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Ulva lactuca, a green seaweed, may be an alternative source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for weaned piglets. However, it has a recalcitrant cell wall rich in a sulphated polysaccharide – ulvan – that is indigestible to monogastrics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of 7% U. lactuca, combined with carbohydrases supplementation (commercial carbohydrase mixture or recombinant ulvan lyase), on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut health parameters (morphology and microbiota) of weaned piglets. The experiment was conducted over 14 days using 40 weaned piglets randomly allocated to one of four experimental diets: a control diet based on wheat–maize–soybean meal, a diet with 7% U. lactuca replacing the control diet (UL), a diet with UL supplemented with 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP, and a diet with UL supplemented with 0.01% of a recombinant ulvan lyase. The dietary treatments had no major effects on growth performance, nitrogen balance and gut content variables, as well as histological measurements. Contrarily, dry matter and organic matter digestibility decreased with dietary seaweed inclusion, while hemicellulose digestibility increased, suggesting a high fermentability of this cell wall fraction independently of carbohydrases supplementation. Some beneficial microbial populations increased as a consequence of enzymatic supplementation (e.g., Prevotella), while seaweed diets as a whole led to an increased abundance of Shuttleworthia, Anaeroplasma and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, all related with a healthier gut. It also decreased Lactobacillus when compared to controls, which is possibly related to increased bioavailability of seaweed zinc. This study indicates that, under these experimental conditions, up to 7% dietary U. lactuca has no detrimental effect on piglet growth, despite decreasing acid detergent fibre digestibility. Carbohydrases supplementation of Ulva diets is not required at this incorporation level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This investigation assessed the effects of high dietary inclusion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on broiler chicken growth performance, meat quality and nutritional attributes. For this, 120 male broiler chicks were housed in 40 battery brooders (three birds per brooder). Initially, for 14 days, a standard corn and soybean meal diet was administered. Subsequently, from days 14 to 35, chicks were assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (n = 10 per treatment): (1) control diet (CTR); (2) diet with 15% Spirulina (SP); (3) diet with 15% extruded Spirulina (SPE); and (4) diet with 15% Spirulina plus a super-dosing enzymes supplement (0.20% pancreatin extract and 0.01% lysozyme) (SPM). Results: Throughout the experimental period, both SP and SPM diets resulted in decreased final body weight and body weight gain compared to control (p < 0.001), with the SPE diet showing comparable results to CTR. The SPE diet prompted an increase in average daily feed intake (p = 0.026). However, all microalga treatments increased the feed conversion ratio compared to CTR. Dietary inclusion of Spirulina notably increased intestinal content viscosity (p < 0.010), which was mitigated by the SPM diet. Spirulina supplementation led to lower pH levels in breast meat 24 h post-mortem and heightened the b* colour value in both breast and thigh meats (p < 0.010). Furthermore, Spirulina contributed to an increased accumulation of total carotenoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA), while diminishing n-6 PUFA, thus altering the n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratios favourably (p < 0.001). However, it also reduced zinc concentration in breast meat (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings indicate that high Spirulina levels in broiler diets impair growth due to increased intestinal viscosity, and that extrusion pre-treatment mitigates this effect. Despite reducing digesta viscosity, a super-dosing enzyme mix did not improve growth. Data also indicates that Spirulina enriches meat with antioxidants and n-3 PUFA but reduces α-tocopherol and increases saturated fats. Reduced zinc content in meat suggests the need for Spirulina biofortification to maintain its nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to review the potential of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as an animal feed source especially for monogastric animal diets, due to their high content of essential nutrients. The findings of a systematic literature review showed that adding CV to poultry and swine diets had different results in terms of nutrient digestibility, although pre-treatments increased nutrient accessibility and digestibility. Cost-effectively produced CV biomass has the potential to be a supplement or substitute for expensive feed ingredients and improve animal health and immunity. Variations in results may be due to differences in microalgal strain, cultivation conditions and dietary inclusion levels. This study provides new insights into the use of CV biomass in animal diets. Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris (CV), have been identified as promising animal feed sources due to their high content of essential nutrients, including proteins, total lipids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. This study aimed to review the digestibility, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of nutrients from CV biomass, and to analyse strategies to enhance their digestibility in monogastric animal diets. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, up until the end of January 2023. The results of adding CV to poultry and swine diets were diverse and depended on a number of variables. However, pre-treatments applied to CV biomass improved nutrient digestibility and accessibility. CV biomass, produced in a cost-effective manner, has the potential to serve as a supplement or substitute for expensive feed ingredients and improve animal health, physiology, and immune status. Variations in results may be due to differences in microalgal strain, cultivation conditions, and dietary inclusion levels, among other factors. This study provides new insights and perspectives into the utilization of CV biomass in animal diets, highlighting its potential as a valuable ingredient to improve nutrient utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a high incorporation level of Ulva lactuca, individually and supplemented with a Carbohydrate-Active enZyme (CAZyme) on broilers' plasma parameters and liver composition is assessed here. Twenty one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 10): corn/soybean meal based-diet (Control); based-diet with 15% U. lactuca (UL); UL diet with 0.005% of commercial carbohydrase mixture; and UL diet with 0.01% of recombinant ulvan lyase. Supplementing U. lactuca with the recombinant CAZyme slightly compromised broilers' growth by negatively affecting final body weight and average daily gain. The combination of U. lactuca with ulvan lyase also increased systemic lipemia through an increase in total lipids, triacylglycerols and VLDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001). Moreover, U. lactuca, regardless of the CAZyme supplementation, enhanced hepatic n-3 PUFA (mostly 20:5n-3) with positive decrease in n-6/n-3 ratio. However, broilers fed with U. lactuca with ulvan lyase reduced hepatic α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations relative to the control. Conversely, the high amount of pigments in macroalga diets led to an increase in hepatic β-carotene, chlorophylls and total carotenoids. Furthermore, U. lactuca, alone or combined with CAZymes, enhanced hepatic total microminerals, including iron and manganese. Overall, plasma metabolites and liver composition changed favorably in broilers that were fed 15% of U. lactuca, regardless of enzyme supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Grape is one of the most produced fruits worldwide for juice and winery industries. Grape by-products include grape pomace, grape seed, and grape-seed oil, and are valuable, although underexplored, ingredients for pig and poultry feeding. Indeed, they are rich in fiber and bioactive phenolic compounds, which makes them promising sources to partially replace conventional and unsustainable feedstuffs. However, grape by-products are mostly discarded or misused (e.g., landfills) with a negative environmental impact. The present review focuses on the effects of grape by-products on poultry and pig production. Overall, these dietary sources could improve piglet growth when added up to 9% feed, conversely to poultry where this result was only obtained using by-products up to 3%. The beneficial effect on animal growth performance is caused by the presence of nutritional and bioactive compounds with consequent enhancement of intestinal health. The incorporation of high levels of grape by-products in poultry diets can impair growth performance due to the presence of anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, the use of processes, such as enzymatic supplementation and pre-treatments, to degrade or inhibit these compounds, should be further explored to allow grape by-products to be used as feed ingredients for monogastric animals. Grape by-products are exceptional options for replacement of conventional and unsustainable feed sources, since large amounts are generated every year from the winery industry. However, the majority is wasted with severe environmental and economic consequences. The present review aimed to evaluate the effects of grape by-products on pig and poultry growth performance. The most recent literature was reviewed using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases and the results of a total of 16 and 38 papers for pigs and poultry, respectively, were assessed. Fewer studies are documented for pig, but the incorporation of grape by-products up to 9% feed led to an improvement in growth performance with an increase in average daily gain. Conversely, lower levels (<3% feed) are needed to achieve these results in poultry. The beneficial effects of grape by-products on animal performance are mainly due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and gut morphology modulator properties, but their high level of cell wall lignification and content of polyphenolic compounds (e.g., tannin) limits nutrient digestion and absorption by monogastric animals. The use of exogenous enzymes or mechanical/chemical processes can provide additional nutritional value to these products by improving nutrient bioavailability. Overall, the valorization of grape by-products is imperative to use them as feed alternatives and intestinal health promoters, thereby contributing to boost circular agricultural economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) promotes plant tolerance to major stresses such as drought, partly by modulating growth through poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we show that ABA-triggered repression of cell proliferation in the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem relies on the swift subcellular relocalization of SNF1-RELATED KINASE 1 (SnRK1). Under favorable conditions, the SnRK1 catalytic subunit, SnRK1α1, is enriched in the nuclei of root cells, and this is accompanied by normal cell proliferation and meristem size. Depletion of two key drivers of ABA signaling, SnRK2.2 and SnRK2.3, causes constitutive cytoplasmic localization of SnRK1α1 and reduced meristem size, suggesting that, under nonstress conditions, SnRK2s promote growth by retaining SnRK1α1 in the nucleus. In response to ABA, SnRK1α1 translocates to the cytoplasm, and this is accompanied by inhibition of target of rapamycin (TOR), decreased cell proliferation, and reduced meristem size. Blocking nuclear export with leptomycin B abrogates ABA-driven SnRK1α1 relocalization to the cytoplasm and ABA-elicited inhibition of TOR. Furthermore, fusing SnRK1α1 to an SV40 nuclear localization signal leads to defective ABA-dependent TOR repression. Altogether, we demonstrate that SnRK2-dependent changes in SnRK1α1 subcellular localization are crucial for inhibiting TOR and root growth in response to ABA. Rapid relocalization of central regulators such as SnRK1 may represent a general strategy of eukaryotic organisms to respond to environmental changes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adolescents in residential care are more likely to report insecure and especially disorganized attachments, which lead to difficulties in emotion regulation and compromise the quality of their interpersonal relationships. In residential care, it is expected that sensitive and responsive caregivers are able to help adolescents regulate their feelings of distress, enabling them to experience a sense of emotional security. The present study sought to analyze the effects of the quality of attachment on emotion regulation and to test the moderating effect of quality of relationship (from adolescents' and caregivers' perspectives) on this association.Methods: The sample involved 306 adolescents, 12-18 years of age, living in residential care and 70 caregivers.Results: The findings underscored the importance of the quality of the relationship with residential caregivers on adolescents' emotion regulation competencies over time. The results also showed that the quality of relationship (emotional closeness) as perceived by the caregivers moderated the association between adolescents' attachment avoidance levels and their emotion regulation strategies.Conclusions: The results are discussed according to attachment theory, and underscore the role the relationship with caregivers plays in the affective reorganization of adolescents living in residential care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Macroalgae have been increasingly exploited worldwide for feed, food and biofuel applications, due to their nutritive and bioactive compounds. Green seaweeds belonging to the genus Ulva have high growth rates, which makes them suitable for being cultured in sustainable algae production, such as an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system. This is expected to increase the use of Ulva sp. as an alternative source to conventional feedstuffs (e.g., cereals and soybean meal) for poultry. The objective of the current study was to assess if the incorporation of 15% Ulva lactuca in broiler chickens' diet, combined or not with carbohydrate-active enzymes, would enhance meat nutritional quality without compromising animal growth performance. Overall, U. lactuca led to an accumulation of antioxidant carotenoids, n-3 PUFA and macrominerals, including magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, in the breast muscle, with likely health benefits, without significantly impairing growth performance. The supplementation of macroalgae with a recombinant ulvan lyase reduced ileal viscosity with possible beneficial effects on broiler digestibility. Although dietary U. lactuca showed potential to increase meat quality, it reduced meat overall acceptability, which suggests the use of a lower algae inclusion level to prevent a negative meat sensory perception for consumers. The aim of the study was to test if feeding 15% U. lactuca to broilers, alone or combined with carbohydrases, enhanced meat nutritional quality, without compromising growth performance. One hundred and twenty 22-day-old broilers were allocated to the following diets and replicated 10 times for 14 days: (1) maize and soy-based diet (control); (2) control with 15% U. lactuca (UL); (3) UL diet with 0.005% commercial carbohydrase mixture (ULC); and (4) UL diet with 0.01% ulvan lyase (ULE). Final body weight and average daily gain decreased (p < 0.050) with the ULE diet compared with the control, but no significant differences were found for the other diets. The intestinal viscosity increased (p < 0.001) with all alga diets but was lowered (p < 0.050) in the ileum with the ULE diet, relative to UL and ULC diets. Meat lightness and redness values, off-flavours, and total carotenoids increased (p < 0.001), while yellow values, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability, α- and γ-tocopherol, and total lipids decreased (p < 0.001) with alga diets. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (p < 0.050), and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased (p < 0.001) with the ULE diet. Total minerals in meat increased (p < 0.001) with alga diets, conversely to sodium and zinc (p < 0.001). Feeding 15% of U. lactuca to broilers did not impair growth but increased meat nutritional value through the accumulation of health-promoting antioxidant carotenoids, n-3 PUFA and total minerals, although reducing overall meat acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Laminaria digitata is an abundant macroalga and a sustainable feedstock for poultry nutrition. L. digitata is a good source of essential amino acids, carbohydrates and vitamins, including A, D, E, and K, as well as triacylglycerols and minerals, in particular iron and calcium. However, the few studies available in the literature with broilers document the application of this macroalga as a dietary supplement rather than a feed ingredient. No study has addressed up until now the effects of a high-level incorporation (> 2% in the diet) of L. digitata on plasma biochemical markers and hepatic lipid composition, as well as minerals and pigments profile in the liver of broilers. Our experimental design included one hundred and twenty Ross 308 male birds contained in 40 wired-floor cages and distributed to the following diets at 22 days of age (n = 10) for 15 days: 1) a corn-soybean basal diet (Control); 2) the basal diet plus 15% of L. digitata (LA); 3) the basal diet plus 15% of L. digitata with 0.005% of Rovabio® Excel AP (LAR); and 4) the basal diet plus 15% of L. digitata with 0.01% of the recombinant CAZyme, alginate lyase (LAE). Results: L. digitata compromised birds' growth performance by causing a reduction in final body weight. It was found an increase in hepatic n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, in particular C18:2n-6, C18:3n-6, C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3, C22:5n-3 and C22:6n-3 with the addition of the macroalga, with or without feed enzymes, to the broiler diets. Also, the beneficial C18:3n-3 fatty acid was increased by combining L. digitata and commercial Rovabio® Excel AP compared to the control diet. The sum of SFA, MUFA and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio were decreased by L. digitata, regardless the addition of exogenous enzymes. β-carotene was enhanced by L. digitata, individually or combined with CAZymes, being also responsible for a positive increase in total pigments. Macrominerals, in particular phosphorous and sulphur, were increased in the liver of broilers fed L. digitata individually relative to the control. For microminerals, copper, iron and the correspondent sum were consistently elevated in the liver of broilers fed L. digitata, individually or combined with exogenous CAZymes. The powerful discriminant analysis tool based on the hepatic characterization revealed a good separation between the control group and L. digitata diets but failed to discriminate the addition of feed enzymes. Conclusions: Overall, this study highlights the value of L. digitata as a feed ingredient for the poultry industry. Moreover, we can conclude that the effect of L. digitata overpowers the effect of feed enzymes, both the Rovabio® Excel AP and the alginate lyase. Having in mind the negative effects observed on birds' performance, our main recommendation at this stage is to restraint L. digitata incorporation level in forthcoming nutritional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents in residential care have an increased risk of developing psychosocial problems, however, not all adolescents are equally vulnerable. This study aims to provide a review and methodological evaluation of current studies, which focus on protective and risk factors associated with the psychosocial adjustment of adolescents in residential care. Relevant literature was searched in five databases and we identified 25 publications, which met the inclusion criteria. Information regarding direct/indirect risk and protective factors was organized at the individual, social and contextual levels for different outcomes. The results showed that risk and protective factors, were mainly social and contextual factors. Moreover, very few individual factors were found to be related to psychosocial adjustment. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze each study and showed that some data was poorly or inconsistently reported. This review showed that research on risk and protective factors related to adolescents living in residential care is still limited. Therefore, longitudinal studies with high-quality design and power are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: GPI anchor addition is important for JAGGER localization and in vivo function. Loss of correct GPI anchor addition in JAGGER, negatively affects its localization and function.In flowering plants, successful double fertilization requires the correct delivery of two sperm cells to the female gametophyte inside the ovule. The delivery of a single pair of sperm cells is achieved by the entrance of a single pollen tube into one female gametophyte. To prevent polyspermy, Arabidopsis ovules avoid the attraction of multiple pollen tubes to one ovule–polytubey block. In Arabidopsisjagger mutants, a significant number of ovules attract more than one pollen tube to an ovule due to an impairment in synergid degeneration. JAGGER encodes a putative arabinogalactan protein which is predicted to be anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Here, we show that JAGGER fused to citrine yellow fluorescent protein (JAGGER-cYFP) is functional and localizes mostly to the periphery of ovule integuments and transmitting tract cells. We further investigated the importance of GPI-anchor addition domains for JAGGER localization and function. Different JAGGER proteins with deletions in predicted ω-site regions and GPI attachment signal domain, expected to compromise the addition of the GPI anchor, led to disruption of JAGGER localization in the cell periphery. All JAGGER proteins with disrupted localization were also not able to rescue the polytubey phenotype, pointing to the importance of GPI-anchor addition to in vivo function of the JAGGER protein.GPI anchor addition is important for JAGGER localization and in vivo function. Loss of correct GPI anchor addition in JAGGER, negatively affects its localization and function.In flowering plants, successful double fertilization requires the correct delivery of two sperm cells to the female gametophyte inside the ovule. The delivery of a single pair of sperm cells is achieved by the entrance of a single pollen tube into one female gametophyte. To prevent polyspermy, Arabidopsis ovules avoid the attraction of multiple pollen tubes to one ovule–polytubey block. In Arabidopsisjagger mutants, a significant number of ovules attract more than one pollen tube to an ovule due to an impairment in synergid degeneration. JAGGER encodes a putative arabinogalactan protein which is predicted to be anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Here, we show that JAGGER fused to citrine yellow fluorescent protein (JAGGER-cYFP) is functional and localizes mostly to the periphery of ovule integuments and transmitting tract cells. We further investigated the importance of GPI-anchor addition domains for JAGGER localization and function. Different JAGGER proteins with deletions in predicted ω-site regions and GPI attachment signal domain, expected to compromise the addition of the GPI anchor, led to disruption of JAGGER localization in the cell periphery. All JAGGER proteins with disrupted localization were also not able to rescue the polytubey phenotype, pointing to the importance of GPI-anchor addition to in vivo function of the JAGGER protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciding whether others' emotions are genuine is essential for successful communication and social relationships. While previous fMRI studies suggested that differentiation between authentic and acted emotional expressions involves higher-order brain areas, the time course of authenticity discrimination is still unknown. To address this gap, we tested the impact of authenticity discrimination on event-related potentials (ERPs) related to emotion, motivational salience, and higher-order cognitive processing (N100, P200 and late positive complex, the LPC), using vocalised non-verbal expressions of sadness (crying) and happiness (laughter) in a 32-participant, within-subject study. Using a repeated measures 2-factor (authenticity, emotion) ANOVA, we show that N100's amplitude was larger in response to authentic than acted vocalisations, particularly in cries, while P200's was larger in response to acted vocalisations, particularly in laughs. We suggest these results point to two different mechanisms: (1) a larger N100 in response to authentic vocalisations is consistent with its link to emotional content and arousal (putatively larger amplitude for genuine emotional expressions); (2) a larger P200 in response to acted ones is in line with evidence relating it to motivational salience (putatively larger for ambiguous emotional expressions). Complementarily, a significant main effect of emotion was found on P200 and LPC amplitudes, in that the two were larger for laughs than cries, regardless of authenticity. Overall, we provide the first electroencephalographic examination of authenticity discrimination and propose that authenticity processing of others' vocalisations is initiated early, along that of their emotional content or category, attesting for its evolutionary relevance for trust and bond formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary macroalgae, or seaweeds, on growth performance and meat quality of livestock animal species are here reviewed. Macroalgae are classified into Phaeophyceae (brown algae), Rhodophyceae (red algae) and Chlorophyceae (green algae). The most common macroalga genera used as livestock feedstuffs are: Ascophyllum, Laminaria and Undaria for brown algae; Ulva, Codium and Cladophora for green algae; and Pyropia, Chondrus and Palmaria for red algae. Macroalgae are rich in many nutrients, including bioactive compounds, such as soluble polysaccharides, with some species being good sources of n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. To date, the incorporation of macroalgae in livestock animal diets was shown to improve growth and meat quality, depending on the alga species, dietary level and animal growth stage. Generally, Ascophyllum nodosum can increase average daily gain (ADG) in ruminant and pig mostly due to its prebiotic activity in animal's gut. A. nodosum also enhances marbling score, colour uniformity and redness, and can decrease saturated fatty acids in ruminant meats. Laminaria sp., mainly Laminaria digitata, increases ADG and feed efficiency, and improves the antioxidant potential of pork. Ulva sp., and its mixture with Codium sp., was shown to improve poultry growth at up to 10% feed. Therefore, seaweeds are promising sustainable alternatives to corn and soybean as feed ingredients, thus attenuating the current competition among food‐feed‐biofuel industries. In addition, macroalgae can hinder eutrophication and participate in bioremediation. However, some challenges need to be overcome, such as the development of large‐scale and cost‐effective algae production methods and the improvement of algae digestibility by monogastric animals. The dietary inclusion of Carbohydrate‐Active enZymes (CAZymes) could allow for the degradation of recalcitrant macroalga cell walls, with an increase of nutrients bioavailability. Overall, the use of macroalgae as feedstuffs is a promising strategy for the development of a more sustainable livestock production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, 199 pre-selected Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) and sulfatases were assessed, either alone or in combination, to evaluate their capacity to disrupt Laminaria digitata cell wall, with the consequent release of interesting nutritional compounds. A previously characterized individual alginate lyase, belonging to the family 7 of polysaccharide lyases (PL7) and produced by Saccharophagus degradans, was shown to be the most efficient in the in vitro degradation of L. digitata cell wall. The alginate lyase treatment, compared to the control, released up to 7.11 g/L of reducing sugars (p < 0.001) and 8.59 mmol/100 g dried alga of monosaccharides (p < 0.001), and reduced cell wall fluorescence intensity by 39.1% after staining with Calcofluor White (p = 0.001). The hydrolysis of gel-forming polymer alginate by the alginate lyase treatment could prevent the trapping of fatty acids and release beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly 18:1c9 (p < 0.001), to the extracellular medium. However, no liberation of proteins (p > 0.170) or pigments (p > 0.070) was observed. Overall, these results show the ability of an individual alginate lyase, from PL7 family, to partially degrade L. digitata cell wall under physiological conditions. Therefore, this CAZyme can potentially improve the bioavailability of L. digitata bioactive compounds for monogastric diets, with further application in feed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrinsic and extrinsic types of motivation have been widely studied, and their importance on both developmental and educational practices has led to the development of assessment tools. The Aspiration Index scale (AI; Grouzet et al., 2005), which was developed to measure people's life aspirations, was translated and validated into Portuguese. A sample of 1,359 adolescents, age ranged from 12 to 18 years-old, participated in the present study. Results showed that a factor structure with the eleven subscales of the AI does not fit the data. However we gathered support for a three-factor structure that organized the items in terms of whether aspirations are intrinsically, extrinsically or self-transcendent oriented. Internal consistency and temporal stability yielded good results. The predictive and criterion validities were demonstrated by significant associations with theoretically supported measures of satisfaction with life and father and mother attachment. The multi-group confirmatory factor analysis showed that this structure was invariant across gender. These results suggest that the AI is a reliable measure to assess different types of life aspirations and can be used in future research with adolescents in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds, including the green Ulva lactuca, can potentially reduce competition between feed, food, and fuel. They can also contribute to the improved development of weaned piglets. However, their indigestible polysaccharides of the cell wall pose a challenge. This can be addressed through carbohydrase supplementation, such as the recombinant ulvan lyase. The objective of our study was to assess the muscle metabolism of weaned piglets fed with 7% U. lactuca and 0.01% ulvan lyase supplementation, using an integrated transcriptomics (RNA-seq) and proteomics (LC–MS) approach. Feeding piglets with seaweed and enzyme supplementation resulted in reduced macronutrient availability, leading to protein degradation through the proteasome (PSMD2), with resulting amino acids being utilized as an energy source (GOT2, IDH3B). Moreover, mineral element accumulation may have contributed to increased oxidative stress, evident from elevated levels of antioxidant proteins like catalase, as a response to maintaining tissue homeostasis. The upregulation of the gene AQP7, associated with the osmotic stress response, further supports these findings. Consequently, an increase in chaperone activity, including HSP90, was required to repair damaged proteins. Our results suggest that enzymatic supplementation may exacerbate the effects observed from feeding U. lactuca alone, potentially due to side effects of cell wall degradation during digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims tests the predictive effect of the quality of relationship to significant figures (teachers, school and institutional staff) in the development of self-concept of young people. Also tests the mediational effect of the quality of relationship to peers and the moderating effect of the time of residential care in this association. The sample was composed by 400 institutionalized young people, between 12 and 18 years from both genders, in Portugal. The results underline the importance of the quality of the relationship to the significant figures of affection (in school and institution) for the development of a positive self-concept. The relationship with peers shows to be relevant corroborating the mediational role in the development of self-concept. The time of residential care didn't show significant relationship between the quality of relationship established with significant adults and selfconcept. Attachment theory emphasizes the importance of secure relationships between adults and young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: I Scientific Reports i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03131-z, published on 9 December 2021 The original version of this Article contained an error in Table 3, column "Comparison", where the greater-than and less-than signs in rows "N100" and "P200" were incorrect. Additionally, to increase the readability of the Table, data in row "LPC" was adjusted; values "Acted" and "Authentic" were abbreviated to "Act" and "Auth"; the asterisks present in rows "N100: Crying" and "P200: Laughter" were deleted to avoid redundancy; and the negative symbols present in column "Mean difference (authentic acted)" were changed to positive symbols. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND Tannins are polyphenolic compounds able to modify the ruminal biohydrogenation ( BH) of unsaturated fatty acids, but their activity may vary among different tannin sources. The effect of rockrose ( Cistus ladanifer) on BH has never been compared with other more common tannin sources. Tannin extracts (100 g kg−1 substrate dry matter) from chestnut ( CH), quebracho ( QB), grape seed ( GS) and rockrose ( CL) were incubated in vitro for 6 h with ruminal fluid using as substrate a feed containing 60 g kg−1 of sunflower oil. A control treatment with no added tannins was also included. RESULTS Compared with the control, GS and CL, but not CH and QB, increased ( P < 0.05) the disappearance of c9, c12-18:2 with a consequent larger production of c9, t11-18:2 and t11-18:1. However, no differences among treatments ( P > 0.05) were observed for the disappearance of c9-18:1 and c9, c12, c15-18:3. The production of 18:0 was not different ( P > 0.05) among treatments, although its proportion in the total BH products was lower ( P < 0.05) for GS than for the other treatments. CONCLUSION Condensed tannins from GS and, to a lesser extent, from CL stimulate the first steps of BH, without a clear inhibition of 18:0 production. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to institutional care often implies the separation from a dysfunctional environment, marked by neglect, abandonment and lack of emotional responsiveness, which makes youth more vulnerable to the development of deviant behavior. The quality of the relationship established with significant figures within the institution as well as with teachers is suggested as a protective factor for the development of resilience and the detachment from deviant behaviour. The present study aims to test the predictive effect of the quality of relationship to institutional caregivers and teachers on the development of resilience and deviant behaviour in institutionalized adolescents. We also intend to test the mediating effect of resilience in the previous association. The sample was composed by 202 institutionalized adolescents, 12-18 aged (M = 14.96, SD = 1.80), and from both genders. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. The results demonstrated that the quality of relationship with significant figures was positively associated with resilience and may play an important role in preventing deviant behaviour. There was also a total mediation effect of resilience on the association between quality of relationship with significant figures and development of deviant behaviour. The results suggest that the affective reorganization of institutionalized adolescents can be promoted by the establishment of safe havens, which reflect feelings of belonging and acceptance, facilitating a more adaptive experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children and youth residential care institutions were forced to introduce adaptations to their regular functioning in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic challenges. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the lockdown on the adolescents' psychological adjustment and whether adolescents' perceived cohesion mitigated the increase of adolescents' psychological adjustment problems. Participants were 243 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, living in 21 different residential care institutions. The results suggested a moderating role of cohesion on the stability of adolescents' emotional distress across time. Lower levels of cohesion were related with higher emotional distress stability across time. On the contrary, as cohesion increased, the association between adolescents' emotional distress at T0 and T1 decreased. Results are discussed considering the mechanisms raised by the institutions to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize the negative effects on the psychological adjustment of adolescents living in residential care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand what's the contribution of the supervisor in the promotion of quality in child education, addressing the specific circumstances of the institutions that integrate the cooperative network in the portuguese educational system. Based on research methodology of multiple case studies, the empirical study was developed in and counted with thirteen kindergarten teachers and three directors of three institutions of private and cooperative network of the Leiria district. Modern society has evolved greatly towards quality, which makes it harder to understand the role of the educational supervisor in this world in which educational coordinators, directors and teachers themselves, play supervisory functions, representing an important contribution to qualitative improvement and management of the organizations. In general, what the study suggests is that supervisory practices do exist in these kind of institutions but require, above all, a change in training of the technicians and greater awareness towards the important role that it may represent to educational practices. It is therefore imperative that technicians are aware of the important role they play in the daily life of childhood education and supervisory practices, of their duties and master techniques and strategies that can / should use or develop in each context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormally low CD8+ T-lymphocyte numbers is characteristic of some patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), a MHC-linked disorder of iron overload. Both environmental and genetic components are known to influence CD8+ T-lymphocyte homeostasis but the role of the HH associated protein HFE is still insufficiently understood. Genome-wide expression profiling was performed in peripheral blood CD8+ T lymphocytes from HH patients selected according to CD8+ T-lymphocyte numbers and from Hfe-/- mice maintained either under normal or high iron diet conditions. In addition, T-lymphocyte apoptosis and cell cycle progression were analyzed by flow cytometry in HH patients. HH patients with low CD8+ T-lymphocyte numbers show a differential expression of genes related to lymphocyte differentiation and maturation namely CCR7, LEF1, ACTN1, NAA50, P2RY8 and FOSL2, whose expression correlates with the relative proportions of naïve, central and effector memory subsets. In addition, expression levels of LEF1 and P2RY8 in memory cells as well as the proportions of CD8+ T cells in G2/M cell cycle phase are significantly different in HH patients compared to controls. Hfe-/- mice do not show alterations in CD8+ T-lymphocyte numbers but differential gene response patterns. We found an increased expression of S100a8 and S100a9 that is most pronounced in high iron diet conditions. Similarly, CD8+ T lymphocytes from HH patients display higher S100a9 expression both at the mRNA and protein level. Altogether, our results support a role for HFE as a negative regulator of CD8+ T-lymphocyte activation. While the activation markers S100a8 and S100a9 are strongly increased in CD8+ T cells from both, Hfe-/- mice and HH patients, a differential profile of genes related to differentiation/maturation of CD8+ T memory cells is evident in HH patients only. This supports the notion that HFE contributes, at least in part, to the generation of low peripheral blood CD8+ T lymphocytes in HH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) is a recessively inherited disorder of iron overload occurring commonly in subjects homozygous for the C282Y mutation in HFE gene localized on chromosome 6p21.3 in linkage disequilibrium with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A locus. Although its genetic homogeneity, the phenotypic expression is variable suggesting the presence of modifying factors. One such genetic factor, a SNP microhaplotype named A-A-T, was recently found to be associated with a more severe phenotype and also with low CD8+T-lymphocyte numbers. The present study aimed to test whether the predictive value of the A-A-T microhaplotype remained in other population settings. In this study of 304 HH patients from 3 geographically distant populations (Porto, Portugal 65; Alabama, USA 57; Nord-Trøndelag, Norway 182), the extended haplotypes involving A-A-T were studied in 608 chromosomes and the CD8+ T-lymphocyte numbers were determined in all subjects. Patients from Porto had a more severe phenotype than those from other settings. Patients with A-A-T seemed on average to have greater iron stores (p = 0.021), but significant differences were not confirmed in the 3 separate populations. Low CD8+ T-lymphocytes were associated with HLA-A*03-A-A-T in Porto and Alabama patients but not in the greater series from Nord-Trøndelag. Although A-A-T may signal a more severe iron phenotype, this study was unable to prove such an association in all population settings, precluding its use as a universal predictive marker of iron overload in HH. Interestingly, the association between A-A-T and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, which was confirmed in Porto and Alabama patients, was not observed in Nord-Trøndelag patients, showing that common HLA haplotypes like A*01–B*08 or A*03–B*07 segregating with HFE/C282Y in the three populations may carry different messages. These findings further strengthen the relevance of HH as a good disease model to search for novel candidate loci associated with the genetic transmission of CD8+ T-lymphocyte numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study refers to the borderline personality theme shown through the life experience of a young adult woman who demonstrates inner instability and the passage to action through self-mutilation. The evaluation reveals self-fragmentation and inefficiency in the use of defense mechanisms, shown by a fragile and immature personality with low impulse control. This study was developed within the psychology consultations in the Psychology Department of Hospital Magalhães Lemos. Psychological intervention is recommended in order to clarify, organize and transform the internal elements into thinkable elements, suggesting the need for change of a singular reactive and permanent behavior. The result of the psychological counseling process, designed under the psychodynamic model, had a structuring effect, leading to a better discernment between fantasy and reality, demonstrating, even if prematurely, a greater capacity to think and produce feelings and emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The programme of naval reform initiated in the eighteenth century in order to modernise and expand the Spanish navy had a major impact in Ferrol. The composition of the population underwent a dramatic transformation as a consequence of political decisions. The new policies generated important cultural and social changes, including the immigration of people from Great Britain and Ireland. Hence, the purpose of this study is to present the different transcriptions of British and Irish family names found in the primary texts analysed. Evidence suggests that there may be a relationship between the different orthographic representations and the integration of immigrants into the culture of their host society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the attachment theory, early experiences with primary caregivers are the foundation of the expectations and beliefs about the self, others, and the world. It becomes particularly relevant in youth living in Residential Care (RC) settings, due to their past adversities. In this context, care workers can provide emotional healing experiences by acting as secure base figures and fostering conditions for youth's revision of their internal working models. The main aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between youth attachment dimensions and satisfaction with the residential caregiving environment, as well as, to analyze the potential mediator effect of the relationship quality with care workers in RC settings in the prior association. The sample was composed of youth, aged 12 to 18 (M = 15.54; SD = 1.66) living in RC settings in Porto district, Portugal (N = 248), that responded to three self-report measures. Results showed that attachment dimensions were associated with youth satisfaction with their caregiving environment, being this association mediated by the relationship quality with care workers. This study highlights the importance of investing in good relational experiences for youth satisfaction with the RC caregiving environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature suggests that the relational quality of parent-child dyad may be assumed as a risk or protective factor in the development and projection of life aspirations and development of psychopathologic symptoms of depressive nature. The present study aims to analyze the role of quality of attachment to parents in the development of life aspirations of adolescents, testing the mediating effect of depression in the previous association. The sample consisted of 1326 participants, aged between 12 and 18 years. The results suggest that the dimensions of attachment to parents differentially predict the intrinsic and extrinsic life aspirations and depressive symptoms. It also notes that depressive symptoms have a positive mediator effect on the association between the quality of the emotional bond to the father and extrinsic life aspirations. The results were discussed in the light of the theory of attachment and self- determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate: 1) the in vitro bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities of four selected marine hydrolysates, from anchovy or giant squid, against several fish pathogens, and 2) if the inclusion of 3% of those hydrolysates in a plant-protein-based diet could result in similar growth, feed efficiency, humoral immune status and haematological parameters of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), compared to a fish meal-based diet, during an in vivo trial. Four marine hydrolysates from anchovy (ANC) or giant squid (GS) were obtained by hydrolysis using either a single protease (P1, endopeptidase activity; or P2, endo - and exopeptidase activities) or a mixture of P1 and P2 (MIX). Bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities of each hydrolysates were evaluated in vitro against several fish pathogens. Afterwards, four experimental diets with ANC (ANC-P1 and ANC-P2) or GS (GS-MIX and GS-P2) hydrolysates, a positive control (PC) diet with a higher content of a fishmeal (25%), and a negative control (NC) diet, where 50% of fishmeal of PC diet was replaced by plant sources, were formulated for an in vivo trial. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of juvenile European seabass (7.0 ± 2.0 g) distributed into tanks of 250 L each, at a density of 3.7 kg m−3, for 60 days. At the end of the in vivo trial, growth performance, nutrient utilization, whole body composition and humoral immune status of fish were evaluated. The in vitro trial showed that all marine hydrolysates conferred resistance against fish pathogens, as they had bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities against a great number of bacteria belonging to the Vibrionaceae family. However, GS hydrolysed by a single peptidase (P2) resulted in a lower bactericidal activity (P <.050) against Vibrio harveyi than the others hydrolysates. During the in vivo trial, fish fed ANC-P1, ANC-P2 and GS-MIX diets had similar (P >.050) growth compared to fish fed PC diet, whereas fish fed GS-P2 had lower (P ≤.001) final body weight and specific growth rate than fish fed PC. However, the experimental diets barely affected innate immunity. These results showed that the 3% inclusion of ANC and GS hydrolysates, mainly ANC hydrolysed by a single protease with both endo - and exopeptidase activities (P2) or GS hydrolysed by a protease mix (MIX), in plant-protein-based diets for juvenile European seabass could be good options to hamper the negative effects caused by plant ingredients. • Marine hydrolysates hampered negative effects caused by dietary plant proteins. • Hydrolysates at only 3% could replace 12.5% of fishmeal in plant-based diets. • Effects of hydrolysates depend on hydrolysis process and hydrolysate source. • Hydrolysates had bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities against Vibrionaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Girls perceive higher emotional closeness in the relationships with their caregivers and boys develop relationships marked by relational tension. • Adolescents who reported more difficulties of emotional awareness present lower levels of emotional closeness in the relationships with their caregivers. • Caregivers may be especially relevant and sensitive to adolescents who lack strategies of emotion regulation and create the conditions for adolescents to feel secure and ask for help. • Attachment avoidance is associated with relational tension in the relationship with caregivers. The quality of the relationship between adolescents and significant figures constitutes a relevant factor to emotional and adaptive functioning. Caregivers at the institution have a significant responsibility in caring for adolescents and represent a key determinant in adolescents' adaptation. However, less attention has been devoted to how adolescents perceive these relationships and to predictors of their quality. This study aims to analyze different level predictors (sociodemographic and institutional hystory-related, emotional/relational and contextual level) of the quality of the relationship between adolescents and their caregivers, in a sample of 326 adolescent participants (228 female and 98 male) from 20 residential care institutions. Participants responded to self-report questionnaires concerning the quality of relationship with caregivers, attachment, emotion regulation and institutional climate. Data regarding structural and functional information about the residential care context were collected with the directors. The results suggested that the adolescents' perception of quality of relationship was associated with individual (gender) and emotional/relational factors (emotion regulation and attachment), but not with contextual factors (cohesion, ratio and number total children/youth) and other individual variables (time living in institution, age at entering the institution, live another institution and age at entering in the first institution). The results are discussed in light of attachment theory, pointing out the role of the relevance of quality of relationship with caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of an attachment-based intervention on care workers’ reflexive functioning (RF), analyzing 212 professionals in a randomized control trial. The study employed a multi-group latent difference score model to investigate changes in professionals’ certainty (i.e., hypermentalizing) while controlling for attachment-related anxiety and avoidance at T0. Furthermore, it examined whether these changes predicted the professionals’ ability to foster children’s autonomy. Results showed reduced hypermentalizing in the experimental group over time, correlating with higher levels of children’s autonomous/secure support. The role of RF processes in enhancing professionals’ capabilities to support the autonomy of children will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of attachment relationships developed within an institutional environment may be a risk or protective factor for the creation of life aspirations and for emotion regulation abilities among adolescents in residential care contexts. The present study aims to analyze the predictive role of attachment on life aspirations for adolescents in a residential care context, as well as to test the mediating effect of emotion regulation difficulties in this association. The sample included 296 adolescents living in Residential Care facilities in Portugal, with ages raging between 12 and 18 (M = 15.30, SD = 1.76), being 71.6% female. Self-report measures included the Experiences in Close Relationships, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Aspiration Index, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Attachment figure negatively predicts the importance of life aspirations, while difficulties in emotional regulation mediate the association between attachment and life aspirations. Associations of length of institutionalization and age of entrance on residential care were tested and discussed. Practical implications were considered highlighting the importance of intervention with young people, the family, and caregivers in residential care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions imposed by the Covid-19 outbreaks forced residential care (RC) facilities to experience new challenges and to adopt new practices. The aim of the current study is to analyze how RC facilities have experienced and managed confinement during the 1st wave of the pandemic. A thematic analysis of 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals responsible for managing crisis in RC facilities. The main implications of the confinement measures on RC dynamics and relations were organized in three major themes: Chaos, novelty and organization; reinventing normalization and deconfinement. The pandemic exposes the structural weaknesses of RC, namely mobility of human resources, scarcity of supportive networks, and fragilities in providing comprehensive and integrative care. These factors need to be considered when addressing risk/vulnerability and discussing best practices and policies on child/youth welfare domain. Future studies should explore representations of important key actors as youth, families and other professionals from youth care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Father and Mother Attachment Questionnaire (FMAQ) is a 30-item self-report measure developed for assessing adolescents' and young adults' representations of attachment relationships with each parental figure separately, across three dimensions: quality of emotional bond, separation anxiety, and inhibition of exploration and individuality. Five studies were conducted to develop a short-form of FMAQ and to examine whether this new short measure presented with fit psychometric properties. Method: Study 1 involved Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses with 563 Portuguese adolescents and aim to select the best items to include in the short-form of the FMAQ. Studies 2 to 5 aimed to replicate the reliability and factor structure found in Study 1 through confirmatory factor analysis on independent samples of adolescents, young adults and adults. Results: The IRT results suggested including 15-items in the short-form of FMAQ. The results provide support for the adjustment of the short factor structure, internal consistency, and invariance measurement (among gender of participants and parental roles), and predictive validity across different samples. Conclusions: The results obtained in the five studies indicate that the short-form FMAQ is a reliable instrument to assess the quality of attachment to parents in adolescence and emerging adulthood, as well as to evaluate adults' perceptions of their parents as attachment figures during their adolescence. Thus, we suggest this short-form as a promising research tool for researchers quickly to assess attachment to parents in these ages taking into account a three-dimensional approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracentrotus lividus gonads are considered a prized seafood delicacy due to its organoleptic features. The increasing market demand for sea urchin depleted several wild stocks, thus aquaculture can play an important role in supplying high-quality animals. Nevertheless, the success of this activity largely depends on the development of nutritionally balanced diets capable of producing excellent gonads. In this study, four extruded diets formulated with low or high protein (30 and 50% dry matter (DM), LP and HP, respectively) and lipid (6 and 11% DM, LL and HL, respectively) levels were fed to wild-caught individuals (4.5 cm diameter) for 15 weeks. Twelve homogeneous groups of 15 individuals were randomly distributed by mesh cages (45 urchins/m2) within 250 L tanks in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) at 18 °C and a 12 L:12 D photoperiod regime. Sea urchins fed the LP/LL diet were compared to wild specimens with similar maturation stage. All experimental diets were well accepted by sea urchins and resulted in similar final body weight (42–43 g). No significant differences were observed in specific growth rate or protein efficiency ratio among diets. The HP diets led to a decrease of dry matter and energy intake resulting in the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR). Weight gain, whole body composition and nutrient gain remained similar among dietary treatments. The gonad somatic index (GSI) varied between sex but was similar among dietary treatments (19–23%) and was higher than values observed in wild specimens (6–7%). Females had significantly higher total concentration of carotenoids than males, irrespectively of the dietary treatments. Dietary treatments and sex did not affect gonad texture (firmness and resilience) or colour parameters (brightness, redness, yellowness, chroma or hue angle), but affected gonad composition. Total carotenoid content in gonads was not affected by diets and resulted in lower values compared to wild specimens. These had higher levels of echinenone, β-cryptoxantin and β-carotene and showed higher redness and firmness values when compared to the LP/LL diet, irrespectively of the sex. Gonad lipid content and n-3 PUFA were higher in female than in male, whilst protein content showed an opposite trend, suggesting some sex related differences in the metabolic use of nutrients. This study clearly shows that it is possible to enhance sea urchin gonad yield in relation to wild animals in a RAS at 18 °C. All diets were effective in promoting gonad growth, but the diet with the lowest protein (30% DM) and lowest lipid (6% DM) level resulted in the highest gonad yield in both sexes. • It is possible to successfully enhance sea urchin gonad yield in relation to wild animals in a RAS at 18 °C • Diet with the lowest protein (30 % DM) and lowest lipid (6% DM) level resulted in the highest gonad yield in both genders • Males and females differ in their ability to use protein and lipids and to incorporate pigments into their gonads • Females had significantly higher total concentration of carotenoids than males • Wild urchins have highest levels of echinenone, β-cryptoxantin and β-carotene and highest redness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulva lactuca is a seaweed with antinutritional cell wall for monogastrics. Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) supplementation can potentially cause its disruption. This study evaluates four diets: Ctrl—control diet; UL—control + 7% U. lactuca (wild caught, powdered form); ULR—UL + 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP; ULU—UL + 0.01% ulvan lyase on piglets' haematologic and serologic profiles, hepatic lipids and minerals. White blood cells and lymphocytes reached the highest values in piglets fed UL compared to control, and to control and ULR; respectively (P < 0.05). IgG levels were boosted by seaweed incorporation compared to control (P = 0.015). The glycaemic homeostasis was assured by the seaweed inclusion. Dietary seaweed decreased serum lipids (P < 0.001), with the exception of ULU, due to HDL-cholesterol increase (P < 0.001). Cortisol was decreased in ULR and ULU (P < 0.001). No systemic inflammation was observed (P > 0.05). While hepatic n-3 PUFA increased in piglets fed with seaweed diets due to increment of beneficial 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids (P < 0.05), the opposite occurred for n-6 PUFA, PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios (P < 0.05). Hepatic pigments were unchanged (P > 0.05). ULR reduced α-tocopherol levels (P = 0.036) and increased serum potassium levels (P < 0.001) compared to control. Seaweed contributed to overcome piglets' weaning stress, with some benefits of including CAZyme supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds, such as Laminaria digitata, are a sustainable alternative to conventional feedstuffs for weaned piglet diets, improving their health and mitigating environmental impacts. L. digitata has a complex cell wall that can be difficult for monogastrics to digest. However, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) such as Rovabio® Excel AP and alginate lyase can help break down these polysaccharides and render intracellular nutrients more accessible. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of 10% L. digitata feed inclusion and CAZyme supplementation on piglet blood cells, serum metabolites, liver lipid and mineral profiles. Forty weaned piglets were randomly assigned to one of four diets (n = 10 each): a control diet, 10% L. digitata (LA), 10% L. digitata + 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP (LAR), and 10% L. digitata + 0.01% alginate lyase (LAL). After two weeks of trial, animals were slaughtered and liver and blood serum samples taken for analysis. The results showed that the LA and LAL diets increased blood lymphocytes, IgG and IgM, and decreased serum lipids, improving both cellular and humoral immune response and cardiovascular health. Dietary CAZymes reversed the anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic effects. Additionally, cortisol levels were reduced with seaweed inclusion compared to the control diet (P < 0.001). In the liver, total n-3 PUFA and n-6/n-3 ratio were increased and decreased, respectively, due to eicosapentaenoic acid and α-linolenic acid accumulation (P < 0.001). However, total liver mineral content was incorporated to a lesser extent with the combined seaweed and enzyme diets (P < 0.001), potentially indicating a negative effect on mineral bioavailability. Overall, results suggest that a 10% L. digitata inclusion can effectively improve piglet health by reducing stress during weaning, without the need for dietary CAZymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a scarcity of studies that relate attachment, emotional regulation difficulties and perception of the institutional environment among adolescents in a residential care context (RCC). Research has suggested the negative effects of RCC on the physical, cognitive and emotional development of children. Nonetheless, there appears to be significant variability in the quality of protection and care offered in RCC, with important implications for the development of children and adolescents. Establishing affective relationships can make a difference in the adaptation and perception of the institutional environment, as well as in the capacity for emotional regulation, among this population. The aim of the present study is to analyze the predictive role of adolescents' attachment to significant figures of affection in the perception of the institutional environment, by testing the moderating effect of emotional regulation difficulties on the previous association. The sample consisted of 296 adolescents, between the ages of 12 and 18 years (M = 15.30; SD = 1.76). The instruments used for data collection were the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR), the Family Environment Scale (FES), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The results suggest that attachment dimensions are not associated with the perception of the institutional environment. However, there is a moderating effect of emotional regulation difficulties on the previous association. The results will be discussed according to attachment theory, given its importance for the perception of the institutional environment and for emotional regulation difficulties, among adolescents in residential care contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of two levels of Cistus ladanifer and three levels of oil blend (soybean:linseed, 1:2) in a 1:1 forage-to-concentrate diet was evaluated regarding the extent of rumen biohydrogenation, the characterization of products formed in the rumen and their transfer to abomasum and plasma. Hence, we analyzed samples from rumen contents, abomasal digesta and plasma of thirty six Merino Branco lambs randomly assigned to 6 diets: 2 levels of C. ladanifer (50 vs. 200 g/kg DM) and 3 levels of oil blend (0 vs. 40 vs. 80 g/kg DM). The intake of high levels of C. ladanifer with oil tended ( P < 0.1) to reduce the extent of biohydrogenation in rumen and abomasum to about 44% and 42% of completeness, respectively, while oil addition to diets containing 50 g/kg DM of C. ladanifer did not affect the extent of biohydrogenation, averaging 70% of estimated completeness. Thus, an interactive effect between C. ladanifer and oil was observed for the concentration of biohydrogenation intermediates (BI) transferred to abomasum and plasma, with diets containing 200 g/kg DM of C. ladanifer supplemented with oil presenting the highest BI concentration. This was reflected in a great accumulation of t 10-18:1 in rumen when high levels of C. ladanifer and oil were fed to lambs, and this accumulation was also more clearly observed in abomasum and plasma. Linear relationships between 18:3 n −3 with t 10, c 15-18:2 ( r 2 = 0.575, P < 0.001), and t 10, c 15-18:2 with t 10-18:1 ( r 2 = 0.481, P < 0.001) in rumen were observed, which supports the hypothesis that these BI could be formed from the 18:3 n −3 by a t 10-shifted biohydrogenation pathway. Moreover, according to linear regressions we verified that the t 10-/ t 11-18:1 ratio in the rumen and abomasum can be anticipated by analyzing the t 10-18:1/( t 11-18:1+ c 9, t 11-18:2) ratio in blood plasma, becoming a valuable tool to predict changes in rumen biohydrogenation when high-starch low-forage diets are fed to ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus ladanifer (rockrose) is a tanniferous and aromatic shrub abundant in marginal fields of Mediterranean countries that when fed to lambs has been associated with changes in rumen biohydrogenation that led to an increased concentration of vaccenic acid ( t 11-18:1) in abomasal digesta and meat. It is not clear what type of secondary compounds present in C. ladanifer might be responsible for its effects on rumen biohydrogenation. Thus, we tested the effects of essential oil (EO), dichloromethane extract (DE), total phenolics (TP), non-tannin phenols (NTP) and condensed tannins (CT) fractions on in vitro rumen biohydrogenation. Five in vitro batch incubations replicates were conducted in Hungate tubes containing 60 mg of feed substrate (Control), or 60 mg of feed substrate plus 6 mg of each C. ladanifer extract incubated for 6 h with 6 mL of buffered ruminal fluid. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) and long chain fatty acids (FA) were analyzed at 0 and 6 h and the biohydrogenation of c 9-18:1, c 9, c 12-18:2 and c 9, c 12, c 15-18:3 and the yield of biohydrogenation products were computed. The production of total VFA was not affected by the C. ladanifer extracts and averaged 6.87 mmol/L. The disappearance of c 9, c 12-18:2 and c 9, c 12, c 15-18:3 was higher in CT than in Control and EO (P < 0.05). The gain in 18:0 and t 11-18:1, relative to initial subtract availability, was higher in CT than in Control and EO (P < 0.05). Both CT and DE increased (P < 0.05) the c 9, t 11-18:2 yield, relative to initial subtract availability, compared with Control and EO treatments. The 10-oxo-18:0 was the major oxo FA found and was highest for CT and lowest in EO and DE treatments. The results showed that CT was the most effective fraction of C. ladanifer regarding its effects on rumen biohydrogenation, inducing larger accumulation of t 11-18:1, which was achieved not by inhibition of its last reductive biohydrogenation step ( i.e . formation of 18:0) but by the promotion of the initial biohydrogenation steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analysed the impact of dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris and carbohydrases on general health, redox status, immune response, liver lipids and metabolites in weaned piglets. Forty-four male piglets were allocated into four diets: control (n = 11), CH (control diet with 5% CH, n = 10), CH+R (control diet with 5% CH plus 0.005% Rovabio Excel AP, n = 10), and CH+M (control diet with 5% CH plus 0.01% of a pre-selected four-CAZyme mixture, n = 11). After 15 days of trial, animals were slaughtered and samples of blood and liver collected. Spectrophotometry methods and commercial kits were used to determine blood parameters and gas and liquid chromatography for hepatic fatty acid and chlorophylls profiles, respectively. While total, LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol were increased by CH, the opposite was recorded for HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001). Piglets fed CH-based diets presented an increase of IgG and a decrease of IgM (p < 0.001) which along with lymphocytes exacerbation contributed for piglets' survival after weaning. n−6 PUFA were reduced in piglets fed CH and the opposite occurred for n−3 PUFA (p < 0.001), thus benefiting n−6/n−3 ratio in the liver. Chlorophylls amount was not changed by the use of Rovabio or enzymatic mixture. The discriminant analysis applied to hepatic parameters revealed a clear separation between control and CH-based diets but failed to discriminate feed enzymes. Our findings indicate health promoting effects of CH as feed ingredient in piglets' nutrition at weaning, without negatively impacting on animals' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential care (rc) in Portugal has been the subject of an important scrutiny. Considering the relevance that the media assumes in public opinion, this study will focus on the main themes addressed in the scope of the rc in daily and weekly newspapers in the last 5 years. The document analysis focused, firstly, on rc news content and, secondly, on caregivers. The results will be discussed taking into account the comparative news coverage and scientific production in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown seaweed Laminaria digitata , a novel feedstuff for weaned piglets, has potentially beneficial prebiotic properties. However, its recalcitrant cell wall challenges digestion in monogastrics. Alginate lyase is a promising supplement to mitigate this issue. This study's aim was to investigate the impact of incorporating 10% dietary Laminaria digitata , supplemented with alginate lyase, on the hepatic proteome and metabolome of weaned piglets. These diets introduced minor variations to the metabolome and caused significant shifts in the proteome. Dietary seaweed provided a rich source of n-3 PUFAs that could signal hepatic fatty acid oxidation (FABP, ACADSB and ALDH1B1). This may have affected the oxidative stability of the tissue, requiring an elevated abundance of GST for regulation. The presence of reactive oxygen species likely inflicted protein damage, triggering increased proteolytic activity (LAPTM4B and PSMD4). Alginate lyase supplementation augmented the number of differentially abundant proteins, which included GBE1 and LDHC, contributing to maintain circulating glucose levels by mobilizing glycogen stores and branched-chain amino acids. The enzymatic supplementation with alginate lyase amplified the effects of the seaweed-only diet. An additional filter was employed to test the effect of missing values on the proteomics analysis, which is discussed from a technical perspective. Brown seaweeds such as Laminaria digitata have prebiotic and immune-modulatory components, such as laminarin, that can improve weaned piglet health. However, they have recalcitrant cell wall polysaccharides, such as alginate, that can elicit antinutritional effects on the monogastric digestive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high level of dietary L. digitata and alginate lyase supplementation on the hepatic metabolism of weaned piglets, using high throughput Omics approaches. [Display omitted] • Alginate lyase can potentially reduce digestibility issues of Laminaria digitata, in vivo. • The hepatic metabolome was less affected by experimental diets than the proteome. • PUFA signalling enhanced FA oxidation, compromising oxidative homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chlorella vulgaris has been proposed as a sustainable green feedstock in poultry nutrition due to its ease of cultivation, minimal environmental impact and balanced nutritional composition. However, the majority of studies documents the use of C. vulgaris as a dietary supplement in broilers instead of a feed ingredient. To the best of our knowledge, no report has shown the effect of a high-level incorporation (>2 % in the diet) of C. vulgaris on plasma metabolites and hepatic lipid composition of broilers. One hundred and twenty Ross 308 male birds were housed in 40 wired-floor cages and randomly distributed by the following experimental diets at 22 days of age (n = 10) during 15 days: (1) a corn-soybean meal based diet (control); (2) based diet with 10% of C. vulgaris; (3) diet 2 supplemented with 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP; and (4) diet 2 supplemented with 0.01% of a pre-selected four-CAZyme mixture. Results: The inclusion of C. vulgaris at 10% in the diet, regardless of the presence of exogenous CAZymes, changed plasma metabolites but did not compromise broilers growth. Plasma total lipids increased in broilers fed C. vulgaris combined with the two feed CAZymes (p < 0.001) compared with the control diet. Moreover, the supplementation with Rovabio® increased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, while the addition of the four-CAZyme mixture increased triacylglycerols, VLDL-cholesterol and ALP activity. In opposition, HDL-cholesterol levels decreased in broilers fed microalga alone (p = 0.002). Regarding hepatic composition, the inclusion of C. vulgaris in broiler diets, individually or combined with exogenous CAZymes, had a minor effect on fatty acids but improved the n-6/n-3 ratio and total carotenoids. Conclusions: In summary, the inclusion of a high level (10%) of C. vulgaris in broiler´s diet, regardless of the presence of exogenous CAZymes, improved hepatic antioxidant composition and did not impair broiler's performance. In addition, the feed supplementation with CAZymes increased broilers lipemia. Therefore, dietary C. vulgaris at this incorporation level seems to be safe for animal health and do not compromise performance traits, with no need of CAZymes supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ruminant edible products have been associated with adverse health effects, due to their high saturated fatty acids and low polyunsaturated fatty acids content, resulting from the extensive biohydrogenation conducted by rumen microbiota. Cistus ladanifer condensed tannins were able to change the lamb ruminal biohydrogenation, increasing the beneficial fatty acids production. The aim of this study was to test the effect of increasing doses of C. ladanifer condensed tannins extract (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg dry matter) on in vitro rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation. The increasing doses of condensed tannins led to a moderate decrease of volatile fatty acids production, a pronounced depression in microbial odd and branched fatty acids and of dimethyl acetals production, and a minor effect on the biohydrogenation, which indicates that microbial growth was more inhibited than fermentative and biohydrogenation activities. The ability of C. ladanifer condensed tannins extract to modulate the biohydrogenation (BH) was not observed in the present study. However, the results obtained suggest a possible adaptative response of the microbial population to stress stimuli of condensed tannins and lipid supplementation. Cistus ladanifer (rockrose) is a perennial shrub quite abundant in the Mediterranean region, and it is a rich source in secondary compounds such as condensed tannins (CTs). Condensed tannins from C. ladanifer were able to change the ruminal biohydrogenation (BH), increasing the t11–18:1 and c9,t11–18:2 production. However, the adequate conditions of the C. ladanifer CTs used to optimize the production of t11–18:1 and c9,t11–18:2 is not yet known. Thus, we tested the effect of increasing the doses of C. ladanifer CT extract (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg dry matter (DM)) on in vitro rumen BH. Five in vitro batch incubations replicates were conducted using an oil supplemented high-concentrate substrate, incubated for 24 h with 6 mL of buffered ruminal fluid. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and long chain fatty acids (FA) were analyzed at 0 h and 24 h, and BH of c9–18:1, c9, c12–18:2 and c9, c12, c15–18:3, and BH products yield were computed. Increasing doses of C. ladanifer CTs led to a moderate linear decrease (p < 0.001) of the VFA production (a reduction of 27% with the highest dose compared to control). The disappearance of c9–18:1 and c9,c12–18:2 as well as the production of t11–18:1 and c9, t11:18:2 was not affected by increasing doses of C. ladanifer CTs, and only the disappearance of c9, c12, c15–18:3 suffered a mild linear decrease (a reduction of 24% with the highest dose compared to control). Nevertheless, increasing the C. ladanifer CT dose led to a strong depression of microbial odd and branched fatty acids and of dimethyl acetals production (less than 65% with the highest dose compared to control), which indicates that microbial growth was more inhibited than fermentative and biohydrogenation activities, in a possible adaptative response of microbial population to stress induced to CTs and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The ability of C. ladanifer to modulate the ruminal BH was not verified in the current in vitro experimental conditions, emphasizing the inconsistent BH response to CTs and highlighting the need to continue seeking the optimal conditions for using CTs to improve the fatty acid profile of ruminant fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the dietary incorporation of 7% Ulva lactuca , a green seaweed, on the quality and nutritional value of piglet's meat was assessed. U. lactuca is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds but its cell wall is composed of complex polysaccharides that reduce their bioavailability. Therefore, the effect of supplementing piglet diets with exogenous carbohydrases was also assessed here. A total of 40 male weaned piglets were divided into four dietary groups, each with 10 piglets: control (wheat, maize and soybean meal-based diet), UL (7% U. lactuca replacing the control diet), UL + R (UL and 0.005% Rovabio®), and UL + E (UL and 0.01% ulvan lyase). The piglets were fed the diets for 2 weeks. The results showed that incorporating U. lactuca in piglet diets did not influence most of the meat quality traits (P > 0.05). However, the incorporation of U. lactuca with the commercial carbohydrase (UL + R) increased the amount of the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n -3) in their meat (P = 0.011) compared with the control, by 54%. In addition, meat from piglets fed seaweed diets showed a nearly two-fold increase in iodine contents (P < 0.001). Meat tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability of piglets fed the control diet and the UL diet were lower than those fed the diets containing seaweed and carbohydrases (P < 0.001). Overall, the findings indicate that 7% U. lactuca in the diets of weaned piglets had no major detrimental effects on meat quality and their carbohydrase supplementation has the potential to improve meat sensory traits. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminaria digitata, a brown seaweed with prebiotic properties, can potentially enhance the resilience of weaned piglets to nutritional distress. However, their cell wall polysaccharides elude digestion by monogastric animals' endogenous enzymes. In vitro studies suggest alginate lyase's ability to degrade such polysaccharides. This study aimed to assess the impact of a 10% dietary inclusion of L. digitata and alginate lyase supplementation on the ileum proteome and metabolome, adopting a hypothesis-generating approach. Findings indicated that control piglets escalated glucose usage as an enteric energy source, as evidenced by the increased abundance of PKLR and PCK2 proteins and decreased tissue glucose concentration. Additionally, the inclusion of seaweed fostered a rise in proteins linked to enhanced enterocyte structural integrity (ACTBL2, CRMP1, FLII, EML2 and MYLK), elevated peptidase activity (NAALADL1 and CAPNS1), and heightened anti-inflammatory activity (C3), underscoring improved intestinal function. In addition, seaweed-fed piglets showed a reduced abundance of proteins related to apoptosis (ERN2) and proteolysis (DPP4). Alginate lyase supplementation appeared to amplify the initial effects of seaweed-only feeding, by boosting the number of differential proteins within the same pathways. This amplification is potentially due to increased intracellular nutrient availability, making a compelling case for further exploration of this dietary approach. Pig production used to rely heavily on antibiotics and zinc oxide to deal with post-weaning stress in a cost-effective way. Their negative repercussions on public health and the environment have motivated heavy restrictions, and a consequent search for alternative feed ingredients/supplements. One of such alternatives is Laminaria digitata , a brown seaweed whose prebiotic components that can help weaned piglets deal with nutritional stress, by improving their gut health and immune status. However, their recalcitrant cell walls have antinutritional properties, for which alginate lyase supplementation is a possible solution. By evaluating ileal metabolism as influenced by dietary seaweed and enzyme supplementation, we aim at discovering how the weaned piglet adapts to them and what are their effects on this important segment of the digestive system. [Display omitted] • Laminaria digitata is a prebiotic seaweed with low cell wall digestibility. • Alginate lyase has been demonstrated as an effective solution in vitro. • Dietary seaweed lowers enteric glucose utilization and lowers inflammatory pathways. • Enzymatic supplementation seemingly magnifies these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The quantification of micro- and nanoplastics in environmental matrices is an analytical challenge and pushes to the use of unrealistic high exposure concentrations in laboratory studies which can lead to manifestations of ecotoxicological effects and risks estimation that are transient under natural conditions. Moreover, in field studies, it is difficult to compare the data obtained due to the lack of sampling protocols, standardized methodologies and techniques for the identification and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics, owing to the inherent physical characteristics of the these materials. Also, the definition of exposure limits is difficult due to the challenge of analytical methodologies. Therefore, this paper aims to characterize the existent analytical challenges in each step from isolation to quantification of nano- and microplastics and their consequences in the estimation of risks. Highlights • Identification of environmental microplastics is a difficult analytical challenge. • Certainly present, nanoplastics are yet to be isolated from environmental matrices. • Experimental techniques for the assessment of these materials are examined. • Real and perceived hazards of these pollutants are also discussed. • Suggestions are put forward for overcoming the identified limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]