Linking Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity With Metabolic Syndrome Features: An Integrative Study on Clinical and Radiological Fronts.

Introduction Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a widespread cause of chronic liver disease, ranging from simple steatosis to severe conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Despite its similarity to alcohol-induced liver damage, NAFLD affects individuals with no significant alcohol consumption. This study explores the association between NAFLD, bone mineral density (BMD), insulin resistance, and subclinical inflammation, focusing on the Asian Indian population. The primary objective was to investigate the relationship between NAFLD and BMD, insulin levels, and markers of subclinical inflammation, hypothesizing that patients with NAFLD exhibit lower BMD, possibly linked to insulin resistance and inflammation. Methodology A cross-sectional study with 100 subjects aged 18-50 years (50 cases with NAFLD and 50 controls) was conducted. Exclusion criteria included excessive alcohol consumption, drug-induced fatty liver, severe organ dysfunction, infections, pregnancy, and acute or chronic illness. Data were collected through clinical examinations, anthropometric measurements, biochemical investigations, ultrasound diagnosis of NAFLD, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans for BMD assessment. Statistical analysis employed the chi-squared tests, t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results NAFLD patients had higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and markers of insulin resistance and inflammation compared to non-NAFLD controls. DEXA scans revealed significantly lower BMD in NAFLD cases, along with a higher prevalence of osteopenia. Positive correlations were observed between BMD and insulin resistance. The study contributes to understanding the link between NAFLD and lower BMD in the Asian Indian population, emphasizing the impact of insulin resistance and inflammation on bone health. The literature review supports the relevance of exploring NAFLD as an independent risk factor for low BMD. Conclusion This case-control study underscores the significant association between NAFLD and lower BMD in the Asian Indian population. Despite limitations, the findings highlight the importance of further research with larger samples and comprehensive assessments to elucidate the interplay between NAFLD, metabolic factors, and bone health.

Acute Pneumonia Like Illness and Sepsis in India: Is it Time to Suspect Pulmonary Melioidosis?

This article describes a case of melioidosis, a severe and potentially fatal disease caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, in a 55-year-old female in India. The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Recently there has been an increased number of cases reported in India. The source of B. pseudomallei in India is thought to be soil and water, with the most common mode of infection being through skin contact. The clinical presentation of melioidosis in India varies greatly, making diagnosis difficult. The case presented here with a history of acute febrile illness and progressive dyspnoea, with clinical worsening leading to intensive care unit (ICU) care. We managed this acute pneumonia-like melioidosis with antibiotics and supportive care which showed rapid recovery at follow-up. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion and increased awareness of early diagnosis of melioidosis in the Indian subcontinent to improve the patient.

Gd3+-substituted BiFeO3 perovskite nanoparticles: facile synthesis, characterization, and applications in heterogeneous catalysis.

We present the combustion-based synthesis of BiFeO3 (BFO) and Gd:BiFeO3 perovskite nanoparticles. XRD analysis demonstrates that the undoped BFO (x = 0) perovskite sample shows a single perovskite phase with a rhombohedral structure. However, increase in the Gd3+ content from x = 0.05 and 0.15 to 0.25 led to the occurrence of a structural phase transformation from rhombohedral (BiFeO3) to orthorhombic (Bi2Fe4O9). With an increase in the Gd-dopant the average crystallite size of rhombohedral structures increased from 16 to 23 nm. The perovskite samples were examined using XPS, which confirmed the presence of Bi3+, Gd3+, Fe2+, and O2+ ions. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated the existence of elemental functional groups in the synthesized perovskite nanoparticles. Furthermore, the direct band gap measured by DRS reduced from 2.16 to 2.0 eV as the Gd concentration increased. The nanoparticles of the BFO perovskite had an uneven shape, a tendency to agglomerate, and fused grains with defined grain boundaries. At ambient temperature, both the undoped and Gd:BFO perovskite nanoparticles exhibit a ferromagnetic characteristic. It was found that the BET surface area of the undoped and Gd-doped BFO perovskite nanoparticles varied progressively from 4.38 to 33.52 m2 g-1. The catalytic oxidation studies conducted in a batch reactor under air conditions revealed that the synthesized catalysts, in particular, Gd:BFO (x = 0.25), exhibited higher conversion and selectivity efficiencies for glycerol (con. 100% and sel. 99.5%, respectively).

Formulation and evaluation of oral disintegrating films using a natural ingredient against Streptococcus mutans.

Background: Oral disintegrating films (ODFs) are one of the forms of drug delivery system with better patient compliance. The advantage is that it disintegrates quickly when placed on the tongue and has better bioavailability. Aim: The aim of this study is to develop an ODF using Vaccinium oxycoccos and Plectranthus amboinicus targeting Streptococcus mutans. Setting and Design: This in vitro study was conducted at an institutional laboratory. Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of aqueous extracts of Vaccinium oxycoccos and Plectranthus amboinicus was examined using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS). Extracts were added at its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) into the hydroxy propylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) polymer matrix solution to develop active ODF. The study concentrated on assessing the physical properties such as thickness of film, PH of the film, folding endurance, swelling test, disintegration, and dissolution test. Color analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were the mechanical properties of the film assessed. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed statistically, one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc analysis for the assessment of MIC. Descriptive statistics were performed for the analysis of film properties. Results: MIC was 25 µg/ml for Vaccinium oxycoccos and 50 µg/ml for Plectranthus amboinicus. Three percentage HPMC with 1% citric acid and 1% aspartame was used to develop a polymer matrix. Films pH was between 6 and 7. FTIR and SEM analysis were done to confirm the attachment of active compound in a polymer matrix. Conclusion: Vaccinium oxycoccos and Plectranthus amboinicus showed good antibacterial activity, therefore could be a potent source to minimize the incidence of S. mutans.

Catalytic Conversion of Methanol to Formaldehyde Over La2CuO4 Nanoparticles.

La2CuO4 (LCO) perovskite nanoparticle was synthesized by microwave assisted combustion method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), respectively. The XRD confirmed the formation of a single orthorhombic phase. The average crystallite size of LCO samples were 39.6 nm and 46.4 nm. This LCO perovskite nanoparticle was evaluated for the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde in liquid phase batch reactor at atmospheric conditions. The conversions were studied by using different solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile, n-hexane, and temperature varying from 60 °C to 90 °C and reaction time from 1 to 4 h duration. 50 mg of catalyst, 50 mmol of DMSO, 50 mmol of methanol, temperature at 70 °C and 4 h duration was the optimized condition to achieve 100% methanol conversion and 98% selectivity of formaldehyde. The reaction pathway of methanol to formaldehyde conversion is discussed.

Development of cellulose-based migratory and nonmigratory active packaging films.

The main aim of this work is to develop a transparent bioactive cellulose acetate (CA) film for food packaging applications. The aim of the study is also to optimize the production methods for development of bulk and surface immobilized bioactive CA films. The vacuum drying method was optimized for the production of transparent CA films. The direct infusion and UV-assisted surface immobilization methods were investigated for the development of bioactive CA films. Reduction in the crystalline nature of CA was observed to be responsible for the production of transparent CA films. Thymol, with high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, was examined to be the major active compound (>40%) present in the polar fraction of oregano. Retention of active compounds analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), surface morphology analyzed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and surface chemistry analyzed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) proved the efficiency of UV-assisted surface immobilization method. Acetyl cellulose films treated with UV irradiation at 312 nm were examined to have higher retention of active compounds. The bioactive CA films produced by bulk and surface immobilization methods showed >90% and ∼65% thymol retention, respectively. The UV-assisted surface immobilization method was found to decrease the mechanical and barrier properties of CA film. The bioactive CA films produced by bulk and surface immobilization methods were found to have retained the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the thymol.

Effect of film constituents and different processing conditions on the properties of starch based thermoplastic films.

The main aim of this study is to examine the different film preparation methods (Hot air oven method, Microwave oven method, and UV irradiation method) for development of Bio-thermoplastic films from agro waste polysaccharides. The rheological properties were also studied for different combinations of tamarind seed starch (T), okra mucilage polysaccharide (OK), Residual rice bran starch (R) and sugarcane bagasse cellulose (C). Increase in concentration of okra mucilage polysaccharide and sugarcane bagasse cellulose found to highly influence the rheological viscous properties of tamarind starch solution. Increase in concentration of okra mucilage (above 1.5%) in tamarind film matrix solution significantly increased the elongation properties of starch films. Increase in concentration of cellulose (above 1%) in tamarind film matrix solution significantly increased the tensile strength of starch films. The microwave oven method was found to be the quickest method (~10 to 20 min) for biopolymer film preparation. SEM and AFM analysis revealed that UV - irradiation method produces stable bio-thermoplastic films with low surface roughness and high barrier properties. The interaction of starch molecules with other natural polysaccharide produces stable thermoplastic biopolymer films, that can be developed under different processing conditions to eradicate environmental pollution caused by petrochemical plastics.

Extraction of nano cellulose fibers from the banana peel and bract for production of acetyl and lauroyl cellulose.

The principal aim of the present study is to develop a method for the production of cellulose nanofibers, from the banana peel (BP) and bract (BB). It is also the aim of this study to produce cellulose-based biopolymers through acetyl and lauroyl modifications. The microwave digestion method and ball milling assisted ultra-sonication method was optimized for sustainable extraction of micro and nano cellulose fibers, respectively. The microwave digestion method was found to be effective in the removal of hemicellulose and lignin. Micro and nano cellulose fibers of BP and BB were found to contain type I cellulose structure. Thermal stability and crystallinity index of cellulose nanofibers were examined to be higher than it's native micro cellulose. Nano cellulose fibers were examined to be a potential source for production of acetyl and lauroyl cellulose, with a high degree of substitution and thermal stability. Hence, microwave digestion and ball milling assisted ultra-sonication method was proven to be effective in the extraction of nano cellulose fiber for development of cellulose-based polymers.

Extraction and characterization of polysaccharides from tamarind seeds, rice mill residue, okra waste and sugarcane bagasse for its Bio-thermoplastic properties.

The aim of the present study is to extract potential thermoplastic polysaccharides from agricultural industrial wastes. Polysaccharides were extracted from renewable agro industrial wastes such as tamarind seeds [rich in starch (TSS)], okra head waste [rich in mucilage polysaccharide (OMP)], sugarcane bagasse [rich in cellulose (SBC)] and residual rice mill wastes [rich in starch and fiber (RS)]. Urigam variety of tamarind seed starch found to be an amylose rich starch. Different polysaccharides extracted from agro wastes were found to be having high thermal stability, except okra polysaccharide (comparatively low). X-ray diffraction pattern of tamarind seed starch proved its high crystallinity index. Crystallinity index of investigated polysaccharides were found to be in the order of SBC > TSS > RS > OMP. Chemical nature of extracted polysaccharides was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. Residual rice bran starch granules and tamarind seed starch globules were found to be having comparatively reduced particle size than sugarcane bagasse cellulose and okra mucilage. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed the cluster formations of RS granules and TSS globules. Residual rice bran starch found to be associated with other fibers (present in outer coat of rice). Okra mucilage and SBC were examined to be having linear sheets and linear bundles structures, respectively.

Effect of Punica granatum peel extracts on antimicrobial properties in Walnut shell cellulose reinforced Bio-thermoplastic starch films from cashew nut shells.

The main aim of the present study is to extract and characterize cashew nut shell (CNS) starch and walnut shell cellulose (WNC) for development of cellulose reinforced starch films. Moreover, the extraction and characterization of pomegranate peel extract, for incorporation with CNS-WNC films, was investigated. CNS starch was examined to be a moderate amylose starch with 26.32 ±â€¯0.43% amylose content. Thermal degradation temperature of CNS starch was found to be 310 °C. Walnut shell cellulose was found to have high crystallinity index of 72%, with two thermal degradation temperatures of 319 °C and 461 °C. 2% WN cellulose reinforced CNS starch films were examined to have good oxygen transfer rate, mechanical and physical properties. Thermal degradation temperature of CNS-WNC starch films were found to be at the range of 298-302 °C. Surface roughness of CNS-WNC starch films were found to be increasing with increase in concentration of cellulose in films. Hydroxymethylfurfurole, Benzene, 2-methoxy-1,3,4-trimethyl and 1,2,3-Propanetriol, 1-acetate were found to be major active compounds present in hydrophilic extracts of Punica granatum peels. 2% WN cellulose reinforced starch films infused with hydrophilic active compounds of pomegranate peel was examined to be having good active package properties.

Synergistic effect of spice extracts and modified atmospheric packaging towards non-thermal preservation of chicken meat under refrigerated storage.

This study investigates the integrated approach of spice extracts and modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) chicken meat preservation. Specifically, extracts from clove (CL), cinnamon (CI) individually and in combination (3% w/w) along with MAP (30% CO2/70% N2 and 10% O2/30% CO2/60% N2) were used to increase the shelf life of fresh chicken meat stored at 4°C. The parameters evaluated as shelf life indications are microbiological (total viable count, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Enterobacteriaceae), physicochemical (pH, Lipid oxidation, color changes) and Sensory attributes. Microbial population were reduced by 2.5 to 5 log cfu/g, with the greater impact being accomplished by the blend of clove and cinnamon extract with 30% CO2/70% N2 MAP. Thiobarbituric values for all treated and MAP packed samples remained lower than 1 mg malondialdehyde (MDA)/kg all through the 24 day storage period. pH values varied from 5.5 for fresh sample on day 0 to 7.11 (day 25) on combined extract treated and MAP packaged samples. The estimations of the color parameters L*, a*, and b* were well maintained in oxygen deficient MAP. Finally, sensory investigation demonstrated that combined clove and cinnamon extract of 3% conferred acceptable sensory attributes to the samples on day 24 of storage. These results indicate the extended shelf life of chicken meat from 4 days to 24 days for samples when coated with 3% of combined clove and cinnamon extract and packaged under MAP without oxygen. These pooled extracts along with MAP displayed expanded the usability and the organoleptic qualities of chicken meat.

Active compound diffusivity of particle size reduced S. aromaticum and C. cassia fused starch edible films and the shelf life of mutton (Capra aegagrus hircus) meat.

In the present study, mathematical models were used to examine the effect of active compound diffusion from edible film (supplemented with S. aromaticum and C. cassia) on the microbial, physical and chemical quality of mutton stored at 4 and 10°C. Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol release from edible film into liquid was found to be 80% and 75% of the equilibrium concentration. Active compound release into meat was 42-51% for cinnamaldehyde and 38-48% for eugenol, in storage temperatures of 4-15°C. Developed mathematical models showed the diffusivity of cinnamaldehyde (0.45×10-15±0.04×10-15) and eugenol (0.63×10-10±0.01×10-10) into meat, which was about 40% of that in liquid medium. On comparing physical, chemical and microbial results, shelf life of mutton meat was found to be increased by 1week at storage temperature of 10°C and 3weeks at storage temperature of 4°C.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Visceral Leishmaniasis: Varied Presentation.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in many parts of India. Rarely, it may be complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that has varied presentation and course. We describe two cases of VL complicated by HLH that were markedly different in clinical presentation, course and management. First case presented with Fever of unknown origin whereas second case had fever with severe bleeding manifestations. VL was diagnosed by bone marrow aspiration and serum rk39 immunodiagnostic test respectively in these cases. HLH was diagnosed by HLH 2004 diagnostic criteria. VL was treated by intravenous amphotericin B in both cases. HLH was managed by treating primary disease in the first case whereas steroid was given for management in the second case. High index of suspicion is crucial for early diagnosis of HLH to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Production and characterization of cellulose reinforced starch (CRT) films.

Starch from Tamarind seed is considered to be a nonedible and inexpensive component, with many industrial applications. Extraction and characterization of tamarind seed starch was carried out for the synthesis of biopolymer. Tamarind seeds were collected, cleaned and further roasted, decorticated, and pulverized to get starch powder. Total starch content present in each tamarind seed is estimated to be around 65-70%. About 84.68% purified starch can be recovered from the tamarind seed. Defatted Tamarind seed starch has an amylose content of 27.55 wt.% and 72.45 wt.% of amylopectin. Morphological (SEM) and X-ray diffraction were used to evaluate crystallinity. Likewise, TGA and DSC of starch have also been analyzed. Thermal properties of starch obtained from tamarind seeds showed good thermal stability when compared to other starch sources such as Mesquite seed and Mango kernel. This study proved that the tamarind seed starch can be used as a potential biopolymer material. Thermo-stable biofilms were produced through initial optimization studies. Predictive response surface quadratic models were constructed for prediction and optimization of biofilm mechanical properties. Correlation coefficient values were calculated to me more than 0.90 for mechanical responses which implies the fitness of constructed model with experimental data.

Potential application of corn starch edible films with spice essential oils for the shelf life extension of red meat.

AIM: To investigate the effect of corn starch (CS) edible films with spice oils on the stability of raw beef during refrigerated storage. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antimicrobial properties of corn starch films containing 0-4·0% (w/v) ratios of clove (CL) and cinnamon (CI) essential oils (EOs) were tested against seven meat spoilage organisms by zone inhibition test. Effects of CS films containing 3% CL or CI or a mixture of CL + CI were also tested in raw beef stored at 4°C. Meat samples were analysed for pH, microbial counts, colour values and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values for a period of 15 days. CS films with CL + CI resulted in a significant reduction in microbial populations in the meat samples and also improved meat colour stability at the end of storage period. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of spice EOs in CS films may provide antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that could improve the stability of raw meat. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Results from this study may be applied in meat industries as an additional barrier to control microbial spoilage as well as lipid oxidation in meat products.

A new approach for evaluation of canine dento alveolar distraction using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate and plan the canine dento alveolar distractions (DADs) with the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5 patients are requiring 10 canine DADs were selected for the study. A custom-made DAD distractor was fabricated for the study. CBCT scans were taken prior to and post thedistraction. DAD parameters such as Canine retraction, canine and molar rotation, molar anchor loss and level of the osteotomy cut above the canine was evaluated. RESULTS: Average canine retraction was 7.5 mm in 17 days, molar anchor loss was 0.5 mm, canine and molar rotations were 8° and 0.40° and thedistance of the osteotomy cut to the canine was1.93 mm. CONCLUSION: The CBCT can be used to accurately evaluate the canine DADtechnique.

Smile: A review.

"Beauty is in the mind of the beholder, each mind perceives a different beauty" famously said by writer Margeret Wolfe Hungerford. A beautiful smile is a gateway to the world. The aim of this article was to identify the criteria for designing the perfect smile. It was determined, smile design is a multifactorial process and various steps are involved in designing a radiant smile.

Gnathological splint therapy in temporomandibular joint disorder.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) forms an integral functional part of stomatognathic system. Position, shape, structure and function of teeth have an influence on the proper functioning and health of TMJ. But a problem associated with TMJ is often neglected, and treatment for it is mostly restricted to palliative therapy. A proper understanding of the underlying cause of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is necessary to device a proper treatment plan. Etiology of TMDs varies from idiopathic reasons to systemic disorders. The option of Gnathological splint is a conservative, safe and an effective mode of therapy for TMDs caused by occlusal discrepancies (fulcrum/interferences). This article presents a case report of a patient with TMD caused by occlusal discrepancy.

A rapid and miniaturized method for the selection of microbial phenol degraders using colourimetric microtitration.

A high-throughput method is described, consisting of a colourimetric microtitration for screening phenol-degrading microorganisms, using a mixture of 4-aminoantipyrine and potassium ferricyanide as the colour indicator. This contemporary study summarizes a new method to determine phenol-degrading bacteria isolated from different areas. The method was used for testing a total of 72 bacteria collected from the natural environment and five known strains obtained from diagnostic and research laboratories employing 200 mg/L phenol (the linear range saturation concentration). Depending on the change in colour indicator, the degradation profiles of 11 strains of bacteria are shown, of which seven strains were able to degrade more than 80 % of phenol within 6-8 h, while the other four strains took 12-24 h. Two of the environmentally isolated strains showed high efficiency of phenol degradation and were confirmed by the high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. These strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as unique (Escherichia coli moh1 and Bacillus cereus moh2) and were deposited in the GenBank of NCBI. Two pathogenic strains (Uropathogenic E. coli and Salmonella sp.) were found to be the fast degraders of phenol, which is of medical concern, as phenol is generally used as a disinfectant in hospitals. This method can be used for the estimation and screening of phenol degraders in a single step, for its application in bioremediation as well as in hospitals for screening the phenol resistance of pathogens.

Microbial desalination cell for enhanced biodegradation of waste engine oil using a novel bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis moh3.

Microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a bioelectrochemical system developed recently from microbial fuel cells (MFCs), for producing green energy from organic wastes along with desalination of saltwater. MDC is proved to be a better performer than MFC in terms of power output and chemical oxygen demand removal, with desalination as an additional feature. This study investigates the application potential of MDC for integrated biodegradation of waste engine oil. This study showed, for the first time, that waste engine oil could be used as an organic substrate in MDC, achieving biodegradation of engine oil along with considerable desalination and power production. Utilization of these wastes in MDC can protect the environment from waste engine oil contamination. Indigenous oil-degrading bacteria were isolated and identified from engine oil contaminated sludge. Degradation of waste engine oil by these novel isolates was studied in batch cultures and optimized the growth conditions. The same cultures when used in MDC, gave enhanced biodegradation (70.1 +/- 0.5%) along with desalination (68.3 +/- 0.6%) and power production (3.1 +/- 0.3 mW/m2). Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were performed to characterize the degradation metabolites in the anolyte of MDC which clearly indicated the biodegradation of long chain, branched and cyclic hydrocarbons present in waste engine oil.