Prevalence of poor body image and its correlation with self-esteem and depression in middle-aged women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of poor body image and its influence on low self-esteem and depression in middle-aged women. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey of 372 women using a predesigned online questionnaire. Main outcome measures were mean scores on the nine-point body image scale (BIS) and prevalence of poor body image (BIS ≥ 10). Significant sociodemographic, physical and mental health predictors of BIS ≥ 10 were established using logistic regression analysis. Correlation of body image with self-esteem, assessed by Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, and depression, assessed by Beck's Depression Inventory, was established using Pearson's correlation coefficient and the odds ratios were determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean scores obtained for body image were 5.52 (standard deviation 4.82) and the prevalence of BIS ≥ 10 was 17.4%. Significant predictors of poor body image were education status (0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39-0.89), body mass index (2.26, 95% CI = 1.12-4.55), social support structure (0.35, 95% CI = 0.16-0.79), diagnosis of mental illness (3.74, 95% CI = 1.31-10.66) and perception of menopause (positive vs. negative: 0.20, 95% CI = 0.07-0.55). Body image scores correlated with self-esteem (r = -0.46; 95% CI = -0.54 to -0.38) and depression (r = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.52-0.65). BIS ≥ 10 significantly increased the odds of low self-esteem (5.71; 95% CI = 2.66-12.26) and depression (11.25; 95% CI = 4.9-27.7). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of poor body image in middle-aged women was 17.4%. This strongly correlated with low self-esteem and depression. A lower education status, higher body mass index, a negative perception of menopause, poor social support structure and a history of mental health diagnosis increased the odds of poor body image prevalence in middle-aged women.

Review of ultrasound combinations with hybrid and innovative techniques for extraction and processing of food and natural products.

Ultrasound has a significant effect on the rate of various processes in food, perfume, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, bio-fuel, materials, or fine chemical industries, despite some shortcomings. Combination with other conventional or innovative techniques can overcome these limitations, enhance energy, momentum and mass transfer, and has been successfully demonstrated in many recent studies. Various ultrasound combined hybrid and innovative techniques are systematically summarized in this review for the first time. Ultrasound can be combined with diverse conventional techniques including Soxhlet, Clevenger, enzyme, hydrotropes, ionic liquids, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) or Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), to enhance mixing and micro-mixing, reduced thermal and concentration gradients, and selective extraction. Moreover, combinations of ultrasound with other innovative techniques such as microwave, extrusion, supercritical fluid, subcritical and pressure liquids, Instant controlled pressure drop (DIC), Pulsed Electric Field (PEF), Ultra-Violet (UV) or Infra-Red (IR) radiations, Counter-current chromatography (CCC), or centrifugal partition chromatographs (CPC) can enable reduced equipment size, faster response to process control, faster start-up, increased production, and elimination of process steps. The theories and applications of these ultrasound combined hybrid and innovative techniques as well as their advantages and limitations are compared, and further perspectives are proposed. This review provides new insights into advances in ultrasound combined techniques and their application at research, educational, and industrial level in modern food and plant-based chemistry.

Appearance of Temporal and Spatial Chaos in an Ecological System: A Mathematical Modeling Study.

The ecological theory of species interactions rests largely on the competition, interference, and predator-prey models. In this paper, we propose and investigate a three-species predator-prey model to inspect the mutual interference between predators. We analyze boundedness and Kolmogorov conditions for the non-spatial model. The dynamical behavior of the system is analyzed by stability and Hopf bifurcation analysis. The Turing instability criteria for the Spatio-temporal system is estimated. In the numerical simulation, phase portrait with time evolution diagrams shows periodic and chaotic oscillations. Bifurcation diagrams show the very rich and complex dynamical behavior of the non-spatial model. We calculate the Lyapunov exponent to justify the dynamics of the non-spatial model. A variety of patterns like interference, spot, and stripe are observed with special emphasis on Beddington-DeAngelis function response. These complex patterns explore the beauty of the spatio-temporal model and it can be easily related to real-world biological systems.

Plastid-mediated singlet oxygen in regulated cell death.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation within a cell is a natural process of specific subcellular components involved in redox reactions. Within a plant cell, chloroplasts are one of the major sources of ROS generation. Plastid-generated ROS molecules include singlet oxygen (1 O2 ), superoxide radical (O2 - ), hydroxyl radical (OH• ) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), which are produced mainly during photochemical reactions of photosynthesis and chlorophyll biosynthetic process. Under normal growth and developmental, generated ROS molecules act as a secondary messenger controlling several metabolic reactions; however, perturbed environmental conditions lead to multi-fold amplification of cellular ROS that eventually kill the target cell. To maintain homeostasis between production and scavenging of ROS, the cell has instituted several enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant machineries to maintain ROS at a physiological level. Among chloroplastic ROS molecules, excess generation of singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) is highly deleterious to the cell metabolic functions and survival. Interestingly, within cellular antioxidant machinery, enzymes involved in detoxification of 1 O2 are lacking. Recent studies suggest that under optimal concentrations, 1 O2 acts as a signalling molecule and drives the cell to either the acclimation pathway or regulated cell death (RCD). Stress-induced RCD is a survival mechanism for the whole plant, while the involvement of chloroplasts and chloroplast-localized molecules that execute RCD are not well understood. In this review, we advocate for participation of chloroplasts-generated 1 O2 in signalling and RCD in plants.

Applications of nonthermal plasma technology on safety and quality of dried food ingredients.

Cold plasma technology is an efficient, environmental-friendly, economic and noninvasive technology; and in recent years these advantages placed this novel technology at the centre of diverse studies for food industry applications. Dried food ingredients including spices, herbs, powders and seeds are an important part of the human diet; and the growing demands of consumers for higher quality and safe food products have led to increased research into alternative decontamination methods. Numerous studies have investigated the effect of nonthermal plasma on dried food ingredients for food safety and quality purposes. This review provides critical review on potential of cold plasma for disinfection of dried food surfaces (spices, herbs and seeds), improvement of functional and rheological properties of dried ingredients (powders, proteins and starches). The review further highlights the benefits of plasma treatment for enhancement of seeds performance and germination yield which could be applied in agricultural sector in near future. Different studies applying plasma technology for control of pathogens and spoilage micro-organisms and modification of food quality and germination of dried food products followed by benefits and current challenges are presented. However, more systemic research needs to be addressed for successful adoption of this technology in food industry.

Innovative processing strategies and technologies to obtain hydrocolloids from macroalgae for food applications.

The macroalgal hydrocolloid industry is a rapidly growing industry with an annual growth in the global production of 2-3 %. Hydrocolloids from macroalgae are mainly in the form of polysaccharides with other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Due to its potential industrial applications, macroalgae have been used as raw materials for hydrocolloids extraction. Compared to the conventional extraction methods, emerging innovative assisted extraction technologies (e.g., Ultrasound/Microwave assisted extraction) have been developed to maximise the extraction yields, efficiency and thereby, maintaining sustainability along the process. These novel techniques are considered as clean and green strategies, with a potential for a large-scale production; thus, avoiding or reducing the use of chemicals. However, more research is required to establish their mechanism of action in order to finally implement them at industrial level. This paper reviews the most relevant strategies and technologies involved in the production of hydrocolloids from macroalgae.

Inactivation efficacy and mechanisms of plasma activated water on bacteria in planktonic state.

AIMS: The study aimed to investigate the inactivation efficacy and mechanisms of plasma activated water (PAW) on selected bacteria in planktonic state. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma activated water was generated using an atmospheric cold plasma jet at 15, 22 and 30 kV for 5 min. Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Shewanella putrefaciens were selected as the representative bacterial species. Each bacterial suspension was inoculated into PAW immediately after generation, and the viable counts at different exposure times of 0·5, 1, 3, 5 and 24 h during 4°C storage were measured to determine the inactivation efficacy. Scanning electron microscopy images of the bacteria were conducted to examine the structural changes. Physicochemical properties of PAW, including pH, conductivity, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), and reactive species of H2 O2 , NO2 - and NO3 - were measured. The results demonstrated that inactivation efficacy was in positive correlation with voltage and exposure time. Gram-negative bacteria were more susceptible to PAW than Gram-positive bacteria. Morphology damage was observed for all the bacterial species. PAW was significantly acidified, conductivity and ORP were significantly increased, and reactive species were detectable after 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: This study offered a better understanding of the inactivation mechanisms of PAW, and the inactivation efficacy can be affected by voltage, exposure time and bacterial species. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrated the potential usage of PAW as an alternative disinfectant.

Utilisation of waste medicine wrappers as an efficient low-cost electrode material for microbial fuel cell.

Waste generation from healthcare facilities now has become a concerning issue as it contain plastic and metals. Medicine wrappers are one of the major portions of healthcare solid waste, which impel intensive solid waste management practice due to fewer possibilities of deriving by-products. However, it can be recycled and used as an electrode material in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). An electrode material for application in MFCs is a crucial component, which governs total fabrication cost as well as power recovery, thus a cost-effective, stable and durable electrode is essential. In this endeavour, a new metallic (aluminium) waste material, a waste medicine wrapper (WMW), was evaluated for feasibility to be used as anode/cathode in MFCs. Based on the stability test under corrosive environment (1 N KCl), the WMW electrode sustained a maximum current of 46 mA during cyclic voltammetry (CV) and noted only 14% reduction in current at an applied voltage of +0.4 V after 2500 s in chronoamperometry, indicating its good stability. Power recovery from MFC using WMW was higher than the MFC using bare carbon felt as an anode (27 vs. 21 mW/m2). The entire analytical test results viz. CV, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and power performance established WMW as an excellent anode rather than cathode material.

Green Synthesis of Cr3+ Doped CaIn2O4-Carbon Hybrid Nanostructure and Its Light Absorption and Emission Properties.

In this research article, we have used a novel route for synthesis of a greenish phosphor C-CaIn2O4 doped with Cr3+ ions using green plant (aloe vera gel) and measured its light absorption and emission properties. Our main aim was to enhance the light absorption and emission properties of undoped C-CaIn2O4 in order to widen its applications. The introduction of CrO3 ions can produce Cr ion defects that favor charge balance in Cr3+:C-CaIn2O4 to facilitate its photoluminescence. The effect of doping in core-shell nanostructure can effectively transfer energy from charge-transfer absorption band of optical host material to characteristic transition of Cr3+ ions, utilizing more energy from host absorption for the photoluminescence of Cr3+ ions. As-prepared Cr3+:C-CaIn2O4 exhibits two bands at 270 nm and 370 nm, which are shifted to at 265 and 370 nm when it is annealed at higher dosage of Cr3+ ions. These are the ligand-to-metal O2- to Cr3+ charge transfer bands. The light-emission is studied in analyzing migration, transfer and recombination processes of light-induced e--h+ pairs. The results are described in correlation to a Cr3+:C-CaIn2O4 core-shell nanostructure.

Synthesis of Broad Band Violet-Blue Light-Emitting Core-Shell Cr3+:C-CaIn2O4 Nanowires.

We developed a simple, effective and green method for synthesis of broad band violet-blue lightemitting core-shell Cr3+:C-CaIn²O4 nanowires (1-10 mol% of Cr3+) using aloe vera nectar. Calcium indate (CaIn²O4) is an important wideband gap semiconductor that could be explored for optical doping such as transition metals and/or rare-earths useful to make light-emitters, optical data storage, and other devices. The nectar embeds the cations in a gel so as it controls an ionic conversion Cr6+ to Cr3+ in ambient air. When grafting a carbon layer on surface of Cr3+:CaIn²O4 crystallites it yields a core-shell structure of tailored dielectric, optical and other properties. Asprepared Cr3+:CaIn²O4-C exhibits two bands at 270 nm and 360 nm, which got shifted-to at 265 and 370 nm when annealed at higher dosage of Cr3+ ions. These are the ligand-to-metal O2- to Cr3+ charge transfer bands. We studied the light-emission properties in analyzing migration, transfer and recombination processes of light-induced e--h+ pairs in detail in correlation to a Cr3+:CaIn²O4-C core-shell nanostructure.

Pallister-Killian syndrome: Review of fetal phenotype.

Pallister-Killian syndrome is a multi-system sporadic disorder with developmental delay. It is a rare chromosomal abnormality involving supernumerary isochormosome 12p. The disorder exhibits tissue specific mosaicism. The first prenatal diagnosis of PKS was reported in 1985 after ultrasound detection of fetal anomalies. Since this observation, there have been about 62 reports of fetuses with PKS. In this review, we cover the prenatal aspects of PKS.

State of the art of nonthermal and thermal processing for inactivation of micro-organisms.

Despite the constant development of novel thermal and nonthermal technologies, knowledge on the mechanisms of microbial inactivation is still very limited. Technologies such as high pressure, ultraviolet light, pulsed light, ozone, power ultrasound and cold plasma (advanced oxidation processes) have shown promising results for inactivation of micro-organisms. The efficacy of inactivation is greatly enhanced by combination of conventional (thermal) with nonthermal, or nonthermal with another nonthermal technique. The key advantages offered by nonthermal processes in combination with sublethal mild temperature (<60°C) can inactivate micro-organisms synergistically. Microbial cells, when subjected to environmental stress, can be either injured or killed. In some cases, cells are believed to be inactivated, but may only be sublethally injured leading to their recovery or, if the injury is lethal, to cell death. It is of major concern when micro-organisms adapt to stress during processing. If the cells adapt to a certain stress, it is associated with enhanced protection against other subsequent stresses. One of the most striking problems during inactivation of micro-organisms is spores. They are the most resistant form of microbial cells and relatively difficult to inactivate by common inactivation techniques, including heat sterilization, radiation, oxidizing agents and various chemicals. Various novel nonthermal processing technologies, alone or in combination, have shown potential for vegetative cells and spores inactivation. Predictive microbiology can be used to focus on the quantitative description of the microbial behaviour in food products, for a given set of environmental conditions.

Extended Spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) Producing Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Urinary Pathogens in a Children Hospital from Nepal.

Background Multidrug resistant in clinical bacterial isolates has increasingly been reported through out the world and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and increased health care costs. It is important to determine the status of multidrug resistance pattern to understand the current resistance trend so that appropriate antibiotics can be used in practice. Objective To determine the antibiotic resistant profile and prevalence of extended spectrum ß-lactamase producing multidrug resistant strains in pediatric patients of Kanti Children's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Method Urine sample was cultured by standard microbiological techniques and bacterial isolates were identified using different biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and extended spectrum ß-lactamase detection was carried out using combined disc method as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Result All together 65 different bacteria were isolated and subsequently identified. E. coli was the most common isolate with 46 (71%) isolates 63% of these isolates were multidrug resistant. Gram negative isolates were most resistant to nalidixic acid (81.97%) followed by ampicillin (69.35%) and co-trimoxazole (69.35%). The extended spectrum ß-lactamase producing isolates were 43% among total isolates. Conclusion Higher rate of Extended Spectrum ß-lactamase production among multidrug resistant isolates suggested routine extended spectrum ß-lactamase testing in clinical isolates.

Establishing communication mechanism for malaria prevention in Baiga tribal villages in Baiga Chak area of Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Malaria is a serious public health concern in several parts of India, particularly in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh (MP). Dindori district inhabitated by Baiga tribe, contributes about 15 per cent to the total malaria burden in MP. The tribal and other local inhabitants believe in magico-religious treatment of malaria and use modern health facilities only as second line of treatment. The present study was planned in the villages of one of the particularly vulnerable tribal group of MP, the Baigas. The objective of the study was to generate awareness and utilization of health services for malaria by establishing a communication strategy using local students and unemployed youths as agents of change. METHODS: The study was undertaken in 47 villages and the need based IEC (information, education and communication) intervention was evaluated within four months of initiation by adopting before and after with control design. For both baseline and resurvey the households covered each time were 2350. RESULTS: The baseline data generated revealed that around 53 per cent of the people in the study villages were aware of malaria. Among the non Baigas, 59 per cent were aware of malaria, while among the Baigas it was 49 per cent. IEC intervention could raise the level of awareness to malaria significantly with a net intervention effect of 23 per cent. The IEC intervention also improved the utilization of modern health services significantly. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The IEC strategy designed by using local children and youths was effective as the malaria was on decline in the study area. The same strategy with necessary modifications may be replicated in other areas pandemic for malaria.

Could capsaicinoids help to support weight management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of energy intake data.

OBJECTIVE: Capsaicinoids are a group of chemicals naturally occurring in chilli peppers with bioactive properties that may help to support weight management. The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the potential effects of capsaicinoids on energy intake, to clarify previous observations and form evidence-based conclusions about possible weight management roles. METHODS: Medical databases (Medline, Web of Knowledge and Scopus) were systematically searched for papers. Search terms were: 'capsaicin(*)' or 'red pepper' or 'chilli(*)' or 'chili(*)' with 'satiety' or 'energy intake'. Of the seventy-four clinical trials identified, 10 were included, 8 of which provided results suitable to be combined in analysis (191 participants). From the studies, 19 effect sizes were extracted and analysed using MIX meta-analysis software. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that capsaicinoid ingestion prior to a meal reduced ad libitum energy intake by 309.9kJ (74.0kcal) p<0.001 during the meal. Results, however, should be viewed with some caution as heterogeneity was high (I(2)=75.7%). Study findings suggest a minimum dose of 2mg of capsaicinoids is needed to contribute to reductions in ad libitum energy intake, which appears to be attributed to an altered preference for carbohydrate-rich foods over foods with a higher fat content. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-anlysis findings suggest that daily consumption of capsaicinoids may contribute to weight management through reductions in energy intake. Subsequently, there may be potential for capsaicinoids to be used as long-term, natural weight-loss aids. Further long-term randomised trials are now needed to investigate these effects.

Ultrasound assisted hydration of navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris).

The use of ultrasound to enhance the transport phenomena in food processes has been well recognised in recent times. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sonication on hydration rate and pasting profile of navy beans. The hydration kinetics for control and ultrasound assisted soaking was mathematically described using mechanistic (Fickian diffusion) and empirical (Peleg's equation, Weibull model and First Order equation) models. Ultrasound enhanced the rate of hydration which was evident from the plot of kinetic data and model parameters. The effective diffusivities for water transport without and with ultrasound application were estimated to be 1.36×10(-10) m(2)/s and 2.19×10(-10) m(2)/s respectively, considering Fickian diffusion. The Weibull model was concluded to best predict the hydration kinetics of navy beans in an ultrasonic field. Significant increase in peak viscosity of sonicated bean powder was observed compared to control.

Computational classification of mitochondrial shapes reflects stress and redox state.

Dynamic variations in mitochondrial shape have been related to function. However, tools to automatically classify and enumerate mitochondrial shapes are lacking, as are systematic studies exploring the relationship of such shapes to mitochondrial stress. Here we show that during increased generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), mitochondria change their shape from tubular to donut or blob forms, which can be computationally quantified. Imaging of cells treated with rotenone or antimycin, showed time and dose-dependent conversion of tubular forms to donut-shaped mitochondria followed by appearance of blob forms. Time-lapse images showed reversible transitions from tubular to donut shapes and unidirectional transitions between donut and blob shapes. Blobs were the predominant sources of mtROS and appeared to be related to mitochondrial-calcium influx. Mitochondrial shape change could be prevented by either pretreatment with antioxidants like N-acetyl cysteine or inhibition of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. This work represents a novel approach towards relating mitochondrial shape to function, through integration of cellular markers and a novel shape classification algorithm.

Status of pathology professionals.

BACKGROUND: The status of basic, general and specialist workforces in pathology services in Nepal needs to be defined and explored for better pathology services. The objective of the study was to find out the status of laboratory medicine professionals (pathology workforces) and the regulation of ethics and limitations of the different level of workforces. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by observing and taking interview with the head of the clinical private institutions from August 2008 to January 2009. A total of 373 private pathology laboratories and the workforces working over there were included in the study. RESULTS: The workforces heading private pathology services showed that 153 (41%) of laboratories were headed by laboratory assistant, 79 (21%) by laboratory technician, 90 (24%) by (medical technologist) pathology officer, 30 (8%) by histocytopathologist and 21 (6%) by non pathology professionals. Officer level Pathology workforce (eligible to work independently) was 113 (30%) whereas 260 (70%) of laboratories had no such workforces. Intermediate level Pathology workforce (eligible to work dependently and for some investigation independently) was 34% (127/373) where as 66% (246/373) of laboratories were lacking such workforces. Specialist level (MD/M. Sc) workforces in histocytopathology, clinical microbiology and cytopatholgy & hematology were 43 (11%), 10 (3%) and 3 (1%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The workforces heading the private laboratories were not according to the norms of good laboratory practices. The workforces had crossed their limitations and ethical barrier in performing pathological investigations which did not abide by the rules and regulations made by respective councils of Nepal by pathology workforces. There was intervention of non medical/clinical workforce in laboratory services especially in microbiology and biochemistry.

Capsaicinoids and capsinoids. A potential role for weight management? A systematic review of the evidence.

Capsaicinoids are a group of chemicals found in chilli peppers, with bioactive properties. The purpose of this study is to systematically review research investigating the potential benefits capsaicinoid compounds may have in relation to weight management. Medical databases were searched and 90 trials found, 20 of which were selected for inclusion, involving 563 participants. Three main areas of potential benefit for weight management were found: (1) increased energy expenditure; (2) increased lipid oxidation and (3) reduced appetite. Trial duration, dosage and sized varied, though trials were generally of high quality with a low risk of bias. It was observed that consumption of capsaicinoids increases energy expenditure by approximately 50 kcal/day, and that this would produce clinically significant levels of weight loss in 1-2 years. It was also observed that regular consumption significantly reduced abdominal adipose tissue levels and reduced appetite and energy intake. The mechanism of action is not presently fully understood, although it is well accepted much of the effects are caused by stimulation of the TRPV1 receptor. While capsaicinoids are not a magic bullet for weight loss, the evidence is that they could play a beneficial role, as part of a weight management program.

Knowledge and attitude towards tuberculosis amongst the tribal population of Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh.

A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out amongst the tribal population of Jhabuain Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1385 individuals from randomly selected villages were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Eighty five per cent respondents had knowledge of the symptoms of tuberculosis. About a quarter of the respondents were not aware of any method for preventing TB. Though majority of the respondents (68.2%) stated that TB is a curable disease, most of them (67.2%) were not aware of the DOTS programme. The study emphasizes the need for extensive health education programme to create awareness about tuberculosis in tribal population of the region.