Explore the vast range of titles available.

Supplementing high levels of dietary crude protein in the absence of amino acid balance and enough energy in fish diets may results in reduced growth, improper feed intake and poor protein utilization efficiency coupled with unviable feed costs and adverse environmental effects due to high nitrogen excretion. It is necessary to improve the dietary protein quality to avoid unnecessary nitrogen excretion, and the use of protein as an energy source by fish, quality and determine proper dietary protein to energy (DP:DE) ratios in order to maximize protein utilization efficiency. It will help the aquaculture sector to obtain better growth response at a low-cost and without any adverse environmental effects. In the present article, we have deliberated in detail the previous and ongoing researches about protein research in fish nutrition. Besides, we have made a comparison between two so far commonly used methods in protein research, i.e., the graded supplementation and diet-dilution technique. According to the data presented here, is focusing on the formulation of balanced diets, the diet-dilution technique seems to be more accurate than the graded supplementation method. Thus, future studies should be focused on the use of diet-dilution technique along with proper dietary protein to energy ratios in order to formulate well-balanced diets. These attempts will significantly improve the protein and energy research in aquaculture nutrition. Moreover, feed industries will become able to formulate biologically balanced and environment-friendly diets at a low cost.

Based on the principle of competitive exclusion, species occupying the same ecological niche cannot stably coexist due to strong interspecific competition for resources. Niche diversification, for instance through resource partitioning, may alleviate competition. Here, we investigate the effects of resource diversity on foraging behavior, fitness and interspecific interactions of four cryptic bacterivorous nematode species (Pm I–IV) of the Litoditis marina species complex with sympatric field distributions. Three resource (bacteria) diversity levels (low, medium, high) were used as food treatments and compared to a treatment with only Escherichia coli as food. Differences in taxis to food existed between the cryptic species and between bacterial mixtures of different diversity: all the cryptic species except Pm I showed higher attraction toward medium-diversity food. Furthermore, the cryptic species of L. marina generally exhibited higher fitness on a more diverse food resource. Resource diversity also impacted the interspecific interactions between the cryptic species. Our results show that resource diversity can alter the interspecific interactions among the cryptic species of L. marina , indicating that competitive equilibria between species are very context-dependent. Although a considerable body of evidence supports the hypotheses (e.g., “variance-in-edibility” hypothesis and the “dilution hypothesis” or “resource concentration hypothesis”) which predict a negative impact on consumers when resource diversity is increased, the benefits of a diverse resource can outweigh these disadvantages by offering a more complete and/or complementary range of nutritional resources as suggested by the “balanced diet” hypothesis.

A traditional balanced Korean diet (K-diet) may improve energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism. To evaluate this, we conducted a randomized crossover clinical trial, involving participants aged 30–40 years, who were randomly assigned to two groups—a K-diet or westernized Korean control diet daily, with an estimated energy requirement (EER) of 1900 kcal. After a 4-week washout period, they switched the diet and followed it for 4 weeks. The carbohydrate, protein, and fat ratios based on energy intake were close to the target values for the K-diet (65:15:20) and control diet (60:15:25). The glycemic index of the control diet and the K-diet was 50.3 ± 3.6 and 68.1 ± 2.9, respectively, and daily cholesterol contents in the control diet and K-diet were 280 and 150 mg, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters involved in energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism were measured while plasma metabolites were determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS before and after the 4-week intervention. After the four-week intervention, both diets improved anthropometric and biochemical variables, but the K-diet significantly reduced them compared to the control diet. Serum total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. The waist circumference (p = 0.108) and insulin resistance index (QUICKI, p = 0.089) tended to be lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. Plasma metabolites indicated that participants in the K-diet group tended to reduce insulin resistance compared to those in the control diet group. Amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids, tyrosine, tryptophan, and glutamate, and L-homocysteine concentrations were considerably lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group (p < 0.05). Plasma glutathione concentrations, an index of antioxidant status, and 3-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations, were higher in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. In conclusion, a K-diet with adequate calories to meet EER alleviated dyslipidemia by decreasing insulin resistance-related amino acids and increasing ketones in the circulation of obese women.

Several studies have reported some efficacy of diets low in fermentable carbohydrates (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAPs)) in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is no evidence of its superiority compared to gluten-free and balanced diets in improving IBS patients’ quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study is to assess whether different diets can improve QoL in IBS. Forty-two patients with IBS, according to Rome IV criteria, were enrolled. Low-FODMAP, gluten-free and balanced diets were proposed to each patient in the same succession. Each diet was followed for 4 weeks. The Bristol Stool Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for bloating and abdominal pain, and the SF12 questionnaire for health-related quality of life were applied at the beginning and at the end of each diet. Twenty-eight of the forty-two patients completed all the three diets. All the three diets reduced symptom severity (p < 0.01), bloating (p < 0.01) and abdominal pain (p < 0.01), and improved quality of life (p < 0.05); 3% of patients expressed a preference for the low-FODMAP diet, 11% for the gluten-free and 86% for the balanced diet (p < 0.01). The balanced diet improves QoL and VAS pain, provides an adequate quantity of FODMAPs and is more appreciated by patients. For these reasons, the balanced diet could be recommended to patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Over the last decade, algae have been explored as alternative and sustainable protein sources for a balanced diet and more recently, as a potential source of algal-derived bioactive peptides with potential health benefits. This review will focus on the emerging processes for the generation and isolation of bioactive peptides or cryptides from algae, including: (1) pre-treatments of algae for the extraction of protein by physical and biochemical methods; and (2) methods for the generation of bioactive including enzymatic hydrolysis and other emerging methods. To date, the main biological properties of the peptides identified from algae, including anti-hypertensive, antioxidant and anti-proliferative/cytotoxic effects (for this review, anti-proliferative/cytotoxic will be referred to by the term anti-cancer), assayed in vitro and/or in vivo, will also be summarized emphasizing the structure–function relationship and mechanism of action of these peptides. Moreover, the use of in silico methods, such as quantitative structural activity relationships (QSAR) and molecular docking for the identification of specific peptides of bioactive interest from hydrolysates will be described in detail together with the main challenges and opportunities to exploit algae as a source of bioactive peptides.

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, which has become a crucial source of protein and income. However, bacterial infections pose a significant challenge to the aquaculture industry and traditional treatments, such as antibiotics and chemicals, have limitations and environmental concerns. Disease prevention and control measures, such as the use of probiotics, vaccines, and biosecurity measures, are essential for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Further research is also needed to develop more effective and sustainable strategies for the prevention and control of bacterial fish pathogens in aquaculture, where alternative treatments such as herbal extracts, essential oils, and probiotics require further investigation for efficacy and safety. Microalgae, particularly Chlorella, have potential applications in various industries such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment. However, their large-scale production and commercialization face challenges. Safety of Chlorella to fish is a crucial issue that requires careful evaluation, with hematology being an essential tool to assess its effects on fish health and physiology. Studies show that Chlorella is safe for fish and does not have adverse effects on growth, survival, or immune system function. Chlorella is a safe and sustainable option for aquaculture, free from harmful chemicals and antibiotics. The Green Water System utilizes Chlorella as a natural filter and nutrient recycler, improving water quality and providing a well-balanced diet for aquatic animals. This eco-friendly approach also enhances fish immune systems, growth rates, and survival rates. The scientometric review shows significant research activity, with Chang JS being a prominent author and People’s R China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences leading in contributions. The use of Chlorella shows promise as an alternative treatment for bacterial fish pathogens in aquaculture due to its antibacterial properties, safety, and sustainability. However, challenges such as cost-effectiveness and standardization need to be addressed for successful implementation in the aquaculture industry.

Two mutually unexclusive hypotheses prevail in the theory of nutritional ecology: the balanced diet hypothesis states that consumers feed on different food items because they have complementary nutrient and energy compositions. The toxin-dilution hypothesis poses that consumers feed on different food items to dilute the toxins present in each. Both predict that consumers should not feed on low-quality food when ample high-quality food forming a complete diet is present. We investigated the diet choice of Phytoseiulus persimilis, a predatory mite of web-producing spider mites. It can develop and reproduce on single prey species, for example the spider mite Tetranychus urticae. A closely related prey, T. evansi, is of notorious bad quality for P. persimilis and other predator species. We show that juvenile predators feeding on this prey have low survival and do not develop into adults. Adults stop reproducing and have increased mortality when feeding on it. Feeding on a mixed diet of the two prey decreases predator performance, but short-term effects of feeding on the low-quality prey can be partially reversed by subsequently feeding on the high-quality prey. Yet, predators consume low-quality prey in the presence of high-quality prey, which is in disagreement with both hypotheses. We suggest that it is perhaps not the instantaneous reproduction on single prey or mixtures of prey that matters for the fitness of predators, but that it is the overall reproduction by a female and her offspring on an ephemeral prey patch, which may be increased by including inferior prey in their diet.

Background/Objectives: A low purine diet has been recommended for patients with gout and hyperuricemia, but there are concerns about excessive carbohydrates and a lack of protein. A well-balanced diet in accordance with general dietary guidelines is widely recommended. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet are also recommended for gout and hyperuricemia patients. However, there is little information on the purine levels in these diets. The aim of this study is to determine the daily amount of purine in well-balanced diets that follows the dietary guidelines, including the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. Methods: We measured the purine content in various foodstuffs. Using these values, we calculated the amount of purine in generally recommended well-balanced diets—the Japanese diet, American My Plate Plan, the Mediterranean diet, and the DASH diet. To calculate the amount of purine, recipes tailored to the characteristics of each diet were created. Results: The amount of purine in the Japanese diet, in the American My Plate Plan, in the Mediterranean diet, and in the DASH diet were 308.5–366.1, 308.7–335.0, 346.6–394.1, 325.9–493.9 mg/day, respectively. These values were close to the 400 mg/day recommended in the Japanese Guideline for the management of Hyperuricemia and Gout. Conclusions: A well-balanced diet following the recommendation in the dietary guidelines is considered to provide adequate purines. Because a high purine diet can lead to the recurrence of gout, advising to eat a balanced diet is useful on lifestyle guidance for the patients with gout and hyperuricemia.

A 3-month experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different stocking densities on growth, stress markers, intestinal digestive enzymes, hepatic antioxidant biomarkers, serum immunity, and survivability of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. The relationship between fish stocking densities and water quality parameters was also assessed. Healthy fish (n = 1260 individuals, 17.52 ± 0.20 g) were raised in twelve fiberglass tanks. Triplicate fish groups with stocking densities of 60, 90, 120, or 150 fish per 1 m3 were designed, further referred to as SD60, SD90, SD120, and SD150 groups. Fish feeding was done using a commercially purchased well-balanced diet three times per day with a feeding rate of 3% of the wet fish weight. Results revealed that un-ionized ammonia, nitrite, and pH were significantly elevated, and dissolved oxygen levels were decreased significantly with increasing the stocking densities. The survival rates and growth significantly decreased with increasing fish stocking densities. The intestinal lipase, protease, trypsin, and amylase enzymes decreased significantly (P < 0.05) along with increased stocking densities. Moreover, significant decreases were noticed in total protein, lysozyme activity, and globulin levels when the stocking density was higher than 60 fish/m3. Conversely, serum stress biomarkers (such as blood glucose and cortisol), transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and blood urea nitrogen were significantly elevated with increasing stocking densities. Hepatic CAT, SOD, and T-AOC were decreased; meanwhile, hepatic MDA levels were significantly increased, together with the stocking rates. In the end, we found that the SD150 group recorded the lowest growth rates, immune responses, and antioxidant capacity and the highest stress markers as blood glucose and cortisol. In this context, we can conclude that the stocking 60 fish/m3 resulted in better growth, survival, immunity, antioxidant status, and overall performances of striped catfish.

PurposeInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary intervention in the treatment of IBD has gradually attracted more attention. In this study, amino acid-balanced diets (AABD) based on grains were developed and their influences on the regulation of IBD were investigated.MethodsDextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis mice model was employed to evaluate the effects of AABD. Pathological symptoms, intestinal inflammation, gut barrier proteins and gut microbiota were determined after AABD intake.ResultsIt was shown that AABD alleviated the symptoms of colitis by reducing the histological scores of mice colon, suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins. Analysis of gut microbiota revealed that AABD altered the structure of gut microbiota by decreasing the abundance and richness of harmful bacteria induced by DSS (Escherichia-Shigella, Parasutterella, etc.) and increasing that of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, etc.). Correlation analysis indicated that the alterations of pro-inflammatory factors were related with the change of microbiota, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of AABD on inflammation might be due to its regulation gut microbiota.ConclusionThe AABD could efficiently mitigate colitis, and this study indicated that AABD could be applied as a promising dietary regulation strategy of IBD.