Effect of post harvest ripening on bioactive secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in mango cv. Amrapali

Mango possesses many bioactive phytonutrients at ripe stage which boost our immune systemagainst many diseases. Post harvest ripening plays a major role in changes in those bioactivephytochemicals and their antioxidant activity. Hence, the present study was undertaken toassess the changes in bioactive phytonutrients and total antioxidant activity during ripeningof mango cv. Amrapali. The fruits were analyzed for total antioxidants, total phenols, totalflavonoids and total carotenoids from the day of harvest to its deterioration. Fruit peel andpulp color was measured with SPH850 spectrophotometer on the basis of the CIE LAB colorsystem (L*, a* and b*). The results revealed that total phenols (36.11 to 66.53mg GAE 100g-1),total flavonoids (14.33 to 34.67mg QE 100g-1), total carotenoids (2.23 to 11.47mg 100g-1) andtotal antioxidant (0.37 to 0.76 mmol Trolox 100g-1) activity increased gradually from day one toninth day after harvest and decreased slightly thereafter up to eleventh day of harvest excepttotal carotenoids, which remained constant. Strong correlations between total phenols (0.94),total flavonoids (0.86) and total carotenoids (0.97) with total antioxidant activity were noticed.Positive relationship between total carotenoids and L*, a*, b* values in mango peel and pulpduring ripening was also observed. It can be concluded that ripening affected the compositionof bioactive phytonutrients and their antioxidant activity in mango andmaximum nutraceuticalscontents were noticed from seven to nine days after harvest

Biochemical quality comparison of forced air dried osmo-dehydrated cashew apple products infused with spice mixture and sugar

Cashew apple is a pseudo-fruit available abundantly during harvest seasons (March to July) and majority of them goes as waste because of their perishability and poor shelf life. However, the absence of distinct exocarp and seeds are some of the potential advantages for processing utility. Hence, in the present study, osmo-dehydrated products were prepared from two maturity stages i.e. breaker and ripe stages using sugar, spice mixture and were referred to as cashew fig and chew, respectively. The drying efficiency and product recovery were conquered by cashew chew and fig, respectively. Based on the biochemical and organoleptic qualities, ripe fruits werefound suitable for preparation of chew and fig. The tannin content responsible for acridity got reduced (chew of ripe stage 1.18 to 0.53 mg/g and chew of breaker stage 1.85 to 0.68 mg/g) during the process of osmo- dehydration. Excluding total antioxidant activity, all other biochemical properties were found to be improved compared to their respective controls

Visual representation of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network criteria for anaphylaxis

We present a user-friendly visual representation of The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network criteria so as to enhance recognition of anaphylaxis and active teaching and learning

The HDAC inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589) inhibits mesothelioma and lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo with particular efficacy for small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Current therapies are inadequate. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a recently developed class of anticancer agents that cause increased acetylation of core histones and nonhistone proteins leading to modulation of gene expression and protein activityin - volved in cancer cell growth and survival pathways. We examined the efficacyof the HDACi panobinostat (LBH589) in a wide range of lung cancers and mesotheliomas. Panobinostat was cytotoxic in almost all 37 cancer cell lines tested. IC50 and LD50 values were in the low nmol/L range (4–470 nmol/L; median, 20 nmol/L). Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines were among the most sensitive lines, with LD50 values consistently <25 nmol/L. In lung cancer and mesothelioma animal models, panobinostat significantlyde creased tumor growth byan average of 62% when compared with vehicle control. Panobinostat was equallye ffective in immunocompetent and severe combined immunodeficiencymic e, indicating that the inhibition of tumor growth by panobinostat was not due to direct immunologic effects.Panobinostat was, however, particularlyeffective in SCLC xenografts, and the addition of the chemotherapyag ent etoposide augmented antitumor effects. Protein analysis of treated tumor biopsies revealed elevated amounts of cell cycle regulators such as p21 and proapoptosis factors, such as caspase 3 and 7 and cleaved poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase, coupled with decreased levels of antiapoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. These studies together suggest that panobinostat maybe a useful adjunct in the treatment of thoracic malignancies, especiallySCLC

Baseline Results:The Association between Cardiovascular Risk and Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease Pathology (ASCEND) Study

BACKGROUND: The rate of AD for African Americans (AAs) is 64% higher than for non-Hispanic White Americans (Whites). It is hypothesized that poor peripheral vascular function, in combination with genetics, stress, and inflammation may directly contribute to the accumulation of AD pathologic biomarkers. These risk factors may disproportionately affect AAs. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine if in a healthy middle-aged cohort at risk for AD (1) AD biomarkers in CSF differ by race, (2) peripheral vascular dysfunction and cognition are related to a higher burden of CSF AD biomarkers, and (3) these relationships differ by race. METHODS: We enrolled 82 cognitively normal, middle-aged (45 and older) adults including AAs and Whites at high risk for AD due to parental history. Study procedures included lumbar puncture, vascular ultrasound, and cognitive testing. RESULTS: While participants were in overall good health, AAs exhibited poorer indices of preclinical vascular health, including higher central SBP, central MAP, and EndoPAT AI, a marker of arterial stiffness. AAs also had significantly less cerebrospinal fluid tau burden than Whites. After polynomial regression analysis, adjusted for age, gender, education, and ApoE4 status, race significantly modified the relationship between total tau, phospho-tau, and Trails B, a marker of executive function. Small differences in tau correlated with poorer cognition in AAs. CONCLUSION: In a healthy middle-aged cohort at risk for AD, AAs had worse peripheral vascular health and worse cognition than Whites. Despite lower tau burden overall, race modified the relationship between tau and cognition, such that small differences in tau between AAs was related to worse cognition when compared to Whites

Effect of growth regulators and micronutrients on quality parameters in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an important tropical nut crop of social and economic importance worldwide. However, the crop is threatened with the low yield. In the present study, an attempt was made to test the effects of plant growth hormones as well as micronutrients on nut and apple quality of cashew var. Bhaskara. Significant differences in kernel weight, shelling percentage, carbohydrates and starch content of cashew kernel and juice content of cashew apple were observed with the foliar application of growth hormones and micronutrients. The foliar application of ethrel @ 50 ppm increased shelling percentage (35.8%), carbohydrate content (21.63%), sugar content (6.26%), protein content (32.4%), starch content (31.42%), juice content (78.3%) and total soluble solids (120 Brix). Further, the foliar spray of zinc sulphate (0.5%) + borax (0.1%) increased shelling (36.13%), protein content (32.15%), starch content (32.03%) among all the treatments tested. Furthermore, higher cashew apple juice content (78%) and total soluble solids (120Brix) was also recorded with the foliar spray of zinc sulphate (0.5%) + borax (0.1%)

Template-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Passivated Nickel Nanoparticles

Potential applications of nickel nanoparticles demand the synthesis of self-protected nickel nanoparticles by different synthesis techniques. A novel and simple technique for the synthesis of self-protected nickel nanoparticles is realized by the inter-matrix synthesis of nickel nanoparticles by cation exchange reduction in two types of resins. Two different polymer templates namely strongly acidic cation exchange resins and weakly acidic cation exchange resins provided with cation exchange sites which can anchor metal cations by the ion exchange process are used. The nickel ions which are held at the cation exchange sites by ion fixation can be subsequently reduced to metal nanoparticles by using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. The composites are cycled repeating the loading reduction cycle involved in the synthesis procedure. X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectrum, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Analysis are effectively utilized to investigate the different structural characteristics of the nanocomposites. The hysteresis loop parameters namely saturation magnetization and coercivity are measured using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. The thermomagnetization study is also conducted to evaluate the Curie temperature values of the composites. The effect of cycling on the structural and magnetic characteristics of the two composites are dealt in detail. A comparison between the different characteristics of the two nanocomposites is also provided

Association of acute toxic encephalopathy with litchi consumption in an outbreak in Muzaffarpur, India, 2014: a case-control study

Background Outbreaks of unexplained illness frequently remain under-investigated. In India, outbreaks of an acute neurological illness with high mortality among children occur annually in Muzaffarpur, the country’s largest litchi cultivation region. In 2014, we aimed to investigate the cause and risk factors for this illness. Methods In this hospital-based surveillance and nested age-matched case-control study, we did laboratory investigations to assess potential infectious and non-infectious causes of this acute neurological illness. Cases were children aged 15 years or younger who were admitted to two hospitals in Muzaffarpur with new-onset seizures or altered sensorium. Age-matched controls were residents of Muzaffarpur who were admitted to the same two hospitals for a non-neurologic illness within seven days of the date of admission of the case. Clinical specimens (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine) and environmental specimens (litchis) were tested for evidence of infectious pathogens, pesticides, toxic metals, and other non-infectious causes, including presence of hypoglycin A or methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG), naturally-occurring fruit-based toxins that cause hypoglycaemia and metabolic derangement. Matched and unmatched (controlling for age) bivariate analyses were done and risk factors for illness were expressed as matched odds ratios and odds ratios (unmatched analyses). Findings Between May 26, and July 17, 2014, 390 patients meeting the case definition were admitted to the two referral hospitals in Muzaffarpur, of whom 122 (31%) died. On admission, 204 (62%) of 327 had blood glucose concentration of 70 mg/dL or less. 104 cases were compared with 104 age-matched hospital controls. Litchi consumption (matched odds ratio [mOR] 9·6 [95% CI 3·6 – 24]) and absence of an evening meal (2·2 [1·2–4·3]) in the 24 h preceding illness onset were associated with illness. The absence of an evening meal significantly modified the effect of eating litchis on illness (odds ratio [OR] 7·8 [95% CI 3·3–18·8], without evening meal; OR 3·6 [1·1–11·1] with an evening meal). Tests for infectious agents and pesticides were negative. Metabolites of hypoglycin A, MCPG, or both were detected in 48 [66%] of 73 urine specimens from case-patients and none from 15 controls; 72 (90%) of 80 case-patient specimens had abnormal plasma acylcarnitine profiles, consistent with severe disruption of fatty acid metabolism. In 36 litchi arils tested from Muzaffarpur, hypoglycin A concentrations ranged from 12·4 μg/g to 152·0 μg/g and MCPG ranged from 44·9 μg/g to 220·0 μg/g. Interpretation Our investigation suggests an outbreak of acute encephalopathy in Muzaffarpur associated with both hypoglycin A and MCPG toxicity. To prevent illness and reduce mortality in the region, we recommended minimising litchi consumption, ensuring receipt of an evening meal and implementing rapid glucose correction for suspected illness. A comprehensive investigative approach in Muzaffarpur led to timely public health recommendations, underscoring the importance of using systematic methods in other unexplained illness outbreaks

Behaviour change interventions to reduce second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure at home in pregnant women - A systematic review and intervention appraisal

Abstract Background Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy is associated with poor pregnancy and foetal outcomes. Theory-based behaviour change interventions (BCI) have been used successfully to change smoking related behaviours and offer the potential to reduce exposure of SHS in pregnant women. Systematic reviews conducted so far do not evaluate the generalisability and scalability of interventions. The objectives of this review were to (1) report the BCIs for reduction in home exposure to SHS for pregnant women; and (2) critically appraise intervention-reporting, generalisability, feasibility and scalability of the BCIs employed. Methods Standard methods following PRISMA guidelines were employed. Eight databases were searched from 2000 to 2015 in English. The studies included used BCIs on pregnant women to reduce their home SHS exposure by targeting husbands/partners. The Workgroup for Intervention Development and Evaluation Research (WIDER) guidelines were used to assess intervention reporting. Generalisability, feasibility and scalability were assessed against criteria described by Bonell and Milat. Results Of 3479 papers identified, six studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies found that BCIs led to increased knowledge about SHS harms, reduction or husbands quitting smoking, and increased susceptibility and change in level of actions to reduce SHS at home. Two studies reported objective exposure measures, and one reported objective health outcomes. The studies partially followed WIDER guidelines for reporting, and none met all generalisability, feasibility and scalability criteria. Conclusions There is a dearth of literature in this area and the quality of studies reviewed was moderate to low. The BCIs appear effective in reducing SHS, however, weak study methodology (self-reported exposure, lack of objective outcome assessment, short follow-up, absence of control group) preclude firm conclusion. Some components of the WIDER checklist were followed for BCI reporting, scalability and feasibility of the studies were not described. More rigorous studies using biochemical and clinical measures for exposures and health outcomes in varied study settings are required. Studies should report interventions in detail using WIDER checklist and assess them for generalisability, feasibility and scalability. Trial registration CRD40125026666