Design and development of technology for walnut cracking.

The aim of the present study was to design, develop and evaluate hand operated and power driven crackers for walnuts. Kaghazi (thin shelled) and medium shelled walnuts after subjecting to pre-optimized soaking conditions were cracked by developed crackers. Different parameters were evaluated to check the performance of the power operated cracker and hand operated cracker in comparison to manual cracking. 100% shelling coefficient and cracking coefficient value of 1 were recorded in manual and hand operated cracking methods in both Kaghazi and medium shelled walnuts. The coefficient of wholeness was recorded highest in hand operated cracking method in both Kaghazi and medium shelled walnuts. The throughput capacity and effective throughput capacity was highest and labour requirement was least in power operated walnut cracking method followed by manual cracking and hand operated cracking methods in both Kaghazi and medium shelled walnuts. In both Kaghazi and medium shelled walnuts, the butter ball + kernel halve recovery and cracking efficiency was recorded maximum in hand operated cracking method. The economic analysis reveals that both hand operated and power operated crackers can be useful for small to medium scale walnut growers and processing industries.

Development of walnut dehulling machine and assessment of its performance using Ethephon and Tween-80 as pre-treatments for hull loosening.

A power- driven walnut dehulling machine was developed and tested. The machine was evaluated for dehulling after applying Ethephon and Tween-80 to green walnuts by dip and spray methods. The results showed that with the increase in dipping time and post dipping/spraying time, the effective throughput capacity, dehulling efficiency and fully dehulled walnut percentage increased, whereas partially dehulled walnut percentage and labour requirement decreased in both manual and mechanical dehulling. Maximum effective throughput capacity, dehulling efficiency and fully dehulled walnut percentage were observed, when green walnuts were subjected to dehulling after 4 days of Ethephon spray treatment (0.3 %). The effective throughput capacity, dehulling efficiency and fully dehulled walnut percentage were found significantly higher in mechanical dehulling than in manual dehulling.

Phosphine resistance in India is characterised by a dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase variant that is otherwise unobserved in eukaryotes.

Phosphine (PH3) fumigation is the primary method worldwide for controlling insect pests of stored commodities. Over-reliance on phosphine, however, has led to the emergence of strong resistance. Detailed genetic studies previously identified two loci, rph1 and rph2, that interact synergistically to create a strong resistance phenotype. We compared the genetics of phosphine resistance in strains of Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum from India and Australia, countries having similar pest species but widely differing in pest management practices. Sequencing analysis of the rph2 locus, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dld), identified two structurally equivalent variants, Proline49>Serine (P49S) in one R. dominica strain and P45S in three strains of T. castaneum from India. These variants of the DLD protein likely affect FAD cofactor interaction with the enzyme. A survey of insects from storage facilities across southern India revealed that the P45/49S variant is distributed throughout the region at very high frequencies, in up to 94% of R. dominica and 97% of T. castaneum in the state of Tamil Nadu. The abundance of the P45/49S variant in insect populations contrasted sharply with the evolutionary record in which the variant was absent from eukaryotic DLD sequences. This suggests that the variant is unlikely to provide a strong selective advantage in the absence of phosphine fumigation.

Effect of processing conditions on the quality characteristics of barley chips.

The aim of the present study was to study the effect of lime concentration, frying temperature and frying time on quality characteristics of barley chips. Effect of salt concentration and packaging material on the quality and stability of the product was also studied during 180 days of storage under ambient conditions. An increase in fat content of chips was observed with the increase in lime concentration, frying temperature and time, whereas a decreasing trend was observed in moisture content of chips. An increase in amylose content of chips was observed during frying. However, it was found that the amylopectin in chips decreased during frying as frying temperature and time was increased. An increase in colour difference (ΔE) and crispness was noted in chips during frying as frying temperature and time increased. With the increase in lime concentration (0.5 and 1.0 %) both ΔE and break force of chips was found decreased. The results further revealed that there was gradual decrease in fat (%) and amylopectin (%) during storage, whereas moisture (%) and amylose (%) increased during storage period. Organoleptic evaluation of the product revealed that scores of colour, texture, flavour and over all acceptability decrease during storage. However the treatment (salt 2 % and aluminium based laminate) recorded better score with respect to colour, flavour, texture and overall acceptability.

Development, characterization and use of rosemary essential oil loaded water-chestnut starch based nanoemulsion coatings for enhancing post-harvest quality of apples var. Golden delicious.

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of water-chestnut starch-based coatings loaded with rosemary essential oil (REO) at concentrations of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50% (w/v) on postharvest cold storage stability of apple var. Golden delicious for 120 days. Average droplet diameter of nanoemulsions was in range of 315-450 nm and it increased with increase in the REO concentration. Minimum weight loss was observed in fruits treated with coating material containing 0.50% REO. Samples coated with starch+0.50% REO exhibited highest firmness value of 68.22 ± 1.02 N under controlled atmosphere storage (CAS). Anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were retained in all samples coated with formulated emulsion. Antifungal assay against Pencillium expansum indicated that 0.50% REO had maximum antifungal activity. Increase in REO concentration from 0.10 to 0.50% in starch coating formulations resulted in reduced lesion diameter in coated samples under both the storage conditions. Lesion diameter (LD) was found highest in control (39.40 ± 0.20 mm) under ambient conditions. Coated fruit samples showed a significant (p≤0.05) reduction in LD under both the ambient and CAS conditions however, more pronounced effect was reported under CAS. Fruits coated with edible coatings enriched with different REO concentrations under CAS exhibited significantly (p≤0.05) lower chilling injury index (ST+0.50%REO < ST+0.25%REO<0.10%REO) compared to control.

Variability in waxy (Wx) allele, in-vitro starch digestibility, glycemic response and textural behaviour of popular Northern Himalayan rice varieties.

Eight commonly cultivated and consumed rice varieties of Northern Himalayan regions and a popular high amylose rice variety were characterized at Wx locus and evaluated for resistant starch (RS), in-vitro starch digestibility, predicted glycemic index (pGI), glycemic load (GL) and textural parameters. Cytosine and thymine repeats (CT)n at waxy locus (Wx) showed high association with apparent amylose content (AAC). Both pGI and GL varied substantially within the selected varieties. The pGI was relatively lower in high and intermediate amylose Indica varieties compared to low amylose Japonica ones. However, Koshikari despite being a low amylose variety showed relatively lower pGI and GL, due to its higher RS, dietary fiber, protein and fat content. It was thus presumed that in addition to AAC, RS and other grain components also affect the glycemic response. Inherent resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis was also found to be higher in firm textured and less sticky rice varieties. The genotypes-Lalat, Basmati-1509 and Koshikari, in view of their low to moderate pGI and relatively higher RS content, can be explored in future breeding programmes to develop rice varieties whose consumption will help to prevent hyper/hypo glycemic responses in Northern Himalayan regions, where daily staple diet is rice.

Physicochemical and dough-handling characteristics of Indian wheat and triticale cultivars.

Four bread wheat (PBW-138, PBW-299, PBW-343 and PBW-373), two durum wheat (PDW-215 and PDW-233) and two triticale cultivars (TL-419 and TL-1210) were investigated for physicochemical, milling and dough-handling properties for predicting end-use quality. Physical properties of durum wheat (PDW-215) and bread wheat (PBW-138, PBW-299 and PBW-343) cultivars were better than other wheat, durum and triticale cultivars. The compositional analysis revealed nonsignificant differences between the different cultivars; however, starch observed significant variation for different varieties. Particle size distribution indicated that triticale flours showed lower particle size than wheat and durum wheat. Dough-handling studies revealed triticale flours to be the weakest, while bread wheat flours were observed to be intermediate between durum and triticale. Among all the varieties, the bread wheat (PBW-138) variety was observed to be best, followed by PDW-215 durum wheat variety. Strong correlations were observed between physicochemical and dough-handling parameters, which can be used as quality parameter for suitable end-use.

Effect of storage materials and duration on the physicochemical, pasting and microstructural properties of low glycemic index rice flour.

This study investigated physicochemical, glycemic index, pasting and microstructural properties of low glycemic index rice flour (LGIRF) stored in two different packaging materials (low density polyethylene-LDPE and metalized polyester-Met-PE) under accelerated storage conditions (38 ± 2 °C and 90-92% RH) for three months. The different properties were evaluated after every one month. Protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrate content decreased slightly while, water activity, moisture and ash of both control and LGIRF increased significantly with storage (P < 0.05). Total starch, in vitro glycemic index and glycemic load were higher in control and decreased during storage (P < 0.05). However, resistant starch, total sugars, reducing sugars and degree of sweetness in LGIRF exhibited higher, although non-significant variation relative to control during storage. Pasting properties revealed that peak and breakdown viscosities decreased while final and setback viscosities increased during storage (P < 0.05) however holding viscosity and pasting temperature exhibited non-significant variation (P > 0.05). Further, all pasting properties were significantly higher in control except pasting temperature (P < 0.05). All farinographic properties exhibited non-significant difference during storage and were significantly higher in control. Overall, while comparing LDPE and MeT-PE samples non-significant variation was observed in all properties. Microstructural studies showed that integrity of starch granules in LGIRF samples were least altered during storage.

Nanostructured TiO(2) catalyzed microwave assisted synthesis of fused quinolines-DNA binding, molecular docking and antioxidant activity.

The use of nanostructured TiO(2) as mixed phase photocatalyst in the synthesis of 2H-pyrano/2H-thiopyrano [2,3-b]quinoline-2-carboxylic acid (2a/2b) is described. The binding modes of 2a/2b with ds DNA fragments d(CGCGAATTCGCG) were predicted by molecular docking studies. The lowest energy was found in the compound 2b with a binding energy of -7.44 Kcal/mol and inhibition constant of 5.39 x e(-6). The interaction study with CT DNA was carried out by absorption spectra, (K(b) constant obtained for 2a is 3.5x10(6) and for 2b it is 2.9x10(5)), viscosity and thermal denaturation methods. The in vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated. Finally, the results showed that the intercalated 2a/2b compounds are strong antioxidants and they protect oxidative DNA damage from harmful free radicals.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) colitis in a bone marrow transplant recipient.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are common in bone marrow transplantation patients. Unusual sites may be involved, however colonic disease with HSV is rare. We report a successfully treated case of colitis due to HSV, cytomegalovirus, Clostridium difficile and graft-versus-host disease in an allogeneic marrow recipient.

An in vitro and in vivo study of antitumor effects of genistein on hormone refractory prostate cancer.

Hormone refractory prostate cancer remains an incurable disease. Newer agents with more activity are required. Genistein is a flavone compound with anti-tumor activity against various tumor systems in vitro. This study is undertaken to assess the efficacy of genistein against hormone refractory prostate cancer. In vitro, genistein appears to be cytotoxic to both the rat prostate cancer cell line MAT-LyLu and the human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line, PC-3. In vivo, however, genistein failed to significantly inhibit the growth of subcutaneously implanted MAT-LyLu cells. More information regarding the pharmacokinetics and bio-availability of genistein is needed to determine if this is an active agent in human metastatic prostate cancer.

4-Hydroxyphenylretinamide in the chemoprevention of cancer.

It has been suggested that ultimately half of all cancers might be prevented by early interventions (Costa, 1993). 4HPR has been shown to be an effective and safe agent in various in vivo animal trials and well tolerated in human trials. At present multiple clinical trials are assessing its efficacy in preventing a variety of cancers.

Synthesis, characterization, and photoactivated DNA cleavage by copper (II)/cobalt (II) mediated macrocyclic complexes.

We report the synthesis of new photonuclease consisting of two Co(II)/Cu(II) complexes of macrocyclic fused quinoline. Metal complexes are [MLX(2)], type where M = Co(II) (5), Cu(II) (6), and X = Cl, and are well characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, (1)H-NMR and electronic spectra. We have shown that photocleavage of plasmid DNA is markedly enhanced when this ligand is irradiated in the presence of Cu(II), and more so than that of cobalt. The chemistry of ternary and binary Co(II) complexes showing efficient light induced (360 nm) DNA cleavage activity is summarized. The role of the metal in photoinduced DNA cleavage reactions is explored by designing complex molecules having macrocyclic structure. The mechanistic pathways are found to be concentration dependent on Co(II)/Cu(II) complexes and the photoexcitation energy photoredox chemistry. Highly effective DNA cleavage ability of 6 is attributed to the effective cooperation of the metal moiety.

Synthesis, antitumor, and DNA binding behavior of novel 4-(2-hydroxyquinolin-3-yl)-6-phenyl-5, 6 dihydropyrimidin derivatives in aqueous medium.

This article deals with the synthesis of 4-(2-hydroxyquinolin-3-yl)-6-phenyl-5,6-dihydropyrimidin derivatives (2a-f), on condensation with various aromatic aldehydes and ketones in aqueous ethanolic NaOH solution yielding the corresponding chalcones (3). These chalcones were further reacted with thiourea/urea in the presence of a base, which led to the formation of the titled derivatives (2a-f). The newly synthesized heterocyles were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, (1)HNMR, and electronic and mass spectral data. The compounds (2a and 2b) were evaluated for in vitro cyctotoxicity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell (MCF-7). In MTT cytotoxicity studies, both quinolinde derivatives were found most effective. The binding interaction behavior of the compound (2a) and (2d) with calf thymus-DNA (CT-DNA) was studied by electronic spectra, viscosity measurements, and thermal denaturation studies. On binding to CT-DNA, the absorption spectrum underwent bathochromic and hypochromic shifts. The binding constant (K(b)) observed 4.3 x 10(5) M(-1) for (2a), and 3.8 x 10(5) M(-1) for (2d) suggested that compound (2a) binds more strongly with base pairs than (2d).

Synthesis, DNA binding, docking and photoclevage studies of novel benzo[b][1,8]naphthyridines.

The synthesis and docking studies of novel benzo[b][1,8]naphthyridines is discribed. The docking studies show that the derivatives prefer to bind the AT-rich region of double stranded DNA (ds-DNA). The maximum binding energy -7.16 (kcal/mol) was observed for benzo[b][1,8]naphthyridine-5-thiol 5a and it is a better candidate as an enantioselective binder to ds-DNA than the other derivatives of benzo[b][1,8]naphthyridines. When photoirradiated at 365 nm, benzo[1,8]-naphthyridines have been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pUC19 DNA.