Encapsulation and biocatalytic activity of the enzyme pepsin in fatty lipid films by selective electrostatic interactions

The encapsulation of pepsin by electrostatically controlled diffusion from solution into thermally evaporated fatty amine films is described and the catalytic activity of the immobilized enzyme on hemoglobin is investigated

Dexamethasone negatively regulates phenobarbitone-activated transcription but synergistically enhances cytoplasmic levels of cytochrome P-450b/e messenger RNA

Dexamethasone has a potentiating effect on phenobarbitone mediated induction of cytochrome P-450b + e mRNAs in adult rat liver. However, the glucocorticoid inhibits phenobarbitone-activated transcription of cytochrome P-450b + e mRNAs by 60-70s. This inhibitory effect is evident in run-off transcription of the endogenous genes as well as in the transcription of an added cloned gene fragment. Dexamethasone inhibits the phenobarbitone-mediated increase in the binding of a transcription factor(s) to the upstream region of the gene as evidenced by gel retardation and Southwestern blot analysis. The glucocorticoid does not stabilize the phenobarbitone-induced polyribosomal cytochrome P-450b + e mRNAs but appears to stabilize the nuclear transcripts. It is proposed that a negative element may mediate the action of dexamethasone at the level of nuclear transcription and stabilization of the nuclear transcript may account for the potentiating effect of the glucocorticoid on phenobarbitone-mediated increase in cytochrome P-450b + e mRNAs in the cytoplasm of the adult rat liver. However, the cytochrome P-450b protein levels are slightly lower in phenobarbitone+dexamethasone treatment than in phenobarbitone-treated liver microsomes

Now is the time for radical action on racial health inequalities

A new report by the NHS Race and Health Observatory makes robust recommendations—we must act on them, write Mohammad S Razai and colleagues

Emulated reactance and resistance by a SSSC incorporating energy storage device

Static Synchronous series compensator without energy storage device can exchange only reactive power with the network and can operate in limited operating range in two quadrants only. When energy storage device is connected at the DC bus of SSSC (SSSC – ES), it can also exchange real power with the network. Operating range of SSSC will be much broader and it covers all the four quadrants. However, emulated reactance and resistance by SSSC – ES is likely to affect the performance of a distance protection system. This paper presents a detailed model of an SMIB system with SSSC – ES. Injected voltage by SSSC – ES in all the four quadrants of operation is presented. Impact of operation of SSSC _ ES in different quadrants and various control strategies for SSSC – ES on impedance emulated by SSSC – ES during steady state condition and transient system disturbance is discussed.

Workplace well-being in the London-Chinese business community

Purpose Workplace well-being is key to improving health and therefore productivity. Although the Chinese population and their influence on business in the UK are growing rapidly, little is known about the attitudes of Chinese employers and employees towards workplace well-being. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a qualitative study to explore the views of Chinese employees and employers in London and interviewed occupational health and workplace well-being experts. Findings Employers’ understanding of workplace well-being was limited, their approach was reactive rather than proactive. Contextual factors hampered most efforts towards workplace well-being. Employees reported that working conditions were generally poor with likely implications for employees’ physical and mental health. Generational and migratory changes further complicate the scenario but potentially usher in positive change. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in a London area with a high density of Chinese businesses. The study nevertheless covered only a limited selection of business sectors. Caution may therefore be necessary in assuming the transferability of these findings to other parts of the UK. Practical implications Chinese businesses are agreeable to being informed about and considering the business case for workplace well-being. Chinese workers need better working conditions, easier access to health services preferably delivered through Chinese-based networks of community and business associations which are trusted by both employers and employees. Originality/value This study offers novel evidence on the attitude of Chinese employers and employees towards workplace well-being by comparing views from both groups. Chinese people face considerable health and mental health problems through their work environment, in contrast with conclusions from the Health Survey for England and Labour Force Survey

Preparation and storage stability of amla (Phyllanthus emblica) based instant pulihora mix - a South Indian traditional food condiment

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica Linn) is an important crop, indigenous to Indian subcontinent, which is used in alternative medicine, health foods and herbal products. An attempt was made to add value to the highly perishable and seasonable raw material and produce a convenient, shelf stable instant mix for south Indian cuisines. The standardized instant amla pulihora mix (APM) consisted of amla powder (AP, 26%), roasted ground nuts, bengal gram, black gram, green chili, salt (18%) and spices. The titrable acidity of amla powder and amla pulihora mix was 15.1 and 6.4%, respectively. Amla pulihora mix was a rich source of Ca (191.18 mg/100 g), Fe (21.19 mg/100 g) and a considerable amount of proteins (11.2%). The total polyphenol content in amla powder and the amla pulihora mix was found to be 9989 and 3093 mg/100 g, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed that tannic acid and ascorbic acid contents of amla powder were 8102.1, 1601.21 mg/100 g, respectively, and ascorbic acid in amla pulihora mix was found to be 440.21 mg/100 g. Retention of ascorbic acid was higher in the amla pulihora mix (84%), when compared to amla powder (22%), over a storage period of six months. The antioxidant activity (IC50) of amla powder and the amla pulihora mix, as assayed by DPPH and ABTS, were 0.7 and 0.2 mg/ml and 0.28 and 0.17 mg/ml, respectively. Sensory evaluation of the amla pulihora mix indicated that the product was highly acceptable, when mixed with cooked rice in the ratio of 1: 6.9 w/w. The shelf-life of the product was 6 months with a sensory acceptability score of 8. The equilibrium moisture content- relative humidity studies indicated that both the amla powder and amla pulihora mix were non-hygroscopic and stable at room temperature (28±2 °C) up to 6 months when packed in metalized polyester polyethylene pouches. Microbiological analysis indicated both products as safe for consumption up to 6 months storage