Diet of harbor porpoises along the Dutch coast: a combined stable isotope and stomach contents approach

in Marine Mammal Science (in press)

High stranding frequency of porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, along the Dutch coast since 2006 has led to increased interest in the ecology of porpoises in the North Sea. Stranded porpoises were collected ... [more ▼]

High stranding frequency of porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, along the Dutch coast since 2006 has led to increased interest in the ecology of porpoises in the North Sea. Stranded porpoises were collected along the Dutch coast (2006–2008) and their diet was assessed through stomach content and stable isotope analysis (d13C and d15N) of porpoise muscle and prey. Stable isotope analysis (SIAR) was used to estimate the con- tribution of prey species to the porpoises’ diet. This was compared to prey composi- tion from stomach contents, to analyze differences between long- and short-term diet. According to stomach contents, 90.5% of the diet consisted of gobies, whiting, lesser sandeel, herring, cod, and sprat. Stable isotope analysis revealed that 70-83% of the diet consisted of poor cod, mackerel, greater sandeel, lesser sandeel, sprat, and gobies, highlighting a higher importance of pelagic, schooling species in the porpoises’ diet compared to stomach contents. This could be due to prey distribution as well as differ- ences in behavior of porpoises and prey between the coastal zone and offshore waters. This study supports the need for multi-method approaches. Future ecological and fishery impact assessment studies and management decisions for porpoise conservation should acknowledge this difference between the long- and short-term diet. [less ▲]

The diet of the serotine bat: A Comparison between rural and urban environments

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2008), 138(1), 41-49

The diet of four maternity colonies of serotine bats in Southern Belgium was investigated by analysing faecal pellets collected from beneath the roost throughout the activity season. Their diet is ... [more ▼]

The diet of four maternity colonies of serotine bats in Southern Belgium was investigated by analysing faecal pellets collected from beneath the roost throughout the activity season. Their diet is composed of Coleoptera Melolonthidae (Melolontha sp., Amphimallon sp., Rhizotrogus sp., Serica brunnea), Coleoptera Scarabaeidae (Aphodius sp., Geotrupes sp.), Coleoptera Carabidae, Diptera Tipulidae, Diptera Chironomidae, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera Pentatomidae, Hymenoptera Ichneumonoidea Ophionidae, Trichoptera and Arachnida. <br />The diet of an urban colony of serotine bats was broadly the same as the diets of three rural colonies. Though some qualitative and quantitative variations were observed between study sites, the main source of variation in the diet was the seasonal availability of potential prey. <br />The prominence of agriculture-dependant prey (chafers in mid summer and Aphodius beetles in late summer and autumn) was observed at all study sites. Consequently, dietary breadth and diversity is smaller during these periods. [less ▲]

Diet overlap between the newly introduced Lamprichthys tanganicanus and the Tanganyika sardine in Lake Kivu, Eastern Africa

in Hydrobiologia (2011), 675(1),

Diet, habitat use, and seed dispersal by a pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina leonina) troop in Khao Yai National Park (Thailand)

Conference (2008, April 23)

While studying the influence of human proximity on the ecology of pigtail macaques, a species not well documented in continental Thailand, we collected data on ranging and foraging behaviours of a troop ... [more ▼]

While studying the influence of human proximity on the ecology of pigtail macaques, a species not well documented in continental Thailand, we collected data on ranging and foraging behaviours of a troop of Macaca nemestrina leonina living in the surroundings of Khao Yai National park tourist centre. We present here data suggesting a role as seed dispersers for the pigtails, role which has not been considered yet when analysing the importance of the frugivorous community in forest regeneration. Such a role might be however expected based on the highly frugivorous diet of the macaques, the presence of cheek pouches, and the relatively long distance they travel daily. The studied troop counts about 40 individuals, with 3 adult males for 9 adult females, and occupies a 100 ha home range with sleeping sites close to the tourist facilities. Macaques spent about 30% of their days in primary forests, and more than 60 percent in secondary forest and open areas. They consume a certain proportion of human food (6.4%), but spend most time foraging for wild food in the surrounding forest. Fruits count for an important part of their diet (76%) and, indeed, the faeces analysis reveals the presence of a high number of seeds, which size ranges up to above 15mm. Their viability was assessed using the cut-test and Tetrazolium immersion, showing a high percentage of viable seeds in the samples. Three series of seeds (defecated, spat, and control seeds) placed in germination boxes reached a high germination rate, with no uniform significant differences between defecated, spat and control seeds. Seeds without pulp, a frequent case when macaques reject them after transport and processing, seem to be more likely to germinate than seeds rejected with their pulp directly under the parent tree. These results suggest altogether that pigtail macaques are potential seed dispersers, an important factor in regard of their regular use of degraded habitat zones. [less ▲]

Dietary and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium associated with blood pressure control in treated hypertensive kidney transplant patients

Conference (2012, April 26)

Abstract Background. In kidney transplant (kt) recipients , hypertension is a major risk for cardiovascular complications but also for graft failure. Blood pressure (BP) control is therefore mandatory ... [more ▼]

Abstract Background. In kidney transplant (kt) recipients , hypertension is a major risk for cardiovascular complications but also for graft failure. Blood pressure (BP) control is therefore mandatory. Office BP (OBP) remains the most frequently used for clinical decisions, however home BP (HBP) have brought a significant improvement in the BP control. Sodium is a modifiable risk factor, many studies accounted for a decrease of BP with a sodium restricted diet. Increased potassium intake has been also recommended in hypertension management. Using an agreement between office and home BP, the present study investigated the relations between the BP control in kt recipients and their urinary excretion and dietary consumption of sodium and potassium. Methods. The BP control defined by OBP <140/90 mmHg and HBP <135/85 mmHg was measured in 70 kt recipients (mean age 56 ± 11.5 years; mean graft survival 7 ± 6.6 years) treated with antihypertensive medications. OBP and HBP were measured with a validated oscillometric device (Omron M6â). 24-hour urinary sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) excretion as well as dietary intakes (food recall) were compared between controlled and uncontrolled (in office and at home) recipients. Non parametric Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney Test was used for between groups comparisons and Fisher’s exact test for frequencies comparisons. Results. Using an agreement between OBP and HBP, we identified controlled (21%) and uncontrolled recipients (49%). Major confounding effects susceptible to interfere with the BP regulation did not differ between groups, the amounts of sodium excretion were similar (154 ± 93 vs 162 ± 88 mmol/24h) but uncontrolled patients excreted less potassium (68 ± 14 vs 54 ± 20 mmol/24h; P=0.029) and had significantly lower intakes (3279 ± 753 vs 2208 ± 720 mg/24h; P=0.009), resulting in a higher Na+/K+ ratio. Systolic HBP was inversely and significantly correlated to urinary potassium when age, BMI and urinary sodium were controlled (r= -0.46; P=0.002). When age, BMI and urinary potassium were controlled, a positive relation was observed with urinary sodium (P=0.042). Conclusions. Half of the treated hypertensive kt recipients remained uncontrolled in office and at home. Restoring a well-balanced sodium/potassium ratio intakes could be a non pharmacological opportunity to improve blood pressure control. [less ▲]

Dietary fibre and fibre-rich by-products of food processing characterisation, technological functionality and commercial applications: a review

in Food Chemistry (2011), 124

Dietary fibre components and pectin chemical features of peels during ripening in banana and plantain varieties.

in Bioresource Technology (2008), 99(10), 4346-4354

Dietary fructooligosaccharides modify lipid metabolism in dogs

in Proceedings of the 6th Annual Congress of the ESVIM (1996)

Dietary habits during adolescence - results of the Belgian Adolux Study

in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2001), 55

STUDY: To analyse the usual dietary habits of Belgian adolescents from a high cardiovascular risk population. METHODS: A food frequency questionnaire (57 items) was administered to the whole sample ... [more ▼]

STUDY: To analyse the usual dietary habits of Belgian adolescents from a high cardiovascular risk population. METHODS: A food frequency questionnaire (57 items) was administered to the whole sample. Complementary questions specified some types of food (eg fat content). A subgroup of 234 adolescents gave detailed information on portion size (picture book and food samples). SETTING: Twenty-four secondary schools in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. SUBJECTS: A total of 1,526 adolescents (12-17y) selected by a multiclustered stage sampling (participation: 83.6%). RESULTS: Respectively 46% and 60% of the adolescents did not eat fruit and vegetables daily. Most of the adolescents (72%) consumed at least one dairy product daily. The frequent consumption of chocolate and French fries indicated the strong cultural influence on dietary habits while imported foods (like hamburgers) had little success. One-third of the adolescents (33%, n = 509) drank alcohol at least once a week and this proportion rose to 57% in the oldest age group. Boys and girls differed significantly in their diet, with girls choosing healthier foods. Dietary habits, in particular drinking habits, differed also significantly between education levels, assessed by the learning option of the participants. The semi-quantitative questionnaire showed that two-thirds of the adolescents had a lipid intake (mainly saturated fatty acids) which exceeded 35% of the total caloric intake. Complex carbohydrates represented less than half of the total carbohydrates intake. CONCLUSION: The study of the diet of Belgian adolescents confirmed the strong influence of tradition, in particular on the consumption of high fat content foods. The promotion of healthy diet in adolescents should consider the cultural influence, even for this young age group [less ▲]

Dietary intake of PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB for the Belgian population

in Organohalogen Compounds (2010, September)