Probiotics fortify intestinal barrier function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Effects of probiotic treatment on patients and animals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Objective

In recent years, the lung-gut axis has received increasing attention. The oxidative stress and systemic hypoxia occurring in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are related to gut dysfunction. That suggests probiotics have a potential therapeutic role in COPD. In this study, we therefore evaluated the ameliorative effects of probiotics on COPD.

Methods

Searches were conducted in four electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, the NIH clinical registry Clinical Trials. Gov and EMBASE. The data extracted was analyzed statistically in this study using StataMP17 software, with mean difference (MD) chosen as the effect size for continuous variables, and the results expressed as effect sizes and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was used if the data units were different.

Results

We included three randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trials and five randomized controlled animal studies. The results show that for lung function, probiotics improved %FEV1 in COPD patients (MD = 3.02, 95%CI: 1.10, 4.93). Additionally, in inflammation, probiotics increased IL-10 (SMD = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.02, 2.96) and decreased inflammatory markers such as TNF-α (SMD= -2.64, 95%Cl: -3.38, -1.90), IL-1β (SMD= -3.49, 95%Cl: -4.58, -2.40), and IL-6 (SMD= -6.54, 95%Cl: -8.36, -4.73) in COPD animals, while having no significant effect on C-reactive protein (MD = 0.30, 95%CI: -0.71, 1.32) in COPD patients. For lung structure, probiotics significantly reduced the degree of pulmonary collagen fibers deposition in COPD animals (SMD = -2.25, 95%CI: -3.08, -1.41).

Conclusion

Overall, probiotics may be an additional approach that can improve COPD. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and impact factors of probiotics for COPD.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-4-0023/, identifier INPLASY202340023.

Effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains PTA-126787 and PTA-126788 on intestinal barrier integrity and immune homeostasis in an alcohol-induced leaky gut model

Intestinal barrier is a first line of defense that prevents entry of various harmful substances from the lumen into the systemic environment. Impaired barrier function with consequent translocation of harmful substances into systemic circulation ("leaky gut") is a central theme in many gastrointestinal, autoimmune, mental, and metabolic diseases. Probiotics have emerged as a promising strategy to maintain intestinal integrity and address "leaky gut". Using in silico, in vitro and avian in vivo analyses, we previously showed that two novel L. reuteri strains, PTA-126787 (L. reuteri 3630) and PTA-126788 (L. reuteri 3632), isolated from broiler chickens possess favorable safety profiles. Consistent with a recent study, here we show that L. reuteri 3630 and 3632 are phylogenetically similar to human L. reuteri strains. Daily administration of high doses of L. reuteri 3630 and 3632 to Sprague Dawley rats for 28 days was found to be safe with no adverse effects. More importantly, administration of L. reuteri 3630 and 3632 significantly reduced markers associated with alcohol-induced leaky gut, by downregulating inflammatory cytokines and upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines in an alcohol model of leaky gut in mice. While L. reuteri 3630 cells and supernatant showed no activation, L. reuteri 3632 cells but not supernatant showed activation of AhR, a key transcription factor that regulates gut and immune homeostasis. L. reuteri 3630 is creamish white in morphology typical of Lactobacillus species and L. reuteri 3632 displays a unique orange pigmentation, which was stable even after passaging for 480 generations. We identified a rare polyketide biosynthetic gene cluster in L. reuteri 3632 that likely encodes for the orange-pigmented secondary metabolite. Similar to L. reuteri 3632 cells, the purified orange metabolite activated AhR. All together, these data provide evidence on the phylogenetic relatedness, safety, efficacy, and one of the likely mechanisms of action of L. reuteri 3630 and 3632 for potential probiotic applications to address "leaky gut" and associated pathologies in humans.

Probiotic Potential of Lactobacillus and Enterococcus Strains Isolated From the Faecal Microbiota of Critically Endangered Hangul Deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu): Implications for Conservation Management

The mammalian gut microbiota plays a crucial role in promoting host health, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly employed as probiotics for their beneficial effects. The Hangul deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), a critically endangered red deer subspecies found in the Indian subcontinent, requires meticulous health management for its conservation. This pioneering study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the in-vitro probiotic functional properties of LAB strains from the faeces of Hangul deer. A total of 27 LAB strains were isolated and identified using 16S rDNA gene sequencing, followed by comprehensive probiotic characterization and safety assessment. Remarkably, four species exhibited robust resistance and survivability against varying pH levels and bile salts, along with high aggregation and co-aggregation capacities. Notably, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus mundtii strains displayed antibacterial activities. Safety assessment revealed the absence of hemolytic activity and virulence genes in all four strains. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus casseliflavus were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, while Enterococcus mundtii exhibited resistance to clindamycin, and Enterococcus gallinarum exhibited resistance to erythromycin. These findings suggest that the isolated LAB strains possess advantageous probiotic characteristics and hold potential as dietary supplements for promoting the health and disease management of Hangul deer.

Concentration of steroid hormones in sediment of surface water resources in China: systematic review and meta-analysis with ecological risk assessment

The risk quotient (RQ) related to Estrone (E1), 17β-E2 (E2), Estriol (E3) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in sediment of water resources in China was calculated using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. Fifty-four papers with 64 data-reports included in our study. The rank order of steroid hormones in sediment based on log-normal distribution in MCS was E1 (3.75 ng/g dw) > E3 (1.53 ng/g dw) > EE2 (1.38 ng/g dw) > E2 (1.17 ng/g dw). According to results, concentration of steroid hormones including E1, E2 and E3 in sediment of Erhai lake, northern Taihu lake and Dianchi river was higher than other locations. The rank order of steroid hormones based on percentage high risk (RQ > 1) was EE2 (87.00%) > E1 (70.00%) > E2 (62.99%) > E3 (11.11%). Hence, contamination control plans for steroid hormones in sediment of water resources in China should be conducted continuously.

Single-cell analysis of Crohn's disease: Unveiling heterogeneity and evaluating ustekinumab outcomes

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to dissect the cellular complexity of Crohn's disease (CD) using single-cell RNA sequencing, focusing on identifying key cell populations and their transcriptional profiles in inflamed tissue.

METHODS

We applied scRNA-sequencing to compare the cellular composition of CD patients with healthy controls, utilizing Seurat for clustering and annotation. Differential gene expression analysis and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to identify crucial genes and pathways.

RESULTS

Our study identified eight distinct cell types in CD, highlighting crucial fibroblast and T cell interactions. The analysis revealed key cellular communications and identified significant genes and pathways involved in the disease's pathology. The role of fibroblasts was underscored by elevated expression in diseased samples, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets, including responses to ustekinumab treatment, thus enriching our understanding of CD at a molecular level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the complex cellular and molecular interplay in CD, suggesting new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering insights into disease mechanisms and treatment implications.

Genomic and Phenotypic Safety Assessment of Probiotic Bacillus coagulans Strain JBI-YZ6.3

Spore-forming Bacillus coagulans has been widely recognized as an important probiotic, which is commonly used in products for human consumption and animal feeds. B. coagulans exhibits beneficial traits from both Bacillus and lactic acid-producing Lactobacillus. The present study evaluated the safety of the newly isolated B. coagulans strain JBI-YZ6.3, using combined genomic and phenotypic analysis approaches. The taxonomic classification based on genome sequence and biochemical tests identified strain JBI-YZ6.3 as B. coagulans. Comprehensive genome-based analyses established JBI-YZ6.3 as a novel strain of B. coagulans. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the strain JBI-YZ6.3 was sensitive to a panel of fourteen antibiotics, and no genes related to antibiotic resistance were found in its genome. The spores of strain JBI-YZ6.3 exhibited tolerance to acid and bile salts, as well as stability at ambient and elevated conditions of temperature and relative humidity. There were no homologs of Bacillus toxin genes identified in the genome of JBI-YZ6.3, and the strain exhibited no cytotoxicity towards Vero cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In conclusion, findings from this study support the safety of B. coagulans strain JBI-YZ6.3, which can be developed into new probiotic products for preventive and therapeutic benefits in human and animal hosts.

Synergistic impact of Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Decoction and leflunomide on gut microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis: insights from 16S rDNA sequencing

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis, including alterations in the gut microbiota. Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Decoction (GSZD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has shown efficacy in RA treatment, but its impact on intestinal microflora remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GSZD combined with leflunomide on the gut microbiota of RA patients.

METHODS

The study enrolled 48 RA patients who were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving leflunomide or a treatment group receiving GSZD combined with leflunomide for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed pre- and post-intervention using 16S rDNA sequencing. Changes in microbial diversity, abundance, and metabolic functions were assessed.

RESULTS

Post-treatment, both groups exhibited significant alterations in gut microbiota composition. GSZD combined with leflunomide led to an increased Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and a reduction in Actinobacteria compared to leflunomide alone. This was associated with beneficial shifts in microbial genera and metabolic pathways, suggesting improved gut health and systemic immune modulation.

CONCLUSION

GSZD combined with leflunomide significantly modulates the gut microbiota in RA patients. This study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of GSZD and highlights the potential of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with conventional treatments in managing RA.

Mood and microbes: a comprehensive review of intestinal microbiota's impact on depression

Depression is considered a multifaceted and intricate mental disorder of growing concern due to its significant impact on global health issues. The human gut microbiota, also known as the "second brain," has an important role in the CNS by regulating it through chemical, immunological, hormonal, and neurological processes. Various studies have found a significant bidirectional link between the brain and the gut, emphasizing the onset of depression therapies. The biological and molecular processes underlying depression and microbiota are required, as the bidirectional association may represent a novel study. However, profound insights into the stratification and diversity of the gut microbiota are still uncommon. This article investigates the emerging evidence of a bacterial relationship between the gut and the brain's neurological system and its potential pathogenicity and relevance. The interplay of microbiota, immune system, nervous system neurotransmitter synthesis, and neuroplasticity transitions is also widely studied. The consequences of stress, dietary fibers, probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics on the GB axis are being studied. Multiple studies revealed the processes underlying this axis and led to the development of effective microbiota-based drugs for both prevention and treatment. Therefore, the results support the hypothesis that gut microbiota influences depression and provide a promising area of research for an improved knowledge of the etiology of the disease and future therapies.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and its metabolite ursodeoxycholic acid ameliorate ulcerative colitis by promoting Treg differentiation and inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization

Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) is a common clinical probiotic that improves ulcerative colitis (UC) by restoring intestinal immune balance. However, the interaction of LA with the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the treatment of UC remains unknown. Therefore, this study seeks to elucidate whether the gut microbiota and its metabolites act as pivotal effectors in LA's therapeutic mechanisms and how precisely they modulate intestinal immunity. In this study, we verified that LA can obviously ameliorate the disease severity, and regulate intestinal immune disorders in UC mice. Subsequently, antibiotic (ABX)-mediated depletion of the gut microflora demonstrated that the therapeutic efficiency of LA was closely associated with gut microbiota. In addition, the results of metabolomics revealed that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a metabolite of intestinal flora, may be a potential effector molecule mediating therapeutic effects of LA. Indeed, we found that UDCA can improve the macro pathological characteristics of UC mice, and through a comprehensive set of in vivo and in vitro experiments, we discovered that UDCA exerts dual effects on immune regulation. Firstly, it promotes the differentiation of Treg cells, resulting in increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Secondly, UDCA inhibits the polarization of M1 macrophages, effectively reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, we found that UDCA regulation of immune response is directly related to the RapGap/PI3K-AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, LA and its metabolite, UDCA, may treat UC by activating the RapGap/PI3K-AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and modulating Treg cells and M1 macrophages. All in all, our findings highlight the potential of microbial metabolites in enhancing probiotic for UC treatment.

Role of probiotics in managing various human diseases, from oral pathology to cancer and gastrointestinal diseases

The imbalance of microbial composition and diversity in favor of pathogenic microorganisms combined with a loss of beneficial gut microbiota taxa results from factors such as age, diet, antimicrobial administration for different infections, other underlying medical conditions, etc. Probiotics are known for their capacity to improve health by stimulating the indigenous gut microbiota, enhancing host immunity resistance to infection, helping digestion, and carrying out various other functions. Concurrently, the metabolites produced by these microorganisms, termed postbiotics, which include compounds like bacteriocins, lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, contribute to inhibiting a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. This review presents an update on using probiotics in managing and treating various human diseases, including complications that may emerge during or after a COVID-19 infection.

Benefits and concerns of probiotics: an overview of the potential genotoxicity of the colibactin-producing Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 strain

Recently, the mounting integration of probiotics into human health strategies has gathered considerable attention. Although the benefits of probiotics have been widely recognized in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, immune system modulation, and chronic-degenerative diseases, there is a growing need to evaluate their potential risks. In this context, new concerns have arisen regarding the safety of probiotics as some strains may have adverse effects in humans. Among these strains, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) exhibited traits of concern due to a pathogenic locus in its genome that produces potentially genotoxic metabolites. As the use of probiotics for therapeutic purposes is increasing, the effects of potentially harmful probiotics must be carefully evaluated. To this end, in this narrative review article, we reported the findings of the most relevant in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the expanding applications of probiotics and their impact on human well-being addressing concerns arising from the presence of antibiotic resistance and pathogenic elements, with a focus on the polyketide synthase (pks) pathogenic island of EcN. In this context, the literature data here discussed encourages a thorough profiling of probiotics to identify potential harmful elements as done for EcN where potential genotoxic effects of colibactin, a secondary metabolite, were observed. Specifically, while some studies suggest EcN is safe for gastrointestinal health, conflicting findings highlight the need for further research to clarify its safety and optimize its use in therapy. Overall, the data here presented suggest that a comprehensive assessment of the evolving landscape of probiotics is essential to make evidence-based decisions and ensure their correct use in humans.

Study on the degradation conditions of corn stalks by Asian corn borer digestive enzymes combined with white-rot fungus

Since the environmentally friendly reuse of corn stalks attracts more and more attention, it is an efficient and feasible way to reuse corn stalks as forage. However, whether the cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose within corn stalks can be effectively decomposed becomes a key to reusing corn stalks as forage. Orthogonal test was designed by five different degradation temperatures (22°C, 24°C, 26°C, 28°C, 30°C), five different pH values (4, 5, 6, 8, 10), and five different degradation time durations (5, 15, 25, 30, and 35 days) to examine 25 kinds of different degradation conditions. It was found that the decomposition effect of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, of group 25 (26°C, pH = 5, 25 days) was stronger compared with other groups, with the contents calculated as 8.22%, 31.55%, and 22.55% individually (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Group 19 (22°C, pH = 4, 5 days) revealed the worst degradation effect of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose compared to other groups, with contents calculated as 15.48%, 38.85%, and 29.57%, individually (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The research data deliver a basis for ideal degradation conditions for corn stalks degradation in combination with the digestive enzymes of P. chrysosporium and O. furnacalis larva. Aiming to explore a highly efficient and environmentally friendly corn stalk degradation method.

Effects of postbiotics on chronic diarrhea in young adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial assessing clinical symptoms, gut microbiota, and metabolite profiles

Chronic diarrhea has a considerable impact on quality of life. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover intervention trial was conducted with 69 participants (36 in Group A, 33 in Group B), aiming to investigate the potential of postbiotics in alleviating diarrhea-associated symptoms. Participants received postbiotic Probio-Eco® and placebo for 21 days each in alternating order, with a 14-day washout period between interventions. The results showed that postbiotic intake resulted in significant improvements in Bristol stool scale score, defecation frequency, urgency, and anxiety. Moreover, the postbiotic intervention increased beneficial intestinal bacteria, including Dysosmobacter welbionis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, while reducing potential pathogens like Megamonas funiformis. The levels of gut Microviridae notably increased. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed postbiotic-driven enrichment of beneficial metabolites, including α-linolenic acid and p-methoxycinnamic acid, and reduction of diarrhea-associated metabolites, including theophylline, piperine, capsaicin, and phenylalanine. Targeted metabolomics confirmed a significant increase in fecal butyric acid after postbiotic intervention. The levels of aromatic amino acids, phenylalanine and tryptophan, and their related metabolites, 5-hydroxytryptophan and kynurenine, decreased after the postbiotic intervention, suggesting diarrhea alleviation was through modulating the tryptophan-5-hydroxytryptamine and tryptophan-kynurenine pathways. Additionally, chenodeoxycholic acid, a diarrhea-linked primary bile acid, decreased substantially. In conclusion, postbiotics have shown promise in relieving chronic diarrhea.

A biosensor based on graphene oxide nanocomposite for determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in colorectal cancer biomarker

Colorectal cancer is still a major global health concern, and early detection and accurate biomarker analyses are critical to its successful management. This paper describes the design and testing of a new biosensor based on a graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite for the exact measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a well-known biomarker for colorectal cancer. The current study attempted to create a highly sensitive immunosensor for sensitive measurement of CEA based on a polypropylene-imine-dendrimer (PPI) and GO nanocomposite on GCE (PPI/GO/GCE). The PPI/GO nanocomposite served as an appropriate biocompatible nanostructure with a large surface area for immobilizing carcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules (BSA/anti-CEA/PPI/GO/GCE), thereby promoting the selectivity of electrochemical immunosensors, according to structural and electrochemical studies. Results showed that the BSA/anti-CEA/PPI/GO/GCE as a selective, sensitive, and stable immunosensor revealed a wide linear response from 0.001 to 2000 ng/mL, and a limit of detection of 0.3 pg/mL, which indicated comparable or better performance towards the CEA immunosensors in recent reports in the literature. This was due to the synergetic effect of the GO nanosheets and PPI with porous structure and more conductivity. Analytical results showed values of RSD (4.49%-5.04%) and recovery (90.00%-99.98%) are suitable for effective and accurate practical assessments in CEA in clinical samples. The capacity of the BSA/anti-CEA/PPI/GO/GCE to determine CEA in human blood was studied.

Effect of Pu-erh tea pomace on the composition and diversity of cecum microflora in Chahua chicken No. 2

Pu-erh tea pomace (PTP), a solid substance after extracting functional substances or steeping tea, is rich in crude protein, and crude fiber, and could be used as considerable bioactive substances in animal production. However, its application as poultry feed and its role in regulating the characteristics of gut microorganisms is unclear. The present study investigated the effects of PTP on growth performance and gut microbes of chicken. A total of 144 Chahua chickens No. 2 were individually housed and divided into three groups which were fed diets containing 0% (CK), 1% PTP (T1), and 2% PTP (T2), respectively. The serum and cecum contents were collected after slaughter for analysis. The results indicated that growth performance and carcass traits were not affected by the PTP content. Serum total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the T1 and T2 groups were significantly lower than in the CK group (p < 0.05). The gut microbiota α-diversity in the T2 group was significantly lower than in the CK group (p < 0.05). Based on partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), we observed significant segregation in gut bacterial communities among the groups. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were dominant in the cecum, occupying about 85% of the cecum flora. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes tended to increase. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides is the highest in the CK、T1 and T2 groups. The relative abundances of Bacteroides and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 microorganisms in the T2 group were significantly higher than in the CK group (p < 0.05). However, the relative abundance of CHKCI001 microorganisms in the T2 group was significantly lower compared to the CK group (p < 0.05). TG content was significantly positively correlated with CHKCI001 relative abundance, and significantly negatively correlated with Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 relative abundance (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LDL-C content was significantly positively correlated with CHKCI001 relative abundance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PTP could decrease the cholesterol levels in the blood by improving the composition of gut microbiota, which provides a reference for the application of PTP in the poultry industry.

Regulatory Ability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on Human Skin Health by Counteracting In Vitro Malassezia furfur Effects

The skin serves as the first barrier against pathogen attacks, thanks to its multifunctional microbial community. Malassezia furfur is a commensal organism of normal cutaneous microflora but is also a cause of skin diseases. It acts on different cell pattern recognition receptors (TLRs, AhR, NLRP3 inflammasome) leading to cellular damage, barrier impairment, and inflammatory cytokines production. Lactobacillus spp. Is an endogenous inhabitant of healthy skin, and studies have proven its beneficial role in wound healing, skin inflammation, and protection against pathogen infections. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the ability of live Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to interfere with the harmful effects of the yeast on human keratinocytes (HaCat) in vitro. To enable this, the cells were treated with M. furfur, either alone or in the presence of L. plantarum. To study the inflammasome activation, cells require a stimulus triggering inflammation (LPS) before M. furfur infection, with or without L. plantarum. L. plantarum effectively counteracts all the harmful strategies of yeast, reducing the phospholipase activity, accelerating wound repair, restoring barrier integrity, reducing AhR and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and, consequently, releasing inflammatory cytokines. Although lactobacilli have a long history of use in fermented foods, it can be speculated that they can also have health-promoting activities when topically applied.

A Comparative Analysis of the Physico-Chemical Properties of Pectin Isolated from the Peels of Seven Different Citrus Fruits

In the present research work, pectin was isolated from the peels of seven citrus fruits (Citrus limon, Citrus limetta, Citrus sinensis, Citrus maxima, Citrus jambhiri, Citrus sudachi, and Citrus hystrix) for a comparison of its physicochemical parameters and its potential use as a thickening agent, gelling agent, and food ingredient in food industries. Among the seven citrus fruits, the maximum yield of pectin was observed from Citrus sudachi, and the minimum yield of pectin was observed from Citrus maxima. The quality of each pectin sample was compared by using parameters such as equivalent weight, anhydrouronic acid (AUA) content, methoxy content, and degree of esterification. It was observed that all seven pectin samples had a high value of equivalent weight (more than 1000), suggesting that all the pectin samples had a high content of non-esterified galacturonic acid in the molecular chains, which provides viscosity and water binding properties. The methoxy content and degree of esterification of all the pectins was lower than 50%, which suggests that it cannot easily disperse in water and can form gel only in presence of divalent cations. The AUA content of all isolated pectins samples was above 65%, which suggests that the pectin was pure and can be utilized as a food ingredient in domestic foods and food industries. From the FTIR analysis of pectin, it was observed that the bond pattern of Citrus maxima, Citrus jambhiri, and Citrus hystrix was similar. The bond pattern of Citrus limon, Citrus limetta, and Citrus sinensis was similar. However, the bond pattern of Citrus sudachi was different from that of all other citrus fruits. The difference in the bond pattern was due to the hydrophobic nature of pectin purified from Citrus limon, Citrus limetta, Citrus sudachi, and Citrus sinensis and the hydrophilic nature of pectin purified from Citrus maxima, Citrus jambhiri, and Citrus hystrix. Hence, hydrophobic pectin can be utilized in the preparation of hydrogels, nanofibers, food packaging material, polysoaps, drug delivery agents, and microparticulate materials, whereas hydrophilic pectin can be utilized for the preparation of gelling and thickening agents.

Impacts of morphology parameters on the risk of rupture in intracranial aneurysms: statistical and computational analyses

The hemodynamic analysis of the blood stream inside the cerebral aneurysms reveals the risk of the aneurysm rupture. In addition, the high risk region prone to rupture would be determined by the hemodynamic analysis of the blood. In present article, computational fluid dynamic is used for the investigation of the hemodynamic effects on the aneurysm wall and risk of rupture. This study tries to find the connection between the risk of rupture with three geometrical features of aneurysm i.e., Ellipsoid Max semi-axis, Size ratio and Tortuosity. Statistical analysis is done over 30 different ruptured /unruptured ICA aneurysms to find meaningful relation between selected geometrical factors and rupture risk. The hemodynamic analysis is done over four distinct aneurysm models to attain more details on effects of chosen geometrical factors. The results of simulations indicate that the Ellipsoid Max semi-axis have meaningful impacts on the risk of rupture.

Gastrointestinal tract disorders classification using ensemble of InceptionNet and proposed GITNet based deep feature with ant colony optimization

Computer-aided classification of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has become a crucial area of research. Medical science and artificial intelligence have helped medical experts find GIT diseases through endoscopic procedures. Wired endoscopy is a controlled procedure that helps the medical expert in disease diagnosis. Manual screening of the endoscopic frames is a challenging and time taking task for medical experts that also increases the missed rate of the GIT disease. An early diagnosis of GIT disease can save human beings from fatal diseases. An automatic deep feature learning-based system is proposed for GIT disease classification. The adaptive gamma correction and weighting distribution (AGCWD) preprocessing procedure is the first stage of the proposed work that is used for enhancing the intensity of the frames. The deep features are extracted from the frames by deep learning models including InceptionNetV3 and GITNet. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) procedure is employed for feature optimization. Optimized features are fused serially. The classification operation is performed by variants of support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, including the Cubic SVM (CSVM), Coarse Gaussian SVM (CGSVM), Quadratic SVM (QSVM), and Linear SVM (LSVM) classifiers. The intended model is assessed on two challenging datasets including KVASIR and NERTHUS that consist of eight and four classes respectively. The intended model outperforms as compared with existing methods by achieving an accuracy of 99.32% over the KVASIR dataset and 99.89% accuracy using the NERTHUS dataset.

Pharmacological and Nutritional Modulation of Metabolome and Metagenome in Cardiometabolic Disorders

Cardiometabolic disorders are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A growing body of research indicates that the gut microbiota, whether it interacts favorably or not, plays an important role in host metabolism. Elucidating metabolic pathways may be crucial in preventing and treating cardiometabolic diseases, and omics methods are key to studying the interaction between the fecal microbiota and host metabolism. This review summarizes available studies that combine metabolomic and metagenomic approaches to describe the effects of drugs, diet, nutrients, and specific foods on cardiometabolic health and to identify potential targets for future research.

The Possible Role of Probiotic Supplementation in Inflammation: A Narrative Review

The fine balance between symbiotic and potentially opportunistic and/or pathogenic microorganisms can undergo quantitative alterations, which, when associated with low intestinal biodiversity, could be responsible for the development of gut inflammation and the so-called "intestinal dysbiosis". This condition is characterized by the disbalance of a fine synergistic mechanism involving the mucosal barrier, the intestinal neuroendocrine system, and the immune system that results in an acute inflammatory response induced by different causes, including viral or bacterial infections of the digestive tract. More frequently, however, dysbiosis is induced slowly and subtly by subliminal causal factors, resulting in a chronic condition related to different diseases affecting the digestive tract and other organs and apparatuses. Studies on animal models, together with studies on humans, highlight the significant role of the gut microbiota and microbiome in the occurrence of inflammatory conditions such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); neurodegenerative, urologic, skin, liver, and kidney pathologies; and premature aging. The blood translocation of bacterial fragments has been found to be one of the processes linked to gut dysbiosis and responsible for the possible occurrence of "metabolic endotoxemia" and systemic inflammation, associated with an increased risk of oxidative stress and related diseases. In this context, supplementation with different probiotic strains has been shown to restore gut eubiosis, especially if administered in long-term treatments. The aim of this review is to describe the anti-inflammatory effects of specific probiotic strains observed in clinical trials and the respective indications, highlighting the differences in efficacy depending on strain, formulation, time and duration of treatment, and dosage used.

Impact of Western Diet and Ultra-Processed Food on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier

The intestinal epithelial barrier plays a key role in the absorption of nutrients and water, in the regulation of the interactions between luminal contents and the underlying immune cells, and in the defense against enteric pathogens. Additionally, the intestinal mucus layer provides further protection due to mucin secretion and maturation by goblet cells, thus representing a crucial player in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. However, environmental factors, such as dietary products, can disrupt this equilibrium, leading to the development of inflammatory intestinal disorders. In particular, ultra-processed food, which is broadly present in the Western diet and includes dietary components containing food additives and/or undergoing multiple industrial processes (such as dry heating cooking), was shown to negatively impact intestinal health. In this review, we summarize and discuss current knowledge on the impact of a Western diet and, in particular, ultra-processed food on the mucus barrier and goblet cell function, as well as potential therapeutic approaches to maintain and restore the mucus layer under pathological conditions.