Effect of cultivar, packaging treatments and temperature on post-harvest quality of okra

ABSTRACT    Okra is one of the most popular vegetable crops in Sudan. The introduced cultivars such as Pusa Swani and Clemson Spineless have smooth pods and more adapted to the winter conditions of central Sudan. However, the local cultivar, Khartoumia, has hairy pods and not acceptable in international markets. Okra pods are highly perishable and subject to shriveling especially under the hot arid conditions of central Sudan. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of packaging and temperature on the shelf life of okra pods of three introduced cultivars. Treatments consisted of three okra cultivars, namely, Clemson Spineless, Pusa Swani and Mahyco (hybrid); packaging treatments consisted of packing okra pods in cartons lined with intact polyethylene film, perforated polyethylene film or in cartons only and storage temperatures were 140C and 320C. Results showed that pods of the  cultivar Mahyco had the lowest weight loss, retained good colour and had the least decay and rot. Packaging of okra pods in intact or perforated polyethylene film and storing at 140C reduced weight loss and resulted in the best pod colour compared to the control. Packaging in perforated polyethylene film and storing at 140C resulted in the lowest incidence of decay and rot and best overall quality of pods. It is recommended to package okra pods in perforated polyethylene film and ship them to markets at 140C

Survival implications vs. complications: unraveling the impact of vitamin D adjunctive use in critically ill patients with COVID-19—A multicenter cohort study

BackgroundDespite insufficient evidence, vitamin D has been used as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of vitamin D as an adjunctive therapy in critically ill COVID-19 patients.MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study that included all adult COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) between March 2020 and July 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their vitamin D use throughout their ICU stay (control vs. vitamin D). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS), mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, and ICU-acquired complications. Propensity score (PS) matching (1:1) was used based on the predefined criteria. Multivariable logistic, Cox proportional hazards, and negative binomial regression analyses were employed as appropriate.ResultsA total of 1,435 patients were included in the study. Vitamin D was initiated in 177 patients (12.3%), whereas 1,258 patients did not receive it. A total of 288 patients were matched (1:1) using PS. The in-hospital mortality showed no difference between patients who received vitamin D and the control group (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.87–1.71; p = 0.26). However, MV duration and ICU LOS were longer in the vitamin D group (beta coefficient 0.24 (95% CI 0.00–0.47), p = 0.05 and beta coefficient 0.16 (95% CI −0.01 to 0.33), p = 0.07, respectively). As an exploratory outcome, patients who received vitamin D were more likely to develop major bleeding than those who did not [OR 3.48 (95% CI 1.10, 10.94), p = 0.03].ConclusionThe use of vitamin D as adjunctive therapy in COVID-19 critically ill patients was not associated with survival benefits but was linked with longer MV duration, ICU LOS, and higher odds of major bleeding

Media Content Adaptation Framework for Technology Enhanced Mobile e-Learning

The increasing demand for ubiquitous access to technology enhanced learning environment has faced a challenge of heterogeneity in terms of networks, mobile device, platforms and finally, the learning content in various formats. In order to alleviate the challenge of the said diversity, content adaptation is essential. However, because of the diversity of the mobile users, networks and the rich media learning content, it is a major challenge for the access of learning content by the desired devices in the mobile learning environment. In order to alleviate the challenge of learning content mismatch, content adaptation is essential. This paper describes a content adaptation framework for mobile e-learning

Cyclic Fatigue Comparison of TruNatomy, Twisted File, and ProTaper Next Rotary Systems

TruNatomy (TN; Dentsply Sirona, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) is a newly released system that was not tested in any previous studies. The objective of this work is to evaluate cyclic fatigue resistance of the new file and compare it with the Twisted Files (TF) and ProTaper Next (PTN). Forty-five files were distributed into 3 groups: PTN X2 (size 25 and taper 0.06), TF (size 25 and taper 0.06), and TN prime file (size 26 and taper 0.04). Each group included 15 files. Lengths of all files were 25 mm. Cyclic fatigue testing was done using artificial stainless-steel canals with 60-degree curvature and 5 mm radius. Continuous rotation movement at 300 rpm was used until the file fractures. Time for file separation was recorded in seconds. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) mean and standard deviation for each group was calculated. For statistical analysis of data, ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were used. Mean and standard deviation (SD) of NCF were 259 ± 37.2, 521.67 ± 63.07 and 846.67 ± 37.16 for PTN, TF, and TN respectively. TN on average had significantly the highest NCF compared with PTN (p<0.05) and TF (p<0.05). TruNatomy file showed superior cyclic fatigue resistance. With its potential to preserve tooth structure, this file offers a good cyclic fatigue advantage. However, future studies are required to evaluate other properties of this file and to examine its clinical performance

Trend analysis of bacterial uropathogens and their susceptibility pattern: A 4-year (2013–2016) study from Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To analyze the prevalence and resistance rates of bacterial agents causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Aseer, Saudi Arabia (2013–2016). Patients and Methods: This was a 4-year (2013–2016) retrospective study undertaken in Aseer Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia. A total of 49,779 urine and other UT specimens obtained from patients suspected of having a UTI were analyzed. Urine specimens were inoculated onto cystine lactose electrolyte deficient agar following standard procedures. Cultures showing significant bacteriuria were subjected to identification and sensitivity testing using VITEK 2 system. Data of patients and uropathogens were assembled, checked, and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Culture positive samples were 49,779 (59.9% males, 40.1% females; P = 0.000). Year trend showed significant variations (P = 0.000) and the forecast trend line hypothesized a clear rise. Age groups 70–79 years were the most vulnerable group (22.3%). Gram-negative bacilli were 91.8% and the major species were Escherichia coli - 39.7%, Klebsiella pneumoniae - 15.8%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa - 13.8%, Proteus mirabilis - 10.6%, and Acinetobacter baumannii - 5%. Antimicrobials with high sensitivity rate were linezolid (99.1%), daptomycin (89.3%), vancomycin (86.7%), teicoplanin (85.5%), ertapenem (85.1%), fosfomycin (82.1%), and tigecycline (80.2%). High resistant rates to uropathogens were encountered with cephalothin (89.8%), nalidixic acid (86.7%), and ampicillin (81.9%). Conclusions: The majority of uropathogens were resistant to antibiotics commonly used in clinical practice. Linezolid, daptomycin, and vancomycin showed the lowest resistance to all uropathogens; this can be revised for empirical treatment of UTIs. Continuous surveillance of uropathogens and their susceptibility is important

Prevalence of Human Coronaviruses in Children and Phylogenetic Analysis of HCoV-OC43 during 2016&ndash;2022 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, routine surveillance combined with sequence and phylogenetic analysis of coronaviruses is urgently required. In the current study, the four common human coronaviruses (HCoVs), OC43, NL63, HKU1, and 229E, were screened in 361 clinical samples collected from hospitalized children with respiratory symptoms during four winter seasons. RT-PCR-based detection and typing revealed different prevalence rates of HCoVs across the four seasons. Interestingly, none of the four HCoVs were detected in the samples (n = 100) collected during the winter season of the COVID-19 pandemic. HCoV-OC43 (4.15%) was the most frequently detected, followed by 229E (1.1%). Partial sequences of S and N genes of OC43 from the winter seasons of 2015/2016 and 2021/2022 were used for sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Multiple sequence alignment of the two Saudi OC43s strains with international strains revealed the presence of sequence deletions and several mutations, of which some changed their corresponding amino acids. Glycosylation profiles revealed a number of O-and N-glycosylation sites in both genes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, four genotypes were observed with Riyadh strains grouped into the genotype C. Further long-term surveillance with a large number of clinical samples and sequences is necessary to resolve the circulation patterns and evolutionary kinetics of OC43 in Saudi Arabia

Diabetic foot complications and their risk factors from a large retrospective cohort study.

Foot complications are considered to be a serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, posing a major medical and economical threat. Identifying the extent of this problem and its risk factors will enable health providers to set up better prevention programs. Saudi National Diabetes Registry (SNDR), being a large database source, would be the best tool to evaluate this problem.This is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 62,681 patients aged ≥ 25 years from SNDR database, selected for studying foot complications associated with diabetes and related risk factors.The overall prevalence of diabetic foot complications was 3.3% with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of (3.16%-3.44%), whilst the prevalences of foot ulcer, gangrene, and amputations were 2.05% (1.94%-2.16%), 0.19% (0.16%-0.22%), and 1.06% (0.98%-1.14%), respectively. The prevalence of foot complications increased with age and diabetes duration predominantly amongst the male patients. Diabetic foot is more commonly seen among type 2 patients, although it is more prevalent among type 1 diabetic patients. The Univariate analysis showed Charcot joints, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), neuropathy, diabetes duration ≥ 10 years, insulin use, retinopathy, nephropathy, age ≥ 45 years, cerebral vascular disease (CVD), poor glycemic control, coronary artery disease (CAD), male gender, smoking, and hypertension to be significant risk factors with odds ratio and 95% CI at 42.53 (18.16-99.62), 14.47 (8.99-23.31), 12.06 (10.54-13.80), 7.22 (6.10-8.55), 4.69 (4.28-5.14), 4.45 (4.05-4.89), 2.88 (2.43-3.40), 2.81 (2.31-3.43), 2.24 (1.98-2.45), 2.02 (1.84-2.22), 1.54 (1.29-1.83), and 1.51 (1.38-1.65), respectively.Risk factors for diabetic foot complications are highly prevalent; they have put these complications at a higher rate and warrant primary and secondary prevention programs to minimize morbidity and mortality in addition to economic impact of the complications. Other measurements, such as decompression of lower extremity nerves, should be considered among diabetic patients

Anti-Obesity Action of Boerhavia diffusa in Rats against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Blocking the Cannabinoid Receptors

Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses have known risk factors in the pathophysiology of an unhealthy diet. Obesity now affects almost a third of the world&rsquo;s population and is widely seen as a side effect of the Industrial Revolution. The current study aimed to determine natural phytoconstituents that have a significant role in the management of obesity. In this view, we have selected the plant Boerhavia diffusa which has different pharmacological actions and is traditionally used to treat sickness caused by lifestyle modification. The methanolic extract of the plant material was prepared and then further fractionated by means of solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol, and water). The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis was done by taking the active constituent of the plant (Punarnavine, Boeravinone B, and Eupalitin). The molecular docking analysis of these compounds is also performed by targeting the cannabinoid receptor (CR). Structural analysis of the best complex was done using the Discovery Studio visualizer tool. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis was done by using a solvent system (chloroform and methanol in a ratio of 8:2). The in vivo study was done on the Sprague&ndash;Dawley (SD) rats treated with a high-fat diet to induce obesity and different parameters such as body weight, behavioral activity, organ fat pad weight, lipid profile, and liver biomarkers (AST, ALT, BUN, and creatinine) were estimated. The result of the study suggested that the phytoconstituents of B. diffusa upon molecular docking revealed the possible binding mechanisms with the CR and thus show potent anti-obesity action

Mitigation of lead toxicity in Vigna radiata genotypes by silver nanoparticles

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of the soil through anthropogenic activities influences the living systems and drastically impacts food chain. This study examined the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in two genotypes (G1 and G2) of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) for ameliorating the Pb toxicity. Different doses of Pb (0, 25, 50 μM) were differentially tackled by AgNPs with the aim of ameliorating the plant attributes. Both genotypes displayed statistically significant quantitative and qualitative modulations for Pb tolerance. In G2, the most prominent increase in plant height (43.79%), fresh biomass (49.56%) and total chlorophyll (20%) was observed at L2 (AgNPs 10 mg/L) in comparison with the control. Overall, photosynthetic rate was increased by 26% in G2 at L6 (AgNPs 25 mg/L + Pb 25 μM). In addition, the results presented 78.5% increase in water use efficiency of G2 while G1 experienced a maximum internal CO concentration (209.8%) at L8 (Pb 50 μM). AgNPs triggered balanced uptake of minerals and improved growth of Vigna genotypes. 50 μM Pb was most hazardous and caused maximum reduction in growth of Vigna plants along with a significant suppression in photosynthetic activity, increase in MDA (199.7%) in G1 and H O (292.8%) in G2. In comparison to control, maximum superoxide dismutase (376%), peroxidase (659.8%) and catalase (9.3%) activity was observed in G2 at L11. The application of AgNPs substantially enhanced plant growth and helped them in surviving well in absence as well as presence of Pb. G2 genotype exhibited substantial tolerance capability and revealed less impairment in the studied attributes than G1 and treatment of AgNPs i.e. 25 mg/L was the best level that yielded best results in both genotypes. The results demonstrate that AgNPs mediate response(s) of plants under Pb stress and particularly contributed to HM tolerance of plants and thus showing great promise for use in phytoremediation. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ameliorative Sexual Behavior and Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitory Effects of Spondias mangifera Fruit Extract in Rodents: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Study

The ethanolic extracts of Spondias mangifera fruit (SMFE) were evaluated for aphrodisiac activity. The in-vitro phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibition was assessed based on in-silico molecular docking and simulation studies. In addition, the in-vivo sexual behavior was analyzed in the form of mount (MF, ML), intromission (IF, IL), and ejaculation (EF, EL) frequencies and latencies to validate the in-vitro results. Some biochemical parameters, including PDE-5, nitric oxide, and testosterone, were also observed. The above extract constituted &beta;-amyrin, &beta;-sitosterol, and oleanolic acid and showed tremendous binding with phosphodiesterase-5 and sildenafil. Both the sildenafil and ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg/d bodyweight) significantly (p &lt; 0.1, p &lt; 0.05) increased MF, IF, and EF, respectively. In contrast, ML and IL significantly (p &lt; 0.1) decreased, and EL significantly (p &lt; 0.1) increased compared with a normal group of animals. The ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg/d bodyweight) and sildenafil further significantly (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.1) diminished PDE-5 activity significantly (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.1) and enhanced nitric oxide and testosterone levels, as compared with normal rodents. Therefore, the S. mangifera ethanolic extract might be a valuable alternate aphrodisiac for erectile dysfunction