Risk estimates of recurrent congenital anomalies in the UK: a population-based register study

BACKGROUND: Recurrence risks for familial congenital anomalies in successive pregnancies are known, but this information for major structural anomalies is lacking. We estimated the absolute and relative risks of recurrent congenital anomaly in the second pregnancy for women with a history of a congenital anomaly in the first pregnancy; for all major anomaly groups and subtypes. METHODS: Population-based register data on 18,605 singleton pregnancies affected by major congenital anomaly occurring in 872,493 singleton stillbirths, live births and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly were obtained from the Northern Congenital Abnormality Survey, North of England, UK, for 1985-2010. Absolute risks (ARs) and relative risks (RRs) for recurrent congenital anomaly (overall, from a similar group, from a dissimilar group) in the second pregnancy were estimated by history of congenital anomaly (overall, by group, by subtype) in the first pregnancy. RESULTS: The estimated prevalences of congenital anomaly in first and second pregnancies were 276 (95% CI 270-281) and 163 (95% CI 159-168) per 10,000 respectively. For women whose first pregnancy was affected by congenital anomaly, the AR of recurrent congenital anomaly in the second pregnancy was 408 (95% CI 365-456) per 10,000; 2.5 (95% CI 2.3-2.8, p<0.0001) times higher than for those with unaffected first pregnancies. For similar anomalies, the recurrence risk was considerably elevated (RR=23.8, 95% CI 19.6-27.9, P<0.0001) while for dissimilar anomalies the increase was more modest (RR=1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6, P=0.001), although the ARs for both were 2%. CONCLUSIONS: Absolute recurrence risks varied between 1 in 20 and 1 in 30 for most major anomaly groups. At pre-conception and antenatal counselling, women whose first pregnancy was affected by a congenital anomaly and who are planning a further pregnancy may find it reassuring that despite high relative risks, the absolute recurrence risk is relatively low

Bioactive Compounds of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.)

Rambutan, a widely popular tropical fruit encompasses rich amount of bioactive compounds. All parts of this plant (leaves, bark, root, fruits, fruit skin, pulp and seeds) finds traditional usage, and are linked with high therapeutic values. Rambutan fruits parts like that of peel, pulp and seeds have been scientifically investigated in-depth and is reported to encompass high amounts of bioactive compounds (such as polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, essential mineral, dietary fiber). These compounds contribute towards antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-obesity activities. However, literature pertaining towards potential industrial applications (food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical) of rambutan fruits are limited. In the present chapter, it is intended to document some of the interesting research themes published on rambutan fruits, and identify the existing gaps to open up arena for future research work.This chapter theme is based on our ongoing project—VALORTECH, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 810630

Pendugaan Umur Simpan Pasta Tomat Kental dalam Kemasan Botol Plastik dengan Metode Akselerasi

Pasta tomat kental merupakan salah satu bentuk olahan konsentrat buah tomat dengan total padatan terlarut tinggi sehingga bersifat kurang voluminous dan memudahkan transportasi serta distribusinya. Untuk menjamin bahwa pasta tomat belum mengalami kerusakan sampai di tangan konsumen, maka diperlukan informasi tentang masa simpan. Salah satu cara untuk menduga umur simpan secara cepat adalah dengan metode Accelerated Storage Studies (ASS) melalui pendekatan metode Arhenius. Ada empat produk pasta tomat yang diduga umur simpannya yaitu K (kontrol: pasta tomat tanpa bahan tambahan), P (pasta tomat ditambah pengawet), PP (pasta tomat ditambah pengawet dan pewarna), PPG (pasta tomat ditambah pengawet, pewarna dan gula). Pasta tomat disimpan dalam tiga suhu yakni suhu 40°C, suhu kamar (28°C) dan ruangan berpendingin udara (20°C). Penelitian diulang sebanyak tiga kali. Analisis dilakukan terhadap parameter mutu kritis yaitu tingkat kecerahan warna dan penerimaan. Analisis dilakukan setiap dua minggu selama delapan minggu penyimpanan. Pasta tomat dengan parameter kritis tingkat kecerahan warna, kontrol mempunyai dugaan umur simpan yang paling lama yaitu pada penyimpanan suhu 7°C, 15°C, 2YC dan 30°C masing-masing mempunyai dugaan umur simpan sebesar 97,93 : 91,90; 85,29 dan 82,32 hari. Sementara berdasarkan parameter kritis penerimaan konsumen, PPG (pasta tomat dengan penambahan pengawet, pewarna dan gula) mempunyai dugaan umur simpan paling lama, pada penyimpanan suhu 7°C, 15°C, 25°C dan 30°C masing-masing mempunyai dugaan umur simpan sebesar 87,72 ; 54,41; 31,05 dan 23,78 hari. Shelf Life Prediction Of Heavy Tomato Paste In Plastic Bottle Using Accelerated Storage MethodHeavy tomato paste is a concentrated product having high total soluble solid (TSS) so that it is less voluminous easy for transportation and distribution. Information on product shelf life is required to ensure that product is recei ved by consumers in excellent condition. An accelerated storage studies (ASS) with Arrhenius model was developed to predict the product shelf life. Four different types of product were employed in this study, i.e. tomato paste without preservatives and colourants (K), tomato paste with preservatives (P), tomato paste with preservatives and colourants (PP), and tomato paste with preservatives, colourant and sugar (PPG). The products were kept at 40"C, 28°C and 20°C, and the experiments were done in triplicates. Parameters observed were colour lightness and consumers acceptance. The product were analysed every two weeks for eight weeks of storage. In term of colour ligtness, K had the longest predicted shelf life at 7°C, 15°C, 25°C and 30°C with the shelf lives 97.93 : 91.90; 85.29 and 82.32 days, respectively. PPG had the longest predicted shelf life in terms of consumers acceptance at 7°C, 15'C, 25°C, 30'C with the shelf lives 87.72 ; 54.41, 31.05 and 23.78 days, respecttively. These results were confirmed with results of normal storage experiments