Caracterización física y sensorial de 24 genotipos especiales de cacao Theobroma cacao

Colombia, se destaca como país productor de cacao fino y de aroma, por lo cual, resulta de gran importancia explorar las características físicas y sensoriales de la diversidad genética existente. Para el presente estudio, se seleccionaron 22 genotipos de colecciones de trabajo con atributos productivos sobresalientes y dos testigos comerciales, reconocidos por su productividad y calidad sensorial; las muestras evaluadas fueron tomadas, de acuerdo con un muestreo aleatorio simple y se realizó un proceso de poscosecha homogéneo, controlado e independiente por genotipo, para obtener muestras de cacao seco individuales. Se realizaron análisis físicos al grano de cada genotipo y se preparó licor de cacao con cada una de las muestras obtenidas. Posteriormente, se evaluó cada licor por medio del panel de evaluación sensorial entrenado, donde se identificó y cuantificó la intensidad de atributos básicos, atributos especiales y atributos adquiridos, característicos de cada muestra. La información fue analizada mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis de componentes principales, lo que permitió la identificación de tres genotipos sobresalientes por el índice de grano y el porcentaje de cascarilla. El análisis sensorial evidenció que, en diecisiete genotipos, predominaron los atributos especiales, como herbal, floral, frutal, frutos secos y dulce. Estos resultados son un aporte importante para la selección de nuevas variedades de alta productividad, con características sensoriales de interés para la comercialización, que pueden ser evaluadas en diferentes regiones, para aumentar la disponibilidad genética en futuros programas de renovación y siembra de cacao que está en expansión, en los distintos territorios del país.

Colombia stands out as a country that produces fine and aroma cocoa; therefore, it is of great importance to explore the physical and sensory characteristics of the existing genetic diversity. For the present study, 22 genotypes from working collections with outstanding productive attributes and two recognized commercial controls were selected and evaluated for its productivity and sensory quality; the evaluated samples were taken according to a simple random sampling and a homogeneous, controlled, and independent post-harvest process was carried out by genotype, to obtain individual dry cocoa samples. Physical analyzes were carried out on the grain of each genotype and cocoa liquor was prepared with each of the samples obtained. Subsequently, each liquor was evaluated by means of the trained sensory evaluation panel, where the intensity of basic attributes, special attributes and acquired attributes characteristic of each sample was identified and quantified. The information was analyzed through descriptive statistics and principal component analysis, which allowed the identification of three outstanding genotypes by the grain index, and the husk percentage. The sensory analysis showed that, in seventeen genotypes, special attributes predominated such as: herbal, floral, fruity, dried fruit and sweet. These results are an important contribution for the selection of new high productivity varieties with sensory characteristics of interest for commercialization, which can be evaluated in different regions, to increase genetic availability in future renewal and planting programs of cocoa that is expanding in the different territories of the country.

Association of maternal clinical factors with neonatal respiratory morbidity in meconium‑stained labor among term parturients: A retrospective cohort study / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective@#This study aimed to determine the maternal clinical factors associated with neonatal respiratory morbidity and other adverse neonatal outcomes in meconium-stained labor among term parturients.@*Methodology@#A retrospective cohort study was done on admitted obstetric patients with term gestation and had meconium-stained labor. Maternal clinical factors such as age, parity, gestational age, manner of delivery, duration of labor, presence of term prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), character of meconium-stained liquor (MSL), and presence of comorbidities were identified and analyzed to determine their association with neonatal respiratory morbidity and other adverse neonatal outcomes. @*Results@#In this study, there were 986 cases identified to have meconium-stained labor, and 168 developed neonatal respiratory morbidity. As to primary outcome, maternal clinical factors, such as age >35 years, multiparity, age of gestation >41 weeks, prolonged labor, presence of PROM, significant MSL upon admission, presence of change from nonsignificant to significant MSL, presence of intrauterine growth restriction, and hypertension, were all shown to be statistically significant. @*Conclusion@#The presence of maternal clinical factors in meconium-stained labor was observed to be a risk factor in developing neonatal respiratory morbidity and other adverse neonatal outcomes. Hence, identification of maternal risk factors and early detection of meconium-stained amniotic fluid are vital in administering timely intervention to labor and delivery to reduce neonatal complications.

Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor ameliorates acute ulcerative colitis in mice via regulating intestinal bacteria homeostasis and Nrf2/NLRP3 pathway to repair intestinal mucosa / 药学学报

This study investigated the protective effect and related mechanisms of Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor on mice with ulcerative colitis. Animal experiments follow the rules of Animal Ethics Committee of Southern Medical University. C57BL/6 mice were given 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 6 days to induce acute ulcerative colitis. During this period, Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor, decoction of Citrus reticulata blanco (both orally administrated with 300 mg·kg-1·d-1 crude polysaccharide) or positive drug 5-aminosalicylic acid (100 mg·kg-1·d-1) were gavaged continuously for 9 days. Cecal contents were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The levels of inflammatory factors, tight junction proteins and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 / Nod-like receptor protein 3 (Nrf2/NLRP3) pathway related proteins in the colon were detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence and Western blot. Our results showed that Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor and Citrus reticulata blanco protected against UC-induced weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stool, and colon shortening. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin 6 (Il-6) and CXC chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10) and NLRP3 inflammasome were significantly decreased; the mRNA levels of colon anti-inflammatory factor (Il-10), tight junction protein [zonula occludens-1 (Zo-1), occludin, claudin-1], mucin 2 (Muc2), Nrf2, as well as the mRNA and protein levels of NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were significantly increased. In addition, Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor increased the abundance of Akkermansia and reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria Enterococcus and Streptococcus. The correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Akkermansia was positively correlated with anti-inflammatory factors, tight junction protein and the related genes levels of Nrf2 signaling pathway. In summary, Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor ameliorates acute ulcerative colitis in mice via regulating intestinal bacteria homeostasis and Nrf2/NLRP3 pathway to repair intestinal mucosa.

Determination of 16 types of phthalic acid esters in commercial liquors by magnetic nanoparticles solid-phase extraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry / 预防医学

Objective@# To develop a magnetic solid-phase extraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) based on pyrrole-modified magnetic nanoparticles to determine 16 types of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in commercial liquors.@*Methods @#Fe3O4 magnetic nuclei were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis, and the polypyrrole-modified magnetic nanomaterials were prepared with the chemical oxidation method. Magnetic solid-phase extraction of beer, grape wine, rice wine and Chinese spirits was performed at 10% alcohol by volume, extraction duration of 20 min and ethyl acetate elution of 10 min, followed by addition of 1 g NaCl for reduction of emulsification effect. The 16 types of PAEs were determined using GC-MS/MS with DB-5MS capillary column (30 m×250 μm, 0.25 μm) under the mode of electron impact ionization (EI) and dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (dMRM), with quantitative analysis using the external standard method. The standard curve, detection limit, spike recovery rate and precision of GC-MS/MS for determination of 16 types of PAEs were evaluated.@*Results@#Pyrrole was successfully embedded onto the surface of magnetic nanoparticles in the form of polymer, and the magnetic nanoparticles modified by polypyrrole were well characterized, showing unapparent matrix and emulsification effects. There was a good linear relationship for the 16 types of PAEs at 50 to 5 000 ng/mL (r=0.999 5-0.999 9), and the spike recovery rate of 16 types of PAEs ranged from 71.61% to 110.50% at 100, 500 and 1 000 μg/kg, with relative standard deviations of 3.78% to 7.41%, detection limits of 0.02 to 1.47 μg/kg. PAEs were detected in 20 out of 50 liquor samples, with 30.00%, 60.00%, 40.00% and 70.00% detection rates in beer, grape wine, rice wine and Chinese spirits, respectively. @*Conclusions@#This method is sensitive to determine 16 types of PAEs in liquor samples, with unapparent matrix and emulsification effects, and the polypyrrole-modified magnetic composite nanoparticles present high adsorption of PAEs in liquor samples, which is feasible for monitoring of PAEs in multiple types of liquor samples.

Characterization of plantaricin IIA-1A5 biosynthesized by Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 in corn steep liquor based medium

Aims@#To characterize the plantaricin IIA-1A5 crude extract that biosynthesized by Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 using corn steep liquor (CSL) based medium. @*Methodology and results@#Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 was grown in several media containing different components including corn steep liquor (CSL), molasses and MRS (de Man Rogosa Sharpe) as control medium for 24 h at 37 °C. Antibacterial activities of the cell-free supernatant were expressed as diameter of inhibition zones observed by paper disc method. The results showed that CSL medium produced cell-free supernatant of L. plantarum IIA-1A5 with significantly higher antibacterial activity againts Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (9.81 mm), Lactobacillus monocytogenes ATCC 7644 (9.61 mm), Bacillus cereus (8.97 mm) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (9.23 mm) were not significantly different compared to control MRS broth media (9.59 mm). CSL medium added only with 3% yeast extract and Tween 80 produced supernatant which showed similar antibacterial activity either to 10% molasses or control medium (Medium K and B). The CSL medium was considered more efficient and low cost, therefore this medium was selected for production and characterization of plantaricin IIA-1A5 crude extract. Further characterization performed by SDS PAGE analysis showed that crude plantaricin had molecular weight of approximately 9.9 kDa, higher than that produced in control medium (8.0 kDa). However, both plantaricins were categorized under the same class for small bacteriocin (class II). This study also revealed the plantaricin IIA-1A5 produced in CSL medium was stable to heat and pH and not significantly different compared to control MRS broth media. The antibacterial activity of plantaricin IIA-1A5 crude extract against S. aureus ATCC 25923 (10.09 mm) was not significantly different with 1000 ppm sodium benzoate (9.70 mm) and 300 ppm sodium nitrite (9.82 mm).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The CSL medium produced cell-free supernatant of L. plantarum IIA 1A5 had significant antibacterial activity characterization againts S. aureus ATCC 25923, L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644, B. cereus and E. coli ATCC 25922. Comparison of the inhibition activity of plantaricin IIA-1A5 crude extract against pathogen with synthetic preservatives indicated that plantaricin IIA-1A5 crude extract have the potency to replace synthetic preservatives. CSL based medium is potential to be used for low-cost plantaricin IIA-1A5 production.

Meconium stained liquor in labour and mode of delivery: a time for reappraisal

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the significance of meconium staining of the amniotic fluid and find out an appropriate mode of delivery in women with MSL.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, a tertiary government hospital, New Delhi over a time period of 1 year between 2009 to 2010 on 1425 consecutive women of which 142 women were diagnosed as having meconium staining of the amniotic fluid during labour.  All cases were critically analysed and maternal and fetal outcomes were studied in these women.Results: The incidence of MSL was 10% (142/1425), 45% had thin MSL and 55% had thick MSL. In women with thick MSL, 85% had early thick MSL and 15% had late thick MSL. In women who had early thick MSL (n=66), 55 (83.3%) delivered by LSCS and 11 (16.7%) delivered vaginally. On correlating the perinatal outcome with mode of delivery irrespective of fetal heart rate abnormality in early thick MSL, it was seen that the perinatal outcome was significantly affected by mode of delivery. The rates of respiratory distress and MAS was significantly higher in babies who delivered vaginally compared to those by LSCS (18% & 100% vs 9% & 40%, p=0.012, RR- 5.2 [95% CI: 1.8-3.42]. There were no perinatal mortality in early thick MSL.Conclusions: In distinguishing between thick and thin meconium, it was noted that finding of thick meconium in the latent phase of labour (i.e. early thick MSL) is ominous and demands an urgent caesarean delivery.

Determinação espectrofotométrica de Cobre(II) em aguardente de mandioca (Tiquira) / Spectrophotometric determination of Copper (II) in manioc spirit (Tiquira)

RESUMO A pesquisa descreve a reação espectrofotométrica do complexo Cu(II)-PAN (1-(2-piridilazo)-2-naftol) e determina a concentração de cobre (II) em aguardente de mandioca (Tiquira). Para isso, dimensionamos a reação para os estudos de absorção do complexo, pH, estabilidade, proporção estequiométrica, interferentes, correlação e recuperação. Após essa etapa, determinamos a concentração de cobre(II) em cinco amostras de bebidas destiladas artesanalmente de cinco municípios do Estado do Maranhão. O resultados mostram que o complexo absorve em 548 nm em pH 6, é estável em um tempo de 7 horas em proporções estequiométrica mínima de 1:1 do ligante e metal, possui limite de detecção em 3,3 X 10-2 mg L-1, faixa de linearidade de 1 X 10-6 a 1 X 10-5 mol L-1, correlação (R2= 0,9990), desvio padrão=0,0035 e recuperação em 104,54 ± 7,01 e os principais íons interferentes são o ferro (III) e o cobalto (II). Na aguardente, constatamos que o teor de cobre está acima do permitido pela legislação brasileira.

SUMMARY The search describes the spectrophotometric reaction of the Cu (II)-PAN (1-(2-pyridilazo) -2-naphthol) complex and determines the concentration of copper (II) in manioc spirit (Tiquira). For this, we dimensioned the reaction for the studies of complex absorption, pH, stability, stoichiometric ratio, interferences, correlation, and recovery. After this step, we determined the concentration of copper (II) in five samples of beverages distilled artisanal from five municipalities of the State of Maranhão. The results show that the complex absorbs at 548 nm at pH 6, is stable at a time of 7 hours in minimum 1:1 stoichiometric proportions of the binder and metal, has a detection limit in 3.3 X 10-2 mg L-1, range (R2= 0.9990), standard deviation= 0.0035 and recovery at 104.54 ± 7.0, and the main interfering ions are iron (III) and cobalt (II). In the brandy, we find that the copper content is above that allowed by Brazilian legislation.

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in 58 ruminants showing neurological disorders / Análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano em 58 ruminantes com distúrbios neurológicos

Ruminants may be affected by a wide variety of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis forms the basis for ante mortem diagnostic evaluation of ruminants with clinical signs involving the CNS. Despite its importance as a tool to aid diagnosis, data regarding CSF examinations in spontaneous cases of CNS diseases in ruminants from Brazil are limited, and most reports involve experimental studies. Therefore, this study aimed to report the results of CSF analysis in 58 ruminants showing signs of neurological disorders. CSF samples for analysis were obtained from 32 cattle, 20 sheep, and 6 goats by cerebello-medullary cistern (n=54) or lumbosacral space (n=4) puncture. These ruminants showed neurological signs related to viral (n=13), mycotic (n=3), or bacterial (n=15) infections, and toxic (n=21), traumatic (n=4), or congenital disorders (n=2). CSF analysis from ruminants with viral infections presented lymphocytic pleocytosis, even though CSF showed no changes in several cases of rabies. Neutrophilic pleocytosis, cloudiness, presence of fibrin clots, and abnormal coloration were evident in the CSF of most cases of CNS bacterial infection, such as meningoencephalitis, meningitis, abscesses, myelitis, and a case of conidiobolomycosis. On the other hand, CSF was unchanged in most cases of toxic disorders, as botulism and hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated CSF density was observed in 60% of ruminants diagnosed with polioencephalomalacia. Our findings show that evaluation of CSF is a valuable diagnostic tool when used in association with epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings for diagnosis of CNS diseases in ruminants.(AU)

Os ruminantes podem ser afetados por uma grande variedade de doenças do sistema nervoso central (SNC). A análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) constitui a base da avaliação diagnóstica ante mortem de ruminantes com sinais clínicos envolvendo o SNC. Apesar de sua importância como ferramenta para auxiliar no diagnóstico, os dados referentes aos exames do LCR em casos espontâneos de doenças do SNC em ruminantes no Brasil são limitados, e, a maioria dos relatos envolve estudos experimentais. Portanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo relatar os resultados da análise do LCR em 58 ruminantes com distúrbios neurológicos. Amostras do LCR foram obtidas de 32 bovinos, 20 ovinos e 6 caprinos por punção da cisterna cerebelo-medular (n=54) ou espaço lombossacro (n=4) para posterior análise. Esses ruminantes apresentaram sinais neurológicos relacionados a infecções virais (n=13), micóticas (n=3) ou bacterianas (n=15), e desordens tóxicas (n=21), traumáticas (n=4) ou congênitas (n=2) A análise do LCR de ruminantes com infecções virais apresentou pleocitose linfocítica, embora, em vários casos de raiva, o LCR não tenha apresentado alterações. Pleocitose neutrofílica, turbidez, presença de coágulos de fibrina e coloração anormal foram evidentes no LCR da maioria dos casos de infecções bacterianas do SNC, como meningoencefalites, meningites, abscessos, mielite e um caso de conidiobolomicose. Por outro lado, o LCR não foi alterado na maioria dos casos dos distúrbios tóxicos, como botulismo e encefalopatia hepática. A densidade elevada no LCR foi observada em 60% dos ruminantes diagnosticados com polioencefalomalácia. Nossos resultados mostram que a avaliação do LCR é uma valiosa ferramenta de diagnóstico, quando usada em associação com os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos para o diagnóstico de doenças do SNC em ruminantes.(AU)

Perinatal outcome of term pregnancies with borderline amniotic fluid index: a prospective case control study

Background: It has been since antiquity that the importance of amniotic fluid and fetal growth with perinatal outcome is being documented. But the lacunae lies in studying the relationship between borderline amniotic fluid and perinatal outcome. The following study was undertaken to provide recent data that would help predict perinatal outcome in borderline AFI pregnancies.Methods: About 144 patients were considered in the study OPD/IPD patients in obstetrics and gynecology department in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Hospital, with about 72 cases with borderline amniotic fluid index (5-8 cm) and controls with amniotic fluid index ≥9-25 cm. Patients were selected and subjected to history taking, examination, ultrasound test with doppler studies and perinatal outcome documented over a period of one year.Results: The incidence of borderline AFI in my study was 16%. 58% were primigravidas. Meconium stained liquor was found in 18% cases compared to 7% controls. Low birth weight was found in 12.5% cases and 2.7% in controls. On applying statistical test analysis chi square test, it was found that borderline amniotic fluid index in relation to presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid and low birth weight, p value was found to be statistically significant (<0.05).Conclusions: Borderline amniotic fluid and perinatal outcome had significant relationship in terms of meconium stained liquor and birth weight while rest had no significance. Thus, borderline amniotic fluid patients require vigilant fetal surveillance.

Absence of Wharton’s jelly: an association with feto-maternal morbidity

Umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein connecting fetus to the placenta and is responsible for blood flow between the two. It is surrounded by Wharton’s jelly which is a gelatinous substance and functions as adventitia layer of umbilical vessels, thereby providing insulation and protection to the umbilical cord. Umbilical cord abnormalities are associated with poor perinatal outcomes. Very few cases of absent Wharton’s jelly are reported in literature. Ours might be the 8th one in which we did a lower segment caesarean section for meconium stained liquor but the baby died after 12 hours.

Oxytocin versus Misoprostol used as an induction of labour in term in early rupture of Amniotic membranes

Background: Pre labor Rupture of membranes is a common obstetrical problem, significant event as it transforms an ordinary pregnancy into a high risk one. Majority of cases of PROM - of about 60% occur after 37 completed weeks Induction of labour is artificial. Misoprostol is receiving attention as a cervical modifier and labour induction agent. This study compares the safety and efficacy of Misoprostol with Oxytocin in labour induction in term pre labour rupture of membranes. Objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of Misoprostol with that of Oxytocin in labour induction in PROM. The effects were compared between primipara and multipara in a selected sample.Methods: General condition is assessed by pulse rate, blood pressure, height, weight with particular attention to pedal odema, anemia. Cardiovascular and respiratory systems were examined, rule out cephalo pelvic disproportion and for Bishop’s scoring. USG for foetal maturity, Liquor status and for foetal well-being. Admission CTG.Results: There is no significant difference was observed between two groups either in vaginal delivery or in incidence of LSCS. Mean induction delivery interval in misoprostol group for nullipara is 8.5 hours. For multipara it is 6.6 hours. And in oxytocin group for nullipara is 10:4 hours. In multipara it is 6.5 for primipara it was significantly reduced in misoprostol group compared to syntocinon group.Conclusions: Misoprostol is an effective, cheap, safe, stable at room temperature and easy to use if it is used in appropriate dosage for induction of labour in pre-labour rupture of membranes at term.

Pioneers in the cisterna magna puncture / Pioneiros na punção da cisterna magna

Abstract At the beginning of the 20th century, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and analysis emerged as a promising aid in the diagnosis of diseases of the central nervous system. It was obtained through the established procedure of lumbar puncture, described by Heinrich Quinke in 1891. The search for an alternative way to gather the CSF emerged in animal research, highlighting the cisterna magna as a promising source, with relative safety when performed by someone trained. Described initially and in detail by James Ayer in 1920, the procedure was widely adopted by neurologists and psychiatrists at the time, featuring its multiple advantages and clinical applications. After a period of great procedure use and exponential data collection, its complications and risks relegated the puncture of the cisterna magna as an alternative route that causes fear and fascination in modern Neurology.

Resumo No início do século XX, a coleta e análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) despontavam como um promissor auxílio no diagnóstico das doenças do sistema nervoso central. Sua obtenção se dava através do consagrado procedimento de punção lombar, descrito por Heinrich Quinke em 1891. A busca por uma via alternativa na obtenção do LCR ganhou destaque nas pesquisas animais, destacando-se na cisterna magna promissora fonte, com relativa segurança quando executada por alguém treinado. Descrito inicialmente e de maneira pormenorizada por James Ayer em 1920, o procedimento foi amplamente adotado por neurologistas e psiquiatras à época, com destaque para suas múltiplas vantagens e aplicações clínicas. Após um período de grande uso do procedimento e exponencial obtenção de dados, suas complicações e riscos relegaram a punção da cisterna magna como via alternativa que causa medo e fascínio na Neurologia moderna.

Role of Non-stress Test in Antenatal Fetal Assessment in High-risk Pregnancy in Comparison with Normal Pregnancy

Background and Objectives: Non-stress test (NST) is one of the most widely used primary tests for the assessment of fetal well-being. It is a graphical recording of fetal heart activity and uterine contractions simultaneously and continuously when uterus is quiescent with fetal movements. It has been incorporated into biophysical profile system. It is simple, inexpensive, non-invasive, easily performed, and interpreted. Hence, it can be used to screen a large population as an outpatient department procedure. This study was done to observe the efficacy and diagnostic value of NST for antenatal surveillance and comparison of test results with mode of delivery and adverse perinatal outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 high-risk (HR) pregnant women (study group – selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria) and 100 low-risk (LR) pregnant women (control group) were randomly enrolled into study and followed up with NST from 32 weeks of gestation and repeated at appropriate intervals in cases of the HR group. Results: In the LR group, there was an increased incidence of intrapartum fetal death (IPFD), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), and decreased liquor quantity in non-reactive (NR) subgroup compared to reactive NST (R-NST) subgroup. However, in the HR group, NR-NST was associated with significantly increased incidence of decreased liquor quantity, low Apgar score at 5 min of birth, and perinatal mortality compared to the R-NST subgroup. Although the statistical incidence of IPFD was not significant in the NR-NST subgroup compared to R-NST, it appeared clinically significant. MSAF incidence was not significant in these two NST result subgroups. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of NST in the LR group were 100%, 81.8%, and 100%, respectively; likewise, in the HR group, they are 75%, 78.1%, and 98.7%, respectively, for perinatal mortality. Conclusion: NST is a valuable screening test for detecting fetal compromise in both HR and LR fetuses that may have a poor perinatal outcome. Predictive value of NST for perinatal mortality was higher in the LR group compared to the HR group though statistically was not significant.

A Thermotolerant Xylan-Degrading Enzyme Is Produced by Streptomyces malaysiensis AMT-3 Using by-Products From the Food Industry

Abstract This study evaluated the production of endoxylanases by Streptomyces malaysiensis AMT-3 in submerged fermentation using by-products of the food industry at 28ºC. In shake-flasks experiments, the highest endoxylanase activity of 45.8 U.mL-1 was observed within 6 days in a medium containing (w/v) 2.5% wheat bran and 1.2% corn steep liquor. The same culture conditions were used to evaluate the enzyme production in a 2 L stirred tank reactor under different agitation (300, 450 and 600 rev.min-1) and aeration (30 and 60 L.h-1) conditions. The use of 450 rev.min-1 coupled to an aeration of 90 L.h-1 resulted on 81.3 U.mL-1 endoxylanase activity within 5 days. The effect of temperature and pH on endoxylanase activity and stability showed the highest activity at 60 ºC and pH 6.0. Zymography showed the presence of three xylanolytic bands with molecular masses of 690, 180 and 142 kDa. The results showed that the thermotolerant actinobacterial endoxylanase can be produced in high titers using by-product of the food industry.

Pregnancy outcomes of normal versus abnormal cardiotocography in a tertiary centre in Nepal

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth is normal physiological process with great pathological potential. The obstetricians are more concerned with the early recognition of fetal distress during labour and such an adverse outcome should be detected at the earliest point of time by an effective surveillance method. Cardiotocography as a part of biophysical profile has become an established diagnostic tool for fetal surveillance. To compare early perinatal outcome of normal and abnormal cardiotocography in terms of APGAR scores, need for neonatal resuscitation, NICU admission, perinatal death and mode of delivery.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. 200 nulliparous/multiparous women with singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation at gestational age 37-42 weeks in latent stage of labor were enrolled in the study and subjected to admission test in left lateral position using fetal monitor. Baseline FHR and contraction pattern were determined for 20 minutes and classification of patients was done into normal, and suspicious or abnormal according to the FIGO guidelines 2015.Results: Low APGAR scores, rate of LSCS, need for neonatal resuscitation, neonatal admission were more in the abnormal cardiotocography group. Cardiotocography in the current study has high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for detecting fetal distress.Conclusions: From the analysis of this study, it would be safe to conclude that an ominous cardiotocography should be managed appropriately without delay and obstetrician should be vigilant in suspicious as well as in normal admission test group for timely intervention for bettering the neonatal outcome.

Comparative study on usefulness of modified WHO Partograph in management of labour at one of the rural teaching institutes of Gujarat, India

Background: Modified WHO Partograph is a simple, inexpensive pre-printed form on which labour observation are recorded. It generally comprises three sections of information: maternal condition, fetal condition and labor progress. To study on usefulness of Modified WHO Partograph in management of labour of low risk women, this indirectly improved maternal and perinatal outcome.Methods: In this study the progress of labour of 150 women with uncomplicated full term pregnancies with cephalic presentation in active labour was studied using modified WHO partograph. 150 historical matched controls comprising of low risk women who delivered without the use of partograph were identified from the labour register and their course of labour studied. The hospital records were studied to obtain the demographic variables. Maternal and perinatal outcome was analyzed for both cases and controls.Results: The emergency cesarean section rate was reduced from 38.7% in controls to 24.7% in cases and both are significant statistically. None of the cases had labour beyond 16 hours, thus indicating significant reduction in prolonged labour. Neonatal intensive care admissions decreased from 18.6% in controls to 6% in cases indicating an improved maternal and neonatal outcome.Conclusions: Modified WHO Partograph work as “early alarming warning system” which help in detecting delayed progress of labour which improves maternal as well as perinatal outcome.

Conversion of renewable substrates for biosurfactant production by Rhizopus arrhizus UCP 1607 and enhancing the removal of diesel oil from marine soil

BACKGROUND: The use of agro-industrial wastes to produce high value-added biomolecules such as biosurfactants is a promising approach for lowering the total costs of production. This study aimed to produce biosurfactants using Rhizopus arrhizus UCP 1607, with crude glycerol (CG) and corn steep liquor (CSL) as substrates. In addition, the biomolecule was characterized, and its efficiency in removing petroderivatives from marine soil was investigated. RESULTS: A 22 factorial design was applied, and the best condition for producing the biosurfactant was determined in assay 4 (3% CG and 5% CSL). The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 28.8 mN/m and produced a yield of 1.74 g/L. The preliminary biochemical characterization showed that the biosurfactant consisted of proteins (38.0%), carbohydrates (35.4%), and lipids (5.5%). The compounds presented an anionic character, nontoxicity, and great stability for all conditions tested. The biomolecule displayed great ability in dispersing hydrophobic substrates in water, thereby resulting in 53.4 cm2 ODA. The best efficiency of the biosurfactant in removing the pollutant diesel oil from marine soil was 79.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the ability of R. arrhizus UCP1607 to produce a low-cost biosurfactant characterized as a glycoprotein and its potential use in the bioremediation of the hydrophobic diesel oil pollutant in marine soil

Extração e caracterização da lignina proveniente do pré-tratamento de biomassa para produção de etanol de 2a geração / Extraction and characterization of lignin from the pre-treatment of biomass for 2 nd generation ethanol production

RESUMO A biomassa destaca-se como um dos poucos recursos disponíveis com potencial de desenvolvimento de biorrefinarias para a inclusão de rotas alternativas sustentáveis na produção de energia e produtos químicos. A lignina é um subproduto do pré-tratamento da biomassa na produção de etanol de segunda geração, basicamente composta de cadeias de carbono e que pode ter alto valor agregado. Contudo, tem sido tradicionalmente utilizada para geração de energia por queima direta. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influência do pH na precipitação do licor negro, variando o pH de 1 a 7, bem como caracterizar os componentes da sua estrutura química para possíveis usos futuros. Após a obtenção da massa precipitada, procedeu-se às análises espectrofotométricas no infravermelho e no ultravioleta, além da quantificação de fenóis totais, nas frações sólidas e líquidas das ligninas provenientes dos diferentes pH. Os resultados demonstram que as maiores concentrações de lignina foram obtidas nos menores valores de pH. As análises instrumentais indicaram diferenças nos componentes de cada lignina, sugerindo que sua composição química é influenciada pela alteração do pH. Ainda, a concentração total de fenóis no sobrenadante das amostras foi menor em pH mais baixos, confirmando que há maiores concentrações desses na fração sólida das ligninas.

ABSTRACT Biomass appears to be one of the few resources available with the potential of developing bio refineries for the inclusion of sustainable alternative routes in the production of energy and chemicals. Lignin is a 2nd generation by-product of biomass pre-treatment on ethanol production, and consists of carbon chains, which can have a high added value. However, lignin is being considered just for energy generation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pH in the precipitation of black liquor through its acidification of in different pH values (1-7), and to characterize the components of its chemical structure for possible future use. After determining the precipitated mass, a spectrophotometric analysis was carried out on infrared and ultraviolet, along with the quantification of total phenolic compounds in the solid and liquid fractions of lignin derived from different pH ranges. The results showed that the higher lignin concentrations were obtained at lower pH values. The instrumental analysis indicated significant differences in each lignin's components, suggesting that its chemical composition is influenced by pH change. To conclude, the total concentration of phenolic compounds in the supernatant of the samples was lower at lower pH ranges, indicating that there are higher concentrations of these in lignin's solid fraction.

Production of Propionic Acid by Propionibacterium acidipropionici from Agroindustrial Effluents

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the production of propionic acid from the fermentation of agroindustrial effluents using a Propionibacterium acidipropionici culture. The composition of the substrates was determined by using an experimental design of mixtures, resulting in 10 trials. The substrates were fermented in batch borosilicate glass reactors at a temperature of 35°C, initial pH of 6.5, and 20 mL.L-1 of inoculum suspension. The highest yield of propionic acid production, 0.79 g of product per g of substrate, was obtained with a substrate composed only of corn steep liquor, which showed a productivity of 5.20 mg.L-1h-1 and production of 0.40mL.L-1. These results showed that the corn steep liquor positively influenced performance and productivity. Although the production of acid did not reach high values, the results indicate that it is possible to produce propionic acid by a biotechnological route; however, further studies are required to adapt and optimise these results.

Comparative observation on drinking behavior of FH/Wjd rats and SD rats with different liquors / 中国药理学通报

Aim: To observe the preferences and drinking behavior characteristics of congenital alcoholism in (FH/Wjd) rats and SD rats. Methods: Both FH/Wjd rats and SD rats were fed with free access to two bottles (liquor A, liquor B, 53% alcohol and water). The intake of liquor and water and their preference, the difference in day and night intake of each liquor, and the variation of ethanol and water intake and the preference after depriving were compared between FH/Wjd rats and SD rats. Results: The rate of preference for liquor A was significantly higher than liquor B and 53% alcohol in FH/Wjd rats; however, the rate of preference for liquor B was significantly higher than that for liquor A and 53% alcohol, and the liquor A was higher than 53% alcohol in SD rats. It was found that the longer the drinking time, the more of alcohol consumption and the higher preference for each liquor in both FH/Wjd rats and SD rats. In addition, the drinking behavior of FH/Wjd rats and SD rats for each liquor showed a significant difference between day and night, with robust ethanol deprivation effect. Conclusions: SD rats can be forced to drink for short time, and prefer liquor B. However, FH/Wjd rats prefer liquor A. Both SD rats and FH/Wjd rats have the characteristics that the longer the drinking time, the more of alcohol consumption and the higher of preference. Obvious difference exists between day and night; the more alcohol consumption and higher rate of preference after deprivation appear in both SD rats and FH/Wjd rats.