Role of novel histone modifications in cancer

This article briefly discusses post-translational modifications such as neddylation, sumoylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, polyADP ribosylation, ubiquitination, and transcriptional regulation

A Rare Case of Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia

There are various developmental disturbances involving the mandible. These may cause anomalies in the size and shape of the condyle. Hyperplasia, hypoplasia, agenesis and formation of bifid condyle are a few cases which may be evident on radiographic examination of the joint. Unilateral condylar hyperplasia is an uncommon condition with unknown etiology, for which proper diagnosis has to be established, since patients may seek surgical intervention. A rare case of unilateral condylar hyperplasia encountered in our clinic is reported here

Quality evaluation of speciality rice varieties available in South Indian (Chennai) market

Background: Several speciality rice with health claims are emerging in the south Indian market. The study aims to examine the nature of speciality rice with health claims available in the Chennai market. Methodology: A market survey was conducted in randomly selected outlets from 4 zones of the Chennai city urban market (100 stores including supermarkets/hypermarkets/departmental stores/pharmacies were visited and rice samples were collected). The product label information, claims declared on the pack and morphological features of the rice samples were examined and recorded using stereo-zoom microscope. Results: Fifteen rice samples of different categories including whole-grain rice (8), semi-polished rice (2) and polished white rice (5) were evaluated. Three samples had low-glycaemic index claims among whole-grain rice and 2 among polished white rice. The health claims were not supported with scientific evidence and were sometimes misleading as revealed by stereo-zoom microscopic examination. Conclusions: The authenticity of many of the health claims declared on the rice packs is questionable due to the lack of scientific evidence. The awareness about the quality of rice would be helpful for the consumer to make a wise choice about which cereal staple to purchase

Voltammetric nano-molar range quantification of agrochemical pesticide using needle-like strontium pyrophosphate embedded on sulfur doped graphitic carbon nitride electrocatalyst

The development of a viable sensor for agrochemical pesticides requires the assessment of trace levels. To achieve this, we developed a diphenylamine (DPA) sensor using needle-like strontium pyrophosphate embedded in sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (SrPO/SCN). We obtained needle-like SrPO/SCN nanocomposite through co-precipitation followed by ultrasonication. The formation of the SrPO/SCN nanocomposite was verified through FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM-EDX, and HR-TEM analyses. Additionally, we explored their electrochemical behavior towards DPA using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The SrPO/SCN nanocomposite-modified electrode exhibited a higher anodic peak current (15.47 µA) than those of the other modified and unmodified electrodes. Under optimal experimental conditions, SrPO/SCN/GCE demonstrated a good limit of detection (0.009 µmol/L), dynamic linear range (0.05–98 µmol/L), and sensitivity (0.36 µAµM-1cm−2). Furthermore, the developed sensor exhibited excellent reproducibility, selectivity, and stability, and successfully detected DPA in real samples, including pear and apple samples, with good recoveries. © 2023 Elsevier LtdFALS

Preparation, nutritional and glycemic properties of multigrain instant “adai” mix

Background and Objectives: “Adai” is a traditional South Indian breakfast prepared using the wet ground batter of white rice and pulses. Convenience foods are gaining popularity and owing to the increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, there is a need for food products with lower glycemic index (GI). The current study aimed to develop an instant adai mix using brown rice, millets, pulses, and spices. Materials and Methods: The instant adai mix was prepared by blending pulverized brown rice, sorghum, and pulses (green gram, horse gram, decorticated and split red gram, black gram, and chickpea) along with roasted cumin, red chilies, and salt. The nutritional composition of the instant adai mix was analyzed, and GI of “adai” was evaluated in healthy human volunteers using International organization for standardization protocol. Results: The instant adai mix was rich in whole grains (48%) and pulses (45%). Nutritional profiling of the instant adai mix revealed that it is rich in protein and dietary fiber. One hundred grams of instant adai mix fulfill 27.8% of protein and 29.6% of dietary fiber requirements of recommended dietary allowance of adult male. Likewise, 100 g of instant adai mix fulfill 34.9% of protein requirements of the estimated average requirement of an adult male. The “adai” prepared from the instant mix exhibited medium GI (65.1). Conclusion: The instant “adai” mix was found to be nutritionally superior, and the adai prepared from the mix showed a medium GI. It can be a healthy option compared with instant mixes containing refined grains such as white rice. More formulation trials are needed to prepare an adai mix to achieve a low GI. Reformulation of traditional foods with nutritious ingredients and achieving a lower GI can expand the healthier food choices for this vulnerable population who are at risk for type 2 diabetes

Structural and chemical analysis of silica-doped β-TCP ceramic coatings on surgical grade 316L SS for possible biomedical application

We have developed a novel approach to introduce silica-doped β-tricalcium phosphate (Si-β-TCP) on 316L SS substrates for enhanced biological properties. Doping of β-TCP with silica loadings ranging from 0 to 8 mol% was carried out using chemical precipitation method. Si-β-TCP powder was sintered at 800 °C followed by coating it on 316L SS substrate using electrophoretic deposition. The coated and uncoated samples were investigated by various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Biomineralization ability of the coatings was evaluated by immersing in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for different number of days such as 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The results obtained in our study have shown that the apatite formation ability was high for the 8 mol% of Si-β-TCP. This will promote better biomineralization ability compared to the other coatings

Glycemic index of a nutritional supplement designed for people with chronic kidney disease

Abstract The study was carried out to measure the glycemic index (GI) of an oral food supplement for people with CKD as well as on patients on maintenance dialysis. The study was conducted as per international protocols for testing GI, was approved by the local institutional ethics committee, and was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI). This was a crossover randomized controlled study which enrolled 15 participants between the ages of 18 and 45 years. The participants were randomly allotted to one group that consumed either the reference food (27.5 g of glucose monohydrate) or 118 g of the nutritional supplement which contained 25 g of available carbohydrates. Fasting capillary blood samples as well as blood samples at different time intervals as per the GI protocol, after consumption of either the supplement or the reference food were taken from the participants. Each testing day was separated by a 3‐day washout period. GI was calculated from the incremental area under the blood glucose response elicited by the nutritional supplement as a percentage of the response after the consumption of 25 g of glucose (27.5 g of glucose monohydrate) by the same participant using a standard formula. The GI of the nutritional supplement was calculated to be 10.3 ± 2.0 which is considered to be low as per international GI testing standards. The product was created to supplement the diet of people with CKD at different stages and to help prevent the progression from CKD to ESRD as well as the risk for CVD. This product was found to have a low GI which is desirable for people with CKD as well as diabetics in general who are at risk for developing CKD

Effect of gamma irradiation on the 24-h glycemic responses of parboiled brown rice diets in Asian Indian adults: A randomized cross-over study

Background: The nutritional importance of brown rice (BR) is well established. Despite several nutritional benefits of BR, its consumption remains limited due to long cooking time and limited shelf-life. BR can be subjected to processing to improve shelf-life. Gamma irradiation is one such strategy, but it could induce changes in the grain and thus affect its glycemic properties. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to look at the 24-h glycemic response of irradiated and non-irradiated BR-based iso-caloric diets in Asian Indians. Methods: Fifteen (mean body mass index: 24 ± 2.6 kg/m2) Asian Indian adults without diabetes, aged 25–39 years, participated in this randomized cross-over study. Iso-caloric diets were prepared with two varieties (ADT 43 and Swarna) of parboiled gamma-irradiated brown rice with 750–820 Gy dosage (IBR) and non-irradiated brown rice (NIBR). After the participants consumed these diets, 24-h glycemic responses were recorded using a continuous glucose monitoring system. The mean positive change from baseline glucose concentration was calculated as the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for both the diets. Results: The percentage difference in 24-h average IAUC was 10% lower in the IBR diets when compared with NIBR diets, irrespective of the variety of BR (P = 0.56). In the case of ADT 43 rice variety, both IBR and NIBR diets showed similar IAUC (P = 0.68). However, the IBR of Swarna rice variety showed 21% lower IAUC when compared with the NIBR diet (P = 0.21). Comparing the IBR varieties, Swarna showed 21% lower IAUC than ADT 43 (P = 0.21), whereas between NIBR varieties, only 0.79% difference was observed between ADT 43 and Swarna (P = 0.93). Conclusions: Gamma irradiation of parboiled BR did not produce significant differences in the 24-h glycemic responses for BR-based diets. Swarna variety was better than ADT 43 with regard to glycemic response. Judicious application of radiation technology to BR varieties may help in shelf-life extension without affecting the glycemic properties