Nutritional evaluation of products prepared from fresh beans

The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional composition of products prepared from fresh beans. Four types of fresh beans powder viz. cluster bean (Cyamposis tetragonaloba), cowpea bean (Vigna unguic-ulata), french bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris) and sem bean (Dolichhos lablab) were used for dry vegetable preparation. Moisture content of beans vegetable prepared using fresh beans ranged from 76.49 to 82.25 per cent. The cowpea bean vegetable had the highest (17.19%) and sem bean vegetable had the lowest (12.67%) amount of crude pro-tein. Crude fiber content was found to be highest in cowpea bean vegetable (6.69%) followed by cluster bean vege-table (6.60%), french bean vegetable (6.41%) and sem bean vegetable (5.54%). Among the four types of beans vegetables, total, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber content was found to be highest in cluster bean vegetable and the lowest in sem bean vegetable. Sem bean vegetable contained the maximum (135.81 mg/100g and 251.46 mg/100g) amount of calcium and phosphorus while french bean vegetable contained the minimum (51.03 mg/100gand 243.55 mg/100g) amount. Iron content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cluster bean vegetable and cowpea bean vegetable as compared to french bean vegetable and sem bean vegetable. Cowpea bean vegetable contained the maximum (101.51mg/100g) while sem bean contained minimum (61.19mg/100g) amount of magnesium-um. It was observed that all the four types of beans vegetable differed significantly (p?0.05) among themselves for their potassium content. Earlier studies were conducted on raw seeds or pods of beans but information on cooked beans was scanty. This study explains about the effect of cooking on different nutritional components of fresh beans pods

Synthesis and in-vitro antibacterial activity of some bis-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-carbothioamide-pyrazoline derivatives

Five new compounds, bis-pyrazoline derivatives (2a-e) with antibacterial properties, built around the alkyl chains of varying lengths were prepared via reaction of various 1-ω-alkoxy-bis-chalcones with N-substituted thiosemicarbazide in ethanolic NaOH solution. The antibacterial activity of these compounds were evaluated by the disk diffusion method against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria and the minimum inhibitory concentration were determined. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, ESI mass spectrometry and their purities were also confirmed by elemental analyses. The formation and stereochemical features of the compounds, 2a-e, are found to be independent of the internal spacer length. The results showed that compounds 2a and 2e are better antibacterial agent compared to Gentamicin and Tetracycline

Synthesis and in-vitro antibacterial activity of some alkoxy based N-substituted-5-(furan-2-yl)-phenyl-bis-pyrazolines

Bis-pyrazoline darivatives (2a-e) built around the alkyl chains of varying length were synthesized in good yield by refluxing bis-chalcones (1a-e) with phenyl hydrazine in CH3COOH and ethanol. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass (ESI) spectrometries and their purities were confirmed by elemental analyses. The antibacterial activity of these compounds were evaluated by the disc diffusion assay against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria and then the minimum inhibitory concentration of compounds were determined. The compounds 1,4-bis[1-(2-oxyphenyl)-5-(furan-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole] butane (2a) and 1,10-bis[1-(2-oxyphenyl)-5-(furan-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole]decane (2e) are better antibacterial agent as compared to Tetracycline and Gentamicin

Knowledge, attitude, beliefs and use of over the counter drug products among medical undergraduates

Background: Over the counter (OTC) drug products are available without prescription and considered safe, effective, affordable and easily accessible. Among medical students use of OTCs and even prescription drugs available as OTCs is increasing day by day. The objective of the study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and beliefs about OTCs, their use, safety and regulatory issues of OTCs among medical undergraduates.Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted and 151 medical students participated in this study. A preformed and validated questionnaire consisting of 2 parts was used. Part 1 consisted of general information regarding OTCs and Part 2 consisted information about knowledge, attitude, beliefs and use of OTCs. Data were analyzed and the results were expressed as percentages.Results: 100% participating students were aware about OTCs. 70% used them a lot because of availability and belief on safety. Chemist was a good source of advice over minor medical problems according to 38% of students. Information to be read on drug label was known to 62.5% of them. Affordability and accessibility (84%) was the main reason for OTCs use. Common medications bought without prescription were antibiotics, antihistaminics (100%) and cough syrups (90%). Headache and fever (100%), acidity (91%) were common indications for OTC use. Common OTCs stored at home were painkiller, antacids and skin care products.Conclusions: All students though were aware of OTCs but had little knowledge of regulation and usage. Many prescription drugs were also available as OTCs. Medical students need to be educated and trained about OTCs and the related issues.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ANAEMIA AS A MORTALITY RISK FACTOR IN DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS FOLLOWING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

Introduction: Short-term mortality is related to hyperglycemia, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and anemia. Diabetes patients are more likely to suffer from anemia. To investigate the impact of diabetes patients also having anemia on myocardial infarction outcomes, we conducted a retrospective study. Methodology: From a registry that is disease-specific and population-based, information about every patient consecutively hospitalized with AMI was gathered. Diabetes and anemia were present in four groups of patients. Results: 32.2% of Group A, 16% of Group B, 21.45% of Group C, and 6.6% of Group D experienced 30-day mortality (all p < 0.001). Groups A, B, C, and D had, in that order, 31 days to 36 months mortality rates of 47.6%, 20.8%, 34.3%, and 10.4% (all p < 0.001). At 36 months, the odds ratios for diabetes and anemia were 1.61 (1.40–1.84, p < 0.001) and 1.58 (1.37–1.86, p < 0.001), respectively, suggesting that both illnesses remained independent risk factors for death. Of the deaths that occurred between 31 days and 36 months, 43.7% in Group A were due to cardiovascular causes, 54.0% in Group B, 47.1% in Group C, and 50.9% in Group D (p < 0.05, A vs. B). Conclusion: When compared to either diabetes or anemia patients alone, patients who have diabetes and anemia both have a greater death rate. In all groups, cardiovascular death continued to be the most common death cause. Recommendation: According to our findings, individuals with anemia who have experienced a myocardial infarction with or without diabetes may safely have prompt primary percutaneous coronary intervention; nevertheless, they should take extra care to maintain hemoglobin levels

A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OF PROTEINURIA CHANGES AND MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION RISKS IN DIABETIC OR PRE-DIABETIC PATIENTS.

Objective:  This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in proteinuria and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Methodology: The prospective study was conducted involving 200 participants in India, with data collection occurring during routine medical examinations from 2020 to 2022. The participants were followed up, and data collection concluded in 2023. Results: Among the participants, those with persistent proteinuria exhibited a significantly higher risk of MI, with a 2.5-fold increased hazard compared to those without proteinuria. Furthermore, a reduction in proteinuria over time was associated with a 21% decrease in MI incidence. This relationship was not observed in individuals without proteinuria, highlighting the importance of persistent proteinuria in influencing MI risk.  Conclusion: The findings emphasize the critical role of persistent proteinuria as a predictor of elevated MI risk in individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Monitoring and managing proteinuria could potentially mitigate the risk of future heart attacks in this population. Recommendations: Healthcare professionals should consider routine monitoring of proteinuria levels in outpatient settings for individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Exploring interventions to lower proteinuria levels for heart attack prevention is recommended, including lifestyle modifications, medications, or targeted therapies. Improved comprehension of the mechanisms connecting proteinuria to the risk of MI is essential for the formulation of efficient preventive approaches. This study underscores the significance of early detection and management of proteinuria in diabetic patients and pre-diabetics to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction

Efficacy and safety of formoterol versus montelukast as add on therapy in moderate persistent asthma

Background: From a pathophysiologic point of view, asthma treatment is directed toward the airway to effectively suppress inflammation, attenuate airway hyper responsiveness. Ideally, this in turn should translate into benefits in terms of symptom control, prevention of exacerbations, optimizing dyspnoea, along with patient safety.Methods: This study was carried out at Department of Pharmacology and TB and Respiratory Medicine, Pt. BDS PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana. The protocol was approved by institutional review board. Out of 60 OPD patients, group A (30) received inhaled budesonide 400μg and formoterol fumarate 6μg twice daily and group B (30) received oral montelukast 10 mg once daily along with inhaled budesonide 400μg twice daily. All values were expressed as mean±SEM and comparison between both groups was done using unpaired t-test.Results: Baseline PFT Values at 0 week and Improvement at 8 weeks were comparable between both groups with P-value >0.05. In Group A both day time cough/wheeze score (20.67±0.19 to 11.23±0.37) and night time cough/wheeze score (11.47±0.17 to 4.27±0.21) reduced after 8 weeks treatment. Also in Group B daytime cough/ wheeze reduced from (20.70±0.25) at 4 weeks to (12.93±0.43) at end of 8 weeks. Modified Borg’s dyspnoea score also decreased significantly (3.13±0.11 to 0.73±0.06) in Group A and (3.16±0.14 to 0.80±0.05) in Group B at end of 8 weeks and decrease was comparable in both groups (p value >0.05). Statistically there was no difference between two treatments as far as safety assessment was concerned. Most common ADRs reported were headache, asthenia and abdominal pain.Conclusions: Montelukast seems clinically effective and safe in controlling asthma symptoms, PFT and improving dyspnoea. So montelukast can be reasonable and alternative therapeutic option as add on to inhaled ICS in moderate persistent asthma patients

Phenylephrine induced fixed drug eruption: a rare case of cross sensitivity

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a type of dermatosis characterized by recurrent lesions at exactly the same sites with each administration of the causative agents. FDEs are common types of drug eruptions amongst all cutaneous drug-induced side effects, mostly by intermittent exposure. Multiple drugs with common chemical structure can cause same type of lesions at same site called as cross sensitivity. There are many causative agents and the incidence of FDEs for a particular drug depends on the frequency of its use. Though usually not severe or fatal, cosmetic embarrassment is main problem, especially when they recur on the previously affected sites leaving behind residual hyperpigmentation. Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic agent, given orally for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion. It is also commonly combined with other ingredients in preparations intended for the relief of cough and cold symptoms. Considering the frequent use of Phenylephrine, associated drug eruptions generally appear to be rare, cross sensitivity with pseudoephedrine is even rarer. In our case phenylepherine was self-administered to control cold induced congestion and patient developed FDE on vermillion of upper lip, which healed after 2 weeks leaving hyperpigmentation and reappear on same site after re-challenge also. She has history of FDEs due to pseudoephedrine on same site on lips. This is a rare case of sympathomimetics induced FDE with cross sensitivity between phenylepherine and pseudoephedrine; hence we are reporting it here

Significance of Grasses in Establishment of Ecological Restoration in Mined out Degraded Land in Jharia Coalfield, Dhanbad

This paper reviews the experience of ecological restoration adopted by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a Miniratna Company, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, Government of India, Public Sector Undertaking to restore the mined out degraded land in Jharia Coalfield (JCF). JCF is one of the oldest coalfield of India and was mined in an unscientific manner for more than 100 years by the erstwhile private entrepreneurs until it was nationalised in 1972-73, due to which the coalfield was subjected to severe land degradation, mine fires and subsidence. The total degraded land in the JCF in 1986 was 6,294 hectares. In the span of ~25 years (1986-2011), BCCL had taken up plantation/afforestation on 3676 ha of degraded lands through District Forest Office. Now, BCCL is trying to restore these mined out degraded land ecologically. The ecological restoration is to establish a three-tier vegetation comprising of native species grasses as lower tier, shrubs and bushes as middle tier and trees as upper tier with an objective to establish biodiversity and food chain; to improve the local climate regime and socio-economic condition. In 2011, BCCL in association with Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun and Prof. CR Babu, Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystem (CEMDE), Delhi University started ecological restoration of the mined out degraded land and overburden dumps. Two study sites were taken up in 2011-12; one at Damoda (23°47\u27N and 86°30\u27E) of 7 ha and another at Tetulmari (23°81\u27N and 86°33\u27E) of 8 ha, respectively. The mined dumps were composed of big and small boulders of shaly sandstone, sandstone, shale and with traces of soil. Earlier, these dumps were profusely invaded by exotic weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus, Croton bonplandianus, Xanthium strumarium and Eupatorium odoratum, Lantana camara. Due to more than 100 years of mining and severe land degradation, there is no soil cover on the dumps and was poor in nutrients. Efforts were specially made in selection of species which are native to the region; generate the large quantity of biomass to enrich the soil; ability to stabilize the soil structure; utility to the local community. Therefore, species of trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses with multiple use value like fuel, fodder, fruit, medicine were used during the process of ecological restoration. In our study, the importance was given to the establishment of grass cover as grasses generate larger quantity of biomass; stabilize the slopes and bind the stratum. The grass cover also plays a key role in establishment of the lower trophic levels of the ecosystem. The grass species introduced are Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus setigerus, Pennisetum pedicellatum, Heteropogon, Stylosanthes,hamata, Chrysopogon, Bothriochloia, Thysanolaena latifolia, Dichanthium, Arundo, Eragrostis, Cynodon dactylon, Chloris, Digitaria, Saccharum spontaneum, and Panicum. In addition, Shrub species Dodonaea viscose, Vitex negundo, Dendrocalamus strictus, Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa bambos, Woodfordia fruticosa, Calotropis procera, Cassia tora, Datura stramonium, Ziziphus mauritiana, Tephrosia purpurea, Adhatoda zeylanica and Agave sislana and the tree species Albizia procera, Dalbergia sisso, Phyllanthus embilica, Albizia lebbeck, Bahunia variegate, Aegle Marmelos, madhuca indica, Ficus religiosa, Ficus hispida, Syzygium cumini, Casia Fistula etc have been introduced