Diet significantly affects reproductive outcomes across species, yet the precise effects of macronutrient compositions beyond caloric intake on reproductive aging are understudied. Existing ...literature presents conflicting views on the fertility impacts of nutrient-rich versus nutrient-poor developmental diets, underscoring a notable research gap. This study addresses these gaps by examining effects of isocaloric diets with varied protein-to-carbohydrate ratios during both developmental and adult stages on reproductive aging of a large, outbred Drosophila melanogaster population (n = ∼2100). Our results clearly demonstrate an age-dependent dietary impact on reproductive output, initially dominated by the developmental diet, then by a combination of developmental and adult diets in early to mid-life, and ultimately by the adult diet in later life. Importantly, we found that the effects of developmental and adult diets on reproductive output are independent, with no significant interaction. Further investigations into the mechanisms revealed that the effect of developmental diet on fecundity is regulated via ovarioles formation and vitellogenesis; while, the effect of adult diet on fecundity is mostly regulated only via vitellogenesis. These insights resolve disputes in the literature about dietary impacts on fertility and offer valuable perspectives for optimizing fertility strategies in improving public health and conservation efforts in this changing world.
•Effect of developmental and adult diet composition on reproduction is age-dependent.•Developmental diet affects early-life; adult diet late-life; and both affect mid-life.•But the effect of developmental and adult diets do not interact with each other.•Developmental diet regulates reproduction via ovarioles formation and vitellogenesis.•Whereas, adult diet regulates reproduction via differential vitellogenesis across age.
Objectives:
Children with esophageal atresia (EA) often have feeding difficulties and dysphagia, which may compromise their nutritional status. This study aimed to compare dietary intake between ...children with EA and matched healthy controls (HC) and to investigate the relationship between dietary factors, growth, dysphagia, and feeding difficulties in the EA cohort.
Methods:
This cross‐sectional cohort study recruited children with EA and HC aged 2–17 years from a tertiary pediatric hospital in Australia. Growth parameters were measured. Dietary intake was assessed using the validated Australian Child and Adolescent Eating Survey. Dysphagia and feeding difficulties were assessed using objective questionnaires.
Results:
Twenty‐one children with EA were matched for age and sex with 21 HC. Compared to HC, children with EA had lower mean z scores for height‐for‐age, but mean weight‐for‐age and body mass index‐for‐age z scores were similar. Energy intake was similar between the groups. The diet of children with EA consisted of a higher proportion of fats and lower proportion of carbohydrates compared to matched HC. Dysphagia severity in children with EA positively correlated with proportion of energy from fats and saturated fats.
Conclusions:
Children with EA have similar energy intake and growth parameters to HC, but their diet consists of a higher proportion of fats and lower proportion of carbohydrates compared to HC. Targeted dietary interventions and parental education are necessary.
Indonesia is currently struggling with stunting, wasting, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Nutritional imbalance, which varies by gender, age, and activity level, contributes to these issues. ...This research developed a food detector with an innovative camera sensor to accurately measure food calories. The study adopted a developmental approach, using a pre-experimental design and “post-test only” research. The study included various food ingredients with calorie counts. Camera sensors were used instead of load cell sensors to weigh food and convert it to calories. Camera sensory testing was done on processed food samples. A number of food image data tests showed high accuracy. With test results close to real data, the device showed promising accuracy. This model system used camera resolution to detect calories, helping people measure and manage their diets in quality and quantity. We hope this technology will continue to improve, making it more accessible and aiding nutritional management.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major global health threat due to its growing incidence and prevalence. It is becoming the leading cause of liver disease in addition to its strong ...association with cardio-metabolic disease. Therefore, its prevention and treatment are of strong public interest. Therapeutic approaches emphasize lifestyle modifications including physical activity and the adoption of healthy eating habits that intend to mainly control body weight and cardio-metabolic risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle interventions may be reinforced by pharmacological treatment in advanced stages, though there is still no registered drug for the specific treatment of NAFLD. The purpose of this review is to assess the evidence available regarding the impact of dietary recommendations against NAFLD, highlighting the effect of macronutrient diet composition and dietary patterns in the management of NAFLD.
•National-scale assessment of headwater stream nutrient status, relative to rivers•Greater potential for P limitation in rivers and N limitation in headwater streams•Greater potential for P and N ...co-limitation in headwater streams than rivers•Nutrient impairment of water quality was greatest in Lowland-High-Alkalinity rivers.•Nutrient Limitation Assessment could help inform the prioritisation of remediation.
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This study provides a first national-scale assessment of the nutrient status of British headwater streams within the wider river network, by joint analysis of the national Countryside Survey Headwater Stream and Harmonised River Monitoring Scheme datasets. We apply a novel Nutrient Limitation Assessment methodology to explore the extent to which nutrients may potentially limit primary production in headwater streams and rivers, by coupling ternary assessment of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and carbon (C) depletion, with N:P stoichiometry, and threshold P and N concentrations. P limitation was more commonly seen in the rivers, with greater prevalence of N limitation in the headwater streams. High levels of potential P and N co-limitation were found in the headwater streams, especially the Upland-Low-Alkalinity streams. This suggests that managing both P and N inputs may be needed to minimise risks of degradation of these sensitive headwater stream environments. Although localised nutrient impairment of headwater streams can occur, there were markedly lower rates of P and N impairment of headwater streams relative to downstream rivers at the national scale. Nutrient source contributions, relative to hydrological dilution, increased with catchment scale, corresponding with increases in the extent of agricultural and urban land-use. The estimated nutrient reductions needed to achieve compliance with Water Framework Directive standards, and to reach limiting concentrations, were greatest for the Lowland-High-Alkalinity rivers and streams. Preliminary assessments suggest that reducing P concentrations in the Lowland-High-Alkalinity headwater streams, and N concentrations in the Upland-Low-Alkalinity rivers, might offer greater overall benefits for water-quality remediation at the national scale, relative to the magnitude of nutrient reductions required. This approach could help inform the prioritisation of nutrient remediation, as part of a directional approach to water quality management based on closing the gaps between current and target nutrient concentrations.
In micropropagation, potassium nitrate (KNO3), an ACS reagent grade chemical, used in the preparation of growing mediums is expensive and its procurement depends on bureaucratic procedures, as it is ...controlled by the Brazilian Army. This research to assessed the effect of replacing the ACS KNO3 for a commercially available fertilizer (KNO3- based) on the micropropagation of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cv. Elephant Ear. Treatments used six different fertilizer concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 g L-1) and a control consisting of 1.9 g L-1 KNO3, as shown in the MS salts. The survival, size and number of sprouts and the value of fresh biomass were evaluated. After seedling acclimation, we assessed the survival, number of sprouts, length, and number of roots, racket formation, average fresh biomass mass, macronutrient absorption and morphological changes of the seedlings. Explants inoculated with fertilizers at concentrations of 0.0; 2.0 and 2.5 g L-¹ did not grow. The response of explants at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.5 g L-1 of the fertilizer were the same as those developed in a KNO3 medium, and at a concentration of 1.0 g L-1, in all variables, the means were higher than those of the control medium. Therefore, it showed the feasibility of using fertilizers in the in vitro cultivation of the prickly pear cactus, which may remove bureaucratic barriers and reduce product costs by 99.12%.
RESUMO: Na micropropagação, o nitrato de potássio (KNO3), reagente puro para análise (P.A.), utilizado no preparo dos meios de cultura, possui custo elevado e a sua aquisição depende de trâmites burocráticos, por se tratar de substância controlada pelo Exército Brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do KNO3 P.A. por fertilizante comercial (com fonte de KNO3), encontrado livremente no comércio, na micropropagação de palma (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cv Orelha de Elefante. Os tratamentos foram de seis concentrações do fertilizante (0; 0,5; 1; 1,5; 2 e 2,5 g L-1) e um controle constituído de 1,9 g L-1 de reagente KNO3, conforme mostrado nos sais MS. Avaliou-se a sobrevivência, tamanho e número de brotações do explante, e o valor da biomassa fresca. Após a aclimatização das mudas avaliou-se a sobrevivência, número de brotações, comprimento da parte aérea, número de raízes, formação da raquete, massa média da biomassa fresca, absorção de macronutrientes e alterações morfológicas das mudas. Os explantes inoculados em meio com fertilizantes nas concentrações de 0,0; 2,0 e 2,5 g L-¹ não se desenvolveram. A resposta dos explantes nas concentrações de 0,5 e 1,5 g L-1 do fertilizante foram iguais aos desenvolvidos em meio contendo KNO3, e na concentração de 1,0 g L-1, em todas as variáveis, as médias foram superiores em relação as do controle. Dessa forma, constatou-se a viabilidade do uso do fertilizante no cultivo in vitro da palma, o que propiciou a eliminação dos entraves burocráticos e redução no custo de 99,12% na compra do produto.
Introduction
Soil microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a main factor of global change, but its effects on soil nutrient availability and uptake by crops (macro and micronutrients) are largely ...unknown. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are regulators of nutrient availability and uptake and can interact with soil MP.
Materials and Methods
Building on previous studies, here we explored in a 50‐days pot experiment the influence and interaction of MP fibres (0.4%) and commercial AMF in soil and onion chemistry, that is, in elemental composition of onion shoots and soils (C, N, Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and micronutrient soil availability (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn).
Results
MP had detrimental effects on K, Mg and S, but increased the soil availability of Zn and shoot uptake. AMF inoculation buffered the effects of MP by balancing/enhancing nutrient availability and plant uptake. Particularly, the commercial AMF inoculum remarkably enhanced Mn uptake by onion.
Conclusion
Our results support the use of AMF to sustainably manage agricultural ecosystems contaminated with MP, buffering and counteracting the effects of MP by balancing nutrient availability and plant uptake.
Through food intake, humans obtain a variety of nutrients that are essential for growth, cellular function, tissue development, energy, and immune defense. A special interaction between nutrients and ...gut-associated lymphoid tissue occurs in the intestinal tract. Enterocytes of the intestinal barrier act as sensors for antigens from nutrients and the intestinal microbiota, which they deliver to the underlying immune system of the lamina propria, triggering an immune response. Studies investigating the mechanism of influence of nutrition on immunological outcomes have highlighted an important role of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, probiotics) in modulating immune homeostasis. Nutrients exert their role in innate immunity and inflammation by regulating the expression of TLRs, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus interfering with immune cell crosstalk and signaling. Chemical substrates derived from nutrient metabolism may act as cofactors or blockers of enzymatic activity, influencing molecular pathways and chemical reactions associated with microbial killing, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Immune cell function appears to be influenced by certain nutrients that form parts of the cell membrane structure and are involved in energy production and prevention of cytotoxicity. Nutrients also contribute to the initiation and regulation of adaptive immune responses by modulating B and T lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation and activation, and antibody production. The purpose of this review is to present the available data from the field of nutritional immunology to elucidate the complex and dynamic relationship between nutrients and the immune system, the delineation of which will lead to optimized nutritional regimens for disease prevention and patient care.
In preterm infants, natural variation of breast milk composition makes it difficult to achieve recommended macronutrient intakes with standard fortification. Evidence suggests that nutritional ...deficiency induces poor postnatal growth. This study investigates impacts of target fortification on preterm growth and metabolism by adjusting breast milk macronutrients.
This study was conducted as a single-centre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial for infants <30 gestational weeks. The control group received standard fortification and the intervention group received standard plus target fortification adding modular protein, lipids, and carbohydrates. Breast milk content was measured 3x/week using a validated near-infrared bedside spectrometer (NIRS). Modulars were added to achieve recommended values. To assess total nutrient intake, all 2810 native breast milk samples were analyzed - protein and fat using bedside-NIRS, lactose using tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography. Primary outcome was weight gain during the first 21 days of intervention.
Baseline characteristics, morbidities, and total fluid intake were not different between groups (intervention n = 52, control n = 51). The intervention group infants had higher macronutrient intakes, weight gain (21.2 ± 2.5 vs 19.3 ± 2.4 g/kg/d, mean difference: 1.9 g/kg/d, 95% CI: 0.9 - 2.9), and body weight. Infants in the intervention group from mothers with below-average breast milk protein content showed greatest impact on weight at 36 weeks (2580 ± 280 g vs 2210 ± 300 g), length, head circumference, fat, and fat-free mass. Also, feeding intolerance was less frequent, blood urea was higher, and triglycerides were lower.
This study provides evidence that target fortification of breast milk with low macronutrient content enhances the quality of nutrition and growth and is feasible in clinical routine.
Due to its high nutritional and dietotherapy values, highland barley has attracted the attention and favor of people all over the world in recent years. It has been demonstrated that the nutritional ...components of highland barley are comprehensive and unique, with the characteristics of high protein, high fiber, high vitamin, low fat, low sugar and variety of bioactive components. As the most important component in highland barley, highland barley starch not only has low digestibility, but also has good freeze-thaw stability, high solubility, good emulsion stability and superior film forming performance, which makes it have great application value in food, medicine and industrial production. The content of highland barley protein, which is rich in 18 kinds of amino acids, is higher than that of most grains, and its derivatives play an important role in medical treatment. Unfortunately, highland barley protein cannot form gluten network structure, which limits the application in daily staple food to a certain extent. Highland barley also contains a large amount of dietary fiber, especially β-glucan. Long-term consumption could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes such as heart disease and diabetes. However, the research on the application of highland barley is still in the laboratory stage, which failed to achieve large-scale application in the actual production. The value of highland barley has not been brought into full play, which leads to the waste of its resources and the reduction of its added value. This paper reviewed the macronutrients, health functions and applications of highland barley, aiming to provide some reference for the development of highland barley in food and health industry.
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