Search Results (1,109)

A six-week feeding experiment was carried out to investigate the suitability of wasted tofu meal (WTM) as a substitute protein source for fish meal (FM) in diets for juvenile yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata). A diet containing FM as the principal protein source served as the control (C), while WTM was incorporated to replace 20%, 35%, and 50% of the FM protein in the experimental diets, referred to as T20, T35, and T50, respectively. Juvenile fish with an initial average body weight of approximately 30.99 g were randomly distributed into 500-L tanks at a density of 20 fish per tank, with triplicate groups assigned to each dietary treatment. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed the T20 diet showed no significant differences from the control group in final body weight, specific growth rate, daily feed intake, feed efficiency, or survival. However, fish receiving the T35 and T50 diets exhibited significant reductions in most growth performance indices compared with those fed the control diet. Although nutrient retention efficiency and plasma biochemical indicators associated with fish health were not significantly influenced by dietary treatment, alterations were observed in whole-body lipid composition and fatty acid profiles, including reductions in EPA, DHA, total n-3 fatty acids, and the n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio with increasing WTM inclusion. Overall, the findings suggest that, under the dietary formulations tested, WTM can replace up to 20% of FM protein in diets for juvenile yellowtail without negatively affecting growth performance or physiological health; however, supplementation with n-3 HUFA-rich lipid sources may be required to maintain optimal whole-body fatty acid composition and product nutritional quality. Full article

Free amino acids (FAAs) are important low-molecular-weight metabolites involved in osmotic regulation, acid–base balance, and nitrogen metabolism in fish exposed to saline–alkaline environments. To characterize tissue-specific FAA responses in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi), 10 cm juveniles were exposed for 96 h to freshwater control (FW), salinity stress (S, salinity 8), alkalinity stress (A, alkalinity 20 mmol/L), or combined saline–alkaline stress (SA, salinity 8 + alkalinity 20 mmol/L). The contents of 19 FAAs were compared among plasma, muscle, liver, brain, and kidney. FAA profiles showed clear tissue specificity. Total FAA (17) decreased in plasma under all stress treatments, increased in muscle under S and SA but decreased under A, increased in liver and kidney, and decreased under single stress but increased under combined stress in brain. Distinct tissue distribution patterns were observed for functional FAA groups. Under salinity stress, osmoregulation-related FAAs, particularly Ala and Pro, showed higher contents mainly in muscle, liver, and kidney. Under alkalinity stress, kidney showed concurrent increases in multiple FAAs, including Ala, Pro, Glu, Gln, Val, Ile, and Leu, whereas brain was characterized by a high Gln content. Under combined saline–alkaline stress, liver was the main tissue in which multiple functional FAA groups increased simultaneously, kidney maintained elevated levels of several FAAs, and brain showed treatment-specific high levels of Gln and Tau. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated weak constrained explanatory power of salinity and alkalinity for the overall FAA profile, whereas tissue-specific differentiation was evident. Glu, Gln, and Pro showed directional consistency with the salinity vector, whereas Val and Leu tended to align with the alkalinity-related ordination direction. Overall, acute saline–alkaline exposure induced a functional and tissue-specific distribution pattern of FAAs rather than a uniform whole-body shift in mandarin fish. Full article

Background: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity highlights the need for practical and sustainable dietary strategies for weight management. Although dietary fibre intake is associated with improved satiety and metabolic health, achieving recommended intake levels through whole foods alone remains challenging. Evidence supporting convenient, ready-to-consume fibre beverages in free-living overweight adults is also limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of a soya-based dietary fibre beverage (SBB) on body composition and metabolic parameters in overweight adults. Methods: A 12-week parallel, cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted on overweight university students and staff. An intervention group (IG) (n = 21) consumed the soya-based dietary fibre twice daily for 12 weeks, while the control group (CG) (n = 21) continued their habitual diet. Results: Significant group × time interactions were observed for body weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.021), waist circumference (p = 0.046), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.042), and body fat percentage (p = 0.004). The IG showed reductions in body weight (−1.12 kg), waist circumference (−4.29 cm), and body fat percentage (−0.73%), whereas the CG demonstrated minimal changes. No significant changes were observed in fasting glucose, lipid profile, CRP, or IL-6, suggesting no clinically significant adverse biochemical changes during the intervention period and supporting its short-term tolerability. Dietary analysis confirmed a marked increase in fibre intake in the IG (~50 g/day), indicating good adherence to the intervention. Conclusions: SBB supplementation improved body composition and central adiposity without affecting systemic inflammatory biomarkers and may represent a practical dietary approach for weight management in free-living overweight adults. Further studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety. Full article

Introduction: Otoliths have been widely used in recent years as tracers of fish life history, ranging from visual aging to chemical analyses that reconstruct environmental conditions, migration patterns, and metabolic changes. Yet, Iberian endemic or endangered species are understudied. This study focuses on Andalusian barbel (Luciobarbus sclateri), endemic to the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula. Objective: The aim was to evaluate whether otolith chemical profiles can simultaneously support age estimation and reveal the impact of environmental variations, particularly hypoxia. Methodology: Fish were caught in two sites with different environmental properties, including strong hypoxia: the Guadalquivir estuary and the dock of Seville (which is isolated from the main river channel by a ship lock and could, therefore, be used as a control). Otolith chemical composition was analyzed from core-to-edge transects with a laser-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA ICP-MS). Results: Patterns of variation in Mg and Mn in relation to hypoxia and environmental conditions are discussed. We visually counted growth rings in the sections, and we found a strong correlation (R² = 0.904) in Mg:Ca peaks with growth rings. Body condition, assessed using Fulton’s condition factor (K), differed between sites, with fish from the estuary exhibiting a lower condition than those from the dock. Conclusions: The strong correlation between counter growth rings and Mg:Ca peaks suggests that chemical analysis could be used as a valid method for supporting aging. The pattern of lower condition in fish from the estuary is consistent with persistent hypoxic events documented in the estuary but not within the dock environment. This whole approach provides a powerful framework to assess habitat quality and support conservation of L. sclateri in the Guadalquivir estuary. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), particularly semaglutide, have demonstrated efficacy for weight loss in obesity; however, up to 40% of weight lost may derive from lean body mass. The ketogenic diet independently improves insulin sensitivity and promotes fat oxidation while preserving lean tissue. This study aimed to describe changes in body composition, insulin sensitivity, and cardiometabolic markers in patients who followed a personalized ketogenic dietary protocol while receiving low-dose semaglutide over a 6-month insulin resistance reversal program. Methods: Seven analyzed adults (six female, one male) with overweight or obesity (baseline BMI 25.6–47.2 kg/m²) participated in a clinician-supervised 6-month program combining a whole-food ketogenic diet with semaglutide (≤1.0 mg/week). Body composition and fasting metabolic markers were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Mean total weight loss was 21.9 kg, of which a mean of 92% was attributable to BIA-estimated fat mass. Skeletal muscle mass was largely preserved as measured by BIA (mean loss 1.2 kg), and one patient gained lean tissue. Fasting insulin declined by a mean of 15.6 µIU/mL. Visceral fat decreased by a mean of 37.0%. Six of seven patients showed reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Triglycerides decreased in six of seven patients, and HDL cholesterol increased in all seven. LDL cholesterol responses were heterogeneous. Conclusions: In this small, uncontrolled case series, combining a ketogenic diet with low-dose semaglutide was associated with substantial fat loss, apparent preservation of lean mass as measured by BIA, and improvements in insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic markers. Because the semaglutide dose and dietary protocol were individualized to each patient’s response, the program illustrates a personalized approach to insulin resistance. These preliminary findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant confirmation in controlled prospective studies. Full article

Background: Visceral fat accumulation is strongly associated with metabolic disorders, particularly in Japanese adults who accumulate visceral fat even at lower body mass index levels. Sorghum is a whole grain rich in resistant starch and polyphenols, which may influence visceral fat area (VFA). This exploratory study aimed to investigate the effects of 12-week sorghum consumption on VFA and metabolic parameters in Japanese adults with visceral fat accumulation. Methods: This single-arm intervention trial included adults aged 20–60 years with VFA ≥ 100 cm² and no ongoing medical treatment. Participants consumed cooked sorghum (80 g/day, dry weight) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric variables, VFA, blood pressure, and blood biomarkers were assessed before and after the intervention. Dietary intake was evaluated using a three-day food record. Pre- and post-intervention values were compared using paired t-tests. Results: Nine participants completed the study. VFA significantly decreased after 12 weeks of sorghum consumption (p = 0.02). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels showed a non-significant reduction, while other metabolic and hepatic biomarkers remained stable. No adverse changes were observed in dietary intake or physical activity. Eight of nine participants exhibited reductions in VFA. Conclusions: Daily sorghum consumption may contribute to reductions in VFA and improvements in liver-related biomarkers in Japanese adults with visceral fat accumulation. These findings provide preliminary evidence that partially replacing major carbohydrate sources with sorghum may support visceral fat management. Further confirmation in randomized controlled trials is warranted. Full article

This paper presents a concise modeling and simulation study of a turboelectric distributed propulsion (TeDP) system for a hybrid wing body (HWB) aircraft. A whole-system 0D model has been implemented in PROOSIS that includes the thermodynamic model of the turboshaft and fan array, as well as an electrical subsystem model addressing generators, motors, and cryogenic cooling for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) machines. Boundary layer ingestion (BLI) was explicitly modeled in the inlet–fan interaction. Parametric studies explored control strategies that minimized fuel consumption across the flight envelope. The design and off-design analyses demonstrated that coupling BLI with distributed fans can deliver significant aerodynamic benefits, while the integrated mission simulation highlighted the system-level implications of electrical conversion and control and quantified potential fuel savings. Full article

The zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus) exhibits sexual dimorphism in growth patterns. Identifying the genes involved in sex differentiation is a crucial step toward achieving single-sex breeding and serves as a vital foundation for elucidating the XY sex determination mechanism in M. armatus. This study measured the morphological characteristics of male and female M. armatus and found that males were significantly superior to females in body weight and nearly all morphological indices. Subsequently, whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed on the gonads of adult males and females, identifying 11,714 DEmRNAs, 3442 DElncRNAs, 416 DEcircRNAs, and 620 DEmiRNAs, including male sex differentiation genes such as Sox30, Tbx1, Sox9, and Gata4, and female sex differentiation genes like Sox3, Foxl2, and Wnt4a. Functional enrichment analysis identified pathways associated with sex differentiation, including the TGF-beta signaling pathway, the steroid hormone biosynthesis, the Hippo signaling pathway, and the Wnt signaling pathway, etc. A ceRNA network was constructed based on differentially expressed mRNAs and ncRNAs, revealing that the sex differentiation-related genes Sox3, Sox9, Sox30, Tbx1, and Wt1 are regulated by one or multiple pairs of lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA pairs. The study results will provide molecular targets for research on sex-controlled breeding in M. armatus and lay an important theoretical foundation for clarifying its sex differentiation mechanisms. Full article

Yellow bells (Tecoma stans) is a popular ornamental flowering plant used in public spaces. Its flowers are considered a medicinal herb rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using dried yellow bells flower (YB) as a dietary supplement for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Nile tilapia (0.74 ± 0.01 g body weight) were divided into six groups for an eight-week feeding trial, during which their diets were supplemented with 5 different levels by weight of YB: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%. The control group received a non-supplemented diet. Parameters related to growth, feed utilization, skin and fillet coloration, gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition were observed. Survival, feed utilization, and skin and fillet coloration were unaffected by YB supplementation, and growth performance was generally maintained up to 8% dietary inclusion. However, at 4 to 6% YB intestinal cellulase activity and gastrointestinal radical-scavenging activities were significantly increased, while amylase and protease activities, and the amylase/trypsin ratio, were maintained. Fillet quality was improved at 4% YB, with higher myosin and total myofibrillar protein contents but without changes in RNA, total protein, or RNA/protein ratio. At moderate YB inclusion levels, white blood cell counts were lower and packed cell volume and hemoglobin levels were higher, indicating improved physiological status. Whole-body crude protein and ash were increased at higher YB levels, whereas moisture and lipid were unchanged. Overall, dietary inclusion of around 4% YB was associated with favorable improvements in gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition in Nile tilapia. Full article

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling plays a complementary role to insulin signaling in glucose metabolism homeostasis. This study characterized the physiological roles of the IGF1 receptor A (Igf1ra) and B (Igf1rb) in zebrafish. The transcripts of igf1ra and igf1rb were detected in multiple zebrafish tissues, including the liver, muscle, and brain. Zebrafish lacking igf1ra or igf1rb were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Both igf1ra^−/− and igf1rb^−/− zebrafish exhibited stunted growth. Reduced BMI was found in igf1ra^−/− zebrafish, while BMI increased in igf1rb^−/− zebrafish. Hyperglycemia and increased hepatic glycogen were observed in igf1ra^−/− zebrafish, while blood glucose levels in igf1rb^−/− zebrafish were normal. No significant difference in whole-body or hepatic triglyceride content was observed in igf1ra^−/− zebrafish, while the whole-body and hepatic triglyceride content of igf1rb^−/− zebrafish increased compared to their wild-type control siblings. Further analyses of the expression patterns of key genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism were conducted on igf1r mutants. Decreased levels of genes involved in glucose absorption and glycolysis and increased levels of genes involved in gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis were observed in igf1ra^−/− zebrafish, but not in igf1rb^−/− zebrafish. Conversely, significantly decreased levels of transcripts involved in lipolysis and increased levels of transcripts involved in the lipogenesis process were observed in igf1rb^−/− zebrafish, but not in igf1ra^−/− zebrafish. Restricted cell growth and protein synthesis signaling, including AKT and mTOR activation, was also detected in igf1ra^−/− zebrafish, while a moderate elevation in AKT and mTOR activity was seen in igf1rb^−/− zebrafish. Taken together, our results suggest that functional divergence occurred after the duplication of the zebrafish igf1r gene, with igf1ra primarily modulating glucose absorption and utilization, and igf1rb primarily affecting lipid metabolism in the somatotropic axis. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary host-derived Bacillus strains combined with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, basal physiological status, intestinal morphology, and thermal stress responses in juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A total of 486 fish with an initial body weight of 7.26 ± 0.04 g were randomly distributed into 27 tanks and fed nine experimental diets for nine weeks. The diets consisted of a basal control, an FOS-only diet, three single-strain synbiotic diets containing FOS and one host-derived Bacillus strain (B. sonorensis, B. subtilis, or B. velezensis), and four multi-strain synbiotic diets containing FOS and combinations of two or three strains. Probiotics were included at 1 × 10⁷ CFU g⁻¹ diet, and FOS was supplemented at 5 g kg⁻¹ diet. After the feeding trial, no significant dietary effects were observed on growth performance, somatic indices, whole-body proximate composition, plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, immune-related indicators, stress-related biomarkers, or intestinal morphology. Fish were subsequently subjected to lethal and acute high-temperature challenges to evaluate thermal stress tolerance and associated physiological responses. In the lethal temperature challenge, fish fed the multi-strain diets FOS + B. sonorensis + B. velezensis and FOS + B. sonorensis + B. subtilis + B. velezensis showed numerically higher survival than the other groups; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Following acute heat exposure, dietary treatments did not significantly affect plasma metabolites, and most heat-shock- and energy-metabolism-related genes were not differentially expressed among treatments. Hepatic AMPKβ expression showed a significant dietary treatment effect, with higher expression in the BCF and ACF groups than in the ABF group. Overall, host-derived synbiotic supplementation did not significantly enhance growth performance or basal physiological responses under the present experimental conditions. However, some multi-strain combinations showed a non-significant tendency toward higher survival under lethal thermal stress. Further studies incorporating gut microbiome profiling, metabolomic analysis, and alternative dietary conditions are required to clarify whether host-derived Bacillus–FOS synbiotic formulations can influence thermal stress resilience in olive flounder. Full article

Grapevine branch and leaf silage (GBLS), a polyphenol-rich unconventional forage, exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can benefit animal health and productivity. A total of 60 healthy six-month-old Kazakh rams (43.29 ± 4.55 kg, p > 0.05 for initial body weight among groups) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups, each consisting of four replicates with five rams per replicate. The control group (CK) was fed a basal diet based on whole-plant corn silage, whereas the experimental groups received diets in which 50% (GBLS50%) or 100% (GBLS100%) of the corn silage was replaced with GBLS. A 10-day adaptation period preceded the 90-day formal feeding trial. Results showed a significant quadratic response for average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) across GBLS substitution rates (p < 0.05), with the 50% level yielding the highest values. Specifically, ADFI at the 50% replacement level was significantly higher than that of the control (p < 0.05), confirming an inverted U-shaped response with 50% as the optimal substitution rate. However, in-depth analysis of serum biochemical parameters revealed that GBLS supplementation significantly reduced serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea nitrogen, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA), while significantly increasing levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05). Rumen fermentation analysis showed that the GBLS50% group had significantly lower concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) (p < 0.05). In the rumen microbiota study, no significant differences were observed in alpha or beta diversity or at the phylum level between groups (p > 0.05); however, the abundance of Lactobacillus gasseri was significantly reduced in the GBLS50% group (p < 0.05). Metabolomic profiling identified 43 significantly altered metabolites—27 upregulated (e.g., PE (18:1(9Z)/0:0) and 12,14-pentacosadiynoic acid) and 16 downregulated (e.g., deoxyadenosine). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis highlighted purine metabolism as a significantly altered pathway (p < 0.05), providing insight into the potential metabolic mechanisms underlying the physiological effects of GBLS in rams. In conclusion, replacing 50% of whole-plant corn silage with grapevine branch and leaf silage improves growth performance trends and significantly enhances immunity and antioxidant capacity in Kazakh rams. Full article

Body measurement traits are a direct production indicator reflecting growth status and guiding genetic selection. Identifying molecular markers associated with body measurement traits could accelerate animal breeding programs. The Yanqi horse, an important indigenous breed in Xinjiang, is primarily distributed in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. However, molecular markers linked to body measurement traits in Yanqi horses remain uncharacterized. In the present study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on 183 Yanqi horses, yielding 13,366,672 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after quality control. A genome-wide association study on withers height, body length, heart girth, and cannon bone circumference was conducted using a mixed linear model implemented in GEMMA, with population structure and relatedness controlled using principal components and a genomic kinship matrix. Bonferroni-adjusted thresholds (p < 1 × 10⁻⁷ for significant associations; p < 1 × 10⁻⁶ for suggestive associations) were applied to minimize false positives. A total of 185 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly associated with body measurement traits and 359 candidate genes were annotated within 200 kb upstream and downstream of the significant loci. Among these, five genes, GABRB1, FIGN, GABRA4, ENSECAG00000051747, and COX7B2, may be implicated in the growth and development of Yanqi horses. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses indicated that these genes are primarily involved in cytoskeletal structures within muscle cells, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction pathways. In summary, this study presents novel markers and candidate gene sets associated with body measurement traits in Yanqi horses, offering valuable insights for functional gene investigations and presenting substantial potential for accelerating the breeding of Yanqi horses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthy longevity depends on not only lifespan but also the maintenance of physiological, metabolic, physical, and cognitive functions throughout aging. Identifying early determinants of health is crucial for preventing age-related decline. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on how diet and specific nutrients relate to these early risk factors and indicators of healthy longevity. Methods: A review was performed to identify the links between dietary factors, energy balance, and gut microbiota composition and normal body weight; blood cholesterol, pressure, and glucose; healthy sleep; an active lifestyle; and normal physical function and cognitive performance. Particular attention was given to Mediterranean and other plant-based dietary models as sources of key nutrients. Evidence from observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was considered. Results: Across all markers, dietary quality and nutrient adequacy emerged as consistent determinants of health outcomes. Key nutrients were associated with favorable cardiometabolic, cognitive, and musculoskeletal functions, such as omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins D and B, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and polyphenols. Common nutrition gaps included insufficient intake of fiber, unsaturated fats, and micronutrients, which was often linked to a shift toward less plant-based diets. Gut microbiota diversity may mediate several of these associations, influencing metabolism, inflammation, sleep quality, and cognitive performance, although inter-individual variability and causal pathways remain incompletely understood. Conclusions: An integrated dietary approach emphasizing the consumption of whole and plant-rich foods, with moderate amounts of animal foods, supports multiple early markers, risk factors, and indicators of healthy longevity. The modulation of the gut microbiota through plant-based diets and fermented foods represents a promising strategy for maintaining health across aging trajectories. Full article

This study investigated the effects of different inclusion levels of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens: BSF) larval meal on growth performance, haematological and biochemical blood parameters, and nutrient digestibility in piglets. Forty-eight male piglets weaned at 28 days of age ((Landrace × Large White) × (Piétrain)) were randomly assigned to three experimental treatments. Each treatment included eight pens with two piglets per pen. Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isoproteic, containing defatted BSF meal as a partial replacement for fishmeal and soybean meal: Control (0% BSF), BSF3% (3% inclusion), and BSF6% (6% inclusion). Over the whole experimental period, dietary treatment did not significantly affect final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, or feed conversion ratio, although feed intake differed during the 7–28-day period. Red and white blood cell parameters were not influenced by diet. Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and organic matter increased at the 6% inclusion level, while crude protein and crude fat digestibility were not affected. These results indicate that defatted BSF meal can be used as a sustainable alternative protein source in piglet diets, maintaining growth performance and health status. Full article