Search Results (121)

Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835, commonly referred to as the Danube shad, is an anadromous pelagic species of the Clupeidae family, and plays a significant economic role for countries bordering the Black Sea. This study investigates the occurrence of both parasites and microplastics in A. immaculata specimens collected from Sfântu Georghe, with the aim of assessing their potential impact on fish health. The overall physiological condition of the fish was evaluated using Fulton’s condition factor (K) to determine whether the presence of parasites or microplastics had any measurable effect. Five parasitic genera were identified, including one ectoparasitic species from the genus Mazocraes, and four endoparasitic species from the genera Pronoprymna, Lecithaster, Hysterotylacium, and Contracaecum. Microplastic analysis showed a dominance of particles measuring 1–5 mm (62.5%), with fibers and foils being the only morphological forms detected. The most common colors were black (45%), transparent (35%), blue (12.5%), and brown (7.5%). The distribution of microplastics was higher in the stomach than intestines. Our findings offer critical insights into the combined effects of parasitic infection and microplastic pollution on this key Black Sea species. The integrated methodology, combining parasite load, microplastic content, and condition factor analysis, marks a novel approach in fish health assessment. Full article

Bariatric surgery involves major changes in the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, which may alter oral drug bioavailability and efficacy. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) drugs are the first-line treatment of erectile dysfunction, a condition associated with a higher BMI. In this paper, we examine the PDE5i vardenafil for possible post-bariatric changes in solubility/dissolution and absorption. Vardenafil solubility was determined in vitro, as well as ex vivo using aspirated gastric contents from patients prior to vs. following bariatric procedures. Dissolution was tested in vitro under unoperated stomach vs. post-gastric sleeve/bypass conditions. Lastly, the gathered solubility/dissolution data were used to produce an in silico physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model (GastroPlus^®), where gastric volume, pH, and transit time, as well as proximal GI bypass (when relevant) were all adjusted for, evaluating vardenafil dissolution, gastrointestinal compartmental absorption, and pharmacokinetics before vs. after different bariatric procedures. pH-dependent solubility was demonstrated for vardenafil with low (pH 7) vs. high solubility (pH 1–5), which was confirmed ex vivo. The impaired dissolution of all vardenafil doses under post-gastric bypass conditions was demonstrated, contrary to complete (100%) dissolution under pre-surgery and post-sleeve gastrectomy conditions. Compared to unoperated individuals, PBPK simulations revealed altered pharmacokinetics post-gastric bypass (but not after sleeve gastrectomy), with 30% lower peak plasma concentration (C_max) and 40% longer time to C_max (T_max). Complete absorption after gastric bypass is predicted for vardenafil, which is attributable to significant absorption from the large intestine. The biopharmaceutics and PBPK analysis indicate that vardenafil may be similarly effective after sleeve gastrectomy as before the procedure. However, results after gastric bypass question the effectiveness of this PDE5i. Specifically, vardenafil’s onset of action might be delayed and unpredictable, negatively affecting the practicality of the intended use. Full article

The nutritional needs of anadromous fish species must be met for successful annual spawning migration and reproduction. Despite its widespread distribution throughout Europe, little is known about the composition of the twaite shad, Alosa fallax, diet in freshwater ecosystems. To redress this, we studied the composition of stomach contents extracted from 287 A. fallax sampled during their spawning migration from the Baltic Sea to the Curonian Lagoon (Lithuania). We found that the diet comprised 32 types of prey, with Insecta (unknown Order), Chironomidae and Daphniidae being the most prevalent taxonomic categories consumed. Our analyses revealed significant differences in the abundance of prey categories (Chironomidae, Insecta—unknown order, and Mysidae) among several size groups of A. fallax, associated with stage of maturity inferred from body length. Despite this being a spawning aggregation, juveniles were also present among the A. fallax we collected. The results imply that feeding behavior and morphometry may be responsible for the differences observed, and further investigation of this topic is warranted. Full article

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 is native to the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Although its arrival to the Mediterranean was probably due to ballast water, this species has several characteristics that have enabled it to successfully invade countless localities in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Little is known about its feeding habits and ecosystem impacts in the Mediterranean basin. This study aimed to provide information on the natural diet of C. sapidus by comparing the stomach contents of specimens caught in different seasons and habitats of the SE Iberian Peninsula (hypersaline waters in Mar Menor Lagoon and brackish waters in Guardamar Bay). This study also tested whether gender influences prey selection and if ovigerous females exhibit limited feeding activity. Regarding the frequency of occurrence, the results indicated that in Mar Menor Lagoon the most frequently consumed prey were Crustacea (60%), followed by fish (57%) and Mollusca (29%), whilst in Guardamar Bay, Mollusca (40%), sediment (32%), algae (24%) and Crustacea (24%) were dominant. It has been determined that this species predates heavily on Mediterranean shrimp Penaeus kerathurus, an economically important shrimp species in the lagoon area. Analysis using a generalised linear model indicated that sex, season and size class were factors that significantly influenced the stomach content weight. Furthermore, non-ovigerous females had significantly fuller stomachs than ovigerous individuals. Since the population of Callinectes sapidus tends to increase in the Mediterranean basin, monitoring of its feeding ecology is recommended to determine its impact on the ecosystem. Full article

The Lima River in northern Portugal serves as a vital habitat for diadromous fish species, yet it remains one of the least studied aquatic systems in the region. This study investigates the ecology and biology of key diadromous fish populations, including sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), shads (Alosa alosa and Alosa fallax), trout (Salmo trutta), and European eel (Anguilla anguilla), during their reproductive migration and riverine periods. A total of 3242 individuals from 15 species were sampled, with native species accounting for 51.1% of the catch. Results revealed significant differences in size and weight of lampreys, with individuals from the Lima River being significantly smaller than those from regional rivers such as the Minho and Mondego. Shad populations showed a high proportion of hybrids (33.8%), suggesting extensive hybridization between A. alosa and A. fallax. Analysis of trout stomach contents revealed a diverse diet dominated by insects (66.9%), crustaceans (6.8%), and fish (6.8%), but also an alarming presence of plastic debris (1.1%), highlighting potential pollution problems. For European eels, this study marks the first record of the invasive swim bladder parasite Anguillicola crassus in the Lima River, with 84.8% of eels sampled showing moderate to severe swim bladder damage. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of diadromous fish ecology and emphasize the importance of conservation efforts in estuarine systems worldwide. Full article

Geese (Anser cygnoides) are popular worldwide with consumers for their unique meat quality, egg production, foie gras, and goose down; however, the key genes that influence geese growth remain elusive. To explore the mechanism of geese growth, a total of 500 Zhedong White geese were raised; four high-weight (HW) and four low-weight (LW) male geese were selected to collect carcass traits and for further transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The body weight and average daily gain of HW geese were significantly higher than those of the LW geese (p-value < 0.05), and the yields of the liver, gizzard, glandular stomach, and pancreas showed no significant difference between the HW and the LW group (p-value > 0.05). Compared with the LW geese, 19 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (i.e., COL11A2, COL22A1, and TF) were detected in the breast muscle from the HW geese, which were involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis, and ferroptosis. A total of 59 differential accumulation metabolites (DAMs), which influence the pathways of glutathione metabolism and vitamin B6 metabolism, were detected in the breast muscle between the HW and LW geese. In the liver, 106 DEGs (i.e., THSD4, CREB3L3, and CNST) and 202 DAMs were found in the livers of the HW and LW groups, respectively. DEGs regulated the pathways of the TGF-beta signaling pathway, pyruvate metabolism, and adipocytokine signaling pathway; DAMs were involved in pyrimidine metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism. Correlation analysis between the top DEGs and DAMs revealed that in the breast muscle, the expression levels of COL11A2 and COL22A1 were positively correlated with the content of S-(2-Hydroxy-3-buten-1-yl)glutathione. In the liver, the expression of THSD4 was positively correlated with the content of 2-Hydroxyhexadecanoic acid. In addition, one DEG (LOC106049048) and four DAMs (mogrol, brassidic acid, flabelline, and L-Leucyl-L-alanine) were shared in the breast muscle and liver. These important results contribute to improving the knowledge of goose growth and exploring the effective molecular markers that could be adopted for Zhedong White goose breeding. Full article

The present study investigated the gut contents of oysters cultivated in the Emboraí Velho Estuary (Amazonian littoral), focusing on the analysis of diatoms. Analyses of the stomach contents from 60 adult individuals of the species Crassostrea gasar (Adanson, 1757) collected in the study environment were performed. Additional water samples were collected for the analysis of diatoms present in the estuary. The total number of diatom taxa identified in the estuary was 123, with 35.8% centric diatoms and 64.2% pennate diatoms. Organisms recorded in the analyzed oyster stomachs comprised 61 taxa, of which 37.7% were centric and 62.3% pennate diatoms. The relative abundance of Cymatosira belgica Grunow was 78.2% in April, 72.1% in June, 51.9% in September, and 91.8% in December in the estuary. However, in the gut content, it was 9.9% in April, 4.3% in June, 13.9% in September, and 45.1% in December. The relative abundance of C. belgica, as well as of other less abundant species, was not similar between the gut contents and the diatom species identified in the estuary. Our results indicate that cultivated oysters selectively feed on certain diatom species identified in the estuary, as the main species recorded in the gut contents were not similar to the most abundant and frequent species found in the estuary during the same months of the present study. Full article

Big head croaker (Collichthys lucidus) is a dominant fish species in the Yangtze River estuary, with significant economic and ecological value in the local ecosystem. In this study, the dietary composition of big head croaker in the Yangtze River estuary from 2022 to 2023 was determined using stomach content analysis. Statistical methods such as cluster analysis and canonical correspondence analysis were also applied to study the ontogenetic variation in the feeding habits of big head croaker and their relationships with environmental factors. The results indicated that big head croaker in the Yangtze River estuary fed primarily on 15 prey groups and 33 prey species. Copepods were the dominant prey group, followed by mysids, shrimp, and fish. The dominant prey species included Acanthomysis longirostris, Neomysis awatschensis, and Calanus sinicus. Compared with historical studies, the proportion of large prey such as fish and crustaceans in the diet of big head croaker has increased since the implementation of the “10-Year Fishing Ban” on the Yangtze River, which reflects the improved aquatic habitat for organisms in the Yangtze River estuary to some extent. The feeding habits of big head croaker exhibited clear ontogenetic and seasonal variations. The empty stomach rate gradually decreased as the body size of big head croaker increased and their main prey shifted from small individuals such as Acetes chinensis and A. longirostris to larger individual fishes and Brachyura. In addition, big head croaker primarily fed on N. awatschensis in spring, A. longirostris in summer and autumn, and Acrocalanus gibber in winter. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that salinity and length were the factors most strongly correlated with the feeding habits of big head croaker, followed by latitude and longitude. Full article

This study investigated the feeding habits of moonfish (Mene maculata) in the waters of southwestern Taiwan in the Western Pacific Ocean using commercial trawling nets and Taiwanese purse seines. For this, we analyzed the body size and stomach content of moonfish specimens collected from the study area between January and December 2023. The length–weight relationship revealed hypoallometric growth patterns in both male and female specimens, with allometric coefficients of 2.6574 and 2.7219, respectively. Stomach content analysis indicated that the specimens primarily fed on Calanoida (zooplankton; %PSIRI = 36.79) and Benthosema pterotum (fish; %PSIRI = 19.23). Dietary composition varied with body size and sampling time. Larger individuals consumed higher proportions of fish. The percentage of empty stomachs was high, likely attributable to the fishing gear used and sampling time. Based on the results of this study, it is speculated that moonfish feed mainly before early morning or at other times during the day. Full article

Mosasaur taxa recovered from the Bearpaw Formation, Alberta, Canada, generally show exceptional preservation after rapid burial. Since the mosasaur community consisted of two dominant taxa, Mosasaurus missourensis Prognathodon overtoni, and three less prevalent taxa Tylosaurus proriger, Mosasaurus conodon, and Plioplatecarpus primaevus, some form of habitat or dietary niche partitioning is to be expected. To test this, several approaches are tried. Two-dimensional microwear analysis is used as an exploratory method to quantify tooth abrasion by food items. The good preservation of skull material reveals complete tooth rows of the upper and lower jaws for Mosasaurus missouriensis and Prognathodon overtoni, as well as isolated teeth for all taxa. The teeth are also measured for tooth bending strength to test stress regarding usage of teeth per taxon. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements show trace elements which may be a preliminary test for relative trophic level positioning. Some mosasaurs have their stomach contents preserved, providing direct and unambiguous evidence of diet. The results show a relatively clear separation of two-dimensional microwear counts between Mosasaurus, Prognathodon, and Plioplatecarpus, which, to some extent, is reflected in the EDX analyses, too. Tooth bending strength measurements show a clear difference between the latter three mosasaurs but no difference between the lower and upper jaws in Mosasaurus or Prognathodon. The combination of these three techniques maps a clear dietary niche differentiation of Bearpaw mosasaurs, which lays the groundwork for future analytical or chemical palaeoecological studies. Full article

The use of nanofibers in farm animal diets can enhance nutrient absorption, minimize environmental problems, and generate a sustainable source of income. In this study, we investigated the effects of the partial inclusion of nanofibers produced from the pupunha heart of the palm sheath (nanopupunha) in the diet of growing New Zealand White rabbits on zootechnical performance, organ morphometry, digestive content pH, intestinal histology, biochemical and immunological parameters, and cecum microbiota. Twenty-four male and female New Zealand White rabbits were distributed into the control group fed a basal diet with 14% crude fiber and treatment groups with the basal diet supplemented with 3.5% or 10.5% of nanopupunha, according to their initial weight. After euthanasia on day 42, we analyzed the pH of the stomach contents, jejunum, and cecum, and the relative weights of the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Duodenal and jejunal samples were collected for structural and ultrastructural analyses of the intestinal villi. Additionally, blood samples were collected to analyze blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and immunological analysis (IgG and IgM), and digesta samples from the cecum were collected to count enterobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. The inclusion of dietary nanopupunha did not affect the zootechnical performance of animals, but resulted in a linear decrease in the relative weight of the stomach and a linear increase in the relative weight of the spleen. No significant differences were observed in the pH of the digestive tract. Nanopupunha inclusion also resulted in a linear increase in the crypt depth of the duodenum, total mucosal thickness, and total cholesterol levels in growing rabbits. Including 10.5% of nanopupunha added to the diet showed the best results in terms of the intestinal health of the growing rabbits. Full article

Peperomia campylotropa (Piperaceae) is a species with a traditional Mexican gastroprotective use that has never-before been studied using metabolomics. This study explores the ethnobotanical use of the species, aiming to define the gastroprotective effect of the aqueous extract and characterize its secondary metabolites by UHPLC–MS analysis. To validate its use, we botanically identified the species re-collected in the Municipality of Buenavista de Cuéllar, Guerrero, Mexico. We conducted interviews to provide evidence of the traditional details of its consumption and knowledge. Subsequently, qualitative phytochemical tests were performed to elucidate the possible secondary metabolites, which were also characterized under UHPLC–MS analysis and analyzed according to their primary type and retention times. Indomethacin (IND)- and ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric damage models in Wistar rats were used for pharmacological evaluation, considering the ulceration index and gastroprotection percentage. Along with the participation in the mechanism of action of nitric oxide (NO), sulfhydryl (-SH) groups and prostaglandins (PG) were elucidated by Wistar rats pretreated with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM), and IND, respectively. Acute intragastric toxicity was also estimated in NIH female mice. Ninety people were interviewed, revealing the traditional knowledge of P. campylotropa as food and medicine for stomach diseases, including irritation and indigestion. The presence of phenolic compounds (48%), N-containing compounds (22%), glycosides (21%), terpenoids (7%), and lactones (4%) were verified by preliminary phytochemical analysis and by UHPLC–MS in which 162 secondary metabolites were characterized. Besides that, the aqueous extract at 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) decreased the ulcerative index, showing gastroprotection percentages between 60 and 80%, similar to that of omeprazole. Furthermore, -SH group participation in its activity was established. All this evidence supports the gastroprotective activity of P. campylotropa for the first time and contributes to understanding its secondary metabolite content. Full article

The diet of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Gulf of Trieste was examined during its peak occurrence in the summer and early-autumn months (July to October) from 2017 to 2019, through the analysis of stomach contents. Altogether 506 specimens were individually caught for the analysis. A total of 3215 prey items were isolated and identified. Copepods emerged as the primary prey (relative abundance 66.7%), followed by cladocerans (7.7%), and bivalve larvae (6%). Notably, specimens of M. leidyi constituted a significant portion of the diet (5.4.%), providing further evidence of cannibalism within this species. Copepods were also the most commonly occurring prey items in the diet of M. leidyi. Most of them were represented by calanoid and cyclopoid nauplii (48.2%), followed by a harpacticoid M. norvegica (28.3%), and calanoids (26.8%). Other frequently occurring taxa were bivalve larvae (19.3%), M. leidyi (18.7%), and cladoceran Penilia avirostris (16.1%). The rate of cannibalism peaked in July, coinciding with a period of limited food availability. Additionally, the study revealed that fish eggs and larvae were infrequently found in the stomachs of M. leidyi. However, the presence of massive aggregations of M. leidyi may impact microzooplankton populations in late summer or autumn, potentially leading to competition with small pelagic fish. Full article

Trematomus bernacchii is a widely distributed, commercially valuable species that plays a significant role in the Benthic ecosystem of the Southern Ocean. Current research mainly explores its molecular responses to cold adaptation and environmental stress, while questions regarding its biological characteristics, such as length-related and sex-related differences in diet, remain to be addressed. This study assessed the age and feeding habits of T. bernacchii in the Ross Sea through stomach content morphological analysis and DNA metabarcoding analysis, examining dietary shifts by growth and sex. The research revealed that T. bernacchii primarily feeds on fish eggs, polychaetes, echinoderms, and mollusks. Other dietary components include algae, cnidarians, and crustaceans. Minor dietary differences were found between sexes. Polychaetes dominated all size classes, with Crustacea and Cnidaria declining as body length increased, while Echinoderms and Mollusca were more abundant in larger specimens. Evidence of egg cannibalism was also noted. These findings enhance our understanding of the trophic ecology of T. bernacchii and contribute to the construction of the Benthic food web of the Ross Sea. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute gastric injury is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential effects of broccoli stem extract (BSE) against acute gastritis in a rat model. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant properties of BSE were evaluated through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays and total polyphenol content analysis. Acute gastric injury was induced using 150 mM HCl/60% EtOH, and male SD rats (6-weeks old, n = 6/group) were administered BSE by oral gavage at concentrations of 50, 125, and 250 mg/kg. Results: The BSE 250 mg/kg group exhibited significant relief of clinical signs compared to the negative control group. In addition, the BSE 250 mg/kg group showed significant improvements in gastric tissue, including macroscopic reductions in ulcer size and improved overall gastric morphology as assessed through gross examination, as well as microscopic improvements such as reduced inflammation and the restoration of mucosal integrity observed in histopathological analysis. BSE modulated NF-κB signaling, decreased inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and increased PGE₂ levels. Pyloric ligation experiments demonstrated reduced pepsin and gastric acid secretion. Improvements in gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility were also observed in the BSE-treated group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of BSE as an effective therapeutic agent for acute gastritis in rats, offering significant improvements in gastric damage, inflammation, and motility. Full article