Formulation and statistical evaluation of a ready-to-drink whey based orange beverage and its storage stability

A value-added functional beverage is formulated utilizing unprocessed liquid whey. Whey has excellent nutritional qualities and bland flavors; it is easy to digest and has a unique functionality in a beverage system. The ready-to-drink beverage is formulated with concentrated whey, orange juice along with an adequate amount of sugar, stabilizer, citric acid and flavor. Orange juice is used since the acidic flavor of whey is compatible With citrus flavors and particularly orange. The health and nutrition benefits of orange further imparts the value to the formulated beverage. Nine blend formulations are prepared by varying the dry matter of whey, fruit juice and sugar content Based on a statistical analysis of the sensory evaluation of the drinks, the optimal formulation is found to have a ratio 3:2 for concentrated liquid whey and orange juice followed by an addition of 8% sugar (w/v) and 0.1% stabilizer (w/v). The shelf-life of the final product is carried out both at room temperature (30+/-2 degrees C) and refrigeration temperature (7+/-1 degrees C) with and without addition of preservatives. The product remains in good condition up to eleven days at room temperature and up to three months under refrigeration condition with addition of 150 ppm of sodium benzoate

Effect of leg wrapping on haemodynamics and associated complications in caesarean section: a randomised prospective study

Background: Spinal anesthesia in cesarean section has a rapid onset of action, reliable and provides good surgical conditions, however there is risk of placental hypo-perfusion proportional to the degree of sympathetic block. Inspite of traditional preventive measures (fluid preload, fluid co-load, left lateral tilt, and ephedrine prophylaxis) post spinal hypotension is difficult to avoid. In this study efficiency of pre block leg wrapping in preventing hypotension and associated complications in parturients have been evaluated.Methods: 60 patients posted for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia of ASA grade Ι and ΙΙ under spinal anesthesia were allocated two groups with or without leg wrapping with elastic bandage. All of them received 10ml/kg ringer’s lactate preloading, spinal anaesthesia in sitting position and haemodynamic monitoring done. Complications like hypotension managed with intravenous phenylephrine.Results: There was statistically significant difference in degree of hypotension found between the two groups. Incidence of hypotension in Group A (leg wrapped) is 13.33% where as in group B (leg not wrapped) is 63.33%. There is significant difference in incidence of nausea, vomiting and shivering   in both the groups.Conclusions: Leg wrapping with elastic crepe bandage is cheap, easy, readily available, non-invasive, and non-pharmacological method, can be recommended in addition with preload and left uterine displacement for preventing post spinal hypotension and its subsequent adverse effect on the mother as well as on a baby  and can be of great value in routine practice

A clinical comparative study on the effects of metformin and pioglitazone on clinical symptoms in cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pioglitazone and comparing the efficacy of pioglitazone with metformin in improvement of clinical characteristics of the PCOS patients.Methods: The present study was a prospective, parallel group trial in 40 proven cases of PCOS, all the patients underwent clinical evaluations at baseline that include height, weight, BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and hirsutism (FG score). There were two groups in this study group A (unmarried) and group B (married) each divided in two subgroups each having 10 patients, A1 (unmarried - metformin), A2 (unmarried - pioglitazone), B1 (married - metformin), B2 (married - pioglitazone) therapy was given for six months with regular clinical evaluation of the patients after every two months. WHR (Waist to hip ratio) was measured according to World Organization Criteria (2003), BMI was calculated by using Quetelets Index formula WHO (1995), the grade of hirsutism was detected using Ferriman-Gallwey score (1961).Results: On comparing metformin and pioglitazone it was observed that both the drugs equally decreased the FG score; metformin significantly decreased the BMI and WHR whereas pioglitazone significantly increased the BMI and WHR.Conclusions: Pioglitazone significantly increased the BMI and WHR, whereas it significantly decreased FG score. On comparing metformin and pioglitazone it was observed that both the drugs equally decreased the FG score, metformin significantly decreased the BMI and WHR whereas pioglitazone significantly increased the BMI and WHR

Vibrant Producers Group is the Key Instrument to Bring Prosperity of the Marginal Producers in Agricultural Sector: Experience Capitalization of Samriddhi Project

Producers of the agricultural sectors are the key instrument for the economic development of Bangladesh. A subsequent number of total agro productions of this country come from individual rural producers. However this contribution can be accelerated if those individual producers can effectively participate in the value chain of agro market. So the milestone of being successful participant in this process is the formation of group producing. This study has been conducted on Bangladesh perspective for analyzing the problems of individual producers and their success rate after forming producer group. To find a justified result the study has conducted based on both primary and secondary data. As a representative area Sunamganj district has been selected to collect primary data. Because, as an agro producing region this district is contributing a vital part in Bangladesh and most of the producers in this area are individual producer. So it can represent the real scenario of individual production and the afterward result of group production. The discussion of this research is centered on the problems of individual producers like insufficient and poor quality of production; high transportation cost; less access to technology, business and financial services; less access to market information about price and demand etc. Addition to that the report has evaluated a project experience of “Samriddhi” in identifying and overcoming the constraints that hinders the progress of poor and extreme poor producers through facilitating producers groups under specific value chain development. Furthermore the contribution and support of Local Service Providers (LSPs), Local traders, input suppliers and collection centers also have got priority in the study. The analysis also focused on the rural women participation and prosperity in this field. The result generated from the study can help the producers, facilitators, government and non-government institutions to understand the success parameter of these vibrant producers groups and to establish future policies regarding this issue. However justified the situation some recommendations have come up with practical solutions. Key Words: Producer Group, Samriddhi Project, Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE

Enhancement of growth and seed yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) through foliar spray of osmoprotectants under high temperature stress

An investigation was undertaken during rabi-summer season of 2016-17 in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar to study the efficiency of some osmoprotectants in mitigating high temperature stress by improving growth, seed yield and quality of rice cv. Naveen. The field experiment was conducted in Split Plot Design, with three replications. The main plot factor was three dates of sowing (D1 – 30th November, D2 – 15th December and D3 – 30th December). The sub-plot factor was foliar spray of chemicals at vegetative and seed filling stages: Control (T0), 600 ppm Glycine betaine (T1), 400 ppm Salicylic acid (T2), 800 ppm Salicylic acid (T3), 10 ppm Ascorbic acid + 1.3% Citric acid (T4), 150 ppm α-Tocopherol (T5), 1.0% Potassium chloride (T6), 5 ppm Brassinolides (T7) and 10 ppm Brassinolides (T8). Observations on various phenological, seed yield and quality parameters were recorded. With advancement in sowing time, there was significant decrease in the chlorophyll content of leaves. The chlorophyll content of leaves after two days of spraying as slightly higher than that prior to spraying in all the treatments. Maximum chlorophyll content was recorded with spray treatment of 800 ppm salicylic acid at both the stages of observation. Significantly higher pollen viability and seed set were recorded with first date of sowing (D1), compared to second and third dates of sowing (D2 and D3, respectively). Among the treatments, pollen viability was highest with 10 ppm brassinolides and 400 ppm salicylic acid. Seed set was highest with 10 ppm brassinolides and 800 ppm salicylic acid. With advancement in sowing time, there was decrease in membrane stability index of leaves. The MSI of leaves after two days of spraying was slightly higher than that prior to spraying in all treatments. Maximum MSI was recorded with spray treatment of 400 ppm salicylic acid (T2) during vegetative and seed filling stages. The treatments T2, T4 and T8 produced highest increase in MSI compared to that before spraying during both stages. Higher seed yield was obtained from D1, compared to delayed sowing. Mean seed yield from D1 was 53.76 q/ha, as against 48.99 q/ha and 44.51 q/ha from D2 and D3, respectively. Spraying of 800 ppm salicylic acid and 10 ppm brassinolides gave highest seed yields from each date of sowing. Seed yields from D3T0 and D2T0 (35.33 q/ha and 39.72 q/ha, respectively) were significantly lower than all treatment combinations, including D1T0 (51.83 q/ha). Increase in seed yields due to various treatments as against the control was more pronounced in D2 and D3. The first date of sowing (D1) produced seeds with higher 1000-seed weight (22.62 g), compared to D2 and D3 (20.27 g and 19.36 g, respectively). Among the treatments, higher 1000-seed weights were recorded with the treatments T3 and T8 (21.51 g and 21.43 g, respectively), while lowest 1000-seed weight (18.76 g) was recorded with the Control. Seeds produced from D1 recorded higher germination and seed vigour. All the treatments recorded improvement in germination and vigour of seeds with three dates of sowing. Treatments T3, T7 and T8 gave highest improvement in seed germination over control. Under accelerated ageing treatment, T3 recorded highest germination followed by T8. Dates of sowing and treatment sprays had no influence on electrical conductivity of seed leachate. Hence, the present study demonstrated that foliar sprays at vegetative and seed filling stages with 800 ppm salicylic acid or 10 ppm ascorbic acid + 1.3% citric acid or 10 ppm brassinolides were quite effective in alleviating adverse effects of high temperature during flowering and seed set, through increased chlorophyll content of leaves, improved membrane stability, higher pollen viability and seed set, thus improving seed yield and quality of rice

Enhancement of growth and seed yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) through foliar spray of osmoprotectants under high temperature stress

92-100An investigation was undertaken during rabi-summer season of 2016-17 in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar to study the efficiency of some osmoprotectants in mitigating high temperature stress by improving growth, seed yield and quality of rice cv. Naveen. The field experiment was conducted in Split Plot Design, with three replications. The main plot factor was three dates of sowing (D1 – 30th November, D2 – 15th December and D3 – 30th December). The sub-plot factor was foliar spray of chemicals at vegetative and seed filling stages: Control (T0), 600 ppm Glycine betaine (T1), 400 ppm Salicylic acid (T2), 800 ppm Salicylic acid (T3), 10 ppm Ascorbic acid + 1.3% Citric acid (T4), 150 ppm α-Tocopherol (T5), 1.0% Potassium chloride (T6), 5 ppm Brassinolides (T7) and 10 ppm Brassinolides (T8). Observations on various phenological, seed yield and quality parameters were recorded. With advancement in sowing time, there was significant decrease in the chlorophyll content of leaves. The chlorophyll content of leaves after two days of spraying as slightly higher than that prior to spraying in all the treatments. Maximum chlorophyll content was recorded with spray treatment of 0 ppm salicylic acid at both the stages of observation. Significantly higher pollen viability and seed set were recorded with first date of sowing (D1), compared to second and third dates of sowing (D2 and D3, respectively). Among the treatments, pollen viability was highest with 10 ppm brassinolides and 400 ppm salicylic acid. Seed set was highest with 10 ppm brassinolides and 800 ppm salicylic acid. With advancement in sowing time, there was decrease in membrane stability index of leaves. The MSI of leaves after two days of spraying was slightly higher than that prior to spraying in all treatments. Maximum MSI was recorded with spray treatment of 400 ppm salicylic acid (T2) during vegetative and seed filling stages. The treatments T2, T4 and T8 produced highest increase in MSI compared to that before spraying during both stages. Higher seed yield was obtained from D1, compared to delayed sowing. Mean seed yield from D1 was 53.76 q/ha, as against 48.99 q/ha and 44.51 q/ha from D2 and D3, respectively. Spraying of 800 ppm salicylic acid and 10 ppm brassinolides gave highest seed yields from each date of sowing. Seed yields from D3T0 and D2T0 (35.33 q/ha and 39.72 q/ha, respectively) were significantly lower than all treatment combinations, including D1T0 (51.83 q/ha). Increase in seed yields due to various treatments as against the control was more pronounced in D2 and D3. The first date of sowing (D1) produced seeds with higher 1000-seed weight (22.62 g), compared to D2 and D3 (20.27 g and 19.36 g, respectively). Among the treatments, higher 1000-seed weights were recorded with the treatments T3 and T8 (21.51 g and 21.43 g, respectively), while lowest 1000-seed weight (18.76 g) was recorded with the Control. Seeds produced from D1 recorded higher germination and seed vigour. All the treatments recorded improvement in germination and vigour of seeds with three dates of sowing. Treatments T3, T7 and T8 gave highest improvement in seed germination over control. Under accelerated ageing treatment, T3 recorded highest germination followed by T8. Dates of sowing and treatment sprays had no influence on electrical conductivity of seed leachate. Hence, the present study demonstrated that foliar sprays at vegetative and seed filling stages with 800 ppm salicylic acid or 10 ppm ascorbic acid + 1.3% citric acid or 10 ppm brassinolides were quite effective in alleviating adverse effects of high temperature during flowering and seed set, through increased chlorophyll content of leaves, improved membrane stability, higher pollen viability and seed set, thus improving seed yield and quality of rice

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF 11 CASES OF CARTAP POISONING - A RARE POISONING

  Objective: Cartap hydrochloride poisoning is an uncommon poisoning encountered in India. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics, severity, management, and outcome of patients with Cartap poisoning, treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral hospital.Methods: This is a retrospective study where 11 cases of Cartap poisoning admitted to hospital ICU between 2011 and 2016 were identified from the case records. The demographic data, mode of ingestion, time to treat, ingested dose and severity of poisoning, presenting features, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), dose of NAC used, complications, and outcome were noted.Results: Patients were scored as moderate or severe cases of poisoning. Severe cases consumed >10 g, underwent gastric lavage > 4 hrs, and took Cartap concomitantly with alcohol or in empty stomach. Duration of MV varied from 68-94 hrs in severe cases and 12-48 hrs in moderate cases. Average dose of NAC in severe case was 11.19 g and moderate case was 8.89 g. The most common presenting symptoms were vomiting, altered sensorium, and breathlessness. Severe cases had more complications, and the most common complication was hypotension followed by seizures. Survival was 100%.Conclusion: 50% of Cartap poisoning cases had good survival outcome. Severity of poisoning depends on amount of Cartap ingested, time taken for gastric lavage, and concomitant administration of alcohol. Duration of MV and dose of NAC and complications encountered correlates with the severity of poisoning

A Rare Case of Childhood Hypertension and Hyponatremia

Hypertension and hyponatremia together, is an uncommon entity in children. We here described a 10-year-old boy presented with hypertensive emergency and altered sensorium with hyponatremia. After initial stabilization USG (ultrasonography) Doppler showed shrunken right kidney with absence of flow in the right renal artery. Right Renal Resistive Index was 0.9. Therefore, patient underwent right total nephrectomy and blood pressure ultimately came under control.Keywords: Hypertension; Hyponatremia; Child

Performance of colloidal CdS sensitized solar cells with ZnO nanorods/nanoparticles

As an alternative photosensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells, bovine serum albumin (BSA) (a nonhazardous protein) was used in the synthesis of colloidal CdS nanoparticles (NPs). This system has been employed to replace the commonly used N719 dye molecule. Various nanostructured forms of ZnO, namely, nanorod and nanoparticle-based photoanodes, have been sensitized with colloidal CdS NPs to evaluate their effective performance towards quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). A polysulphide (S-x(2-))-based electrolyte and CuxS counter electrode were used for cell fabrication and testing. An interesting improvement in the performance of the device by imposing nanorods as a scattering layer on a particle layer has been observed. As a consequence, a maximum conversion efficiency of 1.06% with an open-circuit voltage (V-OC) of 0.67 V was achieved for the ZnO nanorod/nanoparticle assembled structure. The introduction of ZnO nanorods over the nanoparticle led to a significant enhancement of the overall efficiency compared to the corresponding bare nanoparticles