A combined use of different functional additives for improvement of wheat flour quality for bread making.

BACKGROUND: Low-protein wheat flour can produce bread with poor texture and appearance, reducing its nutritional value and market appeal. This is a growing concern for both the food industry and consumers relying on wheat as a dietary staple. The present study evaluated the individual and combined effects of bacterial xylanase (BX), maltogenic α-amylase (MG), vital gluten (VG) and ascorbic acid (AA) with respect to improving weak flour properties for bread making. RESULTS: BX, VG and AA improved gluten Index (GI), whereas MG was employed for optimizing amylolytic-activity in flour. VG increased the water absorption (WA) capacity of flour and prolonged dough development time (DDT). The dough stability (DST) was increased by BX and VG. BX and MG decreased crumb firmness (CF) and showed anti-staling effect. All additives reduced bake loss, increased loaf volume (LV) and retained or improved sensory attributes of bread. However, MG at 60 mg kg-1 (MG60), BX at 30 mg kg-1 (BX30), VG at 5% (VG5) and AA at 50 mg kg-1 (AA50) were found to be the most suitable for evaluating in combinations. Ternary combinations of MG60, BX30, VG5 or AA50 imparted significantly (P < 0.05) positive impacts on GI, WA, DDT, DST, CF, LV and sensory attributes compared to control, individual and binary combinations. CONCLUSION: The PCA suggested that a combination of MG60 + VG5 was more similar to MG60 + BX30 + VG5, whereas, MG60 + BX30 and MG60 + AA50 were more related to MG60 + BX30 + AA50 combination, but all of these combinations showed the improvement in the characteristics compared to control flour. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of fungal melanin production and the role of anti-melanin agents.

Accumulation of melanin pigment in some specific areas of human skin leads to various skin disorders. This study includes melanin production and extraction from non-dermatophyte, filamentous fungi (Aspergillus niger). The effect of carbon, nitrogen, pH and temperature on melanin production was also observed. Qualitative and Quantitative analysis was performed to confirm melanin pigment from A. niger by using solubility test, precipitation test and reaction with oxidizing and reducing agent. Fungus gave maximum melanin production with dextrose, peptone, pH 5.6 at 37oC. To avoid hyper pigmentation tyrosinase is the primary target to inhibit melanin production. Study has used A. Niger as model organism to study the melanin formation under various melanin inhibitors. Ascorbic acid showed maximum inhibition at 50% while it was 25% for Kojic acid. Curcumin inhibited the tyrosinase activity at 25% while maximum inhibition observed was 30% for Aloesin and 20% for flavonoid.

Antioxidant studies of citric acid and citrus fruits towards paraquat by cyclic voltammetry: An antidote of paraquat poisoning.

Voltammetric parameters are studied to confirm the antioxidant activity of citric acid towards reduced form of methyl viologen dication (1, 1'-dimethyl-4, 4'-bipyridinium, MV 2+, also known as paraquat). In this study the kinetics of the reaction of citric acid with reduced form of methyl viologen is also reported. Out of two oxidative peaks (i.e. MVo to MV+˖ and MV+˖ to MV+2) the first peak is almost removed after interaction with citric acid. Shifting in second cathodic peak potential is also obvious and possibility of citric acid to scavenge or making adduct with paraquat is identified. Some real samples (fruit juices) as a rich source of citric acid are also studied. This study presents a simple, relevant and fast voltammetric method by which quick quantitation and monitoring of antioxidant/ scavenging activity of food, herbs and other spices towards paraquat poisoning is possible. It may constitute a new wave of treatment or therapy for the disease caused by paraquat.

Waste water irrigation in the regulation of soil properties, growth determinants, and heavy metal accumulation in different Brassica species.

To evaluate the impact of waste water (WW) irrigation, four Brassica species, namely B. campestris, B. juncea, B. napus, and B. nigra, were grown for 2 years in the agricultural field. First-year experiment (2014-2015) was conducted with the comparative effect of WW and ground water (GW) under a uniform dose of NPK (N80P45K45, kg ha-1). WW irrigation proved efficacious over GW to increase growth, physiological, and yield parameters. Increase in all parameters was due to the use of WW which leads to the improvement in the physico-chemical properties of soil as compared to resulted soil from GW application. Second-year experiment (2015-2016) therefore deals with WW irrigation only but under interaction with two levels of NPK fertilizers (N80P45K45 and N60P30K30, kg ha-1). Results of this year revealed that maximum enhancement in growth, physiological, and yield parameters was observed at WW × N60P30K30 and the input of WW × N80P45K45 was not of benefit. WW × N60P30K30 treatment was beneficial also because, at this treatment level, the accumulation of Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cd in leaf and seed was comparatively lesser in amount than that of WW × N80P45K45. The study concluded even though the use of WW was applicable to save freshwater, enhance soil nutrient status, and make N, P, and K balance at their lower inputs, WW irrigation caused accumulation of heavy metals in all Brassica crops far above the safe limits during a quite longer irrigation time (70 days and 105 days after sowing (DAS)). However, WW was safe to use only up to 35 DAS. Therefore, the study suggested that there should be regular monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in irrigation water as well as in various crop vegetables.

Dietary replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in juvenile Labeo rohita and Catla catla: Effects on growth, nutritional quality, oxidative stress biomarkers and disease resistance.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of partial substitution of crude protein from soybean meal (SBM) with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) in juvenile rohu (Labeo rohita) and catla (Catla catla). Four isonitrogenous diets (23% crude protein) were formulated to replace 0% (T0), 40% (T40), 80% (T80) and 100% (T100) crude protein from SBM with BSFLM. Triplicate groups of each species (10 fish per replicate) were fed in an eight week growth experiment. After final sampling (n = 20 fish per dietary group), the remaining fish were exposed to bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) challenge (0.80 CFU/ml) for 15 days. Rohu fed with BSFLM substituted diets showed significantly higher growth and feed conversion ratio as compared to those in T0. Catla fed with BSFLM substituted diets showed slightly higher growth indices. The growth response of rohu to BSFLM substitution was better than that noted in catla in all groups. The chemical composition, amino acids and fatty acids profile, haematological and biochemical parameters, levels of liver function enzymes measured in T0, T40, T80 and T100 were similar between four dietary groups in both species. However, the maximum value of cholesterol and triglycerides were noted in T100 both in catla and rohu. The values of lauric acid, α-linolenic acid, decosahexanoic acid, n3:n6 fatty acids ratio progressively increased with dietary increase of BSFLM in both species. At end of the growth experiment, the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme increased linearly with the inclusion of BSFLM in both species while malondialdehyde showed similar values between different groups. However, catalase, and superoxide dismutase increased (T0

Conceptualizing Epigenetics and the Environmental Landscape of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Complex interactions between gene variants and environmental risk factors underlie the pathophysiological pathways in major psychiatric disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition in which susceptible alleles along with epigenetic states contribute to the mutational landscape of the ailing brain. The present work reviews recent evolutionary, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms potentially linked to the etiology of autism. First, we present a clinical vignette to describe clusters of maladaptive behaviors frequently diagnosed in autistic patients. Next, we microdissect brain regions pertinent to the nosology of autism, as well as cell networks from the bilateral body plan. Lastly, we catalog a number of pathogenic environments associated with disease risk factors. This set of perspectives provides emerging insights into the dynamic interplay between epigenetic and environmental variation in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Massive Hemoptysis in Previously Treated Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Case Series.

Hemoptysis in tuberculosis (TB) is associated with parenchymal distortion and vascular complications linked to prior pulmonary TB. Massive hemoptysis is defined as the expectoration of large volumes of blood. Massive hemoptysis can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates due to hemodynamic instability and airway compromise. In this case series, we present two cases with massive hemoptysis caused by the rupture of the bronchial artery, which achieved hemostasis after fluoroscopy-guided arterial embolization. This series highlights the multiple etiologies of hemoptysis in patients with post-pulmonary TB destruction and the need for various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Hemoptysis in patients with prior pulmonary TB can be massive and life-threatening. Timely diagnosis, accurate modality to isolate the source, and appropriate intervention could potentially prevent further lethal complications.

Fahr's Disease With Late Onset: A Case Report.

Fahr's disease is a rare genetically dominant disease. It is characterized by the idiopathic deposition of calcium in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. The condition may cause motor impairment, impaired muscle tone, dementia, seizures, impairment of eye movements, speech, abnormal hand movements, cognitive impairment, and ataxia. The thalamus, white matter, and basal ganglia can be involved. A 77-year-old man with multiple comorbidities presented with a complaint of increasing confusion, altered mental status, dystonia, tremor, and hallucinations. The patient's daughter reported that he sounded confused and inappropriate in his speech. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the head without contrast revealed a "dense calcification of the dentate nuclei and the basal ganglia" and "subcortical calcification of the frontal and occipital lobes." The patient was diagnosed with late-onset Fahr's disease. Fahr's disease is caused by idiopathic calcification of the bilateral basal ganglia. A wide variety of symptoms are associated with this condition. Fahr's disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis in geriatric patients suffering from cognitive impairment and movement disorders.

Nephroprotective Potential of a Standardized Extract of Bambusa arundinacea: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Bambusa arundinacea (RETZ.) Willd. is distributed in tropical regions of Pakistan, India, and China. It has been used for a long time as a folk remedy for cirrhosis, urinary tract ailments, and various other abdominal cavity disorders. It has antioxidant, free-radical-scavenging, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aims and objectives of this study were to validate the folkloric uses of Bambusa arundinacea and to evaluate its nephroprotective potential on scientific grounds. Gentamycin (G.M, 40 mg/kg) was used to induce nephrotoxicity in the animal model. Two doses of the methanolic extract of Bambusa arundinacea (MEBA; 300 and 500 mg/kg) were utilized in addition to silymarin (200 mg/kg/d). Treatments were administered once daily for 14 days. After 14 days, the blood was collected and the kidneys were removed. The antioxidant potential of the standardized MEBA was evaluated using the total phenolic content, the total flavonoid content, and the DPPH scavenging activity. The plant extract was rich with flavonoid content. The DPPH scavenging activity was 65% as compared to butylated hydroxy toluene (96%), with IC50 values 31.65 and 7.80 µg/mL, respectively. The phytochemical analysis was performed using HPLC, and MEBA was found to contain various phytoconstituents such as quercetin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and cinnamic acid. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were assayed, and MEBA exhibited significantly improved CAT and SOD levels. The levels of renal function markers such as serum creatinine, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, serum urea, and serum uric acid levels also evaluated, and a significant retrieval was found in a dose-dependent fashion. Good improvement was also made in various hematological parameters. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance to determine the significance of differences among the data. In conclusion, the standardized methanolic extract of Bambusa arundinacea was able to alleviate gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by enhancing the antioxidant defensive mechanisms of renal tubular cells.

Biliary Anastomosis Using T-tube Versus No T-tube for Liver Transplantation in Adults: A Review of Literature.

The T-tube-directed biliary anastomosis in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) aims to minimize preventable biliary complications, including bile leaks and strictures. Biliary complications in patients with OLT increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. This review paper evaluated the current evidence on the routine use of T-tube reconstruction in OLT cases. A review of prospective, retrospective, observational, cohort studies as well as systematic reviews, meta-analyses, review papers, and opinion papers has been conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of T tube-based biliary anastomosis in cases of OLT. Our finding showed a bile leak incidence of 16.6% and 6.6% in T-tube and non-T-tube groups, respectively. The results indicated a lower incidence of anastomotic fistulae in the non-T-tube group (0.6%) compared to the T-tube group (4%). The findings negated statistically significant differences in the three-year actuarial survival rates based on biliary anastomosis with and without T-tube intervention (62.5% vs. 69.8%). The studies revealed a 6-11% and 2-11% incidence of cholangitis in OLT patients with T-tube-based reconstruction and those without a T-tube, respectively, and 26% and 20% incidence of total biliary complications in OLT patients with and without T-tube, respectively. In addition, the findings ruled out the influence of a T-tube on the incidence of perioperative complications, endoscopies, and reoperations in OLT cases. The current evidence correlates the increased incidence of bile leaks, cholangitis, and overall biliary complications with the use of a T-tube during OLT. In addition, T-tube-guided reconstruction has no impact on perioperative complications, overall survival, endoscopies, and reoperations in OLT cases.

The Role of Avapritinib for the Treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis.

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare hematologic disorder characterized by the clonal proliferation of mast cells in extra-cutaneous organs. This disease can be further subdivided into five different phenotypes: indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM), smoldering systemic mastocytosis (SSM), aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM), systemic mastocytosis with an associated hematological neoplasm (SM-AHN) and mast cell leukemia (MCL). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (and also potent KIT D816V inhibitor) avapritinib, initially approved for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) bearing a PDGFRA exon 18 mutation, also showed great promise in patients with systemic mastocytosis, a disease known to be driven by a mutation in KIT (D816V). We present an overview of this rare disorder, including a review of the current understanding of the genetic mechanisms which lead to the disease state, the action of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as the latest clinical trial data which led to the current recommendations for the use of avapritinib.

New-Onset Diabetes in the Setting of Beta-Cell Dysfunction in a Young Patient With COVID-19 Infection.

Reciprocal relationships between viral illness and chronic diseases have been established. Such relationships augment one another and increase the potential harm. The coronavirus 2019 pandemic proved that the most vulnerable populations are the ones with underlying chronic diseases, especially diabetes mellitus. As new data are evolving, viral illnesses, like COVID-19, have been speculated to potentially induce diabetes mellitus. Here we report a 20-year-old male with no past medical history who presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and dry mouth. He was found to have significant hyperglycemia. He had COVID-19-like symptoms a few weeks prior to admission and was tested positive for COVID-19, but the symptoms had resolved prior to his presentation. He was managed with intravenous fluids (IVFs), electrolytes replacement, and insulin. He was diagnosed with new-onset diabetes mellitus likely secondary to a recent COVID-19 infection and was discharged home on insulin, oral antidiabetic medications, and outpatient follow-up with primary care clinic and endocrinology clinic.

Current systematic reviews and meta-analyses of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has left a significant impact on the world's health, economic and political systems; as of November 20, 2020, more than 57 million people have been infected worldwide, with over 1.3 million deaths. While the global spotlight is currently focused on combating this pandemic through means ranging from finding a treatment among existing therapeutic agents to inventing a vaccine that can aid in halting the further loss of life. AIM: To collect all systematic reviews and meta-analyses published related to COVID-19 to better identify available evidence, highlight gaps in knowledge, and elucidate further meta-analyses and umbrella reviews that are yet to be performed. METHODS: We explored studies based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses with the key-terms, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), SARS virus, coronavirus disease, COVID-19, and SARS coronavirus-2. The included studies were extracted from Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases. The publication timeframe of included studies ranged between January 01, 2020, to October 30, 2020. Studies that were published in languages other than English were not considered for this systematic review. The finalized full-text articles are freely accessible in the public domain. RESULTS: Searching Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases resulted in 1906, 669, and 19 results, respectively, that comprised 2594 studies. 515 duplicates were subsequently removed, leaving 2079 studies. The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews or meta-analyses. 860 results were excluded for being a review article, scope review, rapid review, panel review, or guideline that produced a total of 1219 studies. After screening articles were categorized, the included articles were put into main groups of clinical presentation, epidemiology, screening and diagnosis, severity assessment, special populations, and treatment. Subsequently, there was a second subclassification into the following groups: gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, stroke, thrombosis, anosmia and dysgeusia, ocular manifestations, nephrology, cutaneous manifestations, D-dimer, lymphocyte, anticoagulation, antivirals, convalescent plasma, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, technology, diabetes mellitus, obesity, pregnancy, children, mental health, smoking, cancer, and transplant. CONCLUSION: Among the included articles, it is clear that further research is needed regarding treatment options and vaccines. With more studies, data will be less heterogeneous, and statistical analysis can be better applied to provide more robust clinical evidence. This study was not designed to give recommendations regarding the management of COVID-19.