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Essential Nutrients (essential + nutrient)
Selected AbstractsEffects of chromium on the immune systemFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Richa Shrivastava Abstract Chromium is a naturally occurring heavy metal found commonly in the environment in trivalent, Cr(III), and hexavalent, Cr(VI), forms. Cr(VI) compounds have been declared as a potent occupational carcinogen among workers in chrome plating, stainless steel, and pigment industries. The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) results in the formation of reactive intermediates that together with oxidative stress oxidative tissue damage and a cascade of cellular events including modulation of apoptosis regulatory gene p53, contribute to the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of Cr(VI)-containing compounds. On the other hand, chromium is an essential nutrient required to promote the action of insulin in body tissues so that the body can use sugars, proteins and fats. Chromium is of significant importance in altering the immune response by immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive processes as shown by its effects on T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, cytokine production and the immune response that may induce hypersensitivity reactions. This review gives an overview of the effects of chromium on the immune system of the body. [source] Functional analysis of mutations in the ATP loop of the Wilson disease copper transporter, ATP7B,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 5 2010Leiah M. Luoma Abstract Wilson disease (WND) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutation of ATP7B. Transport of copper by ATP7B from the trans -Golgi of hepatocytes into apical membrane-trafficked vesicles for excretion in the bile is the major means of copper elimination from the body. Although copper is an essential nutrient, homeostasis must be carefully maintained. If homeostasis is disrupted, copper can accumulate within the liver, kidney, cornea, and/or brain. The range of organs affected leads to clinical heterogeneity and difficulty in WND diagnosis. Sequencing of ATP7B is an important adjunct for diagnosis but has led to the discovery of many novel missense variants. Although prediction programs are available, functional characterization is essential for determining the consequence of novel variants. We have tested 12 missense variants localized to the ATP loop of ATP7B and compared three predictive programs (SIFT, PolyPhen, and Align-GVGD). We found p.L1043P, p.G1000R, p.G1101R, p.I1102T, p.V1239G, and p.D1267V deleterious; p.G1176E and p.G1287S intermediate; p.E1173G temperature sensitive; p.T991M and p.I1148T mild; and p.R1228T functioning as wild type. We found that SIFT most often agreed with functional data (92%), compared with PolyPhen (83%) and Align-GVGD (67%). We conclude that variants found to negatively affect function likely contribute to the WND phenotype in patients. Hum Mutat 31:569,577, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Calcium supplementation of breeding birds: directions for future researchIBIS, Issue 4 2004S. James Reynolds Calcium is an essential nutrient for avian reproduction. Calcium-rich foods are consumed by breeding birds for production of eggshells and for provisioning chicks that are mineralizing skeletal tissues. A number of studies have documented calcium-limited reproduction, and calcium supplementation has been employed over the last decade to demonstrate degrees, causes and consequences of calcium limitation. However, supplementation studies have produced equivocal findings resulting from an absence of calcium limitation in the study species, a poorly designed supplementation procedure or both. Prior to effective calcium supplementation, many factors need to be considered. Calcium-limited breeding in birds can only be detected by monitoring breeding attempts for more than one year and by ensuring that the measured breeding parameters are sensitive to calcium availability. Natural calcium availability needs to be estimated, and daily calcium budgets for the appropriate reproductive stages determined for the study species. Most crucially, if calcium limitation of breeding is caused by secondary calcium limitation (e.g. through heavy metal toxicity), calcium supplementation will probably be ineffective. Effective calcium supplementation will then be achieved through careful planning , a study over several years using appropriate supplements (i.e. naturally occurring ones used by breeding birds), applied at the appropriate time of year (i.e. prelaying and/or chick-rearing phases) and using a response variable that is highly sensitive to calcium availability. If properly planned and performed, calcium supplementation is a cost-effective and potent tool for the study of bird breeding biology. [source] Increased intakes of selenium-enriched foods may benefit human healthJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 9 2007John Weldon Finley Abstract Selenium is an essential nutrient and deficient intakes compromise health in domestic animals and humans. A recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 55 µg d,1 has been set for adult males and females in the United States; most North Americans consume more than this amount, but many residents of Europe, Asia and Africa consume less. While there are very few reports of outright Se deficiency in people consuming mixed Western diets that have Se intakes below the RDA, there is evidence that dietary intakes of selenium greater than the requirement may help reduce the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer, to men. Selenium metabolism depends on the chemical form of Se in the diet, and some forms are better for some actions (e.g., cancer reduction) than other forms. Foods may contain different amounts and chemical forms of Se; consequently the benefits of Se may depend on the particular foods consumed. There are many reports of the chemistry and health benefits of Se from plant foods; animal foods also contain Se, but there are fewer reported studies. Fully understanding the health benefits of Se that may be gained by consumption of Se-enriched foods will require multidisciplinary approaches by teams of medical researchers, chemists, nutritionists, and agricultural scientists. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Selenium Accumulation in Plant FoodsNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 6 2005John W. Finley PhD Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient, and Se deficiency is associated with disease conditions and general impairment of the immune system. Supplementation of Se to humans already consuming the RDA may help to prevent certain cancers. A convincing argument can be made for augmenting the food supply with Se, and Se-enhanced plants may be the best means of accomplishing this. Plants accumulate varying amounts of Se in different chemical forms; some plants accumulate Se in direct relationship to the amount available from the soil, whereas others (Se-accumulators) may accumulate Se in concentrations many orders of magnitude above that in the soil. There are many different chemical forms of Se in plants, and the form partially dictates the metabolism of Se by the animal that consumes the plant. The Se content and the chemical form of Se withinplants may be altered by manipulation of plant genetics or by agricultural production conditions. However, attempts to maximize Se in plants may have unintended consequences and must be carefully monitored. [source] Mobility of boron,polyol complexes in the hemiparasitic association between Rhinanthus minor and Hordeum vulgare: the effects of nitrogen nutritionPHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 1 2008Fan Jiang Boron (B) is an essential nutrient required for plant growth and physiological processes. Long-distance B transport is facilitated by the formation of B,polyol complexes. We investigated B uptake and distribution in response to differing levels of exogenous nitrogen supply in the hemiparasitic association between Rhinanthus minor and Hordeum vulgare (barley) and in unparasitised barley and single Rhinanthus plants. In this system, the polyol mannitol is the major assimilate in Rhinanthus, whereas polyols are not detectable in barley. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that the accumulation of polyols within Rhinanthus is negatively affected by the application of exogenous nitrogen. Within the association, the strongest accumulation of B was detected in lateral buds and inflorescences of Rhinanthus, consistent with the greatest B demand in strong sink organs supplied through the phloem that contain high concentrations of mannitol. In the host, the strongest B accumulation was found in xylem-supported leaf lamellae. Roots and sheaths did not accumulate substantial amounts of B, while re-circulation of B through the phloem vessels accounted for only 10% (unparasitised) and 8% (parasitised) of the xylem sap-imported B in the mannitol-free barley hosts. In contrast, 53% (attached) and 39% (in the absence of a host) of the xylem sap-imported B was re-circulated in the phloem in the mannitol-rich Rhinanthus. We therefore present the first quantitative uptake and flow models of long-distance B transport in polyol-rich and polyol-free plants. Our findings are consistent with a close relationship between B re-translocation and mannitol concentrations in phloem vessels. [source] Sesamin and ,-tocopherol synergistically suppress lipid-peroxide in rats fed a high docosahexaenoic acid dietBIOFACTORS, Issue 1-2 2000K. Yamashita Abstract Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential nutrient for human health, but has extremely high oxidative susceptibility. We examined the suppressing effect of sesamin, a sesame seed lignan, on lipidperoxides in rats fed a low ,-tocopherol and high DHA containing diet. Groups of rats were fed four experimental diets: low ,-tocopherol (10 mg/kg diet) control diet, low ,-tocopherol + 0.2% sesamin diet, low ,-tocopherol + 0.5% DHA diet and low ,-tocopherol + 0.5% DHA + 0.2% sesamin diet. TBARS concentrations in plasma and liver were significantly increased by DHA, but were completely suppressed by sesamin. ,-Tocopherol concentrations in plasma and liver decreased by addition of DHA, but with sesamin recovered to the control level. The addition of DHA into the diets caused remarkable increases of DHA concentrations in plasma and liver lipids. Sesamin caused a significant increase of DHA concentrations in the triacylglycerol of plasma. [source] The art and science of hydrationACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2004SM Kleiner It is understood that water is the most essential nutrient for life, yet research elucidating the fine points of hydration and fluid needs is still in its youth. Public recommendations based on scientific evidence are not always translated by the media into useful and practical guidelines. Conclusion: Further research investigating the benefits of all fluids, and water in particular, as beverages to meet hydration and health needs will help clarify the controversies over how much water we should drink every day. Health practitioners must further work to assist patients with designing practical fluid intake strategies to ensure adequate hydration. [source] Nutritional ecology and diachronic trends in Paleolithic diet and healthEVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Bryan Hockett Modern nutritional studies have found that diverse diets are linked to lower infant mortality rates and longer life expectancies in humans. This is primarily because humans require more than fifty essential nutrients for growth and cell maintenance and repair; most of these essential nutrients must come from outside food sources rather than being manufactured by the body itself; and a diversity of food types is required to consume the full suite of essential nutrients necessary for optimal human health. These principles and their related affects on human adaptations and demography are the hallmarks of a theoretical paradigm defined as nutritional ecology. This essay applies concepts derived from nutritional ecology to the study of human evolution. Principles of nutritional ecology are applied to the study of the Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition in order to broadly illustrate the interpretive ramifications of this approach. At any stage in human evolution, those hominid populations that chose to diversify their subsistence base may have had a selective advantage over competitors who restricted their diet principally to one food type, such as terrestrial mammals. [source] Mobilization of metals from uranium mine waste: the role of pyoverdines produced by Pseudomonas fluorescensGEOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2010F. EDBERG Microorganisms produce chelating agents, such as siderophores and other ligands, which allow them to mobilize and scavenge essential elements from the environment when bioavailability is low. To better understand the effects of biologically mediated leaching of metals from mine waste, Pseudomonas fluorescens was cultivated in the presence of processed ore from the former uranium mine in Ranstad, southern Sweden. Light conditions, the concentration of the mineral source and oxygen availability were varied. The presence of ore in the culture flasks enhanced bacterial growth and raised the pH of the culture medium. Increasing the amount of ore or enhancing aeration of the medium further encouraged cell growth and pH rise. Bacteria mobilized Fe, Ni and Co from the ore. Fe-siderophore complexes were detected and estimated to be present at approximately 9 ,m. In the presence of bacteria and light, dissolved Fe and U concentrations were higher compared to dark conditions. Increasing the amount of ore resulted in higher dissolved Ni concentrations but lower dissolved Fe, most likely due to precipitate formation. Data from this study support siderophore production by bacteria that allowed mobilization of essential nutrients from the processed ore. However, the availability of potentially toxic metals like Ni and U may also be enhanced. Microbial-promoted mobilization could contribute to leaching of toxic metals in current and historic mining areas. This process should be considered during design and implementation of remediation projects where trace metals are of environmental concern. [source] Chemistry and Reactions of Reactive Oxygen Species in FoodsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 9 2005Eunok Choe ABSTRACT: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is formed enzymatically, chemically, photochemically, and by irradiation of food. It is also formed by the decomposition and the inter-reactions of ROS. The hydroxy radical is the most reactive ROS and then followed by singlet oxygen. Reactions of ROS with food components produce undesirable volatile compounds and carcinogens, destroy essential nutrients, and change the functionalities of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Lipid oxidation by ROS produces low-molecular-weight volatile aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. ROS causes crosslink or cleavage of proteins. ROS produces low-molecular-weight carbonyl compounds from carbohydrates. Vitamins are easily oxidized by ROS, especially singlet oxygen. The singlet oxygen reaction rate was the highest in ,-carotene followed by tocopherol, riboflavin, vitamin D, and ascorbic acid. [source] Effects of glucose on formation of cytotoxic end-products and proteolytic activity of Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens and Porphyromonas gingivalisJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2001Kaoru Saito Black-pigmented bacteria which produce cytotoxic metabolic end-products and cell membrane-associated proteases have been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. These bacterial virulence factors can be modified by the environmental conditions including nutrients supplied variously into the oral cavity. Although glucose is one of the most essential nutrients for oral bacteria, the exogenous supply of glucose may be discontinuous and the glucose concentration in a periodontal pocket may be influenced by the depth of the periodontal pocket. Therefore, effects of glucose as an environmental factor on the virulence factors of Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens and Porphyromonas gingivalis were studied. When grown in the presence of glucose, both P. intermedia and P. nigrescens markedly decreased the production of cytotoxic end-products including succinate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and ammonia, although their growth was increased. Furthermore, the proteolytic activities such as immunoglobulin-, albumin- and casein-degrading activities of these bacteria were decreased in the presence of glucose. On the other hand, no effect of glucose on the metabolic activity of P. gingivalis was observed. These results suggest that pathogenicity of P. intermedia and P. nigrescens may be decreased by the presence of glucose. [source] Evidence of high sugar intake, and low fibre and mineral intake, in the gluten-free dietALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2010D. Wild Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 573,581 Summary Background, The only therapy for coeliac disease (CD) is a long-term gluten-free diet (GFD). Little is known about the detailed composition of such a diet. Aim, To clarify the nutritional composition of a GFD and to compare it with a non-GFD diet in representative non-CD populations. Methods, A total of 139 consecutive patients with CD were invited to fill in a prospective validated 5-day food diary, of whom data from 93 were analysed. Results were compared with data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of Adults and the UK Women's Cohort Study (UKWCS). Results, Individuals consuming a strict GFD generally had similar intakes of energy and nutrients to those of comparison populations, but a higher proportion of carbohydrate intake was obtained from nonmilk extrinsic sugars and intakes of nonstarch polysaccharides were low. Compared with the UKWCS sample, female patients adhering to a GFD had lower intakes of magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, selenium and folate. In male patients, intakes of magnesium and selenium were particularly low. Conclusions, This study reinforces the need for clinicians to recognize that avoidance of gluten cannot be the sole focus of a gluten-free diet. Maintenance of adequate intakes of essential nutrients and in particular complex carbohydrates must also be the goal for patients. [source] Growth and nutrient uptake of tea under different aluminium concentrationsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 9 2008Ka Fai Fung Abstract BACKGROUND: The uptake of essential nutrients such as P, Fe, K, Ca and Mg is depressed by Al in most plants. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations at which Al could be toxic to C. sinensis. The suppression of nutrient uptake was investigated by comparing growth and nutrient uptake at different Al doses. The quantification of Al in apoplasm, symplasm and cell wall of C. sinensis was also studied. RESULTS: In the absence of Al, the growth of C. sinensis was retarded. Test doses over 1 mM Al were toxic to C. sinensis. At concentrations of 0.25 or 0.5 mM, distinct rhizostimulation was noted, and within a short period (2 weeks), the biomass of these seedlings increased by 44 and 35%, respectively, compared to 0 and 14% in control and 1 mM Al, respectively. In general, at beneficial doses (0.25, 0.5), Al stimulated the uptake of Ca, Mg, K and Mn, whereas the uptake of Fe, Cu and Zn was retarded. Fine roots of the seedlings had the highest levels of Al, compared to leaves, branches and main roots. In the root tips, most of the Al was present in the soluble fractions of the apoplasm and symplasm, and very low levels of Al was bound to the cell walls, which was in good agreement with the observed mobility of Al in C. sinensis. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the view that Al plays a nutritive role for C. sinensis. The rhizostimulatory effects of Al on C. sinensis have been explained as a consequence of enhanced nutrient uptake. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] LplA1-dependent utilization of host lipoyl peptides enables Listeria cytosolic growth and virulenceMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Kristie M. Keeney Summary The bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes replicates within the cytosol of mammalian cells. Mechanisms by which the bacterium exploits the host cytosolic environment for essential nutrients are poorly defined. L. monocytogenes is a lipoate auxotroph and must scavenge this critical cofactor, using lipoate ligases to facilitate attachment of the lipoyl moiety to metabolic enzyme complexes. Although the L. monocytogenes genome encodes two putative lipoate ligases, LplA1 and LplA2, intracellular replication and virulence require only LplA1. Here we show that LplA1 enables utilization of host-derived lipoyl peptides by L. monocytogenes. LplA1 is dispensable for growth in the presence of free lipoate, but necessary for growth on low concentrations of mammalian lipoyl peptides. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the intracellular growth defect of the ,lplA1 mutant is rescued by addition of exogenous lipoic acid to host cells, suggesting that L. monocytogenes dependence on LplA1 is dictated by limiting concentrations of available host lipoyl substrates. Thus, the ability of L. monocytogenes and other intracellular pathogens to efficiently use host lipoyl peptides as a source of lipoate may be a requisite adaptation for life within the mammalian cell. [source] In-vivo visualization of phagocytotic cells in rat brains after transient ischemia by USPIONMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 4 2002M. Rausch Abstract Cerebral ischemia provokes tissue damage by two major patho-physiological mechanisms. Direct cell necrosis is induced by diminished access of neurons and glia to essential nutrients such as glucose and oxygen leading to energy failure. A second factor of cellular loss is related to the activation of immune-competent cells within and around the primary infarct. While granulocytes and presumably monocytes are linked to the no-reflow phenomenon, activated microglia cells and monocytes can release cytotoxic substrates, which cause delayed cell death. As a consequence the infarct volume will increase, despite restoration of cerebral perfusion. In the past, visualization of immune competent cells was only possible by histological analysis of post-mortem tissue. However, contrast agents based on small particles of iron oxide are known to accumulate in organs rich in cells with phagocytotic function. These particles can be tracked in vivo by MRI methods based on their relaxation properties. In the present study, the spatio-temporal distribution of USPIO particles was monitored in a rat model of transient cerebral infarction using T1 - and T2 -weighted MRI sequences. USPIO were detected in vessels at 24,h after administration. At later time points specific accumulation of USPIO was observed within the infarcted hemisphere, with maximal signal enhancement on day 2. Their detectability based on T1 -contrast disappeared between day 4 and day 7. Immuno-histochemically (IHC) stains confirmed the presence of macrophages, presumably blood-derived monocytes within areas of T1 signal enhancement. Direct visualization of iron-burdened macrophages by IHC was only possible later than day 3 after occlusion. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] New Approaches to Assess Selenium Status and RequirementNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 12 2000Jean Nčve Ph.D. Selenium is one of the essential nutrients that may have beneficial effects on health at dietary intakes higher than the established Recommended Dietary Allowances in the United States. Dietary recommendations for this element have been the subject of much controversy, illustrating the difficulties involved in the definition of requirements based on the interpretation of biochemical markers. This review will show how concepts may differ and even change as a consequence of the evolution of the knowledge concerning classical parameters (e.g., identification of isoforms of the classical selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase) or following the discovery of new biologic markers for selenium such as iodothyronine desiodinase, thioredoxin reductase, or the selenoproteins P and W. [source] Diverse Functions and Molecular Properties Emerging for CAX Cation/H+ Exchangers in PlantsPLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2006T. Shigaki Abstract: Steep concentration gradients of many ions are actively maintained, with lower concentrations typically located in the cytosol, and higher concentrations in organelles and outside the cell. The vacuole is an important storage organelle for many ions. The concentration gradient of cations is established across the plant tonoplast, in part, by high-capacity cation/H+ (CAX) exchange activity. While plants may not be green yeast, analysis of CAX regulation and substrate specificity has been greatly aided by utilizing yeast as an experimental tool. The basic CAX biology in Arabidopsis has immediate relevance toward understanding the functional interplay between diverse transport processes. The long-range applied goals are to identify novel transporters and express them in crop plants in order to "mine" nutrients out of the soil and into plants. In doing so, this could boost the levels of essential nutrients in plants. [source] Forms of Reproductive Disorders in Cattle and Buffaloes in Middle EgyptREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 4 2009A Ali Contents The objective of this study was to investigate the common forms of reproductive disorders and trends of fertility in cattle and buffaloes in Middle Egypt, and investigate nutritional deficiencies or imbalances as a cause of infertility. During the period from 2003 to 2006 a total of 4276 animals (2755 cattle and 1521 buffaloes) were examined, during winter and summer at three districts of Middle Egypt. Based on the owner complains, animals were categorized as anestrum, repeat breeder and those for pregnancy diagnosis. Feedstuffs of these districts were assessed for nutrient and mineral contents. Animals were examined by rectal palpation and by transrectal ultrasonography. The results showed that, ovarian inactivity was the most common cause of anestrum, whereas endometritis was the main frequent finding of repeat breeding. District, season and year affected the incidences of infertility. The pregnancy rate remained constant (cattle) or increased (buffaloes) from 2003 to 2006. The incidence of ovarian inactivity in both species decreased over the same period. In winter, the commonly used feedstuffs would be adequate to supply the animals with needs, but in summer, rations seem to be deficient in many essential nutrients. In conclusion, ovarian inactivity is the main cause of infertility in cattle and buffaloes in Middle Egypt. There is a link between poor nutrition in summer and the high incidence of ovarian inactivity. Fertility trends during the past few years are encouraging. [source] Human solute carrier SLC6A14 is the ,-alanine carrierTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 17 2008Catriona M. H. Anderson The ,-alanine carrier was characterized functionally in the 1960s to 1980s at the luminal surface of the ileal mucosal wall and is a Na+ - and Cl, -dependent transporter of a number of essential and non-essential cationic and dipolar amino acids including lysine, arginine and leucine. ,-Alanine carrier-like function has not been demonstrated by any solute carrier transport system identified at the molecular level. A series of experiments were designed to determine whether solute carrier SLC6A14 is the molecular correlate of the intestinal ,-alanine carrier, perhaps the last of the classical intestinal amino acid transport systems to be identified at the molecular level. Following expression of the human SLC6A14 transporter in Xenopus laevis oocytes, the key functional characteristics of the ,-alanine carrier, identified previously in situ in ileum, were demonstrated for the first time. The transport system is both Na+ and Cl, dependent, can transport non-,-amino acids such as ,-alanine with low affinity, and has a higher affinity for dipolar and cationic amino acids such as leucine and lysine. N -methylation of its substrates reduces the affinity for transport. These observations confirm the hypothesis that the SLC6A14 gene encodes the transport protein known as the ,-alanine carrier which, due to its broad substrate specificity, is likely to play an important role in absorption of essential nutrients and drugs in the distal regions of the human gastrointestinal tract. [source] Grow-out of juvenile seahorse Hippocampus kuda (Bleeker; Teleostei: Syngnathidae) in illuminated sea cagesAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009Luis Maria B Garcia Abstract This paper examines the feasibility of rearing 10,15-day- and 0.7,1.5-month-old seahorse Hippocampus kuda in illuminated sea cages to continue existing hatchery protocols to mass produce H. kuda for trade and enhance depleted wild stocks in their natural habitats. Thawed Acetes (a planktonic crustacean abundant in inshore seas) was fed to juvenile seahorses in lighted and unlighted sea cages while one group in lighted cages was not fed Acetes. After 10,12 weeks of rearing, both mean body weight and stretch height increased in all treatment groups, with lighted cage-reared seahorses fed Acetes being heavier (2 g) and longer (8 cm) than the other two treatment groups. Although instantaneous growth rates declined during the rearing period, these were generally higher among Acetes -fed seahorses in lighted cages (0.02,0.07) compared with those in the unlighted cages with Acetes and lighted cages without Acetes feeding. Mean survivorship in all groups ranged from 9% to 74% after the trials, but mean survivorship of juveniles in lighted cages with Acetes feeding (9,74%) was consistently lower than the two treatment groups as a likely result of crustacean and piscine predators being attracted by light and the odour of leftover Acetes in the lighted cages. These results demonstrate that light-attracted zooplankton prey supplemented by Acetes feeding may provide essential nutrients for the growth of H. kuda juveniles in illuminated sea cages. With further improvement in the grow-out protocol, it may provide a possible alternative livelihood to seahorse fishers and sufficient seed to re-populate depleted wild stocks of H. kuda. [source] Evaluation of processed meat solubles as replacement for fish meal in diet for juvenile grouper Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton)AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 2001O M Millamena Abstract Feeding experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of low fish-meal-based diets for juvenile grouper Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton). A diet containing 44% protein was formulated using fish meal as the major protein source. Processed meat solubles, a rendered by-product of slaughterhouses, was tested as a replacement for fish meal at increasing percentages from 0 to 100% in isonitrogenous diets. Eight dietary treatments representing fish-meal replacements were arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates per treatment. Twenty-five fish were reared in circular fibreglass tanks of capacity 250 L, maintained in a flow-through seawater system and fed at 5,6% of total biomass, provided daily at 08:00 and 16:00 for 60 days. Results indicate that processed meat solubles can replace 40% of fish-meal protein with no adverse effects on weight gain, survival and or feed conversion ratio of E. coioides juveniles. Higher inclusion levels resulted in a significant decline in growth performance and inefficient feed conversion ratios, which may partly result from the lack of essential nutrients such as essential amino acids in meat solubles. This study has shown that the use of processed meat solubles substantially lowers the level of fish meal required in juvenile grouper diet and can be an efficient means of turning byproducts from slaughterhouses into a useful feed resource. [source] Functional and Edible Uses of Soy Protein ProductsCOMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, Issue 1 2008Preeti Singh ABSTRACT:, Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in healthful foods and are open to soy protein ingredients. Soybeans as food are very versatile and a rich source of essential nutrients. They are also an excellent source of good-quality protein, comparable to other protein foods, and suitable for all ages. Adverse nutritional and other undesirable effects followed by the consumption of raw soybean meal have been attributed to the presence of endogenous inhibitors of digestive enzymes and lectins, as well as poor digestibility. To improve the nutritional quality of soy foods, inhibitors and lectins are generally inactivated by heat or eliminated by fractionation during food processing. Soybeans provide an alternative source of protein for people who are allergic to milk protein. Soy protein is highly digestible (92% to 100%) and contains all essential amino acids. Although relatively low in methionine, it is a good source of lysine. Soy-protein products contain a high concentration of isoflavones, up to 1 g/kg. Increased acceptance of soy proteins is due to unmatched qualities like good functional properties in food applications, high nutritional quality, abundance, availability, and low cost. At present the various forms of soy proteins are primarily utilized for their functional effects rather than their nutritional properties. This article summarizes the integrated overview of the widely available, scattered information about the nutritional and functional uses of the soy proteins when applied in food systems and intends to present the most current knowledge with an interest to stimulate further research to optimize their beneficial effects. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||