Study of antibiotics sensitivity pattern and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from human and animal pyogenic cases.

Staphylococcus aureus has been described as the most common cause of human and animal diseases and has emerged as a superbug due to multidrug resistance. Considering these, a total of 175 samples were collected from pyogenic cases of humans (75) and animals (100), to establish the drug resistance pattern and also for molecular characterization of human and animal isolates. Thermonuclease (nuc) gene amplification was used to confirm all presumptive S. aureus isolates and then, antibiotic sensitivity and slide Coagulase tests were used for phenotypic characterization of isolates. Following that, all the isolates were subjected to PCR amplification to detect the existence of the Methicillin-resistant (mecA) and Coagulase (coa) genes. Lastly, typing was done using the Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA-PCR. The overall prevalence of S. aureus in human and animal samples was found to be 39.4%. Drug sensitivity revealed the highest resistance against the ß-lactam antibiotics such as ampicillin (94.8%) and penicillin (90.6%), followed by cephalosporin (cefixime-67.7%) and quinolone (ciprofloxacin-52.1%) group of drugs. The drug sensitivity was the highest against antibiotics like chloramphenicol (95%) followed by gentamicin (90%). Among the 69 S. aureus isolates, the overall presence of MRSA was 40.5% (27.5% and 50% in human and animal isolates, respectively). Total 33 isolates exhibited coa genes amplification of more than one amplicons and variable in size of 250, 450, 800, and 1100 bp. The RAPD typing revealed amplification of five and six different band patterns in humans and animals, respectively, with two common patterns suggesting a common phylogenetic profile.

Effect of nano-conversion on morphological, rheological and thermal properties of barley starch.

The aim of the present study was to synthesize biodegradable starch nanoparticles (SNP's) from a renewable source like barley starch and to characterize for morphological, crystalline, thermal, and rheological properties. Acid hydrolysis transformed A+V-type round or disc-shaped native starch (NS) granules with an average width of 10 µm and the average length of 22 µm into round or irregular shaped A-type SNP's with an average size of 64 nm with the crystallinity enhanced from 41.75 to 48.08%. The zeta potential of NS and SNP's was - 17.7 and - 21.4 nm, respectively, with the higher stability of SNP's. The gelatinization temperature increased while melting decreased after nano conversion of barley starch. The storage and loss moduli of 12 and 15% suspension of SNP's remained unchanged with a change in angular frequency (0.1-10 rad-s), which indicated a greater tendency to recover after deformation, while 20% SNP's suspension behaved like a viscous fluid. The flow behavior test demonstrated a shear-thinning behavior of SNP's suspension.

Morphological and thermo-mechanical characterization of sweet potato starch based nanocomposites reinforced with barley starch nanoparticles.

The aim of present study was to develop and characterize the biodegradable sweet potato starch-based nanocomposite films reinforced with barley starch nanoparticles (SNP). Sweet potato starch-based films with varying concentrations of barley SNP (5-25% w/w) were manufactured by adopting solution casting method using glycerol as a plasticizer. The morphology, thickness, transparency, water solubility, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength, elongation at break and thermal stability properties of nanocomposite films were evaluated. The results showed that the incorporation of barley SNP led to a significant increase in tensile strength from 2.63 (control film) to 8.98 MPa (nanocomposite with 15% (w/w) SNP). Compared with the native starch film, the surface of the nanocomposite films became more rough and uneven with the increasing concentration of nanofillers. High concentration of SNP (upto 25%, w/w) significantly decreased the transparency and WVTR, and water solubility (upto 20%, w/w) of nanocomposite films. The WVTR decreased from 3294.53 to 349.06 g/m2/24 h. In addition, the thermal stability of nanocomposites got improved after incorporation of SNP into starch-film matrix.

Comparative analysis of the accuracy of periapical radiography and cone-beam computed tomography for diagnosing complex endodontic pathoses using a gold standard reference - A prospective clinical study.

AIM: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of periapical radiography (PR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for detecting pathoses of endodontic origin using the gold standard of direct surgical visualization. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-four patients (112 teeth) underwent radiographic examination by periapical radiography and CBCT. The presence of periapical lesions, root perforations and their locations, root fractures, different types of external root resorptive defects, apicomarginal bone defects, through and through bone defects, buccal bone status and proximity of root apices and lesions to vital anatomical structures were assessed. These same parameters were assessed intraoperatively by direct surgical visualization which served as the gold standard reference for the radiographic assessments. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values were determined for comparison of diagnostic accuracy between two modalities. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two imaging modalities for root resorptive defects and root fractures. However, CBCT accurately detected periapical lesions, root perforations, apicomarginal bone defects and through and through bone defects. The overall accuracy of CBCT varied from 91% to 96% in detecting dehiscence and fenestration of buccal cortical plates. CONCLUSION: Overall, CBCT had a higher diagnostic accuracy in complex endodontic pathoses compared to PR. Nevertheless, CBCT failed to diagnose apicomarginal bone defects in 33% teeth. In evaluating the status of buccal cortical plate from CBCT images, observers could detect absence of bone better than its presence. Thus, limited FOV CBCT should be considered for selective cases where periapical radiography has diagnostic ambiguity.

Antioxidant activity of various extracts of selected gourd vegetables.

Study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidative activity of methanolic (ME), ethanolic (EE) and butanolic extracts (BE) of selected gourd vegetables. The antioxidant activity was investigated using different assays namely ferric thiocyanate test (FTC), thiobarbituric acid test (TBA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH free radicals scavenging test. A densitometric HPTLC analysis was performed for the analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Different extracts of the selected gourd vegetables revealed different antioxidant activity. Different extracts of Lagenaria siceraria, Momordica charantia and Luffa cylindrica revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total phenols, flavonids, tannins and carotenoids content and also the antioxidant activity in comparison to remaining vegetable extracts. Correlation studies indicated that FRAP test best described the antioxidant activity of phenols, flavonoids and carotenoids (r = 0.854, 0.692 and 0.915 respectively). HPTLC profiles revealed the presence of maximum number of phenolic acids and flavonoids in L. siceraria and M. charantia.

Effect of addition of methionine and histidine on physicochemical and rheological characteristics of water chestnut starch as revealed by molecular dynamic simulations.

The effect of addition of amino acids including methionine (Met) and histidine (His) at selected concentrations (2, 6, 10, and 15%) on the physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of water chestnut starch (WS) was evaluated. A higher quantity of amino acids considerably (p < 0.05) inhibited the ability of starch-amino acid blends to expand their solubility index and swelling capacity. The addition of amino acids also significantly decreased peak viscosity (952.33-540.67 cP), hot paste viscosity (917-528 cP), cold paste viscosity (1209.67-659 cP), and setback (277.67-131 cP) of WS. Addition of amino acids enhanced the stability ratio (SR) of WS. All the studied samples displayed storage moduli (G') values higher than loss moduli (G'') but rheologically weak gel characteristics. Molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that interactions between amino acids and water greatly reduced the number of starch-water hydrogen bonds while preserving a higher number of starch-starch intramolecular interactions. This study could provide important insights for better understanding of modification of water chestnut starch functionality under the influence of amino acid residues.

Cross-linking, carboxymethylation and hydroxypropylation treatment to sorghum dietary fiber: Effect on physicochemical, micro structural and thermal properties.

The effect of cross-linking (CL), carboxymethylation (CM), and hydroxypropylation (HP) on the physicochemical, micro-structural, and thermal properties of sorghum dietary fiber (SODF) was studied. Results reflected that all three modifications significantly (p < 0.05) increased the water absorption capacity, swelling capacity, oil absorption capacity, and soluble dietary fiber content of SODF with CM being the most effective treatment. The CM significantly (p < 0.05) improved the solubility (9.9 %), whereas CL (4.65 %) and HP (2.79 %) significantly reduced the solubility of native SODF. The color analysis reflected the decrease in L* value after all modifications, indicating an increase in brown color of SODF. XRD analysis reflected an increase in crystallinity value (14.47 to 17.94 %) of SODF after modifications, resulting in increased thermal stability of modified SODF. The DSC results revealed the increased decomposition temperature of cross-linked and hydroxypropylated dietary fiber showing improved thermal stability of these types of modified fibers. The changes in thermal, physicochemical, and microstructural properties of SODF after modification could be ascribed to the changes in structure and chemical composition as reflected from SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis.

Effect of incorporation of plantain and chickpea flours on the quality characteristics of biscuits.

Blends of plantain and chickpea flours each with concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% along with of refined wheat flour were used for development of biscuits. The flours were evaluated for their chemical and functional properties. Plantain flour had highest crude fiber (3.6%) and carbohydrate content (80.8%), whereas chickpea flour had highest protein content (19.3%) and fat content (4.4%). Plantain flour showed highest water absorption (167.7%) whereas lowest oil absorption capacity (144.6). The chickpea flour showed highest foaming capacity and stability. The thickness and diameter of biscuits did not differ significantly (p < 0.05). The spread ratio and percent spread decreased with the addition of plantain and chickpea flours each up to a concentration of 30%. The fracture strength of biscuits increased significantly (p < 0.05) with addition of plantain and chickpea flours and was highest at 40% concentration (21.1 N). The protein and crude fiber content of biscuits increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 7.1 to 9.2% and 1.1 to 3.6%, respectively with increasing extent of chickpea flour and plantain flours in the blends. The sensory properties of biscuits prepared by replacing refined wheat flour up to 20% each with plantain and chickpea flour were more or less similar to those of control biscuits.

Optimization of osmotic dehydration conditions of peach slices in sucrose solution using response surface methodology.

Osmotic dehydration (OD) conditions of peach slices were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with respect to sucrose concentration (50-70°B), immersion time (2-4 h) and process temperature (35-55 °C) for maximum water loss (WL), minimum solute gain (SG) and maximum rehydration ratio (RR) as response variables. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used as experimental design. The models developed for all responses were significant. All model terms were significant in WL except the quadratic levels of sucrose concentration and temperature whereas in SG, linear terms of time and linear and quadratic terms of temperature were significant. All the terms except linear term of time and interaction term of time and sucrose concentration, were significant in RR. The optimized conditions were sucrose concentration = 69.9°B, time = 3.97 h and temperature = 37.63 °C in order to obtain WL of 28.42 (g/100 g of fresh weight), SG of 8.39 (g/100 g of fresh weight) and RR of 3.38.

Characterization of acid hydrolysis based nano-converted mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) starch for morphological, rheological and thermal properties.

Mung bean starch nanocrystals (SNC) were fabricated using acid hydrolysis. The resulting nanocrystals were studied for their morphological, thermal, and rheological properties. Irregular or round-shaped nano-scale crystals with average hydrodynamic diameter of 179 nm obtained after acid hydrolysis. The mung bean SNC revealed a CB-type crystalline pattern with enhanced crystallinity as studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Lower negative zeta potential was obtained for mung bean SNC as compared to its native starch. Thermal peaks disappeared for nanocrystals, which indicated an increased thermal instability of mung bean SNC. A shear-thinning behavior, even at high concentrations of SNC in the suspension was noticed. The elastic behavior was observed at all studied concentrations and it was independent of the frequency change.

Evaluation of amniotic membrane in the healing of apicomarginal defects using 2D and 3D imaging modalities: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate healing in apicomarginal defects with amniotic membrane (AM) using 2D periapical radiography and 3D cone beam computed tomography imaging. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty-four patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis and apicomarginal communication were allocated to either the AM or control group. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed at baseline and at 12 months using Molven criteria, modified Penn 3D criteria, and RAC and B indices at resected plane, apical area, cortical plate, and combined apicocortical area, respectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the healing outcome in 2D imaging (93.3% control and 86.7% AM) and 3D imaging (80.0% control and 53.3% AM) between the groups. With RAC scoring, a greater percentage of unhealed cases was observed in cortical plate. Radiographic buccal bone formation in the 3D imaging was evident only in six cases. However, both the groups depicted significantly greater percentage reduction in the size of the lesion in 2D than the 3D analysis (AM group 91.69 ± 15.99 2D, 76.06 ± 47.62 3D, P = .020) and (control group 92.06 ± 14.36 2D, 85.12 ± 18.55 3D, P = .005). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in healing was observed between the AM and the control groups with the use of both periapical radiography and CBCT imaging. Despite good clinical healing and radiographic apical bone fill, buccal bone formation was not evident in 3D imaging in most of the cases.

Nonsurgical management of cutaneous sinus tract of odontogenic origin: A report of two cases.

Discharging facial lesions of dental etiology are almost always difficult to diagnose. Due to the lack of dental signs in most patients, these lesions are often misunderstood and overlooked. Such patients often seek cosmetic therapy and end up undergoing unnecessary treatments, if an odontogenic source is not established. To make an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive medical and dental history, as well as knowledge of the various presentations of facial lesions, is of pivotal importance. The cases identified here were misdiagnosed at first, and they were treated with antibiotics and surgical procedures as a result. Root canal operations were performed after referral to a dental unit, and the sinus tract eventually healed. This emphasizes the significance of taking odontogenic sources into account when treating head and neck lesions.

Importance of preoperative diagnostic imaging in treatment of maxillary central incisors with Vertucci's type V root canal configuration - A report of 2 cases.

Root canal system typically has a diverse canal configuration. One of the most difficult aspects of ensuring successful endodontic treatment is accurately identifying all canals found in a tooth. Diverse root canal configurations are not uncommon, even if the majority of maxillary incisors have a single root canal. One canal bifurcating into two at the apical third is exceptionally rare, with only two case reports previously reported. For the precise diagnosis of certain anatomical peculiarities, a thorough evaluation of preoperative diagnostic radiographs is highly required. As of periapical radiography, which is the most important diagnostic imaging for determining root canal anatomy, is limited by its two-dimensional nature, technological innovations such as cone beam computed tomography can be extremely beneficial. This paper emphasizes the significance of preoperative diagnostic imaging in the treatment planning of maxillary central incisors with unusual root canal morphology.

Barley ß-glucan concentrate and its acid hydrolysate for the modification of dough making and rheological properties of water chestnut flour.

ß-Glucans are known for their beneficial physiological roles but can be used as potential food hydrocolloid. The present study was performed to assess the potential of barley ß-glucan concentrates (native and partially hydrolyzed) in altering the functional properties of water chestnut flour dough. The ß-glucan concentrate was subjected to partial hydrolysis to prepare a low molecular weight polymer. The WAC, swelling behavior, and pasting properties were significantly modified after the addition of ß-glucan concentrates. The water chestnut dough incorporated with ß-glucan concentrates displayed enhanced viscoelastic and creep characteristics and the efficacy of ß-glucans in providing strength to water chestnut dough depended on its molecular weight. Hydrolyzed ß-glucan concentrates increased the elasticity of dough to the greater magnitude in comparison to its native counterpart.

Pasting, rheological, and dough mixing behavior of rice flour as affected by the addition of native and partially hydrolyzed ß-glucan concentrate.

This study was aimed at evaluating the potential of barley ß-glucan concentrates (native and partially hydrolyzed) in modifying the techno-functionality of rice flour dough. ß-Glucan concentrate was partially hydrolyzed to obtain a low molecular weight polymer and their influence on the pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of rice dough were assessed. Hydration, thermal, and pasting properties were significantly modified with the added ß-glucans. The rice dough supplemented with ß-glucan concentrates showed improved viscoelastic and creep behavior and the effectiveness of ß-glucans in imparting strength to rice dough depended on its molecular weight. Hydrolyzed ß-glucan concentrates having low molecular weight increased dough elasticity to the greater extent in comparison to native ß-glucan concentrates. The micrographs of supplemented dough showed a strong and dense network indicating improved structure and strength.

Synthesis and modification approaches for starch nanoparticles for their emerging food industrial applications: A review.

There is an emerging interest in the development of biomaterial-based nanoparticles. Recent studies have shown that starch nanoparticles (SNP's) could be prepared from starch granules with unique functional properties. Starch nanoparticles/nanocrystals can be prepared by acid or enzymatic hydrolysis, regeneration, mechanical treatments, and combined enzymatic and precipitation methods. Different approaches including chemical, physical, and enzymatic methods have been used to modify the SNP's to enhance and diversify their applications profile. SNP's have found novel applications in various food systems such as reinforcement materials in nanocomposites, encapsulating agents, emulsion stabilisers, and carrier and releasing agents.

Pectin and its acid hydrolysate for the modification of hydration, pasting, thermal and rheological properties of barley starch.

The influence of native pectin (NP) and its hydrolysate (PH) in modifying hydration, thermal, pasting, rheological and textural properties of barley starch was assessed. The addition of NP and PH significantly modified the hydration properties of barley starch. The swelling and solubility of barley starch increased in the presence of NP while PH decreased it in a concentration dependent manner. The differential scanning calorimetry results showed that gelatinization temperatures increased in the presence of NP/PH whereas decrease in enthalpy was observed. In addition, only NP was found effective in increasing peak viscosity of the barley starch during pasting while PH decreased it. PH was observed to be more efficient in terms of reducing setback and final viscosity. Moreover, the NP addition caused an increase in magnitude of G' and G" while lower values were obtained with PH suggesting an increase in the elasticity of barley starch pastes with NP and an increased viscous behavior in case of PH. This was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy which revealed interconnected flakes network in starch pastes containing NP. Overall these results revealed that molecular weight and concentration of pectin played an important role in modifying starch functional properties.

Studies on effect of multiple heating/cooling cycles on the resistant starch formation in cereals, legumes and tubers.

'Resistant starch' (RS) is defined as starch and starch degradation products that resist the action of amylolytic enzymes. The effect of multiple heating/cooling treatments on the RS content of legumes, cereals and tubers was studied. The mean RS contents of the freshly cooked legumes, cereals and tubers (4.18%, 1.86% and 1.51% dry matter basis, respectively) increased to 8.16%, 3.25% and 2.51%, respectively, after three heating/cooling cycles (P< or =0.05) with a maximum increase of 114.8% in pea and a minimum of 62.1% in sweet potato (P< or =0.05). Significant positive correlations were observed between the RS content and amylose (y=0.443x-5.993, r=0.829, P< or =0.05, n=9) as well as between the percentage increase in RS and insoluble dietary fiber content (y=2.149x-24.787, r=0.962, P< or =0.05, n=9). A differential scanning calorimeter study showed an increase in the T(0), T(p), T(c) and DeltaH values of the repeatedly autoclaved/cooled starches. The intact granular structure was also observed disappear, as studied using scanning electron microscopy.

Pasting, rheological, thermal and gel textural properties of pearl millet starch as modified by guar gum and its acid hydrolysate.

The influence of guar gum and its hydrolysate at different concentrations (1 and 2% w/w) on physicochemical, pasting, thermal, rheological and textural properties of pearl millet starch was assessed. The addition of guar gum and its hydrolysate significantly improved the hydration properties of pearl millet starch. NGG significantly (p < 0.05) increased the peak, breakdown, and final viscosities while GGH did not modify the peak and final viscosities but decreased breakdown viscosity. The molecular weight of guar gum had a predominating role in modifying the functional properties of pearl millet starch. Steady shear measurements showed that both NGG and GGH decreased the flow behavior index (n) increased and consistency index (K). Higher G' and G″ values were obtained after the addition of NGG and GGH, suggesting the formation of more solid like pastes.

Prevalence and antibiotyping of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in domestic animals in India.

OBJECTIVES: Domestic animals can serve as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and may lead to the emergence of drug-resistant human isolates. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and antibiotypes of S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) cultured from clinical pyogenic cases of domestic animals in India. METHODS: A total of 100 samples were collected during the study (August 2014 to July 2015) from different pyogenic conditions of cattle (n=21), buffaloes (n=63) and dogs (n=16). Samples were processed for isolation and phenotypic identification of S. aureus. Species identification was confirmed by PCR, and all of the isolates were screened for the mecA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disk diffusion method for 14 antimicrobial agents. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The study revealed a 40.0% prevalence of S. aureus in pyogenic clinical cases of domestic animals. The species-wise prevalence of S. aureus was 38.1% both in cattle and buffaloes and 50.0% in dogs. The study revealed 21 antibiotypes among the S. aureus isolates. The rate of resistance was highest for amoxicillin (95.0%), followed by penicillin G (82.5%). Among the 40 S. aureus isolates, 23 (57.5%) exhibited methicillin resistance and carried the mecA gene. To the best of our knowledge based on the available literature, this is the first report of its kind from this country.