The effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation on plasma amino acid levels and muscle strength in resistance trained males consuming whey protein: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation on absorption and utilization of protein in resistance-trained males. METHODS: In this double blind, placebo-control trial, resistance-trained males (21.08 ± 2.84 years) were randomized to consume, either 20 g of whey protein powder {80% whey protein concentrate (WPC80), amounting to 15.4 g protein} with 2 billion CFU Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 (supplemental group) or 20 g of whey protein powder and lactose instead of Bacillus coagulans (placebo group) once daily for 60 days with a controlled resistance exercise protocol. The whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) given to both groups had a lactose content of 6.8%. Plasma-free amino acids (PFAAs) were determined at baseline, at 30 and 60 days of supplementation. Muscle strength, hypertrophy, VO2 max, and body composition, and other biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and end line. RESULTS: A positive effect of probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation was observed on protein absorption as evidenced by an increase in total PFAA by + 16.1% (p = 0.004). Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) comprising isoleucine (p = 0.016), leucine (p = 0.001), and valine (p = 0.002) were increased by + 33.1% in ITT analysis as compared to placebo after 60 days. At 30 days an increase in isoleucine by + 35% (p = 0.113), leucine by + 43% (p = 0.032), and valine by + 32% (p = 0.017) was observed in ITT analysis. Probiotic effect was shown on exercise performance as evidenced by an increase in one RM of leg press and vertical jump power by + 16.61% (p = 0.024) and + 7.86% (p = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: Significantly increased absorption of BCAA with supplementation of B. coagulans Unique IS-2 along with whey protein and improvement in leg press and vertical jump power was noted indicating the positive effect of the probiotic on muscle power in the lower body. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2017/03/008117; Date:16.03.2017.

Effect of deep cervical flexor muscles training using pressure biofeedback on pain and disability of school teachers with neck pain.

[Purpose] The job of secondary school teachers involves a lot of head down posture as frequent reading, assignment correction, computer use and writing on a board put them at risk of developing occupational related neck pain. Available studies of neck pain experienced by teachers are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine whether training of deep cervical flexor muscles with pressure biofeedback has any significant advantage over conventional training for pain and disability experienced by school teachers with neck pain. [Subjects] Thirty teachers aged 25-45 years with neck pain and poor craniocervical flexion test participated in this study. [Methods] A pretest posttest experimental group design was used in which experimental group has received training with pressure biofeedback and conventional exercises while control group received conventional exercises only. Measurements of dependent variables were taken at baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks of training. Pain intensity was assessed using a numeric pain rating scale and functional disability was assessed using the neck disability index. [Results] The data analysis revealed that there was significant improvement in pain and disability in both the groups and the results were better in the experimental group. [Conclusion] Addition of pressure biofeedback for deep cervical flexor muscles training gave a better result than conventional exercises alone. Feedback helps motor learning which is the set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to permanent changes in ability to respond.

A Study on Glycopeptide-Resistant Genotypes among Clinical Isolates of Enterococcus with Van B Phenotype.

Background: Enterococci, although remarked as harmless commensals of the intestinal tract of humans and animals, have become a significant source of infection in hospitalized patients worldwide.The present study aimed to isolate and identify enterococci from clinical samples and to determine the genotypic characteristics of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of 774 isolates of enterococci from clinical samples were identified to the species level, and their anti-microbial susceptibility pattern was determined by Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion method and Vitek 2 automated system. Screening for vancomycin resistance was performed by using brain heart infusion agar containing 6 micrograms/ml of vancomycin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin was determined by the agar dilution method and Epsilometer test (E test). Genotyping was carried out for resistant isolates by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results: Thirty (3.88%) isolates were resistant to vancomycin by agar screen method. Five isolates showed intermediate resistance with anMIC of 8-16 micrograms/ml for vancomycin by agar dilution. By the E test, two isolates displayed an MIC of ≥32 micrograms/ml for vancomycin and one isolate showed an MICof ≥32 micrograms/ml for teicoplanin.Van A was the common genotype isolated. The present study reports isolates of Enterococcus faecalis with a susceptible MIC for glycopeptide and the presence of the Van A gene. Conclusion: Heterogeneous resistance among clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis was observed in our study. The predominant phenotype and genotype detected among clinical isolates were Van A.

Prevalence of bla (CTX M) extended spectrum beta lactamase gene in enterobacteriaceae from critical care patients.

CONTEXT: Critical care units provide a favourable environment for the antimicrobial resistant organisms to disseminate. There is recent increase in number of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producers because of the emergence of CTX M Beta lactamases produced by Enterobacteriaceae. They colonize the intestinal flora and spread with greater intensity in the community and hospital. Usage of Carbapenems becomes mandatory as the ESBL inhibitor combination antibiotics (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) are not effective especially against CTX M ESBLs. AIM: The aim of this study is to detect ESBL producing bla CTX M gene in Enterobacteriaceae from infections in Critical care patients and to stress on the intensity of the problem and to make interventions to curb the emergence and dissemination of CTX M ESBLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 118 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Critical care unit patients were recovered from a variety of clinical specimens. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done and isolates with resistance or with reduced susceptibility to any of the third generation Cephalosporins were selected for the study. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL production was done by Double Disc Synergy Test and confirmed by minimum inhibitory concentration. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to screen the four groups of CTX-M ESBLs. RESULTS: Among the 118 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae 54 isolates were positive for CTX-M group I ESBL which constitutes 45.7 %. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of CTX M producing Enterobacteriaceae by continuous surveillance and thereby reducing their spread and restricted use of third generation Cephalosporins (3GC) antibiotics could be the possible routes to prevent the emergence and spread of CTX M ESBL producing organisms.