Anatomical and pathological characteristics of ribs in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and its relevance to soft tissue changes

Studies on the anatomical and pathological characteristics of ribs in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) are warranted due to their possible association with red and melanized focal changes (RFC and MFC) in the fillet, a major quality and animal welfare concern. In this work, we provide an anatomical description of ribs based on radiographical and histological analyses. We also address various pathological rib changes and their association to RFC and MFC. In total, 129 fish were investigated; captured wild (n = 10) and hatchery reared (n = 119) Atlantic salmon (3.5–6.1 kg). The fish were selected based on the macroscopic presence of RFC, MFC or no changes (controls). Radiographic results revealed costal abnormalities in all fish groups. By histological investigations of the variations herein, our results provide new insight into the anatomical characteristics including vascularization within the ribs; a potential site for haemorrhage following costal fractures. Costal fractures were detected by radiology in 40 of 129 samples (RFC: 38.4%, MFC: 47.2%, controls: 9.5 %). A statistically significant association was found between costal fractures and red (p = 0.007) and melanized changes (p = 0.000). However, red and melanized changes were also observed in samples with no costal fractures (n = 45), indicating that also other factors influence the development of RFC/MFC.publishedVersio

Red and melanized focal changes in white skeletal muscle in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Comparative analysis of farmed, wild and hybrid fish reared under identical conditions

Selective breeding plays a vital role in the production of farmed Atlantic salmon and has shown success in many aspects. Still, challenges related to fish health and welfare continue to result in significant economic losses. One such challenge is red and melanized focal changes (RFC/MFC), which result from acute and chronic inflammation, respectively, in the skeletal muscle. Importantly, RFC/MFC has not been observed in wild Atlantic salmon, suggesting that both external and genetic factors may contribute to the development of inflammation. To investigate the underlying cause of RFC/MFC, we conducted a study involving 1854 Atlantic salmon of farmed, wild and hybrid origin. All fish were reared under identical conditions to minimize the influence of external factors. Throughout the production cycle, the fish was monitored for growth parameters and examined for RFC/MFC using macroscopic and histological analysis. We found no association between the experimental groups and the presence of RFC/MFC. Histological investigations revealed melano-macrophages in the soft tissue in freshwater smolt, although no macroscopic discoloration was observed. MFC showed granulomas in various stages, suggesting a complex progression of the condition. In summary, we conclude that RFC/MFC is primarily caused by external factors found in the rearing facilities of farmed Atlantic salmon.publishedVersio

Meal patterns associated with energy intake in people with obesity

It is widely assumed that people with obesity have several common eating patterns, including breakfast-skipping (1), eating during the night (2) and high fast-food consumption (3). However, differences in individual meal and dietary patterns may be crucial to optimizing obesity treatment. Therefore, we investigated the inter-individual variation in eating patterns, hypothesizing that individuals with obesity show different dietary and meal patterns, and that these associate with self-reported energy intake (rEI) and/or anthropometric measures. Cross-sectional data from 192 participants (aged 20–55 years) with obesity, including 6 days of weighed food records, were analyzed. Meal patterns and dietary patterns were derived using exploratory hierarchical cluster analysis and k-means cluster analysis, respectively. Five clear meal patterns were found based on the time-of-day with the highest mean rEI. The daily rEI (mean ± SD kcal) was highest among “midnight-eaters” (2550 ± 550), and significantly (p < 0.05) higher than “dinner-eaters” (2060 ± 550), “lunch-eaters” (2080 ± 520), and “supper-eaters” (2100 ± 460), but not “regular-eaters” (2330 ± 650). Despite differences of up to 490 kcal between meal patterns, there were no significant differences in anthropometric measures or physical activity level (PAL). Four dietary patterns were also found with significant differences in intake of specific food groups, but without significant differences in anthropometry, PAL, or rEI. Our data highlight meal timing as a determinant of individual energy intake in people with obesity. The study supports the importance of considering a person’s specific meal pattern, with possible implications for more person-focused guidelines and targeted advice.publishedVersio

Relationship between obesity and left ventricular hypertrophy in children

Background Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) increasing morbidity-mortality rates. It is apparent that a variety of adaptations/alterations in cardiac structure and function occurs as excessive adipose tissue accumulates. This leads to a decrease in diastolic compliance, eventually resulting in an increase in left ventricular filling pressure and left ventricular enlargement. Objective To evaluate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among  obese using electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 74 children aged 10-15 years from February 2009 to October 2009. The subjects were divided into obese and control groups. Physical examination and standard 12 lead electrocardiography (ECG) were done in both groups. Results Of 37 obese children, LVH were featured in 3 subjects, while in control group, only 1 child had LVH (P= 0.304). We found that mean RV6 in obese and control group were 9.8446 (SD 3.5854) and 11.9662 (SD 3.2857), respectively (P=0.005). As an additional findings, we found that birth weight was related to obesity in children. Conclusion There is no relation between obesity and left ventricular using ECG criteria in obese children aged 10-15 years

The Distribution of IgT mRNA⁺ Cells in the Gut of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)

publishedVersio

Meal patterns associated with energy intake in people with obesity

It is widely assumed that people with obesity have several common eating patterns, including breakfast-skipping (1), eating during the night (2) and high fast-food consumption (3). However, differences in individual meal and dietary patterns may be crucial to optimizing obesity treatment. Therefore, we investigated the inter-individual variation in eating patterns, hypothesizing that individuals with obesity show different dietary and meal patterns, and that these associate with self-reported energy intake (rEI) and/or anthropometric measures. Cross-sectional data from 192 participants (aged 20–55 years) with obesity, including 6 days of weighed food records, were analyzed. Meal patterns and dietary patterns were derived using exploratory hierarchical cluster analysis and k-means cluster analysis, respectively. Five clear meal patterns were found based on the time-of-day with the highest mean rEI. The daily rEI (mean ± SD kcal) was highest among “midnight-eaters” (2550 ± 550), and significantly (p < 0.05) higher than “dinner-eaters” (2060 ± 550), “lunch-eaters” (2080 ± 520), and “supper-eaters” (2100 ± 460), but not “regular-eaters” (2330 ± 650). Despite differences of up to 490 kcal between meal patterns, there were no significant differences in anthropometric measures or physical activity level (PAL). Four dietary patterns were also found with significant differences in intake of specific food groups, but without significant differences in anthropometry, PAL, or rEI. Our data highlight meal timing as a determinant of individual energy intake in people with obesity. The study supports the importance of considering a person’s specific meal pattern, with possible implications for more person-focused guidelines and targeted advice