Effect of in vitro Digestion on the Bioaccessibility of Polyphenols and Potential Prebiotic Properties of Potato Peel

BACKGROUND

Potato peel is a byproduct of the potato processing industry and a potential source of functional ingredients such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and prebiotics. However, the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidants during in vitro digestion and prebiotic potential after in vitro digestion of potato peel flour has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to assess the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and the prebiotic potential of potato peel flour.

METHODS

In this study, the changes in polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during different phases of in vitro digestion, including salivary, gastric and intestinal phases were studied. Additionally, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic properties of potato peel flour by in vitro fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus.

RESULTS

The findings revealed a significant increase in the recovery index for total phenolic content during both gastric (106.90%) and intestinal (102.71%) digestive phases. Furthermore, polyphenols in potato peel flour exhibited high residual intestinal digestibility index values (>90%). The antioxidant capacity increased by >50% during various phases of in vitro digestion. Regarding prebiotic properties, potato peel flour significantly increased L. acidophilus counts and promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, specifically propionate and butyrate.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that potato peel flour has the potential to serve as a functional ingredient or nutraceutical that can enhance health and may help in reducing environmental problems.

Evaluation of a Magnetic Compression Anastomosis for Jejunoileal Partial Diversion in Rhesus Macaques

PURPOSE

Metabolic surgery remains underutilized for treating type 2 diabetes, as less invasive alternative interventions with improved risk profiles are needed. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of a novel magnetic compression device to create a patent limited caliber side-to-side jejunoileal partial diversion in a nonhuman primate model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using an established nonhuman primate model of diet-induced insulin resistance, a magnetic compression device was used to create a side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis. Primary outcomes evaluated feasibility (e.g., device mating and anastomosis patency) and safety (e.g., device-related complications). Secondary outcomes evaluated the device's ability to produce metabolic changes associated with jejunoileal partial diversion (e.g., homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and body weight).

RESULTS

Device mating, spontaneous detachment, and excretion occurred in all animals (n = 5). There were no device-related adverse events. Upon completion of the study, ex vivo anastomoses were widely patent with healthy mucosa and no evidence of stricture. At 6 weeks post-device placement, HOMA-IR improved to below baseline values (p < 0.05). Total weight also decreased in a linear fashion (R2 = 0.97) with total weight loss at 6 weeks post-device placement of 14.4% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of this novel magnetic compression device to create a limited caliber side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis is safe and likely feasible in a nonhuman primate model. The observed glucoregulatory and metabolic effects of a partial jejunoileal bypass with this device warrant further investigation to validate the long-term glucometabolic impact of this approach.

Controversies in Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias represent one of the most common pathologic conditions presenting to the general surgeon. In surgical practice, several controversies persist: when to operate, the utility of a laparoscopic versus open approach, the applicability of robotic surgery, the approach to bilateral hernias, management of athletic-related groin pain ("sports hernia"), and the role of tissue-based repairs in modern hernia surgery. Ideally, surgeons should approach each patient individually and tailor their approach based on patient factors and preferences. The informed consent process is critical, especially given increasing recognition of the risk of long-term chronic pain following hernia repair.

An experimental study on magnetic esophageal compression anastomosis in piglets

INTRODUCTION

Fashioning a patent, watertight anastomosis in patients with esophageal atresia is a challenging task in pediatric surgery, particularly when performed under tension. A reproducible suture-less alternative would decrease operative time. We evaluated magnetic esophageal compression anastomoses in a novel bypass-loop swine model.

METHODS

Eight-week-old piglets underwent thoracotomy to mobilize the esophagus at the carina to create a U-shaped loop. Custom-made 8 mm diameter Neodymium Magnets were inserted into the esophagus proximal and distal to the loop, then mated side-to-side at the future anastomosis site. Pigs were observed for 8 (n = 4), 10 (n = 6), and 12 (n = 2) days and then sacrificed. The magnetic compression anastomosis was evaluated macroscopically, by radiography, burst pressure testing, and histology.

RESULTS

All 12 pigs survived until the endpoint. Separation of the magnets occurred at a median of 9 days. Contrast esophagrams showed patency and no leak. All anastomoses withstood pressures well over 13 kPa without leak. Histopathology showed epithelialized circular scar tissue.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic compression anastomoses of the esophagus using our specially-designed magnets are formed between the 8th and 10th postoperative day, are patent and mechanically resistant to supraphysiologic intraluminal pressures. These data lay the basis for a potential clinical application in patients born with esophageal atresia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable (experimental animal study).

Beyond Magnamosis: A Method to Test Sutureless Esophageal Anastomotic Devices in Living Swine by Creating an Esophageal Bypass Loop for Natural Oral Nutrition

Introduction: Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair has become increasingly popular, but is still limited to a few expert centers and has some challenges and shortcomings. One of them has a longer operation time compared with conventional thoracotomy. Magnetic compression anastomosis may contribute toward shorter operation times by avoiding the time-consuming anastomotic suturing. We aimed to establish a method of testing sutureless anastomoses in parallel to having swine eating the natural way. Materials and Methods: We used four juvenile Pietrain swine-aged 8 weeks, weighing 15 kg-to establish a living animal model after preceding cadaver tests. Esophagi were fully mobilized through right-sided thoracotomy to gain sufficient length to create an esophageal loop that served as a bypass for food after magnet deployment. Six hours later, patency of the bypass esophageal loop was assessed by passing an orogastric tube and by allowing swine to drink methylene blue-stained water. We also tested the device stability using the classical burst pressure test. Results: The esophageal lumen was patent for feeding tube. Swine were able to drink and methylene blue colored fluid reached the stomach. Clinical signs of obstruction such as regurgitation or coughing were absent. Magnets sustained burst pressures up to 200,000 Pascal until they became disrupted. At 6 hours after magnet placing, we already saw subtle esophageal mucosa erosions indicating the beginning of anastomotic formation. Conclusion: This animal model is useful to test different magnet designs for sutureless esophageal anastomosis or even future devices for in vivo tissue engineering.

Total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of common Indian pulses and split pulses

Pulses are valued for their protein content and are good source of bioactive phytochemicals. The objectives of this study were to estimate total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) through six different assay methods from twenty seven different varieties of pulses and split pulses commonly consumed in India. TPC and flavonoid content ranged between 38.6-542.7 mg GAE/100 g and 18.3-344.7 mg RE/100 g respectively. TAC measured by FRAP (90.6-2773.5 mg TE/100 g), RPA (190.8-2128.4 mg TE/100 g), DPPH radical scavenging assay (RSA) (42.9-571.1 mg TE/100 g), ABTS RSA (4.5-194.9 mg TE/100 g), hydroxyl RSA (0.0-106.6 mg AAE/g) and nitric oxide (NO) RSA (11.9-43.7 mg AAE/100 g) varied widely among pulses and split pulses analysed in the present study. TAC measured using different methods showed positively strong and significant correlation with TPC as well as flavonoid content except NORSA, indicating that phenolic compounds are the major contributors to the antioxidant properties of these plants. Food composition data obtained in this study would enrich the composition database at global level, which in turn will guide in improving food and nutrition security of the population. These can be used for further research, diet formulation and epidemiological studies. From the results it can be concluded that cow pea (red, small) had the highest TPC and TAC measured by all the parameters except NORSA.

Evaluation of cranial capacity by mustard seed technique

The volume of the cranium is used as a rough indicator of the size of the brain. In the present study Breitinger's mustard seeds technique was applied for the measurement of cranial capacity. Grossly normal 75 male skulls of Gujarat population were studied at Kesar SAL Medical College, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) in the year 2010. The mean cranial capacity among the study group was recorded to be 1256 cc with a minimum of 1110 cc and maximum of 1430 cc. The results were compared with the similar studies by different authors from different geographical areas.

Application of peanut butter to improve fatty acid composition of biscuits

Biscuits prepared with different levels of hydrogenated fat (vanaspati) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) butter (PB) (100:00, 75:25, 50;50, 25;75, 00:100) were evaluated for their fatty acid composition and textural property. Saturated fatty acids like myristic, palmitic, stearic acids were higher in control biscuits (100% vanaspati), which decreased with increasing proportion of PB in the experimental biscuits. Oleic acid and linoleic acid were lowest in control biscuits and it gradually increased upon incorporation of PB. The hardness of biscuits also increased with increasing proportion of PB. Overall sensory quality of experimental biscuits improved when 50% vanaspati replaced by PB in the standard biscuits recipe. Biscuits prepared with 50% supplementation of PB had better fatty acid composition with balanced oil quality and also had a greater acceptability by sensory evaluation panel.

MR imaging of the female pelvis: current perspectives and review of genital tract congenital anomalies, and benign and malignant diseases

MR imaging continues to be an integral problem-solving modality in the evaluation of congenital anomalies and acquired diseases of the female genital tract organs and provides effective clinical information to the practicing gynecologist in those patients in whom sonography is technically suboptimal or the results are equivocal. This article describes the state-of-the art MR imaging of the female pelvis and addresses its current perspectives in the following sections: (1) technical aspects of MR in imaging the female pelvis, (2) normal pelvic anatomy and variations that are seen on MRI, (3) role of MRI in the diagnosis of congenital uterine and vaginal anomalies, (4) MR imaging approach to diagnose congenital uterine and vaginal anomalies, (5) advantages and limitations of MR in the evaluation of various benign diseases and malignant neoplasms of the female genital tract, (6) a MR staging system and criteria for each gynecologic malignancy, (7) fundamental MR criteria to differentiate benign from malignant tumors and recurrent tumors from fibrosis, and (8) the present cost-effective value of MR in pregnancy and obstetrics. Magnetic resonance (MR) technology continues to be an important problem-solving modality in the evaluation of benign, malignant, and recurrent diseases of the female pelvic organs with the development of new software and improved hardware over the last few years. The main issues addressed in this article are (1) to review the basic and expanded applications of the current state-of-the art MR imaging in the diagnosis and management of various congenital and acquired disorders of the female pelvic organs, (2) to illustrate a simplified clinico-radiologic (MRI) approach to the diagnosis of congenital and acquired pathologies of the pelvic organs, (3) to provide relevant information to the clinicians to make rational choices among the competing imaging modalities, and (4) to outline the future potential of this modality in the pelvis.

Normal variation in MRI of the brain

Compared with CT, much more detail and information is seen on any standard MRI sequence. The task of reviewing MRI head scans can therefore be daunting to the new radiologist. This article outlines and emphasizes many of the predictable normal variants, hopefully lessening the burden and preventing the reader from misidentifying many of the common structures.

Multiple reflective channels in the spleen: a sonographic sign of portal hypertension

We consistently observed small "reflective channels" (RCs) in the splenic parenchyma in patients with portal hypertension (PHT). The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of this sign in PHT and in splenic disorders unrelated to PHT compared to normal controls. The significance of this sign in the diagnosis of PHT and in differentiating PHT splenomegalies from others was also assessed. A total of 337 patients underwent sonographic examination of the spleen: 147 normal, 75 non-PHT splenic pathologies, and 115 with PHT. The RCs were scored from grade 0 to 3 by counting the number in an area of 12 mm2 in the splenic parenchyma. Of 222 normal and non-PHT spleens, 174 (78%) showed grade 0, 44 (20%) grade 1, four grade 2 (1%), and none showed grade 3 RCs. Of 115 PHT cases, 17 showed grade 0, 25 grade 1, 44 grade 2, and 29 showed grade 3 RCs. The sensitivity of this sign was 0.85 with a specificity of 0.77 and an accuracy of 0.80 in detecting PHT (p < 0.001). The interobserver and intraobserver variation for grading was insignificant (p > 0.1). The RCs could be explained by periarterial fibrosis and dilatation of venous sinuses with increased collagen in their walls, which is known to occur in PHT. The vascular nature on ultrasound (US) was confirmed by the presence of flow on color Doppler. This sign is readily differentiated from the calcifications of tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, sickle cell infarcts, and phleboliths; it serves as a useful aid in diagnosing and differentiating PHT splenomegaly from non-PHT splenomegaly.

Ureteral obstruction in hydatid disease

A case of ureteric obstruction in renal hydatid disease is reported. This unusual complication possibly occurred following surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously reported.

Ultrasound guided aspiration cytology--a valuable diagnostic aid

Ultrasonography (US) remains underutilized as a guidance tool for performing fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) mainly because of a lack of understanding and experience in this technique. We describe here our experience in performing 346 FNACs. In our opinion, US guided FNACs are highly accurate and safe procedures which can be done on an out-patient basis, with routinely available equipment.