A comprehensive review on heart disease prognostication using different artificial intelligence algorithms.

Prediction of heart diseases on time is significant in order to preserve life. Many conventional methods have taken efforts on earlier prediction but faced with challenges of higher prediction cost, extended time for computation and complexities with larger volume of data which reduced prediction accuracy. In order to overcome such pitfalls, AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology has been evolved in diagnosing heart diseases through deployment of several ML (Machine Learning) and DL (Deep Learning) algorithms. It improves detection by influencing with its capacity of learning from the massive data containing age, obesity, hypertension and other risk factors of patients and extract it accordingly to differentiate on the circumstances. Moreover, storage of larger data with AI greatly assists in analysing the occurrence of the disease from past historical data. Hence, this paper intends to provide a review on different AI based algorithms used in the heart disease prognostication and delivers its benefits through researching on various existing works. It performs comparative analysis and critical assessment as encompassing accuracies and maximum utilization of algorithms focussed by traditional studies in this area. The major findings of the paper emphasized on the evolution and continuous explorations of AI techniques for heart disease prediction and the future researchers aims in determining the dimensions that have attained high and low prediction accuracies on which appropriate research works can be performed. Finally, future research is included to offer new stimulus for further investigation of AI in cardiac disease diagnosis.

In vitro and Ex vivo study targeting the development of a Lavandula stoechas L. (Ustukhuddus) loaded Unani Transdermal patch: Implication of Unani Medicine in the treatment of Nisyan (Dementia).

Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas L.) has been extensively used orally and topically in treating various neurological disorders, including dementia. The optimum potential of traditional dosage forms of Ustukhuddus is limited for various reasons. Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is a novel means of drug delivery and is known to overcome the drawbacks associated with traditional dosage forms. The current study aimed at fabricating and evaluating Ustukhuddus hydro-alcoholic extract (UHAE) and essential oil (UEO) loaded matrix-type transdermal patches having a combination of hydrophilic - hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and hydrophobic - ethyl cellulose (EC) polymers. ATR-FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM analysis were carried out to study drug-polymer interactions, confirming the formation of developed patches and drug compatibility with excipients. We assessed the fabricated patches to evaluate their physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, and permeation characteristics via ex vivo experiments. The physicochemical characteristics of patches showcased the development of good and stable films with clarity, smoothness, homogeneity, optimum flexibility and free from causing skin irritancy or sensitization. In vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation profile of developed patches were evaluated employing Franz diffusion cells. UHAE and UEO patches exhibited a cumulative drug release of 81.61 and 85.24 %, respectively, in a sustained-release manner and followed non-Fickian release mechanisms. The ex vivo permeation data revealed 66.82 % and 76.41 % of drug permeated from UHAE and UEO patches, respectively. The current research suggests that the formulated patches are more suitable for TDDS and hold potential significance in the treatment of dementia, contributing to enhanced patient compliance, thereby highlighting the implication of Unani Medicine in Nisyan (Dementia) treatment.

An 'Exo-Tick' Problem: A Sudden Increase in Tick Bite - A Case Series.

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropod ectoparasites of vertebrates, which are vectors of many diseases. They cause varied skin manifestations, which occur either due to the attachment of the tick to the host or due to the infections it spreads. Dermoscopy serves as a precise diagnostic tool for tick bites and also helps in ensuring complete removal of the tick. Prompt removal and identification of the tick, along with appropriate antibiotic therapy, are important aspects of the management of this condition. Herein, we present a case series of nine patients with tick bites, by ticks of similar morphology but at different body sites and with varied predisposing factors.

Validated graft-specific biomarkers identify patients at risk for chronic graft-versus-host disease and death.

BACKGROUNDChronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a serious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). More accurate information regarding the risk of developing cGVHD is required. Bone marrow (BM) grafts contribute to lower cGVHD, which creates a dispute over whether risk biomarker scores should be used for peripheral blood (PB) and BM.METHODSDay 90 plasma proteomics from PB and BM recipients developing cGVHD revealed 5 risk markers that were added to 8 previous cGVHD markers to screen 982 HCT samples of 2 multicenter Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMTCTN) cohorts. Each marker was tested for its association with cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) of cGVHD using Cox-proportional-hazards models. We paired these clinical studies with biomarker measurements in a mouse model of cGVHD.RESULTSSpearman correlations between DKK3 and MMP3 were significant in both cohorts. In BMTCTN 0201 multivariate analyses, PB recipients with 1-log increase in CXCL9 and DKK3 were 1.3 times (95% CI: 1.1-1.4, P = 0.001) and 1.9 times (95%CI: 1.1-3.2, P = 0.019) and BM recipients with 1-log increase in CXCL10 and MMP3 were 1.3 times (95%CI: 1.0-1.6, P = 0.018 and P = 0.023) more likely to develop cGVHD. In BMTCTN 1202, PB patients with high CXCL9 and MMP3 were 1.1 times (95%CI: 1.0-1.2, P = 0.037) and 1.2 times (95%CI: 1.0-1.3, P = 0.009) more likely to develop cGVHD. PB patients with high biomarkers had increased likelihood to develop cGVHD in both cohorts (22%-32% versus 8%-12%, P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Mice showed elevated circulating biomarkers before the signs of cGVHD.CONCLUSIONBiomarker levels at 3 months after HCT identify patients at risk for cGVHD occurrence.FUNDINGNIH grants R01CA168814, R21HL139934, P01CA158505, T32AI007313, and R01CA264921.

Expedient synthesis and luminescence sensing of the inositol pyrophosphate cellular messenger 5-PP-InsP5.

Inositol pyrophosphates are important biomolecules associated with apoptosis, cell growth and kinase regulation, yet their exact biological roles are still emerging and probes do not exist for their selective detection. We report the first molecular probe for the selective and sensitive detection of the most abundant cellular inositol pyrophosphate 5-PP-InsP5, as well as an efficient new synthesis. The probe is based on a macrocyclic Eu(iii) complex bearing two quinoline arms providing a free coordination site at the Eu(iii) metal centre. Bidentate binding of the pyrophosphate group of 5-PP-InsP5 to the Eu(iii) ion is proposed, supported by DFT calculations, giving rise to a selective enhancement in Eu(iii) emission intensity and lifetime. We demonstrate the use of time-resolved luminescence as a bioassay tool for monitoring enzymatic processes in which 5-PP-InsP5 is consumed. Our probe offers a potential screening methodology to identify drug-like compounds that modulate the activity of enzymes of inositol pyrophosphate metabolism.

Analytical review of Tiryaq-i-Wabai - A Unani panacea for the control of COVID-19.

Introduction: COVID-19 has affected the whole world drastically and led to a substantial loss of human life. Relentless research is underway to identify effective treatment to control the disease. Traditional systems are also being explored to search for a potent drug. Unani formulation 'Tiryaq-i-Wabai' has long been used in cholera, plague and other epidemic diseases. This review is aimed at analysing the possible role of Tiryaq-i-Wabai in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Methodology: Unani classical texts and Pharmacopoeias available in the library of Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Chennai were reviewed to collect information related to epidemics, commonly prescribed drugs during epidemics, and therapeutic uses of Tiryaq-i-Wabai ingredients. ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to collect information regarding current pandemic and pharmacological activities of ingredients and phytoconstituents present in the formulation. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted. Results: Tiryaq-i-Wabai was found to be the most recommended prophylactic and curative drug during epidemics. The formulation ingredients, Sibr (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.), Murr Makki (Commiphora myrrha (T.Nees) Engl.) and Zafran (Crocus sativus L.) are categorized under Tiryaqi Advia (literally - antidote drugs) and are considered to be very effective in SARS related conditions. These ingredients have been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antitussive, smooth muscle relaxant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities corroborating the traditional use of Tiryaq-i-Wabai. Conclusion: Scientific data imply great potential and utility of the formulation which could be a possible alternative approach for the prevention and control of current and future pandemics.

Identification of potential barriers for timely access to pediatric sibling eye check-up in a tertiary eye care hospital.

Purpose: To identify socio-economic, demographic, and clinical factors that may be associated with sibling access to ophthalmic check-up. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study investigated children in the age group of 0-15 years under a project on Systematic Pediatric Eye Care Through Sibling Screening Strategies (SPECSSS project). The siblings of pediatric patients (proband) with refractive errors, strabismus, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal pathologies were given a referral card for ophthalmic check-up. If parents do not bring siblings for check-up within 1 month of initial information and even after 2 SMS reminders, it was considered as failure to uptake of services. On follow-up later, they were provided a questionnaire. A questionnaire was given to the parent by interview through a project coordinator, and details were obtained from the parents or caretaker. Parents who were willing for telephonic interview were asked to respond to the questionnaire over phone on the scheduled date. The sibling details, parent-related details, and data from questionnaire forms were entered and analyzed. Results: The mean age of 300 siblings was 9.3 ± 4.0 years with the majority of them being female (158). The most common reasons quoted by parents in the rural area compared with the urban area for not bringing siblings for eye exams were the travel distance from home to the hospital (n = 118, 83.7%), the travel time from home to the hospital (n = 109, 77.3%), more than one vehicle required to change (n = 111, 78.7%), and the transportation cost more than rupees 100 (INR) (n = 89, 63.1%) (p < 0.05). Unable to leave work responsibilities (n = 126, 79.3%) was stated more frequently by urban parents compared to rural (p = 0.039). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the financial factor, the distance factor, and social belief play an important role in timely uptake of sibling eye check-up. Targeting siblings with treatable pediatric eye diseases could help in reducing the burden of refractive error, strabismus, and cataract in the pediatric population.

Pollutant removal from cheese processing effluent using effective indigenous natural scavengers.

The goal of this study was to come up with an efficient method for treating cheese production wastewater. Because the effluent has a higher concentration of organic and inorganic materials, the indigenous microbial treatment process was used to effectively remove total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and color without the addition of any nutrients. The indigenous microorganisms were tested for color, TDS, and COD elimination by growing them in "nutrient broth medium" loaded with different amounts of cheese effluent. The isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the results revealed that strain 1 was Enterobacter cloacae, strain 2 was Lactococcus garvieae, and strains 3 and 4 were Bacillus cereus and Bacillus mycoides, respectively. After 36 h of incubation, the data were evaluated. Among all the microbes, E. cloacae reduced TDS and COD from the effluent the most (80 ± 0.2% and 87 ± 0.4% COD, respectively). When compared to individual species, consortia were more efficient (86 ± 0.2% TDS and 90 ± 0.3% COD). On treatment, the correlation coefficient "r" for TDS and COD elimination was found to be 1, resulting in a positive linear connection. The current study suggests that microbial therapies are both effective and environmentally beneficial.

Nutritional Aspects of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: an Insight.

Purpose of Review: This review elaborates the role of malnutrition in PLHIV (people living with HIV) in the context of COVID-19 and emphasis the need of supplementation, dietary intervention, and nutritional counselling in the post-COVID era. One of the most critical challenges among HIV/AIDS patients is malnutrition since it weakens the immune system and increases risk to opportunistic infections. In HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, weight loss is prevalent due to reduced nutritional consumption, malabsorption, abnormal metabolism, and antiretroviral therapy. Sufficient nutrition is required for optimal immune function, as a result, food therapy is now considered an important adjuvant in the treatment of HIV patients. Recent Findings: Nutritional intervention, such as the use of dietary supplements, can help to prevent nutrient deficiency, lowering the death risk among malnourished HIV population. Immunocompromised individuals are at very high risk for COVID-19 and malnutrition increases the risk of infection by multiple folds. Interventions, such as nutrition education and counselling are important, to improve the condition of HIV Patients by optimising their nutritional status. Summary: A balanced diet should be one of the most important priorities in preventing PLHIV against the potentially deadly consequences of COVID-19. It is to be ensured that HIV-positive persons continue to get enough and appropriate assistance, such as nutrition and psychological counselling, in the context of COVID-19 infection. The use of telemedicine to maintain nutritional intervention can be beneficial. To meet their nutritional needs and minimise future difficulties, PLHIV infected with COVID-19 should get specialised nutritional education and counselling.

Targeting the Retinoid X Receptor Pathway Prevents and Ameliorates Murine Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Most allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients receive peripheral blood stem cell grafts resulting in a 30%-70% incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a major cause of mortality and morbidity in long-term survivors. While systemic steroids remain the standard of care for first-line therapy, patients may require long-term administration, and those with steroid-resistant or refractory cGVHD have a worse prognosis. Although durable and deep responses with second-line therapies can be achieved in some patients, there remains an urgent need for new therapies. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of IRX4204, a novel agonist that activates RXRs and is in clinical trials for cancer treatment to prevent and treat cGVHD in two complementary murine models. In a major histocompatibility complex mismatched, non-sclerodermatous multiorgan system model with bronchiolitis obliterans, IRX4204 prevented and reversed cGVHD including associated pulmonary dysfunction with restoration of germinal center T-follicular helper: T-follicular regulatory cell balance. In a minor histocompatibility antigen disparate sclerodermatous model, IRX4204 treatment significantly prevented and ameliorated skin cGVHD by reducing Th1 and Th17 differentiation due to anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these results indicate that IRX4204 is a promising therapeutic option to treat cGVHD with bronchiolitis obliterans or sclerodermatous manifestations.

BET-bromodomain and EZH2 inhibitor-treated chronic GVHD mice have blunted germinal centers with distinct transcriptomes.

Despite advances in the field, chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Because treatment options remain limited, we tested efficacy of anticancer, chromatin-modifying enzyme inhibitors in a clinically relevant murine model of cGVHD with bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). We observed that the novel enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 each improved pulmonary function; impaired the germinal center (GC) reaction, a prerequisite in cGVHD/BO pathogenesis; and JQ5 reduced EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 in donor T cells. Using conditional EZH2 knockout donor cells, we demonstrated that EZH2 is obligatory for the initiation of cGVHD/BO. In a sclerodermatous cGVHD model, JQ5 reduced the severity of cutaneous lesions. To determine how the 2 drugs could lead to the same physiological improvements while targeting unique epigenetic processes, we analyzed the transcriptomes of splenic GCB cells (GCBs) from transplanted mice treated with either drug. Multiple inflammatory and signaling pathways enriched in cGVHD/BO GCBs were reduced by each drug. GCBs from JQ5- but not JQ1-treated mice were enriched for proproliferative pathways also seen in GCBs from bone marrow-only transplanted mice, likely reflecting their underlying biology in the unperturbed state. In conjunction with in vivo data, these insights led us to conclude that epigenetic targeting of the GC is a viable clinical approach for the treatment of cGVHD, and that the EZH2 inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 demonstrated clinical potential for EZH2i and BETi in patients with cGVHD/BO.

Recent Metabolic Advances for Preventing and Treating Acute and Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease.

The therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is limited by the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In GVHD, rigorous pre-conditioning regimen resets the immune landscape and inflammatory milieu causing immune dysregulation, characterized by an expansion of alloreactive cells and a reduction in immune regulatory cells. In acute GVHD (aGVHD), the release of damage- and pathogen- associated molecular patterns from damaged tissue caused by the conditioning regimen sets the stage for T cell priming, activation and expansion further exacerbating tissue injury and organ damage, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that donor T cells utilize multiple energetic and biosynthetic pathways to mediate GVHD that can be distinct from the pathways used by regulatory T cells for their suppressive function. In chronic GVHD (cGVHD), donor T cells may differentiate into IL-21 producing T follicular helper cells or tissue resident T helper cells that cooperate with germinal center B cells or memory B cells, respectively, to produce allo- and auto-reactive antibodies with subsequent tissue fibrosis. Alternatively, donor T cells can become IFN- γ/IL-17 cytokine expressing T cells that mediate sclerodermatous skin injury. Patients refractory to the first line standard regimens for GVHD treatment have a poor prognosis indicating an urgent need for new therapies to restore the balance between effector and regulatory immune cells while preserving the beneficial graft-versus-tumor effect. Emerging data points toward a role for metabolism in regulating these allo- and auto-immune responses. Here, we will discuss the preclinical and clinical data available on the distinct metabolic demands of acute and chronic GVHD and recent efforts in identifying therapeutic targets using metabolomics. Another dimension of this review will examine the changing microbiome after allo-HSCT and the role of microbial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids and long chain fatty acids on regulating immune responses. Lastly, we will examine the metabolic implications of coinhibitory pathway blockade and cellular therapies in allo-HSCT. In conclusion, greater understanding of metabolic pathways involved in immune cell dysregulation during allo-HSCT may pave the way to provide novel therapies to prevent and treat GVHD.

Prevalence, knowledge and selected associated factors of anaemia among non-pregnant females of reproductive age in a tea estate community in Hantana, Kandy district, Sri Lanka.

Anaemia among non-pregnant females of reproductive age remains a common public health problem globally, as well as in Sri Lanka. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia, asses the knowledge and the associated factors of anaemia among non-pregnant females of reproductive age in a tea estate community in Hantana, Kandy district, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 236 randomly selected non-pregnant females of reproductive age within the tea estate community belonging to two MOH (Medical Officers of Health) areas. The proportion of anaemia was determined by measuring haemoglobin (Hb) concentration using Mindray five-part automated blood analyser. The cut-off value to determine anaemia was set at 12.0 g/dL and respondents were categorized into three anaemia categories based on their Hb value. The common risk factors and knowledge regarding anaemia were assessed using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analysed with SPSS version 25. Chi-square test was used to conduct a bi-variate analysis. Prevalence of anaemia was 33.1%, among whom 53.8% had mild anaemia, 39.7% had moderate anaemia and 6.4% had severe anaemia. Anaemia was significantly associated with being employed, delivery of a baby within the past 4 years, advancing age, low income (less than 20,000 LKR) and prolonged menstrual bleeding for more than 3 days. Majority (58.5%) had poor knowledge regarding anaemia with a mean score of 5.69 (SD ± 2.42) out of 12. Since anaemia is a multifactorial condition it requires a combination of interventions such as health education and promotion activities. This study aids in assessing the prevalence of anaemia among estate workers identify the significant factors contributing to anaemia.

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance and magnitude of Unani medicine - scope and challenges.

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance, with practically all newly developed and even more potent antibiotics like carbapenem and colistin, has become a matter of great public health concern. A number of common diseases of public health importance are becoming harder and sometimes impossible to treat due to increased resistance of pathogens. These alarming threats seek prime attention of scientific community to develop newer antibiotics with long-lasting efficacy, least side effects, and low economic burden. Unani classical texts have enormous citations on different infectious diseases. Many single drugs and compound formulations are in vogue since ages for the treatment of infectious diseases. Use of Afaviya (spices), Mufarrehat (exhilarants), Tiryaqi Advia (drugs with antidote properties) and Sirka (vinegar) is highly advocated in treating various infectious diseases. Though, enormous research activities have been undertaken worldwide to explore and develop newer antibiotics from natural resources, indicating massive magnitude of natural products in treating various infectious diseases, however, the higher plants, still largely seems to be unexplored. Moreover, elaborated and well controlled clinical studies are still lacking to authenticate their clinical significance. Hence, a rigorous, well-designed & well-structured research is highly paramount to ascertain the provision of newer, relatively safe and cost effective natural antibiotics.

Mucormycosis: A triple burden in patients with diabetes during COVID-19 Pandemic.

With the upsurge in the cases of COVID-19 around the world, plenty of potential COVID-19 complications are becoming more prevalent, including a higher risk of secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Mucormycosis is one such condition which has high prevalence among individuals with diabetes who were infected with COVID-19.The usage of steroids in the treatment further inflates the risk of infection and exacerbation of disease in pre-existent mucormycosis patients. Generally, Corticosteroid-induced diabetes can arise on long-term steroid medication, increasing the likelihood of mucormycosis. In patients with COVID-19, the indications and dose of corticosteroids should be properly regulated, and persons with diabetes who take insulin or oral anti-diabetic medicines should be cautious. To avoid poor outcomes, strategies to improve glycemic management should be emphasized. This narrative review elucidates different disciplines on rampant use of steroids, iron and zinc supplements as well as the methods utilized as primary or adjunctive treatment of this fatal condition. This article may help to pave the way for robust research that needs to be done to tackle the deadly triple burden of the disease.

Comparative evaluation of shear bond strengths of veneering porcelain to base metal alloy and zirconia substructures before and after aging - An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the shear bond strength of veneering porcelain to base metal alloy and zirconia substructures before and after aging. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the failure pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty rectangular blocks (9 mm length × 4 mm height × 4 mm width) of base metal alloy (Bellabond plus, Bego, Germany) and zirconia (Will ceramZ zirconia K block) were fabricated for shear bond strength test. Surface of the base metal alloy block (4 mm × 4 mm area) was veneered with corresponding veneering porcelain (Ivoclar, IPS classic, vivadent). Similarly, surface of the zirconia rectangular block (4 mm × 4 mm) was veneered with corresponding veneering ceramic (Cercon ceram kiss, Degudent). Out of forty rectangular porcelain veneered core specimen, ten porcelain veneered base metal alloy specimen and ten porcelain veneered zirconia specimen were immersed in water at 37°C for one month to simulate the oral environment. RESULTS: On comparison, the highest shear bond strength value was obtained in porcelain veneered base metal alloy before aging group followed by porcelain veneered base metal alloy after aging group, Porcelain veneered zirconia before aging group, porcelain veneered zirconia after aging group. SEM analysis revealed predominantly cohesive failure of veneering ceramic in all groups. CONCLUSION: Porcelain veneered base metal alloy samples showed highest shear bond strength than porcelain veneered zirconia samples. Study concluded that aging had an influence on shear bond strength. Shear bond strength was found to be decreasing after aging. SEM analysis revealed cohesive failure of veneering ceramic in all groups suggestive of higher bond strength of the interface than cohesive strength of ceramic. Hence, it was concluded that veneering ceramic was the weakest link.

Enhancement of biological reactions on cell surfaces via macromolecular crowding.

The reaction of macromolecules such as enzymes and antibodies with cell surfaces is often an inefficient process, requiring large amounts of expensive reagent. Here we report a general method based on macromolecular crowding with a range of neutral polymers to enhance such reactions, using red blood cells (RBCs) as a model system. Rates of conversion of type A and B red blood cells to universal O type by removal of antigenic carbohydrates with selective glycosidases are increased up to 400-fold in the presence of crowders. Similar enhancements are seen for antibody binding. We further explore the factors underlying these enhancements using confocal microscopy and fluorescent recovery after bleaching (FRAP) techniques with various fluorescent protein fusion partners. Increased cell-surface concentration due to volume exclusion, along with two-dimensionally confined diffusion of enzymes close to the cell surface, appear to be the major contributing factors.

Absorption, fluorescence studies and ab initio calculations on binary mixture of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde.

Absorption as well as fluorescence emission studies of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMABA) in solvents with different polarity have been reported by varying the concentration of the solute. Dual fluorescence corresponding to the non-polar (NP) and twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) states has been observed. The optimized geometry of DMABA was evaluated using ab-initio theory at various levels. The optimized geometries of the hydrogen bonded complexes with the solvent molecules were also calculated with the theory Hartree Fock at the basis set 6-31+G (HF/6-31+G). The results have been used to understand the structure of the molecule and the spectral changes in terms of hydrogen bonding and solute-solvent interaction.

Microwave drying of selected greens and their sensory characteristics.

Green leafy vegetables which supply minerals and vitamins to the diet, are highly perishable. Therefore, post harvest losses are extremely high. Limited studies are available in the literature with regard to preservation of greens. The effect of microwave drying and storage on physical and sensory properties of selected greens (coriander, mint, fenugreek, amaranth and shepu) were therefore studied. Microwave drying was carried out at 100% power and a frequency of 2450 mHz. The drying time varied from 10 to 16 min for different greens. Microwave drying affected color, appearance and odor of all the greens. The relative reconstitution capacity (RRC) for different greens was coriander-10.3, mint-10.3, amaranth-38.3, fenugreek-31.7 and shepu-32.8. The RRC appeared to influence acceptability. Coriander and mint, which exhibited the lowest RRC (10.3%), had the lowest scores for flavor and color while amaranth, with the highest RRC (38.3%), had scores similar to those of fresh amaranth. Scores for the products prepared with dried fenugreek and shepu, although low, were not statistically significant. Microwave drying was highly suitable for greens such as amaranth; moderately suitable for shepu and fenugreek and less suitable for coriander and mint.