Physical and chemical characteristics of different cultivars of Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis).

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) commonly known as amla is one of the important fruit of Ayurveda. Nutritional and medicinal properties of amla make it a well known fruit. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, phytochemicals and minerals. Several cultivars of amla are grown throughout different parts of India. Physical characteristics are imperative for designing the equipments for processing, handling and storage. Processing of fruit into value added products is governed by chemical composition of fruit. The current work was aimed to examine the various physical and chemical characteristics of fruits of six cultivars viz. NA-7, NA-9, NA-10, Chakaiya, Balwant and Hathijhool. Characteristics namely height, diameter, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, aspect ratio, volume, density, rolling resistance, color, textural characteristics, proximate composition, ascorbic acid and polyphenol content was studied. Results showed that the highest fruit size was obtained in NA-7 and the lowest in Hathijhool cultivars while the highest density in Hathijhool and lowest in NA-10 cultivar. The fruit volume of different cultivars varied from 15.00 to 44.93 cm3. Moisture content was highest in Chakaiya followed by NA-7 cultivar. No significant difference was observed in surface hardness and moisture content of the fruit of different cultivars. The highest ascorbic acid and polyphenols content were found in Chakaiya cultivar. In the different cultivars, ash content ranged between 2.08 and 2.97% and NA-10 cultivar had the highest value followed by Chakaiya cultivar.

Effect of different combinations of maltodextrin, gum arabic and whey protein concentrate on the encapsulation behavior and oxidative stability of spray dried drumstick (Moringa oleifera) oil.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of different combinations of carrier agents (Maltodextrin, gum arabic and whey protein concentrate) on the emulsion properties, encapsulation efficiency and oxidative stability of encapsulated drumstick oil powder (EDOP), produced by spray drying to increase its usage as an active ingredient. Feed emulsion characteristics were studied in terms of emulsion stability, droplet size, viscosity and surface charge. Obtained spray dried EDOP was characterized for physical and flow properties, microstructure and oxidative stability. EDOP obtained from the MD:GA emulsion showed higher encapsulation efficiency than MD:WPC. Higher encapsulation efficiency along with medium flow properties and better oxidative stability was observed with microcapsules obtained by MD:GA carrier agent. Microstructure of EDOP with MD:GA showed no cracks, smother appearance with continuous wall. EDOP with MD:GA had better stability and were stable at 45°C, which confirms the protective effect of this carrier agent in encapsulating the drumstick oil.

Morphological, Histobiochemical and Molecular Characterisation of Low Lignin Phloem Fibre (llpf) Mutant of Dark Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.).

Lignin is a versatile plant metabolite challenging high-end industrial applications of several plant products including jute. Application of developmental mutant in regulation of lignification in jute may open up door for much awaited jute based diversified products. In the present study, a novel dark jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) mutant with low lignin (7.23%) in phloem fibre being compared to wild-type JRO 204 (13.7%) was identified and characterised. Unique morphological features including undulated stem, petiole and leaf vein distinguished the mutant in gamma ray irradiated mutant population. Histological and biochemical analysis revealed reduced lignification of phloem fibre cells of the plant. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated temporal transcriptional regulation of CCoAMT1 gene in the mutant. The mutant was found an extremely useful model to study phloem fibre developmental biology in the crop besides acting as a donor genetic stock for low lignin containing jute fibre in dark jute improvement programme.

Effect of removal of phenolic compounds on structural and thermal properties of sunflower protein isolate.

The present study evaluated the effect of removal of polyphenols on the structural properties of protein isolates extracted from sunflower seed and kernel. The structural and thermal changes in protein upon phenolic interaction were studied using circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Presence of phenolic compounds in proteins decreased the ordered structure content with parallel increase in unordered structure content. Denaturation temperature was higher for protein isolates with phenolic compounds while, enthalpy decreased upon phenolic interaction. In the presence of phenolic compounds, higher mass loss was observed upon heating. Crystalinity and crystal size got increased after removal of phenolic compounds. Protein isolates from kernels had higher percentage of crystalinity and crystal size as compared to seed protein isolates. Higher molecular weights were observed for protein isolates with phenolic compounds. Presence of polyphenols reduced the hydrophobicity as well the sulfhydryl content and increased the particle size of proteins.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in and around Jammu, India, using different serological tests.

AIM: Brucellosis is a disease of zoonotic importance as it affects both human as well as animal's health, and therefore, directly affects animal productivity and human efficiency. Therefore, a study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans in Jammu and surrounding areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 sera samples from humans occupied with professional related to animals were collected and tested for anti-Brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), modified RBPT (mRBPT), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). Sampling was done keeping in view with the occupation, sex, and age. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis recorded was 4.96%. The test-wise seroprevalence was 9.91% by RBPT, 9.91% by mRBPT, 9.09% by STAT, and 16.52% by I-ELISA. The prevalence of brucellosis was higher in >35-50 years age group compared to >20-35 years and >50-65 years. Sex-wise seroprevalence was higher in males than females. Taking I-ELISA as standard, the relative sensitivities of mRBPT, RBPT, and I-ELISA were in the order of mRBPT=RBPT>STAT. All the tests revealed high specificity values; however, among different serological tests, I-ELISA detected a maximum number of positive sera samples. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of brucellosis was found to be approximately 5%. The adult (>35-50 years) age male group was most vulnerable. The routine diagnosis of brucellosis involved the conventional serological tests, viz., RBPT and STAT, but each was associated with drawbacks which could give either false-positive or false-negative interpretation. Therefore, it is always recommended to use a battery of tests in the diagnosis of brucellosis.

An efficient and cost effective method of RNA extraction from mucilage, phenol and secondary metabolite rich bark tissue of tossa jute (C. olitorius L.) actively developing phloem fiber.

Tossa jute is an important natural fiber crop of Southeast Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Myanmar etc. Traditional industrial application of jute fiber is limited to the packaging products like hessians, sacks, etc. and the fiber found unsuitable for textile industries largely due to significantly high lignin content. Therefore, understanding genetic factors underlying lignin biosynthesis in tossa jute holds promise for jute based product diversification. The major limiting factor in undertaking such study is unavailability of efficient protocol for RNA extraction at secondary growth active stage of tossa jute. Here we report a simplified, swift and cost effective protocol for isolating fairly good quality RNA from bark tissue of 65-days-old field grown tossa jute plant with active secondary growth. The purity, concentration and integrity of extracted RNA ascertained. To confirm downstream amenability, isolated RNA samples were reverse transcribed and PCR analysis done by using CCoAMT1 primer. Results established that method of RNA extraction presented here is an improvement over the other methods, particularly for bark tissue of field grown tossa jute at advance developmental stage. Therefore, present study will enhance our ability to understand expression pattern of fiber formation and maturation related genes in mature bark tissue that holds key for much talked genetic manipulation of fiber quality via lignin optimisation in the crop.

Ionising radiation exposure in patients with circular frame treatment of distal tibial fractures.

Total radiation exposure accumulated during circular frame treatment of distal tibial fractures was quantified in 47 patients treated by a single surgeon from February 2007 until Oct 2010. The radiation exposures for all relevant radiology procedures for the distal tibial injury were included to estimate the radiation risk to the patient. The median time of treatment in the frame was 169 days (range 105-368 days). Patients underwent a median of 13 sets of plain radiographs; at least one intra operative exposure and 16 patients underwent CT scanning. The median total effective dose per patient from time of injury to discharge was 0.025mSv (interquartile range 0.013-0.162 and minimum to maximum 0.01-0.53). The only variable shown to be an independent predictor of cumulative radiation dose on multivariate analysis was the use of CT scanning. This was associated with a 13-fold increase in overall exposure. Radiation exposure during treatment of distal tibial fractures with a circular frame in this group was well within accepted safe limits. The fact that use of CT was the only significant predictor of overall exposure serves as a reminder to individually assess the risk and utility of radiological investigations on an individual basis. This is consistent with the UK legal requirements for justification of all X-ray imaging, as set out in the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 [1].

Symptomatic venous thromboembolism following circular frame treatment for tibial fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following tibial fractures. The risk is as high as 77% without prophylaxis and around 10% with prophylaxis. Within the current literature there are no figures reported specifically for those individuals treated with circular frames. Our aim was to evaluate the VTE incidence within a single surgeon series and to evaluate potential risk factors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our consecutive single surgeon series of 177 patients admitted to a major trauma unit with tibial fractures. All patients received standardised care, including chemical thromboprophylaxis within 24h of injury until independent mobility was achieved. We comprehensively reviewed our prospective database and medical records looking at demographics and potential risk factors. RESULTS: Seven patients (4.0% ± 2.87%) developed symptomatic VTE during the course of frame treatment; three deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) and four pulmonary embolisms (PEs). Those with a VTE event had significantly increased body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.01) when compared to those without symptomatic VTE. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the groups in age, gender, smoking status, fracture type (anatomical allocation or open/closed), delay to frame treatment, weight bearing status post-frame, inpatient stay or total duration of frame treatment. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that increased BMI is a statistically significant risk factor for VTE, as reported in current literature. In addition, we calculated the true risk of VTE following circular frame treatment for tibial fracture in our series is from 1.13% to 6.87%, which is at least comparable to other forms of treatment.

Grade 3 open tibial shaft fractures treated with a circular frame, functional outcome and systematic review of literature.

We report on the surgical and functional outcome of 22 patients with Grade 3 open tibial fractures treated with circular frame. All cases united and there were no re-fractures or amputations. All patients were assessed at a minimum of 1-year post frame removal. Assessment included clinical examination, IOWA ankle and knee scores, Olerud and Molander ankle score and EuroQol EQ-5D. Clinical scores were either good or excellent in over half of the patients in all knee and ankle scores. There was a significant positive correlation between functional outcomes and the EQ-5D score. The EQ-5D mean health state visual analogue score was comparable to the general UK population despite patients scoring less than the average UK population in three of the five domains. 36% reported some difficulties in walking and 41% had problems with pain. 14% had difficulties with self-care and 46% had difficulties with their usual activities. 14% had problems with anxiety or depression. Systematic review of the literature suggests, in the management of open tibial fractures, circular frames provide equivalent or superior surgical outcomes in comparison with other techniques. Our study finds the application of a circular frame also results in a good functional outcome in the majority of cases.

Effect of frying conditions on the physico-chemical properties of rice bran oil and its blended oil.

The changes occurring in rice bran oil and its blend with sunflower oil during repeated frying cycles of dried and moist potato chips were monitored. The parameters assessed were: Colour, Refractive Index, SpecificGravity, Oryzanol Value, Free fatty acid, Iodine Value, Peroxide value, anisidine value, Saponification Value, trans fats and fatty acid composition. No significant changes (p≤0.05) were observed in the refractive index and specific gravity of rice bran oil, sunflower oil and their model blend. The colour of blended oil was lesser than RBO and the intensity of color increased after each frying cycle during the deep fat frying of moistened and dried potato chips. The oryzanol content and iodine value decreased with the frying cycles. The decrease in oryzanol value during the frying operation was more prominent in rice bran oil as compared to the blended oils. The increase in p-anisidine value was more in rice bran oil as compared to blended oil. No significant changes (P<0.05) in the myristic, palmitic and stearic acid composition was observed during the repeated deep fat frying cycles in both the rice bran oil and blended oils samples. The amount of unsaturated fatty acid decreased gradually during repeated deep fat frying cycles in both the oils. The trans fat increased with repeated deep fat frying cycles in both the rice bran and blended oils, when used to fry moistened and dried potato chips. Both the oil samples showed greater formation of trans fatty acids when the moistened potato chips were used during frying.

Cost implications of the physiotherapy management of complex tibial fractures treated with circular frames.

Seventy-three consecutive patients with complex tibial fractures treated with an Ilizarov frame or Taylor Spatial Frame received physiotherapy between April 2008 and April 2010. Data were collected prospectively, and physiotherapy input was recorded (in minutes) for the patients identified. This included treatment received as an inpatient as well as an outpatient. The data were categorized for proximal, middle and distal third tibial fractures for analysis. The average cost of physiotherapy for an inpatient with an Ilizarov frame is £121.82 per case, whereas that for an outpatient receiving treatment for trauma was calculated as £404.60. The combined average cost of physiotherapy to support treatment of a complex tibial fracture with a fine wire fixator is £546.27. Treatment involving circular frames is complex and expensive, and the high physiotherapy cost is not reflected in Healthcare Resource Group codes. This cost calculation will help service units, and NHS Trusts develop realistic costing plans to support treatment. Cost implications of the physiotherapy management of complex tibial fractures using the Ilizarov technique.

Prostatic biopsies in selected men aged 75 years and older guide key clinical management decisions.

PURPOSE: Increasing life expectancy and PSA testing has increased the number of men over the age of seventy-five presenting for investigation of potential prostate malignancies. Prostatic biopsies provide diagnostic information; however, they are invasive and may not alter management decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether prostate biopsies in this age group were justified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All men aged 75 years and older who underwent prostatic biopsies between January 2010 and November 2011 at Bedford Hospital were identified and the indication for the biopsies, histopathological results and subsequent management plan investigated. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-eight (138) prostatic biopsies were undertaken and malignancies identified in 60/138 (43 %) cases. Prebiopsy PSA and examination findings had a poor positive predictive value of 54 %. Fifty-five out of sixty (92 %) cancers were classified as high or medium risk disease with 30/60 (50 %) patients commencing radiotherapy treatment with curative intent. CONCLUSION: In selected patients aged 75 years or over, prostatic biopsies provide important diagnostic information which directly impacts on clinical decisions, supporting their use in this age group.

Comparative Effect of Crude and Commercial Enzyme on the Juice Recovery from Bael Fruit (Aegle marmelos Correa) Using Principal Component Analysis.

The effect of incubation time, incubation temperature, and crude enzyme concentration was observed on the yield, viscosity, and clarity of the juice obtained from bael fruit pulp. The recommended enzymatic treatment conditions from the study were incubation time 475 min, incubation temperature 45°C, and crude enzyme concentration 0.20 mL/25 g bael fruit pulp. The recovery, viscosity, and clarity of the juice under these conditions were 82.9%, 1.41 cps, and 21.32%T, respectively. The variables, clarity, and yield were found as principal components for comparing different samples of the juice treated with enzyme.

Mathematical modelling of thin layer hot air drying of carrot pomace.

Thin layer carrot pomace drying characteristics were evaluated in a laboratory scale hot air forced convective dryer. The drying experiments were carried out at 60, 65, 70 & 75 °C and at an air velocity of 0.7 m/s. Mathematical models were tested to fit drying data of carrot pomace. The whole drying process of carrot pomace took place in a falling rate period except a very short accelerating period at the beginning. The average values of effective diffusivity ranged from 2.74 × 10(-9) to 4.64 × 10(-9) m(2)/s for drying carrot pomace. The activation energy value was 23.05 kJ/mol for the whole falling rate period.

Effect of incorporation of mahua extract, fining agent and ageing on the quality characteristics of red wine.

Mahua (Madhuca longfolia) extract and black grapes (Vitis vinifera) must samples 100:0 (grape:mahua), 95:5 (grape:mahua) and 90:10 (grape:mahua) were analyzed for quality characteristics. Samples were kept for fermentation and monitored for quality analysis for 15 days. 90:10 (grape:mahua) sample was found to be best on the basis of ranking test and subjected to clarification using bentonite and gelatine. Sample treated with a combination of 0.02 g/100 g bentonite and 0.04 g/100 g gelatin showed better results for anthocyanin (52.2 mg/100 g) and tannin (0.038%w/v). After ageing of 3 months TSS was found highest (2.7ºBx) in the non-clarified sample and lowest (2.1ºBx) in sample treated with 0.06 g/100 g bentonite and 0.03 g/100 g gelatine. pH was highest (3.29) in sample treated with 0.06 g/100 g bentonite and 0.03 g/100 g gelatine and lowest (3.16) in sample with 0.04 g/100 g bentonite and 0.03 g/100 g gelatine. Anthocyanin content was highest (56.1 mg/100 g) in control sample and lowest (29.22 mg/100 g) in sample treated with 0.04 g/100 g bentonite and 0.02 g/100 g gelatin. Tannin content was found to be highest (0.079%w/v) in control sample and lowest (0.03%w/v) in sample treated with 0.02 g/100 g bentonite and 0.04 g/100 g gelatine.

Effect of air velocity on kinetics of thin layer carrot pomace drying.

Carrot pomace is a by-product obtained during carrot juice processing. Thin layer carrot pomace drying was performed in a laboratory scale hot air forced convective dryer. The drying experiments were carried out at the air velocity of 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 m/s at air temperatures from 60 to 75 °C. It was observed that whole drying process of carrot pomace took place in a falling rate period except a very short accelerating period at the beginning. Mathematical models were tested to fit drying data of carrot pomace. The best fit model was observed on the basis of R², Chi-square and RMSE values. R² values for all the selected models were above 0.9783. The average values of effective diffusivity ranged from 2.61 × 10(-9) to 3.64 × 10(-9) m²/s.

Ethnographic mapping of alcohol use and risk behaviors in Delhi.

This paper examines mapping and related data-gathering at geographical locations of vulnerable urban groups with regard to risky sexual behaviors and alcohol/drug use in the capital city of Delhi. The aim is to describe the situations of special geographic locations and sub-groups in relation to alcohol/drug use and risks of HIV/STI infections. The study was part of a community program for alcohol and drug users in slum communities in West and East Delhi carried out by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, India. As part of a WHO multi-centered qualitative study among selected groups, mapping was done at different sites concerning alcohol use, social contexts, involvement in sexual risk behavior, availability of sex partners and related factors. Easy access to alcohol and drugs, accompanied by availability of sex workers appeared as compound risk factors in the study sites. Reported risky sexual behaviors included nonuse or irregular use of condoms, multiple sex partners, group sex, and anal sex with hijras (eunuchs).

The evolution of alcohol use in India.

This paper traces the role of alcohol production and use in the daily lives of people in India, from ancient times to the present day. Alcohol use has been an issue of great ambivalence throughout the rich and long history of the Indian subcontinent. The behaviors and attitudes about alcohol use in India are very complex, contradictory and convoluted because of the many different influences in that history. The evolution of alcohol use patterns in India can be divided into four broad historical periods (time of written records), beginning with the Vedic era (ca. 1500-700 BCE). From 700 BCE to 1100 CE, ("Reinterpretation and Synthesis") is the time of emergence of Buddhism and Jainism, with some new anti-alcohol doctrines, as well as post-Vedic developments in the Hindu traditions and scholarly writing. The writings of the renowned medical practitioners, Charaka and Susruta, added new lines of thought, including arguments for "moderate alcohol use." The Period of Islamic Influence (1100-1800 CE), including the Mughal era from the 1520s to 1800, exhibited a complex interplay of widespread alcohol use, competing with the clear Quranic opposition to alcohol consumption. The fourth period (1800 to the present) includes the deep influence of British colonial rule and the recent half century of Indian independence, beginning in 1947. The contradictions and ambiguities-with widespread alcohol use in some sectors of society, including the high status caste of warriors/rulers (Kshatriyas), versus prohibitions and condemnation of alcohol use, especially for the Brahmin (scholar-priest) caste, have produced alcohol use patterns that include frequent high-risk, heavy and hazardous drinking. The recent increases in alcohol consumption in many sectors of the general Indian population, coupled with the strong evidence of the role of alcohol in the spread of HIV/STI infections and other health risks, point to the need for detailed understanding of the complex cross-currents emerging from the past history of alcohol use and abuse in India.

4-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-1-substituted-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-ones: new class of H1-antihistaminic agents.

A series of 1-substituted-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-ones were synthesized by the cyclization of 2-hydrazino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one with various electrophile. The starting material 2-hydrazino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one was synthesized from 3-methoxy aniline by an innovative route. Title compounds were tested for their in vivo H1-antihistaminic activity on guinea pigs; all the tested compounds protected the animals from histamine induced bronchospasm significantly. Compound 1-methyl-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one (II) emerged as the most active compound of the series and was more potent (72.76%) than the reference standard chlorpheniramine maleate (71%). Compound II showed negligible sedation (10%) when compared to chlorpheniramine maleate (25%). Hence it could serve as prototype molecule for further development as a new class of H1-antihistaminic agents.

Efficacy of Hylan G-F 20 and Sodium Hyaluronate in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee -- a prospective randomized clinical trial.

In this independent prospective randomized trial, we compared the clinical effectiveness, functional outcome and patient satisfaction following intra articular injection with two viscosupplementation agents - Hylan G-F-20 (n=199) and Sodium Hyaluronate (n=193) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. All patients were prospectively reviewed by blinded independent assessors at pre injection, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months. Knee pain and patient satisfaction were measured on a visual analogue scale. Functional outcome was assessed using WOMAC, Oxford knee score and EuroQol EQ-5D scores. Knee pain on VAS improved from 6.7 to 3.2 by 6 weeks (p=0.02) and was sustained until 12 months (3.7, p=0.04) with Hylan G-F 20. In the Sodium Hyaluronate group, pain improved from 6.6 to 5.7 at 6 weeks (p>0.05) and to 4.1 at 3 months (p=0.04) but was sustained only until 6 months (5.9, p>0.05). Improvement in the WOMAC pain subscale was significantly superior in the Hylan G-F 20 group at 3 months (p=0.02), 6 months (p=0.01) and 12 months (p=0.007). There was no significant difference in the EQ-5D scores at 6 weeks and 3 months between the two groups. The numbers of treatment related adverse events were higher (39 vs. 30) in the Hylan G-F 20 group. One patient in the Hylan G-F 20 group who had a serious adverse event was also included in the final analysis. Although both treatments offered significant pain reduction, it was achieved earlier and sustained for a longer period with Hylan G-F 20. From this study, it appeared that the clinical effectiveness and general patient satisfaction are better amongst patients who received Hylan G-F 20.