Application of microwave treatment for reduction of microbial load in jaggery cubes.

In present study, fresh jaggery cubes were used and treated with microwave heating. Two treatment time has been selected to treat the jaggery such as 30 s and 45 s. Physiochemical and microbial parameters were analysed before and after treatment of microwave. Moisture content of treated jaggery sample was 3.98 ± 0.59 and 3.86 ± 0.63 for 30 s and 45 s microwave treatment respectively. Similarly, this treatment maintains the water activity at 0.6, which is considered as a safe for consumption. The content of iron retains in this microwave treatment; it doesn't affect much on the iron content present in fresh Jaggery sample. Most substantial result has been observed in case of total plate count and yeast and mold count when treated with microwave heating. In this case microwave process at 45 s was found to be the best since it reduced the total plate count (TPC) load to 13 ± 4 from 194 ± 48 cfu/g. Also, in case on yeast and mold count, 45 s microwave treatment showed reduction of load to 28 ± 7 cfu/g from 25,498 ± 2809 cfu/g. Present investigation showed that microwave treatment for 45 s was found to be the best to treat the jaggery.

Studies on preparation of mixed fruit toffee from Fig and Guava fruits.

Studies were carried out to develop a technology for preparation of mixed fruit toffee from fig and guava fruit pulp and to evaluate the changes in quality of prepared toffees during storage under ambient as well as refrigerated conditions for 180 days. Among the various combinations of fig and guava fruit pulp, toffee prepared from75:25 w/w (fig: guava) ratios was found better than other combinations in respect to yield, organoleptic properties and nutritional quality. The cost of toffee prepared from higher level of fig pulp i.e. 75:25 (fig:guava) ratio was higher (Rs. 71.84/kg). The storage studies of toffees packed in 200 gauge polyethylene bags indicated that the TSS, reducing and total sugars increased with the advancement of storage period, while moisture and acidity content decreased. The rate of reactions was relatively higher at ambient temperature than refrigerated temperature. Though the sensory quality of toffees also decreased at faster rate during 180 days storage period at ambient condition than the refrigerated condition yet the toffees were found to be acceptable even after 180 days at both the conditions.

Murine solid tumours as a novel model to study bacterial biofilm formation in vivo.

Bacteria of many species are able to invade and colonize solid tumours in mice. We have focused on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Detailed analysis revealed that such tumour-invading Salmonella form biofilms, thus providing a versatile in vivo test system for studying bacterial phenotypes and host-pathogen interactions. It appears that biofilm formation by S. typhimurium is induced as a defence against the immune system of the host, and in particular against neutrophils. Further, we extended our work to the clinically more relevant biofilm infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The induction of P. aeruginosa biofilms in neoplastic tissue appears to be elicited as a reaction against the immune system. Reconstitution experiments reveal that T cells are responsible for biofilm induction. Isogenic mutants that are no longer able to form biofilms can be used for comparison studies to determine antimicrobial resistance, especially therapeutic efficacy against P. aeruginosa located in biofilms.

A comparative analysis of periimplant bone levels of immediate and conventionally loaded implants.

BACKGROUND: With the trend of shortening the treatment time and reducing patient discomfort/inconveniences immediate loading of implants has emerged as an alternative approach for replacing missing natural teeth. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of immediate implant loading protocol over conventional implant loading protocol in partially edentulous mandible. METHODS: Twenty patients were selected from out patients department who needed the replacement of one of the missing mandibular first molar. They were divided into two groups. In Group A patients implants were loaded with immediate implant loading protocol, whereas in Group B they were loaded with conventional loading protocol. Periimplant bone loss and soft tissue health were measured and compared using OPG and IOPA radiographs 06 and 12 months after implant placement. RESULTS: One implant failed in immediate loading group (Group A), whereas all implants survived in conventional loading group (Group B). The average periimplant bone loss after 6 months and 1 year for Group A were 0.69 mm and 1.09 mm respectively, whereas it was 0.74 mm and 1.13 mm respectively for Group B. The difference in the bone loss between Group A and B was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Immediate implant loading protocol has a highly acceptable clinical success rate in partially edentulous lower jaw although implant survival rate is slightly inferior to conventional loading protocol.

The effect of diffusion hardened oxidized zirconium wear debris on cell viability and inflammation--an in vitro study.

Wear debris generation in total joint replacement remains a concern because of its association with aseptic loosening, osteolysis, and ultimately implant failure. In a quest to develop new implant materials with reduced wear and improved biocompatibility a new composition of oxidized Zr2.5Nb alloy; diffusion hardened oxidized zirconium (DHOxZr) has been developed. In this study, we have determined the in vitro biocompatibility of the wear debris of this new composition and compared it to wear debris particles of Ti6Al4V, Cobalt, and CoCr. The cytotoxicity of these particles on fibroblast-like cells (L929) and osteoblast-like cells (SaOS2) was assessed using lactate dehydrogenase and DNA quantification assays. The inflammatory response to these particles was assessed by release of interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor from macrophage-like cells. The results showed that wear debris generated from DHOxZr was less cytotoxic and elicited a reduced inflammatory response as compared to that of Cobalt or CoCr and might therefore offer a benefit as a joint prosthesis.

Characterisation of Polyphenols in Terminalia arjuna Bark Extract.

The bark of Terminalia arjuna is known for its heart-health benefits in ayurvedic literature. This has been further supported by in vivo studies on animal and human volunteers. But there is no detailed study on identification of the active ingredients such as polyphenols. Polyphenols possesses antioxidant properties and are well-known health actives, it is important to characterise polyphenols in Terminalia arjuna. Aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna bark was analysed for its composition and molecular weight distribution by dialysis. Compositional analysis revealed that it has 44% polyphenols and dialysis study showed that 70% of the polyphenols have molecular weight greater than 3.5 kDa. High performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of Terminalia arjuna, confirmed that it contains flavon-3-ols such as (+)-catechin, (+)-gallocatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin. Phenolic acids such as gallic acid, ellagic acid and its derivatives were also found in Terminalia arjuna extract. Ellagic acid derivatives were isolated and their spectral studies indicated that isolated compounds were 3-O-methyl-ellagic acid 4-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside, ellagic acid and 3-O-methyl ellagic acid 3-O-rhamnoside. Hydrolysis and thiolysis studies of high molecular weight polyphenols indicated that they are proanthocyanidins. Given these results, it may be possible to attribute the heart-health effects of Terminalia arjuna to these polyphenols which may be responsible for the endothelial benefit functions like tea.

Use of Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava penetration to quantitatively assess the impact of filtration parameters for 0.2-micrometer-pore-size filters.

Filters rated as having a 0.2-microm pore size (0.2-microm-rated filters) are used in laboratory and manufacturing settings for diverse applications of bacterial and particle removal from process fluids, analytical test articles, and gasses. Using Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava, a diminutive bacterium with an unusual geometry (i.e., it is very thin), we evaluated passage through 0.2-microm-rated filters and the impact of filtration process parameters and bacterial challenge density. We show that consistent H. pseudoflava passage occurs through 0.2-microm-rated filters. This is in contrast to an absence of significant passage of nutritionally challenged bacteria that are of similar size (i.e., hydrodynamic diameter) but dissimilar geometry.

Preparation of osmotic dehydrated ripe banana slices.

Process for preparation of ripe banana slices using osmotic dehydration was standardized. Fully ripe banana fruits were peeled and slices of 8 mm thickness were prepared. The slices were divided into 5 lots and pretreated with sulphur fumigation @ 2 g/kg of slices for 2 h then each lot was soaked in 60 (0)Brix sugar syrup containing 0.1% KMS + 0.1 % citrate, 0.1% KMS + 0.1% citrate + 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% ascorbic acid and control respectively. After 16 h soaking, quick washing, blotting and then cabinet drying at 55 °C for 10 h up to 18% moisture content was done. The dried products were packed in 200 gauge polypropylene bags and stored at ambient condition for 6 months. The chemical, microbial and organoleptic changes were monitored for 6 months. The osmo-dried banana slices prepared with sulphur fumigation @ 2 g /kg slices for 2 h followed by soaking in 60(0)Brix sugar syrup containing 0.1% KMS + 0.1% citrate + 0.2% ascorbic acid were found better with respect to colour and appearance, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability with non-stickiness of the product. Storage study showed that there was marginal decrease in moisture content and organoleptic quality and increase in TSS, total sugars and reducing sugars content of osmodried banana slices. The products were found microbiologically safe and sensorily acceptable up to 6 months storage at ambient condition.

Studies on dehydration of figs using different sugar syrup treatments.

The ripe fig (Ficus carica L) fruits of cultivar cv., 'Deanna' were steam treated at 90°C and 10 psi for 5 min in autoclave. Steamed fruits were dipped in sucrose, glucose, fructose and invert sugar syrups at 50°Brix for 24 h for getting desired total soluble solids content. The treated fruits were further dried to 20% moisture in a cabinet dryer at 50-55°C. Good quality and acceptable dried figs could be prepared by using invert sugar syrup treatment. Dried figs prepared using invert sugar and packed in aluminum foil pouch and stored at ambient (27 ± 2°C) as well as refrigerated (10 ± 2°C) temperature remained in excellent condition up to 6 months.

Development of a RP-HPLC Method for Analysis of Triphala Curna and its Applicability to Test Variations in Triphala Curna Preparations.

A sensitive, rapid, reverse phase HPLC method is reported for analysis of Triphala Curna using gallic acid, chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid as markers. Validation data for the method has been provided. Unlike methods of recovery testing adopted for synthetic chemicals, a modified approach has been presented here for a formulation like Triphala Curna having three myrobalans in its composition. Data has been provided to demonstrate applicability of the method developed to assess the variation in the Triphala Curna preparations.

In vitro efficacy of 75 essential oils against Aspergillus niger.

Aspergillus niger is an opportunistic human pathogen and a strong air pollutant. A study was conducted with 75 different essential oils for the inhibition of hyphal growth and spore formation in Aspergillus niger. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (bark), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (leaf), Cinnamomum cassia, Syzygium aromaticum and Cymbopogon citratus were the top five essential oils which demonstrated marked inhibitory effect against hyphal growth and spore formation of A. niger. The chemical composition of these five most active essential oils was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectra (GC-MS). Most of the other essential oils were found challenging to combat A. niger, suggesting their use as strong aroma therapeutic agents.

Unilateral thoracic canal stenosis.

Two unusual cases of thoracic spinal canal stenosis are reported. The cord compression was a result of unilateral hypertrophy of the lamina and facet joint. Bony decompression resulted in rapid neurological recovery.

Oral submucous fibrosis in India: a new epidemic?

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition caused by use of the areca nut. The reported prevalence of OSF in Bhavnagar district during 1967 was 0.16%. We investigated whether the impression of an increase in the incidence of the disease was real. METHODS: A house-to-house survey was conducted in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat state. The use of areca nut-containing products and tobacco was assessed through an interviewer administered questionnaire. The oral examination was done by dentists. The diagnostic criteria for OSF was the presence of palpable fibrous bands. RESULTS: A total of 11,262 men and 10,590 women aged 15 years and older were interviewed for their tobacco habits. Among 5018 men who reported the use of tobacco or areca nut, 164 were diagnosed as suffering from OSF. All but four cases were diagnosed among 1786 current areca nut users (age-adjusted relative risk: 60.6). Areca nut was used mostly in mawa, a mixture of tobacco, lime and areca nut, and 10.9% of mawa users had OSF (age-adjusted relative risk: 75.6). The disease as well as areca nut use was concentrated (about 85%) in the lower (< 35 years) age group. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the prevalence of OSF, especially in the lower age groups, directly attributable to the use of areca nut products was observed. This could lead to an increase in the incidence of oral cancer in the future.

Isolation of large numbers of fully viable human reticulocytes using continuous Percoll density gradient.

A rapid one-step continuous density gradient centrifugation method for the separation of reticulocytes from peripheral blood is described. Each of 27 blood samples from patients whose initial reticulocytes ranged from 2.1% to 22.8% (X = 7.6%) was subjected to Percoll density gradient separation. Reticulocyte-rich areas were found in the 1.081 to 1.092 density range. The final reticulocyte yield ranged from 73.9% to 98.6% (X = 87.0%) and a recovery of 14.8%. Optimal reticulocyte yields were obtained using centrifugation tubes with an internal diameter of 16 mm and when the tubes were spun for 40 minutes. Two indices that may be reliable indicators of final reticulocyte yield were the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). This simple and reliable method can be used to separate platelets, granulocytes, erythrocytes, and mononuclear cells.

Radiology services survey of rural frontier hospitals.

Little has been written about rural frontier hospitals and the radiology services they provide. The authors surveyed rural hospitals in seven Western states, with emphasis on technologist accreditation, numbers and educational level of personnel, patient occupancy, test volume and referrals. They found accreditation, patient referral and employee credentialing to be a function of hospital bed size, while radiology department employment remained constant at 3 percent of the facility's total employment.