Fresh Insight: Enhancing Verdant Leafy Vegetable’s Shelf Life Via Modified Atmosphere Packing and Storage

This study aimed to enhance the durability of selected green leafy vegetables, including Lettuce and Palak, by manipulating influential factors such as storage conditions (Ambient (35±5°C) and Refrigerated (5±5°C)), packing substrate (Low-density polyethylene and High-density polyethylene covers), and gas composition using modified atmosphere packaging. Factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) was employed, incorporating a total of 12 treatments for each crop. The evaluation primarily relied on calculating physiological weight loss. Lettuce showed optimal results with treatment T5 (0.38%) exhibiting superior performance, followed by T6 (0.45%) and T3 (0.58%) under ambient conditions. Similarly, for palak, T5 (0.18%) outperformed T3 (0.19%) and T2 (0.37%). Thus, it is advisable to adopt T5 (R1G3M1) as the preferred treatment with T3 (R1G2M1) as a viable alternative for ambient storage conditions. Refrigerated lettuce performed optimally with T11 (0.54%) leading, followed by T7 (0.56%) and T9 (0.69%). Similarly, palak exhibited superior results with T9 (0.61%) in the fore, succeeded by T11 (0.77%) and T7 (0.97%). Notably, produce stored under ambient conditions had a relatively short shelf life of approximately 5 days, while refrigeration extended it to 15 days, after which a decline in quality was observed across all treatments. Therefore, refrigerated produce has an extended shelf life, with T9 (R2G2M1) followed by T7 (R2G1M1) yielding highly favorable outcomes.

A prospective study to evaluate changes in macular thickness after uncomplicated cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography in diabetic patients

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the alterations in macular thickness subsequent to cataract surgery in individuals diagnosed with diabetes, utilising optical coherence tomography (OCT) as the imaging modality. Methods: In this prospective study, a cohort of 150 patients was divided into three equal groups based on their diabetic status and presence of retinopathy. Group 1 consisted of nondiabetic patients, Group 2 consisted of diabetic patients without retinopathy, and group 3 consisted of patients with diabetic retinopathy. All patients underwent cataract surgery using manual small incision cataract surgery (m-SICS) technique. A comprehensive ophthalmological assessment was conducted prior to the surgical procedure. The subjects were monitored on the first day following the surgical procedure, and at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after the operation. During each appointment, a comprehensive ophthalmic assessment and OCT of the macula were conducted. Results: There was a notable augmentation in foveal thickness at the 6-week mark among individuals diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, in contrast to those without retinopathy and the control group. In the study, it was observed that 26% of individuals diagnosed with diabetes experienced the occurrence of macular edoema, whereas only 4% of the control group exhibited the same condition. Conclusions: The postoperative alteration in macular thickness and visual outcomes is contingent upon the individual's diabetic condition, duration of diabetes, and severity of retinopathy. A positive correlation was also observed between the alteration in macular thickness and the levels of HbA1C in individuals diagnosed with diabetes.

The average value of mean arterial pressure among children aged 3-10 years as per age, gender and height centiles: A cross sectional study

Background: Objective of the study was to find out the average MAP among children aged between 3-10 years based on age, gender and height centiles and to study the correlation of MAP with weight, height and BMI.

Methods: A total of 502 children were included in the study. First the demographic details of the children was collected. Then anthropometric parameters were measured. Systolic BP, Diastolic BP and MAP were recorded. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: MAP has got a positive correlation with weight, height and BMI.

Conclusions: The mean MAP of male children, 3-4 years 75�mmHg, 5-6 years 75�mmHg, 7-8 years 76�mmHg, 9-10 years, 79� mmHg. The mean MAP of female children, 3-4 years 77�mmHg, 5-6 years 77�mmHg, 7-8 years 78�mmHg, 9-10 years, 79�mmHg. MAP was found to be highly correlated with weight, height and BMI.

ANALYSIS OF PACKAGE INSERTS OF ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS UTILISED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NORTH KARNATAKA

Objective: To evaluate the package inserts of antimicrobial drugs utilized in a tertiary care Hospital of North KarnatakaMethods: A cross-sectional, observational, prospective study was undertaken to analyze the package inserts of antimicrobial drugs utilized in a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka for two months. 218 that belonged to antimicrobials were included in our study and analyzed based on criteria mentioned in Schedule D of the Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1945.Results: None of the Package Inserts analyzed by us adhered to the standard guidelines. Legibility, Approved generic name of active ingredients, and Content of active ingredient per dosage was mentioned in all. In contrast, the least mentioned criteria included References (n=2) and Retail price of the drug (n=9).Conclusion: Updating the existing ones and stricter adherence to the PI with the standard guidelines will achieve better quality and, in turn, improve health care in our society, especially by these antimicrobial agents, which can prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance.

A prospective, randomised, open label study to compare efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine and teneligliptin in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus refractory to concomitant metformin and glimepiride

Background: Diabetes mellitus is chronic, metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which over time causes both microvascular and macrovascular complications. If HbA1c target is not achieved with dual therapy then 3rd drug is added. Aims of present study were to compare efficacy and safety of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Teneligliptin in patients of T2DM who are refractory to concomitant Metformin and Glimepiride. Methods: It was interventional, randomized, prospective, parallel and open-label study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups either HCQ 400mg OD or Teneligliptin 20mg OD were added to their current treatment using Metformin 1gm BD and Glimepiride 4 mg OD as 3rd drug. Follow up was done every 15 days for 12 weeks and underwent assessment of glycaemic parameters (FBS, PPG, HbA1c), LFT, RFT, CBC, ADRs and VAS in addition to anthropometric parameters. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, HCQ group showed statistically (p<0.05) better improvement in BMI than Teneligliptin group. Both groups showed comparable improvement (p>0.05) from baseline in FBS, HbA1c, PPG and VAS score. In HCQ group there was significant number (p<0.05) of patients who achieved target glycaemic control (HbA1c ?7.5%) i.e., 56.6%, compared to 37% with Teneligliptin group. Both groups had comparable (p>0.05) safety profile with no serious adverse effects and no significant change (p>0.05) in hepatic, renal and complete blood profiles. Conclusions: On the basis of effects of HCQ on the glycaemic parameters and BMI, HCQ may be preferred over Teneligliptin in patients of T2DM who are refractory to concomitant Metformin and Glimepiride.

Study on Clinico – Etiological Co-Relation and Management Modalities in Children with Pleural Effusion

Introduction: Pleural effusion, abnormal accumulation offluid in pleural space, differ Signicantly in children from adultsin relation to etiology, management and outcome. Objective ofthis study is to identify common causes of pediatric pleuraleffusions; to describe the clinic-etiological profile and itsco-relation with radiological finding and management andearly outcome of pleural effusion in children. Study Design:Prospective Hospital based Observational study.Material and Methods: Patients with pleural effusion wereevaluated by chest X-ray and USG in all cases and CT scanthorax in difficult cases. Pleural fluid samples were analyzedfor glucose, protein, cytology and culture, CBNAAT (asand when required). Intercostal tube drainage was given inempyema cases VATS and decortications Was done in specificcase.Results: Commonest etiology of pleural effusion wasempyema (52% cases), followed by tubercular pleural effusion(26% cases). Most common organism isolated from pleuraleffusion was Mycobacterium tuberculosis (21.79%) followedby staphylococcus aureus. There is signicant correlationamong age and etiology (p value 0.015), tuberculosisoccurred more in older children and empyema occurredmore in younger children. There is no signicant correlationamong weight and etiology (p value 0.200), between genderand etiology of pleural effusion (p value >.05) in our study.There is signicant correlation of pleural fluid neutrophilcount (p value 0.001), lymphocyte count (p value 0.002)with etiology, but no correlation was seen with protein (pvalue 0.060), LDH (p value 0.353), glucose (p value 0.799)in our study. The successful management of pleural effusionlines in intravenous administration of antibiotics along withintercostals drainage tube.Conclusion: Regarding etiology of pleural effusion empyemaand tuberculosis are very commonly encountered in clinicalpractice. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen.Regardless of which treatment is used in pleural effusion, theoutcome for children is generally excellent.

Assessment of quality of life among elderly population of rural areas of Etawah district: a cross sectional study

Background: All the aspects of health status, lifestyle, life satisfaction, mental health and well-being together reflects the multidimensional nature of quality of life (QOL) in an individual. The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life among rural elderly population of Etawah district and their association with various socio demographic factors.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 elderly subjects in rural areas of Etawah district. QOL was assessed by using WHOQOL-OLD tool. Socio-demographic factors were assessed by using a self-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed by using Microsoft Excel 2010 and statistical software SPSS-22. Transformed facet sore were calculated using WHOQOL- OLD manual and Independent sample t- test were applied.Results: Majority (86%) were in the (?75) years of age. Among the study participants, 52.8% were females, 67.5% were illiterate, 72.5% belong to nuclear family. The mean scores of QOL domains was maximum in death and dying (83.20), followed by sensory ability (62.99).The lowest mean score was seen Intimacy domain (22.80). Gender, type of family, financial status and staying with partner were found to be the determinants of better QOL (p>0.05).Conclusions: The mean quality of life score was below average in intimacy domain. It was maximum in death and dying domain

Variant myopia: A new presentation?

Purpose: Variant myopia (VM) presents as a discrepancy of >1 diopter (D) between subjective and objective refraction, without the presence of any accommodative dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to create a clinical profile of VM. Methods: Fourteen eyes of 12 VM patients who had a discrepancy of >1D between retinoscopy and subjective acceptance under both cycloplegic and noncycloplegic conditions were included in the study. Fourteen eyes of 14 age- and refractive error-matched participants served as controls. Potential participants underwent a comprehensive orthoptic examination followed by retinoscopy (Ret), closed-field autorefractor (CA), subjective acceptance (SA), choroidal and retinal thickness, ocular biometry, and higher order spherical aberrations measurements. Results: In the VM eyes, a statistically and clinically significant difference was noted between the Ret and CA and Ret and SA under both cycloplegic and noncycloplegic conditions (multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance, P < 0.0001). A statistically significant difference was observed between the VM eyes, non-VM eyes, and controls for choroidal thickness in all the quadrants (Univariate ANOVA P < 0.05). The VM eyes had thinner choroids (197.21 � 13.04 ?) compared to the non-VM eyes (249.25 � 53.70 ?) and refractive error-matched controls (264.62 � 12.53 ?). No statistically significant differences between groups in root mean square of total higher order aberrations and spherical aberration were observed. Conclusion: Accommodative etiology does not play a role in the refractive discrepancy seen in individuals with the variant myopic presentation. These individuals have thinner choroids in the eye with variant myopic presentation compared to the fellow eyes and controls. Hypotheses and clinical implications of variant myopia are discussed.

Comparison of shear bond strength of self‑etching fluoride releasing adhesives with and without pumice prophylaxis.

Context: Despite the advances in orthodontic material and treatment mechanics, the placement of fixed appliances increases the risk of enamel demineralization. The development of fluoride release adhesives has attracted considerable interests because the combined use of antimicrobials and fluoride enhances the cariostatic effect. Aim: To compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of fluoride release adhesives with established orthodontic adhesives and assess failure mode using adhesive remnant index (ARI). Settings and Design: The present study included 80 maxillary premolars which were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) and were further subdivided into two subgroups A ‑ Pumice prophylaxis (PP) and subgroup B ‑ No PP (n = 10). Materials and Methods: Stainless steel brackets were bonded with Transbond XT, Transbond plus (TP) color change adhesive, Light Bond, and Clearfil protect bond. After debonding, the ARI was used to assess the mode of bracket failure. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using two‑way analysis of variance, Post‑hoc Tukey Honest significant differences test, and Chi‑square test. Results: The mean SBS of Group 4 was comparably higher regardless of PP. Brackets bonded with TP showed a comparable SBS to conventional Transbond XT. The ARI scores were predominately 2. Conclusions: Fluoride releasing adhesives combined with antibacterial monomer can play a vital role in reducing white spot lesions by enhancing the cariostatic effect especially in noncompliant\medically compromised patients.

Significance of Expression of PSP94 Isoforms in Etiology of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer.

Background: Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 Amino Acids (PSP94) level is known to increase in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and decrease in prostate cancer (PCa). However, there has not been a consensus on the abundance and significance of the different isoforms of PSP94 during the development of BPH and PCa. Methods: Benign and malignant prostate tissue was ascertained histologically. Biplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR were employed to quantitate the two isoforms, PSP94 (MSMB1) and PSP57 (MSMB2). Results: Higher abundance of both MSMB1 and MSMB2 transcripts was observed in BPH as compared to PCa. Further, there was a strong positive correlation between the transcript levels of these isoforms, MSMB1 and MSMB2, in samples from both BPH and PCa patients. Conclusions: PSP57 (MSMB2) transcript may not be involved in the development of BPH or PCa and could have a physiological role in prostate cells.

Congenital Hypothyroidism Screening with Umbilical Cord Blood: Retrospective Analysis.

Incidence of congenital hypothyroidism varies across countries and different geographic regions. A retrospective analysis of cord blood thyroid stimulating hormone values, and their subsequent follow-up, was done in a tertiary-care center in Kerala, India. Congenital hypothyroidism was found at the rate of 1 in 244, which is higher than reported incidence from other centers.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A rare entity.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome(PRES) is a proposed reversible cliniconeuroradiological entity characterized by headache, altered mental status, cortical blindness, seizures, focal neurological signs and a diagnostic magnetic resonance image showing multiple hyperintense signal in cortical and subcortical white matter. We report a case of 25 year female who presented 2 days postdelivery with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Early diagnosis with MRI showing bilateral parietal and occipital hyperintensities and treatment with manitol, antiepileptics and supportive measure, the syndrome was fully reversible. Clinicians as well as radiologists should be familiar with this clinically frightening, underdiagnosed condition to assure timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent persistent neurological deficits.

Experimental Evaluation of the Anti-Ulcer Activity of Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Seed Extract in Wistar Albino Rats.

Peptic ulcer disease is a common condition of present day life, and its incidence is markedly increasing. The available drugs for the treatment are associated with adverse effects. Hence, there is a need for newer and better treatment for the same. Objectives: To evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Vitis Vinifera (seed) by Water Immersion stress induced gastric ulcer model in Wistar albino rats using two doses (100, 200mg/kg body weight.) Methods: The antiulcer activity was assessed by estimating gastric volume, pH, free and total acidity; ulcer number and its inhibition, gastric lesion, ulcer severity and ulcer index; and comparing it with the control groups. Results: The present study revealed that grape seed extract of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the gastric volume, ulcer number, gastric lesion and severity. The ulcer index was 45.33 and 36.66 for 100 and 200mg/kg respectively. Ulcer inhibition for 100 and 200 mg/kg group was 32.79% and 44.86% when compared with the control group. Ulcer protection with 100 and 200mg/kg was 29.21% and 39.82% when compared with the control group. Conclusion: This present study indicates that Vitis vinifera seed extract have potential anti-ulcer activity in the model tested.

CD44: A key player in breast cancer.

CD44 is a principal transmembrane hyluronate receptor, which acts as a hook between Extracellular Matrix and the cytoskeleton. CD44 is up regulated in breast cancer, which in turn helps in tumor progression and metastasis. There has been a lot of attention given to CD44 in recent years because of the discovery, CD44+/CD24- lineage marks breast cancer stem cells. Recent clinical and experimental findings show that CD44 is involved in the tumor associated proliferation, invasion, migration, and in many pathways involved in maintaining cancer cells which inturn are correlated with patient's survival. All these findings make CD44 as a potential target for breast cancer treatment. The methods of literature search for this article include Pubmed, BMC cancer and other printed journal article.

Comparison of shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded using two different hydrophilic primers: An in vitro study.

Context: Salivary control and maintenance of a dry operating field is a prime requisite of orthodontic bonding. Moisture insensitive primer (MIP) with a clinical significant bond strength values have a better edge over the conventional hydrophobic bonding systems. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of two hydrophilic primers with respect to conventional hydrophobic primer by comparing their shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive-failure locations after contamination with saliva and saliva substitute. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 extracted human premolars were randomly divided into five group s ; Group A (Transbond MIP/saliva substitute), Group B (Opal Primo/saliva substitute), Group C (Transbond MIP/natural saliva), Group D (Opal Primo/natural saliva), control group - Group E (Transbond XT/dry), adhesive-Transbond XT used for all five groups and bonded using stainless steel brackets. Shear forces were applied to the samples with a universal testing machine. SBSs was measured in megapascals. The mode of bond failure was determined using the adhesive remnant index (ARI). Results: The mean SBS produced by Transbond MIP was higher than Opal Primo, which was statistically significant according to one-way analysis of variance. Both the tested groups showed lesser bond strength values than Transbond XT (the control). ARI scores revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the site of bond failure between study groups. ARI scores were found to be lower for study groups suggesting adhesive failure, compared to higher ARI scores for the control group suggesting cohesive failure. Conclusion: Transbond XT adhesive with Transbond MIP or Opal Primo have clinically acceptable bond strength in wet fields. Opal Primo is a viable option to use as a hydrophilic primer clinically.

Hydrobiogical Parameters Studies of the Alagankulam River, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.

The present study was carried out to determine the pysico-chemical characteristics and nutrients in two stations of Alagankulam River, Ramanathapuram, and South East Coast of India during January to December 2012. All the pysico-chemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods (Apha, 1998). The minimum and maximum values of water temperature (°c), Dissolved oxygen (mg/lit), Salinity (ppt), PH, Calcium (mg/lit) was 26-35 (Station 1), 26-35 (Station 2), 5.0-7.1 (S1), 5.0-7.1 (S2), 0.01-0.06 (S1), 0.02-0.07 (S2), 7.0-8.2 (S1), 7.2-8.3 (S2), 22.1-29.4 (S1), 19.9-26,2 (S2) respectively. The range of Alkalinity (mg/lit), Silicate (mg/lit), Sulphate (mg/lit), Chloride (mg/lit), Ammonia (mg/lit), Phosphate (mg/lit) and nitrite (mg/lit) was 16.1-28.6 (S1), 18.5-26.8 (S2), 0.13-2.28 (S1), 0.81-1.74 (S2), 26.13-41.29 (S1), 28.9-49.70(S2), 6.1-8.7(S1), 5.5-7.9 (S2), 0.2-1.9 (S1), 0.2-1.9 (S2), 3.3-9.2 (S1), 1.3-8.5 (S2), 13-28 (S1) and 12-27 (S2) respectively.