A critical review on protein-based smart packaging systems: Understanding the development, characteristics, innovations, and potential applications.

The use of packaging in the food industry is essential to protect food and improve its shelf life. However, traditional packaging, based on petroleum derivatives, presents some problems because it is non-biodegradable and is obtained from nonrenewable sources. In contrast, protein-based smart packaging is presented as an environmentally friendly strategy that also permits obtaining packaging with excellent characteristics for the formation of smart films and coatings. This review aims to summarize recent developments in smart packaging, focusing on edible films/coatings materials, originating from animal and plant protein sources. Various characteristics like mechanical, barrier, functional, sensory, and sustainability of packaging systems are discussed, and the processes used for their development are also described. Moreover, relevant examples of the application of these smart packaging technologies in muscle foods and some innovations in this area are presented. Protein-based films and coatings from plant and animal origins have great potential to enhance food safety and quality, and reduce environmental issues (e.g., plastic pollution and food waste). Some characteristics of the packages can be improved by incorporating polysaccharides, lipids, and other components as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and nanoparticles in protein-based composites. Promising results have been shown in many muscle foods, such as meat, fish, and other seafood. These innovative smart packaging systems are characterized by their renewable and biodegradable nature, and sustainability, among other features that go beyond typical protection barriers (namely, active, functional, and intelligent features). Nonetheless, the utilization of protein-based responsive films and coatings at industrial level still need optimization to be technologically and economically valid and viable.

Interaction study of aflatoxin M1 with milk proteins using ATR-FTIR.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a metabolite of carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and appears in milk of dairy animals on ingestion of feed contaminated with AFB1. It has been reported to have affinity towards milk proteins, the exact mechanism of which is still unknown. In the present study, ATR-FTIR coupled with chemometrics is utilized to understand AFM1 interaction with milk proteins. The second order derivative spectra of the spectral window 1700-1600 cm-1 confirms the affinity of AFM1 towards milk proteins. The results of principal component analysis suggested that spectral window of 1700-1600 cm-1 is informative and provides an indication of the conformational changes brought by AFM1 in the secondary structure of milk proteins. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05587-x.

Role of the electrocardiogram in differentiating genetically determined dilated cardiomyopathy from athlete's heart.

BACKGROUND: Physiological cardiac remodelling in highly trained athletes may overlap with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in differentiating between physiological and pathological remodelling. METHODS: The study population consisted of 30 patients with DCM who revealed a pathogenic variant at genetic testing and 30 elite athletes with significant cardiac remodelling defined by a left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter >62 mm and/or LV ejection fraction between 45% and 50%. RESULTS: The ECG was abnormal in 22 (73%) patients with DCM. The most common abnormalities were low voltages (n = 14, 47%), lateral T-wave inversion (TWI) (n = 6, 20%), ventricular ectopic beats (n = 5, 17%) and anterior TWI (n = 4, 13). Two athletes revealed an abnormal ECG: complete left bundle branch block (LBBB) in one case and atrial flutter in the other. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the ECG in differentiating DCM from physiological adaptation to exercise in athletes was 73% (confidence interval [CI]: 54%-88%), 93% (CI: 78%-99%) and 0.83 (CI: 0.71-0.92) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While the ECG is usually normal in athletes exhibiting significant LV dilatation and/or systolic dysfunction, this test is often abnormal in patients with DCM harbouring a pathogenic variant. Low voltages in the limb leads and lateral TWI are the most common abnormalities.

An examination of machine learning to map non-preference based patient reported outcome measures to health state utility values.

Non-preference-based patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are popular in health outcomes research. These measures, however, cannot be used to estimate health state utilities, limiting their usefulness for economic evaluations. Mapping PROMs to a multi-attribute utility instrument is one solution. While mapping is commonly conducted using econometric techniques, failing to specify the complex interactions between variables may lead to inaccurate prediction of utilities, resulting in inaccurate estimates of cost-effectiveness and suboptimal funding decisions. These issues can be addressed using machine learning. This paper evaluates the use of machine learning as a mapping tool. We adopt a comprehensive approach to compare six machine learning techniques with eight econometric techniques to map the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health 10 (PROMIS-GH10) to the EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D-5L). Using data collected from 2015 Australians, we find the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model out-performed all machine learning techniques and the adjusted limited dependent variable mixture model (ALDVMM) out-performed all econometric techniques, with the LASSO performing better than ALDVMM. The variable selection feature of LASSO was then used to enhance the performance of the ALDVMM in a hybrid model. Our analysis identifies the potential benefits and challenges of using machine learning techniques for mapping and offers important insights for future research.

An Economic Evaluation of Australia's Newborn Hearing Screening Program: A Within-Study Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent congenital disorders among children. Many countries have implemented universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) for the early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. Despite widespread implementation, the value for money of UNHS is unclear due to lack of cost and outcomes data from rigorous study designs. The objective of this research is to conduct a within-study cost-effectiveness analysis of UNHS compared with targeted screening (targeting children with risk factors of hearing loss) from the Australian healthcare system perspective. This evaluation is the first economic evaluation to assess the cost-effectiveness of UNHS compared to targeted screening using real-world data from a natural experiment. DESIGN: The evaluation assumed the Australian healthcare system perspective and considered a time horizon of 5 years. Utilities were estimated using responses to the Health Utilities Index Mark III. Screening costs were estimated based on the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program. Ongoing costs were estimated based on administrative data, while external data sources were used to estimate costs related to hearing services. Missing data were handled using the multiple imputation method. Outcome measures included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and four language and communication-related outcomes: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability, Progressive Achievement Test, and comprehensive, expressive, and total language scores based on the Preschool Language Scale. RESULTS: On average, the UNHS cost an extra Australian dollar (A$)22,000 per diagnosed child and was associated with 0.45 more QALYs per diagnosed child compared with targeted screening to 5 years, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of A$48,000 per QALY gained. The ICERs for language outcomes lay between A$3,900 (for expressive language score) and A$83,500 per one-point improvement in language score (for Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability). UNHS had a 69% probability of being more cost-effective compared to targeted screening at a willingness to pay threshold of A$60,000 per QALY gained. ICERs were most sensitive to the screening costs. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation demonstrated the usefulness of a within-study economic evaluation to understand the value for money of the UNHS program in the Australian context. Findings from this evaluation suggested that screening costs were the key driver of cost-effectiveness results. Most outcomes were not significantly different between UNHS and targeted screening groups. The ICER may be overestimated due to the short follow-up period. Further research is warranted to include long-term resource use and outcome data, late diagnosis, transition and remission between severity levels, and timing of diagnosis and treatment.

Undiagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is Highly Prevalent in Patients Referred for Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography with Shortness of Breath.

PURPOSE: Shortness of breath (SOB) is a common symptom referral for dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Patients with SOB and a normal DSE have worse long-term outcome than the general population. This suggests multiple aetiologies are involved. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical significance of undiagnosed COPD amongst patients referred for a DSE with SOB. METHODS: We prospectively studied 114 patients referred for DSE with SOB without prior evidence of lung disease (mean age 64.9 ± 18.5 years, 60 male). Respiratory function testing using spirometry was performed on all patients on the day of their DSE. The study end-points were cardiac events and total mortality. RESULTS: Respiratory function testing and DSE was performed in all patients and COPD was highly prevalent (n = 93). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of dyspnoea on non-fatal cardiac events (NFCE) and all-cause mortality. Over a mean follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.6 years, the composite end-point of NFCE and all-cause mortality occurred in 62.7% and 16.7% patients, respectively. COPD (HR 1.27; 95% CI 1.17-1.93), previous myocardial infarction (HR 1.84; 95% CI 1.06-3.2), myocardial ischaemia (HR 2.56; 95% CI 1.48-4.43), peak wall motion score index (HR 4.66; 95% CI 2.26-9.6), and mitral E/E' (HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.1-1.33) were significantly associated with a NFCE. Myocardial ischaemia (HR 4.43; 95% CI 1.24-15.81) was the only independent predictor of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Undiagnosed COPD is highly prevalent and independently associated with worse outcome amongst patients with SOB referred for DSE. Symptom presentation is therefore an important consideration when interpreting DSE results.

Myocardial work and left ventricular mechanical adaptations following isometric exercise training in hypertensive patients.

PURPOSE: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Isometric exercise training (IET) reduces resting and ambulatory blood pressure; however, few studies have investigated the myocardial adaptations following IET. METHODS: We randomly assigned 24 unmedicated hypertensive patients in a cross-over study design to 4-weeks of IET and control period, separated by a 3-week washout period. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular (LV) mechanics, and global myocardial work indices were derived from non-invasive LV pressure-strain loops constructed from global longitudinal strain (GLS) indexed to brachial systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: IET significantly improved GLS (- 2.3 ± 2%, p < 0.001) and global work efficiency (2.8 ± 2%, p < 0.001), and significantly reduced global wasted work (- 42.5 ± 30 mmHg%, p < 0.001) with no significant change during the control period. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first evidence to demonstrate that IET significantly improved cardiac health in a relevant patient population. Our findings have important clinical implications for patients with high blood pressure and support the role of IET as a safe and viable therapeutic and preventative intervention in the treatment of hypertension.

Modulation in Techno-Functional, Textural Properties, In Vitro Starch Digestibility and Macromolecular-Structural Interactions of Pasta with Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

The replacement of semolina with potato flour (PF) and potato mash (PM) at different levels was assessed for its effects on pasta quality. The results showed that the addition of PF and PM increased the pasting viscosity of the blends; in addition, PF enhanced the functional properties, while PM reduced them. The minimum cooking time decreased with PF and PM, while the PF pasta exhibited a higher cooking loss (5.02 to 10.44%) than the PM pasta, which exhibited a lower cooking loss. The pasta with PF and PM showed an increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid content, with reduced in vitro digestibility as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The PF pasta exhibited lower lightness and higher yellowness than the PM pasta, and its firmness and toughness also modulated owing to the complex interaction between potato starches and the gluten protein matrix, as evident from scanning electron microscopy. Sensory data revealed that pasta containing 30% PF and 16% PM was highly acceptable.

Utilization and characterization of flaxseed oil in ultrasonically emulsified mango beverage.

The present study described the formation of stable emulsion of flaxseed oil (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% v/v) in ready to serve Mango beverages using 20 kHz ultrasound of power input 21 W, 32 W, 43 W for varying times 3, 5, 7 min to create emulsion droplets size 100-800 nm. Oil was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction and solvent extraction method by varying solvents, time, ultrasonic intensity etc. and physio-chemical characterization was conducted. Fatty acid profiling revealed that linolenic acid and linoleic acid are major fatty acids present in extracted oil. Effect of flaxseed oil in fruit-based beverage was evaluated in terms of turbidity, pH, acidity, color, antioxidant activity and carotenoids content. Pectin stabilizes emulsion droplets by generating electrostatic repulsion (ζ potential - 25 mV) and the emulsions were stable upto 18 days at (4 ± 2) °C. The rheological behaviour in terms of viscosity of the emulsion stayed unaffected with sonication time upon storage. The carotenoids and antioxidant activity significantly increased from 151.37 to 292.24 µg/mL and 26.99% to 61.43% respectively at 0 to 0.75% added oil in the beverage and enhanced stability by preventing lipid oxidation. Organoleptic score of 0.25% and 0.50% of the flaxseed oil in the beverage was found to be acceptable.

Migration study of chemical additives from low density polyethylene (LDPE) into dahi.

Dahi is widely used fermented milk product in India. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is the most extensively used packaging material for Dahi in India. The present study was conducted to develop the analytical methods for extraction and migration of chemical additives from LDPE into dahi. Characterization of dahi packaging materials collected from five different firms was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Focused ultrasound solid liquid extraction method was observed to be better as compared to solid liquid extraction method as the former extracted maximum additives from the LDPE. Out of total 76 chemical additives extracted from LDPE, only eight (10.52%) matched with the existing positive list of polyolefins prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standads (BIS). The overall migration of chemical additives from all the LDPE samples was below their maximum limit as given by BIS standards. Chemical additives which migrated into the simulants included the antioxidants, fatty acids and their derivatives, unreacted hydrocarbons, plasticizers, lubricants and surfactant etc.

Effect of incorporation of iron-whey protein concentrate (Fe-WPC) conjugate on physicochemical characteristics of dahi (curd).

Dahi samples were prepared from milk incorporated with spray-dried iron-whey protein concentrate (Fe-WPC) conjugate and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) with three different concentrations of iron i.e. 15, 20 and 25 mg/L and their quality characteristics were determined. Fe-WPC conjugate incorporated dahi showed better sensory, textural and physical attributes as compared with those of FeSO4 fortified and control dahi. Non-significant (p > 0.05) changes were observed in attributes like acidity and flavor, color and appearance, body and texture scores of dahi fortified with Fe-WPC conjugate with upto 20 mg/L iron as compared to those of control. In contrast, definite metallic flavor was perceptible in case of FeSO4 incorporated dahi even at 15 mg/L level. Water holding capacity, viscosity and firmness were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 20 mg/L Fe-WPC conjugate incorporated dahi samples as compared with those of 20 mg/L FeSO4 incorporated dahi samples. In vitro bio accessibility of iron from Fe-WPC conjugate incorporated dahi was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that from FeSO4 incorporated dahi. Therefore, the results indicated that Fe-WPC conjugate can be fortified in dahi with upto 20 mg/L without significantly altering its physicochemical properties and with a higher bioaccessibillity of iron.

Methods to differentiate between cotton tract area ghee and cotton seed oil adulterated ghee.

Ghee, the clarified butter fat is one of the principal dairy products in India. In some places of India, cotton seed is fed extensively to dairy animals which changes the physico-chemical constants and fatty acid profile of the milk fat. Ghee is often adulterated with cotton seed oil and is marketed as cotton tract area ghee. Physico-chemical constants like RM value, Polenske value, BR reading, saponification value, iodine value and colorimetric tests i.e., Halphen and DPPH radical test were employed to differentiate ghee adulterated with cotton seed oil and that from cotton tract area. Chromatographic techniques like HPLC and GC-MS were also explored. Physico-chemical constants were not useful to differentiate the two types of ghee. Cyclopropenoic acids were observed only in ghee adulterated with cotton seed oil and not in cotton tract ghee. The RP-HPLC could able to distinguish the cotton tract area ghee from ghee adulterated with cotton seed oil on the basis of presence of ß-sitosterol in the latter. Halphen test was positive for cotton tract ghee, but not for the cotton seed oil adulterated ghee. Methylene blue reduction and DPPH radical test were also found to be useful to distinguish both types of ghee.

Deciphering the antagonistic effect of Streptomyces spp. and host-plant resistance induction against charcoal rot of sorghum.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the selected five strains of Streptomyces spp. could be used for biological control of charcoal rot disease in sorghum. Two strains each of Streptomyces albus (CAI-17 and KAI-27) and Streptomyces griseus (KAI-26 and MMA-32) and one strain of Streptomyces cavourensis (SAI-13) previously reported to have plant growth-promotion activity in chickpea, rice and sorghum were evaluated for their antagonistic potential against Macrophomina phaseolina, which causes charcoal rot in sorghum. The antagonistic potential of these strains against M. phaseolina was assessed through dual culture assay, metabolite production assay, blotter paper assay in greenhouse and field disease screens. In both dual culture and metabolite production assays, the selected strains significantly inhibited the growth of M. phaseolina (63-74%). In the blotter paper assay, all the five strains of Streptomyces spp. inhibited the pathogen (80-90%). When these five strains were tested for their antagonistic potential under the greenhouse (two times) and field (two seasons) conditions by toothpick method of inoculation, significant differences were observed for charcoal rot severity. Principal component analysis capturing 91.3% phenotypic variations, revealed that the shoot samples treated with both Streptomyces and the pathogen exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant parameters including superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and total phenolic contents when compared to shoot samples treated with only M. phaseolina. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the phloem and xylem tissues of the Streptomyces treated stem samples were intact compared to that of pathogen inoculated plants. This study indicated that the selected strains of Streptomyces spp. have the potential for biological control of charcoal rot disease in sorghum.

Multi-catheter cryotherapy compared with radiofrequency ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation: a randomized clinical trial.

AIMS: Restoring sinus rhythm (SR) by ablation alone is an endpoint used in radiofrequency (RF) ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) but not with cryotherapy. The simultaneous use of two cryotherapy catheters can improve ablation efficiency; we compared this with RF ablation in chronic persistent AF aiming for termination to SR by ablation alone. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients undergoing their first ablation for persistent AF of >6 months duration were screened. A total of 100 participants were randomized 1:1 to multi-catheter cryotherapy or RF. For cryotherapy, a 28-mm Arctic Front Advance was used in tandem with focal cryoablation catheters. Open-irrigated, non-force sensing catheters were used in the RF group with a 3D mapping system. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and non-PV triggers were targeted. Participants were followed up at 6 and 12 months, then yearly. Acute PVI was achieved in all cases. More patients in the multi-catheter cryotherapy group were restored to SR by ablation alone, with a shorter procedure duration. Sinus rhythm continued to the last available follow-up in 16/49 patients (33%) in the multi-catheter at 3.0 ± 1.6 years post-ablation and in 12/50 patients (24%) in the RF group at 4.0 ± 1.2 years post-ablation. The yearly rate of arrhythmia recurrence was similar. CONCLUSION: Multi-catheter cryotherapy can restore SR by ablation alone in more cases and more quickly than RF ablation. Long-term success is difficult to achieve by either methods and is similar with both.

Perception of Illness and Its Association with Treatment Willingness in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease of immense public health relevance. Understanding illness perceptions in the NAFLD population will provide sound scientific evidence for planning high-quality patient-centered care and implementing effective interventions. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) is a robust psychometric tool to systematically assess the dimensions of illness perceptions in various chronic ailments. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study enrolling patients with newly diagnosed NAFLD, the sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and radiological determinants of enhanced illness perceptions (measured by the BIPQ score) were investigated using univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Finally, the association between individual domains of the BIPQ and willingness to participate in comprehensive medical management was explored. RESULTS: In total, 264 patients (mean age 53 ± 11.9 years, 59.8% males) were enrolled in the final analysis. The mean and median BIPQ scores in the study population were 30.3 ± 12.8 and 31.0 (IQR, 22.0-40.0), respectively. The variables having a significant independent association with heightened perceptions (BIPQ > 31) were family history of liver disease (aOR, 5.93; 95% CI, 1.42-24.74), obesity (aOR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.57-7.05), diabetes mellitus (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.01-5.49), and transaminitis (aOR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.42-5.69). Patients with a higher level of illness perceptions (31.6 ± 12.9 vs 27.8 ± 12.3, p = 0.022) were more likely to express a willingness to participate in the comprehensive management plan, with 3 of the 8 domains (consequence, identity, and treatment control) mainly affecting willingness. CONCLUSION: A family history of liver disease, obesity, diabetes, and transaminitis were independently associated with increased illness perceptions. A belief in serious consequences, a strong illness identity, and higher perceived treatment control were significantly associated with the willingness to undergo comprehensive care for NAFLD.

Risk of atrial fibrillation in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed on selected studies to investigate the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among athletes compared with non-athlete controls. DESIGN: Meta-analysis with heterogeneity analysis and subsequent meta-regression to model covariates were performed. The mode of exercise (endurance and mixed sports) and age were the a priori determined covariates. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus and the Cochrane library were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Research articles published after 1990 and before 2 December 2020 were included if they reported the number of AF cases in athletes with non-athlete (physically active or inactive) control groups, were case-control or cohort studies and if data allowed calculation of OR. RESULTS: The risk of developing AF was significantly higher in athletes than in non-athlete controls (OR: 2.46; 95% CI 1.73 to 3.51; p<0.001, Z=4.97). Mode of exercise and risk of AF were moderately correlated (B=0.1259, p=0.0193), with mixed sport conferring a greater risk of AF than endurance sport (B=-0.5476, p=0.0204). Younger (<55 years) athletes were significantly more likely to develop AF compared with older (≥55 years) athletes (B=-0.02293, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Athletes have a significantly greater likelihood of developing AF compared with non-athlete controls, with those participating in mixed sport and younger athletes at the greatest risk. Future studies of AF prevalence in athletes according to specific exercise dose parameters, including training and competition history, may aid further in delineating those at risk.

Effect of bypass fatty acid and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation on production performance and milk fatty acid profiling in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Buffaloes contribute about 49% of total milk production and are considered as major milk-producing animals in India. During the early stage of lactation, mostly high producing animals suffer from negative energy balance (NEB) due to imbalance between the needs and availability of energy, and this NEB has a negative impact on production and health of buffaloes. Taking this into consideration, a study was conducted at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal on 20 freshly calved healthy Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Buffaloes were grouped depending on their previous milk yield, body weight, and parity as T0 (control), T1 (fatty acids), T2 (Tinospora), and T3 (mix) groups having five animals each. Supplementation of 150 g of bypass fatty acids in T1 group, 150 g of Tinospora powder in T2 group, and combination of 150 of bypass fatty acid and 150 g of Tinospora powder in T3 group over and above the standard feeding schedule was done for a duration of 90 days whereas standard feeding schedule was followed in T0 group. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in average daily milk yield was observed in T1 (10.06 ± 0.56 kg/d/h), T2 (10.30 ± 0.53 kg/d/h), and T3 (10.11 ± 0.48 kg/d/h) in comparison to control group (8.05 ± 0.38 kg/d/h). Significantly (P < 0.05) higher milk fat percent and total solids were also recorded in treatment groups over the control group. Other milk constituents (SNF, protein, lactose, ash) and milk properties (pH, conductivity, freezing point, density) remained unaffected by the supplementations. The somatic cell count values were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in T2 and T3 with the advancement in the lactation in comparison to T0 and T1. Supplementation also leads to significantly (P < 0.05) higher MUFA and PUFA contents in milk of treatment group buffaloes in comparison to control group. The study outcomes state that combination of bypass fatty acids and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation improves milk production and its composition in lactating Murrah buffaloes.

Characterization and cytotoxic activity of pigment extracted from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa to assess its potential as bio-functional additive in confectionary products.

The objective of the present investigation was to identify and characterize the pigment produced by yeast strain Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MTCC-1403) using food industry residues. Onion peel powder and Mung bean husks were explored as substrate for submerged fermentation at previously optimized conditions in 3-L bioreactor. The pigment extraction was followed by quantification and characterization in terms of UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy. Anti-carcinogenic activity of extracted pigment was measured against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the pigment was used for the development of confectionary products (hard boiled candy and jelly) at different concentrations to evaluate its influence on bioactive properties and functionality. UV-visible spectroscopic reports revealed that torularhodin, ß-carotene, and torulene were major carotenoids present. In case of anti-carcinogenic activity, cell inhibition of 21.21% was observed with 40 µg of the extracted pigment after 72 h of incubation against MCF-7 cells. Significant influence of extracted pigment on confectionary products was observed for antioxidant activity, carotenoid content, color profile and sensory evaluation.

Role of a cardio-renal multi-disciplinary team meeting in managing cardiovascular risk in patients on kidney transplant waitlists.

BACKGROUND: Waitlisted kidney transplant patients suffer from excess cardiovascular events. The benefits of regular cardiac investigations, potentially harmful and expensive, are unknown. We investigate the effectiveness of a cardio-renal MDT in managing high cardiovascular risk waitlisted transplant patients to prevent events and enable transplantation. METHODS: Clinical outcomes in waitlisted transplant candidates managed by our cardio-renal MDT protocol were compared against our standard protocol. Data compared include the transplantation, event, and death rates, cost of cardiac investigations and procedures, and graft, patient survival, and re-hospitalization rates in transplanted patients. RESULTS: 207 patients were studied (81 standard, 126 cardio-renal MDT). Over 2.7 years, the cardio-renal MDT protocol transplanted more patients than the standard group (35% vs 21%; P = .02). The managing cost per patient per year was higher in the standard group (£692 vs £610). This was driven by more echocardiograms and more tests per patient in the standard group (P < .01). There was no difference in adverse events or death. There was no difference in re-hospitalization, graft or patient survival rate in transplanted patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our cardio-renal MDT was effective in managing high-risk kidney transplant candidates with greater rates of transplantation and low rates of events at a lower cost.

Diagnostic yield of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in first-degree relatives of decedents with idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy.

AIMS: Idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is defined as LVH in the absence of myocyte disarray or secondary causes. It is unclear whether idiopathic LVH represents the phenotypic spectrum of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or whether it is a unique disease entity. We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of HCM in first-degree relatives of decedents from sudden death with idiopathic LVH at autopsy. Decedents also underwent molecular autopsy to identify the presence of pathogenic variants in genes implicated in HCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: Families of 46 decedents with idiopathic LVH (125 first-degree relatives) were investigated with electrocardiogram, echocardiogram exercise tolerance test, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, 24-h Holter, and ajmaline provocation test. Next-generation sequencing molecular autopsy was performed in 14 (30%) cases. Decedents with idiopathic LVH were aged 33 ± 14 years and 40 (87%) were male. Fourteen families (30%) comprising 16 individuals were diagnosed with cardiac disease, including Brugada syndrome (n = 8), long QT syndrome (n = 3), cardiomyopathy (n = 2), and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (n = 1). None of the family members were diagnosed with HCM. Molecular autopsy did not identify any pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Two decedents had pathogenic variants associated with long QT syndrome, which were confirmed in relatives with the clinical phenotype. One decedent had a pathogenic variant associated with Danon disease in the absence of any histopathological findings of the condition or clinical phenotype in the family. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic LVH appears to be a distinct disease entity from HCM and is associated with fatal arrhythmias in individuals with primary arrhythmia syndromes. Family screening in relatives of decedents with idiopathic LVH should be comprehensive and encompass the broader spectrum of inherited cardiac conditions, including channelopathies.