Assessment of physicochemical characteristics and modifications of pasting properties of different varieties of maize flour using additives.

Maize cereal has potential to be used for food purpose but lack of viscoelastic behaviour that limits its use for this purpose. Therefore, present study on modification of pasting properties of maize flour using different additives was carried out. Flours of three maize varieties (PMH1, JL3459 and Buland) with and without additives (guar gum, xanthan gum, whey protein concentrate and potato starch) were analysed for physico-chemical and pasting properties. Maize (PMH1) had maximum thousand kernel weight (312.47 g), bulk density (0.80 g/ml), force to rupture (68.54 kg) and contained the highest starch (67.70%) and fat (5.08%) among the three varieties. Different levels of guar gum (0-1.0%), xanthan gum (0-1.0%), whey protein concentrate (0-15.0%) and potato starch (0-10.0%) were incorporated in flours from three maize varieties. Results showed that guar gum 1.0% (w/w basis) and xanthan gum 1.0% (w/w basis) incorporation led to the highest peak and final viscosity whereas whey protein concentrate and potato starch were not selected because of negative effect on these properties. These additives can be used as binding agent in chapati and other maize products.

Outcomes and mortality in parturient and non-parturient patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy: A national readmission database study.

BACKGROUND: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) affects young females and mortality occurs after the peripartum period. Hospital readmissions for patients discharged with PPCM are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in readmission rates, risk factors, and mortality in women with PPCM. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2013 National Readmissions Database. From the database, we selected patients with PPCM to include patients discharged between January and November 2013. Readmission rate, mortality rate and risk factors were analyzed. In our cohort of 3800 patients, we found a readmission rate of 15.1% and a mortality rate of 1.6%. Comorbidities associated with readmission were pulmonary hypertension, obesity, renal failure, and drug abuse. Mortality on initial admission was associated with coagulation disorders and respiratory failure. Women who delivered on initial admission had a statistically lower rate of readmission than women who did not deliver on initial admission. CONCLUSIONS: In a large retrospective nationwide analysis of PPCM patients, we found associated conditions that may help predict which patients will have a higher risk for readmission and mortality.