Quantification of diffusion coefficients of commonly used high-intensity sweeteners through mucin.

Low- and no-calorie sweeteners reduce the amount of carbohydrates in foods and beverages. However, concerns about taste perception surrounding the role of non-nutritive sweeteners in the oral cavity remain unanswered. One of the parameters that influences taste perception is the diffusion coefficient of the sweetener molecules inside the mucin layer lining the mouth. This study investigated the impact of diffusion coefficients of common high-intensity sweeteners on taste perception focusing on the sweeteners' diffusion through mucin. Transwell Permeable Support well plates were used to measure diffusion coefficients of samples that were collected at specific intervals to estimate the coefficients based on concentration measurements. The diffusion coefficients of acesulfame-K, aspartame, rebaudioside M, sucralose, and sucrose with and without NaCl were compared. We found that different sweeteners show different diffusion behavior through mucin and that the presence of salt enhances the diffusion. These findings contribute insights into the diffusion of high-intensity sweeteners, offer a way to evaluate diffusion coefficients in real-time, and inform the development of products with improved taste profiles.

The relationship between MMP-2 rs243865, MMP-9 rs398242 and CXCL-12 rs1801157 gene polymorphisms with Japanese encephalitis disease and disease outcome in North Indian population.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is one of the most important causes of acute and uncontrolled inflammatory disease in Asia. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and chemokines play a detrimental role in the host response to JE disease, aetiology, and disease outcome. Evidently, MMPs are widely circulated in the brain and regulate various process including microglial activation, inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption as well as affects central nervous system (CNS). The present study was to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-2, MMP-9 and chemokine (CXCL-12/SDF1-3') in the north Indian population. METHODS: We performed case-control study comprising of 125 patients and 125 healthy controls in north Indian population. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and gene polymorphism have been determined by PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: MMP-2, MMP-9 and CXCL-12 gene was not significantly associated with JE disease, but homozygous (T/T) genotype of MMP-2 was statically associated with disease outcome (p=0.05, OR=0.110). A/G and G/G genotype of CXCL-12 was significantly associated with severity of disease. (p=0.032, OR=5.500, p=0.037, OR= 9.167). The serum level of MMP-2 was observed significantly increased in JE patients with homozygous (T/T) genotype whereas increased MMP-9 level was associated with heterozygous genotype. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: MMP-2, MMP-9 and CXCL-12 gene polymorphism were not associated with JE susceptibility, but MMP-2 may be contributed to disease protection. CXCL-12 was associated with disease severity. In our concern this is the first report from northern India.

A randomized, controlled, blinded, parallel group, clinical trial to study the role of Ayurcov (AyurCoro3), one day regimen as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19 disease management, at dedicated Covid Hospital (DCH) in India.

INTRODUCTION: Limited treatment options exist for COVID-19 infections; thus, attempts from complementary and alternative systems (CAM) of medicine are being explored as possible therapeutic options. Ayurcov is a formulation made of ingredients mentioned in Ayurveda. These constituents have proven antiviral, detoxifying, immune-modulating, and bio-enhancing properties. The present study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of Ayurcov in patients with various severity states of COVID-19 infections. METHODS: A randomized, single blinded, controlled trial was carried out in adults diagnosed with mild-to-moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections confirmed by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRTPCR) test. The interventional group received three doses of 'Ayurcov'. It is constituted of Haridra Churna (Curcuma longa), Go ark (Bos Indicus Distilled Urine), Sphatika (Alum), Sita (Rock Candy), Godugdham (Bos Indicus Milk) milk, Goghritam (Bos Indicus ghee) on Day 1, as an adjuvant to the standard of care, and the control group received only the standard of care. Key outcomes included: proportion of patients and time taken for symptom resolution, reduction in the rRT-PCR Ct values, safety, and functional status until 42 days after discharge. RESULTS: Ninety patients with mild-to-moderate and 30 patients with severe COVID-19 disease were recruited. It was observed that significantly more proportions of patients receiving Ayurcov had symptom relief much earlier than control group. Additionally, the interventional group showed significantly lower rRT-PCR Ct values. However, a shorter time of resolution of symptoms was observed with the interventional group in the mild to moderate category but not with those having severe symptoms. Similarly, a significantly better functional status was observed with interventional group on days 7 and 28 after discharge. Ayurcov was not observed with higher risks of any adverse/serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Ayurcov as adjuvant with standard of care was associated with significantly earlier resolution of COVID-19 related symptoms than standard of care alone.

Differential expression of circulating microRNAs in serum: Potential biomarkers to track Japanese encephalitis virus infection.

Japanese encephalitis is one of the serious vector-borne viral encephalitis diseases found worldwide and poses a major threat to public health. Most Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infections are subclinical; only 1: 250 to 1:1000 infected persons develop clinical presentations. Delay in proper diagnosis of JE affects the timeliness of treatment initiation and increases the mortality rate in patients. Therefore, there is an extreme need to develop potential biomarkers, which might improve the diagnosis and can become the basis for development of new therapeutics. The microRNAs (miRNAs/or miRs) are small noncoding RNAs of 17-24 nucleotides that are known to regulate about 60% of human genes. Although miRNAs have been found to regulate various aspects of innate and adaptive immune responses, less information on circulating miRNAs in JE is known. The study of JEV infected human serum miRNAs will provide novel information for the diagnosis of JE as well as for the improvement of disease outcome. Total RNA, including miRNA, was extracted from serum followed by the complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis by using sequence-specific primers. cDNA was amplified using target-specific TaqMan MicroRNA Assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction data was normalized using both exogenous (cel-miR-39) and endogenous (hsa-miR-93) controls. We have found significantly altered expression of miR-155 and miR-21 in serum of JEV infected patients as compared to healthy controls, revealing their role as a a noninvasive biomarker in JE. A significant correlation between miRNAs and JE was observed that offers the basis for miRNAs to serve as a new component to develop possible therapeutic strategies for JE in near future.

Association of interleukin-6 (174 G/C) and interleukin-12B (1188 A/C) gene polymorphism with expression and risk of Japanese encephalitis disease in North Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis is an acute inflammatory disease caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). In this study we aim to determine the association of IL-6 (174) and IL-12B (1188A/C) gene polymorphisms with JEV susceptibility, disease severity and outcomes in north Indian population. METHODS: This study was performed an equal number of cases and control individuals (125). Gene polymorphism has been analyzed by PCR-RFLP and expression by ELISA. RESULTS: Homozygous(C/C) genotypes of IL-12B were significantly associated with protection in JE infection (p = 0.008, OR = 0.368) whereas IL-6 was not associated with JEV infection (p = 0.269, OR = 1.245). The C allele of IL-6 was associated with protection in JE disease and G/C genotype was associated with outcomes with recovered individuals. CONCLUSION: IL-12B gene polymorphism leads to increase level of IL-12B in JE patients, which can contribute to JE susceptibility and disease severity. IL-6 polymorphism has not been associated with susceptibility of JE. Overall, this is the first information from northern India shows association of IL-6 and IL-12B polymorphisms with JE disease.

Instantaneous interaction of mucin with pectin- and carrageenan-coated nanoemulsions.

The efficiency of drug delivery and sensory perception is intertwined with mucoadhesive systems. The physiochemical characteristics of mucus induce flocculation of emulsion droplets, which could significantly influence their sensory perception. In this study, we investigated the interactions between pectin- and carrageenan-coated nanoemulsions with mucin. The size and ζ-potential changes in the nanoemulsions were investigated at pHs 3.0-5.0. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in size without the addition of gums; however, the ζ-potential decreases from 2.92 mV to -2.51 mV as pH increased. The stability of nanoemulsions over the extended time (15 days) and at elevated temperature (60 °C) resulted in minimal degree of phase separation observed. The mucin particle size method was employed to characterize mucin-nanoemulsion interactions. Results confirmed that mucin-emulsion complexes were formed instantaneously mostly due to electrostatic interactions. The contact angle analysis and UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed contribution of wetting and absorption mechanisms in the mucin interactions.

An exploratory clinical study of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder in children and adolescents from India.

BACKGROUND: Children with chronic non-episodic irritability were frequently diagnosed as suffering from pediatric bipolar disorder. Therefore in DSM-5 a new diagnosis of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) was included for such children. AIMS: This study aimed to identify DMDD in children and adolescents in Indian child and adolescent psychiatry clinic and elicit its phenomenology and co-morbidities. METHODS: Children of 6-16 years, presenting with irritability for more than one year were assessed using DSM 5 diagnostic criteria to make a diagnosis of DMDD. Severity of irritability was assessed using Affective Reactivity index (ARI). Co-morbidities were screened on Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia present and lifetime version (KSADS-PL) and diagnosed as per DSM-IV TR criteria. Overall behavioral problems were assessed on Conner's parent symptom questionnaire (CPSQ) and impairment in functioning on children's global assessment of functioning scale(C-GAS). RESULTS: 21 subjects were diagnosed with DMDD. Majority of the subjects (15, 71.4%) were in the age group 6-12 years (mean age11.1±2.9 years) and were males (16, 76.2%). Most common presenting complaints were, frequent irritability and anger outbursts in 21 (100%) and inattention towards studies in 20 (95.2%) subjects. Most of the subjects (18, 85.7%) had moderate to severe irritability. 13 (61.9%) subjects had co-morbidities. Mean CGAS was 46.1±6.9. CONCLUSION: DMDD can be diagnosed in Indian children using DSM 5 criteria. Such children presented with complaints of irritability and problems in studies. They commonly had co-morbidities and had moderate impairment of functioning.

Development of corn silk as a biocarrier for Zymomonas mobilis biofilms in ethanol production from rice straw.

Z. mobilis cell immobilization has been proposed as an effective means of improving ethanol production. In this work, polystyrene and corn silk were used as biofilm developmental matrices for Z. mobilis ethanol production with rice straw hydrolysate as a substrate. Rice straw was hydrolyzed by dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and enzymatic hydrolysis. The final hydrolysate contained furfural (271.95 ± 76.30 ppm), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (0.07 ± 0.00 ppm), vanillin (1.81 ± 0.00 ppm), syringaldehyde (5.07 ± 0.83 ppm), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4-HB) (2.39 ± 1.20 ppm) and acetic acid (0.26 ± 0.08%). Bacterial attachment or biofilm formation of Z. mobilis strain TISTR 551 on polystyrene and delignified corn silk carrier provided significant ethanol yields. Results showed up to 0.40 ± 0.15 g ethanol produced/g glucose consumed when Z. mobilis was immobilized on a polystyrene carrier and 0.51 ± 0.13 g ethanol produced/g glucose consumed when immobilized on delignified corn silk carrier under batch fermentation by Z. mobilis TISTR 551 biofilm. The higher ethanol yield from immobilized, rather than free living, Z. mobilis could possibly be explained by a higher cell density, better control of anaerobic conditions and higher toxic tolerance of Z. mobilis biofilms over free cells.

Impact of Mental Health Care Bill on caregivers of mentally ill: Boon or bane.

BACKGROUND: To improvise the shortcomings of existing of mental health legislation (The Mental Health Act, 1987) of India, amendments have been made which ultimately conceptualized, to form the Mental Health Care Bill. Mental Health Care Bill has brought a revolutionary change in the existing mental health legislation which is in its final phase of approval. METHOD: Many of the changes brought by the Mental Health Care Bill has been appreciated at different level, at the same time it has received robust criticism for over-legalizing and complicating the delivery of mental health care. RESULT: Caregivers play a pivotal role in the management of psychiatric illness in developing countries like India and they face a lot of challenges for providing support to the mentally ill patients. DISCUSSION: The social, economical, physical as well as the psychological wellbeing of the caregivers are significantly affected while providing care to the mentally ill. The forthcoming Mental Health Care Bill is likely to have a noteworthy impact on the caregivers. It's high time to analyze, its projected impact on the caregivers of patients suffering from mental illness.

Structurally stabilized organosilane-templated thermostable mesoporous titania.

Structurally thermostable mesoporous anatase TiO2 (m-TiO2) nanoparticles, uniquely decorated with atomically dispersed SiO2, is reported for the first time. The inorganic Si portion of the novel organosilane template, used as a mesopores-directing agent, is found to be incorporated in the pore walls of the titania aggregates, mainly as isolated sites. This is evident by transmission electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, combined with electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This type of unique structure provides exceptional stability to this new material against thermal collapse of the mesoporous structure, which is reflected in its high surface area (the highest known for anatase titania), even after high-temperature (550 °C) calcination. Control of crystallite size, pore diameter, and surface area is achieved by varying the molar ratios of the titanium precursor and the template during synthesis. These mesoporous materials retain their porosity and high surface area after template removal and further NaOH/HCl treatment to remove silica. We investigate their performance for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with bilayer TiO2 electrodes, which are prepared by applying a coating of m-TiO2 onto a commercial titania (P25) film. The high surface area of the upper mesoporous layer in the P25-m-TiO2 DSSC significantly increases the dye loading ability of the photoanode. The photocurrent and fill factor for the DSSC with the bilayer TiO2 electrode are greatly improved. The large increase in photocurrent current (ca. 56%) in the P25-m-TiO2 DSSC is believed to play a significant role in achieving a remarkable increase in the photovoltaic efficiency (60%) of the device, compared to DSSCs with a monolayer of P25 as the electrode.

Vanillin phosphorescence as a probe of molecular mobility in amorphous sucrose.

Changes in molecular mobility are important in defining the stability and quality of amorphous solid foods, pharmaceuticals, and other solid biomaterials. Predictions of stability must consider matrix mobility below and above T(g) (the glass transition temperature); measurement of molecular mobility in amorphous solids over time scales ranging from <10(-9) s to >10(8) s requires specialized methods. This research investigated how the steady-state and time-resolved emission and intensity of phosphorescence from vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde), a common flavor compound, can be used to probe molecular mobility when dispersed within amorphous pure sucrose films. Phosphorescence emission spectra and time-resolved intensity decays, measured in sucrose as a function of temperature in the absence of oxygen, were strongly modulated by matrix molecular mobility. Temperature had a significant effect on vanillin phosphorescence peak frequency and bandwidth, intensity, and lifetime both in the glass and in the melt. Time-resolved phosphorescence intensity decays from vanillin were multiexponential both below and above the glass transition temperature, indicating that the pure (single component) amorphous matrix was dynamically heterogeneous on the molecular level. These data show that vanillin is a promising intrinsic probe of molecular mobility and dynamic heterogeneity in amorphous solid foods and perhaps pharmaceuticals.

Endophytic bacteria from Ocimum sanctum and their yield enhancing capabilities.

Endophytes are beneficial microbes that reside intercellularly inside the plants. Interaction of endophytes with the host plants and their function within their host are important to address ecological relevance of endophyte. Four endophytic bacteria OS-9, OS-10, OS-11, and OS-12 were isolated from healthy leaves of Ocimum sanctum. These isolated microbes were screened in dual culture against various phytopathogenic fungi viz. Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusarium solani, Alternaria solani, and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Of these, strain OS-9 was found to be antagonistic to R. solani, A. solani, F. solani, and C. lindemuthianum while OS-11 was found antagonistic against A. solani only. The growth-promoting benefits of the endophytes were initially evaluated in the glasshouse by inoculated seeds of O. sanctum. Treatment with endophytes OS-10 and OS-11 resulted in significant enhancement of growth as revealed by increase in fresh as well as dry weight. Further, field trials involving two genotypes OS Purple and CIM-Angana were conducted with strains OS-10 and OS-11. The growth-promoting effect was visible on both the genotypes tested as the endophytes significantly enhanced fresh herbage yield (t/ha). Interestingly, these endophytes increased the content of essential oil particularly in cultivar OS Purple and thereby increasing the total oil yields. Molecular characterization of strain OS-11 indicated the strain to be highly related to the type strain of Bacillus subtilis.

Roles of organizers and champions in building campus-community prevention partnerships.

OBJECTIVE: A campus-community partnership can be an effective vehicle for launching environmental strategies to prevent college alcohol-related problems. In this study, the authors' primary aim was identifying key factors that facilitate or impede colleges' efforts to build campus-community partnerships. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: From fall 2004 to summer 2006, administrators at five 4-year colleges participated in a multisite case study. Level of partnership development was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Three interrelated factors facilitated higher-developed partnerships: college staff assigned to facilitate the partnerships who worked as community organizers, higher-level college administrators who served as aggressive champions, and community initiation of the partnership. The authors did not observe this trio of factors among the less-developed partnerships. A lack of administrative support made it more difficult for a champion to emerge, a college administrator who staunchly advocated for a campus-community partnership, and for those assigned to facilitate the partnership to carry out their work. CONCLUSIONS: Colleges should appoint higher-level administrators to serve as champions, while also ensuring that those assigned to facilitate a partnership can apply community organizing skills.