Effects of fish meal replacement with protein mixtures on growth, gonad development and amino acid composition of pre-adult red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda, Cambaridae)

A 100-day growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein mixtures (PM) adding proportion on both sexes of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852). Five diets were prepared by replacing 0%, 16.67%, 33.33%, 50%, and 66.67% of fish meal (FM) protein with protein mixtures in feed (designed Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3, Diet 4 and Diet 5). The results showed that growth performance presented a decreasing trend with an increase in dietary protein mixture levels. The GSI of female crayfish and the HSI of male crayfish initially increased and then decreased with increasing dietary protein mixtures. Interestingly, the GSI of males fed Diet 5 was higher than that in other groups (). Diet 2 was the best feed for female gonad development and male muscle quality. Females fed Diet 3 had the highest muscle quality among the groups; males had improved gonad development when fed Diet 5.

Milk Formula Diet Alters Bacterial and Host Protein Profile in Comparison to Human Milk Diet in Neonatal Piglet Model

The metaproteome profiling of cecal contents collected from neonatal piglets fed pasteurized human milk (HM) or a dairy-based infant formula (MF) from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 21 were assessed. At PND 21, a subset of piglets from each group (n = 11/group) were euthanized, and cecal contents were collected for further metaproteome analysis. Cecal microbiota composition showed predominantly more Firmicutes phyla and Lachnospiraceae family in the lumen of cecum of HM-fed piglets in comparison to the MF-fed group. Ruminococcus gnavus was the most abundant species from the Firmicutes phyla in the cecal contents of the HM-fed piglets at 21 days of age. A greater number of expressed proteins were identified in the cecal contents of the HM-fed piglets relative to the MF-fed piglets. Greater abundances of proteins potentially expressed by Bacteroides spp. such as glycoside enzymes were noted in the cecal lumen of HM-fed piglets relative to the MF. Additionally, lyases associated with Lachnospiraceae family were abundant in the cecum of the HM group relative to the MF group. Overall, our findings indicate that neonatal diet impacts the gut bacterial taxa and microbial proteins prior to weaning. The metaproteomics data were deposited into PRIDE, PXD025432 and 10.6019/PXD025432.

Efficiency of a 15-Week Weight-Loss Program, Including a Low-Calorie Formula Diet, on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Overweight or Obesity

Introduction: Patients who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Weight loss can have a positive effect on glycemic control. Objective: We aimed to investigate glycemic control in patients with T2DM and overweight or obesity during a structured weight-loss program. Methods: This was a prospective, interventional study. We recruited 36 patients (14 men and 22 women) with a median age of 58.5 years and median body mass index (BMI) of 34.1, to a 15-week structured weight-loss program with a low-calorie (800 kcal) formula diet for 6 weeks. The primary end point, HbA1c level, and secondary end points, anthropometric data, medication, and safety, were assessed weekly. Laboratory values and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 15 weeks. Results: HbA1c decreased from 7.3% at baseline to 6.5% at 15 weeks (p < 0.001), median body weight by 11.9 kg (p < 0.001), median BMI by 4.3 (p < 0.001) and median waist circumference by 11.0 cm (p < 0.001). Two participants discontinued insulin therapy, 4 could reduce their dosage of oral antidiabetic agents, and 6 completely discontinued their antidiabetic medication. Insulin dose decreased from 0.63 (0.38–0.89) to 0.39 (0.15–0.70) units/kg body weight (p < 0.001). No patient experienced hypoglycemic episodes or hospital emergency visits. Triglycerides and total cholesterol decreased as well as surrogate markers of liver function. However, the levels of high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C) as well as uric acid remain unchanged. Regarding quality of life, the median physical health score increased from 44.5 (39.7–51.4) at baseline to 48.0 (43.1–55.3; p = 0.007), and the median mental health score decreased from 42.1 (36.1–46.7) to 37.4 (30.3–43.7; p = 0.004). Conclusions: A structured weight-loss program is effective in the short term in reducing HbA1c, weight, and antidiabetic medication in patients with T2DM who are overweight or obese. Levels of HDL-C and LDL-C were not affected by short-term weight loss. The decline in mental health and the long-term effects of improved glycemic control require further trials.

Epiglottic aplasia in an infant with Joubert syndrome

Congenital aplasia of the epiglottis is a rare condition with variable presentation ranging from respiratory distress requiring surgical airway to an asymptomatic finding. Epiglottic aplasia is presumed to be caused by arrest of development of laryngeal structures and is most commonly associated with syndromic conditions, though isolated episodes of aplasia of the epiglottis do exist. In this report, we present a term infant with multiple congenital anomalies who was noted to have a hoarse cry prompting laryngoscopy. This showed complete absence of the epiglottis. Subsequent genetic testing showed mutations in the CPLANE1 gene that is associated with Joubert syndrome. Our patient was able to be discharged home on a thickened formula diet and is eating and gaining weight appropriately. Here, we present a review of the currently available literature of other cases of congenital epiglottic aplasia or hypoplasia discussing the presentation, management and outcomes in these cases.

Prediabetes Conversion to Normoglycemia Is Superior Adding a Low-Carbohydrate and Energy Deficit Formula Diet to Lifestyle Intervention—A 12-Month Subanalysis of the ACOORH Trial

Lifestyle interventions have been shown to reverse hyperglycemia to normoglycemia. However, these effects are not long-lasting and are accompanied with high dropout rates. As formula diets have been shown to be simple in usage and effective in improving glycemic control, we hypothesised that adding a low-carbohydrate and energy deficit formula diet to a low-intensity lifestyle intervention is superior in reversing prediabetes compared with lifestyle intervention alone. In this predefined subanalysis of an international, multicenter randomised controlled trial (Almased Concept against Overweight and Obesity and Related Health Risk (ACOORH) study (ID DRKS00006811)), 141 persons with prediabetes were randomised (1:2) into either a control group with lifestyle intervention only (CON, n = 45) or a lifestyle intervention group accompanied with a formula diet (INT, n = 96). Both groups were equipped with telemonitoring devices. INT received a low-carbohydrate formula diet substituting three meals/day (~1200 kcal/day) within the first week, two meals/day during week 2–4, and one meal/day during week 5–26 (1300–1500 kcal/day). Follow-up was performed after 52 weeks and 105 participants (75%, INT: n = 74; CON: n = 31) finished the 26-week intervention phase. Follow-up data after 52 weeks were available from 93 participants (66%, INT: n = 65; CON: n = 28). Compared with CON, significantly more INT participants converted to normoglycemia after 52 weeks (50% vs. 31%; p < 0.05). The risk reduction led to a number-needed-to-treat of 5.3 for INT. Lifestyle intervention with a low-carbohydrate formula diet reduces prediabetes prevalence stronger than lifestyle intervention alone and is effective for type 2 diabetes prevention.

Which Is More Important Diet or Exercise for Obese Patients?

Objectives The obese population is increasing worldwide and Japanese are no exception. It is a natural hope that obese patients want to lose weight effectively and not lose as much muscle mass as possible. In our study, we examined which diet or exercise regimen could most effectively reduce body weight and reduce muscle loss in severe obese patients. Methods This study was an open-label randomized controlled trial carried out in Shinkomonji Hospital, Kitakyushu, JAPAN. Total 16 patients with severe obesity (body mass index ≥35 kg/m2) were randomly divided into the Normal Formula Diet (NFD) and Protein Rich Formula Diet (PRFD) groups. The participants of each group were randomly assigned to the aerobic and resistance exercise groups. All participants were hospitalized for one month. During hospitalization, the nutritional composition was predetermined as 50% carbohydrate, 20% protein, and 30% lipid of total 800 kcal in the NFD group, and 30% carbohydrate, 40% protein, and 30% lipid of total 800 kcal in the PRFD group. In the aerobic exercise group, an exercise intensity of 4 to 6 METs was performed at 2100 METs × min/week. In the resistance exercise group, an exercise intensity of 6 to 8 METs was performed at 2100 METs × min/week. Muscle mass was measured every week by bioelectrical impedance assay using the InBody S10 body composition analyzer (InBody Japan Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Results The mean body weight was 124.3 kg and the mean age was 38 years with a gender distribution of 50% male. One month later, the rate of body weight loss was PRFD-aerobic (–25 kg, −20.2%), PRFD-resistance (–21 kg, −16.9%), NFD-aerobic (–18 kg, −14.5%), and NFD-resistance (–16 kg, −12.9%) groups. These were significantly larger in order (P = 0.041). The rate of muscle loss was PRFD-resistance (–8 kg, −6.5%), NFD-resistance (–11 kg, −8.9%), PRFD-aerobic (–12 kg, −9.6%), and NFD-aerobic (–14 kg, −11.3%) groups. These were significantly smaller in order (P = 0.048). In all groups, participants’ renal function did not worsen one month after admission. Conclusions Our study showed the most effective way to lose weight was diet therapy, especially to reduce carbohydrates and increase protein. Exercise therapy was the most effective way for muscle retention, especially resistance exercise was considered to be more effective than aerobic one. Funding Sources None.

Use of Exclusive Enteral Formula Diet as Adjunctive Therapy for Treatment of a Crohn’s Disease Flare

Introduction We report the case of an adult patient who achieved remission of a Crohn’s disease flare after treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition as adjunctive therapy to medication. Case Report A 46-year-old man with severe, stricturing Crohn’s presented for severe abdominal pain and weight loss; estimated Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score greater than 300. Antibiotics, vedolizumab, budesonide, and exclusive enteral nutrition diet were instituted. Approximately 30 days later, his Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score improved to 170. Discussion This case illustrates the possible utility of an exclusive enteral formula diet as an adjunct to medication to induce remission of a Crohn’s disease flare.