Hydration characteristics of wheat grain

The hydration characteristic of wheat was studied by soaking in water at temperatures of 30 (room temperature) 50, 60 and 70 oC in constant temperature water bath.  The weight gain due to the hydration process was determined in terms of moisture content (% d.b).  Water absorption rate was high at the early stage of hydration (10-30 min depending on temperature) followed by a decreased rate and finally approaching equilibrium condition.  Peleg's equation adequately described the hydration characteristics of wheat under the experimental condition (R2 = 0.95 to 0.99).  The Peleg rate constant k1 decreased while Peleg capacity constant k2 increased significantly with an increase in temperature from room temperature to 70 oC, demonstrating that the water absorption rate increased and water absorption capacity decreased with increase in temperature.  The agreement between experimental and estimated values of the hydration data (R2 = 0.97 to 0.99) confirmed that Peleg's equation could be used to describe the hydration characteristics of wheat under the experimental conditions considered

Impaired health-related quality of life in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a cross-sectional analysis from the COVAD-2 e-survey

Objectives To investigate health-related quality of life in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) compared with those with non-IIM autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs), non-rheumatic autoimmune diseases (nrAIDs) and without autoimmune diseases (controls) using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instrument data obtained from the second COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune disease (COVAD-2) e-survey database. Methods Demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, disease activity, treatments and PROMIS instrument data were analysed. Primary outcomes were PROMIS Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) scores. Factors affecting GPH and GMH scores in IIMs were identified using multivariable regression analysis. Results We analysed responses from 1582 IIM, 4700 non-IIM AIRD and 545 nrAID patients and 3675 controls gathered through 23 May 2022. The median GPH scores were the lowest in IIM and non-IIM AIRD patients {13 [interquartile range (IQR) 10–15] IIMs vs 13 [11–15] non-IIM AIRDs vs 15 [13–17] nrAIDs vs 17 [15–18] controls, P < 0.001}. The median GMH scores in IIM patients were also significantly lower compared with those without autoimmune diseases [13 (IQR 10–15) IIMs vs 15 (13–17) controls, P < 0.001]. Inclusion body myositis, comorbidities, active disease and glucocorticoid use were the determinants of lower GPH scores, whereas overlap myositis, interstitial lung disease, depression, active disease, lower PROMIS Physical Function 10a and higher PROMIS Fatigue 4a scores were associated with lower GMH scores in IIM patients. Conclusion Both physical and mental health are significantly impaired in IIM patients, particularly in those with comorbidities and increased fatigue, emphasizing the importance of patient-reported experiences and optimized multidisciplinary care to enhance well-being in people with IIMs

Moisture Dependent Physical Properties of Chironji (Buchanania Lanzan)Nut

Physical properties of Chironji nut were determined as a function of moisture content, varying from 9.98 to 17.06% (d. b.). Nut length, width, thickness, and geometric mean diameter increased linearly from 9.0 to12.1 mm, 6.9 to10.5 mm, 5.87 to 10 mm and 7.14 to10.83 mm, respectively, with increase in moisture content from 9.98 to 17.06% (d.b.). Sphericity, volume and thousand seed weight also increased linearly from 0.79 to 0.89, 147.69 to 577.12 mm3 , and 150 to 390 g, respectively. True density and bulk density decreased linearly from 854.0 to 798.6 kg.m-3 and 623.0 to 548.9 kg.m-3, respectively; while porosity increased from 27.07 to 31.27 per cent. The highest static coefficient of friction was found on plywood surface. The static coefficient of friction increased from 0.25 to 0.31, 0.59 to 0.67, and 0.66 to 0.76 on sunmica, mild steel and canvas surfaces, respectively. The angle of repose increased linearly from 28.10 to 32.90° with the increase of moisture content