Effect of Temperature and Storage on Free and Encapsulated Lactobacillus Acidophilus NCIM 2660 and Lactobacillus Bulgaricus NCIM 2056 in Different Food Matrix

In today’s world, the research into the health benefits of probiotics has rocketed sky high. The survivability of probiotics in foods depends on various factors during processing and storage. Heat is used in the process of a lot of foods. The fact was given that the amount of probiotics on the consumption of foods should be at least 107 CFU/g and that probiotic bacteria are sensitive to heat, so the survival of probiotics during thermal processing are the main challenges to food manufacturers. The main objective of the work is to study the effect of alginate encapsulation on temperature tolerance of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIM 2660 and Lactobacillus bulgaricus NCIM 2056. Free cells of L. acidophilus NCIM 2660 and L. bulgaricus NCIM 2056 were exposed to different temperatures (60°C, 70°C, 80°C , and 90°C) at different intervals of time (1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, and 30 min). It was observed that L. acidophilus NCIM 2660 and L. bulgaricus NCIM 2056 can tolerate up to 100°C for 1 minute as free cells. In order to increase the temperature tolerance capacity, encapsulation was tried. Encapsulated L. acidophilus NCIM 2660 and L. bulgaricus NCIM 2056 were exposed to different temperatures i.e. >100°C for different time intervals. Results revealed that encapsulation could improve the temperature tolerance of L. bulgaricus NCIM 2056 up to 120°C for 1 minute. The present study revealed the advantage of encapsulation in protecting the bacterial cells from high temperature. These encapsulated cells can be utilized to formulate functional foods which will be heat processed before consumption. L. acidophilus NCIM 2660 and L. bulgaricus NCIM 2056 was incorporated in orange peel jelly as free cells and L. plantarum NCIM 2083 and L. bulgaricus NCIM 2056 was incorporated in dried snacks and their survivability in food matrix was studied for 3 weeks

Correlation of non-stress test with fetal outcome in term of Apgar score- a prospective observation study

Background: Non-stress test (NST) is a graphical recording of changes in fetal heart activity and uterine contraction along with fetal movement when uterus is quiescent. The objectives of antepartum fetal surveillance are to prevent fetal death and avoidance of unnecessary intervention. This study using NST as a tool for routine antepartum fetal surveillance was trying to catch up those fetuses who might be at risk in womb and provide prompt intervention in otherwise considered normal pregnancies without any obvious high risk factor thus giving the best outcome in mothers.Methods: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of the non-stress test with fetal outcome in pregnancies from 37-42 weeks of gestation.  This was a prospective observational study at Pannadhaya Rajkiya Mahila Chikitsalya Udaipur (Rajasthan) from February 2022 to July 2022. This study included 100 normal pregnant mothers from 37 weeks to 42 weeks who were subjected to NST.Results: The parameters of poor fetal outcome like Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes had increased incidences in the non reactive group.Conclusions: NST tells about acute fetal hypoxia and decision to delivery time can be made for those patients with fetal distress so that a major improvement in the outcome among parturient can be achieved with abnormal NST results. So This study suggested that the NST was found to be a good predictor of the healthy foetus even in normal pregnancies between 37-42 weeks of gestation and the probability of an adverse outcome such as poor Apgar score increases with a non reactive strip

A rare case of genital myiasis in genital prolapse

Genital myiasis is an infestation by fly larvae in genital organs, where they feed and develop as parasites. They can cause severe infection, inflammatory reaction and can be linked to psychiatric disturbances. Commonly cutaneous, ophthalmic, auricular and nasopharyngeal myiasis are seen, with genital myiasis being a rare condition. We reported a case of an 82-year-old postmenopausal female who presented with the complaint of intense pain in genital region. After clinical evaluation she was clinically diagnosed as a case of genital myiasis of prolapsed uterus. Myiasis of the genital organ is a rare clinical entity. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitary conditions are very crucial for prevention of myiasis

A rare case of giant condyloma acuminata during pregnancy

Genital warts (Condyloma acuminata) are a benign lesion caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) type-6 or type-11 and are usually transmitted sexually. During pregnancy, condyloma has a tendency to proliferate and may have recurrence. We have a case of G2P1L1 38 weeks previously normal vaginal delivered patient in our hospital with extensive genital warts. Patient was successfully managed by surgical excision and after that in follow up after 2 months for podophyllin resin application on remaining lesions. HPV infection presentation can range from asymptomatic to cervical cancer. Small genital wart lesion may become extensive and cumbersome during pregnancy and again regress after delivery in due course of time. HPV vaccination, sex education and early treatment of condyloma lesions should prevent and, in any case, improve the prognosis of this disease

Ultrasound assessment of foetal head-perineum distance prior to induction of labour as a predictor of successful vaginal delivery: a prospective study from a tertiary care hospital of Rajasthan

Background: Induction of labor (IOL) is one of the most frequent obstetric procedures require for various obstetrics indications in 13-20% of term. Traditionally success of induction has been determined by Bishop score, but this score is observer based and significant inter observer disagreements have been noted. Ultrasound can help obstetricians in counselling patients before induction of labour and explain the probability of successful induction. So in this study we did ultrasound assessment of foetal head-perineum distance prior to induction of labour as a predictor of successful vaginal delivery. Methods: All eligible women who are planned for induction of labour will undergo ultrasound assessment of foetal head–perineum distance prior to induction of labour. Transvaginal ultrasound will also be performed using ultrasound probe to measure cervical length. After the scans, prevaginal examination will be performed to assess the various components of modified Bishop score (min 0, max 10). If cervix is found unfavourable, induction of labour will be done. If patient did not go into active labour, then induction will be considered unsuccessful) or else oxytocin drip in cases where cervix is found favourable. The patients will be followed up till delivery. Results: Out of 125 patients enrolled for the study, 101 women delivered successfully vaginally and 24 had to undergo caesarean delivery. Of these 24 cases of caesarean delivery, 11 cases were excluded as the operative procedure was performed for indication not related to unsuccessful induction such as occurrence of foetal distress in labour, thick meconium-stained liquor with unfavourable cervix. The final analysis was performed from 114 subjects (101 vaginal births and 13 caesarean births). Conclusions: Transperineal fetal head–perineum distance is less painful as less time consuming and less acceptable by patients compare to Transvaginal measurement of cervical length and painful digital examination for bishop score

Decoding Delhi's water governance through multi-level governance approach

This article explores the intertwined, multi-level, and varied scale of public institutions, local level organizations, and various actors involved in rendering water supply services to the residents of Delhi. To ensure water security in the national capital, the study of actors and institutions involved in the water governance of Delhi is pertinent. Delhi, being the capital of the country, has overlapping administration between both the central and state government. Various ministries and departments which vary in hierarchy and power are working for the day-to-day functioning of the megacity. This phenomenon also applies to the water governance of Delhi, making it byzantine and complex in nature. In this context, a multi-level governance approach has been used for exploring the water governance of Delhi. Identification of various actors, stakeholders, and institutions involved in Delhi's water governance is a prerequisite to ensure effective, equitable, and participatory water management for the city. HIGHLIGHT This article explores the intertwined, multi-level, and varied scale of public institutions, local level organizations, and various actors involved in rendering water supply services to residents of Delhi, India.

Traditional pickles of Himachal Pradesh

330-336<span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:" times="" new="" roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"times="" roman";="" mso-bidi-font-family:"times="" roman";mso-ansi-language:en-us;mso-fareast-language:="" en-us;mso-bidi-language:ar-sa"="" lang="EN-US">The traditional pickles of indigenous fruits and vegetables, viz., galgal, lingri,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> aaroo, plum, lasura, dehu,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> kachnar and beedana are popular in rural and urban areas of Himachal Pradesh since the very early times. These are used as appetizers and served practically with every meal. The traditional pickles of Himachal Pradesh are unique in the raw material, method of preparation and taste from the pickles in other parts of country. In the present study, the methods of preparation of traditional pickles as practiced by the rural folk have been documented.</span

Statistical optimization of fermentation media for postbiotic metabolite production from Lactobacillus plantarum LG138 of primate origin

The probiotic  metabolites  called postbiotics  synthesized by consist of range of molecules namely organic acids, antimicrobial peptides, short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharide (EPS), cofactors, vitamins, immune-modulating compounds, enzymes, neurotransmitters etc. LABs are widely recognized as an efficient EPS producer. Hence, the goal of the current study is to statistically maximize the media components for maximum exopolysaccharide production by Lactobacillus plantarum LG138 from primate feces. The de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) medium is used for optimization of production process. Batch culture system is used for optimization of exopolysaccharide production in MRS medium using Lactobacillus plantarum LG138. The optimization process of EPS production improved its yield by 2.7-folds (from 12.00 mg/ml to 32.88 mg/ml).The enhanced EPS yield was achieved after optimization of different media components such as sucrose (5%), ammonium sulfate (1.2%), temperature (32.5⁰C), incubation time (22 h) and pH (6.5) using Response Surface Methodology. The actual experimental value (32.88 mg/ml) was comparable to the predicted maximum EP by Lactobacillus plantarum LG138.S production (32.87mg/ml) under optimal conditions for L. plantarum LG138.The in vitro antioxidant assays (free radical scavenging ability and reducing power) revealed  antioxidant properties of EPS. These significant  activities  recommend the  possible potential use of EPS  in animal food and feed applications.

Impact of crossplay between ocular aberrations and depth of focus in topo-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis outcomes

Purpose: To develop a nomogram in cases with mismatch between subjective and Topolyzer cylinder, and based on the magnitude of the mismatch, customize a treatment plan to attain good visual outcomes post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. Methods: The patients were evaluated preoperatively using corneal tomography with Pentacam. Five optimal corneal topography scans were obtained from the Topolyzer Vario were used for planning the LASIK treatment. For the nomogram purpose, the patients were divided into three categories based on the difference between the subjective cylinder and Topolyzer (corneal) cylinder. The first group (group 1) consisted of eyes of patients, where the difference was less than or equal to 0.4 D. The second group (group 2) consisted of eyes, where the difference was more than 0.4 D and the subjective cylinder was lesser than the Topolyzer cylinder. The third group (group 3) included eyes where the difference was more than 0.4 D but the subjective cylinder was greater than the Topolyzer cylinder. LASIK was performed with the WaveLight FS 200 femtosecond laser and WaveLight EX500 excimer laser. Assessment of astigmatism correction for the three groups was done using Aplins vector analysis. For comparison of proportions, Chi-square test was used. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The UDVA was statistically significantly different when compared between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.02). However, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was similar among all the three groups (P = 0.1). Group 3 showed an increase of residual cylinder by −0.25 D, which was significant at intermediate and near reading distances (P < 0.05). Group 3 showed significantly higher target-induced astigmatism (TIA) compared to groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.01). The mean surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was the least in group 2, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The outcomes for distance vision using our nomogram postoperatively were excellent, but further refinement for improving the near vision outcomes is required