Fabrication of green colorimetric smart packaging based on basil seed gum/chitosan/red cabbage anthocyanin for real-time monitoring of fish freshness.

Novel green intelligent films based on basil seed gum (BSG)/chitosan containing red cabbage extract (RCA) (0, 2.5, 5, and 10, % (v/v)) as a colorimetric indicator for food freshness detection were fabricated by casting method. The physicochemical, barrier, mechanical, and antioxidant characteristics, as well as sensitivity to pH and ammonia gas of smart edible packaging films, were investigated. The interaction of anthocyanin extract as a natural dye with biopolymers in films characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and SEM images revealed their suitable compatibility. The film with maximum anthocyanin content (10% (v/v)) appeared robust color changes against various pH and ammonia gas levels. The color of indicator films when exposed to alkaline, neutral and acidic buffers are indicated with green, blue, and red colors, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of smart BSG/chitosan films improved from 23% to 90.32% with increasing RCA content from 2.5 to 10% (v/v). Generally, the incorporation of RCA in film structure enhanced their solubility, WVP, ΔE, turbidity, and flexibility, and reduced tensile strength. The observations successfully confirmed the efficacy of pH-sensitive indicator smart film based on BSG/chitosan for evaluation of fish spoilage during storage.

Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Pediatric Open Globe Injuries: A Report from Southern Iran.

Purpose: To evaluate the epidemiological features of open globe injury (OGI) in a tertiary ophthalmic center in the south of Iran. Methods: The medical files of pediatric patients diagnosed with OGI between March 2014 and March 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, laterality, time of injury, cause of trauma, location and mechanisms, complications, and the involved tissues, visual acuity, type of operation, and antibiotic therapy were all analyzed. Data were processed using the SPSS. Results: In total, 110 eyes of 108 patients were included. Ages < 7 years comprised 49.1%, 7-12 years 26.4%, and 13-18 years 24.5% of cases. Of the 108 patients, 76 (70.3%) were males. No significant difference between right versus left eyes was seen. The incidence of OGI was lowest in winter and highest in spring, and it had more prevalence on the weekends. Sharp objects were the most common cause of OGI in ages < 7 years, while blunt objects, accidents and falls, and guns and fireworks were more prevalent in older children. Home was the most common place of injury overall. The most common type of injury was penetrating trauma. Upon arrival, most of the children had a visual acuity < 0.1 decimal. Primary wound closure was the most prevalent type of surgery done predominantly within 24 hr from admission time. Conclusion: Ages < 7 years and male gender were the most common age and sex of pediatric OGI, respectively, and sharp objects were the predominant etiology. Early management and primary repair are essential for prevention of complications such as endophthalmitis and amblyopia.

Comparison of the effect of two therapeutic exercises on the inflammatory and physiological conditions and complications of diabetic neuropathy in female patients.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of 12 weeks of low-intensity resistance training and exercises for peripheral neuropathy (EPN) on the inflammatory and physiological conditions, balance, and complications of diabetic neuropathy in female patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 women with mild to moderate diabetic neuropathy and an average age of 55.46±3.06 years voluntarily participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to either control (n=15), resistance (n=15), and EPN (n=15) groups. Both experimental groups were trained for 12 weeks (three sessions per week). EPN group did peripheral neuropathic exercises (12 lower extremity movements), and the resistance group performed their exercises with a 30% repetition maximum. During the intervention period, the control group only performed their daily activities. Blood samples were taken in both pre-test and post-test to investigate the levels of Tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), C Reactive Protein (CRP), fast blood glucose (FBG) and Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Complications of diabetic neuropathy were measured using the Michigan questionnaire and the Monofilament 10 g. In order to measure the balance, De Morton mobility index (DEMMI) was used. RESULTS: The statistical analyses showed a significant decrease of FBG and HbA1c in the two experimental groups, as compared to the control group. TNF-α and CRP levels were decreased in both EPN and resistance groups, as compared to the control group. The observed increase in the serum IL-10 levels of the two experimental groups was not, however, significant, as shown in intra-group and inter-group comparisons. On the other hand, the two complications of pain and tingling in the lower limb extremities were improved in both experimental groups (p<0.05). However, the numbness complication showed no significant change (p=0.10). Static and dynamic balance was improved in the EPN group as well (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Since EPN exercises, in contrast to resistance exercises, are focused on the lower limb extremities and designed for diabetic neuropathy patients, they can improve the imbalance, pain and tingling, by significantly reducing TNF-α and CRP and improving the physiological conditions.

The Comparison between Effects of 12 weeks Combined Training and Vitamin D Supplement on Improvement of Sensory-motor Neuropathy in type 2 Diabetic Women.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complaint of diabetes. This study aimed to determine the effects of 12 weeks combined training with Vitamin D supplement on improvement of sensory-motor neuropathy in women with diabetic neuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study conducted on 90 patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Finally, 81 adult females with diabetes type II (20-55 years old) were interred in this study. The control group had no training, but received Vitamin D. The experimental group received Vitamin D and 12 weeks training program (3 days a week, 60 min/session) including aerobic exercises, strength, and flexibility. Aerobic exercise intensity was set at 60-70% maximum heart rate and resistance training intensity was determined by 10 R.M. Michigan neuropathy questionnaire, reflex hammer and tuning fork 128 Hz used to screening tense of neuropathy (Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument) that were used for pretest and posttest. RESULTS: Following 3 months combined training and supplementation with Vitamin D, had observed a significant reduction in numbness (P = 0.001), pain (0.002), tingling (P = 0.001), and weakness (P = 0.002) in the lower limb and also increases in sense of touch intervention (P = 0.005), detects the position of the fingers (P = 0.001) and vibration perception (P = 0.001) in tissues. Knee reflexes (P = 0.77) and ankles reflexes (P = 0.47) did not significantly change after interventions. CONCLUSION: It seems that taking part in combined training and supplementation with Vitamin D can improve the symptoms of sensory-motor neuropathy.