olf413 Gene Controls Taste Recognition, Preference and Feeding Activity in Drosophila melanogaster

Recognition and responsiveness to food taste becomes a crucial event in foraging and feeding behaviour of an organism. Adjusting the feeding behaviour through a sophisticated and robust taste system is critical to fulfil their nutritional needs and facilitate its survival in environment. Palatability of food sources depends on the sensory and motor cues provided by the brain, in co-ordination with the other body systems to enable decisive feeding. Drosophila melanogaster is an apt model organism to decipher these behavioural paradigms. Octopamine a neurotransmitter, is required in regulation of feeding behavioural responses. olf413, a paralogue of TH, is a gene predicted for its involvement in octopamine biosynthesis. The biological function of this gene is yet to be unravelled. Here we propose this gene function in taste recognition, food preference and feeding activity. We test the olf413 loss of function mutants for food preference between two fruit extracts using CAFE and horizontal box methods. In our study we have used olf413 gene disruption strain, olf413MI02014 homozygous and in transheterozygous condition with another allele isolated in our lab, olf413SG1.1. The results show that olf413 mutants display a severe phenotype in feeding behaviour and there is an allele specific phenotypic distinction between the two strains. Thus implying that olf413 gene function is required for taste recognition, starvation driven initiation and execution of feeding behaviour of the flies.

Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) development, preference for feeding and oviposition related to different food sources

ABSTRACT The dispersion of Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas) from soybean (first crop season) to maize (second crop season) is facilitated by the presence of weeds (e.g. Commelina benghalensis) and soybean grains on the ground. Understanding insect development and behavior on different food sources is important to develop pest management strategies. Thus, three independent experiments were conducted to study D. melacanthus nymph development, and adult preference for feeding and oviposition in different food source scenarios in the field. The first two trials studied development and food preference of D. melacanthus related to different food sources (C. benghalensis branches, moistened soybean grain + soybean seedlings, maize seedlings + C. benghalensis branches, moistened soybean grains + maize seedlings, moistened soybean grains + C. benghalensis branches, maize seedlings, as well as a standard diet). The third trial evaluated D. melacanthus oviposition preferences between the aforementioned plants. Overall, moistened soybean grains resulted in better nutritional quality, thus being crucial for D. melacanthus development, triggering faster nymph development as well as better overall adult fitness. The combination of soybean grains and maize seedlings or C. benghalensis branches showed great potential to benefit D. melacanthus, since these complementary food sources improved stink bug fitness, increasing mainly adult longevity, fecundity and egg viability. Therefore, it can be concluded that in order to reduce D. melacanthus outbreaks in second season maize, it is important to reduce soybean harvest loss (reducing, therefore, moistened soybean grain on the ground) and eliminate stink bug associated plants like C. benghalensis.

Influence of mother nutrition during pregnancy and/or lactation on offspring food preference in experimental models / Influência da nutrição materna durante a gestação e/ou lactação na preferência alimentar da prole em modelos experimentais

Abstract Introduction Understanding associations between food preferences and maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation could inform efforts to understanding the obesity mechanisms and provide insight to prevent it. Objective: To identify studies that investigated the effects of nutritional interventions during the pregnancy and lactation on the food preferences of offspring. Method: The review was conducted with search for articles in the databases: Scopus, Pubmed, Medline, LILACS, Scielo and Science Direct. Exclusion criteria were used: reviews, human studies, studies with drugs or other substances not related to food. Results: At the end of the search in the databases, 176 references were found. After use the exclusion criteria, reading the titles, abstracts and full articles, were selected 11 articles to compose the review. Conclusion: The selected studies suggested that unbalanced nutrition in early life alters the food preference and neural components related to the consumption of fatty and sugary foods in offspring rodents.

Resumo Introdução O entendimento das associações entre as preferências alimentares e nutrição materna durante a gravidez e lactação poderia colaborar para a compreensão dos mecanismos da obesidade e fornecer informações para prevenir essa infermidade. Objetivo: Identificar estudos que investigaram os efeitos das intervenções nutricionais durante a gravidez e lactação em preferências alimentares dos descendentes. Método: A revisão foi conduzida com busca de artigos nas bases de dados: Scopus, Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo e Science Direct. Os critérios de exclusão utilizados: revisões, estudos em humanos, estudos com drogas ou outras substâncias não-alimentares. Resultados: No final da pesquisa nas bases de dados, 176 referências foram encontradas. Depois de usar os critérios de exclusão, lendo os títulos, resumos e artigos completos, 11 artigos foram selecionados para compor a revisão. Conclusão: Os estudos selecionados sugeriram que a nutrição desequilibrada no início da vida altera a preferência alimentar e componentes neurais relacionadas com o consumo de alimentos gordurosos e açucarados em prole de roedores.

Brazilian consumers' perception of edible insects / Percepção de consumidores brasileiros aos insetos comestíveis

ABSTRACT: It is estimated that by 2050 the world population will be 9 billion people; and therefore, the need for alternative sources of protein is inevitable, since conventional sources, such as beef, pork and poultry, will not be sufficient to meet the demand of population growth. Food that includes alternative sources of protein, such as insects, is a reality in countries of Latin America, Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa. This research presents the results of an exploratory study that analysed the food profile of 1,619 consumers in the five Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast and South) as well as their perception, motivation and preferred form of edible insects. The data were analysed by cross-tabulation and expressed as frequencies. Our results show that women are more reluctant than men to consume insects. In general, there is a preference for consumption of insects in the form of flour. However, those with more familiarity with this type of consumption prefer the whole insect. Most Brazilian consumers have no opinion about the safety of consuming insects; however, consumers with higher levels of education and familiarity consider it safe.

RESUMO: Estima-se que em 2050 a população mundial contará com cerca de 9 bilhões de pessoas, e, portanto, a necessidade de fontes alternativas de proteína é inevitável, uma vez que as fontes convencionais, como carne de gado, suínos e aves, não serão suficientes para suprir a demanda do crescimento populacional. A alimentação que inclui fontes alternativas de proteína, como os insetos, é uma realidade em países da América Latina, Ásia, Austrália, Europa e África. Esta pesquisa apresenta os resultados de um estudo exploratório que analisou o perfil alimentar de 1.619 consumidores das cinco regiões brasileiras (Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Sul) quanto sua percepção, motivação e forma preferencial aos insetos comestíveis. Os dados foram analisados através de frequências cruzadas e expressos em porcentagem. Nossos resultados mostram que mulheres apresentam maior aversão ao consumo de insetos do que homens. Em geral, há preferência em consumir os insetos na forma de farinha, e inteiro para aqueles com mais familiaridade ao consumo de insetos. Majoritariamente, os consumidores brasileiros não tem opinião sobre a segurança em consumir insetos, contudo, em maiores níveis de escolaridade e a familiaridade os consumidores posicionam-se quanto à sua segurança.

A study about the young consumers' consumption behaviors of street foods / Um estudo sobre o comportamento de consumo dos jovens consumidores de alimentos de rua

Abstract As in almost every country in the world, street foods are frequently used in Turkey. To determine the preferences for these foods, a questionnaire was given to 847 individuals constituted by randomly selected high school and university students. Of the participants, 43.4% were male and 56.6% were female; the majority of them were between 19 and 22 years of age. It was found that 40.1% of the young people ate street food 2-3 times per week, whereas 23.3% were found to eat it every day. Turkish bagels, döner, boiled corn in a cup and toast are most preferred street foods. A statistically significant negative correlations were found between consumption preference scores and education, gender, and age. Although consumers know that street foods can cause contamination with microorganisms, that sellers do not pay attention to hygiene, and that these foods are raw or not cooked well, they prefer because of their cheapness, deliciousness, variety and fast service. Street foods are widely consumed in Turkish young students and because of preventing food poisoning, they should be educated about food hygiene and safety. Also, educating vendors in personal hygiene and good manufacture practice can minimize contamination risk.

Resumo Alimentos de rua são frequentemente consumidos na Turquia como em quase todos os países do mundo. Foi aplicado um questionário para 847 indivíduos constituídos por estudantes de nível médio e superior que foram aleatoriamente selecionados. Dos participantes, 43,4% eram do sexo masculino e 56,6% do feminino; a maioria deles tinha entre 19 e 22 anos de idade. Foi constatado que 40,1% dos jovens comem alimentos de rua 2-3 vezes por semana, enquanto 23,3% todos os dias. Bagel turco döner, milho cozido em um copo e pão torrado são os alimentos de rua mais preferidos. A correlação negativa estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada entre as pontuações de preferências de consumo e educação, gênero e idade. Embora os consumidores saibam que os alimentos de rua podem causar contaminação com microrganismos, pois os vendedores não prestam atenção à higiene, e que estes alimentos são crus ou mal cozidos, eles preferem por causa de seus custos baratos, o seu gosto, a variedade e o serviço rápido. Alimentos de rua são amplamente consumidos por jovens e estudantes turcos e para prevenir a intoxicação alimentar, eles devem ser educados sobre higiene e segurança alimentar. Além disso, educar fornecedores sobre higiene pessoal e boas práticas de fabricação podem minimizar o risco de contaminação.

Attractiveness of Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to different baits in the Brazilian Amazon region / Atracción de Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) por diferentes cebos en la región Amazónica brasileña

AbstractDung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) are considered essential for enhancing the physicochemical characteristics of soils, principally by changing organic materials (e.g. dead animals, faeces, fruits e leaf litter). This study compared the species richness and abundance of dung beetles captured using various types of baits, to demonstrate attractiveness differences in variable habitats of the Brazilian Amazon. Samplings were carried out with pitfall traps baited with human faeces, rotten banana, rotten meat and a nonbaited trap, in February, March, June, September and October 2015. Habitats included native forests, agriculture areas, pastures and disturbed forests in different regeneration stages. A total of 13 736 Scarabaeinae beetles were captured, distributed over 98 species. Most individuals were captured using traps baited with faeces (76.7 % of individuals), followed by rotten meat baited traps (17.8 % of individuals), fermented banana baited traps (3.9 % of individuals) and finally by non-baited traps (1.6 % of individuals). A significant difference in attractiveness of the different baits used and habitats types was observed. Most of the captured assemblages were composed by coprophagous (42 %), generalist species (32 %), necrophagous (15 %) and none was classified as saprophagous. Approximately 54 % of the specimens were tunnelers, 25 % were rollers and 12 % were dwellers. The species of Scarabaeinae sampled in the region revealed qualitative and quantitative differences among their assemblages and the phytophysiognomies. The forest environments housed the greatest species richness observed, and a fraction of these is exclusive of those areas. We concluded that some species of Scarabaeinae have an important potential as disturbance indicators in the Amazonian ecosystem. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (3): 917-924. Epub 2017 September 01.

ResumenLos escarabajos peloteros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) son considerados fundamentales para la mejora de las características físico-químicas de los suelos, es decir, para la descomposición de materiales orgánicos (p. ej., animales muertos, heces, frutas y hojarasca). Este estudio compara la riqueza de especies y la abundancia de escarabajos peloteros, capturados utilizando diversos tipos de cebos, para demostrar diferencias en la atracción en hábitats de la Amazonía Brasileña. Se realizaron muestreos con trampas cebadas con heces humanas, plátano podrido, carne podrida y una trampa sin cebo. Los hábitats incluyen bosques nativos, zonas de agricultura, pastos y bosques alterados en diferentes fases de regeneración. Se capturaron un total de 13 736 escarabajos Scarabaeinae, distribuidos en 98 especies. La mayoría de los individuos fueron capturados en trampas cebadas con heces (76.7 % de los individos), seguido por las trampas con cebo de carne podrida (17.8 % de los individuos), trampas con cebo de plátano fermentado (3.9 % de los individuos) y finalmente por las trampas sin cebo (1.6 % de los individuos). Se observó una diferencia significativa en la atracción de los diferentes cebos y hábitats. La mayoría de la comunidad capturada estuvo compuesta de escarabajos coprófagos (42 %), especies generalistas (32 %) y necrófagos (15 %) y ninguno fue clasificado como saprófago. Aproximadamente, el 54 % de las muestras fueron excavadores, 25 % rodadores y 12 % residentes. Las especies de scarabaeinae muestreadas en la región revelaron diferencias cualitativas y cuantitativas entre sus ensamblajes y las fitofisionomías muestreadas. Los ambientes forestales albergaron la mayor riqueza de especies observada y una fracción de ellas es exclusiva de este entorno. Concluimos que algunas especies de Scarabaeinae tienen un potencial importante como indicadores de alteración en el ecosistema amazónico.

Influence of mother nutrition during pregnancy and/or lactation on offspring food preference in experimental models

Abstract Introduction Understanding associations between food preferences and maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation could inform efforts to understanding the obesity mechanisms and provide insight to prevent it. Objective: To identify studies that investigated the effects of nutritional interventions during the pregnancy and lactation on the food preferences of offspring. Method: The review was conducted with search for articles in the databases: Scopus, Pubmed, Medline, LILACS, Scielo and Science Direct. Exclusion criteria were used: reviews, human studies, studies with drugs or other substances not related to food. Results: At the end of the search in the databases, 176 references were found. After use the exclusion criteria, reading the titles, abstracts and full articles, were selected 11 articles to compose the review. Conclusion: The selected studies suggested that unbalanced nutrition in early life alters the food preference and neural components related to the consumption of fatty and sugary foods in offspring rodents.

Resumo Introdução O entendimento das associações entre as preferências alimentares e nutrição materna durante a gravidez e lactação poderia colaborar para a compreensão dos mecanismos da obesidade e fornecer informações para prevenir essa infermidade. Objetivo: Identificar estudos que investigaram os efeitos das intervenções nutricionais durante a gravidez e lactação em preferências alimentares dos descendentes. Método: A revisão foi conduzida com busca de artigos nas bases de dados: Scopus, Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo e Science Direct. Os critérios de exclusão utilizados: revisões, estudos em humanos, estudos com drogas ou outras substâncias não-alimentares. Resultados: No final da pesquisa nas bases de dados, 176 referências foram encontradas. Depois de usar os critérios de exclusão, lendo os títulos, resumos e artigos completos, 11 artigos foram selecionados para compor a revisão. Conclusão: Os estudos selecionados sugeriram que a nutrição desequilibrada no início da vida altera a preferência alimentar e componentes neurais relacionadas com o consumo de alimentos gordurosos e açucarados em prole de roedores.

Spicy Food Preference and Risk for Alcohol Dependence in Korean

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported that both preference for spicy food and drinking behavior are associated with the activity of the opioid system in the central nervous system. The relationship between the preference for spicy food and the risk of alcohol dependence by comparing spicy food preference in alcohol-dependent patients vs. healthy controls was investigated. Also the association between the preference for spicy food and OPRM1 A118G was studied. METHODS: A total of 150 Korean male patients with alcohol dependence and 100 normal male control subjects were included in this study. Preference for spicy food was measured using the Food Preference Scale (FPS). DNA analysis was conducted to detect the A118G polymorphism. RESULTS: The mean FPS score was significantly higher in the alcohol-dependent patients (61.2±24.2) than in the normal control subjects (53.0±22.0). FPS scores differed significantly between alcohol-dependent patients and normal control subjects who had the G allele in OPRM1 A118G, but not between the two groups with the AA genotype. CONCLUSION: A strong preference for spicy food can be assumed to be a risk factor for alcohol dependence, particularly in those carrying the G allele in OPRM1 A118G.

A Study on Dietary Behavior and Food Preference of Sramanera·Sramanerika Monks in Nationwide Buddhist Monk's Universities / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to find out factors that are needed to be improved for the Buddhist training environment of Sramanera·Sramanerika monks, who have been newly adapted for their life style after becoming a monk, and to provide basic data for the development of the standard diet in Buddhist temples. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was applied to 365 Sramanera·Sramanerika monks at 11 Buddhist monk universities. The questionnaire was designed to investigate their dietary habits, dietary evaluation, satisfaction of food service, and food preferences. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 52.6% men, and 47.4% women. The subjects who had a vegetarian diet before joining the Buddhist priesthood were 27.7% women, and 13.5% men (p<0.01). 42.2% of the total subjects felt that they are healthy now and 19.4% felt weak. The most difficulty of dieting adaptation as soon as entering the priesthood was the strict diet rules (42.9%). The subjects considered health or nutrition (40.0%) highly when having meals. 94.8% women, 84.1% men ate breakfast every day (p<0.001). Women (55.4%) frequently ate snacks more than men (26.6%) (p<0.001). The results of the dietary evaluation indicated that the intake of milk, soy milk or dairy products and beans or tofu received lower than 3 points and women had lower point result than men (p<0.001). Foods with higher preference were grilled mushrooms, grilled laver, miso stew, sweet and sour mushrooms, steamed tofu with seasoning. CONCLUSIONS: Women were more interested in their health than men but they also required to improve the nutritional eating habits. It appeared that the lower intake rates of the calcium containing food (milk and dairy), and proteins (beans and tofu) could result in nutritional imbalance. Therefore, it is necessary to offer food based on the standard menu plan with consideration given to their food preferences in order to maintain their health and desirable dietary habits.

Study on Energy and Nutrient Intake and Food Preference of the Elderly in Care Facilities / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess energy and nutritional intake and investigate the preference for food and cooking methods of the residents in elderly care facilities. METHODS: Data were collected from 72 residents (10 males and 62 females) aged ≥ 70 years in elderly care facilities using questionnaires, food photographs for estimating dietary intake and records for daily physical activity. RESULTS: Average age of the study participants was 85.0 years and 41, 36 and 8 had dementia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively. 15%, 65% and 19% of subjects were physically mobile, enervated, and immobile, respectively. Daily energy intake was 1360.2 kcal in men and 1378.0 kcal in women, which were 68.0% and 86.1% of the estimated energy requirement (EER) of dietary reference intake for Koreans (KDRI) for ≥ 75 year old individuals, respectively. Estimated energy expenditure (EEE) of subjects calculated using formula from KDRI was 1361.9 kcal and EER calculated using estimated daily physical activity (EDPA) was 1232.9 kcal. Energy intake and EEE from KDRI were higher than EER from EDPA. Dietary intake of dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin C were lower, and protein, phosphorous, iron, sodium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin E were higher than the corresponding ones of KDRI. Subjects liked meats, fishes and shellfish, and fruits, while subjects disliked milk, seaweeds and salted fish and salted vegetables. Cooked rice, soybean paste soup, beef, cooked sliced radish strip, and yogurt were favorite foods, with steam being a favorite cooking method. Subjects considered nutrition as the most important factor for improving food service quality. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study could be utilized for improving food-service for the residents in elderly care facilities, and provide a basis for setting reference intake of energy and nutrients of the elderly having very low activity levels.

Modelling protection behaviour towards micronutrient deficiencies: Case of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes as health intervention for school-going children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Despite successes recorded in combating iodine deficiency, more than 2 billion people are still at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Rural landlocked and mountainous areas of developing countries are the hardest hit, hence the need to explore and advance novel strategies such as biofortification. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We evaluated adoption, purchase, and consumption of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes (IBVL) using the theory of protection motivations (PMT) integrated with an economic valuation technique. A total of 1,200 participants from three land-locked locations in East Africa were recruited via multi-stage cluster sampling, and data were collected using two, slightly distinct, questionnaires incorporating PMT constructs. The survey also elicited preferences for iodine biofortified foods when offered at a premium or discount. Determinants of protection motivations and preferences for iodine biofortified foods were assessed using path analysis modelling and two-limit Tobit regression, respectively. RESULTS: Knowledge of iodine, iodine-health link, salt iodization, and biofortification was very low, albeit lower at the household level. Iodine and biofortification were not recognized as nutrient and novel approaches, respectively. On the other hand, severity, fear, occupation, knowledge, iodine status, household composition, and self-efficacy predicted the intention to consume biofortified foods at the household level; only vulnerability, self-efficacy, and location were the most crucial elements at the school level. In addition, results demonstrated a positive willingness-to-pay a premium or acceptance of a lesser discount for biofortification. Furthermore, preference towards iodine biofortified foods was a function of protection motivations, severity, vulnerability, fear, response efficacy, response cost, knowledge, iodine status, gender, age. and household head. CONCLUSIONS: Results lend support for prevention of iodine deficiency in unprotected populations through biofortification; however 'threat' appraisal and socio-economic predictors are decisive in designing nutrition interventions and stimulating uptake of biofortification. In principle, the contribution is threefold: 1) Successful application of the integrated model to guide policy formulation; 2) Offer guidance to stakeholders to identify and tap niche markets; 3) stimulation of rural economic growth around school feeding programmes.

Status of Dietary Life Related Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, Food Preference and Dietary Behavior of Preschoolers in Kyunggi Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine dietary life characteristics such as knowledge, self-efficacy and dietary behavior of preschoolers in Namyangju, Kyunggi-province, Korea. METHODS: The survey questionnaire was developed based on literature review. Preschoolers aged 4-5 years (n=208) responded to the questionnaire to measure knowledge, self-efficacy, food preference, and dietary behavior. After excluding incomplete responses, the data of 197 subjects were used for analysis. RESULTS: Mean score of dietary life knowledge was 8.0 out of 12, showing a low level of knowledge. Two out of 12 knowledge items were significantly different by gender. Percentage of correct answer on items of 'foods to make bones strong' and 'kinds of fast foods' was higher in girls than in boys (p<0.05). Total score of self-efficacy regarding dietary life was 40.1 (possible score: 12~48), on average. Compared to girls, boys had more confidence in 'not over-eating', and 'eating balanced meals with meat, fish and vegetables' (p<0.05). Boys scored higher on total score of food preference than girls (p<0.01). The preference for fruits was quite high. Among food items, boys scored higher on the preference for rice (p<0.01), fish (p<0.01), pork (p<0.05), beef (p<0.05), milk (p<0.01), and ice cream (p<0.05) than girls. Boys also liked fast foods more than girls did, showing preference for chicken (p<0.01) and soda (p<0.05). Compared to girls, boys showed more desirable behavior in 'eating breakfast everyday' (p<0.01). Dietary behavior was significantly correlated with self-efficacy (r=0.52, p<0.01), food preference (r=0.35, p<0.01), and knowledge (r=0.25, p<0.01) of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed differences in food preference by gender. Dietary behavior of preschoolers was correlated with several factors, including dietary life related knowledge, self-efficacy and food preference. Thus, it is needed to develop nutrition education programs focusing on increasing dietary life related knowledge and self-efficacy, and consider the differences in food preference of preschoolers by gender.

Seed germination after passing through gastrointestinal tract of bats (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) / Germinação de sementes após a passagem pelo trato gastrointestinalde morcegos (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a germinação de sementes de espécies de Piper, Solanum, Cecropiae Fícus após sua passagem pelo trato gastrointestinal dos morcegos frugívoros Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata e Sturnira lilium. Os morcegos e as amostras de frutos/infrutescências foram obtidos no Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy, Londrina, PR. Para cada espécie vegetal foram considerados o controle e quatro tratamentos, formados pelas sementes obtidas das fezes de cada espécie de morcego: (1) A. lituratus, (2) P. lineatus, (3) C. perspilata e (4) S. lilium. Duzentas sementes foram utilizadas em cada tratamento e foram colocadas para germinar, ao mesmo tempo, em quatro recipientes distribuídos aleatoriamente. Os dados de germinação foram usados para calcular a taxa e o tempo médio de germinação. Somente em duas espécies, Cecropia pachystachya e Ficus eximia, apassagem através do trato gastrointestinal dos animais não produziu alteração significativa. Enquanto, asseis espécies restantes obtiveram diferenças significativas nas taxas e/ou tempos médio de germinação de sementes após passagem dos diásporos pelo trato gastrointestinal de pelo menos uma das espécies de morcegos. Além disso, foi possível observar que a preferência alimentar da espécie de morcego por uma espécie vegetal não alterou significativamente a germinação em relação aos demais. Conclui-se que ao longo do processo evolutivo a coevolução difusa não favoreceu a alteração de padrões de germinação pela preferência alimentar dos morcegos. Todavia, foi observado que os morcegos alteram a taxa e o tempo de germinação das plantas, auxiliando seu estabelecimento, além de serem bons dispersores,mesmo das espécies onde a germinação não foi alterada.

The aim of this study was to evaluate seed germination of Piper, Solanum, Cecropia and Ficus speciesafter their passage through the gastrointestinal tract of frugivorous bats - Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinuslineatus, Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lilium. Both bats and fruits/infrutescences samples were obtained in the Parque Estadual Mata do Godoy, Londrina, Brazil. For each plant species, we considered the control and four treatments, made up by the seeds obtained from the feces of each species of bat:(1) A. lituratus, (2) P. lineatus, (3) C. perspilata and (4) S. lilium. Two hundred seeds were used for each treatment and were germinated at the same time, randomly distributed in four containers. The germination data were used to calculate the rate and the average germination time. In only two species, C. pachystachya and F. eximia, the passage through the gastrointestinal tract of animals produced no significant change. While the remaining six species had significant differences in the rates and / oraverage time of seed germination after passage through the gastrointestinal tract of at least one speciesof bats. Moreover, food preference of bat species for one plant species did not significantly change seed germination in relation to other plants. The conclusion is that over evolutionary process, diffuseco-evolution did not favor changing germination standards for food preference of bats. However, it was observed that bats modify the rate and germination time of plants assisting its establishment, besides being good dispersers, even of the species where germination has not been changed.

Dieta del erizo negro Echinometra lucunter (Echinometra: Echinoidea) en el Nororiente de Venezuela / Diet of the black sea urchin Echinometra lucunter (Echinometra: Echinoidea) in the northeast of Venezuela

Resumen Mensualmente entre junio 2010 y agosto 2011 en la ensenada de Turpialito, Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela, se recolectaron macroalgas e identificaron, y ejemplares de Echinometra lucunter con diámetro de testa 41.04 ± 6.60 mm para examinar el contenido estomacal y el índice de llenado. Se identificaron 65 especies de macroalgas, pertenecientes a los Phylla Rhodophyta, Heterokontophyta y Chlorophyta. La mayor biomasa anual la presentaron Halimeda opuntia (56.5 g.m-2), Acanthophora spicifera (15.94 g.m-2), Sargassum vulgare (15.28 g.m-2) y Centroceras clavulatum (12.26 g.m-2). Los ítems alimenticios más frecuentes fueron las macroalgas filamentosas: Sphacelaria sp. (546) y Herposiphonia sp. (441) y la foliácea Dictyota sp. (410), y entre los invertebrados esponjas (155), moluscos bivalvos (70) y crustáceos cirrípedos (65). El ID osciló entre 0.8 y 6.0% (2.6 ± 1.21 %), con máximos en diciembre 2010 (6.0 ± 2.21 %), abril (4.3 ± 0.34 %) y junio 2011 (4.0 ± 1.79 %), con oscilaciones mensuales asociadas a los períodos de surgencia y estratificación. El conocimiento de las características principales de la dieta, es necesaria para proponer planes de cultivo y de conservación de la especie.

Abstract Echinometra lucunter is relatively abundant in the Venezuela coast, however no details are known about its diet. We compare the stomach contents and repletion index of E. lucunter with macroalgae available in their environment (June 2010-August) and the nutrient cycle at the Golfo de Cariaco. Seventy-one species of macroalgae were identified: Rhodophyta (45), Heterokontophyta (11) and Chlorophyta (15). The mean testa diameter was 41.04 ± 6.60 mm. The food preferences included filamentous, siphonal and calcaeous macroalgae; main food items were the filamentous macroalgae Sphacelaria sp. and Herposiphonia sp., and foliose Dictyota sp., including invertebrates such as sponges, bivalves and barnacle crustaceans. The repletion index was 0.8 - 6.0 % (2.6 ± 1.21 %), maximum values were associated to primary productivity cycle, i.e. December 2010 (6.0 ± 2.21 %), April (4.3 ± 0.34 %), June 2011 (4.0 ± 1.79 %). Food preferences could be associated to the upwelling season and productivity cycle. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 233-242. Epub 2015 June 01.

Efeitos da exposição à nicotina e à fumaça de cigarro durante a lactação sobre o sistema de recompensa cerebral em ratos / Effects of exposure to nicotine and cigarette smoke during lactation on the brain reward system in rats

Crianças de mães fumantes são mais suscetíveis a se tornarem adultos obesos e se viciarem em drogas ou alimentos palatáveis. Drogas e alimentos ativam a via mesolímbica de recompensa, causando sensação de prazer que induz ainda mais o consumo. Assim, avaliamos a relação entre a exposição apenas à nicotina ou à fumaça do cigarro durante a lactação com a preferência alimentar e sistema dopaminérgico de recompensa cerebral das proles, em dois modelos de programação: Modelo I: no 2o dia pós-natal (PN), lactantes receberam implante de minibombas osmóticas que liberam nicotina (NIC) ou salina (C), durante 14 dias. Em PN150 e novamente em PN160, as proles foram divididas em 4 grupos para um desafio alimentar: N-SC e C-SC que receberam ração padrão; N-SSD e C-SSD que podiam escolher livremente entre as dietas hiperlipídica e hiperglicídica. A ingestão alimentar foi avaliada após 12 h. As mães foram sacrificadas apenas na 21ª da lactação (desmame) e as proles em PN15 (com nicotina), PN21 e PN170 (ausência da NIC). Ao desmame, as ratas lactantes NIC apresentaram menor conteúdo de tirosina hidroxilase (TH), maior OBRb e SOCS3 na area tegmentar ventral (VTA); menor TH, maior receptor de dopamina 1 (D1R), receptor de dopamina 2 (D2R) e transportador de dopamina (DAT) no núcleo accumbens (NAc); maior conteúdo de TH no estriado dorsal (DS); e maior D2R e SOCS3 no núcleo arqueado (ARC). Em PN15, os filhotes NIC apresentaram maior conteúdo de D1R, D2R e menor DAT no NAc, enquanto em PN21, apresentaram apenas menor DAT no DS, e menor conteúdo de pSTAT3 em ARC. Aos 170 dias, as proles SSD demonstraram maior preferência para a ração hiperlipídica. No entanto, os animais N-SSD consumiram mais ração hiperglicidica do que as proles C-SSD...

Children from smoking mothers are more susceptible to become obese adults and to become drug or food addicts. Drugs and food activate the mesolimbic reward pathway, causing a sense of pleasure that induces further consumption.Thus, we studied the relationship between only nicotine or tobacco smoke exposure during lactation with feeding behavior and brain dopaminergic reward system at adulthood, in two programming models: Model I, on the postnatal day (PN) 2, lactating rats were implanted with minipumps releasing nicotine (NIC) or saline (C) for 14 days. On PN150 and again on PN160, offspring were divided into 4 groups for a food challenge: N-SC and C-SC received standard chow; N-SSD and C-SSD could freely select between hyperlipidic and hyperglicidic diets. Mothers were euthanized only in 21ª of lactation and offspring were euthanized in PN15 (with nicotine), PN21 and PN170 (withdraw). At weaning (PN21), NIC dams had: lower tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), higher OBRb and SOCS3 contents in ventral tegmental area (VTA); lower TH, higher dopamine receptor 1 (D1R), dopamine receptor 2 (D2R) and dopamine transporter (DAT) contents in nucleus accumbens (NAc); higher TH content in dorsal striatum (DS); and higher D2R and SOCS3 contents in arcuate nucleus (ARC). On PN15, NIC pups had higher D1R, D2R and lower DAT contents in NAc, while on PN21 they had lower DAT in DS, and lower pSTAT3 content in ARC. On PN170, SSD animals showed an increased food intake compared with SC ones and a preference for the hyperlipidic chow. However, N-SSD animals consumed relatively more hyperglicidic chow than C-SSD ones. N offspring presented lower D2R and DAT contents in the NAc, and lower D2R in the ARC. Model II, nursing rats and their pups were divided into: tobacco smoke-exposed (S group: 4 times/day, from the 3rd to the 21th day of lactation), and ambient air-exposed (C group)...

Eating Habits and Food Preferences of Elementary School Students in Urban and Suburban Areas of Daejeon

This study investigated the dietary habits and food preferences of elementary school students. The survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire distributed to 4th and 5th grade elementary school students (400 boys and 400 girls) in urban and suburban areas of Daejeon. The results of this study were as follows: male students in urban areas ate breakfast, unbalanced diets, and dairy products more frequently than male students in suburban areas (p < 0.05). Female students in urban areas ate dairy products (p < 0.01) and fruits (p < 0.001) more frequently than female students in suburban areas. Students had the high preferences for boiled rice and noodles with black bean sauce, beef rib soup, steamed beef rib, steamed egg, beef boiled in soy sauce, egg roll, bulgogi, pork cutlet, deep-fried pork covered with sweet and sour starchy sauce, and honeyed juice mixed with fruit as a punch. All students preferred kimchi, although students in the suburban areas preferred kimchi-fried rice (p < 0.05), and those in the urban areas preferred bean-paste soup (p < 0.01). Students in suburban areas showed a greater preference for seasoned bean sprouts and Altari kimchi. All of the students preferred fruits, rice cake made with glutinous rice, and pizza among other foods. Overall, there were distinct differences in the eating habits and food preferences of elementary school students according to the place of residence.

The Development of Institutional Food-Service Menu with Temple Food / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study developed two weeks menu using temple foods, assessed preference for the menu among ordinary people, and determined the possibility of using temple foods to make out institutional food service menu. METHODS: To make out the menu, 153 typical types of temple food were selected, under several conditions, thus including balanced food groups, natural foods in season, preparation time, preparation methods, and foods appropriated for institutional foodservice. RESULTS: Developed menu contained 1905.8 kcal, had low fat content, high dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content, and good protein content in the nutritional respect, and fit protein requirements with low calorie content and high nutritional value. In the assessment of the food preference for 73 temple food items, most of the foods scored high (4 out of 5 points) for preference in general; therefore, the menu tended to be satisfied to the adults' preference. In particular, boiled rice (rice with chwi, rice with cirsium, rice with mushroom, rice with mushroom & vegetable and gimbap with tofu) and fried foods (fried shiitake with sweet & sour sauce and fried kelp) were highly preferred. CONCLUSIONS: The menu using temple foods can be a healthy choice for adults if it is well planned and managed. This study may be expected to provide basic data that would help developing menu to popularize temple foods. The above results could be applied at home as well as at foodservice institutes and furthermore could offer information for developing temple food products.

Computerized assessment of food preferences in adolescents in the stimulus equivalence paradigm / Avaliação computadorizada das preferências alimentares em adolescentes no paradigma de equivalência de estímulos / Evaluación computarizada de las preferencias alimentarias de los adolescentes en lo paradigma de la equivalencia de estímulo

In Experiment 1, 71 participants were trained to match three pictures of facial expressions (one that expressed happiness and two that expressed emotional neutrality) to three abstract line drawings and match three healthy food names to the abstract line drawings. The participants were then tested to verify equivalence between facial expressions, abstract pictures, and foods. They were required to rate the foods for pleasantness at the beginning and end of the experiment. The experiment had three different experimental groups that differed only in the amount of training. The foods that were equivalent to the happy and neutral female faces received more positive evaluations than the foods that were equivalent to the neutral male face; however, the data presented high variability. In Experiment 2, schematic faces and fictitious food names were used in a delayed matching-to-sample procedure. The food that was equivalent to the happy face was evaluated as more pleasant, and the food that was equivalent to the sad face was evaluated as less pleasant.

No Experimento 1 foram ensinadas relações entre três expressões faciais (uma de alegria e duas neutras) a três desenhos abstratos e em seguida ensinado a relação de três nomes de alimentos saudáveis aos três desenhos abstratos para 71 participantes. Depois de passar pelo treino das relações, os participantes foram, então, testados para verificar a equivalência entre as expressões faciais, as imagens abstratas e os alimentos. A avaliação da preferência alimentar foi realizada no início e no final do experimento. O experimento teve três diferentes grupos experimentais que diferiam apenas na quantidade de treinamento das relações. Os alimentos equivalentes às expressões faciais de alegria e neutra feminina tiveram avaliações mais positivas do que os alimentos equivalentes à face neutra masculina, no entanto, os dados apresentaram grande variabilidade. No Experimento 2 expressões faciais esquemáticas e nomes fictícios de alimentos foram usados em um procedimento de emparelhamento com o modelo com atraso. O alimento treinado com a face feliz foi avaliado como mais agradável e o relacionado a uma face triste foi avaliado como menos agradável.

En el experimento 1 se enseñaban las relaciones entre los tres expresiones faciales (una de alegría y neutral dos) para tres diseños abstractos y luego enseñó la relación de los tres nombres de los alimentos saludables en tres diseños abstractos a 71 participantes. Después de pasar por la formación de las relaciones, los participantes fueron analizadas para la equivalencia entre las expresiones faciales, las imágenes abstractas y alimentos. La evaluación de la preferencia de alimentos se realizó al inicio y al final del experimento. El experimento consistió en tres diferentes grupos experimentales que diferían sólo en la cantidad de entrenamiento. Los alimentos equivalentes a las expresiones faciales de alegría y mujeres neutral sido objeto de evaluaciones más positivas que los alimentos equivalente a cara neutro masculino, sin embargo, los datos muestran una gran variabilidad. En el Experimento 2 expresiones faciales esquemáticos y nombres fictícios de alimentos fueron utilizados en un procedimiento de igualación a la muestra con retraso. La alimentación equivalente a la cara feliz se evaluó como más agradable y el equivalente a la cara triste se evaluó como menos agradable.

The food repertoire and food preference in children with autism spectrum disorder / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the characteristics of food preferences in children with autism spectrum disorder,in order to provide some reference for treating the odd diet habits.Methods Comparing food selection styles through a self-made parents questionnaire including 113 kinds of common food in six categories in China in 162 cases of neurotypical children (NC) and 162 cases of children with autism (AC) to investigate the food preference characteristics of autistic children.Results Compared with NC,AC had narrow food repertoire in grain (NC refuse 0.0(1.0),AC refuse 1.0(2.0),P＜0.001),beans(NC refuse 0.0(1.0),AC refuse 1.0(2.0),P＜ 0.05),meat (NC refuse 0.0 (0.0),AC refuse 0.0 (2.0),P＜ 0.05),vegetables (NC refuse 3.0 (5.0),AC refuse 6.0(1.0),P＜0.001) and fruits(NC refuse 0.0(1.0),AC refuse 2.0(5.0),P＜0.001).There was no difference in the food preferences in neurotypical children of different gender.However,AC boys were more selective in the grain (NA girls refuse 0.0 (1.0),AC boys refuse 1.0 (2.0),P＜ 0.05) and vegetables (NA girls refuse 3.5 (5.0),AC boys refuse 7.0(11.0),P＜0.05) than AC girls.Moreover,AC had higher preference to lower acceptance in most of food than NC,but not instant noodles(NC acceptance 71.01％,AC acceptance 81.02％,P＜0.05) and chilli (NC acceptance 20.71％,AC acceptance 28.47％,P＜0.05).Conclusion Compared with NC,AC have narrower food repertoire.On the other hand,AC have significantly higher acceptance of stimulating food like chili and instant noodle.

Diet-Related Behaviors and Food Preference of Indonesian / 대한지역사회영양학회지

As Korea is moving toward multicultural society, the number of Muslim, whose religion has a great influence on diet-related behaviors, is increasing in Korea. Since the number of immigrants from Indonesia ranks within top ten in Korea and Indonesia is one of the most representative Islamic countries in Asia, understanding the diet-related behaviors and food preferences of Indonesians is needed. This study was conducted to investigate diet-related behaviors, factors affecting the diet-related perceptions, and food preferences of the Indonesians. The subjects included 500 Indonesians dwelling in Jakarta, Indonesia. About ninety % of the subjects in this study were Muslims. They did not eat pork and dog meat for religious reason and they practiced fasting during Ramadan period. Indonesians avoided pineapple, durian, and hot foods during pregnancy and usually ate vegetables and fruits after birth, which seemed to be due to sociocultural influence. Among the subjects, 21.5% were obese and major health problems reported were hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Their preference for fried food items might have contributed to health problems. Subjects had meals mostly at home (2.3 times/day) and dined out occasionally (1.2 times/ week) at Indonesian restaurants (56.6%) or family restaurants (21.0%). In conclusion, Indonesians had home-based and native food-oriented dietary life with strong religious and sociocultural influence on food choices. Further research on specific nutrient intake analysis is needed to better understand and to improve dietary life of Indonesians in Korea.