Fulminant Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in Breakthrough COVID 19 Infection.

COVID 19 infection continues to afflict people worldwide. Neurological complications of COVID infection are common. We report a case of fulminant reversible cerebrovascular constriction syndrome (RCVS) in a patient with breakthrough COVID 19 infection who was fully vaccinated. A 64 year old lady, fully vaccinated 2 months back, presented with headache, drowsiness, partial seizures, visual impairment and quadriplegia. Her nasopharyngeal swab was tested positive for SARS COV2 on real time PCR assay. MRI brain FLAIR images showed multifocal hyperintensities with MR angiogram showing arterial vasoconstriction suggestive of RCVS. Despite initiation of nimodipine, patient's symptoms worsened and she succumbed to sepsis. RCVS following COVID infection has been reported to have a benign outcome. However, despite vaccination, fulminant RCVS following a breakthrough COVID infection was observed in our patient.

A fast, validated UPLC method coupled with PDA-QDa detectors for impurity profiling in betamethasone acetate and betamethasone phosphate injectable suspension and isolation, identification, characterization of two thermal impurities.

For impurity profiling of betamethasone acetate and betamethasone phosphate injectable suspensions, a quick, verified stability indicating UPLC technique incorporating the detectors PDA-QDa had been established. This method with an analysis time of 12min could able to separate all possible degradation impurities. Two of the thermal impurities have been identified in positive mode of detection by using QDa detector and isolated by using preparative HPLC. The method works at a flow rate of 0.5mL/min in column: Poroshell 120 EC C18 (100×2.1)mm, 1.9µm, maintained temperature precisely at 40°C. The M/Z values in ESI positive mode for the two new degradation impurities have been identified (M+H) as 393.22 (DP1), 363.17 (DP2) and confirmed by 1H NMR. The approach was also verified in accordance with the rules of ICH Q2 (R1). From LOQ quantity value to 150% quantity of specified concentration (2% for betamethasone and 0.5% for other impurities), the technique of UPLC-PDA-QDa was proven to be linear and accurate. Precision and ruggedness results showed˂5% RSD. Accuracy results showed more than 95% recovery from LOQ till 150% of impurity specification. This UPLC-PDA-QDa methodology was found specific, precise, stable and robust for quantification of all possible degradation impurities. The proposed method has been transferred to quality control laboratories to access the impurity profile during product storage.

Assay of tirofiban and identification of oxidative impurity in aqueous injection by using UPLC-PDA/QDa detectors.

The basic objective of this study is to propose a short, reliable, mass compatible ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method to confirm the identity of impurities and to estimate the assay and purity of Tirofiban simultaneously in aqueous injection (5mg/100mL bag). Aqueous formulations are susceptible to oxidation, hence the possible oxidative degradation impurities of Tirofiban were studied in this experiment by using UPLC coupled with photodiode array/Quadrupole Dalton Analyzer (PDA/QDa) detectors. The required separations were achieved in the column: ACQUITY HSS T3 (100×2.1) mm, 1.7µm, operated at 30°C by using 0.02% Triethyl amine (TEA) in water, pH 2.8 with formic acid as solution-A and 0.1% formic acid in 9:1 acetonitrile, water as solution-B. Binary gradient flow is delivered at the rate of 0.5mL/min and the detection of impurities specifically carried out at 227nm using empower3 software. RP-UPLC/PDA with QDa detector was used for the experiment. The method was linear and accurate from the concentrations: 0.04 to 0.38µg/mL for impurity-A and 0.04 to 75µg/mL for Tirofiban. The major unknown degradation impurity generated during the oxidative degradation has been identified as N-oxide derivative (Impurity-B) [(M+H)+ 455.1] by using QDa detector operated in an electro spray positive ion mode by applying a voltage of 0.8kV. This method was further validated as per ICH Q2 (R2) guidelines. Hence, the proposed method is said to be a fast, sensitive and comprehensive technique, which could give a clear idea about the assay and impurity profile of Tirofiban injection.

Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene and polypropylene by microbes isolated from Vaigai River, Madurai, India.

The present study aimed to evaluate the microplastic degradation efficiency of bacterial isolates collected from Vaigai River, Madurai, India. The isolates were processed with proper methods and incorporated in to the UV-treated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) degradation. Based on preliminary screening, four bacterial isolates such as Bacillus sp. (BS-1), Bacillus cereus (BC), Bacillus sp. (BS-2), and Bacillus paramycoides (BP) were proceed to further degradation experiment for 21 days. The microplastics were filled with bacterial isolates which is use microplastic (PE, PP) as carbon source for their growth and proceed for shake flask experiment were carried out by two approaches with control. The microplastic degradation was confirmed through their weight loss, increasing fragmentations and changes of surface area against control experiments (microplastic without isolates) also confirms degrading efficiency of isolated bacterial strains through non-changes in their weight and surface area. The highest degradation of PP and PE were observed in BP (78.99 ± 0.005%), and BC (63.08 ± 0.009%) in single approach, while in combined approach BC & BP recorded the highest degradation in both PP (78.62 ± 2.16%), and PE (72.50 ± 20.53%). The formation of new functional groups is confirming the biofilm formation in the surface area of microplastics by isolates and proving their efficiency in degrade the microplastics. The degradation of microplastic experiments should be cost effective and zero waste which is helpful to save the environment and the present findings could reveal the way to degrade the microplastics and prevent the microplastic pollution in aquatic environment.

Impact of polystyrene microplastics on major marine primary (phytoplankton) and secondary producers (copepod).

The effect of microplastic adsorption on marine microalgae Tetraselmis suecica, Amphora subtropica, and copepod Pseudodiaptomus annandalei was investigated in the present study. Fluorescence microscopic images were used to evaluate MP interactions with algae and copepods. T. suecica growth rate decreased with effects of 0.1 µm polystyrene exposure to 75 µl/100 ml (0.899 to 0.601 abs), 50 µl/100 ml (0.996 to 0.632 abs) and 25 µl/100 ml (0.996 to 0.632 abs), respectively. On the other hand, at 10th day of experiment, the control T. suecica showed the highest growth rate (0.965 abs), chlorophyll concentration (Chl-'a' = 21.36 µg/L; Chl-'b' = 13.65 µg/L), and cell density (3.3 × 106 cells/ml). A marine diatom A. subtropica absorbed 2.0 µm microplastics, and the maximal inhibition rate increased at higher MP concentration until 10th day. The highest MPs (75 µl/100 ml) treatment resulted in decreased growth rate of A. subtropica from 0.163 to 0.096 abs. A. subtropica (without MPs) had the highest lipid concentration of 27.15%, whereas T. suecica had the lowest lipid concentration of 11.2% (without MP). The maximum survival (80%) of P. annandalei was found in control on 15th day whereas on 12th day, the microplastics ingested copepod had the lowest survival rate (0%). On 15th day, the maximum Nauplii Production Rate (NPR) (19.33) female-1 was observed in control, whereas the minimum (17.33) female-1 NPR was observed in copepod ingested with MPs. The maximum lipid production (17.33% without MPs) was reported in control, whereas MPs fed copepods had the lowest lipid production (16%). Long-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics significantly reduced algae growth and chlorophyll concentration and also NPR and lipid concentration rate of copepod. We inferred that microplastic exposure of algae and copepods might results in persistent decreases in ingested carbon biomass over time.

The effect of an ultrasound-activated needle tip tracker needle on the performance of sciatic nerve block on a soft embalmed Thiel cadaver.

In this study, we measured the performance of medical students and anaesthetists using a new tracker needle during simulated sciatic nerve block on soft embalmed cadavers. The tracker needle incorporates a piezo element near its tip that generates an electrical signal in response to insonation. A circle, superimposed on the ultrasound image surrounding the needle tip, changes size and colour according to the position of the piezo element within the ultrasound beam. Our primary objective was to compare sciatic block performance with the tracker switched on and off. Our secondary objectives were to record psychometrics, procedure efficiency, participant self-regulation and focused attention using eye-tracking technology. Our primary outcome measures were the number of steps successfully performed and the number of errors committed during each block. Videos were scored by trained experts using validated checklists. Sequential tracker activation and deactivation was randomised equally within subjects. With needle activation, steps improved in 10 (25%) subjects and errors reduced in six (15%) subjects. The most important steps were: needle tip identification before injection, OR (95%CI) 2.12 (1.61-2.80; p < 0.001); and needle tip identification before advance of the needle, 1.80 (1.36-2.39; p < 0.001). The most important errors were: failure to identify the needle tip before injection, 2.40 (1.78-3.24; p < 0.001); and failure to quickly regain needle tip position when tip visibility was lost, 2.03 (1.5-2.75; p < 0.001). In conclusion, needle-tracking technology improved performance in a quarter of subjects.

Influence of Ni2+ ions on the structural, morphological, photoluminescence, photo-catalytic and anti-bacterial studies of Cd0.9Zn0.1S nanostructures.

The present investigation reported the controlled synthesis of Cd0.9Zn0.1S and Cd0.89Zn0.1Ni0.01S nanostructures by simple chemical co-precipitation route. The XRD analysis confirmed the cubic structure of CdS on Zn doped CdS and Zn, Ni dual doped CdS without any secondary/impurity phases and no alteration in CdS cubic phase was noticed by Zn/Ni addition. The shrinkage of crystallite size from 69 to 43 Å and the variation in lattice constants and micro-strain were described by the addition of Ni and the defects associated with Ni2+ ions. Microstructural and optical studies of the prepared films were carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-visible spectrometer and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The enhanced optical absorbance in the visible wavelength and the reduced energy gap by Ni substitution showed that Cd0.89Zn0.1Ni0.01S nanostructures are useful to improve the efficiency of opto-electronic devices. The functional groups of Cd-S/Zn-Cd-S/Zn/Ni-Cd-S and their chemical bonding were verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. The elevated visible PL emissions such as blue and green emissions by Ni addition was explained by decreasing of crystallite size and generation of more defects. Zn, Ni dual doped CdS nanostructures are identified as the probable an efficient photo-catalyst for the degradation of methylene blue dye. The liberation of more charge carriers, better visible absorbance, improved surface to volume ratio and the creation of more defects are accountable for the current photo-catalytic activity in Zn/Ni doped CdS which exhibited better photo-catalytic stability after sex cycling process. The better bacterial killing ability is noticed in Ni doped Cd0.9Zn0.1S nanostructure which is due to the collective effect of lower particle/grain size and also higher ROS producing capacity.

A comparative analysis of Acuros XB and the analytical anisotropic algorithm for volumetric modulation arc therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify the dosimetric impact of Acuros XB (AXB) (AXB, Varian Medical Systems Palo Alto CA, USA), a two model-based algorithm, in comparison with Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA ) calculations for prostate, head and neck and lung cancer treatment by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT ), without primary modification to AA. At present, the well-known and validated AA algorithm is clinically used in our department for VMAT treatments of different pathologies. AXB could replace it without extra measurements. The treatment result and accuracy of the dose delivered depend on the dose calculation algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Ninety-five complex VMAT plans for different pathologies were generated using the Eclipse version 15.0.4 treatment planning system (TPS). The dose distributions were calculated using AA and AXB (dose-to-water, AXBw and dose-to-medium, AXBm), with the same plan parameters for all VMAT plans. The dosimetric parameters were calculated for each planning target volume (PTV) and involved organs at risk (OA R). The patient specific quality assurance of all VMAT plans has been verified by Octavius®-4D phantom for different algorithms. RESULTS: The relative differences among AA, AXBw and AXBm, with respect to prostate, head and neck were less than 1% for PTV D95%. However, PTV D95% calculated by AA tended to be overestimated, with a relative dose difference of 3.23% in the case of lung treatment. The absolute mean values of the relative differences were 1.1 ± 1.2% and 2.0 ± 1.2%, when comparing between AXBw and AA, AXBm and AA, respectively. The gamma pass rate was observed to exceed 97.4% and 99.4% for the measured and calculated doses in most cases of the volumetric 3D analysis for AA and AXBm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the dose calculated to medium using AXBm algorithm is better than AAA and it could be used clinically. Switching the dose calculation algorithm from AA to AXB does not require extra measurements.

Strong-field control of H3 + production from methanol dications: Selecting between local and extended formation mechanisms.

Using the CD3OH isotopologue of methanol, the ratio of D2H+ to D3 + formation is manipulated by changing the characteristics of the intense femtosecond laser pulse. Detection of D2H+ indicates a formation process involving two hydrogen atoms from the methyl side of the molecule and a proton from the hydroxyl side, while detection of D3 + indicates local formation involving only the methyl group. Both mechanisms are thought to involve a neutral D2 moiety. An adaptive control strategy that employs image-based feedback to guide the learning algorithm results in an enhancement of the D2H+/D3 + ratio by a factor of approximately two. The optimized pulses have secondary structures 110-210 fs after the main pulse and result in photofragments that have different kinetic energy release distributions than those produced from near transform limited pulses. Systematic changes to the linear chirp and higher order dispersion terms of the laser pulse are compared to the results obtained with the optimized pulse shapes.

An initial evaluation of the effect of a novel regional block needle with tip-tracking technology on the novice performance of cadaveric ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block.

Visibility of the needle tip is difficult to maintain during ultrasound-guided nerve block. A new needle has been developed that incorporates a piezo element 2-2.3 mm from the tip, activated by ultrasound. The electrical signal manifests as a coloured circle surrounding the needle tip, and allows real-time tracking. We hypothesised that novice regional anaesthetists would perform nerve block better with the tracker turned on rather than off. Our primary objective was to evaluate the new needle by measuring the performance of novice anaesthetists conducting simulated sciatic block on the soft embalmed Thiel cadaver. Training consisted of a lecture, scanning in volunteers and practice on cadavers. Testing entailed scanning the sciatic nerve of a cadaver and conducting 20 in-plane sciatic blocks in the mid-to-upper thigh region. Subjects were randomised equally, in groups of five, according to the sequence: tracker on/off/on/off; or tracker off/on/off/on. Video recordings were assessed by six raters for steps performed correctly and errors committed. Eight subjects were recruited and 160 videos were analysed. Using the tracking needle, five correct steps improved and one error reduced. The benefits included: better identification of the needle tip before advancing the needle, OR (95%CI) 3.4 (1.6-7.7; p < 0.001); better alignment of the needle to the transducer, 3.1 (1.3-8.7; p = 0.009); and better visibility of the needle tip 3.0 (1.4-7.3; p = 0.005). In conclusion, use of the tracker needle improved the sciatic block performance of novices on the soft embalmed cadaver.

How does aging influence object-location and name-location binding during a visual short-term memory task?

Objective: Age-related impairments in human visual short-term memory (VSTM) may reflect a reduced ability to retain bound object representations, viz., object form, name, spatial, and temporal location (so called 'memory sources'). Our objective is to examine how healthy aging affects VSTM in a battery of memory recognition tasks in which sequentially presented objects, locations, and names (as auditory stimuli) were learned, with one component cued at test.Methods: Thirty-six young healthy adults (18-30 years) and 36 normally aging older adults (>60 years with no underlying health and vision issues) completed five VSTM tasks: 1. Object recognition for two or four objects; 2. Spatial location recognition for two or four objects; 3. Bound object-location recognition for two or four objects; 4. Object recognition with location priming for two or four objects; 5. Bound name (auditory)-location (cross-modal) recognition for four objects.Results: Significantly lower performance for older adults was found in spatial location recognition [task 2, p = 0.03], bound object-location recognition [task 3, p = 0.001], object recognition with location priming [task 4, p = 0.02], and bound name-location recognition [task 5, p = 0.001, independent samples t-test] tasks. A significant age group-task interaction was found (p = 0.02).Conclusion: Performance for all tests except test 1 was impaired in older adults. Lower performance for older adults was most significant in VSTM tasks requiring object-location (visual only) or name-location (auditory and visual) binding. The findings are compatible with the 'memory source' model, demonstrating that age-related binding performance is influenced by spatial coding and location priming deficits.

The association between blood pressure and long-term outcomes of patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy with and without surgical revascularization: an analysis of the STICH trial.

Aims: Hypertension (HTN) is a well-known contributor to cardiovascular disease, including heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease, and is the leading risk factor for premature death world-wide. A J- or U-shaped relationship has been suggested between blood pressure (BP) and clinical outcomes in different studies. However, there is little information about the significance of BP on the outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the relationship between BP and mortality outcomes in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Methods and results: The influence of BP during a median follow-up of 9.8 years was studied in a total of 1212 patients with ejection fraction ≤35% and coronary disease amenable to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who were randomized to CABG or medical therapy alone (MED) in the STICH (Surgical Treatment for Ischaemic Heart Failure) trial. Landmark analyses were performed starting at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after randomization, in which previous systolic BP values were averaged and related to subsequent mortality through the end of follow-up with a median of 9.8 years. Neither a previous history of HTN nor baseline BP had any significant influence on long-term mortality outcomes, nor did they have a significant interaction with MED or CABG treatment. The landmark analyses showed a progressive U-shaped relationship that became strongest at 5 years (χ2 and P-values: 7.08, P = 0.069; 8.72, P = 0.033; 9.86; P = 0.020; 8.31, P = 0.040; 14.52, P = 0.002; at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-year landmark analyses, respectively). The relationship between diastolic BP (DBP) and outcomes was similar. The most favourable outcomes were observed in the SBP range 120-130, and DBP 75-85 mmHg, whereas lower and higher BP were associated with worse outcomes. There were no differences in BP-lowering medications between groups. Conclusion: A strong U-shaped relationship between BP and mortality outcomes was evident in ischaemic HF patients. The results imply that the optimal SBP might be in the range 120-130 mmHg after intervention, and possibly be subject to pharmacologic action regarding high BP. Further, low BP was a marker of poor outcomes that might require other interactions and treatment strategies. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00023595.

Native Frames: Disentangling Sequential from Concerted Three-Body Fragmentation.

A key question concerning the three-body fragmentation of polyatomic molecules is the distinction of sequential and concerted mechanisms, i.e., the stepwise or simultaneous cleavage of bonds. Using laser-driven fragmentation of OCS into O^{+}+C^{+}+S^{+} and employing coincidence momentum imaging, we demonstrate a novel method that enables the clear separation of sequential and concerted breakup. The separation is accomplished by analyzing the three-body fragmentation in the native frame associated with each step and taking advantage of the rotation of the intermediate molecular fragment, CO^{2+} or CS^{2+}, before its unimolecular dissociation. This native-frame method works for any projectile (electrons, ions, or photons), provides details on each step of the sequential breakup, and enables the retrieval of the relevant spectra for sequential and concerted breakup separately. Specifically, this allows the determination of the branching ratio of all these processes in OCS^{3+} breakup. Moreover, we find that the first step of sequential breakup is tightly aligned along the laser polarization and identify the likely electronic states of the intermediate dication that undergo unimolecular dissociation in the second step. Finally, the separated concerted breakup spectra show clearly that the central carbon atom is preferentially ejected perpendicular to the laser field.

Use of hydrocolloids as cryoprotectant for frozen foods.

Freezing is one of the widely used preservation methods to preserve the quality of food products but it also results in deteriorative changes in textural properties of food which in turn affects its marketability. Different foodstuffs undergo different types of changes in texture, taste and overall acceptability upon freezing and subsequent frozen storage. Freezing and thawing of pre-cut or whole fruits and vegetables causes many deleterious effects including texture and drip losses. The major problem in stability of ice-cream is re-crystallization phenomena which happens due to temperature fluctuations during storage and finally impairs the quality of ice-cream. Frozen storage for longer periods causes rubbery texture in meat and fish products. To overcome these problems, hydrocolloids which are polysaccharides of high molecular weight, are used in numerous food applications involving gelling, thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying etc. They could improve the rheological and textural characteristics of food systems by changing the viscosity. They play a major role in retaining texture of fruits and vegetables after freezing. They provide thermodynamic stability to ice cream to control the process of re-crystallization. Hydrocolloids find application in frozen surimi, minced fish, and meat products due to their water-binding ability. They are also added to frozen bakery products to improve shelf-stability by retaining sufficient moisture and retarding staling. Various hydrocolloids impart different cryoprotective effects to food products depending upon their solubility, water-holding capacity, rheological properties, and synergistic effect with other ingredients during freezing and frozen storage.

Safety evaluation of an oat grain alkaloid gramine by genotoxicity assays.

Gramine is a natural indole alkaloid that has been isolated from different raw plants occurring mainly in Avena sativa, etc. The study was aimed to investigate the possible in vitro antioxidant, in vitro mutagenic, in vitro antimutagenic, and in vivo genotoxic activity of gramine using ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay, Metal chelating, Ames bacterial reverse mutation test, and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay as well as chromosomal aberration. Four concentrations of gramine viz. 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 µg/mL were evaluated for its antioxidant activity in FRAP Assay and Metal Chelating Test. Four concentrations of gramine (1250 µg/plate, 2500 µg/plate, 5000 µg/plate, and 10 000 µg/plate) were employed in Salmonella typhimurium strains to study the mutagenicity in the presence and absence of standard mutagens, 2-aminofluorene (2-AF), sodium azide (SA), and 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF). Three doses, i.e. 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 × the LD50 of gramine (i.e. 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg) were administered orally to either sex of Swiss albino mice for 48 h to study the genotoxic activity in micronucleus assay as well as chromosomal aberration. Gramine showed potent antioxidant activity in both the assay. Gramine at the given dose lacks mutagenicity as well as found to possess antimutagenic efficacy. Interestingly, S9 enzymes increase the antimutagenic activity in a dose-dependent manner. There was no significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs), as well as no significant difference in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations was observed between the gramine groups and the negative groups but percentage of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) is found to be higher in all the gramine groups. These results indicate significant antioxidant, non-mutagenic as well as non-genotoxic activity of gramine in vitro and in vivo in the given doses.

Flood inundation mapping and monitoring in Kaziranga National Park, Assam using Sentinel-1 SAR data.

Satellite-based flood assessment for extent and severity is very crucial input before, during, and after a flood event has occurred. Though optical remote sensing data has been widely used for flood hazard mapping, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data is preferred for detecting inundated areas and providing reliable information during a flood event due to its capability to operate in all weather and day/night time. Availability of cloud-free optical images during monsoon over north eastern India is a rarity. SAR data also has the advantage of detecting inundation under vegetated areas due to its penetration capabilities and sensitivity to soil moisture. The present study is an attempt to use SAR data for flood monitoring of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) during monsoon, 2017. Every year, animals are washed away by floods and most of them migrate to higher grounds in order to escape from the rising water levels. Flooding events are common in the study area during the monsoon season due to high rainfall and its close proximity to the Brahmaputra River. Dual polarized (VV and VH) Sentinel-1 SAR images obtained for the entire monsoon period in 2017 were used to create inundation maps of the KNP. Two flood waves were observed in July and August, the second of which is considered to be one of the worst flooding events inundating most areas of the park. The use of SAR data for monitoring of flood events can be very crucial for identifying locations for building animal shelters and finding routes for rescue and relief operations during the disaster.

Application of ohmic heating for concentration of milk.

The concentration of milk through evaporation is the most commonly employed unit operation for the production of a wide array of traditional and industrial dairy products. Major problems associated with thermal evaporation are a loss of aroma, flavor and color change. Ohmic heating (OH) has an immense potential for rapid and uniform heating of liquid, semi-solid and particulate foods, yielding microbiologically safe and high-quality product. The effect of ohmic heating on physico-chemical, rheological, sensorial and microbial properties during concentration of cow milk, buffalo milk and mixed milk (50:50) was studied and compared to conventional evaporation. OH significantly increased free fatty acids (FFA), apparent viscosity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, instrumental color values i.e. redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values. However, pH value and whiteness (L*) of the concentrated milk decreased significantly. OH caused a drastic reduction in microbiological counts and treated milk can be kept for a longer period.

Readiness of Accredited Social Health Activist Workers for Tobacco Cessation Counseling after a Brief Intervention in Odisha, India: A Quasi-experimental Study.

AIM: The aim of the study was (1) to explore the baseline beliefs and practices of accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers of Khurda district of Orissa with respect to tobacco cessation and (2) to assess whether a brief intervention will be effective in improving the beliefs and practices of ASHA workers. The results of this study could be utilized by policy makers for framing important strategies for tobacco cessation in rural areas utilizing ASHA workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study (before and after comparison) was performed in Khurda district of Orissa to find out whether a brief intervention could improve the beliefs and practices of ASHA workers related to antitobacco counseling in rural areas. A 14-item structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, written in English (translated in Odiya), was used. The final sample size was estimated as 135. Data were entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 21) for analysis. RESULTS: All the mean belief items, practice items, degree of preparedness, and interest in training scores of study population increased significantly from baseline to postintervention. The study population showed a statistically significant improvement in postintervention composite belief and composite practices score. CONCLUSION: The majority of ASHA workers had positive beliefs and favorable practices after attending a brief intervention toward smoking cessation in their community. After attending the intervention, nearly half of the respondents felt themselves either somewhat or very well prepared for tobacco cessation. Most of them showed their interest toward getting further training in the field. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Training programs and regular tobacco cessation activities should be planned in the primary health-care delivery system of India.

High pressure, temperature and time-dependent effects on enzymatic and microbial properties of fresh sugarcane juice.

Efficacy of variable high pressure, temperature and time on the browning causing enzymes and microbial activities, which are major spoilage factors during preservation of sugarcane juice, was studied. The juice was processed at 200-600 MPa pressure for 2-8 min at 40 and 60 °C and their effect on polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase as well as microbiological quality in terms of total plate count, yeast and molds and total coliforms was studied. Application of high pressures were found to cause significant decrease in enzymatic and microbial activities. The effects were found to be significantly more pronounced at 60 °C as compared to 40 °C. Process time also caused significant (p < 0.05) negative effect on microbial and enzyme activities. The sugarcane juice treated at 600 MPa for 6 min at 60 °C was found sufficient to inactivate the microbial counts completely. Whereas, enzymes were found to be completely inactivated in the samples processed at 600 MPa for 8 min at 60 °C. A pressure of 600 MPa at 60 °C for 8 min could be applied during commercial preservation of sugarcane juice for getting complete inactivation of browning causing enzymes and spoilage causing microorganisms.