Explore the vast range of titles available.

The present study investigated the structural characterization of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Campylobacter jejuni, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and a number of Bifidobacterium breve strains. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography coupled with multiangle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS), anion exchange chromatography, HPAEC-PAD analysis, monomer and linkage analysis employing GC-MS have been used to characterise the EPS structures. Monomer analysis of the EPS produced by Campylobacter jejuni showed the presence of glucose, linkage analysis showed the presence of an α-(1→6) glycosidic linked repeating monomer unit and NMR (1D- and 2D- experiments) showed that the EPS is an α-dextran. NMR and size exclusion chromatography analysis for B. animalis subsp. lactis shows the presence of a complex mixture of EPS. Monomer analysis for different batches suggests that each contains variable amounts of rhamnose, glucose and galactose along with trace levels of mannose. The results of the linkage analysis indicate that a complex mixture of differently linked sugars is present including : terminal rhamnose, 1,2-linked rhamnose, 1,3-linked rhamnose, terminal hexoses, 1,2,3-linked rhamnose, 1,4-linked hexose, 1,3-linked hexose, 1,6-linked hexose, Nacetyl sugars and 1,3,4-linked hexoses. SEC-MALLS showed the presence of different molecular weight EPSs. Uronic acid analysis showed that in 5.0 mg of EPS sample, only 0.28 mg of uronic acid is present. 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments were performed on the EPS samples produced by B. breve strains including UCC2003, JCM7017, JCM7019 and NCFB2258. Analysis of EPS extracted from cells using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) showed that complex mixtures of polysaccharides were being recovered. However, a common set of NMR signals was present in all the EPS samples from B. breve. Analysis of this set of signals suggests that, on treatment of cells with NaOH, a β-(1→6)-linked glucan is released from a variety of bifidobacterial strains.

Lactobacillus fermentum Lf 2 produces large amounts of exopolysaccharides under optimized conditions (~2 g/L, EPS) which have been shown to possess immunomodulatory activity. In this study, the crude EPS was fractionated to give a high molecular weight (HMw) homoglycan and a mixture of medium molecular weight heteroglycans. The HMw EPS was isolated and identified as a -glucan. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were pre-treated with purified polysaccharide to determine if the HMw -glucan is responsible for the immunomodulatory activity. Cells were also stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and their effects, both with and without -glucan pre-treatment, compared. Exposure of the cells to -glucan increased their metabolic activity and whilst a small but statistically significant drop in CD14 expression was observed at Day 1, the levels were significantly elevated at Day 2. High levels of CD14 expression were observed in cells initially exposed to the -glucan and subsequently stimulated with either LPS or PHA. In contrast, reduced levels of TLR-2 expression were observed for cells initially exposed to the -glucan and subsequently stimulated with LPS. TNF- levels were elevated in -glucan treated cells (Day1) with the levels dropping back once the -glucan had been removed (Day 2). The stimulants LPS and PHA both induced significant rises in TNF- levels, however, this induction was completely (LPS) or partially blocked (PHA) in -glucan pre-treated cells. The results indicate a role for the bacterial -glucan in modulating the immune response following exposure to agonists such as bacterial LPS.

Lactobacillus fermentum Lf 2 produces large amounts of exopolysaccharides under optimized conditions (∼2 g/L, EPS) which have been shown to possess immunomodulatory activity. In this study, the crude EPS was fractionated to give a high molecular weight (HMw) homoglycan and a mixture of medium molecular weight heteroglycans. The HMw EPS was isolated and identified as a β-glucan. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were pre-treated with purified polysaccharide to determine if the HMw β-glucan is responsible for the immunomodulatory activity. Cells were also stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and their effects, both with and without β-glucan pre-treatment, compared. Exposure of the cells to β-glucan increased their metabolic activity and whilst a small but statistically significant drop in CD14 expression was observed at Day 1, the levels were significantly elevated at Day 2. High levels of CD14 expression were observed in cells initially exposed to the β-glucan and subsequently stimulated with either LPS or PHA. In contrast, reduced levels of TLR-2 expression were observed for cells initially exposed to the β-glucan and subsequently stimulated with LPS. TNF-α levels were elevated in β-glucan treated cells (Day1) with the levels dropping back once the β-glucan had been removed (Day 2). The stimulants LPS and PHA both induced significant rises in TNF-α levels, however, this induction was completely (LPS) or partially blocked (PHA) in β-glucan pre-treated cells. The results indicate a role for the bacterial β-glucan in modulating the immune response following exposure to agonists such as bacterial LPS.

Background In recent decade, Hyperlipidemia related disorders like obesity, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes are considered as the leading killers for mankind. Fundamental nexus between nutrition and health diverting the consumers focus towards plant based natural products as a remedy against various metabolic syndrome. Considering this, present study was conducted to explicate the role of black tea polyphenols such as Theaflavins and thearubigins therapeutic potential to tackle targeted maladies especially oxidative stress related disorders like hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. Methods The mandate of current investigation was to explore the hypoglycemic and hypocholestrolemic perspective of isolated theaflavin and thearubigins through a model feeding trial. For the purpose, theaflavin & thearubigins were isolated from black tea through solvent partition method and utilize to form three types of nutraceutical drinks (theaflavin, thearubigins & theaflavin + thearubigins based) alongside control to be further utilized in bioefficacy trial. In bioefficacy trial, three types of independent studies were design on the bases of diet by involving 20 male wistar rats in each study (5 for each group). In study I, normal diet was administrated while, in study II & III high cholesterol and high sucrose diet was given, respectively along with prepared nutraceutical drinks to synchronize their therapeutic effect for a period of 56 days. At the termination of trial, Feed & drink intakes, body weight, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glucose and insulin levels were measured. Results The results indicated reduction in cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels of experimental rats in all studies with significant increase in HDL. In this context, theaflavin based drink imparted maximum reduction in cholesterol (3.75, 11.03 & 10.39%), LDL (3.84, 14.25& 10.84%) & triglycerides (2.99, 8.54 & 6.65%) in respective studies compared to thearubigins and theaflavin + thearubigins based drinks. However, theaflavin+ thearubigins based drink caused highest glucose decline and maximum insulin increase in all studies as compared to other nutraceutical drinks. The reported value for the insulin increase were 13.02 ± 1.02 & 14.55 ± 1.13, 10.09 ± 0.15 & 11.59 ± 0.86 for Hyperglycemic and Hypocholestrolemic rats respectively compared to control (7.84 ± 0.45 & 9.10 ± 0.41) for study I and II. Conclusions In the nutshell, theaflavin and thearubigins based dietary interventions are helpful to alleviate the hypercholestrolemia and hyperglycemia and should be promoted as parallel therapy to combat these disorders.

Summary Photovoltaic (PV) energy is highly promising because of its renewable, green, and environment‐friendly nature. In this article, the design and analysis of an isolated PV system using a push‐pull converter with a fuzzy logic‐based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is presented. Furthermore, DC‐DC converters, along with intelligent controllers fed with MPPT algorithms, are used to ensure the maximum extraction of incident energy. The proposed methodology utilizes fuzzy logic MPPT techniques based on an isolated push‐pull boost converter to optimize the power output of PV modules, as well as to achieve isolation and high DC gain for DC/AC inversion. This work also presents a single‐phase inverter with fuzzy logic close loop control analysis with LCL filter design. A Canadian solar panel of 250 W is assumed in this research work, which has an open circuit voltage 59.9 V, short circuit current 5.49 A at 25°C temperature, and 1000 W/m2 irradiance. The voltages are tracked, through the MPPT algorithm. These voltages represent a boost to 340 V DC through push‐pull boost converter and are inverted up to 220 V AC through fuzzy logic voltage source inverter. In addition, a unipolar switching technique is used to remove the total harmonic distortion under linear load. The proposed methodology is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results verify that the proposed methodology can efficiently track the MPPT. Finally, the hardware prototype of the proposed system has been experimentally validated. In this article, the design and analysis of an isolated photovoltaic system using push‐pull converter with the fuzzy logic‐based maximum power point tracking algorithm is presented. The proposed methodology has been simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. Its hardware prototype has also been experimentally validated.

Background Dietary supplementation of antioxidants is a vital route to affect the oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of broiler meat. The supplementation of feed with antioxidants decreases degradation of lipids in muscles thereby enhances meat stability. Methods The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of dietary quercetin in combination with α-tocopherol on growth performance, antioxidant potential, lipid stability and fatty acid composition in breast meat of birds. Accordingly, one day old 300 Hubbard strain male broiler birds were given three levels of quercetin @100, 200 and 300 mg/kg feed in combination with α-tocopherol @150, 225 and 300 mg/kg feed. The resultant meat was subjected to antioxidant assay, lipid stability, quantification of antioxidants followed by fatty acid profile of broiler breast meat. Results The results explicated that feed treatments imparted momentous effect on gain in weight, and feed conversion efficiency however, intake of feed in birds affected non-momentously. The highest weight gain recorded in T9 as 2374.67 & 2388 g/bird followed by T8 & T6 2350 & 2353.33 and 2293.33 & 2307 g/bird, respectively whilst the lowest in T0 as 1992.67 & 1999 g/bird during the experimental year 2013 and 2014. The results regarding antioxidant potential revealed that among treatments, T9 exhibited highest values for total phenolic contents (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) & ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) i.e. 158.70 ± 0.84 mg GAE/100 g, 82.40 ± 0.93 % and 682 ± 2.11 μmol/Fe +2/ g, respectively as compared to T0 104.27 ± 1.64 mg GAE/100 g, 54.71 ± 0.64 % and 542.67 ± 1.74 μmol/Fe +2 /g of meat, correspondingly. The TBARS assay indicated that malondialdehydes production in meat increased during storage however, antioxidants deposition varied significantly among treatments. Fatty acid compositional analysis revealed that addition of quercetin with α-tocopherol in the bird’s diet decreased the fatty acid generation particularly saturated fatty acids. Conclusion Conclusively, dietary supplementation of quercetin along with α-tocopherol improves growth performance, antioxidant capacity, stability of lipids and fatty acid composition in breast meat of birds.

Background Recent guidelines for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) recommend revascularization of non‐culprit lesions following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the optimal timing for this procedure—whether immediate or staged—remains uncertain. Methods A comprehensive search using PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify studies comparing clinical outcomes between immediate and staged revascularization approaches in patients with MVD undergoing PCI. A random effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome was 1‐year all‐cause mortality. Results A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 3886 patients (1964 in the immediate revascularization group and 1940 in the staged revascularization group), with a median follow‐up of 12 months, were included in the analysis. No significant difference in the risk of 1‐year mortality was noted between the two approaches. The risk of target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 1‐year follow‐up was significantly lower in the immediate revascularization group compared to the staged revascularization group (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.47–0.86; I²: 0%; p = 0.03). Additionally, the immediate revascularization group had a significantly lower risk of myocardial infarction (MI) at 1‐year follow‐up than the staged approach (RR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37–0.88; I²: 10%; p = 0.01). Conclusion This meta‐analysis suggests that immediate revascularization is associated with a significantly lower risk of TVR and MI at 1‐year compared to staged revascularization. Immediate revascularization is associated with a significantly lower risk of target vessel revascularization and myocardial infarction at 1‐year compared to staged revascularization in patients with multivessel disease undergoing primary percutaneous intervention.

The present study investigated the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow over a radially nonlinear stretching sheet along with the viscosity dependent on temperature, convective boundary condition, thermo-diffusion, and the radiation effects. Moreover, the nanofluid’s viscous effects were considered dependent on temperature and the exponential Reynolds model was considered in this context. It was additionally assumed that a uniform suspension of nanoparticles is present in the base fluid. The Buongiorno model, which involves the thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects, was considered. For the sake of a solution, the variational finite element method was selected with coding in MATLAB and the numerical results were contrasted with the published articles. The influence of various physical parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are discussed by the aid of graphs and tables. It was detected that the nanofuid viscosity parameter declines the fluid flow velocity, while, for the temperature and the concentration profiles, it accomplished the reverse phenomenon.

During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unfounded fervor surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and tocilizumab (TCZ); however, evidence on their efficacy and safety have been controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the overall clinical effectiveness of HCQ and TCZ in patients with COVID-19. We hypothesize that HCQ and TCZ use in these patients will be associated with a reduction in in-hospital mortality, upgrade to intensive medical care, invasive mechanical ventilation, or acute renal failure needing dialysis. A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the impact of HCQ and TCZ use on hard clinical outcomes during hospitalization. A total of 176 hospitalized patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis was included. Patients were divided into two comparison groups: (1) HCQ (n=144) vs no-HCQ (n=32) and (2) TCZ (n=32) vs no-TCZ (n=144). The mean age, baseline comorbidities, and other medications used during hospitalization were uniformly distributed among all the groups. Independent t tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to calculate mean differences and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs, respectively. The unadjusted odds ratio for patients upgraded to a higher level of care (ie, intensive care unit) (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.19-5.69; P=.003) and reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) level on day 7 of hospitalization (21% vs 56%, OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.55; P=.002) were significantly higher in the TCZ group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the odds of in-hospital mortality, upgrade to intensive medical care, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, acute kidney failure necessitating dialysis, or discharge from the hospital after recovery in both the HCQ and TCZ groups compared to their respective control groups. Adjusted odds ratios controlled for baseline comorbidities and medications closely followed the unadjusted estimates. In this cohort of patients with COVID-19, neither HCQ nor TCZ offered a significant reduction in in-hospital mortality, upgrade to intensive medical care, invasive mechanical ventilation, or acute renal failure needing dialysis. These results are similar to the recently published preliminary results of the HCQ arm of the Recovery trial, which showed no clinical benefit from the use of HCQ in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (the TCZ arm is ongoing). Double-blinded randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate the impact of these drugs in larger patient samples so that data-driven guidelines can be deduced to combat this global pandemic.

Rehabilitative therapy is usually very expensive and confined to specialized rehabilitation centers or hospitals, leading to slower recovery times for corresponding patients. Therefore, there is a high demand for the development of technology-based personalized solutions to guide and encourage patients towards performing online rehabilitation program that can help them live independently at home. This paper introduces an innovative e-health framework that develops adaptive serious games for people with hand disabilities. The aim of this work is to provide a patient-adaptive environment for the gamification of hand therapies in order to facilitate and encourage rehabilitation issues. Theoretical foundations (i.e., therapy and patient models) and algorithms to match therapy-based hand gestures to navigational movements in 3D space within the serious game environment have been developed. A novel game generation module is introduced, which translates those movements into a 3D therapy-driven route on a real-world map and with different levels of difficulty based on the patient profile and capabilities. In order to enrich the user navigation experience, a 3D spatio-temporal validation region is also generated, which tracks and adjusts the patient movements throughout the session. The gaming environment also creates and adds semantics to different types of attractive and repellent objects in space depending on the difficulty level of the game. Relevant benchmarks to assess the patient interaction with the environment along with a usability and performance testing of our framework are introduced to ensure quantitative as well as qualitative improvements. Trial tests in one disability center were conducted with a total number of five subjects, having hand motor controls problems, who used our gamified physiotherapy solution to help us in measuring the usability and users’ satisfaction levels. The obtained results and feedback from therapists and patients are very encouraging.