Development of active packaging film based on poly (lactic acid) incorporated with Piper betel leaf ethanolic extract and its application in the shelf-life extension of tuna meat.

Active packaging films based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) were developed by adding different concentrations (5 wt% and 10 wt%) of betel leaf (Piper betel) ethanolic extract (BLEE). The extract showed excellent antioxidant (80.2 %) and antimicrobial properties (18.05 and 16.05 mm against S. aureus and E. coli respectively). The films' structural, functional, and mechanical attributes were studied, along with their potential for extending the shelf life of tuna meat. The water solubility and water permeability were reduced with the incorporation of BLEE; while the tensile strength showed an inverse relationship with the concentration, 214.5 kg/cm2 (5 wt%), and to 307.6 kg/cm2 (10 wt%). The lipid oxidation in PLA-BLEE-packed tuna meat stored under refrigeration (7 days) showed a significant reduction, which could be attributed to the phenolic migration from the films. The new PLA-BLEE films with significant antibacterial and film attributes could be used in food packaging and to extend the shelf life of commodities that have been packaged.

A survey comparison of educational interventions for teaching pneumatic otoscopy to medical students.

BACKGROUND: Though pneumatic otoscopy improves accurate diagnosis of ear disease, trainees lack proficiency. We evaluated the effect of three different training techniques on medical students' subsequent reported use of basic and pneumatic otoscopy in patient encounters. METHODS: Pediatric clerkship students participated in an ear exam workshop with randomization to one of three educational interventions: task trainer (Life/form®, Fort Atkinson WI), instructional video, or peer practice. Each student received an insufflator bulb and logbook to record otoscopic exams and completed an 18-item anonymous survey at clerkship conclusion. RESULTS: 115 of 150 students (77%) completed the survey. There was no significant difference in number of basic or pneumatic otoscopic exams performed based on method of training. Most students (68-72%) felt more likely to perform pneumatic otoscopy after training. Though the majority of students performed basic otoscopy on patients when an ear exam was indicated, they used pneumatic otoscopy less than 10% of the time. Students reported significant barriers to otoscopy: time, access to equipment, cerumen impaction, patient hold, and anxiety. Student comments described a culture where insufflation was neither practiced nor valued by supervising physicians. CONCLUSION: Training in pneumatic otoscopy can increase student comfort, but barriers exist to using the skill in clinical practice.

Transport of anionic azo dyes from aqueous solution to gemini surfactant-modified wheat bran: Synchrotron infrared, molecular interaction and adsorption studies.

From the view of economic efficiency and technology sustainability, biomass adsorbent has a high potential for pollution control. In the present study, the performance of gemini 12-2-12 surfactant-modified wheat bran (MWB) for the removal of anionic azo dyes from aqueous solution was investigated. A new insight was gained into the modification mechanism through synchrotron-assisted infrared analysis and molecular interaction simulation. The equilibrium and kinetic studies for the adsorption of Acid Red 18 (AR-18), Acid Orange 7 (AO-7) and Acid Black 1 (AB-1) on MWB were conducted. The Langmuir model well fit the adsorption isotherm data. The adsorption kinetics could be described by the pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models. The results of thermodynamic studies indicated the adsorption of AR-18 and AB-1 onto MWB was endothermic and spontaneous, while the adsorption of AO-7 was exothermic. The optimum pH for the adsorption of anionic azo dyes on MWB was 3. The adsorbed amount of anionic azo dyes onto MWB decreased when NaCl concentration increased from 0 to 0.4molL-1. The potential of modified wheat bran as a suitable adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater was presented in this study. The results can help understand the migration patterns of organic pollutants at wheat bran-water interface.

Probiotics, prebiotics and colorectal cancer prevention.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third major cause of mortality among various cancer types in United States, has been increasing in developing countries due to varying diet and dietary habits and occupational hazards. Recent evidences showed that composition of gut microbiota could be associated with the development of CRC and other gut dysbiosis. Modulation of gut microbiota by probiotics and prebiotics, either alone or in combination could positively influence the cross-talk between immune system and microbiota, would be beneficial in preventing inflammation and CRC. In this review, role of probiotics and prebiotics in the prevention of CRC has been discussed. Various epidemiological and experimental studies, specifically gut microbiome research has effectively improved the understanding about the role of probiotics and microbial treatment as anticarcinogenic agents. A few human studies support the beneficial effect of probiotics and prebiotics; hence, comprehensive understanding is urgent to realize the clinical applications of probiotics and prebiotics in CRC prevention.

Biocompatible ι-carrageenan-γ-maghemite nanocomposite for biomedical applications - synthesis, characterization and in vitro anticancer efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Carrageenans are naturally occurring hydrophilic, polyanionic polysaccharide bioploymers with wide application in pharmaceutical industries for controlled drug delivery. Magnetic nanoparticles with their exceptional properties enable them to be an ideal candidate for the production of functional nanostructures, thus facilitating them for biomedical applications. The development of novel nanocomposite by coupling the synergistic effects of the sulfated polysaccharide (iota carrageenan) and a magnetic nanoparticle (maghemite) may offer new interesting applications in drug delivery and cancer therapy. The nanocomposite was characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, high resolution scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and powder XRD to highlight the possible interaction between the two components. Biocompatibility and the anticancer efficacy of the nanocomposite were assayed and analysed in vitro. RESULTS: Results suggested that iota carrageenans have electrostatically entrapped the maghemite nanoparticles in their sulfate groups. Biocompatibility of the nanocomposite (at different concentrations) against normal cell lines (HEK-293 and L6) was confirmed by MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 and 7-AAD staining studies under fluorescent microscopy revealed that the nanocomposite is able to induce appoptosis as the mode of cell death in human colon cancer cell line (HCT116). Cell apoptosis here is induced by following the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway, combined with downregulation of the expression levels of mRNA of XIAP and PARP-1 and upregulation of caspase3, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. CONCLUSIONS: This novel nanocomposite is biocompatible with potential properties to serve in magnet aided targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy.

An observational study of adults seeking emergency care in Cambodia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and chief complaints of adults seeking emergency care at two Cambodian provincial referral hospitals. METHODS: Adults aged 18 years or older who presented without an appointment at two public referral hospitals were enrolled in an observational study. Clinical and demographic data were collected and factors associated with hospital admission were identified. Patients were followed up 48 hours and 14 days after presentation. FINDINGS: In total, 1295 hospital presentations were documented. We were able to follow up 85% (1098) of patients at 48 hours and 77% (993) at 14 days. The patients' mean age was 42 years and 64% (823) were females. Most arrived by motorbike (722) or taxi or tuk-tuk (312). Most common chief complaints were abdominal pain (36%; 468), respiratory problems (15%; 196) and headache (13%; 174). Of the 1050 patients with recorded vital signs, 280 had abnormal values, excluding temperature, on arrival. Performed diagnostic tests were recorded for 539 patients: 1.2% (15) of patients had electrocardiography and 14% (175) had diagnostic imaging. Subsequently, 783 (60%) patients were admitted and 166 of these underwent surgery. Significant predictors of admission included symptom onset within 3 days before presentation, abnormal vital signs and fever. By 14-day follow-up, 3.9% (39/993) of patients had died and 19% (192/993) remained functionally impaired. CONCLUSION: In emergency admissions in two public hospitals in Cambodia, there is high admission-to-death ratio and limited application of diagnostic techniques. We identified ways to improve procedures, including better documentation of vital signs and increased use of diagnostic techniques.

Study of chemical properties and evaluation of collagen in mantle, epidermal connective tissue and tentacle of Indian Squid, Loligo duvauceli Orbigny.

The chemical composition and evaluation of Indian squid (Loligo duvauceli) mantle, epidermal connective tissue and tentacle is investigated in this current study. It is observed that squid mantle contains 22.2% total protein; 63.5% of the total protein is myofibrillar protein. The unique property of squid myofibrillar protein is its water solubility. Squid mantle contains 12.0% total collagen. Epidermal connective tissue has highest amounts of total collagen (17.8%). SDS-PAGE of total collagen identified high molecular weight α-, ß- and γ- sub-chains. Amino acid profile analysis indicates that mantle and tentacle contain essential amino acids. Arginine forms a major portion of mantle collagen (272.5 g/100 g N). Isoleucine, glutamic acid and lysine are other amino acids that are found in significantly high amounts in the mantle. Sulphur containing cystine is deficit in mantle collagen. Papain digest of mantle and epidermal connective tissue is rich in uronic acid, while papain digest, collagenase digest and urea digest of epidermal connective tissue has significant amounts of sialic acid (25.2, 33.2 and 99.8 µmol /100 g, respectively). PAS staining of papain digest, collagenase digest and urea digest also identify the association of hexoses with low molecular weight collagen fragments. Histochemical sectioning also emphasized the localized distribution of collagen in epidermal and dermal region and very sparse fibres traverse the myotome bundles.

Potential of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics for management of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and is the fourth most common malignant neoplasm in USA. Escaping apoptosis and cell mutation are the prime hallmarks of cancer. It is apparent that balancing the network between DNA damage and DNA repair is critical in preventing carcinogenesis. One-third of cancers might be prevented by nutritious healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight and physical activity. In this review, an attempt is made to abridge the role of carcinogen in colorectal cancer establishment and prognosis, where special attention has been paid to food-borne mutagens and functional role of beneficial human gut microbiome in evading cancer. Further the significance of tailor-made prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics in cancer management by bio-antimutagenic and desmutagenic activity has been elaborated. Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a healthy benefit on the host. Prebiotics are a selectively fermentable non-digestible oligosaccharide or ingredient that brings specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microflora, conferring health benefits. Synbiotics are a combination of probiotic bacteria and the growth promoting prebiotic ingredients that purport "synergism."

Physicochemical characterisation of dietary fibre components and their ability to bind some process-induced mutagenic heterocyclic amines, Trp-P-1, Trp-P-2, AαC and MeAαC.

The physicochemical properties of potato fibre, wheat bran and oat samples were investigated, along with their binding capability to heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Potato fibre displayed highest total dietary fibre content (71.8/100g dry weight basis, dwb), followed by wheat bran (57.2/100 g dwb) and oat sample 2 (53.0/100 g dwb). Oat samples 1, 3 and 4 displayed considerably lower dietary fibre content (20.5-28.8/100g, dwb). Oat samples 3 and 4 displayed highest soluble fibre content (70-83%), and oat sample 3 also displayed highest swelling and water retention capacity (WRC). Dietary fibre samples, except samples 3 and 4, displayed improved binding to HCAs as sample weight increased. The behaviour of wheat bran and potato fibre was similar to oat samples 1 and 2. Binding of MeAαC was comparatively greater than that of other HCAs. Dietary fibre fractions with high insoluble fibre and functional groups of HCAs may significantly contribute to the binding capacity.

Protective effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 231 against N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in animal model.

The protective effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 231 (Lr 231) against potent carcinogen N-Methyl-N'-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in the rat model is studied. Daily feeding with Lr 231 improved the body weight of male Wistar rats compared with control groups. Fecal azoreductase (p < 0.001) and nitroreductase (p < 0.01) enzyme activity decreased significantly in Lr 231 group in comparison with control groups that received only phosphate buffer or MNNG. Oral administration of MNNG led to a significant increase in Glutathione transferase (GST) while Glutathione reductase (GSH) showed decreased activity. Conversely, feeding Lr 231 showed significantly increased GSH and decreased GST activity in comparison to the MNNG group, emphasizing the protection provided by Lr 231 against MNNG. Histopathological analysis of liver, spleen and colon showed decreased signs of inflammation in the Lr 231 group. The present study highlights that inclusion of active Lr 231 in regular diets could be used to prevent MNNG induced colon carcinoma.