial barrier. Limited studies have been conducted on concomitant use of EEN with biologic agents. These studies have primarily been done looking at anti-TNF agents, such as infliximab, and sustained remission rates. Induction therapy with such agents as ustekinumab take time to have clinical effect, 56% of patients have response in 6 weeks. In this patient, initiation of ustekinumab along with EEN was successful in achievement of clinical remission and reduction in inflammatory markers.

Understanding the use and tolerance of a pediatric and an adult commercial blenderized enteral formula through real-world data.

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is frequently prescribed to individuals who cannot consume adequate food orally. Commercial blenderized enteral formulas (CBEF) containing real-food ingredients are becoming more popular and more widely available; however, the demographics of patients receiving these formulas have rarely been evaluated, and little data are available on patient tolerance in the community. US claims data were obtained for children and adolescents/adults who used the CBEF of interest as the sole source of nutrition via enteral feeding tube in the community setting following discharge from acute care. Demographics, concomitant medications, clinical diagnoses, and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were tabulated using descriptive statistics. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms before and after hospital discharge were compared using significance tests. The study included 231 participants (180 children, 51 adolescents/adults). CBEFs were prescribed to patients with a variety of diagnoses, of which the most common were digestive and respiratory disorders. Children experienced significantly lower rates of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distension in the weeks following hospital discharge compared with the baseline (all P < 0.001). Adolescents/adults experienced significantly lower rates of constipation, nausea, and vomiting (all P < 0.05). Neither group increased their usage of GI medications following hospital discharge. These CBEFs, based on real-food ingredients, were prescribed to diverse patients in the community and were well tolerated. These formulas offer an alternative to standard polymeric formulas and an alternative or adjunct to homemade blenderized formulas.

A prospective, observational study of the use of a high-calorie, high-protein tube feeding formula with slow-release carbohydrates and monounsaturated fatty acids in a malnourished population with diabetes

<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Background and aims</h3> Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. Reduced dietary intake is central to the development of malnutrition. Therefore, increasing nutritional intake may be one of the most effective approaches for treating malnutrition in diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high calorie, high protein tube feeding diabetes-specific formula used under standard of care on weight change, nutritional status, glycaemic control, quality of life and functionality in malnourished patients with diabetes mellitus after 12 weeks. <h3>Methods</h3> This was a prospective, non-interventional study conducted at hospital care settings in Spain, enrolling malnourished patients with diabetes, who had been prescribed a high-calorie, high-protein tube feeding formula with slow-release carbohydrates and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) by their health care professional per standard of care as a sole source of nutrition for 12 weeks. <h3>Results</h3> Forty-nine patients from 8 sites were enrolled, and 36 completed the study. The mean age was 75.3 ± 12.0 years and 67.3% were male (33/49). At V1 and V2, 87.5% (35/40) and 93.1% (27/36) of the patients, respectively, either increased or maintained their weight (<1% weight loss) from their baseline weight. At baseline, 100.0% (49/49) of the patients were at high risk of malnutrition according to Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) score and 87.8 % were malnourished per Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). At week 12, 77.9% of patients were well-nourished per MUST and 72.2% (26/36) of the patients were well nourished per SGA (<i>P</i> < 0.0001). With regards to metabolic glycaemia control, the mean HbA1c % decreased from baseline to weeks 6 and 12, -0.4 ± 0.7 (<i>P</i> = 0.0073) and -0.3 ± 1.2 (<i>P</i> = 0.2702), respectively. Regarding quality of life and functionality, the mean total score for Barthel Index of activities of daily living improved from 8.8 at baseline to 9.6 at week 12 (<i>P</i> = 0.0512); and the mean EQ-5D-5L Health State Score significantly improved at week 12 (<i>P</i> = 0.0002). No adverse events related to the study product were reported. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Malnourished patients with diabetes, treated with a high-calorie, high-protein diabetes-specific tube feeding formula with slow-release carbohydrates and MUFA as a sole source of nutrition for 12 weeks, improved their nutritional parameters, quality of life and functionality while reducing HbA1c at week 6, with no safety concerns.