Animal Sources Research Articles

Animal source food consumption practice and factors associated among infant and young children from selected rural districts in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Children are recommended to consume animal source foods (ASF) as part of diversified diets. However, ASF consumption practice of infant and young children (IYC) is less studied and contributing factors are not exhaustively identified. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess consumption of ASF and identify associated factors among 6-23 months old IYC from selected rural districts in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 606 IYC from selected rural districts of Oromia and Sidama regional states in Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages and mean scores with standard deviations were generated to describe participants and report univariate outcomes. Consumption of ASF was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify contributing factors contributed to IYC's ASF consumption practice. Dairy, eggs and meat were consumed by 41.2%, 16.4% and 2.3% of IYC, respectively. Household food security increased odds of dairy [AOR = 1.66 (95%CI: 1.16 2.38), P = 0.006], eggs [AOR = 2.15 (95%CI: 1.33, 3.49), P = 0.002] and meat [AOR = 5.08 (95%CI: 1.09, 23.71), P = 0.039] consumption. Cow [AOR = 1.86 (95%CI: 1.28, 2.70), P = 0.001], donkey [AOR = 1.83 (95%CI: 1.08, 3.11), P = 0.024] and chicken [AOR = 1.53 (95%CI: 1.05, 2.22), P = 0.027] ownership increased the odds of dairy consumption. Grades 5-8 [AOR = 1.74 (95%CI: 1.06, 2.86), P = 0.028] or ≥9 [AOR = 2.96 (95%CI: 1.62, 5.42), P <0.001] maternal educational achievements were also associated with better dairy consumption. Children from households that owned chicken [AOR = 3.20 (95%CI: 1.97, 5.19), P <0.001] or produce root crops [AOR = 1.67 (95%CI: 1.05, 2.66), P = 0.031] were with increased odds to consume eggs. Low proportion of children consumed ASF. Household food security, livestock ownership, household income, root crop production and maternal education contributed to ASF consumption. Nutrition sensitive agricultural extension activities aided by nutrition education should be considered and evaluated for their effect on IYC's ASF consumption practice.

Electrophysiological evaluation of the effect of peptide toxins on voltage-gated ion channels: a scoping review on theoretical and methodological aspects with focus on the Central and South American experience.

The effect of peptide toxins on voltage-gated ion channels can be reliably assessed using electrophysiological assays, such as the patch-clamp technique. However, much of the toxinological research done in Central and South America aims at purifying and characterizing biochemical properties of the toxins of vegetal or animal origin, lacking electrophysiological approaches. This may happen due to technical and infrastructure limitations or because researchers are unfamiliar with the techniques and cellular models that can be used to gain information about the effect of a molecule on ion channels. Given the potential interest of many research groups in the highly biodiverse region of Central and South America, we reviewed the most relevant conceptual and methodological developments required to implement the evaluation of the effect of peptide toxins on mammalian voltage-gated ion channels using patch-clamp. For that, we searched MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO databases with different combinations of these descriptors: "electrophysiology", "patch-clamp techniques", "Ca2+ channels", "K+ channels", "cnidarian venoms", "cone snail venoms", "scorpion venoms", "spider venoms", "snake venoms", "cardiac myocytes", "dorsal root ganglia", and summarized the literature as a scoping review. First, we present the basics and recent advances in mammalian voltage-gated ion channel's structure and function and update the most important animal sources of channel-modulating toxins (e.g. cnidarian and cone snails, scorpions, spiders, and snakes), highlighting the properties of toxins electrophysiologically characterized in Central and South America. Finally, we describe the local experience in implementing the patch-clamp technique using two models of excitable cells, as well as the participation in characterizing new modulators of ion channels derived from the venom of a local spider, a toxins' source less studied with electrophysiological techniques. Fostering the implementation of electrophysiological methods in more laboratories in the region will strengthen our capabilities in many fields, such as toxinology, toxicology, pharmacology, natural products, biophysics, biomedicine, and bioengineering.

Maternal socio-economic status determines animal source food consumption of children aged 6-23 months in East African countries: a multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear model.

Nutrient deficiencies in Africa persist due to limited access to animal-source foods, causing a higher undernutrition prevalence, with 30.7% stunted children under five, which is higher than the global average of 22.0%. In African regions, there needs to be more information on access, consumption, and factors influencing children's animal-source food consumption. Therefore, we comprehensively analyse data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to determine factors associated with children's (aged 6-23 months) consumption of animal-source foods (ASFs) in East African countries, which is crucial for policy and program development. We utilized cross-sectional pooled DHS data from nine East African countries reported from 2015 to 2021. The sample size consisted of 18,686 weighted children aged 6-23 months who were included. The DHS data were collected from women (15-49 years old) from households in each enumeration area of each country. We calculated the pooled proportion of consumption of foods of animal origin using multi-level logistic regression analysis to determine factors of ASFs, and the strength of the association was measured by an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI and a p-value < 0.05, which was declared as significant. The study found that 51.07% (95% CI: 50.26-51.88%) of infants and young children in East Africa consume ASFs, with variation across countries, of which 28.26% (95% CI: 26.31-30.29%) was the lowest in Burundi and 55.81% (95% CI: 53.39-58.21%) was the highest ASF consumption in Zimbabwe. The amount of ASF consumed grows with children's age and varies greatly between countries. In addition, children in the wealthiest quintile and with the highest educational attainment consume more ASFs. However, those who lived in rural areas consumed fewer ASFs. The consumption of ASFs increased with the age of children, maternal education, and household wealth index. The government and non-government sectors should implement public health interventions targeting rural residents and poor households to increase access to and consumption of ASFs for children aged 6-23 months in East Africa.

Characterization of Bacillus cereus isolated from contaminated foods with sequencing of virulence genes in Egypt.

The current study describes the presence of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) in contaminated foods of animal source and ready for human consumption with highlighting on their virulence contributing factors by detection of its virulence genes in addition to identification of their sequencing. Three hundred sixty food samples categorized as (228) meat products and (132) milk products were examined for B. cereus isolation and all of these isolates were confirmed by biochemical tests. Eighteen strains obtained from different food samples were examined for the attendance of a number of virulence genes (nheA, cytK, entFM, bceT and hblC genes) using uniplex PCR method. Furthermore, the B. cereus strains were valued for the sequencing of described genes. Generally 24.44% (88/360) food samples classified as 11.11% (40/360) meat products and 13.33% (48/360) milk products carried B. cereus according to cultural and biochemical properties, with geometric mean (1.5×107±0.15 CFU/g or mL) . The highest counts (above 105 CFU/g or mL) were originated from milk products (with geometric mean 2.2×107±0.22 CFU/g or mL) more than meat products (with geometric mean 1×107±0.19 CFU/g or mL). The results revealed that all of our isolates had one or more virulence (enterotoxin) genes. In our research, the most predominant genes were nheA (100%), followed by cytK (61.11%), entFM (33.33%), bceT (11.11%) then hblC (5.56%). Molecular method detected that overall, 5 strains (27.78%) harbored only 1 gene (nheA), 7 strains (38.88%) harbored 2 genes which classified as 5 strains (27.78%) (nheA and cytK), 2 strains (11.11%) have (nheA and entFM). Moreover, 5 strains (27.78%) have 3 genes classified as 3 strains (16.67%) harbored (nheA, cytK and entFM), 1 strain (5.56%) had (nheA, cytK and hblC), and 1 strain (5.56%) had (nheA, cytK and bceT). Only 1 strain (5.56%) carried 4 tested virulence genes (nheA, cytK, entFM and bceT) genes. The most prevalent gene in meat and dairy foods was nheA (100%). The nucleotide sequences of (bceT, cytK, entFM, hblC and nheA genes) of B. cereus strains were deposited in GenBank under accession no. (MW911824, MW911825, MW911826, MW911827 and MW911828), respectively. Our study was established to indicate the presence of virulent B. cereus in meat and milk products ready for human consumption as a result of deficient hygienic actions. So, a plain for good hygienic measures should be modified to avoid causing serious health problems to human due to ingestion of such products.

Urbanization, economic access to food and child stunting prevalence: Empirical evidence from urban children of 220 districts in India

India has a higher child stunting prevalence than many South Asian and African nations. Child stunting is a multi-dimensional concept. The impact of most dimensions of child stunting has been studied in the last two decades, but the impact of urbanization using satellite data at cluster level and economic access to food at district level using food expenditure data has not been studied in context of India. There is negative linkage between urbanization and stunting in urban children of 220 districts in India. The Engel ratio is positively linked with child stunting, it means economic access to food is negatively associated with child stunting prevalence in India. Child diet diversity is negatively linked with child stunting. Animal source food and iron rich food consumption are also negatively associated with child stunting in urban children. India is experiencing very slow decline in child stunting prevalence in urban India. Therefore, economic access to food must be increased through economic policies by increasing income level of urban households and controlling food prices in urban India. Polices for inclusive urbanization should be used to catalyse negative association between urbanization and child stunting prevalence.

Advances and challenges in animal source food inspection legislation for Brazilian small-scale and artisanal producers.

The strict sanitary inspection legislation of animal source food has been considered a trade barrier for smallholder farmers and small-scale producers in Brazil. In this sense, law flexibilization is suggested to facilitate national trade of these products. We conducted a social and sanitary analysis, presenting the current Brazilian conjuncture and difficulties for animal source food Brazilian inspection law flexibilization. By discussing inequalities, human rights issues, animal source food legislation, and international food safety standards, we evidenced critical barriers for legislative reform in Brazil. Among these barriers, the main ones are social inequalities; high zoonotic risk of animal source food products; the Brazilian political structure and its reflection on different inspection practices among country jurisdictions; and the lack of inspection services in most Brazilian municipalities. At the same time, we present positive updates in the normative framework, and point out game-changers to modify the actual safety and trade situations of Brazilian small-scale and artisanal animal source food products, including policies to strengthen state and municipal inspection services and harmonization initiatives based on international standards and national legislation. We also suggest policies to implement inspection services in municipalities, whether by municipal action or by a consortium, as well as policies to strengthen technical assistance and rural extension for small-scale and artisanal producers. These policies aim to reduce technical and sanitary education inequalities and build a fairer animal source food system.

Higher improvement in soil health by animal-sourced than plant-sourced organic materials through optimized substitution

Organic material input can improve soil health and mitigate adverse environmental consequences; however, there is controversy regarding the promoting effects of organic material inputs on soil health due to a lack of quantitative information on the effects of different organic materials from agricultural sources on soil health. This study proposed a novel soil health evaluation method using tree-structured machine learning algorithms to quantitatively assess the effects of animal-sourced (AS) and plant-sourced organic materials (PS) on soil health. The results demonstrated that in the testing set, the two ensemble models, random forest regressor (RFR) and light gradient boosting machine regressor (LightGBMR), showed high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.879 and 0.877, respectively, and relative percent deviation (RPD) of 2.83 and 2.84, respectively (P < 0.001). Our findings indicated that the application of AS resulted in superior improvement of soil health for rice, wheat, and maize in comparison to PS. Compared with chemical fertilizer (CF), AS improved soil health indices (SHIs) for rice, wheat, and maize by 23.8–39.8%, PS improved SHIs for rice, wheat, and maize by 13.4–24.4%, and AS + PS improved SHIs for rice, wheat, and maize by 16.0–35.4% (P < 0.001). In addition, the positive effect of AS on SHIs was greater than that of PS. Compared with PS, the SHIs for rice, wheat, and maize increased by 7.34–14.9% for AS (P < 0.001). The reasonable nitrogen (N) application rates for rice, wheat, and maize were 262–290, 235–259, and 299–331 kg ha−1 year−1, respectively. Based on the positive feedback effects on soil health, the reasonable AS substitution rates for rice, wheat, and maize were 26.4–29.2%, 27.0–29.8%, and 29.6–32.8%, respectively. This study confirmed that organic materials improve soil health through optimized substitution, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural management and reducing adverse environmental impacts.

SARS CoV 2 (COVID-19) Diagnosis in Wildlife Animals using Rt-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Dubai Safari Park

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. SARS-CoV-2 is a beta coronavirus, a genus that includes several coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, bat SARS-like CoV, and others) isolated from humans, bats, camels, civets, and other animals. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic agent that causes the disease COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have emerged from an animal source, most likely a bat, and subsequently spread to humans. While genetically closely related viruses have been isolated from Rhinolophus bats, the exact source of SARS-CoV-2 and its route of introduction into the human population have not been established. Monitoring animal infections is imperative to better understanding their epidemiological significance for animal health, biodiversity, and human health. According to evidence from risk assessments, epidemiological investigations, and experimental studies, animals play no significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which is sustained by human-to-human transmission. The possibility of Coronavirus testing by veterinary labs was considered after the Iowa State veterinary lab discovered the COVID-19 virus has a similar DNA testing process to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PED). PED is another form of coronavirus that killed many piglets in 2013 and was unresponsive to treatment. Several vet labs optimized their equipment and processes to test for PED, helping them determine that older pigs could recover and develop immunity against the virus. Those same labs are still set up for coronavirus testing. We in Dubai Safari Park, particularly within the laboratory Veterinary Hospital, are conducting RT-PCR analysis to test diverse animal species including non-human primates, Carnivores, small mammals, and Ungulates. Even though none of our animals show any respiratory signs, we have conducted this study to ensure that our animal collection is healthy and free of SARS-COV-2.

Probiotics, An Approach towards Modern Medication

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. SARS-CoV-2 is a beta coronavirus, a genus that includes several coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, bat SARS-like CoV, and others) isolated from humans, bats, camels, civets, and other animals. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic agent that causes the disease COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have emerged from an animal source, most likely a bat, and subsequently spread to humans. While genetically closely related viruses have been isolated from Rhinolophus bats, the exact source of SARS-CoV-2 and its route of introduction into the human population have not been established. Monitoring animal infections is imperative to better understanding their epidemiological significance for animal health, biodiversity, and human health. According to evidence from risk assessments, epidemiological investigations, and experimental studies, animals play no significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which is sustained by human-to-human transmission. The possibility of Coronavirus testing by veterinary labs was considered after the Iowa State veterinary lab discovered the COVID-19 virus has a similar DNA testing process to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PED). PED is another form of coronavirus that killed many piglets in 2013 and was unresponsive to treatment. Several vet labs optimized their equipment and processes to test for PED, helping them determine that older pigs could recover and develop immunity against the virus. Those same labs are still set up for coronavirus testing. We in Dubai Safari Park, particularly within the laboratory Veterinary Hospital, are conducting RT-PCR analysis to test diverse animal species including non-human primates, Carnivores, small mammals, and Ungulates. Even though none of our animals show any respiratory signs, we have conducted this study to ensure that our animal collection is healthy and free of SARS-COV-2.

Bitki Bazlı Gıdalar ve Güncel Gelişmeler

In recent years, plant-based foods have been widely preferred due to their benefits to human health and economy, as well as their reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and their benefits to the environment. In order to meet the increasing need for plant protein, research has increased and different plant protein sources such as seaweed, spirulina, sugar beet leaves, alfalfa and hemp seeds have begun to be used in developed products. There are many studies on the benefits of an herbal diet, and many herbal products have been developed in recent years. However, most of the developed products have deficiencies in terms of appearance, texture, taste and nutritional value, and new methods need to be investigated to improve this situation. In addition, it would be wrong to say that all of the developed vegetable protein products are superior to animal sources in terms of nutritional value. In this review, plant protein sources were examined and studies on their health effects and bioavailability and the latest technological developments were evaluated.

Fuzzy fractional epidemiological model for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus on complex heterogeneous network using Caputo derivative

This study presents a new fuzzy fractional epidemiological model to investigate the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus on a complex heterogeneous network using fuzzy Caputo gH-differentiability. The model configuration follows a susceptible-infectious-susceptible (SIS) structure for human and camel populations. The equations for the camel population are developed due to its significant role as an animal source for spreading the virus, together with the direct interaction between human and animal populations. Some characteristic properties and results are extracted using fuzzy Caputo derivative. Theoretical findings regarding the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions to fuzzy initial value problems are presented using the general contraction principle. The virus outbreak behavior is discussed using two approaches: an analytical approach using fuzzy Laplace transform and a proposed numerical scheme using integral equations. To enhance the novelty of the work, the proposed numerical scheme is used to solve the fuzzy fractional epidemiological model and provides graphical representations to illustrate the uncertain behavior of the fractional epidemiological model. These numerical experiments show that the magnitude of the disease effect depends on the fractional order and the value of degree in the network. The results of this study suggest that we can overcome the impact of spreading the disease by adhering to infection prevention measures when dealing with animal populations.

Effect of diet composition on maturation rate of female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during gonadal maturation

The influence of different diet formulations during gonadal maturation on reproductive efficiency and embryo quality in Atlantic salmon was investigated. Four diets were compared: Diet 1 contained exclusively marine-origin protein and lipid ingredients, Diet 2 involved substituting 65% of the protein and 51% of the lipid by terrestrial animal and vegetable sources, Diets 3 and 4 were commercial diets. The results showed a higher number of spawned females in the groups of fish fed with diets 1 (73.3%) and 2 (66.7%) than those fed with diets 3 (53.3%) and 4 (50%). Spawning weight and total fecundity did not differ between diets, but a strong correlation was found between these variables, independent of diet. There were no significant differences in zootechnical parameters, but the groups of fish fed the commercial diets tended to have greater weight and length. Oocyte diameter did not differ, but percent hydration was statistically different between groups fed diets 2 and 3. Although there was no difference in embryonic malformations between diets, the presence of microphthalmia correlated negatively with oocyte diameter and percent hydration in embryos obtained from the group of fish fed with Diet 3. Blastomere symmetry and survival at 280 ATU showed statistical differences between diets 3 and 4. Using high-nutritional-value marine ingredients (Diet 1) during gonadal maturation improves reproductive performance in female Atlantic salmon. Enhancing fish broodstock nutrition through targeted research can optimize reproductive success, increase yields, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Alumina and titanium nanoparticles to diesel–Guizotia abyssinica (L.) biodiesel blends on MFVCR engine performance and emissions

Deteriorating air quality and diminishing fossil fuel reserves drive the demand for alternative fuels. Biodiesel from animal and plant sources appears promising, but it has drawbacks like lower thermal efficiency and higher fuel consumption. One solution is exploring Nano additive biodiesel for internal combustion engines to address these limitations. The present research focuses on Guizotia abyssinica (L.) (GA) crops and the synthesis of biofuels from the bioresource and the aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. During nanoparticle characterization in X-ray diffraction (XRD), the interplanar spacing for the most intense peaks of (222) and (101) in Al2O3 and TiO2 was observed to be 2.63 and 3.48, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of Al2O3 and TiO2. In the experimental evaluation, a multi-fuel variable compression ratio (MFVCR) engine was used to evaluate the performance and TESTO350 for the emission analysis. Nano additive biodiesel achieved a peak cylinder pressure of 55.19 bar and reduced CO emissions by 9.78 % compared to other biodiesel blends. The inclusion of nano additives in biodiesel resulted in a maximum brake thermal efficiency of 32.99 % and a minimum brake-specific fuel consumption of 0.362 kg/kWh compared to other fuels in the study.

A Comparative Analysis of Maternal Nutrition Decision-Making Autonomy During Pregnancy-An Application of the Food Choice Process Model in Burkina Faso and Madagascar.

Adequate nutrition has been cited as one of the most critical components for optimal health outcomes during pregnancy. Women in Burkina Faso and Madagascar experience high rates of undernutrition due to lack of knowledge, finances, cultural norms, and autonomy. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to describe typical maternal diets during pregnancy in Burkina Faso and Madagascar, (2) to understand the multilevel factors that influence women's nutrition decision-making, and (3) to explore the extent to which women have nutrition decision-making autonomy during pregnancy. This study was conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 in Burkina Faso and Madagascar. Semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and free lists were conducted among women of reproductive age and pregnant and lactating women. Textual data from interviews were recorded and translated verbatim from local languages into French. The Food Choice Process Model guided textual content analysis using Dedoose software. Free list data were analyzed using cultural domain analysis approaches. In Burkina Faso and Madagascar, women primarily consumed staple foods such as rice and tô during pregnancy. Participants cited eating fruits and vegetables when available, while the animal source foods were rarely consumed. Across both contexts, nutrition during pregnancy was influenced by factors that impact food choices, such as social factors, resources, ideals, and personal factors. While women and men in Madagascar had more shared decision-making on critical domains such as finances, men were the primary decision-makers in most areas of inquiry (eg, finances) in Burkina Faso. The lack of adequate diverse diet consumed during pregnancy is primarily due to important factors including social factors and resources. Understanding the ability for women to consume optimal diets during pregnancy is needed to target behavioral change in maternal nutrition programming.

Enhancing soil resilience in Iranian Haploxeralfs: A study on the impact of two organic matters on aggregate stability and mechanical resistance

In arid regions around the world, erosion is a frequent occurrence due to low annual rainfall weakening plants, which in turn affects the concentration of soil organic matter (SOM). When the soil is exposed, sudden and heavy rainfall can lead to soil degradation, particularly in soil with high sodicity where unstable aggregates are easily ruptured, initiating the first phase of soil erosion. To investigate this phenomenon, soil samples were collected from an erosion‐prone area near Maharloo Salt Lake, specifically Chah‐angiri (soil 1) and Kamal-abad (soil 2), which are loam and silty clay loam soils with low SOM.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;To evaluate the effect of organic matter sources on soil stability, cow manure (animal source) and wheat straw (plant source) were applied to both soil samples at four different rates (0.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 40.0 g kg&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) and incubated for four months. The soil’s aggregate stability and mechanical resistance were then assessed using two different methods: mechanical resistance, which was measured as the module of rupture and penetration resistance, and aggregate stability, which was evaluated using the conventional and Le Bissonnais methods.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;The application of organic matter resulted in a linear increase in aggregate stability in both soils, with the increase in Chah‐angiri (with lower sodicity) being greater than Kamal‐abad (with higher ESP). Both linear and exponential equations showed that organic matter treatment reduced soil mechanical resistance exponentially, with wheat straw proving more effective than cow dung at stabilizing aggregates against slaking and lowering soil mechanical resistance in both soils.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Furthermore, the stability of aggregates changed by mechanical breakdown (MWD&lt;sub&gt;stir&lt;/sub&gt;) was found to have the strongest relationship among three Le Bissonnais treatments (MWD&lt;sub&gt;slow&lt;/sub&gt;, MWD&lt;sub&gt;fast&lt;/sub&gt;, and MWD&lt;sub&gt;stir&lt;/sub&gt;) and the aggregate stability test using the usual technique (Kemper and Rosenau). The organic matter rate had a significant effect (&lt;em&gt;P &lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt; 0.001) on MWD&lt;sub&gt;stir&lt;/sub&gt;, which increased with rate in a linear relationship (&lt;em&gt;r&lt;/em&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.957, &lt;em&gt;P &lt;/em&gt;= 0.022). Finally, the stability of soil aggregates in water was also investigated.

Opportunities and challenges in single‐cell protein production using lignocellulosic material

AbstractThe increase in world population has led to an increase in global food demand, which is estimated to grow by 35–56% from 2010 to 2050. As a result, the risk of hunger is also expected to rise. Protein consumption between 2000 and 2018 rose by 40% worldwide and is expected to increase at 9.3% cumulative annual growth rate in the near future. Hence, there is a huge demand and potential market available for human and animal protein. Therefore, newer and more protein sources will be required to meet the longer food value chains. Hence, a microbial protein produced using waste biomass could offer socio‐economic benefits and consumer acceptance owing to its vegetarian nature. Moreover, waste biomass‐based proteins are environmentally benign and very good ingredients in food and feed. Dry microbial protein, described as single‐cell protein, grown on agricultural residue, has been considered as a potent source of protein for both humans and animals. Thus, single‐cell protein will open up new opportunities to meet the growing protein demands for humans and animals. Microbially produced beer, cheese and yogurt are all examples of microbial protein sources for humans and animals. The feedstock, like agriculture residue, is relatively cheap and could be a potential source for large‐scale protein production in the future.

Recombinant bone matrix maintains the graft space, induces vascularized bone regeneration and preserves canine tooth extraction socket structure.

Recombinant bone matrix (RBM) is a newly conceived and engineered porous bone graft granule of average size 600 μm composed of purified recombinant collagen peptide. We sought to examine the behaviour with time of RBM that was grafted in the canine tooth extraction socket. The canine tooth extraction socket of the hemisectioned mandibular third premolar distal root was grafted with RBM granules, whereas the opposite side extraction socket served as non-grafted control. The mandibular samples were harvested at 1, 3 and 6 months of healing and subjected to micro-CT imaging and decalcified paraffin-embedded histology. Separately, the effect of RBM was compared with that of deproteinized cancellous bovine bone (DCBB) and bovine atelocollagen plug (BACP) in the canine tooth extraction model at 3 months of healing. RBM maintained the grafted space in the socket and the gingival connective tissue until new bone was formed within its porous space. The regenerated bone was highly vascularized and continued to mature, while RBM was completely bioresorbed by 6 months. The buccal and lingual alveolar ridge heights of the RBM-grafted extraction socket was better preserved than those of non-grafted control sockets. The degree of socket preservation by RBM was equivalent to that by DCBB, although their healing mechanisms were different. This study demonstrated that RBM induced controlled active bone regeneration and preserved the extraction socket structure in a canine model. Bioresorbable RBM engineered without animal or human source materials presents a novel bone graft category with robust bone regenerative property.

Integrating global microbiome data into antibiotic resistance assessment in large rivers

Rivers are important in spreading antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Assessing AMR risk in large rivers is challenged by large spatial scale and numerous contamination sources. Integrating river resistome data into a global framework may help addressing this difficulty. Here, we conducted an omics-based assessment of AMR in a large river (i.e. the Pearl River in China) with global microbiome data. Results showed that antibiotic resistome in river water and sediment was more diversified than that in other rivers, with contamination levels in some river reaches higher than global baselines. Discharge of WWTP effluent and landfill waste drove AMR prevalence in the river, and the resistome level was highly associated with human and animal sources. Detection of 54 risk rank I ARGs and emerging mobilizable mcr and tet(X) highlighted AMR risk in the river reaches with high human population density and livestock pollution. Florfenicol-resistant floR therein deserved priority concerns due to its high detection frequency, dissimilar phylogenetic distance, mobilizable potential, and presence in multiple pathogens. Co-sharing of ARGs across taxonomic ranks implied their transfer potentials in the community. By comparing with global genomic data, we found that Burkholderiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were important potential ARG-carrying bacteria in the river, and WHO priority carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa should be included in future surveillance. Collectively, the findings from this study provide an omics-benchmarked assessment strategy for public risk associated with AMR in large rivers.

Dietary Protein Intake, Health-related Quality of Life and Sleep Quality of Malaysians

Introduction: The Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey and National Health and Morbidity Surveys revealed a significant shift in protein intake with increased meat and seafood consumption. Concomitantly, non-communicable diseases (NCD) increased and were linked to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep quality. Protein intake, particularly from the animal source, is a modifiable nutrition parameter affecting HRQoL and sleep quality. This study investigated the association between different animal proteins, HRQoL and sleep quality in the Malaysian population. Methods: One hundred and fifty Malaysian adults were recruited and subjected to validated questionnaires to assess their protein intake, HRQoL and sleep quality. Additionally, their BMI and waist circumference were measured. Associations between all study parameters were analyzed. Results: There was no statistically significant association between protein intake, BMI, and waist circumference. Increased diet of white meat and seafood was linked to a lower risk of NCDs, improved overall HRQoL, and better sleep quality. Contrastingly, increased red meat consumption was associated with a higher risk of NCDs, poor physical and social function, and worsening sleep quality. Conclusion: The type of animal dietary protein consumed, as well as the frequency with which white and red meat, and seafood are consumed, can all have an effect on HRQoL and sleep quality. More research is needed to evaluate the impact of protein intake levels on HRQoL and sleep quality, including understanding the physiological processes involved. These data will be able to assist health professionals in personalised nutritional and patient management.

Protein - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.

Proteins are needed for providing essential amino acids, nitrogen, and fuel for the body's needs in all age groups. Proteins are especially required during active growth in pregnancy, lactation, childhood, and tissue growth in general. An adequate protein intake is needed in old adults to avoid premature muscle loss. According to the current dietary surveys, protein intake in the Nordic and Baltic countries varies from 15 to 19% of the total energy intake in adults. Comprehensive data regarding children and older adults are lacking. No good measure for protein status exists, and the estimation of physiological requirements is based on N-balance studies having some weaknesses. Protein quality is assessed by considering the protein digestibility of individual indispensable amino acids and their utilization (bioavailability), which is affected by food antinutrients and processing. The evidence regarding the association of protein intake per se with health outcomes is limited or suggestive. It is difficult to separate from the effect of other nutrients or ingredients in protein-rich foods. Proteins are widespread in foods, deriving from both animal and plant sources. Animal-sourced protein production puts more strain on the environment than plant-sourced proteins and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, thereby enhancing climate change. In Nordic and Baltic countries, consumption of animal-sourced proteins is relatively high. A shift toward more plant-based protein diets would be advisable for promoting a healthy and sustainable diet.