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Among the proposed functions of carotenoids in aquaculture have been those of pigmentation, antioxidant functions, as a source of pro-vitamin A, cellular protection from photodynamic damage, enhancement of growth and reproductive potential. However results reported by various authors are often contradictory. Some evidence suggests that these pigments may perform vital roles in growth and reproductive success in Crustaceans. Additional efforts need to be devoted to the understanding of the active forms of the carotenoid derived metabolites, retinoids in crustaceans. Dietary carotenoids are the sole biological precursors of retinoids in crustaceans. The importance of carotenoids as bioactive molecules reside to a large degree on their conversion to retinoids that are involved in the activation of hormonal nuclear receptors. Retinoids play a prominent role in many developmental processes, including embryonic development and differentiation of various cell types. The presence of receptors of retinoic acid in crustaceans and our findings of retinoids in the neuroendocrine complex and in reproductive tissue, as well as the enhancement of the ovarian development in shrimp suggests an important role of these metabolites in shrimp physiology for their successful aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summarizes work on the histological, physiological and molecular aspects of limb regeneration in the fiddler crab Uca pugilator. Hard exoskeleton as constraint to growth in most crustaceans; Basal and proecysial growth as two phases of limb regeneration in fiddler crab Uca pugilator; Occurence of fibroblast growth factors (FGF)-like immuno-reactivity during wound healing in Uca pugilator.

Describes exertional heat stroke and malignant hyperthermia (MH). Presents a study of two men in military service who had episodes of exertional heat stroke and their immediate families who were tested for their susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. In-vitro contracture tests on skeletal muscle samples; Muscle responses to caffeine and halothane; Possible association of clinical heat with an underlying inherited abnormality of skeletal muscle.

Calculation of estimated energy requirements (EER) is critical in achieving nutritional targets in pre-lung transplantation (LT) candidates. This study compared bedside prediction of EER using simple equations with a more complex technology based EER using a multisensor device (Sensewear v8.1, SW). SW estimated energy requirements was then compared to estimated energy intake (EEI) at pre-LT assessment. Single institution retrospective cross-sectional observational study of adult patients assessed for LT between Oct 2016 and Apr 2019. Patients wore the SW device on their left tricep for a minimum of 3 days. Patients with poor compliance, <22hours/day, n=25/142 were excluded. SW was the reference EER standard and was compared to predictive energy equations: 1. Ratio Method (RM, 30kcal/kg/d), 2. Schofield and 3. Harris Benedict (HB). EEI was calculated from self-reported food records (1-3 days), analysed using Foodworks (v.8) and reported in kcal, then compared with SW EER. Nutrition status was measured by Subjective Global Assessment and body mass index (BMI). 117 patients were included. 55% male, mean age 51.8 ±13.8years, BMI 25.1±4.5kg/m2. 4 patients were assessed as underweight, 53 healthy weight, 44 overweight and 17 obese. 17% of patients were assessed as malnourished (SGA-B, mild-moderately malnourished). Respiratory disease: CF (15%), COPD (41%), IPF (31%), other (13%). Food record data existed for 82% of candidates (n=96). There was strong agreement between all predictive equations and SW. Schofield had the strongest correlation (0.836, p<0.001; 95% CI -59 to +10kcal), with HB (0.588, p<0.001; CI -134 to +15kcal) and RM (0.577, p<0.001; CI -9 to 148kcal). Most underweight (55%, n=21; CI +645±1345kcal/day) and healthy weight patients (80%, n=4; CI EER +1688±1646kcal/day) were exceeding EER. Overweight (64.5%, n=20, CI -407±589kCal), and obese patients had a net energy deficit (64.7%, n=11, CI -497±590kCal). Whilst all EER equations correlated well with SW as the reference standard, Schofield had the strongest agreement with SW, while larger variations were observed with other equations (over/underestimation) which may be clinically relevant for some patients. EER predictive energy equations provide a simple, rapid and accurate assessment of nutritional requirements in pre-lung transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]