Fortification of milk with phytosterol and its effect on sensory and physicochemical properties

peer-reviewedPhytosterols are a group of lipophilic steroid alcohols found in plants, which have been shown to lower cholesterol when supplemented in the diet. A commercial phytosterol preparation was added to milk in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. For the preparation of an emulsion, diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides was used as an emulsifier and butteroil was used as a source of fat. Three emulsion formulations, i.e. A (8% phytosterols), B (10% phytosterols) and C (12% phytosterols), were prepared in which the levels of emulsifier (6.5%) and butteroil (10%) were kept constant, and each emulsion was added to milk at a rate of 5% (w/w). Based on sensory evaluation, B-emulsion formulation was selected for fortification of milk. The phytosterol content of the fortified milk determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was 410.8 mg/100 g. No significant loss in the initial content of phytosterol was observed after 1 week of storage. Sensory and physicochemical analyses indicated that significant differences were not observed between control and fortified milk samples up to 7 days of refrigerated storage. The present study suggests that it is feasible to add phytosterol as a functional ingredient in milk in the form of water-soluble emulsion to enhance health benefits of consumers. Two servings of such fortified milk per day provide almost the entire recommended daily requirement of phytosterol

Deciphering Customer Perceived Value a Comparative Study using Holbrook's Typology across Brands in Visakhapatnam

This study explores the intricate landscape of customer perceived value through a comprehensive examination of theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses. Drawing on model named Holbrook's Typology, the research investigates the multifaceted dimensions that shape consumers' assessments of value with a sample size of 168 in Visakhapatnam city. Statistical analyses, including Chi-Square Tests and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure, affirm the robustness of the study, revealing significant associations within constructs such as Extrinsic Value Assessment, Intrinsic Value Assessment, Self-oriented Value Assessment, Other-oriented Value Assessment, Active Value Engagement, and Reactive Value Assessment. The nuanced interpretation of the findings, acknowledging instances of rejected null hypotheses, provides actionable insights for brand marketers. The study suggests strategies for marketers to enhance customer perceived value, ranging from elevating intrinsic value through user experience to tailoring offerings based on self-oriented and other-oriented values. Emphasis is placed on active engagement, positive word-of-mouth, and strategic partnerships, offering a roadmap for creating meaningful connections with consumers. This research contributes not only to theoretical understandings of customer perceived value but also provides practical guidance for marketers navigating the complex landscape of consumer preferences. By aligning strategies with the identified dimensions of perceived value, brand marketers can cultivate dynamic relationships, foster loyalty, and navigate the evolving market with strategic precision

RP-HPLC (STABILITY-INDICATING) BASED ASSAY METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF DORAVIRINE, TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE AND LAMIVUDINE

Objective: In this study, a RP-HPLC (stability-indicating) based assay method for the estimation of doravirine (DRV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TFF) and lamivudine (LMV) simultaneously in the tablets was described. Methods: The simultaneous analysis of DRV, TFF and LMV was done with HPLC system (Agilent 1100 series) and Luna Phenomenex C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μ) column with isocratic mobile phase (35% volume ratio of methanol and 65% volume ratio of 20 mmol ammonium formate, pH 5). Validation of assay method was done on sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, selectivity, precision, robustness and specificity. Results: The calibration curves were linear through the range of 25-200 µg/ml for DRV and 75-600 µg/ml for TFF and LMV. The percent relative standard deviation for intraday variation/precision, interday variation/precision, intermediate precision/ruggedness and robustness were lower than 2%. The recovery of LMV (99.09-99.76%), TFF (99.10-99.41%) and DRV (98.65-99.28%) confirmed the good accuracy. The stability of LMV, TFF and DRV in 0.1N NaOH, 3% peroxide, 0.1 N HCl, UV light and dry heat of 60 °C was determined. Conclusion: The results have allowed the method to be implemented in the tablets to quantify DRV, TFF, and LMV

Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells Purified from Umbilical Cord Blood Lack Stem Cell Characteristics

Very small embryonic-like (VSEL) cells have been described as putatively pluripotent stem cells present in murine bone marrow and human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) and as such are of high potential interest for regenerative medicine. However, there remain some questions concerning the precise identity and properties of VSEL cells, particularly those derived from hUCB. For this reason, we have carried out an extensive characterisation of purified populations of VSEL cells from a large number of UCB samples. Consistent with a previous report, we find that VSEL cells are CXCR4+, have a high density, are indeed significantly smaller than HSC and have an extremely high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. Their nucleoplasm is unstructured and stains strongly with Hoechst 33342. A comprehensive FACS screen for surface markers characteristic of embryonic, mesenchymal, neuronal or hematopoietic stem cells revealed negligible expression on VSEL cells. These cells failed to expand in vitro under a wide range of culture conditions known to support embryonic or adult stem cell types and a microarray analysis revealed the transcriptional profile of VSEL cells to be clearly distinct both from well-defined populations of pluripotent and adult stem cells and from the mature hematopoietic lineages. Finally, we detected an aneuploid karyotype in the majority of purified VSEL cells by fluorescence in situ hybridisation. These data support neither an embryonic nor an adult stem cell like phenotype, suggesting rather that hUCB VSEL cells are an aberrant and inactive population that is not comparable to murine VSEL cells

Global management of a common, underrated surgical task during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gallstone disease. An international survery

Background: Since the Coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19) pandemic, the healthcare systems are reallocating their medical resources, with consequent narrowed access to elective surgery for benign conditions such as gallstone disease(GD). This survey represents an overview of the current policies regarding the surgical management of patients with GD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A Web-based survey was conducted among 36 Hepato-Prancreato-Biliary surgeons from 14 Countries. Through a 17-item questionnaire, participants were asked about the local management of patients with GD since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The majority (n = 26,72.2%) of surgeons reported an alarming decrease in the cholecystectomy rate for GD since the start of the pandemic, regardless of the Country: 19(52.7%) didn't operate any GD, 7(19.4%) reduced their surgical activity by 50–75%, 10(27.8%) by 25–50%, 1(2.8%) maintained regular activity. Currently, only patients with GD complications are operated. Thirty-two (88.9%) participants expect these changes to last for at least 3 months. In 15(41.6%) Centers, patients are currently being screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection before cholecystectomy [in 10(27.8%) Centers only in the presence of suspected infection, in 5(13.9%) routinely]. The majority of surgeons (n = 29,80.6%) have adopted a laparoscopic approach as standard surgery, 5(13.9%) perform open cholecystectomy in patients with known/suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 2(5.6%) in all patients. Conclusion: In the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, the surgical treatment of GD is postponed, resulting in a huge number of untreated patients who could develop severe morbidity. Updated guidelines and dedicated pathways for patients with benign disease awaiting elective surgery are mandatory to prevent further aggravation of the overloaded healthcare systems

Angiogenesis in Differentiated Placental Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Is Dependent on Integrin α5β1

Human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSCs) can be isolated from term placenta, but their angiogenic ability and the regulatory pathways involved are not known. hPMSCs were shown to express integrins αv, α4, α5, β1, β3, and β5 and could be induced to differentiate into cells expressing endothelial markers. Increases in cell surface integrins α5 and β1, but not α4, αvβ3, or αvβ5, accompanied endothelial differentiation. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A augmented the effect of fibronectin in enhancing adhesion and migration of differentiated hPMSC through integrin α5β1, but not αvβ3 or αvβ5. Formation of capillary-like structures in vitro from differentiated cells was inhibited by pre-treatment with function-blocking antibodies to integrins α5 and β1. When hPMSCs were seeded onto chick chorioallantoic membranes (CAM), human von Willebrand factor-positive cells were observed to engraft in the chick endothelium. CAMs transplanted with differentiated hPMSCs had a greater number of vessels containing human cells and more incorporated cells per vessel compared to CAMs transplanted with undifferentiated hPMSCs, and overall angiogenesis was enhanced more by the differentiated cells. Function-blocking antibodies to integrins α5 and β1 inhibited angiogenesis in the CAM assay. These results suggest that differentiated hPMSCs may contribute to blood vessel formation, and this activity depends on integrin α5β1

Different populations and sources of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC): A comparison of adult and neonatal tissue-derived MSC

The mesenchymal stroma harbors an important population of cells that possess stem cell-like characteristics including self renewal and differentiation capacities and can be derived from a variety of different sources. These multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be found in nearly all tissues and are mostly located in perivascular niches. MSC have migratory abilities and can secrete protective factors and act as a primary matrix for tissue regeneration during inflammation, tissue injuries and certain cancers