Starch-based biodegradable films amended with nano-starch and tannic acid-coated nano-starch exhibit enhanced mechanical and functional attributes with antimicrobial activity.

Starch-based biofilms are biodegradable, but their application is limited by lower mechanical strength and absence of antimicrobial properties. In this context, the present study attempted to unleash the potential of nanotechnology for synthesizing nano-starch (NS) and tannic acid-coated nano-starch (T-NS) for augmenting the tensile strength and antimicrobial properties of starch-based biofilms. Moreover, this study reports one of the first such attempts to improve the commercial viability of starch extracted from the corms of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius. In this study, NS and T-NS samples were first synthesized by the physical and chemical modification of the native starch (S) molecules. The NS and T-NS samples showed significantly smaller granule size, lower moisture content, and swelling power. Further, amendments with NS and T-NS samples (25 % and 50 %) to the native starch molecules were performed to obtain biofilm samples. The NSB (NS amended) and T-NSB (T-NS amended) biofilms showed comparatively higher tensile strength than SB films (100 % starch-based). The T-NSB showed greater antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. All the biofilms showed almost complete biodegradation in soil (in 10 days). Therefore, it can be concluded that additives like NS and T-NS can improve starch-based biofilms' mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties with considerable biodegradability.

Optimization of starch extraction from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius corms using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) for improving yield with tenable chemical attributes.

The development of the extraction process for improving the starch yield from unconventional plants is emerging as a topic of interest. In this respect, the present work aimed to optimize the starch extraction from the corms of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) with the help of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The RSM model performed better than the ANN in predicting the starch yield with higher precision. In this connection, this study for the first time reports the significant improvement of starch yield from A. paeoniifolius (51.76 g/100 g of the corm dry weight). The extracted starch samples based on yield - high (APHS), medium (APMS), and low (APLS) exhibited a variable granule size (7.17-14.14 µm) along with low ash content, moisture content, protein, and free amino acid indicating purity and desirability. The FTIR analysis also confirmed the chemical composition and purity of the starch samples. Moreover, the XRD analysis showed the prevalence of C-type starch (2θ = 14.303°). Based on other physicochemical, biochemical, functional, and pasting properties, the three starch samples showed more or less similar characteristics thereby indicating the sustentation of beneficial attributes of starch molecules irrespective of the variation in extraction parameters.

A shotgun approach to explore the bacterial diversity and a brief insight into the glycoside hydrolases of Samiti lake located in the Eastern Himalayas.

BACKGROUND: The Himalayas have always been an enigma and, being biodiversity hotspots, are considered extremely important from an ecological point of view. Recent advances in studies regarding high-altitude lakes have garnered relevant importance as these habitats could harbor potential psychrophilic and psychrotrophic microbes with bio-prospective applications. Contemplating the above scenario, the present study has been undertaken to understand the diversity and the functional capacities of the microbes thriving in this lake. RESULTS: In our present study on Samiti Lake, the abundance of Proteobacteria as the major phylum was seen in both the soil and water samples. Incase of the ABSLW (water) and ABS1 (soil) sample, 148,066 and 239,754 predicted genes, were taken for functional analysis. The KEGG analysis showed that ABSLW and ABS1 had 122,911 and 160,268, genes assigned to KO terms respectively. Whereas in case of COG functional analysis, 104,334 and 130,191 genes were assigned to different COG classes for ABSLW and ABS1 respectively. Further, on studying the glycoside hydrolases, an abundance of GH13, GH2, GH3, GH43, and GH23 in both the soil and water samples were seen. CONCLUSION: Our study has provided a comprehensive report about the bacterial diversity and functional capacities of microbes thriving in Samiti Lake.  It has also thrown some light on the occurrence of glycoside hydrolases in this region, as they have numerous biotechnological applications in different sectors.

Functional characterization of thermotolerant microbial consortium for lignocellulolytic enzymes with central role of Firmicutes in rice straw depolymerization.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw, an agricultural waste of high yield, is a sustainable source of fermentable sugars for biofuel and other chemicals. However, it shows recalcitrance to microbial catalysed depolymerization. We herein describe development of thermotolerant microbial consortium (RSV) from vermicompost with ability to degrade rice straw and analysis of its metagenome for bacterial diversity, and lignocellulolytic carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes) and their phylogenetic affiliations. RSV secretome exhibited cellulases and hemicellulases with higher activity at 60 °C. It catalysed depolymerization of chemical pretreated rice straw as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and saccharification yield of 460 mg g-1 rice straw. Microbial diversity of RSV was distinct from other compost habitats, with predominance of members of phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes; and Pseudoclostridium, Thermoanaerobacterium, Chelatococcus and Algoriphagus being most abundant genera. RSV harboured 1389 CAZyme encoding ORFs of glycoside hydrolase, carbohydrate esterase, glycosyl transferase, carbohydrate binding module and auxiliary activity functions. Microorganisms of Firmicutes showed central role in lignocellulose deconstruction with importance in hemicellulose degradation; whereas representatives of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes contributed to cellulose and lignin degradation, respectively. RSV consortium could be a resource for mining thermotolerant cellulolytic bacteria or enzymes and studying their synergism in deconstruction of chemically pretreated rice straw.

Cloning and Expression of Phytase appA Gene from Shigella sp. CD2 in Pichia pastoris and Comparison of Properties with Recombinant Enzyme Expressed in E. coli.

The phytase gene appAS was isolated from Shigella sp. CD2 genomic library. The 3.8 kb DNA fragment contained 1299 bp open reading frame encoding 432 amino acid protein (AppAS) with 22 amino acid signal peptide at N-terminal and three sites of N-glycosylation. AppAS contained the active site RHGXRXP and HDTN sequence motifs, which are conserved among histidine acid phosphatases. It showed maximum identity with phytase AppA of Escherichia coli and Citrobacter braakii. The appAS was expressed in Pichia pastoris and E. coli to produce recombinant phytase rAppAP and rAppAE, respectively. Purified glycosylated rAppAP and nonglycosylated rAppAE had specific activity of 967 and 2982 U mg(-1), respectively. Both had pH optima of 5.5 and temperature optima of 60°C. Compared with rAppAE, rAppAP was 13 and 17% less active at pH 3.5 and 7.5 and 11 and 18% less active at temperature 37 and 50°C, respectively; however, it was more active at higher incubation temperatures. Thermotolerance of rAppAP was 33% greater at 60°C and 24% greater at 70°C, when compared with rAppAE. Both the recombinant enzymes showed high specificity to phytate and resistance to trypsin. To our knowledge, this is the first report on cloning and expression of phytase from Shigella sp.

Recurrent aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva - a rare presentation.

We describe here a case of a 38-year-old lady presenting with a about 5x4cm in size swelling on the left labia majora. She had similar type of swelling 2 years back which was treated surgically. FNAC report of the present mass revealed angiomyxoma. In view of its' recurrent nature wide local surgical excision of the mass was done. Histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of angiomyxoma. The lady is under follow up and there is no further recurrence till date.

Optimal timing of prophylactic antibiotic for cesarean delivery: a randomized comparative study.

AIM: Cesarean delivery is associated with a significantly higher postoperative infection rate than that following vaginal birth and other surgical procedures. This study compared whether antibiotic prophylaxis administered preoperatively was more effective in preventing infectious morbidity following cesarean delivery than administration at cord clamping. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomized comparative trial, 953 women with a period of gestation of more than 34 weeks, scheduled to have cesarean section, were randomly assigned to the prophylactic single-dose antibiotic administration either preoperatively (study group) or at cord clamping (control group). Primary outcome measure was postoperative maternal infectious morbidity and secondary outcome measures were neonatal complications, and postoperative maternal hospital stay and stay of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS: Wound complications in the form of indurations, erythema and discharge, were significantly fewer in the study group as compared to the control group (10/476 vs 25/477, P = 0.010, conditional maximum likelihood estimate of odds ratio = 0.388 and 95% confidence interval = 0.175-0.805). Women in the study group also had fewer incidents of endomyometritis when compared to the control group (1.47% vs 3.56%; P = 0.041; conditional maximum likelihood estimate of odds ratio = 0.404). There was no significant difference in neonatal outcomes between the two groups. Mean postoperative stay of mothers in hospital was significantly shorter in the study group (P = 0.009, 95% confidence interval = -0.368 to -0.052) but neonatal intensive care unit stay of neonates was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of prophylactic antibiotic at 30-60 min before skin incision resulted in better maternal outcome when infectious morbidity and postoperative hospital stay were concerned, without influencing the neonatal outcome.

A randomized comparative study on modified Joel-Cohen incision versus Pfannenstiel incision for cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: Pfanennstiel incision is the most commonly used incision for cesarean section, but may not be the best. This study compared the modified Joel-Cohen incision with the Pfannenstiel incision to evaluate whether techniques to open the abdomen might influence operative time, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomized comparative trial, 302 women with gestational age >34 weeks, requiring cesarean section, were randomly assigned to either modified Joel-Cohen incision or Pfannenstiel incision for entry into the peritoneal cavity. The primary outcome measure was total time required for performing operation and secondary outcome measures were baby extraction time, number of haemostatic procedures used in the abdominal wall, postoperative morbidity, postoperative hospital stay and neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Mean total operative time was significantly less in the modified Joel-Cohen group as compared to the Pfannenstiel group (29.81 vs 32.67 min, p<0.0001, 95%CI=2.253 to 3.467). Time taken to deliver the baby and haemostatic procedures required during operation were also significantly less in the modified Joel-Cohen group as compared to the Pfannenstiel group. Requirement of strong analgesics was higher in the Pfannenstiel group (53.64% vs 21.85%, p<0.0001). There was no statically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative wound complications but postoperative stay in hospital was significantly less in the modified Joel-Cohen group (p=0.002). Neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The modified Joel-Cohen incision for entry into peritoneal cavity during cesarean section is associated with reduced mean total operative and baby extraction times with less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay, which may be beneficial and cost effective.

A randomized comparative study on vaginal administration of acetic acid-moistened versus dry misoprostol for mid-trimester pregnancy termination.

PURPOSE: Absorption and effectiveness of vaginally administered misoprostol tablets may vary according to the medium in which it is placed. This study was directed to compare the outcomes of vaginal administrations of acetic acid-moistened misoprostol tablets with those of dry tablets for induction of second-trimester abortion. METHODS: A randomized comparative trial where 322 women at 13-20 weeks gestation, requiring medical abortion, were randomly assigned to vaginal administration of either acetic acid-moistened or dry misoprostol tablets with a dose schedule of 400 µg three-hourly, up to a maximum five doses over 24 h. The same doses were repeated for another 24 h in nonresponders. Primary outcome measure was complete abortion rate at 24 and 48 h, and the secondary outcome measures were induction-abortion interval, failure rate and side effects. A difference of 15% in success rates at 24 h was used to calculate the sample size required with a power of 0.8 at the 5% significance level. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the complete abortion rates were observed at 24 h (70.95 vs. 68.71%, P = 0.675) and at 48 h (86.49 vs. 84.35%, P = 0.604) when both groups were compared. The difference in mean induction-abortion interval was also statistically insignificant between the groups (12.5 ± 1.6 vs. 12.8 ± 1.5 h, P = 0.97). Other outcome measures were also comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: Moistening misoprostol tablets with 5% acetic acid before vaginal application creates no difference in outcomes when compared with those after the vaginal application of dry tablets for the termination of second-trimester pregnancy.

Metastatic vulvo-vaginal choriocarcinoma mimicking a Bartholin cyst and vulvar hematoma-two unusual presentations.

Metastatic choriocarcinoma may present solely as a vulvo-vaginal growth. It may pose initial diagnostic dilemmas and thus treatment delay. Two cases of metastatic choriocarcinoma which presented as vulvo-vaginal swelling are described here. Both the cases were initially misdiagnosed. Later, unresponsiveness to treatment alerted us to the possibility of metastatic choriocarcinoma. Combination chemotherapy was started following diagnosis by serum ß-HCG titer. In spite of initial responsiveness in both cases, one could not be saved due to poor compliance. Suspicion of metastatic choriocarcinoma should be kept in mind while dealing with any recent onset vulvovaginal swelling following a pregnancy. It may initially mislead the clinician due to its apparent benign appearance.

A comparative study on sublingual versus oral and vaginal administration of misoprostol for late first and early second trimester abortion.

To compare the effectiveness, side-effects and outcome of sublingual with oral and vaginal administrations of misoprostol for induction of abortion in late first and early second trimester of gestation (9 to 16 weeks), a comparative observational study was carried out among 258 women with a period of gestation between 9 and 16 weeks, scheduled to have medical abortion, and randomly allocated into three groups and offered sublingual, oral and vaginal routes of misoprostol administration (400 mcg of misoprostol 6 hourly, maximum up to four dosages) respectively. Primary outcome measure was complete abortion rate and the secondary outcome measures were incidence of cases where surgical evacuation required, failure rate and induction-abortion interval. Development of side-effects and subjective assessment of patient's comfort with the different routes of administration were also recorded. Rate of complete abortion was higher in sublingual group in comparison to oral (p = 0.0338) and vaginal route (p = 0.5627). Surgical evacuation was required in less number of cases in sublingual group. Induction-abortion interval was also least with the sublingual route le, p < or = 0.0001 (versus oral) and 0.0011 (versus vaginal). Failure rate was highest with the oral route and least with the sublingual route. The patients were least comfortable with the vaginal route. Gastro-intestinal side-effects were least with the vaginal route, but significant vaginal bleeding (> 250 ml) was little bit higher with this route. Though misoprostol is effective in inducing medical abortion irrespective of the route of administration, sublingual route gives better results as compared to oral (statistically significant) and vaginal routes (in some respects, not of much statistical significance).

A randomised comparative study on sublingual versus vaginal administration of misoprostol for termination of pregnancy between 13 to 20 weeks.

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol is the drug of choice for medical abortion worldwide but consensus is yet to be reached regarding its preferred route of administration. AIMS: To compare the outcome of sublingual with vaginal administrations of misoprostol for induction of second trimester abortion. METHODS: A randomised comparative trial where 300 women at 13-20 weeks gestation, requiring medical abortion, were randomly assigned to sublingual or vaginal route for misoprostol administration with a dose schedule of 400 microg three-hourly, up to a maximum five doses over 24 h. The same doses were repeated for another 24 h in non-responders. Primary outcome measure was complete abortion rate at 24 and 48 h, and the secondary outcome measures were induction-abortion interval, failure rate, side-effects and patients' preference to the route. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the complete abortion rates were observed at 24 h (64.03% vs 61.59%, P = 0.767) and at 48 h (79.14% vs 82.01%, P = 0.651) when sublingual and vaginal groups were compared. Mean induction-abortion intervals in sublingual and vaginal groups were 14.1 and 14.5 h, respectively (P = 0.066). Other outcome measures were also more or less similar in both groups. Differences in the incidence of side-effects were also statistically insignificant when both groups were compared. Sublingual administration of the drug was preferred by most of the women as compared to vaginal administration (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Both sublingual and vaginal administrations of misoprostol are equally effective in inducing medical abortion during second trimester but sublingual route was preferred by the patients.

Misoprostol for termination of mid-trimester post-Caesarean pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PGE1 analogue, misoprostol, for inducing abortion or labour during mid-trimester in women who have had a prior Caesarean section (one or more). STUDY DESIGN: Women who had to undergo termination of pregnancy between 13 and 26 weeks of gestation for various indications and who had at least one previous Caesarean section were studied over a period of two and a half years. The standard regimen for misoprostol in all the cases was 400 microg up to 20 weeks of gestation and 200 microg for pregnancies longer than 20 weeks, either vaginally or sublingually every six hours (up to maximum 24 h). A contemporaneous cohort of women undergoing the same procedure for similar indications but without scarred uteri served as control. RESULTS: Eighty women in the study group underwent termination procedures for unwanted pregnancy, missed abortion, fetal anomaly or fetal death. The median induction-abortion interval was 16.4 h (10-21 h) and did not differ much from that in women without previous Caesarean delivery (median: 15.6 h; range 9.6-20 h), P > 0.05. Misoprostol was found to be safe in our cohort of post-Caesarean women and there was no case of scar rupture or dehiscence. No significant differences in rates of incomplete abortions, blood loss or sepsis were detected in the study group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The use of misoprostol for mid-trimester pregnancy termination is not contraindicated in women with Caesarean scar and is effective and comparable with those in women without scarred uteri.

Vaginal Misoprostol for Cervical Priming before Gynaecological Procedures on Non Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol has been extensively researched for its use in obstetrics and has proved to be a very effective cervical softening agent before termination of pregnancy. The beneficial effects on cervical ripening may make misoprostol a desirable agent for helping cervical dilatation on non pregnant women also. The objective is to study the efficacy of preoperative vaginal application of misoprostol as cervical priming agent before gynaecological procedures on non pregnant women. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of two medical colleges. PARTICIPANTS: 468 non pregnant pre-menopausal nulli-parous or parous women scheduled to have diagnostic D&C or diagnostic hysteroscopy operations. INTERVENTIONS: 400 mcg intravaginal misoprostol (229 women) in the study group and 400 mg intravaginal metronidazole as placebo (231 women) in control group. OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures were baseline cervical width at the beginning of the procedures, the number of women who required further cervical dilatation, time taken for dilatation, side effects and other complications. RESULTS: Base line cervical width in the study group was significantly higher than control group (4.6±0.8 mm vs. 3.8±0.7 mm, p < 0.0001). 141 (61.57%) cases required further cervical dilatation in the study group compared to 206 (89.18%) in the control group (p < 0.0001). Time taken for further cervical dilatation was significantly lower in the study group compared to control group (48.3±18.4 sec vs. 68.6±17.3 sec, p < 0.0001). Cervical injury and uterine perforation occurred in 12 and 3 women respectively in the control group compared to 1 and 0 women respectively in the misoprostol group. Two most common side effects of vaginal misoprostol were mild lower abdominal pain (21%) and slight vaginal bleeding (09.2%) which were within tolerable limit. CONCLUSION: Preoperative vaginal application of misoprostol before gynaecological procedures on non pregnant women decreases the cervical resistance, facilitates the cervical dilatation and operative procedures minimizing cervical or uterine injuries.