Nutrient Supplementation Research Articles

Nutrient requirements shape the preferential habitat of Allorhizobium vitis VAR03-1, a commensal bacterium, in the rhizosphere of Arabidopsis thaliana.

A diverse range of commensal bacteria inhabit the rhizosphere, influencing host plant growth and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. While root-released nutrients can define soil microbial habitats, the bacterial factors involved in plant-microbe interactions are not well characterized. In this study, we investigated the colonization patterns of two plant disease biocontrol agents, Allorhizobium vitis VAR03-1 and Pseudomonas protegens Cab57, in the rhizosphere of Arabidopsis thaliana using Murashige and Skoog (MS) agar medium. VAR03-1 formed colonies even at a distance from the roots, preferentially in the upper part, while Cab57 colonized only the root surface. The addition of sucrose to the agar medium resulted in excessive proliferation of VAR03-1, similar to its pattern without sucrose, whereas Cab57 formed colonies only near the root surface. Overgrowth of both bacterial strains upon nutrient supplementation inhibited host growth, independent of plant immune responses. This inhibition was reduced in the VAR03-1 ΔrecA mutant, which exhibited increased biofilm formation, suggesting that some activities associated with the free-living lifestyle rather than the sessile lifestyle may be detrimental to host growth. VAR03-1 grew in liquid MS medium with sucrose alone, while Cab57 required both sucrose and organic acids. Supplementation of sugars and organic acids allowed both bacterial strains to grow near and away from Arabidopsis roots in MS agar. These results suggest that nutrient requirements for bacterial growth may determine their growth habitats in the rhizosphere, with nutrients released in root exudates potentially acting as a limiting factor in harnessing microbiota.

The impact of home-installed growth charts and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) on child growth in Zambia: a four-arm parallel open-label cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundChildhood stunting remains common in many low-income settings and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as impaired child development.MethodsThe main objective of the study was to assess...

Abiotic triggers for maximising germling numbers in Asparagopsis taxiformis (Rhodophyta, Bonnemaisoniales) via tetrasporogenesis

AbstractThere is global interest in cultivating the red alga Asparagopsis taxiformis due to its efficacy as a potent anti-methanogenic feed supplement and as a biofilter for the bioremediation of nutrient-enriched waters. However, the development of A. taxiformis cultivation is currently hindered by a lack of information about the conditions required to maximise tetraspore release and thus secure a reliable source of germlings for out-planting. In this study, we examined the effects of temperature, irradiance, and standard nutrient supplementation (F/8, potassium iodide (KI) and arsenic trioxide (As2O3)) on the number of germlings produced per tetrasporophyte, using a strain of A. taxiformis widespread within the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Temperature, irradiance and nutrient supplementation played a pivotal role in germling numbers, which was optimised at 22 °C under 7 µmol photons m−2 s−1 and with supplementation of F/8 nutrient media, arsenic trioxide (As2O3; 98 µg L−1) and potassium iodide (KI; 166 µg L−1). Once tetrasporophytes were removed from these inducing conditions, tetrasporogenesis ceased within 12 days. In a further five-week experiment investigating the effect of separate supplementation of As2O3 and KI, germling numbers were maximised under supplementation with either As2O3 or As2O3 + KI, with the relative growth rate of tetrasporophytes maximised under supplementation with F/8 + As2O3 + KI. Under optimum conditions, an average of 3,261 ± 826 (SD) germlings were produced per tetrasporophyte over a five-week period. Our results provide a strong starting point for developing hatchery protocols for generating a reliable supply of germlings for nursery cultivation in tropical settings.

Nutrient Status and Supplement Use During Pregnancy Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study

IntroductionPregnant women with a history of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) are at high risk of developing nutrient deficiencies, leading to greater challenges to reach nutritional requirements. This study compared nutrient status of women using specialized “weight loss surgery” multivitamin supplementation (WLS-MVS) to those using standard supplementation (sMVS) during pregnancy following MBS.MethodsMulticenter observational cohort study including 119 pregnant women at 41.0 (18.5–70.0) months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 80) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 39). Routine blood samples were analyzed every trimester (T1, T2, T3), and micronutrient serum levels were compared between WLS-MVS and sMVS users.ResultsDuring pregnancy after RYGB, WLS-MVS users demonstrated higher serum concentrations of hemoglobin (7.4 [7.2, 7.5] vs. 7.0 [6.8, 7.3] mmol/L), ferritin (23.2 [15.0, 35.7] vs. 13.7 [8.4, 22.4] µg/L), and folic acid (31.4 [28.7, 34.2] vs. 25.4 [21.3, 29.4] nmol/L) and lower serum vitamin B6 levels (T1: 90.6 [82.0, 99.8] vs. 132.1 [114.6, 152.4] nmol/L) compared to sMVS users. Iron deficiencies and elevated serum vitamin B6 levels were less prevalent in the WLS-MVS group. During pregnancy after SG, WLS-MVS users showed higher serum vitamin D concentrations (89.7 [77.6, 101.8] vs. 65.4 [53.3, 77.4] nmol/L) and lower serum vitamin B1 concentrations (T2: 137.4 [124.2, 150.6] vs. 161.6 [149.0, 174.1] nmol/L, T3: 133.9 [120.1, 147.7] vs. 154.7 [141.9, 167.5] nmol/L) compared to sMVS users.ConclusionLow maternal concentrations of micronutrients are highly prevalent during pregnancy after MBS. The use of specialized multivitamin supplementation generally resulted in higher serum levels during pregnancy compared to standard supplementation. Future research is needed to investigate how supplementation strategies can be optimized for this high-risk population.Graphical

The role of diet in managing hidradenitis suppurativa: a review of current evidence and future directions.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition wish a complex pathogenesisinfluenced by multiple factors, including diet. This manuscript summarizes current literature onthe potential role of diet in HS management.Various dietary interventions, including the Mediterranean diet, elimination diets and specific nutrient supplementation, have shown promise in individual cases and observational studies. However, the heterogeneous nature of HS and the lack of controlled prospective studies limit the ability to make general dietary recommendations. Demographic factors influencing dietary habits and HS prevalence are also discussed. While food quality appears to be a crucial factor, more research is needed to establish definitive links between specific dietary components and HS outcomes. Future controlled clinical trials are necessary to develop evidence-based dietary guidelines for HS patients, considering individual variability and demographic factors.

Co-Digestion and Mono-Digestion of Sewage Sludge and Steam-Pretreated Winter Wheat Straw in Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors—Nutrient Composition and Process Performance

Wheat straw (WS) constitutes a considerable biomass resource and can be used to produce the energy carrier methane through anaerobic digestion. Due to the low contents of several nutrient elements and water in harvested WS, the use of sewage sludge (SS), consisting of primary sludge and waste-activated sludge, as a nutrient source in co-digestion with steam-pretreated wheat straw (PWS) was investigated theoretically and practically. WS was steam-pretreated, with acetic acid as the catalyst, at 190 °C for 10 min, ending with a rapid reduction in pressure. Process stability and specific methane production were studied for the mono-digestion and co-digestion of PWS and SS in continuous stirred-tank reactors for 208 days. The HRT was 22 days and the OLR 2.1 gVS L−1 d−1. In co-digestion, the OLR was increased to 2.8 gVS L−1 d−1 for one week. Nutrient elements were added to PWS mono-digestion at two different concentration levels. Co-digestion was stable, with a total concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) at a safe level below 0.35 g L−1 at both OLRs. The higher OLR during co-digestion would require an increase in reactor volume of 14%, compared to the mono-digestion of SS, but would increase the annual production of methane by 26%. The specific methane production levels for PWS mono-digestion, SS mono-digestion, and co-digestion were 170, 320, and 260 mL g−1VS, respectively. Co-digestion did not result in a synergistic increase in the methane yield. SCFAs accumulated in the mono-digestion of PWS when using lower levels of nutrient supplements, and the concentrations fluctuated at higher nutrient levels. The main conclusion is that PWS and SS can be co-digested with long-term process stability, without the addition of chemicals other than water and acetic acid. The specific methane production for mono-digestion of PWS was relatively low. The effect of using higher concentrations of micronutrients in PWS mono-digestion should be evaluated in future studies.

Mineral supplementation in patients with frailty and sarcopenia-a systematic review.

Addressing sarcopenia and frailty in aging populations is crucial for enhancing quality of life and reducing healthcare dependence. While the importance of energy, protein, and amino acid supplementation is known, the role of minerals needs further exploration. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of these minerals in managing sarcopenia and frailty. We analyzed data from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Ichu-shi Web from January 2000 to March 2023. Studies were selected if they were interventional or observational, focused on individuals with frailty or sarcopenia who were aged 65 or older, and involved mineral supplementation. The risk of bias in these studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Of the 615 studies identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies mainly focused on the effects of combined nutrient supplements, with few focusing on individual minerals. The findings were mixed, demonstrating some improvements in muscle strength, activity of daily living, and cognitive functions. Notably, minerals appeared to offer benefits as part of multi-nutrient interventions, especially for cognitive and immune health, but had limited impact on muscle mass or strength when used alone. The limited number and variable outcomes of studies precluded a feasible meta-analysis. The effect of mineral supplementation on sarcopenia and frailty remains uncertain, suggesting a need for tailored nutritional strategies. Future studies should aim for well-designed clinical trials in order to gain a better understanding of the roles of minerals in improving muscle health and functional outcomes, leading to clearer recommendations for clinical practice. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Evaluationof feeding different forms of therapeutic diet on the feed intake, digestibility, feed efficiency, and growth of calves experimentally infected with foot-mouth disease virus.

Oral ulcers induce acute weight loss due to anorexia in foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infected cattle. We hypothesized that providing a palatable form of a therapeutic diet (TD) in different physical forms would increase the feed intake, digestibility and restoration of body weight. A TD was formulated with 19% CP and 2.9 Mcal ME/kg on dry matter basis. Bull calves of 10-12months with mean body weight of 123 ± 1.3kg were experimentally infected with FMDV (n = 18) and offered one of the following three forms of the TD (n = 6/group) for 6weeks post-FMDV infection (WPI): (i) TD in mash form (TDM) (ii) TD in cooked form (TDC) and (iii) TDC + customised nutrient supplement (TDCNS) such as Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, and Se. The CNS was fed before the TDC. A group of uninfected control (n = 4) was fed TDM. Green fodder was offered in the afternoon. Dry matter intake (DMI) of TD and green fodder were recorded at 24h interval till WPI 6. Body weight (BW) was recorded at weekly interval. Digestibility trial was conducted at WPI 6. The palatability of the TD was scored from 1- 4 and healing of tongue ulcers was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. The results indicated that the physical form of TD increased the total DMI by WPI 3, which was supported by the restoration of BW and higher palatability score. The digestibility of all the proximate principles except EE was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the groups that were fed TDC. It was concluded that feeding TD irrespective of the physical form, restored the ADG and DMI in the calves by WPI 3. Further, feeding cooked form of TD increased the digestibility in the FMDV infected calves and supplementation of CNS hastened the healing of glossal ulcers.

The Effect of Nutrient Supplementation on Female Fertility: A Systematic Review.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have improved infertility treatmentbut reproductive outcomes remain challenging. Nutrient supplementation is being explored to enhance pregnancy rates, increase live birth rates, and reduce miscarriage rates in females undergoing ART. Nutrients like folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants have shown potential benefits, yet conflicting results exist. Live birth rates may also be influenced by nutrient supplementation, with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D showing promise. Miscarriage rates may be reduced with nutrients such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, although more research is needed for definitive conclusions. Scientific and medical literature databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science were queried to identify relevant English publications adhering to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Various reproductive metrics, encompassing biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, implantation rate, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates, were assessed as clinical endpoints.The study population included 996 female subjects receiving ART. Two studies performed investigations on subjects diagnosed with unexplained infertility, two studies specifically included polycystic ovary syndrome patients, and five studies did not provide any specific information on the type of infertility or subfertility. All studies reported on the clinical/ongoing pregnancy rate, among which four included studies observed a significantly higher rate. Out of the four studies that reported on implantation rates, three found significantly higher rates in treatment groups. Out of the three studies that reported on biochemical pregnancy rates, two studies found significantly higher rates in treatment groups. With respect to the clinical outcomes that were studied in this analysis, variable effects of nutritional supplementation on reproductive parameters were observed. Some studies reported significantly higher rates of clinical/ongoing pregnancy, implantation, biochemical pregnancy, and live birth, while no significant difference was found in miscarriage rates.

The Role of Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Supplements in the Management of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses: Le rôle des habitudes alimentaires et des suppléments nutritionnels dans la prise en charge des troubles mentaux chez les enfants et les adolescents : une méta-revue de méta-analyses.

In recent years, the relationship between nutrition and mental health has gained considerable interest. We identified, synthesized, and appraised all meta--analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting on the efficacy of dietary patterns and nutrient supplements in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Systematic research in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was completed on 8 January 2024. Our research found 24 meta-analyses: 14 on RCTs, 8 on observational studies, and 2 combining both. Emerging evidence suggests that omega-3, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid, and Vitamin D may have adjunctive benefits in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while no evidence was found for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Observational data also indicated that prenatal folic acid supplementation (>400 μg daily) was associated with a reduced risk of ASD in offspring. In terms of dietary habits, several meta-analyses of observational data revealed that healthy dietary patterns (rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre, low in saturated fats) during the prenatal period, childhood, and adolescence were linked to a significantly reduced risk of internalizing disorders and externalizing disorders. Conversely, unhealthy dietary habits (high in sugars, saturated animal fats, and industrial foods, low in fruits, vegetables, and fibre) are associated with an elevated risk of these mental health issues. However, the number of available studies on dietary interventions for the treatment of depression, ASD, and ADHD was limited, and the results obtained were either nonsignificant or contradictory. Our findings emphasize the need to establish clear causal relationships between dietary habits and the risk of mental illness in children and adolescents. Moreover, further investigation of the benefits observed with some nutrient supplements (such as omega-3 and vitamin D for ADHD) through larger-scale RCTs is imperative to establish more robust conclusions.

Effects of prenatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on pregnancy, birth, and infant outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials in low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundUndernutrition during pregnancy increases the risk of giving birth to a small vulnerable newborn. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) contain both macro- and micronutrients and can help prevent multiple nutritional deficiencies. ObjectivesWe examined the effects of SQ-LNSs provided during pregnancy compared with 1) iron and folic acid or standard of care (IFA/SOC) or 2) multiple micronutrient supplements (MMSs) and identified characteristics that modified the estimates of effects of SQ-LNSs on birth outcomes. MethodsWe conducted a 2-stage meta-analysis of individual participant data from 4 randomized controlled trials of SQ-LNSs provided during pregnancy (n = 5273). We generated study-specific and subgroup estimates of SQ-LNS compared with IFA/SOC or MMS and pooled the estimates. In sensitivity analyses, we examined whether the results differed depending on methods for gestational age dating, birth anthropometry, or study design. ResultsSQ-LNSs (compared with IFA/SOC) increased birth weight [mean difference: +49 g; 95% confidence interval (CI): 26, 71 g] and all birth anthropometric z-scores (+0.10–0.13 standard deviation); they reduced risk of low birth weight by 11%, newborn stunting by 17%, newborn wasting by 11%, and small head size by 15%. Only 2 trials compared SQ-LNSs and MMSs; P values for birth outcomes were >0.10 except for head circumference (e.g., z-score for gestational age: +0.11; 95% CI: −0.01, 0.23). Effect estimates for SQ-LNSs compared with IFA/SOC were greater among female infants and, for certain outcomes, among mothers with body mass index <20 kg/m2, inflammation, malaria, or household food insecurity. Effect estimates for SQ-LNSs compared with MMSs were greater for certain outcomes among female infants, first-born infants, and mothers <25 y. ConclusionsSQ-LNSs had positive impacts on multiple outcomes compared to IFA/SOC, but further research directly comparing SQ-LNSs and MMSs is needed. Targeting SQ-LNSs to vulnerable subgroups may be worth considering. Clinical Trial RegistryThis study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021283391.

Supplementary sugars enhance the production efficiency and parasitism performance of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae).

Trichogramma spp. wasps are egg parasitoids with a long history of mass rearing for augmentation biocontrol programs in field crop and orchard landscapes. Supplementary nutrition can improve the longevity, fecundity, and biocontrol efficacy of parasitoids. To improve the production efficiency and parasitism performance of Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), the present study screened and examined the potential supplementary nutrients for this biological control agent. Dietary supplementation with a 10% sucrose solution significantly increased wasp longevity and parasitism potential of T. dendrolimi on host eggs, but provision of pollen did not provide additional benefits. Laboratory and greenhouse cage tests demonstrated that wasp access to soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) honeydew, comprised primarily of melezitose and trehalose, improved T. dendrolimi longevity and parasitism. In conclusion, provision of a 10% sucrose solution to adult wasps will enhance the mass-rearing efficiency of T. dendrolimi; furthermore, field release of T. dendrolimi by plant vectors bearing honeydew-producing aphids holds promise for improving the biocontrol efficacy of T. dendrolimi.

Anthropometric and sociodemographic variables, but not preconception or prenatal maternal nutrition supplementation, predict neurodevelopment in offspring of the 'Women First'trial.

Multiple factors influence infant and child neurodevelopment in low resource settings. In offspring of participants in the preconception maternal nutrition trial, Women First(WF), we examined the impact of providing a preconception (Arm 1) or prenatal (Arm 2) nutrient supplement (compared to controls, Arm 3) on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months; predictors of neurodevelopment scores; and associations of infant anthropometrics with neurodevelopmental scores. Follow-up visits for anthropometry were conducted at 6-, 12-, 18-and 24-monthof age. At 24-months, in a randomized subset,the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rdedition (BSID-III), including cognitive, motorand social-emotional subscales,and the Family Care Indicators (FCI) questionnaire, assessing family and home environment, were completed. Multiple covariates (intervention arm, site, maternal sociodemographic characteristics, FCI subscales, birthweightand 6-24 months'change in anthropometry z-scores, (e.g., ΔLAZ6-2 4) were evaluated by linear regression to predict BSID-III outcomes and to assess associations of anthropometric changes with BSID-III scores. The analysis consisted of 1386 infants (n = 441, 486, 459 for Arms 1, 2and 3, respectively). None of the domain-specific BSID-III subscale scores differed by maternal intervention arm. Four covariates significantly predicted (p ≤ 0.01) all 3 BSID-III subscales: secondary maternal education, ΔLAZ6 - 24, birthweight >2500 g, and FCI play materials. Linear growth was associated with all domains of neurodevelopment. The results underscore the multi-dimensional aspects of child development represented by the nurturing care framework, including prenatal maternal nutrition, post-natal growth, maternal education for responsive caregivingand opportunities for early learning.

Enhancing Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation efficiency through improved ternary vector systems and auxotrophic strains.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is an essential tool for functional genomics studies and crop improvements. Recently developed ternary vector systems, which consist of a T-DNA vector and a compatible virulence (vir) gene helper plasmid (ternary helper), demonstrated that including an additional vir gene helper plasmid into disarmed Agrobacterium strains significantly improves T-DNA delivery efficiency, enhancing plant transformation. Here, we report the development of a new ternary helper and thymidine auxotrophic Agrobacterium strains to boost Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation efficiency. Auxotrophic Agrobacterium strains are useful in reducing Agrobacterium overgrowth after the co-cultivation period because they can be easily removed from the explants due to their dependence on essential nutrient supplementation. We generated thymidine auxotrophic strains from public Agrobacterium strains EHA101, EHA105, EHA105D, and LBA4404. These strains exhibited thymidine-dependent growth in the bacterial medium, and transient GUS expression assay using Arabidopsis seedlings showed that they retain similar T-DNA transfer capability as their original strains. Auxotrophic strains EHA105Thy- and LBA4404T1 were tested for maize B104 immature embryo transformation using our rapid transformation method, and both strains demonstrated comparable transformation frequencies to the control strain LBA4404Thy-. In addition, our new ternary helper pKL2299A, which carries the virA gene from pTiBo542 in addition to other vir gene operons (virG, virB, virC, virD, virE, and virJ), demonstrated consistently improved maize B104 immature embryo transformation frequencies compared to the original version of pKL2299 (33.3% vs 25.6%, respectively). Therefore, our improved Agrobacterium system, including auxotrophic disarmed Agrobacterium strains and a new ternary helper plasmid, can be useful for enhancing plant transformation and genome editing applications.

Enzymatic acylation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside with aromatic and aliphatic acid methyl ester: Structure–stability relationships of acylated derivatives

Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments, but they tend to be unstable in aqueous solutions. Modification of their molecular structure offers a viable approach to alter their intrinsic properties and enhance stability. Aromatic and aliphatic acid methyl esters were used as acyl donors in the enzymatic acylation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), and their analysis was conducted using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The highest conversion rate achieved was 96.41 % for cyanidin-3-O-(6″-feruloyl) glucoside. Comparative evaluations of stability revealed that aromatic acyl group–conjugated C3G exhibited superior stability enhancement compared with aliphatic acyl group derivatives. The stability of aliphatic C3G decreased with increasing carbon chain length. The molecular geometries of different anthocyanins were optimized, and energy level calculations using density functional theory (DFT) identified their sites with antioxidant activities. Computational calculations aligned with the in vitro antioxidant assay results. This study provided theoretical support for stabilizing anthocyanins and broadened the application of acylated anthocyanins as food colorants and nutrient supplements.

Multi-stage process for mixed microbial culture production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from sugarcane stillage: Assessment of external nutrient supplementation

Sugarcane stillage is an abundant wastewater from ethanol production. It has drawn considerable interest as a potential feedstock for biotechnological processes aiming at the recovery of energy and value-added products. In this study we explored the use of stillage for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are microbial bioplastics with potential to replace conventional plastics in specific applications. As stillage is nutrient deficient, we investigated the impact of external nutrient supplementation on the selection of PHA-producing mixed cultures. Cultures selected under four different total-chemical-oxygen-demand-to-nitrogen ratios (COD.t/N) (15, 30, 40 and 80) were evaluated according to their PHA production performance and microbial composition. The experimental results demonstrated that the most favorable PHA production was achieved for the biomass selected under strict carbon-limiting conditions, with a COD.t/N ratio of 15. This resulted in an overall PHA volumetric productivity of 2.10 g PHA L−1 d−1, a maximum intracellular PHA content of 0.65 g PHA g VSS−1 and a PHA storage yield of 0.71 g CODPHA g CODH.Org−1. The resulting PHA was a copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate (73 %mol) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (27 %mol) monomers. The microbial consortium was enriched by members of the Brevundimonas genus, known PHA producers, with a relative abundance of 26.4 %.

High-yield magnetosome production of Magnetospirillum magneticum strain AMB-1 in flask fermentation through simplified processing and optimized iron supplementation.

Developing a simplified flask fermentation strategy utilizing magnetotactic bacterium AMB-1 and optimized iron supplementation for high-yield magnetosome production to address the challenges associated with magnetosome acquisition. A reliable processing for the pure culture of AMB-1 was established using standard laboratory consumables and equipment. Subsequently, the medium and iron supplementation were optimized to enhance the yield of AMB-1 magnetosomes. The mSLM supported higher biomass accumulation in flask fermentation, reaching an OD565 of ~ 0.7. The premixed solution of ferric quinate and EDTA-Fe (at a ratio of 0.5:0.5 and a concentration of 0.4mmol/L) stabilized Fe3+ and significantly increased the reductase activity of AMB-1. Flask fermentations with an initial volume of 15 L were then conducted employing the optimized fermentation strategy. After two rounds of iron and nutrient supplementation, the magnetosome yield reached 185.7 ± 9.5mg/batch (approximately 12mg/L), representing the highest AMB-1 flask fermentation yield to our knowledge. A flask fermentation strategy for high-yield magnetsome production was developed, eliminating the need for bioreactors and greatly simplifying the process of magnetosome acquisition.

Tracking Free-Ranging Pantaneiro Sheep during Extreme Drought in the Pantanal through Precision Technologies

The Pantanal has been facing consecutive years of extreme drought, with an impact on the quantity and quality of available pasture. However, little is known about how locally adapted breeds respond to the distribution of forage resources in this extreme drought scenario. This study aimed to evaluate the movement of free-grazing Pantaneiro sheep using a low-cost GPS to assess the main grazing sites, measure the daily distance traveled, and determine the energy requirements for walking with body weight monitoring. In a herd of 100 animals, 31 were selected for weighing, and six ewes were outfitted with GPS collars. GPS data collected on these animals every 10 m from August 2020 to May 2021 was analyzed using the Python programming language. The traveled distance and activity energy requirements (ACT) for horizontal walking (Mcal/d of NEm) were determined. The 31 ewes were weighed at the beginning and end of each season. The available dry matter (DM) and floristic composition of the grazing sites were estimated at the peak of the drought. DM was predicted using power regression with NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) (R2 = 0.94). DM estimates averaged 450 kg/ha, ranging from traces to 3830 kg/ha, indicating overall very low values. Individual variation in the frequency of use of grazing sites was observed (p &lt; 0.05), reflecting the distances traveled and the energetic cost of the activity. The range of distances traveled by the animals varied from 3.3 to 17.7 km/d, with an average of 5.9 km/d, indicating low energy for walking. However, the traveled distance and ACT remained consistent over time; there were no significant differences observed between seasons (p &gt; 0.05). On average, the ewes’ initial weight did not differ from the weight at the drought peak (p &gt; 0.05), indicating that they maintained their initial weight, which is important for locally adapted breeds as it confers robustness and resilience. This study also highlighted the importance of the breed’s biodiverse diet during extreme drought, which enabled the selection of forage for energy and nutrient supplementation. The results demonstrated that precision tools such as GPS and satellite imagery enabled the study of animals in extensive systems, thereby contributing to decision-making within the production system.

QUALITY EVALUATION OF DEVELOPED IRON AND RETINOL ACETATE FORTIFIED YOGURT

Yogurt is one of the most nutritious probiotic food and serves as a medium for nutrients supplementation. The prevalent deficiency of iron and vitamin A within the population prompted the creation of retinol acetate and iron-fortified yogurt. In the yogurt-making process, temperatures typically remain below 100°C for 5 to 10 minutes, and the fortified milk exhibited remarkable heat stability, surpassing even the effects of sterilization treatment (140°C for over 20 minutes). Sensory evaluations of the fortified yogurts yielded scores comparable to the control yogurt. The fortified variety set in a similar time frame, and the quantity of microorganisms used in the inoculation mirrored that of the control yogurt. Acetaldehyde, a key flavoring compound, was produced in a similar manner to the control yogurt (p&gt;0.05). Physico-chemical properties of the fortified yogurt closely resembled those of the control, with improvements seen in viscosity and textural attributes, though these values were statistically similar (p&gt;0.05). The fortified yogurt demonstrated stability along with consistent quality, texture, and sensory appeal, suggesting its potential for commercialization to address nutrient deficiencies.

Specialized nutritious foods and behavior change communication interventions during the first 1000 d of life to prevent stunting: a quasi-experimental study in Afghanistan

BackgroundConsiderable evidence supports the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation with or without nutrition education in preventing stunting in developing countries, but evidence from Afghanistan is scarce. ObjectivesThis project aimed to assess the effectiveness of specialized nutritious food (SNF), social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention to prevent stunting among children under 2 y during the first 1000 d of life in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. MethodsWe used a community-based quasi-experimental pre–post study design with a control group. Pregnant and lactating women received a monthly ration of 7.5 kg of super cereal (250 g/d) during pregnancy and the first 6 mo of breastfeeding. Children aged 6–23 mo received 30 sachets of medium-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (50 g/sachet/d) monthly. We compared pre- and postintervention assessments of the intervention and control groups to isolate the effect of the intervention on key study outcomes at the endline by difference-in-differences (DID) estimates. ResultsA total of 2928 and 3205 households were surveyed at baseline and endline. DID estimates adjusted for child, maternal, and household characteristics indicated a significant reduction in stunting (DID: −5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −9.9, −0.2) and underweight (DID: −4.6% (95% CI: −8.6, −0.5) among children <2 y of age. However, DID estimates for wasting among children in the intervention and control groups were not significantly different (DID: −1.7 (95% CI: −5.1, 1.6). Furthermore, exposure to the SBCC messages was associated with improvements in the early initiation of breastfeeding (DID: 19.6% (95% CI: 15.6, 23.6), exclusive breastfeeding under 6 mo (DID: 11.0% (95% CI: 2.3, 19.7), minimum meal frequency (DID: 23% (95% CI: 17.7, 28.2), and minimum acceptable diet (DID: 13% (95% CI: 9.8, 16.3). ConclusionsThe provision of SNF in combination with SBCC during the first 1000 d of life was associated with reduction in stunting and underweight and improvements in infant and young child feeding practices among children under 2 y of age.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04581993.