Investigation into the use of novel pretreatments in the fermentation of Alaria esculenta by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and kombucha SCOBY.

High pressure processing (HPP), ultrasound probe (USP) and ultrasound bath (USB) were applied to Alaria esculenta as a fermentation pre-treatment. Seaweed was then fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LAB) or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Physiochemical properties of fermented seaweed were measured. pH was significantly different (p < 0.05) across SCOBY-fermented samples with different pre-treatments but not LAB-fermented samples (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in total viable count (TVC) with the highest count in HPP-treated samples, and lowest in control samples. Organic acids differed significantly (p < 0.05) across pre-treatments for both fermentation groups. 27 volatile compounds were detected in the samples, with alcohols and ketones the most prominent groups. The quantity of volatile compounds was not significantly lower (p > 0.05) from seaweed powder. The control sample had the highest levels of tropomyosin (15.92 mg/kg) followed by HPP samples.

Effect of Process Variables and Ingredients on Controlled Protein Network Creation in High-Moisture Plant-Based Meat Alternatives.

The market has observed a rapid increase in the demand for plant-based foods as an alternative to animal meat products. Technologies such as high-moisture extrusion (HME) have the potential to develop anisotropic structures using alternative protein ingredients. This article discusses the different possible mechanisms responsible for structure formation and the effect of extrusion process parameters and outlines the recent advances in the long cooling dies (LCDs) used for meat alternative development. The role of different protein ingredients and the impact of combining them with other biopolymers were also evaluated. The underlying mechanism behind anisotropic structure formation during HME is a synergistic effect, with substantial dependence on the source of ingredients and their processing background. Formulation including proteins derived from plants, insects, animals, and microalgae with other biopolymers could pave the way to develop structured meat alternatives and fill nutritional interstices. Dynamic or rotating annular gap cooling dies operating at freely controllable shear and static annular gap dies are recent developments and assist to produce layered or fibrous structures. The complex chemical sites created during the HME of plant protein favour flavour and colour retention. This paper summarises the recent information published in the scientific literature and patents, which could further help researchers to fill the present knowledge gaps.

An ophthalmology professionalism survey tool: outcomes from a multi-center study in Central India.

Purpose: To describe a professionalism survey tool and its use to assess knowledge of medical professionalism in ophthalmology training programs in Central India. Settings and Design: Multi-center survey study. Methods: A validated 33-question, scenario-based survey addressing professionalism attributes was administered at five centers in central India. The attributes tested included "personal characteristics," "physician-patient relationships," "workplace practice and relationships," and "socially responsible behaviors." A mean attribute score (%) was calculated and compared to "gold standard" responses by a group of expert senior ophthalmologists (100% agreement for responses). Results: A total of 225 participants completed the survey; 124 residents, 47 fellows, and 54 consultants (98.4% response rate). The total mean attribute score was 80.7 ± 9.1 (min 16.67, max 100). There was variation in the mean attribute score by professionalism attribute (P < 0.001), and a trend toward higher mean attribute scores for consultants compared to trainees across all attribute groups. The scores for "personal characteristics" (93 ± 9.7) and "physician-patient relationship" (82 ± 15.8) were the highest, whereas scores for "socially responsible behaviors" (73.9 ± 18.6) and "workplace practices" were low (72 ± 13). Conclusions: There is a generally high level of professionalism knowledge among ophthalmologists in central India. The results suggest that experience does impact knowledge of professionalism. Potential for improvement in professionalism exists in around "workplace practices", and around "socially responsible behaviors". These findings may serve as a valuable discussion starter and teaching tool to enhance professionalism in ophthalmology training programs.

Biomolecules from Macroalgae-Nutritional Profile and Bioactives for Novel Food Product Development.

Seaweed is in the spotlight as a promising source of nutrition for humans as the search for sustainable food production systems continues. Seaweed has a well-documented rich nutritional profile containing compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and polysaccharides as well as proteins, fatty acids and minerals. Seaweed processing for the extraction of functional ingredients such as alginate, agar, and carrageenan is well-established. Novel pretreatments such as ultrasound assisted extraction or high-pressure processing can be incorporated to more efficiently extract these targeted ingredients. The scope of products that can be created using seaweed are wide ranging: from bread and noodles to yoghurt and milk and even as an ingredient to enhance the nutritional profile and stability of meat products. There are opportunities for food producers in this area to develop novel food products using seaweed. This review paper discusses the unique properties of seaweed as a food, the processes involved in seaweed aquaculture, and the products that can be developed from this marine biomass. Challenges facing the industry such as consumer hesitation around seaweed products, the safety of seaweed, and processing hurdles will also be discussed.

Comparison Study of an Optimized Ultrasound-Based Method versus an Optimized Conventional Method for Agar Extraction, and Protein Co-Extraction, from Gelidium sesquipedale.

Agar is a hydrocolloid found in red seaweeds, which has been of industrial interest over the last century due to its multiple applications in the food, cosmetic, and medical fields. This polysaccharide, extracted by boiling for several hours, is released from the cell wall of red seaweeds. However, the environmental impact coming from the long processing time and the energy required to reach the targeted processing temperature needs to be reduced. In this study, a response surface methodology was employed to optimize both conventional extraction and ultrasound-assisted extractions. Two different models were successfully obtained (R2 = 0.8773 and R2 = 0.7436, respectively). Additionally, a further re-extraction confirmed that more agar could be extracted. Protein was also successfully co-extracted in the seaweed residues. Optimized conditions were obtained for both the extractions and the re-extraction of the two methods (CE: 6 h, 100 °C; and UAE: 1 h, 100% power). Finally, FT-IR characterization demonstrated that the extracts had a similar spectrum to the commercial agar. Compared to commercial samples, the low gel strength of the agar extracts shows that these extracts might have novel and different potential applications.

Pathophysiology of the comorbidity of glaucoma with obstructive sleep apnea: A postulation.

Glaucoma is a serious and progressive optic neuropathy, the exact pathophysiology of which is still poorly understood. Furthermore, glaucoma exhibits significant comorbidity with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that warrants an in-depth study in view of highly probable beneficial and far-reaching clinical implications. In this brief paper, the authors have studied the existing theories in an attempt to explain the comorbidity and its underlying pathophysiology. From the ensuing evidence, the role of connective tissue strength has emerged as a major factor and which appears to play a pivotal role not only in the development of glaucoma but also in the underlying pathophysiology of its enigmatic comorbidity with OSA. Understanding the pathophysiology of the comorbidity can stimulate newer therapeutic strategies targeted toward strengthening of connective tissues that may at least retard if not arrest the progression of glaucomatous changes and their complications.

The effect of lauric arginate on the thermal inactivation of starved Listeria monocytogenes in sous-vide cooked ground beef.

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of lauric arginate (LAE, 1000 ppm - 3000 ppm) as an assisting tool to reduce starved Listeria monocytogenes population in ground beef following sous-vide processing at different temperatures (55-62.5 °C). Ground beef mixed with LAE was vacuum sealed and a laboratory water bath was used for sous-vide cooking. Loglinear and Weibull models were fit to the survival microbial population and the D and Z-values were determined at 55-62.5 °C. Calculated D-values ranged from 33.62 to 3.22 min at temperature 55-62.5 °C. LAE at higher concentration is an effective antimicrobial to increase the inactivation of the pathogen in sous-vide cooking. With the addition of LAE, D-values at 55 and 62.5 °C determined by the Loglinear model decreased from 31.86 to 2.28 min (LAE 1000 ppm) and 16.71 to 0.56 min (LAE 3000 ppm), respectively; whereas the D-values at 55 to 62.5 °C determined by the Weibull model were 44.26 and 2.09 min (LAE 1000 ppm) and 22.71 and 1.60 min (LAE 3000 ppm), respectively. This study shows that sous-vide processing of ground beef supplemented with higher concentration of LAE effectively inactivates L. monocytogenes and thus, helps increase the microbiological safety and product quality.

Effect of various topical anti glaucoma drugs on cardiopulmonary system. A prospective study.

Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of various topical antiglaucoma drugs. Material & method: In this study, forty consecutive cases of newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma were recruited. After taking a detailed history, an ophthalmological examination and a systemic examination including resting pulse rate, blood pressure, ECG, auscultation of the chest and spirometry were performed. Then the patients were randomly divided into four groups and one of the four topical anti glaucoma medication (Timolol, Latanoprost, Brimonidine, and Dorzolamide) prescribed. Patients were reviewed 4 weeks later and the same ocular and systemic examinations were performed. Result: Timolol therapy reduced all the spirometry parameters that are statistically significant difference with the P value of less than 0.1. Timolol therapy resulted in the mean reduction of pulse rate by 3.2 beats/ minute and a mean reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5.8 mmHg and 5.6 mmHg, respectively all the spirometry & cardiovascular parameters remained unchanged in the other three groups after 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Timolol significantly affects the cardiopulmonary status. Therefore, we could advice the assessment of cardiopulmonary status mandatory in patients receiving topical beta-blockers. Bronchospasm may be of clinical significance in the elderly, who commonly have undiagnosed reversible airway obstruction.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis in anterior chamber.

Live worm in anterior chamber is a rare finding. We hereby report a case of ocular Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the third case report from India. A 70-year-old female presented with the complaints of watering and foreign body sensations in right eye since 2 months. On examination, a translucent worm of approximately 15 mm length was found freely moving in anterior chamber. Patient underwent surgical removal of live worm, which was identified as A. cantonensis. Educating people regarding importance of hygiene is important for prevention of worm infestation.

Comparison of flow velocity in ophthalmic artery between glaucomatous and normal subjects.

Purpose: To study the hemodynamic parameters in ophthalmic artery (OA) using color Doppler imaging in subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and age matched normals. Methods: Sixty-eight eyes of 68 subjects (41 males and 27 females) constituted material for this prospective observational study. They were divided into three groups; Group A had 24 patients with POAG, Group B had 18 patients with NTG and Group C had 26 normal subjects. They underwent CDI of OA. The outcome variables were peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). Data were compiled and analyzed using one-way ANOVA analysis. Results: The mean ± SD age of POAG patients, NTG patient and normal subjects was 59.95 ± 7.35, 58.11 ± 9.97 and 57.73 ± 5.39 years, respectively. The mean intra ocular pressure (IOP) was 29.8 ± 5.0, 15.9 ± 2.4 and 16.6 ± 1.7mm Hg in Group A, B and C, respectively. In group A, the mean PSV, EDV, RI and PI were 18.2 ± 3.80, 3.71 ± 1.40, 0.93 ± 0.12 and 2.8 ± 0.42. In group B, 26.6 ± 1.72, 4.93 ± 1.32, 0.84 ± 0.02 and 1.32 ± 0.20 and in group C, 35.4 ± 3.04, 8.08 ± 0.69, 0.77 ± 0.03 and 1.80 ± 0.17, respectively. All the values were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Lower PSV and EDV were found in POAG and NTG patients, while RI was higher than in normal subjects. Conclusion: The hemodynamic parameters are significantly affected in POAG and NTG patients. The PSV and EDV are decreased and RI is increased. EDV is more sensitive for the assessment of hemodynamic changes.

Bilateral combined anterior and posterior lenticonus in Alport's Syndrome.

Alport's syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by hearing loss, progressive renal failure and ocular abnormalities like anterior lenticonus, corneal opacities, cataract, fleck retinopathies, and temporal retinal thinning. To have anterior and posterior lenticonus in the same eye in this syndrome is a rare finding and only a few such reports are available. Hereby, we report a case of a 22-year-old male with bilateral combined anterior and posterior lenticonus with sensorineural deafness and nephritis leading to the diagnosis of Alport's syndrome.

Influence of learning effect on reliability parameters and global indices of standard automated perimetry in cases of primary open angle glaucoma.

Aim. To find out the influence of learning effect on various reliability parameters and global indices of standard automated perimetry in cases of primary open angle glaucoma. Method. Thirty eyes of 30 patients of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma constituted material for this prospective observational study. All the patients underwent standard automated perimetry three times on three different days within one week on G program of Octopus Visual Field Analyzer. The details of reliability indices, global indices, and test duration were compiled and analyzed. Result. A male preponderance was observed with a mean age of 53.43 years. The mean false positive was found to be 11.13, 6.07, and 2.40 on visit 1, visit 2, and visit 3, respectively. The mean false negative was found to be 13.73, 9.33, and 6.30 on visit 1, visit 2, and visit 3, respectively. The mean fixation loss was found to be 7.53, 3.83, and 1.60 on visit 1, visit 2, and visit 3, respectively. The mean deviation was found to be -10.14, -5.75, and -3.11 on visit 1, visit 2, and visit 3, respectively. The pattern standard deviation was found to be 5.58, 4.63, and 4.35 on visit 1, visit 2, and visit 3, respectively. The mean test duration was found to be 7.68, 6.21, & 5.51 minutes for visit 1, visit 2 and visit 3, respectively. All the values were statistically highly significant except for the pattern standard deviation. Conclusion. At least three standard automated perimetry tests should be performed for all glaucoma patients in order to obtain a base line perimetry chart.

Farm to Fork Quantitative Risk Assessment of Listeria monocytogenes Contamination in Raw and Pasteurized Milk Cheese in Ireland.

The objective of this study was to model and quantify the level of Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk cheese (RMc) and pasteurized milk cheese (PMc) from farm to fork using a Bayesian inference approach combined with a quantitative risk assessment. The modeling approach included a prediction of contamination arising from the farm environment as well from cross-contamination within the cheese-processing facility through storage and subsequent human exposure. The model predicted a high concentration of L. monocytogenes in contaminated RMc (mean 2.19 log10 CFU/g) compared to PMc (mean -1.73 log10 CFU/g). The mean probability of illness (P1 for low-risk population, LR) and (P2 for high-risk population, HR, e.g., immunocompromised) adult Irish consumers following exposure to contaminated cheese was 7 × 10(-8) (P1 ) and 9 × 10(-4) (P2 ) for RMc and 7 × 10(-10) (P1 ) and 8 × 10(-6) (P2 ) for PMc, respectively. In addition, the model was used to evaluate performance objectives at various stages, namely, the cheese making and ripening stages, and to set a food safety objective at the time of consumption. A scenario analysis predicted various probabilities of L. monocytogenes contamination along the cheese-processing chain for both RMc and PMc. The sensitivity analysis showed the critical factors for both cheeses were the serving size of the cheese, storage time, and temperature at the distribution stage. The developed model will allow food processors and policymakers to identify the possible routes of contamination along the cheese-processing chain and to reduce the risk posed to human health.

Meta-analysis of the effect of ß-glucan intake on blood cholesterol and glucose levels.

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was performed on epidemiologic studies to assess the relation between ß-glucan consumption from oats and from barley on blood cholesterol level, triglyceride/triacylglycerol (TGL/TAG) level, and blood glucose level (BGL) in humans. In addition, the effect of ß-glucan on total cholesterol (TC) and BGL was translated into an empirical dose-response model. METHODS: Thirty research articles that evaluated the effect of different exposure levels of ß-glucan on blood cholesterol and BGL were analyzed, yielding 126 clinical studies. RESULTS: There was a significant inverse relation in TC (-0.60 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.85 to -0.34), low-density lipoprotein (-0.66 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.36), and TGL/TAG (-0.04 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.07) after consumption of ß-glucan. In contrast, an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was noted (0.03 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.13) with the random-effect model. The analysis showed a significant change in BGL (-2.58 mmol/L, 95% CI -3.22 to -1.84) with high heterogeneity between (I(2) = 97%) and across (τ(2) = 5.88) the studies. The fixed-effect model showed a significant change in TC, low-density lipoprotein, and BGL, whereas it showed no significant changes in high-density lipoprotein and TGL/TAG. The dose-response model showed that a 3-g/d dose of oat or barley ß-glucan was sufficient to decrease TC. CONCLUSION: Consumption of 3 g/d of oat or barley ß-glucan is sufficient to decrease blood cholesterol, whereas the effect on BGL is still inconclusive, with high heterogeneity, and requires further clinical research studies with longer intervention periods.