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Nitric oxide potentiates cAMP-gated cation current in feeding neurons of Pleurobranchaea californica independent of cAMP and cGMP signaling pathways.

Critical roles for nitric oxide (NO) in regulating cell and tissue physiology are broadly appreciated, but aspects remain to be explored. In the mollusk Pleurobranchaea, NO synthase activity is high in CNS ganglia containing motor networks for feeding and locomotion, where a cAMP-gated cation current (I(Na,cAMP)) is also prominent in many neurons. We examined effects of NO on I(Na,cAMP) using voltage-clamp methods developed to analyze cAMP signaling in the live neuron, focusing on the identified metacerebral giant neuron of the feeding network. NO donors enhanced the I(Na,cAMP) response to injected cAMP by an averaged 85%. In dose-response measures, NO increased the current stimulated by cAMP injection without altering either apparent cAMP binding affinity or cooperativity of current activation. NO did not detectably alter levels of native cAMP or synthesis or degradation rates as observable in both current saturation and decay rate of I(Na,cAMP) responses to cAMP injection. NO actions were not exerted by cGMP signaling, as they were not mimicked by cGMP analogue nor blocked by inhibitors of guanylate cyclase and protein kinase G. NO potentiation of I(Na,cAMP) was broadly distributed among many other neurons of the feeding motor network in the buccal ganglion. However, NO did not affect a second type of I(Na,cAMP) found in locomotor neurons of the pedal ganglia. These results suggest that NO acts through a novel mechanism to regulate the gain of cAMP-dependent neuromodulatory pathways that activate I(Na,cAMP) and may thereby affect the set points of feeding network excitability and reactivity to exogenous input.

Animals↗

Improving feeding practices: current patterns, common constraints, and the design of interventions.

We propose a set of "best-practice complementary feeding behaviors," which were derived by combining principles of psychosocial care with current knowledge in nutritional sciences. We provide a theoretical rationale for assessing and describing complementary feeding practices in terms of what is fed, how food is prepared and given, who feeds the child, when food is fed (frequency and scheduling), and the feeding environment (where). We also discuss the significance of selected sociocultural determinants of these practices for the design of interventions. We then review 18 case studies in relation to these practices and their determinants. The exercise, in which we abstracted data from ethnographic reports, revealed areas of congruence and deviations from best-practice behaviors. The data on feeding practices are described with a common framework to facilitate comparison across sites. Key themes emerging from the studies include the significance of the larger family, the effects of competing maternal time demands, and the importance of parental perceptions and cultural constructs in affecting complementary feeding practices. Finally, we discuss the implications of the findings for future interventions.

Caregivers↗

Slow conduction in cardiac tissue: insights from optical mapping at the cellular level.

Under physiological conditions, slow conduction is essential for the function of the atrioventricular (AV) node, whereas, under pathophysiological conditions, slow conduction contributes importantly to the generation of life-threatening reentrant arrhythmias. This article addresses characteristics of slow conduction at the cellular network level during (a) a reduction of excitability, (b) a reduction of gap junctional coupling, and (c) in the setting of branching tissue structures. Microscopic impulse propagation in these settings was studied by using multiple site optical recording of transmembrane voltage in conjunction with patterned growth cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. In linear cell strands, a reduction of excitability slowed conduction by approximately 70% before block occurred. In contrast, critical reduction of gap junctional coupling induced a much higher degree of slowing (>99%) before block of conduction. Interestingly, a similar degree of conduction slowing was also observed in branching tissue structures under conditions of reduced excitability (98%). The finding of extremely slow but nevertheless safe conduction in these structures might be explained by a "pull and push" effect of the branches: by drawing electronic current from the activation wavefront, they first act as current loads which slow conduction at the branch points ("pull" effect). Then, on activation, they turn into current sources which feed current back into the system, thus supporting downstream activation and enhancing the safety of propagation ("push" effect). This "pull and push" mechanism may play a significant role in slow conduction in the AV node and in structurally discontinuous myocardium, such as the border regions of infarct scars.

Action Potentials↗

Feeding and nutritional characteristics in children with moderate or severe cerebral palsy.

This study was undertaken to characterize the current feeding situation and nutritional status of moderately or severely disabled children with cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-five children with CP (17 with diplegia, 11 with dystonia, 6 with tetraplegia and one child with ataxia) were investigated at a median age of 8 years. Information was obtained from parental interviews, medical records and clinical and anthropometric examinations. Twenty-one of the 35 children (60%), most of whom were severely disabled, were reported by the parents to have current feeding problems. Anthropometric indicators of undernutrition were found in 15 children (43%) and of overnutrition in 3 children (9%), compared with reference values of healthy children. Severely disabled children in the youngest age group were most at risk for poor nutritional status. Early identification of children at nutritional risk requires regular assessments of feeding skills and nutritional status.

Activities of Daily Living↗

The use of breastmilk in a neonatal unit and its relationship to protein and energy intake and growth.

OBJECTIVE: A nutritional audit was performed to determine whether current feeding regimes were achieving nutritional goals and to evaluate the use of breastmilk (BM) in a neonatal unit (NNU). METHODS: All fluid consumed or infused daily was documented with daily weight and weekly length and head circumference measurements in 90 preterm infants (gestational age 30.1 +/- 2.6 weeks) while in the NNU for 60 +/- 27 days. Daily protein and energy intakes were calculated using values for South Australian preterm BM. RESULTS: Parenteral nutrition provided 85% of the daily energy in week 1 falling to 11% by week 6. Ninety per cent of infants received some of their mother's BM and 62% were discharged at least partially breastfed. Protein and energy intakes were 1.03 +/- 0.35 g and 55 +/- 10 kcal/kg/day in week 1, increasing to 2.52 +/- 0.60 g and 109 +/- 15 kcal/kg per day by week 4. Protein intake correlated with weight gain (r2 = 0.39). Weight gain was 14.0 +/- 2.0 g/kg per day and z-scores for weight declined from -0.25 on admission to -1.22 on discharge, P < 0.0001. When infants were divided into two groups comprising those who received BM or formula as their predominant enteral feed, growth and protein intake (but not energy intake) were lower in the BM-fed infants. However, enteral feeds were tolerated earlier and more quickly in those infants receiving predominantly BM. CONCLUSION: Energy requirements were readily met using current feeding regimes for preterm infants but protein intakes were marginal. Mothers of preterm infants had similar breastfeeding rates to mothers of term infants in South Australia. The long-term effects of the lower growth rates of preterm infants fed predominantly BM compared with those fed predominantly formula are unknown and need be balanced against the benefits of BM.

Analysis of Variance↗

Locomotion through use of the mouth brushes in the larva of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae).

The larva of the mosquito Culex pipiens is a filter-feeder and is able to use the feeding current generated by its mouth brushes to glide slowly through the water. The hydrodynamics of the mouth brushes, and of gliding, were investigated by visualizing the feeding current using dyes. Unlike the mouth brushes of a sessile filter-feeder such as the blackfly larva, those of C. pipiens function more like 'paddles' than 'rakes', a beneficial adaptation to life in still as opposed to running water. Technically, the Froude efficiency of gliding is very low (0.23) because the design of the feeding brushes favours delivery of water into the wake rather than forward momentum to the body. The wider implications of these findings to foraging strategy and other aspects of the behaviour of mosquito larvae are discussed.

Animals↗

Isolated liver transplantation for liver failure in patients with short bowel syndrome.

The ultimate prognosis for patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) has become progressively more favorable over the past decade. Advances in long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) have allowed this group of patients to meet nutritional needs while the process of intestinal adaptation occurs. Unfortunately, a subgroup of patients with SBS have hepatic failure (HF), most often secondary to TPN-induced cholestasis. Combined small bowel and liver transplantation (LT) offers a sound anatomic solution for cases of HF with SGS, but it remains experimental at this time. We propose that an isolated LT is a viable alternative mode of therapy for the patient with HF and SBS. The following characteristics were reviewed for five patients with SBS and HF who underwent LT: age at transplantation, weight, liver function, survival, intestinal length, volume of feeding before surgery, and current feeding tolerance and liver function. Four boys and one girl, aged 5.5 to 15 months (average, 11.9), had LT. The total bilirubin level at the time of transplantation was 14.4 to 37 mg/dL (average, 24.7). The patients weighed between 3.8 and 12 kg (average, 8.0), and feeding tolerance ranged from no enteric to complete enteric feeding (average, < 33% of calories by enteric feeding). Bowel loss was attributed to necrotizing enterocolitis in two cases, volvulus in two, and birth hypoxia in one. Bowel length ranged from 60 to 120 cm (average, 88.6). Four children (80%) survived LT, and the average follow-up period was 9.3 months. Three (75%) are home; one is on combined hyperalimentation and enteral feeding, and two are on full enteric feeding. One remains in a chronic care facility, on combined enteral and intravenous feeding. The average daily enteral feeding now comprises more than 70% of caloric requirements. The total bilirubin level is .6 to .8 mg/dL (average, .71). Isolated LT for HF in the patient with SBS effectively restores liver function, allowing time for further intestinal adaptation.

Female↗

Particle handling during interception feeding by four species of heterotrophic nanoflagellates.

High resolution video-microscopy was used to observe grazing patterns of the heterotrophic nanoflagellates Cafeteria roenbergensis, Bodo saltans, Spumella sp., and Ochromonas sp. Spumella and Ochromonas enclose food particles with pseudopodia while Cafeteria and Bodo engulf particles by invagination of the cell surface. The following parameters of the feeding process were quantified: frequency of flagellar beating, speed of particles in different positions of the feeding current, food size selection, feeding rate, and the time budget for the handling of particles. The mean handling times differed between 94 s for Cafeteria and 4 s for Ochromonas for ingested particles. Handling times for ingested particles were significantly longer than for non-captured particles. Long handling times were calculated to be disadvantageous only for flagellates which propel a high water volume per hour (esp. Ochromonas) or live in a bacteria-rich environment. Our model calculations may provide a reasonable theoretical explanation for a concentration-dependent behavioural variability of the feeding strategy of different heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) species.

Animals↗

Breastfeeding duration and current neonatal feeding practices in Emilia Romagna, Italy.

A cohort of 1567 infants was studied at birth and at 3 mo of age to elucidate factors possibly affecting feeding policies in the maternity ward and the relationship with subsequent feeding patterns. During their stay in the maternity wards 89.6% of infants were breastfed, with 28.1% receiving formula in addition to mother's milk. Independent predictors of receiving a formula supplement in the maternity wards as a result of multivariate analyses were the separation of the newborn from the mother, a birthweight lower than 3000 g and a gestational age lower than 38 wk. At 3 mo of age, 66.1% infants were still at least partially breastfed and 48.9% were exclusively breastfed. An increased risk of not being breastfed at 3 mo of age was related to supplementary feeding at birth and birthweight. A weak relationship was found between the prevalence of breastfeeding at 3 mo of age and the magnitude of routine formula supplement use in the maternity ward. Given the present trends for early discharge from maternity wards and the National Health System facility for free paediatric assistance after discharge, in Italy paediatricians should be the main actors to support the continuation of breastfeeding.

Bottle Feeding↗

A study of current infant feeding practices in rural North Malaysia as a basis for determining needs in nutrition education.

In a study of infant feeding practices in 95 infants aged three months and six months in the rural, predominantly Malay district of Kubang Pasu, which is recently undergoing rapid economic development consequent on the introduction of improved agricultural techniques in rice farming, it was found that approximately 75% of infants in both age groups were wholly or partially breast fed, modified powered milk being the milk food of most of the others. Semisolids were introduced early in the form of commercial prepacked cereals. It is suggested that medical officers of health recognising local socioeconomic and cultural changes that might affect health behavior can initiate simple studies of this type to identify local needs in health education. In circumstances such as this where a still popular beneficial traditional practice like breast feeding might be at risk of losing popularity in the face of socioeconomic development in the community it is suggested that the most useful educational effort regarding infant nutrition would be to preserve breast feeding.

Agriculture↗

[Current animal feeds with antimicrobial activity].

Among the growth-promoting substances and factors contributing to fodder utilization in growing farm animals, also called nutritive, ergotropic means, the antibiotics and some synthetic chemotherapeutics have acquired special importance. To avoid the hazardous effect in humans consuming products of animal origin there should be no residual amounts of these stimulating agents in such products. That is why it has been assumed in a number of countries to use for the same purpose only nutritive means that are not applied as therapeutic agents. Such means should neither induce resistence to antibiotics and chemotherapeutics in microorganism nor should they be resorbed by the alimentary tract (or resorption should be negligible) or they are rapidly eliminated from the animal body, leaving no residual amounts. They should likewise act chiefly against gram-positive organisms, inducing no allergic reactions in the animals. Described are the following nutritive antibiotics: flavophospholipol (bambermycin, menomycin--flavomycin, producing a nutritive effect also in ruminants with a developed forestomach, and rebuilds sensitivity in antibiotic-resistant organisms belonging to Enterobacteriaceae), avoparcin (avotan--also active in ruminants with a developed forestomach), virginiamycin (staphylomycin--escalin, stafac), zincbacitracin (bacipharmin, baciferm), grisin (kormogrisin, of a road spectrum, with an antimycotic effect, raising the fertilization rate and activating phagocitosis), vitamycin-A (vitamycin--active also at retinol deficiency, lambdamycin, nosiheptide (primofax), efrotomycin. Due consideration is given to such chemotherapeutics as nitrovin (payson, paison), carbadox (mecadox, fortigro, of a broad spectrum retained for a longer period in the body of pigs), olaquindox (bio-N-celbar--of a broad spectrum, particularly with regard to gram-negative organisms, applied at present as a therapeutic and prophylactic preparation), cyadox (with a broad sprectrum). The following polyether ionophoric antibiotics are mentioned: monensine (rumensine, elancoban), lassalocide (avatek, lasotek), slinomycin(eustin, ustin, coxistac), lonomycin (emercide), harasine. Dosage rates and other data are given characterising the respective preparations.

Animal Feed↗

Measuring feeding in low-income African-American and Hispanic parents.

Current feeding measures have been developed based on the premise that a child's obesity risk is increased when parents exert high levels of control over feeding. Although these measures provide useful ways to assess parental restrictiveness in feeding, they do not capture other important aspects of feeding that describe the behavior of parents not overly concerned about child obesity. Alternative measures are important to develop, especially for minority populations where concerns about child obesity are often not a significant determinant of parental feeding practices. The current study describes a culturally informed method used to develop a broader assessment of parental feeding strategies across two low-income ethnic groups. To be able to accurately measure cultural differences associated with feeding, qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assure conceptual, linguistic, and measurement equivalency across African-American and Hispanic parents. Based on responses from 231 parents, mean differences in feeding strategies were found with Hispanic parents reporting significantly more parent-centered/high control and child-centered feeding strategies compared to African-Americans. Furthermore, the relationship between children's weight status and parental feeding strategies varied by the two ethnic groups and child gender. Implications of these results for understanding the role of parental socialization in the development of child obesity are discussed.

Black or African American↗

Breast-feeding: encourage mothers to "give it a go"!

Breast-feeding is a part of the Government health agenda with a particular emphasis on encouraging those mothers who are least likely to breast-feed. Current and recent breast-feeding support materials from the Department of Health outline good practice for Primary Care Trusts, in line with targets for the increase in breast-feeding initiation. Breast-feeding reduces health inequalities, in the short and long term. The 2005 National Breastfeeding Awareness Week has the key message "Give it a go!" and materials including a Local Action booklet are available.

Attitude to Health↗

[Body weight and selected hematologic and biochemical parameters in calves fed various diets during milk feeding].

The objective of the present paper was to obtain haematological and biochemical parameters of calves during their milk feeding. Another goal was to compare a current feed ration containing the commercial feed mixture Biosan with two alternative rations comprising skimmed milk and fat supplement. The effect of milk drink acidification and the effect of the physical form of fat added to skimmed milk were investigated. the calves were divided into six groups, by 6 to 8 calves each (P1-Biosan, PP1-acid variant, P2-skimmed milk+fat concentrate powder KMKS, PP2-acid variant, P3-skimmed milk+fat paste, PP3-acid variant). The highest average daily liveweight gains were recorded in calves fed on unacidified skimmed milk with fat paste supplement (1.074 kg)-Tab. I. The highest average daily liveweight gains were observed in calves fed on fat paste enriched milk drink (P3) while the calves administered milk with fat concentrate powder (P2) had only slightly higher average daily weight gains than the calves on Biosan diet (group P1). The growth of daily weight gains as a result of diets containing acidified milk (PP1 and PP2) is also a positive finding; this growth is even statistically significant in the former case (P < 0.05). The calves showed hypohaemoglobinaemia from the beginning of the experiment (51.3-69.0 g/l) and the low haematocrit value (0.29-0.43 l/l), Tab. II, while the plasma iron level was paradoxically high (Tab. V).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Feed↗

Foraging mechanisms in excavate flagellates shed light on the functional ecology of early eukaryotes.

The phagotrophic flagellates described as "typical excavates" have been hypothesized to be morphologically similar to the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor and understanding the functional ecology of excavates may therefore help shed light on the ecology of these early eukaryotes. Typical excavates are characterized by a posterior flagellum equipped with a vane that beats in a ventral groove. Here, we combined flow visualization and observations of prey capture in representatives of the three clades of excavates with computational fluid dynamic modeling, to understand the functional significance of this cell architecture. We record substantial differences amongst species in the orientation of the vane and the beat plane of the posterior flagellum. Clearance rate magnitudes estimated from flow visualization and modeling are both like that of other similarly sized flagellates. The interaction between a vaned flagellum beating in a confinement is modeled to produce a very efficient feeding current at low energy costs, irrespective of the beat plane and vane orientation and of all other morphological variations. Given this predicted uniformity of function, we suggest that the foraging systems of typical excavates studied here may be good proxies to understand those potentially used by our distant ancestors more than 1 billion years ago.

Flagella↗