Respiratory Quotient

The ability to characterize the development of metabolic function in neonatal rodents has been limited due to technological constraints. Low respiratory volumes and flows at rest pose unique problems, making it difficult to reliably measure O 2 consumption, CO 2 production, respiratory quotient (RQ), and energy expenditure (EE). Our aim was to develop and validate a commercial-grade indirect calorimetry system capable of characterizing the metabolic phenotype of individual neonatal rodents. To address this research need, we developed a novel, highly sensitive open-circuit indirect calorimetry system capable of analyzing respiratory gas exchange in a single neonatal rodent pup. Additionally, we derived an equation from known metabolic relationships to estimate inlet flow rates, improving the efficiency of data collection. To validate the neonatal rodent indirect calorimetry system and evaluate the applicability of the derived equation for predicting appropriate flow rates, we conducted a series of experiments evaluating the impact of sex, litter size, time of day (during the light phase), and ambient temperature on neonatal rat metabolic parameters. Data revealed that the only metabolic parameter influenced by litter size is a neonatal rat's RQ, with rat pups reared in a small litter (5 pups) having lower RQ's than rat pups reared in either medium (8 pups) or large (11 pups) litters. Furthermore, data showed that ambient temperature affected all metabolic parameters measured, with colder temperatures being associated with higher CO 2 production, higher O 2 consumption, and higher energy expenditure. The results of this study demonstrate that the modified Panlab Oxylet system reliably assesses early postnatal metabolism in individual neonatal rodents. This system will be of paramount importance to further our understanding of processes associated with the developmental origins of adult metabolic disease.

Optimal energy provision, guided by measured resting energy expenditure (REE) and determined by indirect calorimetry (IC), is fundamental in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Because IC availability is limited, methods to predict REE based on carbon dioxide production (VCO2) measurements (REEVCO2) alone have been proposed as a surrogate for REE measured by IC (REEIC). The study aimed at externally and internally validating the accuracy of the REEVCO2 as an alternative to REEIC in mechanically ventilated children. A ventilator’s integrated gas exchange module (E-COVX) was used to prospectively measure REEIC and predict REEVCO2 on 107 mechanically ventilated children during the first 24 h of admission. The accuracy of the REEVCO2 compared to REEIC was assessed through the calculation of bias and precision, paired median differences, linear regression, and ROC analysis. Accuracy within ±10% of the REEIC was deemed acceptable for the REEVCO2 equation. The calculated REEVCO2 based on respirato...

Weight gain is associated with deterioration in metabolic health, whereas weight loss improves insulin sensitivity. This study assesses the impact of long-term, successfully maintained weight loss and weight-loss relapse on measures of insulin sensitivity and identifies factors that explain variability in insulin sensitivity. Women (20-45 years) were recruited into four groups: reduced-overweight/obese (RED, n=15); body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (stable low-weight, n=19), BMI⩽27 kg m(-2); relapsed-overweight/obese subjects (REL, n=11); and BMI-matched controls (obese stable weight, n=11), BMI⩾27 kg m(-2). A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test determined fasting and 2 h plasma glucose and insulin. Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI(0,120)) assessed insulin sensitivity. Anthropometric measurements, fasting resting metabolic rate (RMR) and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured. Questionnaires and dietary intake were recorded, and physical a...

Insulin detemir (DET) is a basal insulin analog that, in contrast to other long-acting forms of insulin, has significant weight-gain sparing effects in diabetic patients. We hypothesized that this effect of DET may be due to its enhanced catabolic action in the CNS. We investigated the long-term effects of single third ventricular (3V) microinjections of equimolar doses of DET and regular insulin in normal male rats on feeding, body weight, energy expenditure (EE) and respiratory quotient (RQ). Also in acute testing, we assessed the ability of lower doses of DET to alter feeding, EE and RQ when microinjected directly into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The anabolic peptide ghrelin served as a positive control in acute testing. 3V administration of both DET (0.5-2.0 mU) and regular insulin (2.0-8.0 mU) significantly reduced feeding and body weight over 48 and 120 hrs, respectively, with DET yielding greater inhibitory effects. DET also stimulated greater elevations of EE and redu...

Dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibition increases endogenous GLP-1 activity, resulting in improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The metabolic response may be explained in part by extrapancreatic mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that DPP-4 inhibition with vildagliptin elicits changes in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle metabolism. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover study at an academic clinical research center. Patients: Twenty patients with type 2 diabetes, body mass index between 28 and 40 kg/m 2 , participated. Intervention: Intervention included 7 d treatment with the selective DPP-4 inhibitor vildagliptin or placebo and a standardized test meal on d 7. Main Outcome Measures: Venous DPP-4 activity, catecholamines, free fatty acids, glycerol, glucose, (pro)insulin, dialysate glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol were measured. Results: Fasting and postprandial venous insulin, glucose, glycerol, triglycerides, and free fatty acid concentrations were not different with vildagliptin and with placebo. Vildagliptin augmented the postprandial increase in plasma norepinephrine. Furthermore, vildagliptin increased dialysate glycerol and lactate concentrations in adipose tissue while suppressing dialysate lactate and pyruvate concentration in skeletal muscle. The respiratory quotient increased with meal ingestion but was consistently lower with vildagliptin. Our study is the first to suggest that DPP-4 inhibition augments postprandial lipid mobilization and oxidation. The response may be explained by sympathetic activation rather than a direct effect on metabolic status. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 94: 846 -852, 2009) G lucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory pep- tide (GIP) are released into the bloodstream from the intestinal tract wall in response to food intake. Both peptides are rapidly degraded to an inactive form by the enzyme dipeptidylpeptidase-IV (DPP-4). Vildagliptin is a potent, selective, and orally active DPP-4 inhibitor that increases endogenous GLP-1

Apples (Malus domestica, Borkh.) which are not stored at low temperature or in a properly controlled atmosphere (CA) may have a high metabolic rate during the postharvest stage resulting in losses in quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of 'Royal Gala' apple fruit stored in accordance with a new method of dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA).The respiratory quotient (RQ) was monitored at two temperatures which were then compared using a commercially available technology based on chlorophyll fluorescence DCA (DCA-CF) and static CA. Ethylene production and respiration rates were lower in apples stored in DCA than in CA, as a result of lower 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase activity, especially in apples stored in DCA-RQ2. Flesh firmness of apples stored in DCA did not differ from those stored in CA. Apples stored at 1 °C had less flesh breakdown occurrence and a high percentage of healthy fruit. 'Royal Gala' stored at DCA-RQ2 had less flesh breakdown than apples stored in CA; however, the apples stored in DCA-CF did not differ from those stored in DCA-RQ2 and CA. Apples stored at the highest RQ value (6 and 4), especially at 0.5 °C, had low O 2 injury occurrence after storage. However the increase in temperature to 1.0 °C, reduced the occurrence of this disorder. Therefore, storage in DCA-RQ2 at 1 °C or DCA-CF at 0.5 °C are the recommendations of preference for ensuring maintenance of quality in 'Royal Gala' apples after eight months of storage.

Metarhizium comprises species of importance as biological control agents whose conidia have been well produced in lab-scale packed column bioreactors. However, difficulties such as low oxygen supply, CO2 removal, and overheating limit bioreactor scale-up. To select suitable operating conditions in industrial-scale bioreactors, it is necessary to analyze the bioprocess in terms of O2 consumption and CO2 production. Metarhizium robertsii cultures reached maxima of O2 consumption and CO2 production rates of 0.23 and 0.35 mg/gidm h, respectively. The total O2 consumption (23.81 mg/gidm) and CO2 production (34.52 mg/gidm) were determined by experimental measurements and estimates by mathematical models with a coefficient of determination higher than 0.99. The respiratory quotient presented values from 1 to 1.2 (from 48 to 175 h). The respirometric analysis showed that the culture of is an aerobic process with low CO2 and low metabolic heat production, favoring the scale-up of the bioprocess

The microvascular reperfusion injury after retransfusion has not been completely characterized. Specifically, the question of heterogeneity among different microvascular beds needs to be addressed. In addition, the identification of anaerobic metabolism is elusive. The venoarterial PCO2 to arteriovenous oxygen content difference ratio (Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2) might be a surrogate for respiratory quotient, but this has not been validated. Therefore, our goal was to characterize sublingual and intestinal (mucosal and serosal) microvascular injury after blood resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock and its relation with O2 and CO2 metabolism. Anesthetized and mechanically ventilated sheep were assigned to stepwise bleeding and blood retransfusion (n = 10) and sham (n = 7) groups. We performed analysis of expired gases, arterial and mixed venous blood gases, and intestinal and sublingual videomicroscopy. In the bleeding group during the last step of hemorrhage, and compared to the sham group, there ...

Lipid mobilization during a hypocaloric diet may be enhanced by a pharmacological approach using a2-adrenoceptor antagonists since these drugs are known to increase sympathetic tone and stimulate lipolysis. Studies were undertaken in the dog in order to evaluate the effects of oral yohimbine adminis- tration (a2-adrenoceptor antagonist) on heat production, metabolic, endocrinological and cardiovascular parameters. 2 Acute oral yohimbine (0.25 or 0.40mg kg ')provoked an increase in plasma non-esterfied fatty acids. The drug increased sympathetic nervous system activity as indicated by the increased level of plasma noradrenaline. These effects persisted during the entire experimental period (4 h). The increase in plasma noradrenaline level was two fold higher with the higher dose of yohimbine (0.4mgkg-1). The plasma adrenaline level was increased only with the higher dose. 3 Yohimbine transiently increased plasma insulin and the effect was dose-dependent. 4 Yohimbine (0.25mg kg-1) enhanced heart rate and arterial blood pressure. 5 The effect of yohimbine on oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide and heat production was determined by indirect calorimetry. The drug (0.25 mg kg-1) increased °2 consumption and CO2 and heat production 30min after its administration and the effect persisted over the experimental period. The respiratory quotient, rather low in the fasting animals, remained unchanged. 6 The present work indicates that thermogenesis and lipid mobilization are enhanced during fasting in the dog by a2-adrenoceptor blockade. Yohimbine also induced a transient increase in plasma insulin level and increased heart rate and blood pressure. The lipid mobilization plus the action on thermogenesis observed after yohimbine draw attention to the putative interest of a2-antagonists in the pharmacological treatment of obesity during restricted calorie intake.

Lipid mobilization during a hypocaloric diet may be enhanced by a pharmacological approach using α2‐adrenoceptor antagonists since these drugs are known to increase sympathetic tone and stimulate lipolysis. Studies were undertaken in the dog in order to evaluate the effects of oral yohimbine administration (α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist) on heat production, metabolic, endocrinological and cardiovascular parameters. Acute oral yohimbine (0.25 or 0.40 mg kg−1) provoked an increase in plasma non‐esterfied fatty acids. The drug increased sympathetic nervous system activity as indicated by the increased level of plasma noradrenaline. These effects persisted during the entire experimental period (4 h). The increase in plasma noradrenaline level was two fold higher with the higher dose of yohimbine (0.4 mg kg−1). The plasma adrenaline level was increased only with the higher dose. Yohimbine transiently increased plasma insulin and the effect was dose‐dependent. Yohimbine (0.25 mg kg−1) enhanc...

In a previous study, Hatcher (1989: Mar. Biol. 102: 445-452) found that variations in COz and 02 respiration rates in individual marine invertebrates led to RQ (respiratory quotient) values which were variable and often outside theoretical limits. The present study was designed to examine the variability in several excretionbased metabolic ratios which are often used as alternatives for the RQ in qualitative predictions of catabolic substrates. The experimental organism was a solitary ascidian, Herdmania momus (Savigny), collected near Perth, Western Australia, between January and July 1984. Respiration and excretion rates of H. momus were examined as a function of a progressive nutritional stress, and covariation was examined. Nutritional stress accounted for more of the variation over time in respiration rates (40 to 50%) than in NH + excretion rates (20%). Significant net exchanges of dissolved organic compounds were measured. Qualitative predictions of catabolic substrates were based on a comparison of metabolic ratios with theoretical limits. The O:PO, 3-ratios were lower than the theoretical limits. The values of the O : NH + and NH + : PO~-ratios were not influenced by nutritional conditions but changed as a function of reproductive condition of the ascidians. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that metabolic ratios measured on individual ascidians cannot be reliable predictors of catabolic substrates.

OBJETIVOS: Os objetivos do estudo foram normatizar o gasto metabólico de repouso (GMR) de mulheres brasileiras, avaliar a adequação da fórmula de Harris Benedict (HB), a relação entre suas variáveis e propor novas equações para estimativa do GMR. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Para tanto, foram utilizados 760 exames de calorimetria indireta (CI) de mulheres com idade entre 18 e 65 anos. Os resultados foram tabulados, a população foi dividida de acordo com quintis de peso e, então, realizaram-se as análises estatísticas. RESULTADOS: A média de GMR variou entre 1.226 calorias/dia a 1.775 calorias/dia. A fórmula de HB superestimou o GMR em torno de 7%.Concluímos, a partir da correlação entre as variáveis, que o peso possui correlação positiva com o GMR, e a idade, uma correlação negativa. CONCLUSÃO: GMR assim como coeficiente respiratório (QR) podem ser utilizados como preditores de obesidade. Nosso estudo trouxe duas novas propostas de equações, uma para a população com índice de massa corpórea ...

This paper presents a three-year pilot experience of a new municipal waste management system developed in Navarre, Spain that integrates composting and hens. The aim of this new system is to motivate the general public to participate more in waste prevention programs. The Composter-Henhouse (CH) is a compact facility comprised of a henhouse and three composters. This is shared by 30 families who provide the organic part of their kitchen waste to feed the hens. Hens help speed up the composting process by depositing their droppings and turning the organic residue into compost. This study assesses the CH in terms of treatment capacity, the technical adequacy of the composting process, the quality and safety of the compost obtained and some social aspects. Over three years, the CH has managed nearly 16.5 tons of organic waste and produced approximately 5600 kg of compost and more than 6000 high-quality fresh eggs. No problems or nuisances have been reported and the level of animal welfare has been very high. The follow up of the composting process (temperature, volume reduction and compost maturity) and a physicochemical and microbiological analysis of the compost have ensured the proper management of the process. The level of involvement and user satisfaction has been outstanding and the project has presented clear social benefits.

IntroductionDue to the involvement in one-carbon metabolism and lipid mobilization, choline and L-carnitine supplementation have been recommended to minimize hepatic lipid accumulation and support fat oxidation, respectively. This study investigated the lipotropic benefits of choline or L-carnitine supplementation in lean and obese cats maintaining body weight (BW).MethodsLean [n = 9; body condition score (BCS): 4–5/9] and obese (n = 9; BCS: 8–9/9) adult male neutered colony cats were used in a replicated 3 x 3 complete Latin square design. Treatments included choline (378 mg/kg BW0.67), L-carnitine (200 mg/kg BW) and control (no supplement). Treatments were supplemented to the food for 6 weeks each, with a 2-week washout between treatments. Cats were fed once daily to maintenance energy requirements, and BW and BCS were assessed weekly. Fasted blood collection, indirect calorimetry, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry occurred at the end of each treatment period. Serum was analyze...

Nitrogen fixation in a wood-feeding termite, Neotermes koshunensis 4. From wood-to soil-feeding termites: A study in a tropical forest in Cameroon, central Africa Diversification and evolution of humivore in Termes-Capritermes branch of the subfamily Termitinae in Darwin, northern Australia ••••39 6. Two short notes of (i 13 C-(i 15 N natural abundance method 6.1 Fungus growing termites in Cameroon, Thailand and Cote d'Ivore 6.2 Wood-feeders in Sydney and grass-harvesters in Townsville 7. General discussion 7.1 Nitrogen fixation in various termites -its pattern and implication by applying (i 15 N natural abundance method 55 7.2 Stable isotope ratios in detritivorous animals 7.3 Termite-symbionts system by stable isotope techniques 8. Conclusion Acknowledgments Synopsis (In Japanese : 1~~)

Background: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of producing compost fertilizer through co-composting solid waste materials and dewatered sludge from the domestic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at Gole-Gohar Mining and Industrial Company, employing the windrow method with various treatments. Methods: In this experimental study, three windrow piles were established, each with a volume of 0.3 m 3 and weight ratios of 1:2 (food waste:dewatered sludge) and 1:4 (garden waste:dewatered sludge), along with a control group without sewage sludge (SS) modification. The parameters influencing the compost production process, including temperature, moisture content, volatile solids, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, organic matter, C/N ratio, heavy metals, density, alkalinity, phosphorus content, microbial load, cations and anions were examined. Results: The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals and pH levels in all three compost piles fell within acceptable ranges. EC values fluctuated between 2 and 6 mS/cm across all piles. The C/N ratio decreased, with the pile containing sewage treatment plant sludge and food waste achieving the optimal range of 15-25. The germination index (GI) for lettuce, cress, and mung bean seeds was higher than the standard in all three piles. The produced compost was classified as Class A in terms of microbial load. Conclusion: Overall, the physicochemical parameters of the produced composts met standard limits. According to the results, compost-containing food waste emerged as the most suitable for agricultural use.

dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as method for determining Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI). Methods: We recruited 69 outpatient cancer patients. The patients were assessed for nutritional risk using Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Nutrition risk screening 2002 (NRS-2002), and considered for malnutrition using the EMC and the ICD-10 NO. FFMI was measured using DXA (Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare) and BIA (Seca BCA 515). Results: Initial assessment by PG-SGA and NRS-2002 showed that 41 (59.4%) and 31 (44.9%) patients were at nutritional risk, respectively. EMC and ICD-10 NO identified 16 (23.2%) and 29 (42.0%) patients as malnourished, respectively. The three ESPEN criteria showed low degree of overlap. Assessment of FFMI showed similar results using BIA and DXA. The newly suggested malnutrition criteria by ESPEN showed limited agreement to the Norwegian malnutrition criteria. The disagreement was primarily caused by EMC not considering WL alone a criterion for malnutrition. The criterion including FFMI identified the majority of malnourished patients when using the EMC. BIA (Seca BCA 515) and DXA (Lunar iDXA GE Healthcare) could be used interchangeably for assessing FFMI.

An automated respirometer system was used to measure VO 2 , protein catabolism as ammonia quotient and the energy budget to evaluate whether the crude protein content of a standard protein (SP) diet (42•5 %) or a high-protein (HP) diet (49•5 %) influences metabolism in rainbow trout under challenging intermittent, low dissolved oxygen concentrations. In total, three temperature phases (12, 16, 20°C) were tested sequentially, each of which were split into two oxygen periods with 5 d of unmanipulated oxygen levels (50-70 %), followed by a 5 d manipulated oxygen period (16.00-08.00 hours) with low oxygen (40-50 %) levels. For both diets, catabolic protein usage was lowest at 16°C and was not altered under challenging oxygen conditions. Low night-time oxygen elevated mean daily VO 2 by 3-14 % compared with the unmanipulated oxygen period for both diets at all temperatures. The relative change in VO 2 and retained energy during the intermittent low oxygen period was smaller for the HP diet compared with the SP diet. However, in absolute terms, the SP diet was superior to the HP diet as the former demonstrated 30-40 % lower protein fuel use rates, higher retained energy (1-4 % digestible energy) and slightly lowered VO 2 (0-8 %) over the range of conditions tested. The decrease in retained energy under low oxygen conditions suggests that there is scope to improve the performance of SP diets under challenging conditions; however, this study suggests that simply increasing the dietary protein content is not a remedy, and other strategies need to be explored.

An automated respirometer system was used to measure VO2, protein catabolism as ammonia quotient and the energy budget to evaluate whether the crude protein content of a standard protein (SP) diet (42·5 %) or a high-protein (HP) diet (49·5 %) influences metabolism in rainbow trout under challenging intermittent, low dissolved oxygen concentrations. In total, three temperature phases (12, 16, 20°C) were tested sequentially, each of which were split into two oxygen periods with 5 d of unmanipulated oxygen levels (50–70 %), followed by a 5d manipulated oxygen period (16.00–08.00 hours) with low oxygen (40–50 %) levels. For both diets, catabolic protein usage was lowest at 16°C and was not altered under challenging oxygen conditions. Low night-time oxygen elevated mean daily VO2by 3–14 % compared with the unmanipulated oxygen period for both diets at all temperatures. The relative change in VO2and retained energy during the intermittent low oxygen period was smaller for the HP diet comp...

Lipin-1 functions in adipocyte triglyceride biosynthesis and in the regulation of gene expression, both of which may influence metabolic homeostasis. Objective: Our objective was to determine whether variations in adipose tissue lipin-1 expression levels influence insulin sensitivity and gene expression in young healthy human subjects. In 56 healthy young men (22.6 Ϯ 3.2 yr; 26.4 Ϯ 4.1 kg/m 2 ) we determined insulin sensitivity by a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, and whole body oxygen consumption and respiratory quotient by indirect calorimetry. We performed gene expression analysis in adipose tissue samples from human subjects and from lipin-1 transgenic mice using quantitative RT-PCR. In healthy young men, lipin-1 expression was positively correlated with insulin sensitivity (R 2 ϭ 0.22; P Ͻ 0.01), insulin-stimulated respiratory quotient (R 2 ϭ 0.16; P Ͻ 0.01), and maximal oxygen consumption during exercise (R 2 ϭ 0.16; P Ͻ 0.01). Lipin-1 mRNA levels were also correlated with expression of genes involved in lipid oxidation, uptake, and lipolysis, both in humans and in lipin-1 transgenic mice. The strongest correlation occurred between lipin-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ␣ (R 2 ϭ 0.74; P Ͻ 1 ϫ 10 Ϫ7 ), a nuclear receptor with a key role in fatty acid oxidation. Lipin-1 expression levels in adipose tissue of healthy young subjects and in mice are correlated with a favorable metabolic profile and expression of fatty acid oxidation genes. (

Los cambios de naturaleza económica, social y cultural, así como otros factores, incrementaron la ingesta de grasas, proteínas y energía en la mayoría de los países, y esto se combinó con una reducción en el gasto de energía debido a cambios en las características del trabajo y del ocio. Los cambios de dietas y de estilo de vida no se han producido homogéneamente en los países desarrollados y en vías de desarrollo, sino de forma paralela al incremento general del sobrepeso y de la obesidad.

Objective: To observe the effects of an artificial sweetener on rat's pancreas and body weight. Material and Methods: This Laboratory based randomized control trial was carried out at Anatomy department, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, in collaboration with NIH, Islamabad, from March to May 2014. Forty male and female Sprauge dawley rats were used in the experiment. Ten males and 10 female served as control group C and 10 males and 10 female served as an experimental group E (n = 20 animals in each group). The rats were randomly allocated by using a random selection table. Control group C was given normal diet for two months whereas experimental group E was provided artificial sweetener (sodium cyclamate) 60mg/kg/day through oral gavage tube for two months. Animals were weighed before and at the end of experiment. Pancreas were dissected out, examined and weighed. Histological sections of pancreas were studied under light microscope. Fatty infiltration was calculated in three slides per specimen. Results were analyzed on SPSS version 20. Results: The pancreas of rats showed fatty infiltration and weight of animals were significantly higher in experimental group.(p-Value<0.001) Conclusion: Artificial sweetener brings significant fatty infiltrations in rat's pancreas and also induces weight gain in animals.

Objective: To observe the effects of an artificial sweetener on rat’s pancreas and body weight.Material and Methods: This Laboratory based randomized control trial was carried out at Anatomy department, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, in collaboration with NIH, Islamabad, from March to May 2014. Forty male and female Sprauge dawley rats were used in the experiment. Ten males and 10 females served as control group C and 10 males and 10 female served as an experimental group E (n = 20 animals in each group). The rats were randomly allocated by using a random selection table. Control group C was given normal diet for two months whereas experimental group E was provided artificial sweetener (sodium cyclamate) 60mg/kg/day through oral gavage tube for two months. Animals were weighed before and at the end of experiment. Pancreas were dissected out, examined and weighed. Histological sections of pancreas were studied under light microscope. Fatty infiltration was calculated in three slide...

The temperature-sensitive cell division cycle (cdc) G1 mutants cdc28 and cdc35 show decreased mitochondrial volumes with respect to the wild type strain A364A (WT) at the restrictive temperature. Of the three criteria of mitochondrial biogenesis studied, that is, number of mitochondria per cell, relative area of the cell occupied by mitochondria, or relative area of mitochondria occupied by inner membranes, only the second indicator was significantly lower in cdc mutants than in the WT. The mitochondrial inner membranes development did not compensate for the decrease in the organelles volume. Apparently, the reduced mitochondrial biogenesis was not due to the temperature shift because the relative area of the cell occupied by mitochondria was already significantly lower at 25~ in cdc mutants. The specific fluxes of oxygen consumption confirmed that the respiratory capacity of cdc mutants is largely impaired in respect to the WT. Cdc28 and cdc35 mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae had been previously shown to exhibit high respiratory quotients (from 3 to 7) in respect to the WT (RQ ~ 1.0), which correlated with carbon and energy uncoupling probably the result of glucose-induced catabolite repression [Aon MA,

Very little is known about seaweed stable carbon isotope discrimination during respiration (Δ r , defined here as the difference between respired CO 2 δ 13 C and algal tissue δ 13 C). However, Δ r can give information on carbon metabolic pathways in seaweeds, and can also be helpful to better understand their role in carbon cycling. Here we measured the Δ r of Ulva sp. (Chlorophyta), Pterocladia capillacea Bornet (Rhodophyta) and Sargassum sp. (Ochrophyta) under 3 different experimental conditions: at 15 and 25°C after strong illumination for 30 to 60 min, and at 25°C after at least 20 h in the dark. We observed a correlation between Δ r and the respiratory quotient (RQ, defined as the ratio between CO 2 release and O 2 consumption), suggesting changes in the organic substrate used for respiration in the different treatments. Δ r was positive in most cases, suggesting that carbohydrates were the likely substrate for respiration; however, Δ r (and the RQ) decreased with an increase in temperature, suggesting increased use of lipids as substrates. Although Δ r was not large (averaging 3 ‰), the influence of seaweed respiration on the δ 13 C of dissolved inorganic carbon may need to be taken into account in ecosystems where seaweeds dominate primary production (i.e. eutrophic lagoons). Δ r may also be important when interpreting seaweed δ 13 C values to determine the form of inorganic carbon used in photosynthesis.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ad libitum and restricted feeding regimen on fasting heat production (FHP) and body composition.Methods: Twelve Hubbard broilers breeders were selected with the same body weight and submitted in two feeding regimes: Restricted (T1) with feed intake of 150 g/bird/d and ad libitum (T2). The birds were randomly distributed on the treatments in two runs with three replications per treatment (per run). The birds were adapted to the feed regimens for ten days. After that, they were allocated in the open-circuit chambers and kept for three days for adaptation. On the last day, oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were measured by 30 h under fasting. The respiratory quotient (RQ) was calculated as the VCO2/VO2 ratio, and the heat production (HP) was obtained using the Brower equation (1985). The FHP was estimated throughout the plateau of HP 12 hours after the feed deprivation. The body composition was analyz...

and Verbrugghe A ( ) Dietary choline, but not L-carnitine, increases circulating lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, without a ecting body composition, energy expenditure or respiratory quotient in lean and obese male cats during weight maintenance.

Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) acclimated to a short photoperiod (8:16-h light-dark cycle) display spontaneous daily torpor with ad libitum food availability. The time course of body temperature (T b ), metabolic rate, respiratory quotient (RQ), and substrate and enzyme changes was measured during entrance into torpor and in deep torpor. RQ, blood glucose, and serum lipids are high during the first hours of torpor but then gradually decline, suggesting that glucose is the primary fuel during the first hours of torpor, with a gradual change to lipid utilization. No major changes in enzyme activities were observed during torpor except for inactivation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex in liver, brown adipose tissue, and heart muscle. PDH inactivation closely correlates with the reduction of total metabolic rate, whereas in brain, kidney, diaphragm, and skeletal muscle, PDH activity was maintained at the initial level. These findings suggest inhibition of carbohydrate oxidation in heart, brown adipose tissue, and liver during entrance into daily torpor. Phodopus sungorus; body temperature; metabolic rate; metabolic inhibition; enzymes SMALL MAMMALS may use daily torpor to reduce their daily energy expenditure. In some species, e.g., mice like Peromyscus leucopus, Peromyscus maniculatus, or Mus musculus, torpor can be facultatively induced by food restriction and moderate cold exposure . In strictly photoperiodic species like the Djungarian hamster, Phodopus sungorus, torpor occurs only after several weeks of exposure to a short photoperiod and cannot be provoked by cold exposure and/or moderate food restriction. When maintained in short photoperiods, Djungarian hamsters may enter torpor regularly during their circadian resting period, even when kept at thermoneutrality and fed ad libitum . Thus they display torpor spontaneously without any acute shortage of energy supplies and spontaneously reduce their daily energy expenses up to 70% (41, 42). In a long photoperiod they do not display torpor, except after severe food restriction that reduces body mass by Ͼ25% (40). This starvation-induced torpor was not considered in the present study.

L-carnitine (LC) has been included in feline diets to enhance weight loss and reduce risk of hepatic lipidosis. However, many overweight cats are fed maintenance diets and are not undergoing weight loss. The objective of this study was to investigate how feeding lean and overweight adult cats dietary LC (100 mg/kg) during weight maintenance affected resting energy expenditure (EE), respiratory quotient (RQ), and play motivation. Twenty healthy adult cats were stratified by gender and body condition score (BCS) and randomly assigned to receive either a control food (CON) or the same food supplemented with 100 mg/ kg LC (LC+) for 42 days. EE was assessed using indirect calorimetry at 0, 21, and 42 days and play motivation was assessed at 0 and 42 days. Body weight did not differ between treatment groups at baseline and throughout the study (P>0.05), as expected. On days 21 and 42, area under the curve (AUC) for EE (kcal/ kg BW*d) and RQ did not differ between groups (P>0.05) for lean cats. However, overweight cats fed LC+ had greater (P<0.05) AUC for EE for at fasting and after receiving a meal on d 21 and 42 and a lower AUC for RQ from 0 -210 minutes post feeding on d 42 than overweight cats fed CON. Overweight cats, but not lean cats, fed LC+ spent less time both in the start box and overall test and pushed more

The present study aimed to determine the effects of mannoheptulose (MH) (8 mg/kg) on energy expenditure (EE), respiratory quotient (RQ) and glycaemic response in healthy adult Beagle dogs (n 8; 9•62 (SEM 0•31) kg; body condition score 4•5). The study was designed as replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. The dietary treatments were low carbohydrate (CHO) relative to fat diet (LC; 31 % CHO, 28 % fat) with placebo (0 mg/kg) or MH supplement and high CHO relative to fat diet (HC; 54 % CHO, 11 % fat) with placebo (0 mg/kg) or MH supplement. Dogs were fed to maintain body weight (HC and HC +MH 3625 (SEM 295) kJ and LC and LC +MH 3542 (SEM 284) kJ). Resting and postprandial (0-4 h; 5-10 h; 11-17 h; 18-23 h) EE and RQ were determined by indirect calorimetry (days 12 or 14). Glycaemic response to a meal (24 h) and plasma MH concentrations were determined on days 12 or 14. Plasma MH followed first-order kinetics, confirming that MH is absorbed and available to the animal. In the presence of high dietary CHO, MH increased postprandial EE (5-10 h only), suggesting MH increased dietary induced thermogenesis. In contrast to earlier reports, MH did not affect serum glucose or insulin in the present study. Irrespective of MH, dogs adapted RQ to diet composition and dogs consuming the LC diet had a greater incremental AUC for glucose, but not insulin, than dogs consuming the HC diet.

There is increased interest in the use of nutraceuticals for weight management in companion animals. A nutraceutical can broadly be considered a food (or a part of) that provides a health benefit. Mannoheptulose (MH), a sugar found in avocados, is being investigated as a nutraceutical for dogs. In this study, dogs fed a diet containing MH had increased concentrations of blood biomarkers related to energy intake. In addition, dogs fed MH were less physically active than dogs fed a control diet. These findings suggest that dietary MH has the ability to alter energy intake and lower daily energy expenditure.

Respiration rate is the necessary parameter for designing the storage conditions. In the present investigation, the effects of storage temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25ºC) and gas composition on the O 2 consumption and the CO 2 production have been studied by using the flow through system. The ratio of the respiration rate under controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (1.6 to 20.7% O 2 , 0.2 to 10.2% CO 2 , balanced with N 2 ) were calculated against the values under normal air condition. As a result, it was found that a decrease in O 2 concentration suppressed O 2 uptake at each temperature involving an increase of the respiratory quotient. On the other hand, an increase in CO 2 concentration up to 10% suppressed both O 2 uptake and CO 2 output at 5-15ºC with almost a constant respiratory quotient. Thus, low temperature combined with CA having 5-10% CO 2 will be effective to suppress the respiration rate of tree-ripe 'Irwin' mango fruit, and O 2 should be higher than 5% to avoid anaerobic respiration.

SummaryObjective: To compare substrates oxidative patterns in type 2 diabetic patients treated with sulphonylurea alone or in combination with metformin. Methods: Plasma glucose (PG), plasma insulin (PI) and substrates oxidation rates measured by indirect calorimetry were compared during a test day at 8.00 a.m. (before breakfast), 11.00 a.m. (before the lunch), 2.00 p.m. (2 h after the lunch) and at 5.00 p.m. in 56 diabetic patients treated with diet (group C, n = 14), sulphonylurea (group S, n = 14) or with a sulphonylurea‐metformin combination (group SM, n = 28). Results: The three groups were comparable for age, body mass index (b.m.i.), body composition and PG levels. Mean glucose oxidation (Gox) was increased since mean lipid oxidation (Lox) was decreased in group S in comparison both with group C (3.02 ± 0.08 vs. 2.62 ± 0.08 g/min/kg/103, p &lt; 0.05; 0.53 ± 0.04 vs. 0.88 ± 0.09 g/min/kg/103, p &lt; 0.01). Mean Lox was also decreased in group S in comparison with group SM (0.8...

Estudiar el consumo calórico en niños críticos, analizando su correlación con las características clínicas, los tratamientos que reciben, el tipo de nutrición y el aporte calórico y valorar la utilidad de las fórmulas teóricas de cálculo de las necesidades energéticas. Estudio analítico de una cohorte prospectiva en niños críticos. Se midió el consumo calórico mediante el módulo de calorimetría indirecta del monitor Datex S5 y se recogieron los datos de la asistencia respiratoria, tipo de nutrición y aporte calórico. Se calcularon las necesidades calóricas teóricas utilizando las fórmulas de

The respiration rate and respiratory quotient of mature tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Himsona') fruits harvested at the turning stage were determined under closed system at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 °C (ambient) temperatures. The rate of respiration was higher at the start of the experiment and gradually declined as the storage period prolonged, before becoming almost constant. The steady-state respiration rate for CO 2 evolution were observed to be 14. 35, 15.04,19.95, 21.7 and 20.3 ml/kg-h at 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C and 35 °C, respectively. The RQ values for tomato varied from 0.55 to 1.10 with time under the experimental conditions. The respiration rate at steady state based on carbon dioxide evolution and oxygen consumption in closed condition decreased by about 46 % and 73 %, respectively relative to initial respiration rate values at normal air atmosphere. The results suggest that the respiration rate of tomato increased with temperature and decrease with storage time.

Obesity is a multidimensional chronic and progressive disease that requires long-term follow-up by an integrated approach. The aim of our work was, through a retrospective observational study, to confirm that obesity treatment needs of a long-term multidimensional approach. We observed the data collected in the past from 205 patients (body mass index[25) from the medical records at our Nutritional Centre. Fat mass and fat-free mass were determined by anthropometry. Resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient were measured by indirect calorimetry. Dietary programmes were established on the basis of metabolic analysis. Physical activity was encouraged in term of lifestyle change. The observed patients were divided into five groups. All groups showed a reduction of weight, waist circumference and arm fat area. There was correlation between all parameters. Our approach results in a long-term sustainment of the weight loss achieved up to a 5-year period, through psychological improvements as well as improved eating behaviour and general wellbeing.

Background & aims: Energy expenditure (EE) during sitting is widely assumed to be higher than that while lying down, but supporting evidence is equivocal. Despite this, resting EE in the sitting position is often used as a proxy for basal metabolic rate. Here we investigate whether EE differs in the comfortable seated position compared to supine (lying) position. Methods: EE and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured (by ventilated hood indirect calorimetry) in 19 healthy subjects (9 men, 10 women) after an overnight fast. Supine measurements were made using a comfortable clinical tilting table and sitting measurements made using an adjustable, ergonomic car seat adapted for the hood system. After about 30 min of rest in either position, metabolic monitoring was conducted until stabilization of EE for at least 15 min in each posture. Results: EE in the sitting position was not significantly different compared to supine (<2% difference). By contrast, heart rate was higher by 7 beats/min (p < 0.05). RQ was slightly but significantly decreased during sitting compared to lying (p < 0.05), with no change in breathing rate. Conclusions: This study suggests that the ventilated hood calorimetry system for assessment of REE after an overnight fast in a comfortable sitting position can be used as a good proxy of the basal metabolic rate. It also underscores the applicability of the ventilated hood system to measurements of resting EE in the sitting posture which, compared to supine posture, may be more acceptable/convenient to the subject/ patient participating in postprandial metabolic studies lasting several hours.

In situ, continuous and real-time monitoring of respiration (R) and respiratory quotient (RQ) are crucial for identifying the optimal conditions for the long-term storage of fresh produce. This study reports the application of a gas sensor (RMS88) and a modular respirometer for in situ real-time monitoring of gas concentrations and respiration rates of strawberries during storage in a lab-scale controlled atmosphere chamber (190 L) and of Pinova apples in a commercial storage facility (170 t). The RMS88 consisted of wireless O2 (0% to 25%) and CO2 sensors (0% to 0.5% and 0% to 5%). The modular respirometer (3.3 L for strawberries and 7.4 L for apples) consisted of a leak-proof arrangement with a water-containing base plate and a glass jar on top. Gas concentrations were continuously recorded by the RMS88 at regular intervals of 1 min for strawberries and 5 min for apples and, in real-time, transferred to a terminal program to calculate respiration rates ( R O 2 and R CO 2 ) and RQ. ...

The biodegradation and mineralisation of hexadecane (HXD) by Aspergillus niger were studied in SmF and Solid-state fermentation (SSF). HXD concentrations ranging from 45 to 180 g/l (SSF) and from 20 to 80 g/l (SmF) were tested. HXD consumption was three times higher and fungal growth was up to 30 times faster in SSF than in SmF. The maximum HXD consumption in SmF was 62% (18% mineralised) and in SSF 100% (52% mineralised) for initial HXD concentrations of 20 and 45 g/l, respectively. The respiratory quotient in SmF increased (from 0.85 to 1.08) with increase in HXD concentration, while it was independent ($0.68) of the initial HXD concentration in SSF. These results showed that the consumption rate and biodegradation efficiency for HXD were higher in SSF than in SmF.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder. This syndrome is a genetic disorder that involves about 5 to 10 percent of women in reproductive age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of codon 164 of beta-2 adrenergic receptor (NM-_000024.5:c.491C>T) polymorphism in patients with PCOS. The normal form of this codon is ACC and when polymorphism occurs, it changes to the ADRB2rs1800888 (Thr164Ile) with codon ATC. This case-control study consisted of 14 Iranian patients (mean age 26.86±1.03), along with 13 healthy controls, from Infertility Center of Valie Asre, Imam Khomaini Hospital Complex in May 2013 until Feb 2014. Data analysis was done by statistical software SPSS, version 19.0. The result shows that, two persons of control group and one individual of patient group had polymorphism codon 164. The P-value greater than 0.05 (P>0.05) demonstrated that there is no correlation between Thr164Ile polymorphism and PCOS.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of consumption of different protein sources on food intake and energy expenditure in normal weight subjects. Subjects and methods: Breakfast preparations (casein, soy protein, whey protein or control) were ingested during seven consecutive days. Appetite, food intake, and energy expenditure were assessed. Results: Casein consumption led to a lower energy intake than whey protein. There was lower energy intake on day 7 than on day 1 of the casein session. Soy protein preparations resulted in higher diet induced thermogenesis (DIT) than in control preparations. The respiratory quotient (RQ) obtained in the whey protein session was lower than the control and soy protein sessions. Conclusion: These results suggest that the consumption of different protein types leads to distinct effects on satiety (casein), DIT (soy protein), and/or RQ (whey protein).

High altitude (HA) exposure may affect human health and performance by involving the body timing system. Daily variations of melatonin may disrupt by HA exposure, thereby possibly affecting its relations with a metabolic parameter like the respiratory quotient (RQ). Sea level (SL) volunteers (7 women and 7 men, 21.0 ± 2.04 y) were examined for daily changes in salivary melatonin concentration (SMC). Sampling was successively done at SL (Antofagasta, Chile) and, on acute HA exposure, at nearby Caspana (3,270 m asl). Saliva was collected in special vials (Salimetrics Oral Swab, United Kingdom) at sunny noon (SMC) and in the absence of blue light at midnight (SMC). The samples were obtained after rinsing the mouth with tap water and were analyzed for SMC by immunoassay (ELISA kit; IBL International, Germany). RQ measurements ( = 12) were realized with a portable breath to breath metabolic system (Oxicon Mobile, Germany), between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, once at either location. At SL, SMC...

Obesity is now a public health concern. The leading cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between ingested and expended calories. The mechanisms of feeding behavior and energy metabolism are regulated by a complex of various kinds of molecules, including anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptides. One of these neuropeptides, neuromedin U (NMU), was isolated in the 1980s, and its specific receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2, were defined in 2000. A series of subsequent studies has revealed many of the physiological roles of the NMU system, including in feeding behavior, energy expenditure, stress responses, circadian rhythmicity, and inflammation. Particularly over the past decades, many reports have indicated that the NMU system plays an essential and direct role in regulating body weight, feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and insulin secretion, which are tightly linked to obesity pathophysiology. Furthermore, another ligand of NMU receptors, NMS (neuromedin S), was identified in 2005. N...

One of the wastes associated with leather production in tannery industries is the hair residue generated during the dehairing process. Hair wastes are mainly dumped or managed through composting but recent studies propose the treatment of hair wastes through solid state fermentation (SSF) to obtain proteases and compost. These enzymes are suitable for its use in an enzymatic dehairing process, as an alternative to the current chemical dehairing process. In the present work, two different scenarios for the valorization of the hair waste are proposed and assessed by means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): composting and SSF for protease production. Detailed data on hair waste composting and on SSF protease production is gathered from previous studies performed by our research group and from a literature survey. Background inventory data is mainly based on Ecoinvent version 3 from software SimaPro® 8. The main aim of this study was to identify which process results in the highest environmental impact. The SSF process was found to have lower environmental impacts than composting, due to the fact that the enzyme use in the dehairing process prevents the use of chemicals traditionally used in the dehairing process. This permits to reformulate an industrial process from the classical approach of waste management to a novel alternative based on circular economy.