Trophic Feeding Research Articles

Trophic niches and feeding relationships of shorebirds in southern Brazil

Niche theory predicts that sympatric species should differ in some ecological characteristic, to allow co-existence and reduce competition for key resources. Food is critical on wintering grounds and stopover areas for migratory species that need to accumulate reserves in order to complete their migration. Wetlands of the Rio Grande do Sul coastal plain, in southern Brazil, host several species of shorebirds with similar morphology, foraging methods and diet. When these species are in sympatry, some trophic niche overlap is expected. Diets and trophic niches of migratory and resident shorebirds were investigated during the austral summer on Torotama Island, Lagoa dos Patos Estuary, Brazil. Complementary methods were used to determine the trophic ecology of three shorebird species; diet was determined through analysis of feces and food samples, using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. The local invertebrate community was sampled to determine potential prey and ascertain feeding preferences of birds. Coleoptera was the most abundant taxon in the feces of all shorebirds. Trophic niche overlap in the diets was high, with the widest trophic niche found for the buff-breasted sandpiper Calidris subruficollis. Isotopic mixing models indicated differences in the main food sources of shorebirds. The isotopic niche breadth was widest for the American golden-plover Pluvialis dominica. These species, as well as the resident southern lapwing Vanellus chilensis, consumed some prey in higher proportions over others, although they had generalist diets. Migratory species with generalist habits benefit from heterogeneous environments such as floodplains during the non-breeding season.

Dietary and seasonal variability in trophic relations at the base of the North Sea pelagic food web revealed by stable isotope and fatty acid analysis

A two-dimensional biomarker approach including fatty acids and stable isotopes of seston and copepods was applied to examine how the variability at the base of the food web affects trophic interactions between primary producers and copepod consumers over a sampling period of two years. We investigated how the composition of the seston affected feeding behaviour by analysing the fatty acid and stable isotope signals of the copepods Calanus helgolandicus, Acartia spp., Centropages spp. and Temora longicornis at Helgoland Roads, North Sea. Our results indicate that the relative contributions of autotrophic and heterotrophic fractions in the seston determined the stable isotope signal of the seston and hence the δ15N of copepods. Our findings show that the combination of stable isotope and fatty acid analyses provides an ideal tool to address the complexity of trophic relations in planktonic food-webs and to define relative trophic position and feeding preferences of e.g. copepods. Defining accurate baselines from bulk seston samples containing a mixture of auto- and heterotroph protist communities still remains a challenge when defining lower food-web dynamics in natural plankton communities.

Early enteral nutrition support dose selection in critically ill patients: a Meta analysis

Objective To systematically evaluate the optimal dose of early enteral nutrition support in critically ill patients. Methods Systematic search database including PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI. RCTs about early enteral nutrition dose selections in critically ill patients were chosen according to include and exclude criteria by two researchers independently. Cochrane system evaluation manual bias risk assessment was used to evaluate quality of literature. RevMan5.3 Meta analysis software was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 1 571 literatures were retrieved and 8 RCT studies were included, 2 713 subjects in total. Meta analysis results showed that there were statistically significant differences in mechanical ventilation time, incidence of diarrhea, and utilization rate of gastro dynamic drugs between trophic feeding and full feeding (P 0.05). Conclusions Trophic feeding has familiar effects on mortality, length of hospital stay compared to full feeding, but it can help to shorten ICU mechanical ventilation time, improve the gastrointestinal tolerability. Key words: Enteral nutrition; Critical care; Dose; Meta analysis

Trophic or full nutritional support?

Full nutritional support during the acute phase of critical illness has traditionally been recommended to reduce catabolism and prevent malnutrition. Approaches to achieve full nutrition include early initiation of nutritional support, targeting full nutritional requirement as soon as possible and initiation of supplemental parenteral nutrition when enteral nutrition does not reach the target. Existing evidence supports early enteral nutrition over delayed enteral nutrition or early parenteral nutrition. Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that permissive underfeeding or trophic feeding is associated with similar outcomes compared with full feeding in the acute phase of critical illness. In patients with refeeding syndrome, patients with high nutritional risk and patients with shock, early enteral nutrition targeting full nutritional targets may be associated with worse outcomes compared with less aggressive enteral nutrition strategy. A two-phase approach for nutritional support may more appropriately account for the physiologic changes during critical illness than one-phase approach. Further evidence is awaited for the optimal protein amount during critical illness and for feeding patients at high nutritional risk or with acute gastrointestinal injury.

Host feeding ecology and trophic position significantly influence isotopic discrimination between a generalist ectoparasite and its hosts: Implications for parasite-host trophic studies

Despite being one of the most prevalent forms of consumerism in ecological communities, parasitism has largely been excluded from food-web models. Stable isotope analysis of consumers and their diets has been widely used in the study of food webs for decades. However, the amount of information regarding parasite stable isotope ecology is limited, restricting the ability of ecologists to use stable isotope analysis to study parasites in food webs. This study took advantage of distinct differences in the feeding ecology and trophic position of different species of fish known to host the same common micropredatory gnathiid isopod to study the effects of host stable isotope ecology on that of the associated micropredator. Blood engorged juvenile gnathiids were in most cases indistinguishable from their hosts' blood, but significant isotope discrimination was observed for adults. Males were generally lower in δ13C and δ15N than host blood whereas host-specific isotopic discrimination for females varied among the different host species. Model predictions indicated that there is a significant effect of host blood isotope ratios on the rate of carbon and nitrogen isotopic discrimination between gnathiids and their host’s blood. As such, general differences in the feeding ecology and trophic positions of the different host species were reflected in their associated gnathiids, indicating that stable isotope analysis of gnathiids can provide significant details concerning previous hosts. The results presented herein have significant implications for how stable isotopes may be used as a tool to study the trophic dynamics and feeding ecology of gnathiids.

Facilitating Colostrum Collection by Hospitalized Women in the Early Postpartum Period for Infant Trophic Feeding and Oral Immune Therapy

Administration of colostrum for early trophic feedings and colostrum oral immune therapy for neonates in the NICU is essential to enhance gut maturation and lower risk of infections. However, it is often difficult for women to collect early colostrum because of its thick viscosity and low volume. Women may be unable to sit upright during pumping sessions because of postsurgical pain, acute or chronic illness, or birth complications and may need assistance. In this article, we describe specific techniques that providers can use to help women to collect colostrum when they are unable to accomplish collection on their own. Helping women collect and administer colostrum to their neonates in the NICU may engage and motivate them to continue to pump and provide breast milk for their hospitalized neonates.

Legal Briefs: Was This Case of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Preventable?

A 28 1/7 week gestational age male infant with a birthweight of 1,280 g was born to a 23-year- old gravida 3, para 0-0-2-0 woman. The pregnancy was uneventful until the night before delivery when she developed preterm labor. She received 1 dose of betamethasone 8 hours before delivery. She also received 3 doses of penicillin for unknown group B Streptococcus status. Artificial rupture of membranes occurred a few hours before birth and the amniotic fluid was clear. The birth was via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. The placenta appeared grossly normal, but subsequent pathologic examination showed mild chorioamnionitis. The infant’s Apgar scores were 8 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes of age. The infant was clinically stable and treated with continuous positive airway pressure. The infant had a normal complete blood cell (CBC) count and was started on antibiotics because of preterm labor. The infant also received intravenous fluids at 80 mL/kg per day. On day 1, caffeine was initiated and phototherapy was started because the infant’s bilirubin was 8.1 mg/dL (138.5 μmol/L). At that time, the infant’s weight was down 11% from birthweight. On day 2, a percutaneous intravenous central catheter (PICC) was placed. On day 3, the infant’s weight loss was down 13% from birthweight and his sodium was 151 mEq/L (151 mmol/L) with a blood urea nitrogen of 30 mg/dL (10.7 mmol/L). The infant was started on trophic breast milk feedings of 1.5 mL every 3 hours. With the intravenous fluids being infused at 122 mL/kg per day, the total volume of fluids was 154 mL/kg per day. The infant did not receive probiotics. As the feedings increased, the volume infused diminished. The plaintiff neonatologist thought that the infant should have had his hydration status better managed to prevent dehydration and that it was inappropriate …

Seabirds enhance coralreef productivity and functioning in the absence of invasive rats.

Biotic connectivity between ecosystems can provide major transport of organic matter and nutrients, influencing ecosystem structure and productivity1, yet the implications are poorly understood owing to human disruptions of natural flows2. When abundant, seabirds feeding in the open ocean transport large quantities of nutrients onto islands, enhancing the productivity of island fauna and flora3,4. Whether leaching of these nutrients back into the sea influences the productivity, structure and functioning of adjacent coralreef ecosystems is not known. Here we address this question using a rare natural experiment in the Chagos Archipelago, in which some islands are rat-infested and others are rat-free. We found that seabird densities and nitrogen deposition rates are 760 and 251 times higher, respectively, on islands where humans have not introduced rats. Consequently, rat-free islands had substantially higher nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N) values in soils and shrubs, reflecting pelagic nutrient sources. These higher values of δ15N were also apparent in macroalgae, filter-feeding sponges, turf algae and fish on adjacent coral reefs. Herbivorous damselfish on reefs adjacent to the rat-free islands grew faster, and fish communities had higher biomass across trophic feeding groups, with 48% greater overall biomass. Rates of two critical ecosystem functions, grazing and bioerosion, were 3.2 and 3.8 times higher, respectively, adjacent to rat-free islands. Collectively, these results reveal how rat introductions disrupt nutrient flows among pelagic, island and coralreef ecosystems. Thus, rat eradication on oceanic islands should be a high conservation priority as it is likely to benefit terrestrial ecosystems and enhance coralreef productivity and functioning by restoring seabird-derived nutrient subsidies from large areas of ocean.

Variability in copepod trophic levels and feeding selectivity based on stable isotope analysis in Gwangyang Bay of the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula

Abstract. Trophic preference (i.e., food resources and trophic levels) of different copepod groups was assessed along a salinity gradient in the temperate estuarine Gwangyang Bay of Korea, based on seasonal investigation of taxonomic results in 2015 and stable isotope analysis incorporating multiple linear regression models. The δ13C and δ15N values of copepods in the bay displayed significant spatial heterogeneity as well as seasonal variations, which were indicated by their significant relationships with salinity and temperature, respectively. Both spatial and temporal variations reflected those in isotopic values of food sources. The major calanoid groups (marine calanoids and brackish water calanoids) had a mean trophic level of 2.2 relative to nanoplankton as the basal food source, similar to the bulk copepod assemblage; however, they had dissimilar food sources based on the different δ13C values. Calanoid isotopic values indicated a mixture of different genera including species with high δ15N values (e.g., Labidocera, Sinocalanus, and Tortanus), moderate values (Calanus sinicus, Centropages, Paracalanus, and Acartia), and relatively low δ15N values (Eurytemora pacifica and Pseudodiaptomus). Feeding preferences of different copepods probably explain these seasonal and spatial patterns of the community trophic niche. Bayesian mixing model calculations based on source materials of two size fractions of particulate organic matter (nanoplankton at < 20 µm vs. microplankton at 20–200 µm) indicated that Acartia and Centropages preferred large particles; Paracalanus, Calanus, Eurytemora, and Pseudodiaptomus apparently preferred small particles. Tortanus was typically carnivorous with low selectivity on different copepods. Labidocera preferred marine calanoids Acartia, Centropages, and harpacticoids; on the other hand, Sinocalanus and Corycaeus preferred brackish calanoids Paracalanus and Pseudodiaptomus. Overall, our results depict a simple energy flow of the planktonic food web of Gwangyang Bay: from primary producers (nanoplankton) and a mixture of primary producers and herbivores (microplankton) through omnivores (Acartia, Calanus, Centropages, and Paracalanus) and detritivores (Pseudodiaptomus, Eurytemora, and harpacticoids) to carnivores (Corycaeus, Tortanus, Labidocera, and Sinocalanus).

Early progressive feeding in extremely preterm infants: a randomized trial

Due to insufficient evidence, extremely preterm infants (≤28 wk of gestation) rarely receive early progressive feeding (small increments of feeding volumes between 1 and 4 d after birth). We hypothesized that early progressive feeding increases the number of full enteral feeding days in the first month after birth. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of early progressive feeding in extremely preterm infants. In this single-center randomized trial, extremely preterm infants born between September 2016 and June 2017 were randomly assigned to receive either early progressive feeding without trophic feeding (early feeding group) or delayed progressive feeding after a 4-d course of trophic feeding (delayed feeding group). Treatment allocation occurred before or on feeding day 1. The primary outcome was the number of full enteral feeding days in the first month after birth. Secondary outcomes were death, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), culture-proven sepsis, growth percentiles at 36 wk postmenstrual age, use of parenteral nutrition, and need for central venous access. Sixty infants were included (median gestational age: 26 wk; mean ± SD birth weight: 832±253 g). The primary outcome differed between groups (median difference favoring the early feeding group: +2 d; 95% CI: 0, 3 d; P=0.02). Early progressive feeding reduced the use of parenteral nutrition (4 compared with 8 d; P≤0.01) and the need for central venous access (9 compared with 13 d; P≤0.01). The outcome of culture-proven sepsis (10% compared with 27%; P=0.18), restricted growth (weight, length, and head circumference <10th percentile) at 36 wk postmenstrual age (25% compared with 50%; P=0.07), and the composite outcome of NEC or death (27% compared with 20%; P=0.74) did not differ between groups. Early progressive feeding increases the number of full enteral feeding days in extremely preterm infants. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02915549.

Trophic Level, Food Preference and Feeding Ecology of Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus. 1766), in Hormuzgun province Waters (Northern Persian Gulf and Oman Sea)

The aim of this study was to assess the ecological factors associated with feeding by Rachycentron canadum (cobia) in the waters of Hormuzgan Province, Iran. Specimens were collected seasonally from Sep. 2014–Sep. 2015 from the Ferdows-1 survey ship and from landing areas in the city of Bandar Abbas. A total of 577 cobia were collected (340 male, 237 female) (20–161 cm Total length). Our results provide the first estimates of trophic level (TL) (4.4 ± 0.76, mean ± SE), consumption per biomass (Q/B) (6.13), and aspect ratio of the caudal fin (ARc.f) (3.1) for R. canadum in the Hormuzgan Province. We also found that osteichthies made up more than 80 percent of the relative importance of particular prey (IRI %), indicating that R. canadum primarily preys on these species. The immature group tended to feed on shrimp, crabs, and mollusks, and predominance of shrimp, crabs, and mollusks was also observed among the stomach contents of cobia ranging from 20–40(c.m). Hierarchical clustering revealed that the frequencies of different types of prey could be used to divide the length classes into three groups. A compare means test comparing the immature and mature groups and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparing length classes revealed that the immature group and the 20-40 length class tended to feed on shrimp, crabs, and mollusks. Also, we found that males generally fed more than females in all seasons and that R.canadum had an average dietary intake. Our results suggest that the removal of top predators, such as cobia, could disturb the entire ecosystem because they play a fundamental role in maintaining a balance in the populations of their prey. Also, because diet is important for aquaculture, the findings of this study can be used to prepare a food formulation for cobia that resembles the native diet.

A class exercise for Systems Ecology: Synthesis of stream energetics and testing Allen’s paradox

We report energy stocks and flows, as well as other ecosystem properties, measured in Little Sandy Creek in Upstate New York as part of an intensive class project in a graduate-level Systems Ecology course at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Our study synthesizes information on Little Sandy Creek both as a whole system and through examination of key individual trophic components. We also test Allen’s paradox in Little Sandy Creek – whether there is enough biomass produced by the invertebrate community to support the energetic needs of the fish community. Students collected data in the field over the course of a weekend in September 2012. During the ensuing semester, we synthesized all of these data (often utilizing relatively simple quantitative models) to generate a spatial synthesis populated with trophic levels for a one kilometer reach of stream. We utilized two synthesizing procedures during our trophic flow analysis: first, we sampled organisms along a depth gradient, and modeled trophic levels and size class with depth to give more precise estimates of biomass. Second, we used models for the relation between production and also respiration (energy requirements) and organism size to estimate production and energy use of trophic levels and functional feeding groups. We synthesized and extrapolated upon our data with a numerical model that simulated the stocks and flows in Little Sandy Creek using abiotic forcing functions and functional responses derived from our field measurements. The mean values indicate the benthic macroinvertebrate production (11 kJ m−2 day−1) is insufficient to support the fish energy requirements (13 kJ m−2 day−1) within our uncertainty estimates; given an 80% assimilation efficiency for fish, the macroinvertebrate production is enough to supply only 68% of the fish needs. Our primary hypothesis was supported: students were able to thoroughly collect and organize data from Little Sandy Creek in a single weekend. Further, over the course of a semester, students successfully analyzed their data. We were then able to take that data and build a realistic model of the Little Sandy Creek system. Based on our model outputs, we fail to reject our secondary hypothesis that Allen’s paradox is present in Little Sandy Creek.

A unifying theory for top-heavy ecosystem structure in the ocean

Size generally dictates metabolic requirements, trophic level, and consequently, ecosystem structure, where inefficient energy transfer leads to bottom-heavy ecosystem structure and biomass decreases as individual size (or trophic level) increases. However, many animals deviate from simple size-based predictions by either adopting generalist predatory behavior, or feeding lower in the trophic web than predicted from their size. Here we show that generalist predatory behavior and lower trophic feeding at large body size increase overall biomass and shift ecosystems from a bottom-heavy pyramid to a top-heavy hourglass shape, with the most biomass accounted for by the largest animals. These effects could be especially dramatic in the ocean, where primary producers are the smallest components of the ecosystem. This approach makes it possible to explore and predict, in the past and in the future, the structure of ocean ecosystems without biomass extraction and other impacts.

Trophic relationships of a subtidal fish assemblage in the Francisco Coloane Coastal Marine Protected Area, southern Chilean Patagonia

A combination of stomach content and nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable-isotope analysis was used to assess the trophic interactions and feeding habits of three notothenioid coastal fish (Cha...

Necrotizing enterocolitis in a preterm infant newborn and role of feeding: An update

It is a clinical case presentation of a male premature baby new-born (+31 weeks) that was delivered in our hospital and transferred to NICU due to prematurity, VLBW and wish of respiratory support. Baby shortly underwent NEC on fifth day of life shortly after starting of expressed milk feeding. It had been early detected by the utilization of near infrared abdominal spectroscopy (NIRS). Baby was deteriorated clinically during a few hours and undergone intestinal perforation with peritonitis. So, abdominal exploration surgery with intestinal resection and end to finish anastomosis was done urgently. Baby improved gradually and early feedings was started and gradually increased up to full feedings with the utilization of human fortified milk (HMF), probiotics and prebiotics. The study stated the evidence-based feeding strategy guidelines for NEC among very low birth weight infants and role of trophic feedings, probiotics, prebiotics and micronutrients in prophylaxis, prevention and management of NEC. Prematurity is that the single greatest risk factor for NEC and avoidance of premature birth is that the best thanks to prevent NEC; the role of feeding within the pathogenesis of NEC is uncertain, but it seems prudent to use breast milk and advance feedings slowly and cautiously; NEC is one among the leading causes of mortality, and therefore the commonest reason for emergent GI surgery in new-borns; NEC remains a serious unsolved medical challenge, that no specific therapy exists, and its pathogenesis remains controversial; a far better understanding of the pathophysiology will offer new and innovative therapeutic approaches, and future studies should be focused on the roles of the epithelial barrier, natural immunity , and micro biota during this disorder; and bioinformatics modeling may be a new emerging strategy aimed toward understanding the dynamics of varied inflammatory markers and their application in early diagnosis and treatment.

Facultative paedomorphosis as a mechanism promoting intraspecific niche differentiation

Organisms with complex life cycles are characterized by a metamorphosis that allows for a major habitat shift and the exploitation of alternative resources. However, metamorphosis can be bypassed in some species through a process called paedomorphosis, resulting in the retention of larval traits at the adult stage and is considered important at both micro‐ and macroevolutionary scales. In facultatively paedomorphic populations of newts, some individuals retain gills and a fully aquatic life at the adult stage (paedomorphs), while others undergo complete metamorphosis (metamorphs), allowing for a terrestrial life‐stage. Because facultative paedomorphosis affects trophic structures and feeding mechanism of newts, one hypothesis is that it may be maintained as a trophic polymorphism, with the advantage to lessen intraspecific competition during the shared aquatic life‐stage. Here, we tested this hypothesis combining stomach content data with stable isotope techniques, using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, in facultatively paedomorphic alpine newtsIchthyosaura alpestris. Both stomach content and stable isotope analyses showed that paedomorphs had smaller trophic niches and were more reliant on pelagic resources, while metamorphs relied more on littoral resources, corresponding to a polyphenism along the littoral–pelagic axis and the extension of the population's trophic niche to otherwise ‘underused’ pelagic resources by paedomorphs. Interestingly, stable isotopes revealed that the trophic polyphenism was less marked in males than in females and potentially linked to sexual activity. Although paedomorphosis and metamorphosis are primarily seen as results of tradeoffs between the advantages of using aquatic versus terrestrial habitats, this study provides evidence that additional forces, such as intraspecific trophic niche differences between morphs and trophic niche expansion, may play an important role in the persistence of this dimorphism in heterogeneous environments. Moreover, the different patterns found in males and females show the importance of considering sex to understand the evolutionary ecology of trophic polymorphisms.

Effect of early use of different doses of enteral nutrition on prognosis of patients with acute respiratory failure

To observe the impact of initial low-dose (trophic type) enteral nutrition (EN) support on mechanical ventilation (MV) time, the incidence of complications and survival rate in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). A prospective study was conducted. Forty-four patients with ARF undergoing MV admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital from September 2015 to February 2017 were enrolled, and they were divided into a trophic feeding group (n = 23, study group) and a standard-dose feeding group (n = 21, control group). In the two groups, the EN support feeding was given to the patients through a nasogastric tube within 24-hour MV for consecutive 7 days, the protein supply to each one of all of them was 1.2-1.6 g×kg-1×d-1. The study group received EN according to non-protein calories of 41.84-83.68 kJ×kg-1×d-1 to calculate, while the control group accepted EN according to non-protein calories of 104.60-125.50 kJ×kg-1×d-1 to calculate. The serum albumin (Alb) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured in two groups 1 day before EN treatment and at 1, 2, 3, 7 days of treatment, and the energy levels in initial 3 days and 7 days of MV and the 24-hour urine creatinine (UCr) level on the 7th day after treatment were recorded. The creatinine-height index (CHI, CHI = actual UCr/standard UCr) was calculated. The incidence of intestinal intolerance (vomiting, gastric retention, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.) in 7 days of treatment, MV time, the length of stay in ICU, the total length of stay in the hospital and the 28-day incidence of new infections (pulmonary, hematogenous, urinary, abdominal, and other infections) and 60-day survival rate were observed between the two groups. The EN supplies within 3 days and 7 days in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group [within 3 days (kJ/d): 1 710.58±703.96 vs. 4 152.79±1 334.65, 7 days (kJ/d): 2 471.28±815.50 vs. 5 058.08±875.25, both P < 0.05]; there were no statistically significant differences in CHI after EN therapy for 7 days and serum Alb levels before and after EN between the two groups. FBG level of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group since the 2nd day of treatment (mmol/L: 8.58±2.37 vs. 10.93±3.75), and continued to the 7th day (mmol/L: 8.96±1.76 vs. 10.97±4.11, both P < 0.05), the incidence of elevated blood glucose was also significantly lower than that of the control group [26.1% (6/23) vs. 66.7% (14/21), P < 0.05]. The incidence of feeding intolerance in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group from 2 days of treatment till 7 days (26.1% vs. 47.6%, P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in MV time (days: 15.04±6.75 vs. 16.14±8.51), the length of stay in ICU (days: 16.52±6.89 vs. 17.24±7.67), total length of stay in hospital (days: 26.35±9.69 vs. 25.33±7.73), 28-day new infection rate [26.1% (6/23) vs. 42.9% (9/21)] and 60-day survival rate [65.2% (15/23) vs. 66.7% (14/21)] between the study and control groups (all P > 0.05). Initial trophic EN feeding results in clinical outcomes similar to those of early standard-dose EN feeding in MV patients with ARF, but the former one has less incidence of high blood sugar and more satisfactory gastrointestinal tolerance situation.

Variability in enteral feeding practices of preterm infants among hospitals in the SEN1500 Spanish neonatal network

Abstract Introduction Proper nutrition is one of the primary objectives in the management of preterm infants. However, lack of evidence on the best strategy to achieve this objective has led to a great variability in feeding practices. This variability may be related to the differences in the incidence of complications, such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Objective The aim of this study is to assess the variability in clinical practice regarding enteral feeding in SEN-1500 Spanish network. Method An observational study was conducted using a questionnaire sent out in 2013 requesting information about feeding very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates (bank milk, start time, trophic feeding, increases, fortifiers and probiotics). Results Responses were received from 60 of the 98 hospitals. The response rate was higher in centres with more than 50 VLBW/year (30/31). Just over two-thirds (67%) have feeding protocols, and 52% refer to variability within their unit. A milk bank is available in 25% of the units. First feeding occurs fairly evenly throughout first 48 h, although it is delayed in lower gestational ages, even when there is no haemodynamic failure. In addition to haemodynamic instability there are other situations when the start is delayed (absence of breast milk, CIR, altered umbilical flow, asphyxia), while it is rarely delayed by absence of meconium or maintain an umbilical catheter. Half of those under 25 weeks begin directly with progressive increases instead of trophic feeding. Increases rarely reach 30 mL/kg/day. Almost all use fortification and vitamins. There was a significant use of probiotics at the time of the survey. Conclusions There is great variability in enteral nutrition policies in VLBW in Spain. Although some differences are justified by the lack of evidence, there are other interventions that have proven to be effective, such as evidence-based protocols or access to donor milk. Implementation in all the units could reduce the incidence of NEC and improve the nutritional status.

Feeding habits of Rhinogobius pflaumi in Jiaozhou Bay, China based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis

Rhinogobius pflaumi is a small-sized, warm-temperate demersal fish species. It is one of the dominant species in fish community, and plays an important role in Jiaozhou Bay ecosystem. The trophic level and feeding habits of R. pflaumi were investigated by carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis, based on the data collected from the bottom trawl surveys during May 2011 in Jiaozhou Bay, China in this study. The results showed that the δ15N and δ13C values of R. pflaumi ranged from 11.24‰ to 13.99‰ and -20.67‰ to -18.46‰, respectively. The mean values of δ15N and δ13C were (12.70±0.70)‰ and (-19.08±0.36)‰, respectively. The mean trophic level of R. pflaumi was (3.62±0.21) for all size classes, ranging from 3.49 to 3.76 for different size classes. There was a significant negative correlation between the δ15N values and standard length, while no significant correlation was observed between δ13C values and standard length. The main prey groups of R. pflaumi were polychaeta, decapoda and mollusca. The trophic contributions of zooplankton and particle organic matter (POM) were relatively low. The similarities of prey species composition among different size classes were more than 92%, indicating that there was no significant difference in feeding habits with different standard lengths. R. pflaumi was an intermediate consumer in Jiaozhou Bay ecosystem. The significant negative correlation between trophic level and standard length might be due to variation in the proportion of different prey groups.

Thyroid Hormone Stimulates the Onset of Adult Feeding Kinematics in Zebrafish.

The physical demands for swimming and feeding change dramatically over the course of development for many aquatic animals. Indeed, in teleosts, the transition from larva to adult involves major shifts in both trophic morphology and feeding behavior. A spike in thyroid hormone (TH) coordinates many developmental processes that occur during this adult transition in numerous vertebrate species. Using mutant and transgenic zebrafish, we tested the hypothesis that TH is essential for the transition from larval to adult feeding kinematic profiles. We found that every measured kinematic variable that distinguished larvae from adults also differentiated hypothyroid from wild-type (WT) euthyroid adults, suggesting that TH is indeed necessary for the onset of mature feeding behaviors. In contrast, feeding kinematics in hyperthyroid adults were extremely similar to those measured in euthyroid adults. Altered TH signaling underlies pedomorphosis in some amphibian species, and Danionella is a pedomorphic danionin genus. We therefore tested whether feeding kinematics of adult Danionella would more closely match larval zebrafish (and hypothyroid adults) than WT adult zebrafish. We found Danionella feeding kinematics resemble those of larval (and hypothyroid) zebrafish in multiple respects. Overall, we conclude that TH is essential in stimulating the onset of adult feeding kinematics in zebrafish, and that some of the underlying developmental pathways may have been lost in Danionella.