Reflux Finding Score and Reflux Symptom Index Potential Indicators for Diagnosis and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.

Retrograde movement of gastric contents into the pharynx is termed Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). It represents an extraesophageal manifestation associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objective of the study is to investigate the clinical profile of LPR and its response to treatment. Three hundred consecutive patients who presented to the ENT outpatient department with a clinical profile of LPR were selected. The patients' symptoms were assessed using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), followed by an endoscopic examination of the larynx and scoring using the Reflux Finding Score (RFS). Patients were started on LPR treatment if they had an RSI score of 13 and an RFS of more than 7. The patients were then started on medication and monitored for three months. The most common symptom in our research sample (52%) was a foreign body sensation in the throat. On endoscopic examination of the larynx, the most common sign was hyperemia/erythema of laryngeal tissue, especially bilateral arytenoids. Most of our patients responded favorably to a combination of pantoprazole (40 mg) and domperidone (30 mg) for 4 weeks. This was measured by the reduction in RSI and RFS scores. LPR is a frequently encountered clinical entity, and otorhinolaryngologists should consider it when treating patients with chronic symptoms such as throat pain and voice changes. Appropriate LPR diagnosis and care can help prevent unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics and surgical interventions in these patients.

Default mode network aberrance in subjects of alcohol and opioid use disorders during working memory task: An exploratory EEG microstates study.

Background: Aberrance in switching from default mode network (DMN) to fronto-parietal network (FPN) is proposed to underlie working memory deficits in subjects with substance use disorders, which can be studied using neuro-imaging techniques during cognitive tasks. The current study used EEG to investigate pre-stimulus microstates during the performance of Sternberg's working memory task in subjects with substance use disorders. Methods: 128-channel EEG was acquired and processed in ten age and gender-matched subjects, each with alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and controls while they performed Sternberg's task. Behavioral parameters, pre-stimulus EEG microstate, and underlying sources were analyzed and compared between subjects with substance use disorders and controls. Results: Both alcohol and opioid use disorder subjects had significantly lower accuracy (P < 0.01), while reaction times were significantly higher only in subjects of alcohol use disorder compared to controls (P < 0.01) and opioid use disorder (P < 0.01), reflecting working memory deficits of varying degrees in subjects with substance use disorders. Pre-stimulus EEG microstate revealed four topographic Maps 1-4: subjects of alcohol and opioid use disorder showing significantly lower mean duration of Map 3 (visual processing) and Map 2 (saliency and DMN switching), respectively, compared to controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Reduced mean durations in Map 3 and 2 in subjects of alcohol and opioid use disorder can underlie their poorer performance in Sternberg's task. Furthermore, cortical sources revealed higher activity in both groups of substance use disorders in the parahippocampal gyrus- a hub of DMN; superior and middle temporal gyri associated with impulsivity; and insula that maintains balance between executive reflective system and impulsive system. EEG microstates can be used to envisage neural underpinnings implicated for working memory deficits in subjects of alcohol and opioid use disorders, reflected by aberrant switching between neural networks and information processing mechanisms.

The Occurrence of Colistin Resistance in Potential Lactic Acid Bacteria of Food-Producing Animals in India.

The overuse of colistin, the last-resort antibiotic, has led to the emergence of colistin-resistant bacteria, which is a major concern. Lactic acid bacteria which are generally regarded as safe are known to be reservoirs of antibiotic resistance that possibly pose a threat to human and animal health. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of colistin antimicrobial resistance in livestock in India, that is lactic acid bacteria in healthy chickens, sheep, beef, and swine of Mysore. Diverse phenotypic and genotypic colistin resistance were examined among the lactic acid bacterial species (n = 84) isolated from chicken (n = 44), sheep (n = 16), beef (n = 14), and swine (n = 10). Hi-comb, double-disk diffusion tests, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and biofilm formation were assessed for phenotypic colistin resistance. Specific primers for colistin-resistant genes were used for the determination of genotypic colistin resistance. Around 20%, 18%, and 1% were colistin-resistant Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus species, respectively. Among these, 66.67% exhibited MDR phenotypes, including colistin antibiotic. The identified resistant isolates are Levilactobacillus brevis LBA and LBB (2), Limosilactobacillus fermentum LBF (1), and Pediococcus acidilactici CHBI (1). The mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes were detected in Levilactobacillus brevis LBA, LBB, and Pediococcus acidilactici CHBI isolated from chicken and sheep intestines respectively. The study identified colistin resistance determinants in lactobacilli from food animals, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of resistance spread. These findings underscore colistin resistance as a significant medical concern and should be integrated into India's ongoing antimicrobial resistance monitoring programs.

Safety assessment of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231 and its persistence in gastrointestinal tract.

Probiotics are the health beneficial microorganisms and suitable for food industry if found fit for human consumption. In the present study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231, a probiotic bacterium included in vegetable-based beverages, was evaluated for its safety characteristics and gastrointestinal survival using a combined in silico and in vitro approach. The strain was found to be devoid of hemolytic, lecithinase and gelatinase activities. Additionally, it does not consist any transferable antibiotic resistance genes. Further, whole genome sequence analysis revealed the presence of three intact prophages and 14 virulence-associated genes, however, none of them posed a pathogenic threat. Importantly, MCC5231 do not possess any gene associated with toxin production. The strain harbored a CRISPR system, enhancing defense against prophages. Survival assays under simulated gastric and intestinal fluid conditions demonstrated viability rates of 71.4 % and 83.3 %, respectively. Genetic analysis of the mucin binding protein indicated possession of a type II mucin binding domain, suggesting moderate adhesion to intestinal cells. Furthermore, L. plantarum MCC5231 exhibited the ability to produce exopolysaccharides and form biofilms, which may confer additional protection in the gastrointestinal tract. Based on these findings, L. plantarum MCC5231 appears to be a safe probiotic candidate suitable for commercial use in the food industry.

Engineering superhydrophobicity: a survey of coating techniques for silicone-based oil-water separation membranes.

Oil spills in the ocean and the release of contaminated wastewater from industries cause significant harm to the ecosystem and water sources. To tackle this environmental problem, oil-water mixture separation has been the subject of extensive research over the past few decades. Improving oil absorbents is crucial in removing organic contaminants from wastewater produced by industrial activities. To this end, there is an increasing need for materials that can efficiently and flexibly recover oils from contaminated ocean waters, industrial wastewater, and other sources. Silicones are often used for this purpose because of their exceptional mechanical and thermal durability, as well as their low toxicity. The materials produced from silicones, such as foam, sponge, or substrate, exhibit excellent oil-absorbing properties (maximum oil absorption range, 23.2-77 g/g) and outstanding compression cycles. This article review highlights the advancements in the manufacturing of silicone-based products that have been extensively researched for oil-water separation. Understanding the interdependencies that determine the structure, performance, and manufacturing strategy is essential to producing selective oil absorbents with more commercial potential in the future. Recycling of silicones has also become increasingly important as a goal for the circular economy.

Factors affecting the extent of resection and neurological outcomes following transopercular resection of insular gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of insular gliomas is a challenge. TO resection is considered more versatile and has lower risk of vascular damage. In this study, we aimed to understand the factors that affect resection rates, ischemic changes and neurological outcomes and studied the utility of IONM in patients who underwent TO resection for IGs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 66 patients with IG who underwent TO resection was performed. RESULTS: Radical resection was possible in 39% patients. Involvement of zone II and the absence of contrast enhancement predicted lower resection rate. Persistent deficit rate was 10.9%. Although dominant lobe tumors increased immediate deficit and fronto-orbital operculum involvement reduced prolonged deficit rate, no tumor related factor showed significant association with persistent deficits. 45% of patients developed a postoperative infarct, 53% of whom developed deficits. Most affected vascular territory was lenticulostriate (39%). MEP changes were observed in 9/57 patients. 67% of stable TcMEPs and 74.5% of stable strip MEPs did not develop any postoperative motor deficits. Long-term deficits were seen in 3 and 6% patients with stable TcMEP and strip MEPs respectively. In contrast, 25% and 50% of patients with reversible strip MEP and Tc MEP changes respectively had persistent motor deficits. DWI changes were clinically more relevant when accompanied by MEP changes intraoperatively, with persistent deficit rates three times greater when MEP changes occurred than when MEPs were stable. CONCLUSION: Radical resection can be achieved in large, multizone IGs, with reasonable outcomes using TO approach and multimodal intraoperative strategy with IONM.

Dark chocolate: delivery medium for probiotic Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671.

Bifidobacteria are widely acclaimed probiotic bacteria, however, the fragile nature of the bacteria has rendered its delivery through food products a challenge. The aim of the present study was to develop probiotic dark chocolate by incorporating Bifidobacterium breve NCIM5671. The probiotic chocolate was prepared by adding B. breve to dark chocolate at the final tempering stage. The chocolate was evaluated for the viability of B. breve upon preparation and during storage period of 90 days. The effect of addition of B. breve on physiological parameters of chocolate such as color, texture, rheology, melting profile, and sensory profile was also determined. The probiotic chocolate developed retained viability of B. breve (9 log CFU/g) for a period of 90 days. No significant differences were observed in physiological parameters of probiotic chocolate compared to control chocolate. Overall the probiotic dark chocolate was found to be a suitable matrix for delivery of B. breve NCIM5671. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05958-6.

A Comparative Study of Button Hole Technique Versus Underlay Technique in Type 1 Tympanoplasty.

Background: Tympanoplasty is the most common operation performed by an Otolaryngologist worldwide.Type 1 tympanoplasty involves repair of pars tensa of tympanic membrane, when the middle ear is normal. The most widely used method is underlay technique using temporalis facia. In buttonhole tympanoplasty, the temporalis fascia is anchored to the handle of malleus through the buttonhole. Objective: To compare and analyze graft uptake and hearing outcome in button hole technique and underlay technique. Material and Method: It is a comparative study done at tertiary care center, where patients suffering from tubotympanic type of chronic otitis media with medium sized perforation with moderate conductive hearing loss, within age group of 18-60 years,were selected. Results: In Button hole tympanoplasty group the mean hearing gain was 9.3dB, and 8.17 dB in Underlay tympanoplasty group which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) but P value between Button hole and Underlay tympanoplasty was not statistically significant.With regard to graft uptake 96.7% showed graft uptake in Buttonhole tympanoplasty group and in underlay tympanoplasty the graft uptake was 93.3%. Interpretation and Conclusion: Buttonhole technique is better in terms of graft uptake since the graft is anchored to the handle of malleus, and postoperatively medialisation of graft and other complications like lateralization of graft, epithelial pearl formation and anterior blunting is prevented. Both techniques are good in terms of hearing improvement for chronic otitis media with medium sized perforation with moderateconductive hearing loss.

Tumor location and neurocognitive function-Unravelling the association and identifying relevant anatomical substrates in intra-axial brain tumors.

Background: Neurocognitive function is a key outcome indicator of therapy in brain tumors. Understanding the underlying anatomical substrates involved in domain function and the pathophysiological basis of dysfunction can help ameliorate the effects of therapy and tailor directed rehabilitative strategies. Methods: Hundred adult diffuse gliomas were co-registered onto a common demographic-specific brain template to create tumor localization maps. Voxel-based lesion symptom (VLSM) technique was used to assign an association between individual voxels and neuropsychological dysfunction in various domains (attention and executive function (A & EF), language, memory, visuospatial/constructive abilities, and visuomotor speed). The probability maps thus generated were further co-registered to cortical and subcortical atlases. A permutation-based statistical testing method was used to evaluate the statistically and clinically significant anatomical parcels associated with domain dysfunction and to create heat maps. Results: Neurocognition was affected in a high proportion of subjects (93%), with A & EF and memory being the most affected domains. Left-sided networks were implicated in patients with A & EF, memory, and language deficits with the perisylvian white matter tracts being the most common across domains. Visuospatial dysfunction was associated with lesions involving the right perisylvian cortical regions, whereas deficits in visuomotor speed were associated with lesions involving primary visual and motor output pathways. Conclusions: Significant baseline neurocognitive deficits are prevalent in gliomas. These are multidomain and the perisylvian network especially on the left side seems to be very important, being implicated in dysfunction of many domains.

Genome mining of Bacillus licheniformis MCC2514 for the identification of lasso peptide biosynthetic gene cluster and its characterization.

The probiotic strain Bacillus licheniformis MCC2514 has been shown to produce a strong antibacterial peptide and the whole genome sequence of this strain is also reported in our previous study. The present study is focused on the genome level investigation of this peptide antibiotic and its characterization. Genome mining of the culture revealed the presence of three putative bacteriocin clusters, viz. lichenicidin, sonorensin and lasso peptide. Hence, the mode of action of the peptide was investigated by reporter assay, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, the peptide treated groups of Kocuria rhizophila showed a reduction in the fold expression for transcription-related genes. The gene expression studies, quantitative ß-galactosidase induction assay using the RNA stress reporter strain, yvgS along with the homology studies concluded that lasso peptide is responsible for the antibacterial activity of the peptide which acts as an inhibitor of RNA biosynthesis. Gene expression analysis showed a considerable increase in fold expression of lasso peptide genes at various fermentation hours. Also, the peptide was isolated, and its time-kill kinetics and minimum inhibitory concentration against the indicator pathogen K. rhizophila were examined. The peptide was also purified and the molecular weight was determined to be ~ 2 kDa. Our study suggests that this bacteriocin can function as an effective antibacterial agent in food products as well as in therapeutics as it contains lasso peptide, which inhibits the RNA biosynthesis.

Comparison of airway collapsibility following single induction dose ketamine with propofol versus propofol sedation in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging: A randomised controlled study.

Background and Aims: Adequate sedation is essential for children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console. Propofol is commonly used for sedation, but it has the drawback of upper airway collapse at higher doses, which may be overcome by ketamine. This study was designed to evaluate the beneficial effect of ketamine on propofol in preventing airway collapse. Methods: Fifty-eight children undergoing MRI were randomised to Group P (propofol bolus dose followed by infusion or Group KP (bolus dose of ketamine and propofol followed by propofol infusion). The primary aim is to compare the upper airway cross-sectional area (CSA) and diameters (transverse diameter [TD] and anteroposterior diameter [APD]) obtained from MRI during inspiration and expiration. Results: Upper airway collapse as measured by delta CSA in mean (SD) [95% confidence interval] was statistically more significant between the two groups [at the soft palate level, 16.9 mm2 (19.8) [9.3-24.4] versus 9.0 mm2 (5.50) [6.9-11.1] (P = 0.043); at the base of the tongue level, 15.4 mm2 (11.03) [11.2-19.6] versus 7.48 mm2 (4.83) [5.64-9.32] (P < 0.001); at the epiglottis level, 23.9 (26.05) [14.0-33.8] versus 10.9 mm2 (9.47) [7.35-14.5] (P = 0.014)]. A significant difference was obtained for TD at all levels and for APD at the soft palate and base of tongue level. Conclusion: Adding a single dose of ketamine to propofol reduced the upper airway collapse significantly, as evidenced by the MRI-based measurements of upper airway dimensions, compared to propofol alone.

Exploration of novel hydroxamate zinc binding group inhibitors against HDAC-1-3 enzymes by AI-based virtual screening: atomistic insights from steered molecular dynamics.

Overexpression of histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes is linked to a wide variety of illnesses, including malignancies and neurological disorders, which makes HDAC inhibitors potentially therapeutic. However, most HDAC inhibitors lack subclass or isoform selectivity, which can be dangerous. Featuring both enhanced selectivity and toxicity profiles, slow-binding HDAC inhibitors offer promising treatment options for a variety of disorders. Diseases like cardiac, neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes are mainly associated with the HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3 enzymes. The AI-based virtual screening tool PyRMD is implemented to identify the potential inhibitors from ∼2 million compounds. Based on the IC50 values, the top 10 compounds were selected for molecular docking. From the docking and ADMET study, the top-ranked three compounds were selected for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Further, to get more insights into the binding/unbinding mechanism of the ligand, we have employed the steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations. This study assists in developing Amber force field parameters for the HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3 proteins and sheds light on the discovery of a potent drug. Our study suggests that hydroxamic acid derivative (i.e. referred to as Comp-1, CHEMBL600072) is the potential inhibitor for the series of HDAC-related diseases.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Improved production of RNA-inhibiting antimicrobial peptide by Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514 facilitated by a genetic algorithm optimized medium.

One of the significant challenges during the purification and characterization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from Bacillus sp. is the interference of unutilized peptides from complex medium components during analytical procedures. In this study, a semi-synthetic medium was devised to overcome this challenge. Using a genetic algorithm, the production medium of AMP is optimized. The parent organism, Bacillus licheniformis MCC2514, produces AMP in very small quantities. This AMP is known to inhibit RNA biosynthesis. The findings revealed that lactose, NH4Cl and NaNO3 were crucial medium constituents for enhanced AMP synthesis. The potency of the AMP produced was studied using bacterium, Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341. The AMP produced from the optimized medium was eightfold higher than that produced from the unoptimized medium. Furthermore, activity was increased by 1.5-fold when cultivation conditions were standardized using the optimized medium. Later, AMP was produced in a 5 L bioreactor under controlled conditions, which led to similar results as those of shake-flask production. The mode of action of optimally produced AMP was confirmed to be inhibition of RNA biosynthesis. Here, we demonstrate that improved production of AMP is possible with the developed semi-synthetic medium recipe and could help further AMP production in an industrial setup.

Lactic acid bacteria in some Indian fermented foods and their predictive functional profiles.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from naturally fermented foods of India, viz., sidra, a dried fish product; kinema, a naturally fermented sticky soybean food; and dahi, a naturally fermented milk product. Five strains of LAB, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, were identified: Lactococcus lactis FS2 (from sidra), Lc. lactis C2D (dahi), Lc. lactis SP2C4 (kinema), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DHCU70 (=Lactobacillus plantarum) (from dahi), and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KP1 (kinema). The PICRUSt2 software, a bioinformatic tool, was applied to infer the raw sequences obtained from LAB strains mapped against KEGG database for predictive functionality. Functional features of LAB strains showed genes associated with metabolism (36.47%), environmental information processing (31.42%), genetic information processing (9.83%), and the unclassified (22.28%). KEGG database also showed abundant genes related to predictive membrane transport (29.25%) and carbohydrate metabolism (11.91%). This study may help in understanding the health-promoting benefits of the culturable LAB strains in fermented foods.

Myocardial bridges in a pediatric population: Outcomes following a standardized approach.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical, functional, surgical, and outcomes data in pediatric patients with a myocardial bridge (MB) evaluated and managed following a standardized approach. METHODS: Prospective observational study included patients evaluated in the Coronary Artery Anomalies Program. Anatomy was determined by computed tomography angiography, myocardial perfusion by stress perfusion imaging, and coronary hemodynamic assessment by cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: In total, 39 of 42 patients with a complete evaluation for MB were included (December 2012 to June 2022) at a median age of 14.1 years (interquartile range, 12.2-16.4). Sudden cardiac arrest occurred in 3 of 39 (8%), exertional symptoms in 14 (36%), and no/nonspecific symptoms in 7 (18%) patients. Exercise stress test was abnormal in 3 of 34 (9%), stress perfusion imaging in 8 of 34 (24%), and resting instantaneous wave-free ratio ≤0.89 or diastolic dobutamine fractional flow reserve ≤0.80 in 11 of 21 (52%) patients. As a result, 15 of 39 (38%) patients were determined to have hemodynamically significant MB, 1 of 15 patients started beta-blocker, and 14 of 15 were referred for surgery. Myotomy (n = 11) and coronary bypass (n = 1) were performed successfully, resulting in improved symptoms and stress testing results. One patient required pericardiocentesis postoperatively, and all were discharged without other complications. At median follow-up time of 2.9 (1.8-5.8) years, all (except 2 pending surgery) were doing well without exercise restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with MB can present with myocardial ischemia and sudden cardiac arrest. Provocative stress test and intracoronary hemodynamic tests helped risk-stratify symptomatic patients with MB and concern for ischemia. Surgical repair was safe and effective in mitigating exertional symptoms and stress test results, allowing patients to return to exercise without restriction.

Structural characteristics and functional properties of a fucose containing prebiotic exopolysaccharide from Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671.

AIM: To evaluate the structure and functions of capsular exopolysaccharide (CPS) from Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671. METHODS AND RESULTS: A CPS produced by the probiotic bacteria B. breve NCIM 5671 was isolated and subjected to characterization through GC analysis, which indicated the presence of rhamnose, fucose, galactose, and glucose in a molar ratio of 3:1:5:3. The average molecular weight of the CPS was determined to be ∼8.5 × 105 Da. Further, NMR analysis revealed the probable CPS structure to be composed of major branched tetra- and penta-saccharide units alternately repeating and having both α- and ß-configuration sugar residues. CPS displayed an encouraging prebiotic score for some of the studied probiotic bacteria. Compared to standard inulin, CPS showed better resistance to digestibility against human GI tract in vitro. DPPH, total antioxidant, and ferric reducing assays carried out for CPS displayed decent antioxidant activity too. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the CPS from B. breve NCIM 5671 has the potential to be utilized as a prebiotic food supplement. It is a high-molecular-weight (∼8.5 × 105 Da) capsular heteropolysaccharide containing rhamnose, fucose, galactose, and glucose.

Pediatric Hepatocellular Adenomas: What Is Known and What Is New?

Current understanding and classification of pediatric hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are largely based on adult data. HCAs are rare in children and, unlike in adults, are often seen in the context of syndromes or abnormal background liver. Attempts to apply the adult classification to pediatric tumors have led to several "unclassifiable" lesions. Although typically considered benign, few can show atypical features and those with beta-catenin mutations have a risk for malignant transformation. Small lesions can be monitored while larger (>5.0 cm) lesions are excised due to symptoms or risk of bleeding/rupture, etc. Management depends on gender, age, underlying liver disease, multifocality, size of lesion, histologic subtype and presence of mutation, if any. In this review, we summarize the data on pediatric HCAs and highlight our experience with their diagnosis and management.

A novel WGF-LN based edge driven intelligence for wearable devices in human activity recognition.

Human activity recognition (HAR) is one of the key applications of health monitoring that requires continuous use of wearable devices to track daily activities. The most efficient supervised machine learning (ML)-based approaches for predicting human activity are based on a continuous stream of sensor data. Sensor data analysis for human activity recognition using conventional algorithms and deep learning (DL) models shows promising results, but evaluating their ambiguity in decision-making is still challenging. In order to solve these issues, the paper proposes a novel Wasserstein gradient flow legonet WGF-LN-based human activity recognition system. At first, the input data is pre-processed. From the pre-processed data, the features are extracted using Haar Wavelet mother- Symlet wavelet coefficient scattering feature extraction (HS-WSFE). After that, the interest features are selected from the extracted features using (Binomial Distribution integrated-Golden Eagle Optimization) BD-GEO. The important features are then post-processed using the scatter plot matrix method. Obtained post-processing features are finally given into the WGF-LN for classifying human activities. From these experiments, the results can be obtained and showed the efficacy of the proposed model.

In vitro fermentation of glycosaminoglycans from mackerel fish waste and its role in modulating the antioxidant status and gut microbiota of high fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice.

Bioactive polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) exhibit potential health benefits for several health complications including obesity. The gut microbiota plays a key role in regulating host metabolism, nutrition and immunity. The present work assessed the potential of extracted GAGs (e-GAGs) in maintaining the gut microbiota and ameliorating the effects of high fat diet in in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro fermentability of e-GAGs extracted from mackerel fish waste was analyzed with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB); e-GAGs at 0.5 and 1% proved their prebiotic nature up to 48 h. The pH value decreased from 6.23 to 3.32, the cell density increased from 1.70 to 2.32, the viable cell count increased from 8 to 12 log CFU mL-1, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was ≈33, 31 and 36% for LP and ≈37, 29 and 34% for BB in terms of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, respectively. In vivo studies on high fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice with e-GAGs (380 and 760 mg kg-1 diet) showed ameliorated gut microbiome and tissue/plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, and also the e-GAG-fed group showed significantly (P < 0.05) decreased lipid peroxidation. Cecal microbial analysis showed the health-promoting effects of e-GAGs in reducing (P < 0.05) the obesity ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) within the range (5.32 and 5.26) compared with HFD (6.23). Hence, e-GAGs can be a potential molecule for the treatment of obesity by restoring the redox status under oxidative stress and ameliorating the gut microbes that produce SCFAs which are known to have health beneficial effects.

Cardiac Computed Tomographic Angiography Evaluation of Right Ventricle-Pulmonary Artery Conduits with Surgical Correlation.

Right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduits are used in the treatment of certain congenital heart disease (CHD). RV-PA conduit complications might develop over time and require intervention. To evaluate how well cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) performs compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in evaluating RV-PA conduit complications by using surgical findings as the reference standard. A retrospective chart review of all patients over a 5-year period who underwent CCTA for RV-PA conduit evaluation was performed. Patient demographics and clinical data were recorded. Preoperative CCTA and TTE findings were compared to the operative findings for concordance or discordance. Forty-one patients were included, 51% females. The complications were conduit stenosis (28.68%), infection (7.17%) and aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm (6.15%). TTE and CCTA were consistently able to visualize focal conduit stenosis (96%). The greatest discrepancy between TTE and CCTA was in evaluating for aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm, where TTE detected only 2/6 (33%) compared to CCTA which detected 6/6 (100%) of the cases. However, TTE was slightly better at detecting conduit infection (3/7, 43%) compared to CCTA (2/7, 29%). Note that 5 out of 7 patients with endocarditis had bovine jugular graft. CCTA and TTE provide similar diagnostic accuracy evaluating certain types of RV-PA conduit complications. However, certain complications were only visualized on CCTA or TTE making both modalities complementary to each other during diagnostic evaluation.