Steviol Glycosides and their use in food processing: A review

Steviol glycosides are the proteinacious secondary metabolites present in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. These SG's are the principal sweetening agents which are 200-300 times more sweeter than sucrose. A number of SG's are present in the leaves of Stevia namely, stevioside, dulcoside A, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B,  rebaudioside C (previously known as dulcoside B),  rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E and steviolbioside, 100–125. At the 63rd meeting a temporary ADI of 0-2 mg/kg bodyweight and day, expressed as steviol, was established based on a No-Observed-Effect-Level (NOEL). Steviol glycoside extracts have broad applications as sweetener in the manufacture of fruit and milk drinks, desserts, yoghurt, delicacies, confectioneries, fruit products, processed seafood products, pickles, table-top  sweeteners and dietary supplements. Other aspects considered are physicochemical and biologic properties for food processing, stability and therapeutic value of SG's. nutritional information, Stevia market and household uses.Â

Physico-chemical analysis of low calorie high protein shrikhand prepared using stevia leaf powder

In the present study the textural properties of shrikhand along with the chemical properties were investigated. Based on the preliminary trial sugar was substituted with different ratios of stevia powder. Shrikhand prepared with Stevia powder showed a significant (P≤0.05) increase in the proximate composition of shrikhand. The textural parameters decreased with decrease in the amount of sugar significantly (P≤0.05).Keywords: Shrikhand, Stevia powder, Nutritive value, textur

A comprehensive review of mucinous ovarian cancer: insights into epidemiology, risk factors, histological characteristics, and clinical outcomes

Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) represents a rare subtype within the spectrum of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). In contrast to a uniform approach applied to all EOC subtypes, MOC stands out as a distinctive entity. A nuanced understanding of the pathological features and genomic profile of MOC holds the potential for enhancing management strategies and, consequently, prognostic outcomes. The differentiation between primary MOC and metastatic mucinous carcinoma poses a challenge but is imperative for accurate clinical decision-making. Notably, early-stage MOC exhibits a favourable prognosis, while advanced disease is characterized by a less favourable outcome. Surgical intervention assumes a pivotal role both in the early stages and metastatic scenarios. Chemotherapy is typically initiated from stage II MOC onwards, with the conventional gynaecological protocol commonly employed; however, there is also precedent for the application of gastrointestinal (GI) regimens. Given the association of MOC with diverse molecular alterations, the consideration of targeted therapy emerges as a potential therapeutic avenue for this unique disease entity. The main tool used for this literature review was PubMed. MOC stands as a distinct entity within EOC subtypes, distinguished from GI mucinous carcinoma by its unique clinical behavior, pathological features, molecular profile, prognosis, and response to standard treatment. The challenges lie in both the diagnosis and treatment of MOC, emphasizing the complexity and specialized considerations required for managing this particular subtype of OC

Metagenomic Analysis of Uterine Microbiota in Postpartum Normal and Endometritic Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

In Indian subcontinent the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is one of the important livestock animals. As in cows, postpartum infection like endometritis in dairy buffaloes is major cause for the economic loss in the dairy industries. Till date, there is no study regarding metagenomic analysis of bacterial population of postpartum endometritic buffaloes. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the uterine bacterial composition in normal and endometritic postpartum buffaloes using 16S rDNA cloning, which was a type of culture-independent methods. A total of 151 cloned plasmids for 16S rDNA from both normal and endometritic uterine samples were sequenced. Cloning library of 16S rDNA revealed clear cut difference between bacterial populations of normal and endometritic postpartum buffaloes. Cloned sequences were assigned to five major groups and one uncultured group. The five major groups include- Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Tenericutes. Major cloned sequences from normal status endometrium were affiliated to phylum Proteobacteria, and most of the sequences showed high degree of similarity with bacteria Haemophilus felis. Most of the sequences from cloned library of endometritic status samples were affiliated to phylum Proteobacteria and Tenericutes. The most prevalent bacteria found in endometritic samples were Psychrobacter sp. PRwf-1, Psychrobacter pulmonis, Ureaplasma diversum strain T95 and Ureaplasma diversum strain A417. A major number of cloned sequences from both normal and endometritic samples were assigned to uncultured group. The present data showed bacterial population of postpartum normal and endometritic buffaloes and also described the presence of various types microbiota in uterine samples

Comparison of analgesic efficacy between TAP block and local site infiltration post operatively in caesarean section

Background: Patients undergoing caesarean section need to be alert, comfortable and mobile in order to take care of their babies, for which they must be pain free in post operative period. The aim of present study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of TAP block with local anaesthetic infiltration specifically in LSCS patients in reducing patient pain postoperatively, as well as to decrease the analgesic requirements.Methods: The study population consisted of 60 patients posted for elective and emergency caesarean section. They were blindly divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group T received 40ml 0.25% Ropivacaine in Transverses abdominis plane (TAP) block for postoperative analgesia and group I received 40ml 0.25% ropivacaine as infiltration at incision site for postoperative analgesia. Patients were observed for numeric pain score NPS, analgesic requirements, total analgesic consumption and adverse effects if any.Results: There was highly significant difference in numeric pain scores at 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th hours (p<0.0001). Both the time for first rescue analgesic and total amount of analgesic consumed are statistically significant (p<0.0001).Conclusions: TAP block is an effective postoperative analgesic procedure for post caesarean section patients

Prediction of morbidity and mortality in middle and old aged surgical patients-comparison of standard scoring system and addition of echocardiography with hemodynamic indices

Background: A prospective study was carried out in our hospital to predict morbidity and mortality in middle and old aged surgical patients by adding echocardiography to standard scoring system with hemodynamic studies.Methods: A total of 50 patients of either sex ranging from 40-70 years of ASA grade 1 & 2 scheduled for various types of noncardiac surgeries were enrolled for the study in our hospital. Patients were divided in two groups according to echocardiographic examinations. The patients with normal echocardiographic values were kept in control group and the patients with abnormal values were kept under study group. The patients in study group were further divided in three groups according to LVEF. Group1-LEVF≥60%, Group2-LVEF≥50-59%, Gr3≥40-49% Tab lorazepam was given to all the patients’ orally prior night of surgery. All the patients were induced with same type inducing agents according to body weight. All the patients were maintained on IPPV by anaesthesia machine with supplemental fentanyl, N2O, O2 and muscle relaxant. SPO2, electrocardiograph (ECG), Non-invasive/invasive blood pressure (BP), Spirometry, Capnography and temperature were monitored. At the end of the research project data’s were compiled systematically and were subjected to statistical analysis using odd’s ratio(OR),95% confidence interval (CI), z value and p value, two statistical software programme were used.Results: Significant difference in the results seen between the three study groups (Gr1, Gr2, Gr3) for perioperative ischemic changes, CHF and arrhythmias.Conclusions: In conclusion preoperative TTE before non-cardiac surgery can predict the risk of perioperative cardiac complications in known or suspected cases of cardiac disease patients.

Epidural ropivacaine combined with fentanyl or in combination with clonidine in infraumblical surgeries: a comparative study

Background: The addition of an adjuvant, like clonidine and fentanyl, in epidural blockade has enhanced the effectiveness of local anaesthetics as they not only help in intensifying and prolonging the blockade effect but also help in the reduction of the dose of local anaesthetics.Methods: Our study had 45 patients, all patients belonged to ASA grade-I or II, between 20 and 55 years of age requiring neuraxial blockade for lower abdominal surgeries. All the patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group-I: Epidural ropivacaine 0.75% (14.5ml) + Fentanyl 50 µgm (1 ml) + 0.5 ml distilled water. Group-II: Epidural ropivacaine 0.75% (14.5ml) + Fentanyl 50 µgm (1 ml) + clonidine 50 µgm. Patients were monitored for sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic parameters, rescue analgesia and adverse effects in perioperative period.Results: Highest level of sensory and motor blockade was found to be insignificant (p>0.05) in both the groups. Mean time for regression of sensory blockade to T10 was significantly longer (p<0.05) in group II as compared to group I. The duration of motor blockade was significantly (p<0.001) higher in patients of Group-II as compared to Group-I. The addition of clonidine to epidural Ropivacaine and fentanyl (Group-II) produces longer duration of analgesia as compared to Group-I. Haemodynamically the patients in both the groups behaved similarly. The patients, in whom epidural fentanyl was used, had slightly higher incidence of nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and pruritus.Conclusions: So this study re-established the fact, that the fentanyl and clonidine when added as adjuvant to epidural ropivacaine, significantly prolongs the analgesic duration without causing significant hemodynamic and respiratory changes.

Epidural bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine or clonidine in infraumbilical surgeries: a comparative evaluation

Background: Alpha-2 agonist are being extensively evaluated as an alternative to neuraxial opoids, as an adjuvants in regional anaesthesia The faster onset of action of local anaesthetics, rapid establishment of both sensory and motor blockade, prolonged duration of analgesia into postoperative period, dose sparing action of local anaesthetics and stable cardiovascular parameters make these agents a very effective adjuvant in regional anaesthesia.Methods: Our study had 45 patients, all patients belonged to ASA Grade-I or II, between 20 and 55 years of age with an average height of 150 and 170 cm and have ideal body weight requiring neuraxial blockade for lower abdominal surgeries. All the patients were randomly allocated into two groups Group-I: Epidural bupivacaine 0.5% (16 ml) + clonidine 75 µgm (1 ml) Group-II: Epidural bupivacaine 0.5 % (16 ml) + Dexmedetomidine 50 µgm (1 ml) Patients were monitored for sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic parameters, rescue analgesia, sedation and adverse effects in perioperative period.Results: The time of onset of sensory block at T10 and time to reach maximum sensory block (T6) in group-I was significantly longer as compared to group-II. The complete motor blockade (grade-3) was achieved much later and time taken for recovery to grade-0 was significantly shorter in group-I. The time for rescue analgesia in group-I was significantly shorter as compared to group-II. Hypotension was the most common side effect in both the groups. Dry mouth is a known side effect of alpha-2 agonists. Epidural dexmedetomidine produced profound sedation.  Conclusions: We conclude from this study that dexmedetomidine is a better adjuvant than clonidine for providing early onset of sensory analgesia, superior sedative properties and prolonged post-operative analgesia.

Evaluation of improved pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) varieties for organoleptic dal quality in India

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajanL.) is an important pulse crop in the Indian diet and one of the most important sources of dietary protein for the population. Organoleptic qualities of pigeon pea dal were tested to draw conclusions on the preferred varieties. Organoleptic qualities such as taste, texture, aroma, tenderness, sweetness and overall acceptance were tested by a trained sensory panel. Available and commercially viable improved varieties were selected for the analysis. All samples were milled and cooked under the same conditions. Results indicated that PUSA ARHAR 16, one of the improved varieties, presents a good potential in terms of agronomic characteristics for farmers and is also well accepted by the sensory panel during the organoleptic evaluation. Generating sound scientific evidence on organoleptic characteristics of pigeon pea is important for the breeders, as they will evaluate which varieties have a commercial potential and are accepted by the consumers

Experimental investigation of anti-corrosive behaviour of Beta vulgaris: A green approach

The loss of metals due to corrosion can be prevented using green inhibitors. Using natural and eco-friendly plant products is futuristic, preventing the environment from toxic and harmful chemicals. The present study aimed to investigate whole beetroot (BR, Beta vulgaris) for its anti-corrosion behaviour by galvanostatic polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques at a temperature between 298 K- 328 K. The temperature study would help in proposing BR's adsorption mechanism on metal surfaces. The maximum inhibition efficiency of 94% at 298 K for 5% BR was observed, whereas a minimum of 75% was obtained for 1% BR at 328 K. It was found to be a mixed-type inhibitor that followed Langmuir isotherm.  From thermodynamic studies, ΔGoads   was found to be -13.64 kJ/mol, which revealed that BR adsorbed physically on the surface of mild steel. Rct values increased while Cdl values decreased on exposure of metal surface with BR extract. The scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and atomic force micrographs (AFM) witnessed the formation of a protective layer on the mild steel surface, which served as a barrier between the metal and corrosive medium. The present study provides a remedy for the financial and structural losses due to metal corrosion in an acidic medium