Production of Novel Bigels from Cold Pressed Chia Seed Oil By-Product: Application in Low-Fat Mayonnaise.

The objective of this study was to produce an innovative bigel formulation by combining glycerol monostearate (GMS) oleogel with hydrogels stabilized by various agents, including cold pressed chia seed oil by-product gum (CSG), gelatin (G), and whey protein concentrate (WPC). The findings indicated that the choice of hydrogel influenced the rheological, textural, and microstructural properties of the bigels. The G' value of the bigel samples was higher than G″, indicating that all the bigels exhibited solid-like characteristics. In order to numerically compare the dynamic rheological properties of the samples, K' and K″ values were calculated using the power law model. K' values of the samples were found to be higher than K″ values. The K' value of bigel samples was significantly affected by the hydrogel (HG)/oleogel ratio (OG) and the type of stabilizing agent used in the hydrogel formulation. As the OG ratio of bigel samples increased, the K' value increased significantly (p < 0.05). The texture values of the samples were significantly affected by the HG/OG ratio (p < 0.05). The study's findings demonstrated that utilizing CSG, G, and WPC at an OG ratio more than 50% can result in bigels with the appropriate hardness and solid character. The low-fat mayonnaise was produced by using these bigels. The low-fat mayonnaise showed shear-thinning and solid-like behavior with G' values greater than the G″ values. Low-fat mayonnaise produced with CSG bigels (CSGBs) showed similar rheological properties to the full-fat mayonnaise. The results showed that CSG could be used in a bigel formulation as a plant-based gum and CSGB could be used as a fat replacer in low-fat mayonnaise formulation.

Faster Gastrointestinal Transit, Reduced Small Intestinal Smooth Muscle Tone and Dysmotility in the Nlgn3R451C Mouse Model of Autism.

Individuals with autism often experience gastrointestinal issues but the cause is unknown. Many gene mutations that modify neuronal synapse function are associated with autism and therefore may impact the enteric nervous system that regulates gastrointestinal function. A missense mutation in the Nlgn3 gene encoding the cell adhesion protein Neuroligin-3 was identified in two brothers with autism who both experienced severe gastrointestinal dysfunction. Mice expressing this mutation (Nlgn3R451C mice) are a well-studied preclinical model of autism and show autism-relevant characteristics, including impaired social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviour. We previously showed colonic dysmotility in response to GABAergic inhibition and increased myenteric neuronal numbers in the small intestine in Nlgn3R451C mice bred on a mixed genetic background. Here, we show that gut dysfunction is a persistent phenotype of the Nlgn3 R451C mutation in mice backcrossed onto a C57BL/6 background. We report that Nlgn3R451C mice show a 30.9% faster gastrointestinal transit (p = 0.0004) in vivo and have 6% longer small intestines (p = 0.04) compared to wild-types due to a reduction in smooth muscle tone. In Nlgn3R451C mice, we observed a decrease in resting jejunal diameter (proximal jejunum: 10.6% decrease, p = 0.02; mid: 9.8%, p = 0.04; distal: 11.5%, p = 0.009) and neurally regulated dysmotility as well as shorter durations of contractile complexes (mid: 25.6% reduction in duration, p = 0.009; distal: 30.5%, p = 0.004) in the ileum. In Nlgn3R451C mouse colons, short contractions were inhibited to a greater extent (57.2% by the GABAA antagonist, gabazine, compared to 40.6% in wild-type mice (p = 0.007). The inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis decreased the frequency of contractile complexes in the jejunum (WT p = 0.0006, Nlgn3R451C p = 0.002), but not the ileum, in both wild-type and Nlgn3R451C mice. These findings demonstrate that changes in enteric nervous system function contribute to gastrointestinal dysmotility in mice expressing the autism-associated R451C missense mutation in the Neuroligin-3 protein.

Optimization of asymmetric bioreduction conditions of 1-indanone by Leuconostoc mesenteroides N6 using a face-centered design-based multi-objective optimization model.

There has been an increasing interest in biocatalysts over the past few decades in order to obtain high efficiency, high yield, and environmentally benign procedures aiming at the manufacture of pharmacologically relevant chemicals. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), a microbial group, can be employed as biocatalysts while performing asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones. In this study, Leuconostoc mesenteroides N6 was used for the asymmetric bioreduction 1-indanone. And then, a novel and innovative face-centered design-based multi-objective optimization model was used to optimize experimental conditions. Also, the experimental design factors were defined as agitation speed, incubation period, pH, and temperature for optimization to acquire the maximum enantiomeric excess (ee) and conversion rate (cr) values. When using the face-centered design-based multi-objective optimization model, the optimum culture conditions corresponded to 96.34 and 99.42%, ee and cr responses, respectively, were pH = 5.87, incubation temperature = 35 °C, incubation period = 50.88 h, and agitation speed = 152.60 rpm. Notably, the validation experiment under the optimum model conditions confirmed the model results. This study demonstrated the importance of the optimization and the efficiency of the face-centered design-based multi-objective model.

Prevalence of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in hospitalized patients in the southwestern province of Saudi Arabia: Confirmation using the GeneXpert analysis.

Clostridium difficile (Clostridioides difficile) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients worldwide. Stool samples were collected from 112 inpatients admitted to different hospitals and were screened for C. difficile GDH + toxin A + B by immunoassay, and all positive samples by immunoassay were processed for molecular detection of C. difficile using the GeneXpert assay. C. difficile strains were detected in 12 (10.71%) out of 112 stool samples using the GDH + toxin A + B immunoassay method and toxigenic C. difficile was confirmed in 5 stool samples using the GeneXpert molecular assay. C. difficile strains were also detected in 7 (8.97%) out of 78 stool samples from intensive care unit patients, 3 (25%) out of 12 stool samples from internal medicine ward patients, 1 (11.11%) out of 9 stool samples from surgery ward patients, and 1 (10%) out of 10 stool samples from isolation ward patients using the GDH + toxin A + B immunoassay method and the toxigenic C. difficile strain was confirmed in 1, 2, 1, and 1 stool samples, respectively, using the GeneXpert molecular assay. Toxigenic C. difficile was confirmed in patients at 4 (51.14%) out of 7 hospitals. In the present study, we also analyzed the clinical information of patients with C. difficile-positive stool samples who were receiving one or more antibiotics during hospitalization. The binary toxin gene (cdt), the tcdC gene, and the C. difficile strain polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotype 027 were not detected using the GeneXpert molecular assay among 12 C. difficile-positive samples by immunoassay. This study should aid in the prevention of unnecessary empiric therapy and increase the understanding of the toxigenic C. difficile burden on the healthcare system in the southwestern province of Saudi Arabia.

Optimization of asymmetric bioreduction conditions of 1-(thiophen-2-yl)ethanone by Weissella cibaria N9 using a desirability function-embedded face-centered optimization model.

Prochiral ketones can be effectively bio-reduced to chiral secondary alcohols by whole-cell biocatalysts, which are possible useful precursors to synthesize physiologically active chemicals and natural products. When whole-cell biocatalysts strains are used, bioreduction process can be influenced by various cultural factors, and it is vital to optimize these factors that affect selectivity, conversion rate, and yield. In this study, Weissella cibaria N9 was used as whole-cell biocatalyst for bioreduction of 1-(thiophen-2-yl)ethanone, and cultural design factors were optimized using a desirability function-embedded face-centered optimization model. For this, effects of pH (4.5-5.5-6.5, x1), (2) temperature (25-30-35 °C, x2), (3) incubation period (24-48-72 h, x3), and (4) agitation speed (100-150-200 rpm, x4) on two response variables; (1) ee (%) and (2) cr (%) were tested. Next, desirability function-embedded face-centered optimization model revealed that a pH of 6.43, a temperature of 26.04 °C, an incubation period of 52.41 h, and an agitation speed of 150 rpm were the optimum levels and the estimated ee and cr responses were 99.31% and 98.16%, respectively. Importantly, the actual experimental ee and cr responses were similar to the estimated values indicating the capability of the offered desirability function-embedded face-centered optimization model when using the optimum cultural conditions.

Comparing the Gut Microbiome in Autism and Preclinical Models: A Systematic Review.

Many individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and show microbial dysbiosis. Variation in gut microbial populations is associated with increased risk for GI symptoms such as chronic constipation and diarrhoea, which decrease quality of life. Several preclinical models of autism also demonstrate microbial dysbiosis. Given that much pre-clinical research is conducted in mouse models, it is important to understand the similarities and differences between the gut microbiome in humans and these models in the context of autism. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using PubMed, ProQuest and Scopus databases to compare microbiome profiles of patients with autism and transgenic (NL3R451C, Shank3 KO, 15q dup), phenotype-first (BTBR) and environmental (Poly I:C, Maternal Inflammation Activation (MIA), valproate) mouse models of autism. Overall, we report changes in fecal microbial communities relevant to ASD based on both clinical and preclinical studies. Here, we identify an overlapping cluster of genera that are modified in both fecal samples from individuals with ASD and mouse models of autism. Specifically, we describe an increased abundance of Bilophila, Clostridium, Dorea and Lactobacillus and a decrease in Blautia genera in both humans and rodents relevant to this disorder. Studies in both humans and mice highlighted multidirectional changes in abundance (i.e. in some cases increased abundance whereas other reports showed decreases) for several genera including Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides and Prevotella, suggesting that these genera may be susceptible to modification in autism. Identification of these microbial profiles may assist in characterising underlying biological mechanisms involving host-microbe interactions and provide future therapeutic targets for improving gut health in autism.

The Biological and Mechanical Effect of Using Different Irrigation Methods on the Bond Strength of Bioceramic Sealer to Root Dentin Walls.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the biological and mechanical effect of different irrigation methods on the bond strength of Bioceramic (BC) sealer to root canal dentin walls. Material and Methods Forty-Five single-rooted teeth were decoronated and then prepared using rotary instrumentation. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1: using the conventional syringe method; Group 2: using the ultrasonic (US) activation method; and Group 3: using the Nd:YAG laser activation method. The BC sealer (TotalFill® BC Sealer™, FKG Dentaire, Switzerland) was used for obturation according to the manufacturer's recommendation. The bond strength was evaluated using the push-out test, and the adaptation of the sealer/dentin interface was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed by Welch's ANOVA analysis of variance and Games-Howell for pairwise comparison. The level of statistical significance was set at 95% (p-value ≤ 0.05). Results The push-out bond strength values of the Nd:YAG (6.46 ± 0.5) laser group were statistically significant than both conventional (3.33 ± 1.8) and US groups (4.21 ± 2.2). The mean gaps that were formed between the root walls and GP/BS sealer interface were statistically significant only between the Nd:YAG laser group (25.54 ± 13.8) compared to both conventional (62.00 ± 15.3) and US groups (58.82 ± 23.8) (p ≤0.05). No significant difference was found between the conventional and US groups in both rested parameters (p >0.05). Conclusion The method protocol of RC system irrigation affects the adhesion and bond strength of BS sealers to the root canal dentin walls.

Bioactive and technological properties of an α-D-glucan synthesized by Weissella cibaria PDER21.

A slimy-mucinous-type colony of EPS-producing Weissella cibaria PDER21 was isolated and identified. The monomer composition was glucose, showing that the EPS is a glucan type homopolysaccharide, The core structure of (1 â†’ 6)-linked α-d-glucose units including (1 â†’ 3)-linked α-d-glucose branches at a ratio of 93.4/6.6 was revealed by 1H and 13C NMR spectra and confirmed by FTIR analysis. The glucan showed a superior thermal stability with almost no degradation in structure up to 300 °C. XRD analysis revealed the amorphous structure while SEM analysis confirmed the layer-like morphology. The glucan had an antioxidant activity (89.5%), water-holding capacity (103.7%) and water solubility index (80.7%) values, suggesting that the glucan had a strong level of antioxidant properties; good water binding capacity and excellent solubility. The glucan PDER21 is a polysaccharide possessing a good combination of technical and functional attributes, suggesting a great deal of potential for use in the food industry.

Comparison of Two Treatment Modalities in Overactive Bladder: A Rapid Overview.

Background: Overactive bladder is a syndrome of urgency with the absence of infection and is usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia. Both sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and intravesical botulinum toxin (BTX) injection are used contentiously in overactive bladder after failure of conservative management. Objective: We aimed to provide an updated comparative overview of BTX injection versus SNM in the treatment of overactive bladder. Methods: PubMed and Google scholar databases were explored starting from 2016 to 2022 to obtain relevant articles. English studies on adult population were included. Results: Six articles included 648 participants were included in the current overview. Both BTX and SNM are comparable for the treatment of overactive bladder, with no major complications were reported. However, the use of SNM for refractory overactive bladder after failure of BTX was more successful and effective and resulted in patient satisfaction compared to the use of BTX after failure of SNM. Conclusion: Our update provides the latest comparative overview of outcomes of BTX versus SNM in the treatment of overactive bladder.

Childhood anxiety disorders prevalence in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study, between September and November 2019, in Saudi Arabia. The study group included the parents of 468 primary school children, aged 6-12 years. Parents completed the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) screening instrument, translated to Arabic. The measured outcome was the prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders, determined from the scores on the SCARED instrument. Results: Childhood anxiety disorders prevalence were as follows: 32.7% had one anxiety, 18.4% had 2, 10.9% had 3, 8.1% had 4, and 7.7% had 5. Of note, 22.2% of children did not have an anxiety disorder. Conclusion: Our results reveal a high prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders among primary school age children in Saudi Arabia. Based on these findings, conducting awareness campaigns and providing educational programs on childhood anxiety disorders might be important to improve the health outcomes of children.

Prevalence of a carbapenem-resistance gene (KPC), vancomycin-resistance genes (van A/B) and a methicillin-resistance gene (mecA) in hospital and municipal sewage in a southwestern province of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: According to the World Health Organization, the increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogens is one of the most important threats to human health. Prevalence of a carbapenem-resistance gene (KPC), vancomycin-resistance genes (van A/B) and a methicillin-resistance gene (mecA) in hospital and municipal sewages will be potential threat to public health. RESULTS: Vancomycin-resistance genes were detected in the sewage of community tank-II, sewage tank of the tertiary and general hospital. Carbapenem-resistance gene was detected in sewage of community tank-II and sewage from tertiary hospital. Methicillin-resistance gene was detected in sewage of community tank-II, sewage from a fish market sewage tank and sewage from an animal slaughter house sewage tank. The detection of a KPC, van A/B and a mecA in sewages will help further the process to take the appropriate measures to prevent the spread of such bacteria in the environment.