Search Results (140)

Honeysuckle, derived from the dried flower buds or blossoms of Lonicera japonica Thunb, is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its properties in eliminating heat and toxins, reducing inflammation, and alleviating swelling. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic and preventive benefits of L. japonica extract on inflammatory diseases induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using Misgurnus anguillicaudatus as a model organism. The fish were fed a diet supplemented with L. japonica extract, followed by LPS injection to induce inflammation. We then analyzed the transcriptional profile to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A total of 6611 DEGs were identified through comprehensive analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Our results revealed significant enrichment of DEGs in pathways associated with proteasome function, immune system regulation, and infectious disease response. These findings suggest a strong correlation between L. japonica and immune defense mechanisms, providing valuable insights into the potential anti-inflammatory effects of this plant, particularly in the context of LPS-induced inflammation. This study highlights the potential use of L. japonica in treating inflammatory diseases and underscores its role in immune regulation. Full article

Food irradiation is gaining popularity worldwide due to its potential to extend shelf life, improve hygienic quality, and meet trade requirements. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method is a reliable and sensitive technique for detecting untreated and irradiated foods. This study investigated the effectiveness of EPR in identifying irradiated meat and seafood containing bones. Beef, lamb, chicken, and various fish were irradiated with electron beams at different doses and analysed using an EPR spectrometer. During irradiation, the food samples were surrounded by small ice bags to prevent autodegradation of cells and nuclei. After the irradiation process, the samples were stored at −20 °C. For EPR signal recording, the flesh, connective tissues, and bone marrow were removed from the bone samples, which were then oven-dried at 50 °C. The EPR spectra were recorded using an X-band EPR analyzer. Unirradiated and irradiated samples were identified based on the nature of the EPR signals as well as the g-values of symmetric and asymmetric signals. The study found that the EPR method is effective in distinguishing between unirradiated and irradiated bone-containing foods across nearly all applied radiation doses. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the EPR signals increased with increasing radiation doses. It was observed that unirradiated bone samples showed low-intensity symmetrical signals, while irradiated samples showed typical asymmetric signals. Overall, the study demonstrated that the EPR method is a reliable and sensitive technique for identifying irradiated foods containing bones and can be used for the control, regulation, and proper surveillance of food irradiation. Full article

Salt intake, specifically NaCl, should be reduced to prevent hypertension. Ramen often contains high-NaCl soup in Japan, but there are no reports of the actual sodium (Na) or potassium (K) contents. We visited ramen restaurants in Kyoto that had received high ratings on review sites and sampled the soups and toppings (n = 52). The Na and K concentrations were measured using ion electrodes, and the NaCl and K contents per serving and Na/K ratio were calculated. The results were compared among different types of “tare” (thick seasonings) (salt, soy sauce, and miso) and different types of broth (chicken, pork bone, and fish). The average NaCl and K contents per serving were 6.53 ± 1.48 g and 448 ± 141 mg, respectively, and Na/K was 10.7 ± 4.3 mmol/mmol. Considering the different broths, the Na/K ratio was the lowest for fish (9.6 ± 5.2), followed by chicken (10.0 ± 3.1) and pork bone (13.2 ± 4.8). Ramen dishes were high in both Na and the Na/K ratio. The low Na/K of fish soup ramen was thought to be due to the higher K content extracted from dried fish. Depending on the broth, it is possible to reduce the Na/K ratio. Full article

Current marine mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) products predominantly involve low-value-added processing, while high-value-added products like fish floss remain underdeveloped. This study utilized mackerel dorsal muscle treated with flavor protease (FP), papain (PP), and neutral protease (NP) (10 U/g, 30 min), followed by steaming and stir-frying. Combined with sensory evaluation, HS-GC-IMS, and automatic amino acid analysis, the characteristic flavor was evaluated by multi-omics. The results showed that FP and NP significantly enhanced odor by reducing fishy compounds (e.g., hexanal) and increasing pyrazines/furans. PP enhanced taste by elevating umami and sweet amino acids (26.68% and 25.98%, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed the following potential pathways: Val and Leu served as precursors for furan, suppressing 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)furan formation, while Asp, Tyr, Phe, Gly, Cys, and Ile promoted 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)furan generation while inhibiting furan. This study demonstrates that minimal protease addition effectively optimizes dried mackerel floss flavor, providing a novel approach for high-quality marine product development. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the addition of dried mealworm, hydrolyzed mealworm, fermented poultry by-product meal (FPBM), and hydrolyzed fish soluble protein (HFSP) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score, and blood profiles of weaning pigs. A total of 40 (21-day-old) weaned piglets ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an initial average body weight (BW) of 7.14 ± 1.29 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments for 35 days. There were four treatment groups with five replicates and two pigs (male and female) per pen. The dietary treatment included TRT1, a basal diet + 10% dried mealworm; TRT2, a basal diet + 10% hydrolyzed mealworm; TRT3, a basal diet + 10% fermented poultry by-product meal (FPBM); and TRT4, a basal diet + 10% hydrolyzed fish soluble protein (HFSP). The inclusion of FPBM in weaning pig diets had a significant effect on the blood profile with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (p < 0.05), but not on other blood profiles of serum IGF-1, IgG, and IgA concentrations. BUN concentration decreased in response to the dietary inclusion of FPBM (p = 0.019). BUN concentration decreased and was at its lowest with FPBM (6.3 mg/dL), followed by hydrolyzed mealworm (7.3 mg/dL), while increasing with dried mealworm and HFSP (8.5 mg/dL). There was no significant difference in the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal score of piglets fed a basal diet with dried mealworm, hydrolyzed mealworm, FPBM, and HFSP. Hence, the addition of fermented poultry by-products in weaning pigs’ diets decreases the blood urea nitrogen, without any detrimental effect on performance, nutrient digestibility, or fecal score. Full article

Fishery products are highly perishable; therefore, effective preservation strategies are essential to maintain their freshness, quality, and shelf life. One promising approach involves the use of edible coatings formulated with natural extracts, such as muicle (Justicia spicigera). This study evaluated the effect of a muicle–chitosan edible coating on the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of cazon fish (Mustelus lunulatus) fillets stored in ice for 18 days. The muicle extract was obtained by macerating dried leaves for 48 h, and its antibacterial activity was subsequently assessed. A control group (C) and three treatments—muicle extract (ME), chitosan (CH), and a combined muicle–chitosan coating (MECH)—were applied and monitored throughout the storage period. Quality parameters, including pH, colour, water-holding capacity (WHC), texture, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and mesophilic microbial counts, were evaluated. The muicle extract exhibited antibacterial activity, with MIC and IC₅₀ values of 3.01 ± 0.73 and 204.56 ± 20.23 µg/mL against Shewanella putrefaciens, and 0.10 ± 0.07 and 118.09 ± 14.51 µg/mL against Listeria monocytogenes, respectively. Treatments of ME, CH, and MECH significantly improved (p < 0.05) the quality of fillets by reducing TVB-N, pH, and microbial load compared to the control. In conclusion, the muicle extract demonstrated antibacterial potential and, either alone or in combination with chitosan, effectively preserved the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of cazon fillets during ice storage. Full article

Herein, the effectiveness of astaxanthin (AX) as functional feed ingredient was assessed by enhancing its stability and bioavailability using encapsulation methods. Spray-drying and liposome entrapment were applied to a natural AX source from shrimp by-products, along with two commercially synthetic alternatives. Encapsulated AX formulations were evaluated for their physico-chemical properties, thermal stability, and in vitro performance using RTL-W1, a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver-derived cell line. Both techniques achieved high encapsulation efficiency (73–89%) and provided remarkable protection to AX during thermal treatments, maintaining its stability at 80 °C for up to 2 h and at 100 °C for 30 min. Nevertheless, neither encapsulation methods significantly mitigated water absorption over time. Additionally, morphological characterization revealed spray-dried microcapsules with typical round, partially collapsed particles with a broad size distribution, while liposomes further stabilized into dry powders by spray-drying showed structural rearrangements and an increase in size upon rehydration, although maintaining a uniform and stable distribution. In vitro testing revealed enhanced RTL-W1 cell viability and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production when encapsulation was employed. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of the selected encapsulation techniques to optimize the stability, bioavailability, and functionality of AX, providing valuable insights to improve its utilization as a functional ingredient in fish feed formulations. Full article

Fish oil, a rich source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), is a vital nutritional component, but considering its susceptibility to oxidation, it could benefit from an effective encapsulation system. This study aims to optimize high-pressure homogenization (HPH) parameters (pressure, number of passes) and wall material composition to maximize the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of fish oil, using different concentrations of maltodextrin with Arabic gum or sodium alginate. Key metrics such as emulsion droplet size, encapsulation efficiency, color, and oxidation in the final freeze-dried product were evaluated. Optimal values were achieved at 60 MPa, resulting in the lowest mean droplet diameter (369.4 ± 3.8 nm) and narrow distribution (0.197 ± 0.011) of the fish oil micelles prepared with a mixture of Tween80 and sodium caseinate as an emulsifier, without significant oxidation after four cycles of homogenization, while 80 MPa led to the highest EE (up to 95.6%), but increased oxidation. The combination of 10% w/w Arabic gum or 1% w/w sodium alginate with 20% w/w maltodextrin achieved the highest EE (79.1–82.9%) and whiteness index (82.5–83.0), indicating neutral-colored well-encapsulated fish oil without oxidation, which is desirable for product stability. Selecting optimal HPH conditions and wall material is crucial for the encapsulation efficiency and oxidation stability of omega-3 PUFA delivered in dehydrated forms. Full article

Two typical fish products—fermented mandarin fish and semi-dried yellow croaker—are associated with biogenic amines (BAs), which are harmful to human health. The objective of this study was to investigate the bacterial ecology of the two fish products and to determine their capacity for producing BAs. Putrescine and cadaverine were major BAs detected in the fish products. Concentrations of BAs were significantly corrected with microbial count (p < 0.05). BA-producing isolates (33) in the two fish products were all multiple BA producers. Several of them, including Lactobacillus sakei, Bacillus cereus and Hafnia alvei isolated from fermented mandarin fish, as well as Shewanella baltica, Aeromonas veronii, and Photobacterium phosphoreum isolated from semi-dried yellow croaker, showed remarkable BA-producing capacity. Hafnia alvei produced the greatest abundance of putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine and 2-phenylethylamine. Lactobacillus sakei mainly produced tryptamine and putrescine. Photobacterium phosphoreum showed the strongest histamine-producing capacity. Full article

Sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon could drive global food system solutions by contributing essential nutrients to the human diet while delivering high-quality protein. One of the biggest obstacles to sustainable salmon aquaculture in Chile is the prevalence of piscirickettsiosis disease caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Piscirickettsia salmonis and the excessive amount of antibiotics used to eradicate this disease. Farmed salmon products can be consumed without prior processing and therefore present a substantial risk for the transfer of resistant pathogens to humans. Antibiotics also carry the risk of antibiotic residues and damage to the environment. An alternative to antibiotics is the use of natural antimicrobials without the negative influence on the consumer’s microbiome. Here, we evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity against P. salmonis of the marine microalgae Microchloropsis gaditana. A non-genetically modified M. gaditana was grown with nitrogen deprivation to improve the synthesis of the eicosapentaenoic fatty acid (EPA). A spray-dried M. gaditana concentrate (Mg) was elaborated and given to Atlantic salmon for a period of 49 days, and serum and fillet samples were collected. Our results showed a significant increase in the nutritional quality improving the levels of EPA+ Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (23%) and Vitamin D₃ (106%) of the fillets treated with Mg. Fish fed serum were challenged with P. salmonis, and serum antibacterial activity was measured. Sera from fish fed Mg-enriched diets showed a significant increase in antibacterial activity (85.68%) against P. salmonis. Our results indicate that Mg can be used as a viable alternative to address the critical problem of microbial resistance and to assure consumers that farm-raised Atlantic salmon is safe. Full article

Yeast-based feed additives have emerged as promising functional feed additives (FFAs) to promote sustainable aquaculture development through enhanced gut health and immune modulation in fish. The present study evaluated the impact of autolysed brewer’s yeast (ABY) and soluble dried yeast extract (SDYE) in improving the intestinal and skin histology, immune response, and intestinal microbiome of Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) over a 9-week feeding trial. Three experimental diets were produced: a control diet, a diet supplemented with ABY at 2.5 g/kg, and a diet supplemented with SDYE at 2.5 g/kg. These diets were administered to triplicate tanks of Atlantic salmon. The yeast-supplemented diets, especially ABY, improved intestinal mucosal fold length, lamina propria width, microvilli density, and intestinal goblet cell counts, as well as skin goblet cell counts. The yeast additives had no detrimental effects on the fish haematology, with no significant differences in haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell counts, and white blood cell counts among the treatment groups. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of il-1β and muc-2 in fish fed the ABY diet, indicating enhanced immune function and potentially mucosal protection. Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed Firmicutes as the most dominant phylum in all groups, followed by Actinobacteriota. Distinct bacterial community shifts were observed between the treatment groups, with a significant increase in the relative abundance of taxa such as Staphylococcus in yeast-supplemented diets and a significant decrease in Streptococcus and Weissella. Collectively, these findings suggest that the yeast additives, especially ABY, enhance gut health and immune function without compromising growth performance. Full article

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems are recognized as sustainable solutions to optimize resources, support livelihoods, and enhance food security in climate-sensitive Sahelian regions. In contexts like Burkina Faso, runoff water harvesting ponds (RWHPs) improve agricultural yields during the rainy season but remain underutilized for the rest of the year. This study assesses the feasibility of integrating fish farming into these ponds. Using the Waso-2 tool, structured perception interviews were conducted with 51 farmers across 17 localities. Welch ANOVA and Games–Howell tests revealed, on a scale of 20, that water insufficiency scored 16.01 among experienced farmers without additional water access as a key obstacle, while pond degradation scored 17.69 for those with water access. For motivations, income generation scored 16.24 among inexperienced farmers, whereas training opportunities scored 17.65 for experienced ones, highlighting varying priorities across strata. Farmers preferred fish farming effluents over NPK for vegetables, scoring 15.99. Some favored raw effluents for immediate use, scoring 13.91, while others preferred decanted water with dried sludge for gradual nutrient release, scoring 12.39. This study demonstrates strong farmer interest in integrated RWHP systems. Enhancing pond retention, supplementing groundwater, and providing tailored training in aquaculture practices, pond maintenance, and water management are recommended to encourage adoption. Full article

Regenerative agriculture increasingly relies on organic soil amendments to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. This study evaluates the effects of dried algae (DA), vermicompost (VC), liquid hydrolyzed fish and seaweed fertilizer (LA), and a control (S0, untreated soil without amendments) on the soil fertility, growth, nutrient uptake, and physiology of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a key cover crop for soil improvement. Treatments were applied at 1 ton/ha (DA), 3 ton/ha (VC), and 8 mL/L (LA). Plants were grown for 10 weeks, during which plant growth, chlorophyll content, and biomass were measured. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for macro- and micronutrients. S0 and DA treatments produced the highest biomass, with S0 showing the highest total carbon and organic matter content. LA-treated soils exhibited elevated phosphorus, potassium, and sodium levels, while DA and S0 shoots had significantly higher sulfur and zinc concentrations. LA treatment notably increased chlorophyll content by the study’s end. Overall, DA demonstrated strong potential as a nutrient-rich organic amendment, while S0 provided a robust baseline for biomass production. VC enriched phosphorus and potassium but resulted in the lowest total biomass. LA promoted shoot growth and chlorophyll content but required root development and sodium management optimization. These findings highlight the need to align the amendment choice with soil characteristics and environmental conditions to optimize crop productivity and soil health in sustainable farming systems. Full article

This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition of Synodontis membranaceus, Clarias gariepinus and Labeo senegalensis smoked with firewood (FW), wood charcoal (WC) and charcoal briquettes (CBs) and also to investigate the efficiency, drying capacity and cost-effectiveness of the fuels. A sensory assessment of the smoked fish was conducted. Proximate analysis of the smoked fish was conducted for moisture, ash, crude lipids and crude proteins. Proximate values for smoked C. gariepinus were significantly different (p < 0.05) across the three fuels. Only moisture and crude protein were significantly different in smoked L. senegalensis, while in S. membranaceus, all proximate values were significantly different except ash (p > 0.05). Protein retention was higher in WC-smoked fish. CBs dried the fish moisture (84.85%) to the level required to halt deterioration within a reasonable time (15.6 h) and was cheaper (NGN 795) than FW and WC. CBs also had higher fuel efficiency (0.76) compared to FW and WC. The organoleptic properties of the fish smoked were generally acceptable. Full article

(1) T-2 toxin synthesized by Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) can cause deterioration of dried fish and endanger human health. (2) The molecular mechanism by which antibacterial lipopeptides surfactin inhibited F. oxysporum growth and toxin production was elucidated by investigating the intracellular ROS production pathway and the subcellular distribution and transcriptional activity of the transcription factor Yap1 and its regulation of Tri5 gene in F. oxysporum. (3) Surfactin caused hyphal damage and nucleic acid and protein leakage; thus, the growth of F. oxysporum was disrupted. Surfactin’s excessive accumulation of intracellular ROS triggered the translocation of transcription factor Yap1 into the nucleus, resulting in toxin cluster gene Tri5 expression inhibition, thereby blocking T-2 toxin synthesis. (4) This is a novel mechanism by which surfactin inhibits the growth and T-2 toxin synthesis of F. oxysporum from multiple aspects, including cell structural integrity and the ROS-Yap1 signaling pathway. (5) This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of surfactin in the antifungal control of aquatic dry products. Full article