Nutritional analysis of selected species of Alternanthera Forsskal (Amaranthaceae)

Alternanthera Forsskal (Amaranthaceae) is an underexploited genus with potent medicinal activities exhibiting biotic and abiotic tolerance, survival with basic minimal requirements, with a palatable taste and free of insecticides or pesticides. Here, we analyzed selected species of these under-utilized plants for various nutrients to enable identification of unconventional food resources. Among the species investigated, Alternanthera sessilis showed high amount of energy rich nutritional factors, such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. High content of aminoacids and flavanoids have been observed in A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides. Alternanthera versicolor recorded higher amount of vitamin A while A. tenella showed the least. Vitamin C content was predominantly high in all the species investigated. Regarding pigment composition, highest chlorophyll content was noticed in A. philoxeroides followed by A. sessilis; the least amount in A. tenella. The concentration of carotene was high in A. sessilis. With regard to antinutritional assays, A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides exhibited only low level of phytic acid and majority of them had low tannic acid content. These two species possess high nutritional and low level of antinutritional factors. All the species studied revealed comparatively high amount of phenol. With their demonstrated nutritional qualities with low level of anti-nutritional factors, it can be suggested that A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides be included in the dietary menu along with other conventional leafy vegetables. Further, these nutritive herbs can be advocated for domestication and thereby effective utilization.

25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia: a pilot study.

AIMS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transconjunctival 25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A pilot study of consecutive cases which underwent 25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven eyes of 7 patients underwent 25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia with a pledget soaked in anesthetic, for vitreous hemorrhage (2 eyes), retained cortex (1 eye) and postoperative endophthalmitis (4 eyes). Subjective pain and discomfort were graded from 0 (no pain or discomfort) to 4 (severe pain and discomfort). Patients underwent an immediate postoperative assessment, followed by day one and one week postoperative evaluation. RESULTS: All patients had grade 0 pain during the surgery. Five patients had grade 2 pain during the placement of the sclerotomies. None of the patients required any sedation during the procedure. No inadvertent eye movements were noted during surgery. Except one patient, none required postoperative analgesics. Five eyes had a favorable outcome. No eyes in this pilot study had any procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: With appropriate case selection, topical anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to infiltrative anesthesia for 25 gauge vitrectomy. A larger series of patients with a longer follow-up is required to validate the findings of this pilot study.

Digital video recording and archiving in ophthalmic surgery.

Currently most ophthalmic operating rooms are equipped with an analog video recording system [analog Charge Couple Device camera for video grabbing and a Video Cassette Recorder for recording)]. We discuss the various advantages of a digital video capture device, its archiving capabilities and our experience during the transition from analog to digital video recording and archiving. The basic terminology and concepts related to analog and digital video, along with the choice of hardware, software and formats for archiving are discussed.