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The issue of post-harvest deterioration in fruits and vegetables constitutes a critical concern, especially given the rising global food security challenges. The aim of this review article is to present a comprehensive examination of the diverse facets contributing to the deterioration of these valuable food resources, ranging from biological and environmental factors to economic implications and current preservation methods. One area of focus involves scrutinizing the gaps in the current body of knowledge, particularly the intricate molecular mechanisms governing enzymatic activity and microbial spoilage. Recent developments in technology also present intriguing possibilities for future research. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in monitoring the quality of stored produce by predicting the onset of spoilage using complex algorithms. This work also delves into the prospects of employing the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time assessment and control of storage conditions, which could revolutionize supply chain management and significantly minimize deterioration during transport. Another exciting avenue lies in the utilization of novel packaging materials especially those which are biodegradable and may be imbued with natural preservatives, a move that aligns well with global sustainability goals. Any such technological advancements must be scrutinized in the context of existing food safety standards and regulations, both at the national and international levels. These standards govern everything from permissible microbial activity levels to waste management, and are dictated by organizations such as the FDA and EFSA, as well as international frameworks like the Codex Alimentarius.
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Post-harvest physiological disorders in citrus fruit crops (Citrus spp.) present significant challenges that impact both the economic and environmental aspects of global agriculture. This comprehensive review explored various dimensions of the subject, ranging from the description and classification of major disorders, such as chilling injury, rind staining, water loss, and mold, to the innovative detection and diagnostic techniques being employed in the industry. Through an extensive examination of prevention and management strategies, the review sheds light on pre-harvest factors, post-harvest treatments, and the role of modern technologies and agronomic practices in mitigating these disorders. It also delves into the economic losses and environmental consequences linked to different management approaches, underlining the need for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. A particular focus is given to the emerging trends and technologies in the field, including nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and natural treatments, all of which signal a shift towards a more integrated and sustainable management approach. By identifying current research gaps and the necessary future research direction, the review highlights opportunities for innovation and collaboration among growers, researchers, and policymakers. In addition, it emphasizes the broader implications of these disorders and their management on global trade, labor markets, and regulatory landscapes. This review serves as a valuable reference for stakeholders in the citrus industry, providing insights and guidance on best practices, technological advancements, and future perspectives. It represents an essential step towards aligning the citrus production with global sustainability goals and fostering a resilient industry capable of adapting to the ever-changing demands and challenges of the modern world.
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Background: In developing countries lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a major cause of death in children. Various risk factors like low birth weight, malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, lack of breastfeeding, poor socioeconomic status, large family size, young age and air pollution have been proposed for development of lower respiratory infections. Anemia is one of the commonest cofactor of LRTI.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 150 children in the age group of 2 months-5 years who attended the department of paediatrics during February 2021 to July 2022. Accordingly, 75 cases of LRTI and 75 normal controls (age and gender matched) were enrolled. Their parents were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Blood investigations were done and documented in a proforma.
Results: On studying the age distribution, maximum children were in the age group of 1-3 years. Male preponderance was found with male: female ratio being 1.27:1. Study shows that 74.67% of the cases and 34.67% of the controls were found anemic. Anemia was found to be a significant risk factor for LRTI (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Anemia was significantly found in patients with LRTIs and these patients were found to be more susceptible to LRTIs. Prevention of anemia, due to whatever etiology, early diagnosis and treatment is important to reduce the incidence of LRTIs in children.
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Background: Sepsis is defined as “life-threatening organ dysfunction, caused by a dysregulated host response to infection”. Neonatal sepsis is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is difficult. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective to assess the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin as marker of neonatal sepsis and its comparison with C-reactive protein.Methods: The present study was a hospital-based descriptive comparative study. A total of 59 neonates were enrolled. All suspected neonates for the sepsis admitted to NICU were enrolled in study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed clinical examination was done. Blood sample was collected for procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and blood culture. Statistical analysis was performed.Results: In our study diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was sensitivity (88.46%), specificity (87.88%), positive predictive value (85.19%), negative predictive value (90.63%) and diagnostic accuracy (88.14%). Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was sensitivity (88.46%), specificity (69.70%), positive predictive value (69.70%), negative predictive value (88.46%) and diagnostic accuracy (77.97%). Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin is maximum followed by C-reactive protein.Conclusions: In our study all patient with gram negative organism were procalcitonin positive whereas 50% Staphylococcus aureus were procalcitonin positive and in candida positive cases out of 6 cases, 5 (83.3%) were procalcitonin positive.
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Background: Microalbuminuria is multifactorial and it is an important marker for diabetic nephropathy. The aim of thestudy was to assess the incidenceand association of serum magnesium levels, serum uric acid levels and microalbuminuria in patients with type 2DM. Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study conducted for a period of 2 years from October 2015 to September 2017, where the patients diagnosed as type 2 DM admitted in AJIMS were taken up for the study. All the patients’ blood sample was sent for estimation of serum magnesium, serum uric acid, FBS, PPBS, HBA1C and urine spot albumin:creatinine ratio. Results:In our study, out of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes, 79 patients had microalbuminuria. Out of these, 83.3% (N=75) was having hypomagnesemia (p<0.000) associated with microalbuminuria. Hyperuricemia was seen in 63% (N=63) of the population but 79.4% (N=50) hyperuricemics were associated with microalbuminuria(p<0.000).Conclusions:There was a significant microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 DM, with reduced serum Mg levels and elevated serum uric acid levels ascompared with patients who had serum Mg and uric acid levels withinthe normalrange.
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Background & objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and other systems disease. Studies describing liver involvement and liver function test (LFT) abnormalities are sparse from our population. This study was undertaken to estimate the LFT abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care set up in India. Methods: In this retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai, India, all consecutive patients with proven COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase–PCR from March 23 to October 31, 2020 were enrolled. Of the 3280 case records profiled, 1474 cases were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters and outcomes were recorded. Results: Overall 681 (46%) patient had deranged LFTs. Hepatocellular type of injury was most common (93%). Patients with deranged LFTs had more probability of developing severe disease (P<0.001) and mortality (P<0.001). Advanced age (P<0.001), male gender (P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (P<0.001), lower oxygen saturation levels at admission (P<0.001), higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (P<0.001), history of diabetes mellitus and cirrhosiss were associated with deranged LFTs. Acute liver injury was seen in 65 (4.3%) cases on admission and 57 (3.5%) cases during hospital stay. On multivariate analysis for predicting mortality, age >60 yr serum creatinine >2 mg%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio ?200 and raised AST >50 IU/l (OR: 2.34, CI: 1.59-3.48, P<0.001) were found to be significant. Interpretation & conclusions: In COVID-19, LFT abnormalities were common, and derangement increased as severity progressed. The presence of deranged LFT worsens the clinical outcome and predicts in-hospital mortality.
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Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of two psychological intervention techniques (reading – writing therapy vs. games – narrative therapy) using motivational intervention alone as a control among tobacco addicts. Materials and Method: This randomized control trial was conducted over a period of 6 months from April to September 2013 at a de-addiction center in Madhya Pradesh, India. Patients with moderate-to-high levels of dependence as determined by Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) admitted for treatment in a de-addiction center were recruited. A cluster randomization technique was used for allocation of participants to three different groups. Group allocation was concealed from investigator and done by coordinator. Three interventions were group A – motivational intervention alone, group B – games and story therapy along with motivational intervention, and group C – reading and writing therapy along with motivational intervention. Interventions were applied for 1 month. Two postintervention follow-ups (one at the time of discharge and one after 1 month following discharge) were done to assess level of dependence using FTND besides undertaking urine cotinine analysis among three randomly selected participants in each group. Results: A total of 82 participants (28 in group A, 27 each in groups B and C) completed the study. Eighty-one (98.8%) participants had complete abstinence at the end of 1 month with no significant difference in the success rate between different categories (P = 0.357). At the end of 1 month following discharge from center, only 7 participants (8.5%) had complete abstinence and 51 participants (62.2%) had partial reduction and remaining 24 participants (29.3%) were considered failures with no difference between three groups (P = 0.768). Conclusion: Although overall abstinence was low (8.5%), all intervention techniques were equally effective in at least reducing level of dependence with no significant difference in their efficacy.