POS1573-PARE Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Pain Alleviation With Cannabinoid Usage in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) give us direct, immediate evidence of patient experience. Pain is a chronic, debilitating, multifactorial, presenting symptom that remains a difficult target to treat in populations with Inflammatory Arthritides.1 Increasingly, cannabis products are being utilized and investigated for their potential analgesic and immune-modulatory effects.2 The legislation and form of cannabis products deployed as therapy varies around the world and across populations. More data on usage and patient reported outcomes is needed to guide better clinical practice and inform sound legislative policy.

Objectives

To describe PROMs of pain, stiffness with cannabis use in a population of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).

Methods

This investigation was a monocentric, cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria were adults receiving care at a University Rheumatology practice in Central Florida, USA from December 2019 to March 2020 who provided informed, written consent. Those who consented were provided with a brief, voluntary, and anonymous Qualtrics survey which queried patient-reported prevalence and outcome measures of short and long-term pain relief. 236 RA and 43 PsA patients were enrolled in this study. All subjects met the criteria for Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, or Inflammatory Arthritis (seronegative RA). Subjects’ scores before and after cannabinoid use were compared with a paired T-test after the parametric nature of the data was established. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Central Florida Institutional Review Board (Study00001041).

Results

Cannabis product usage was reported in 16.95% of RA subjects (40/236) and 11.63% of PsA subjects (5/43). Of this group, 71% (RA) and 40% (PsA) endorsed current usage. Inhalation was the most prevalent form used in RA (27.50%). In PsA, the most commonly reported forms were liquid (30%) and topical/skin (30%). On the 10-point pain scale, RA patients reported a significant reduction in average pain by 1.83±1.91 points in the long-term and 2.28±2.10 points in the short-term. Those with PsA reported a significant reduction in average pain by 1.60±0.89 points in the long-term and 1.80±0.84 points in the short term. Stiffness was also reduced in the RA group (7.3%). 17.5% of patients with RA using cannabinoids reported side effects not leading to cessation.

Conclusion

In an academic rheumatology practice population, a substantial number of RA and PsA patients are choosing to self-treat with cannabis therapy to manage their pain and other symptoms. Subjects reported significant reductions in both short- and long-term pain; some patients reported total pain resolution with ongoing cannabinoid therapy. Stiffness was also reduced in a subset of RA patients. Subjects that reported adverse effects did not find these severe enough to warrant cessation. These study results may allow for a more open discussion to improve safety and optimize outcomes. Additionally, the significant prevalence of usage and pain reduction reported provide a compelling rationale for further interventional studies in populations with Inflammatory Arthritides.

References

[1]Scott DL, Wolfe F, Huizinga TW. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet. 2010;376(9746): 1094-1108. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)60826-4.

[2]Fitzcharles, Mary-Ann et al. “Position Statement: A Pragmatic Approach for Medical Cannabis and Patients with Rheumatic Diseases.” The Journal of Rheumatology vol. 46,5 (2019): 532-538. doi:10.3899/jrheum.181120.

Disclosure of Interests

Tara Jehu: None declared, Neha Bhaskar: None declared, Shazia Beg: None declared, Kathlyn Camargo Macias: None declared, Sweta Chalise: None declared, Neha Bhanusali Consultant of: healthcare consultant (non-pharmaceutical)

To evaluate the effect of anodized dental implant surface on cumulative implant survival and success. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There have been certain apprehensions regarding the use of surface-modified dental implants due to peri-implant infection and crestal bone loss over the years. Thus, this review aims to evaluate the long-term effect of anodized implant surface on cumulative implant survival (CSR) and success rates in relation to marginal bone loss (MBL).

Materials and Methods

Systematic electronic search was done using two databases, PubMed and Embase to assess the potentially relevant records from January 2008 to October 2019. Publications reporting cumulative survival and success rates with anodized dental implants were identified. Screening for duplicate articles and extraction of data was carried out to formulate evidence tables. Meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Out of 217 observational clinical studies, 8 studies were selected based on predefined selection criteria. The summary estimate for the included studies for CSR was reported as 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96; 0.99). The heterogeneity (I² = 37.3%) among these studies was found to be statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.1314). The mean values of MBL after the implant insertion were 0.84 mm at 0-1 year and 1.05mm by the end of follow-up period. This data were provided by five studies only. The mean difference of the analyzed studies came out to be 0.49 mm with a 95% CI (-0.22; 1.19). The heterogeneity (I ² = 97%) for these studies was statistically significant with P < 0.01.

Conclusion

The anodized dental implants have demonstrated long-term survival and success rates in terms of clinical outcomes.

A comparison of oral health status in diabetic and non-diabetic patients receiving hemodialysis - A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM(S)

To assess and compare the impact of diabetes on the overall oral health status of hemodialytic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four databases were searched with a manual search for relevant studies. This review compared periodontal health status, dental status, salivary changes, objective and subjective manifestations between diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis. Results were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

(s): Despite few constraints, this review showed that diabetic patients on hemodialysis therapy are at greater risk of developing periodontal disease, and other oral manifestations. Therefore, it has been observed that concomitant diabetes increases oral health problems in a patient undergoing hemodialysis.

Impact of concurrent diabetes on periodontal health in patients with acromegaly

Previous studies have suggested excess GH/IGF1 secretion in patients with acromegaly is protective for periodontal health. Diabetes is prevalent comorbidity in patients of acromegaly and is associated with worsening of periodontal disease. The present study evaluates the periodontal health and cytokines status in treatment-naive active acromegaly patients with and without diabetes. Eleven patients, each of acromegaly with and without diabetes and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Periodontal parameters were assessed. GCF and blood samples for IL-6, TGF-β1, and PDGF were obtained. Serum GH, IGF1, HbA1c, pituitary hormones and MRI sella were performed in patients with acromegaly. There was no significant difference in periodontal status of patients with acromegaly and healthy controls. However, a significant increase in serum IL-6 (p = 0.019) and TGF-β1 (p = 0.025) levels in patients with acromegaly was observed and all patients had concurrent hypogonadism. Nevertheless, the patients with acromegaly having diabetes had modestly higher CAL and PD and serum IL-6 levels (p = 0.051), but it could not exert adverse effects on periodontal health in presence of GH/IGF1 excess. GH/IGF1 excess did not exert a protective effect on periodontal status in acromegaly, possibly due to concurrent hypogonadism and opposing cytokines; however, it could mask the ill-effects of diabetes on periodontal health.

Smartly Engineered PEGylated Di-Block Nanopolymeric Micelles: Duo Delivery of Isoniazid and Rifampicin Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

In an attempt to deliver multiple drugs through a nanoparticulate platform, the present study was designed to deliver isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RMP) together through conjugation/encapsulation approaches using PEG-PLA (polyethylene glycol-poly-L-lactic acid) polymeric micelles. The objective of this study is to identify the preparation and evaluation of PEGylated polymeric micelles with dual drug delivery of INH and RMP for the effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Synthesized PEG-PLA di-block-copolymer was further conjugated to INH-forming PEG-PLA-INH (PPI) conjugate. Separately, these conjugates were loaded with RMP building the rifampicin-loaded PEG-PLA-INH polymeric micelles (PMC). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) for the PEG-PLA copolymer was found to be 8.9 ± 0.96 mg/L, and the size and zeta potential were observed to be 187.9 ± 2.68 nm and - 8.15 ± 1.24 mV (0.251 ± 0.042 pdi), respectively. Percent drug loading of PMC was 16.66 ± 1.52 and 23.07 ± 1.05 with entrapment efficiency of 72.30 ± 3.49 and 78.60 ± 2.67% for RMP and INH, respectively. RBC hemolysis capacity of PMC was significantly less than pure RMP and INH. Microplate Alamar blue assay (MABA) along with microscopy showed that the nanoconstructed PMC were more effective than the drugs, and approximately 8-fold reduction in overall minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed. The prepared duo drug-loaded nano-engineered polymeric micelles were highly effective against sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and found to be less hemolytic in nature. The micelles could be further explored (in the future) for in vivo anti-TB studies to establish further to achieve better treatment for TB.

Periodontal Infectogenomics

Periodontal diseases are chronic infectious disease in which the pathogenic bacteria initiate the host immune response leading to the destruction of tooth supporting tissue and eventually result in the tooth loss. It has multifactorial etiological factors including local, systemic, environmental and genetic factors. The effect of genetic factors on periodontal disease is already under extensive research and has explained the role of polymorphisms of immune mediators affecting disease response. The role genetic factors in pathogens colonisation is emerged as a new field of research as "infectogenomics". It is a rapidly evolving and high-priority research area now days. It further elaborates the role of genetic factors in disease pathogenesis and help in the treatment, control and early prevention of infection. The aim of this review is to summarise the contemporary evidence available in the field of periodontal infectogenomics to draw some valuable conclusions to further elaborate its role in disease pathogenesis and its application in the clinical practice. This will open up opportunity for more extensive research in this field.

Rare Opportunistic Bread Mold Fungal Infection of Maxillary Sinus in a Diabetic Patient

Mucormycosis is a rare potentially fatal opportunistic fungal infection that affects human beings. Normally, a healthy is immune to such infections but there are some risk factors which predispose a person to mucormycosis, of which malnutrition and diabetes mellitus are the most common risk factors. India is the most commonly affected country by mucormycosis because of high proportion people with low socioeconomic status and diabetes mellitus. In diabetes mellitus, mucormycosis is more aggressive and fatal due to an impaired host defense mechanism. In spite of being a rare and fatal fungal infection, early diagnosis and prompt multidisciplinary treatment comprising control of underlying predisposing factor, surgical management, and medical management can be helpful in such cases.

Chemical and microbial properties of shidal, a traditional fermented fish of Northeast India

Like Southeast Asian countries fermented fish is a well known strategy of food preservation in the Northeast region of India. Shidals are mostly preferred salt-free fermented fish product amongst all. Chemical and microbial composition, antioxidative potential, fatty acid profile and proteins profile in gel electrophoresis of shidals were studied. pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) have been found as 5.86 ± 0.11, 0.115 ± 0.01 and 6.62 ± 0.07, 0.092 ± 0.01 in punti and phasa shidal respectively. DPPH (·) radical scavenging activity of punti and phasa shidal was determined as 80.15 ± 5.67 and 68.30 ± 3.22 respectively. Presence of eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, arachidonic, linolenic and linoleic acid indicate the nutritional significance of shidal. However, the result showed that punti shidal was rich in omega-3 but poor in omega-6 fatty acid, whereas, reverse was observed in respect of phasa shidal. Poly acrylamide gel electrophoretic study of protein revealed disappearance of myosin head chain (MHC) in the dry puntius fish (raw material of shidal). Proteins or peptides with low molecular weight between 45 and 29 kDa and between 45 and 66 kDa were noticed in both the shidals and indicative of intensive protein degradation during fermentation. Therefore, fermented fish product, shidal could be used as a potential source of nutrients and natural antioxidants.

Comparative Evaluation of Oral Health Knowledge, Practices and Attitude of Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women, and Their Awareness Regarding Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are undesirable events occurring during pregnancy and childbirth in mother or child, such as Preterm Low Birth Weight (PLBW) and preeclampsia. There is growing evidence that periodontitis may be a risk factor for preterm birth even after adjusting for known risk factors.

AIM

1. To determine the knowledge and attitude of pregnant females about oral health. 2. To evaluate the oral hygiene practices of pregnant females. 3. To evaluate their awareness regarding effect of oral health on adverse pregnancy outcomes. 4. To assess whether there was any significant difference from their non pregnant counter parts. 5. To evaluate whether their awareness towards dental treatment had increased after conceiving.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

200 pregnant and 200 non-pregnant women filled up a validated questionnaire which comprised of questions on personal data, oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices and their awareness regarding the correlation of oral health to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows (version 15.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS

The results indicate no statistically significant differences in the variables assessed in both the groups, indicating that no further knowledge had been imparted to the women after they conceived. 96% women of both groups (p>0.05) had received no knowledge from the gynaecologist regarding the impact of oral health on pregnancy outcomes. 93.9% of pregnant women, and 89.5% of non pregnant women (p>0.05) did not go for routine dental check-ups. Only 3% of pregnant women were aware of oral health having a correlation with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In our study, pregnancy did little to change future attitudes to dental care. To provide better oral health care, more knowledge needs to be made available to the pregnant women and the medical community.

Design and testing of small scale fish meat bone separator useful for fish processing

The present study relates to the food processing machinery and, more specifically machine for producing boneless comminuted meat from raw fish fillet. This machine is of belt and drum type meat bone separator designed for small scale fish processing in a continuous mode. The basic principal involved in this machine is compression force. The electric geared motor consists of 1HP and the conveyor belt has a linear velocity of 19 to 22 m min(-1), which was sufficient to debone the fish effectively. During the meat bone separation trials an efficiency up to 75 % on dressed fish weight basis was observed and with a capacity to separate 70 kg h(-1) of meat from fish at the machine speed of 25 rpm. During the trials, it was demonstrated that there was no significant change in the proximate composition of comminuted fish meat when compared to unprocessed fish meat. This design has a greater emphasis on hygiene, provision for cleaning-in-place (CIP) and gives cost effective need and reliability for small scale industries to produce fish meat in turn used for their value added products.

Effect of feeding lipids recovered from fish processing waste by lactic acid fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis on antioxidant and membrane bound enzymes in rats

Fish oil recovered from fresh water fish visceral waste (FVW-FO) through lactic acid fermentation (FO-LAF) and enzymatic hydrolysis (FO-EH) were fed to rats to study their influence on lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidant and membrane bound enzyme in liver, heart and brain. Feeding of FO-LAF and FO-EH resulted in increase (P < 0.05) in lipid peroxides level in serum, liver, brain and heart tissues compared to ground nut oil (control). Activity of catalase (40-235 %) and superoxide dismutase (17-143 %) also increased (P < 0.05) with incremental level of EPA + DHA in diet. The increase was similar to cod liver oil fed rats at same concentration of EPA + DHA. FO-LAF and FO-EH increased (P < 0.05) the Na(+)K(+) ATPase activity in liver and brain microsomes, Ca(+)Mg(+) ATPase in heart microsome and acetylcholine esterase in brain microsomes when fed with 5 % EPA + DHA. There was also significant change in fatty acid composition and cholesterol/phospholipid ratio in microsomes of rat fed with FVW-FO. Feeding FVW-FO recovered by biotechnological approaches enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes in tissues, modulates the activities of membrane bound enzymes and improved the fatty acid composition in microsomes of tissues similar to CLO. Utilization of these processing wastes for the production of valuable biofunctional products can reduce the mounting economic values of fish oil and minimize the environmental pollution problems.

Efficacy of reverse micellar extracted fruit bromelain in meat tenderization

Reverse micellar extraction (RME) was used for the separation and purification of bromelain from pineapple core and efficacy of RME purified bromelain (RMEB) in tenderization of beef meat was compared with that of commercial stem bromelain (CSB). RME resulted in reasonably high bromelain activity recovery (85.0 %) and purification fold (4.0). Reduction in meat toughness was higher in RMEB treated meat (52.1 %) compared to raw (control) and CSB treated (26.7 %). Significant increase in water holding capacity (WHC) was observed in RMEB treated meat (91.1 %) as against CSB treated (55.6 %) and control (56.6 %). No change in cooking loss was observed in RMEB treated meat, whereas the loss increased by nearly 14.0 % in case of CSB treated. While the meat color was retained, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble protein content increased due to hydrolysis of protein in RMEB treated meat. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that RMEB treatment completely ruptures myofibril tissues, indicating a higher degree of tenderization.

Effects of fermentatively recovered fish waste lipids on the growth and composition of broiler meat

1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of feeding fermentatively recovered fish oil (FFO) from fish processing waste (FPW), on the performance and carcass composition of broilers. A total of 60 one-d-old VenCobb broiler chicks randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups were studied. 2. The birds were randomly assigned to treatment groups and fed with a normal commercial diet (control, T1), a diet with 2% groundnut oil (positive control, T2), a diet with 1% FFO (T3), a diet with 1.5% FFO (T4) and a diet with 2% FFO (T5). Performance and growth parameters (feed intake and body weight) and fatty acid composition of serum, liver and meat were determined. 3. The performance characteristics of broiler meat did not differ among treatments. Feeding FFO reduced total cholesterol concentration in serum, meat and liver of the FFO-fed groups (T3 to T5) as compared to both the controls (T1 and T2), but there was no significant difference in triglyceride concentration between treatments. Increased concentrations of EPA and DHA in serum, liver and meat of FFO-fed groups, as compared to both controls, were observed as the FFO concentration increased. 4. The study clearly demonstrates the value of oil recovered from FPW in addition to addressing the environmental issues related to disposal of such biological waste.

Sturge - Weber syndrome: A case report

Sturge-Weber angiomatosis is a rare, nonhereditary developmental condition characterized by a hamartomatous vascular proliferation involving the tissues of brain and face. A report of a case with facial port wine stains, gingival overgrowth, and dilated ocular vessels is described.

Fermentative recovery of lipids and proteins from freshwater fish head waste with reference to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of protein hydrolysate

Effectiveness of fermentation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for recovering lipids and proteins simultaneously from freshwater fish head (FWH) was evaluated. Three different proteolytic LAB (Pediococcus acidilactici NCIM5368, Enterococcus faecium NCIM5335 and Pediococcus acidilactici FD3) isolated from fish processing wastes were employed in the fermentation process. The fermentation conditions involved 10 % (w/w) glucose, 2 % (w/w) NaCl and 10 % (v/w) LAB cultures at 37 °C. The process resulted in 38.4 % of degree of hydrolysis (in case proteins) and a recovery of 63.6 % of the oil present in the material. The fermentation process did not affect the fatty acid profile of lipids. The hydrolyzed protein rich fermentation liquor exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 - 5.1 mg protein) as well as antagonistic properties towards several bacterial and fungal pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of fermentated liquor (with E. faecium NCIM5335 as starter) were 10 and 12 mg/ml for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella itridicus, respectively. A higher MIC (60 and 96 mg/ml for Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively) was observed in case of fungal pathogens. Both the oil and protein hydrolysate rich liquor from fish head can be used as biofunctional ingredients in both human food as well as livestock feed formulations.

Evaluation of the relative efficacy of copolymerized polylactic-polyglycolic acids alone and in conjunction with polyglactin 910 membrane in the treatment of human periodontal infrabony defects: a clinical and radiological study

BACKGROUND

Absorbable synthetic biopolymers have been used as bone filler in Periodontology, proving effective stimulants to bone regeneration.

AIM

Copolymerized polylactic and polyglycolic acid is used as a bone filler and polyglactin 910 as a guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane to achieve regeneration in periodontal infrabony defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with two- or three-walled infrabony defects were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Group A included patients treated with polylactic-polyglycolic acids 50:50 (Fisiograft ,Ghimsa SPA,Via Fucini, Italy) alone and Group B included patients treated with polylactic-polyglycolic acids (PLA-PGA)50:50 in conjunction with polyglactin acid 910 (Vicryl Mesh Johnson&Johnson , U.S.A ). Evaluation of clinical parameters probing depth and attachment level and radiographs was done preoperatively and 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

Both the groups showed statistically significant mean reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment level and linear bone fill.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limit of this study, both the treatment modalities are beneficial for the treatment of infrabony defects.

Solid state fermentation production of chitin deacetylase by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum ATCC 56676 using different substrates

Production of extracellular chitin deacetylase by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum ATCC 56676 under solid substrate fermentation was studied. The suitability of shrimp shell chitin waste (SSCW) and commercial wheat bran (CWB) was evaluated for maximal enzyme production. CWB medium (pH 6.4 ± 0.2) supplemented with chitosan favoured maximal chitin deacetylase yield of 460.4 ± 14.7 unit/g initial dry substrate (U/g IDS) at 96 h as compared to maximal yield of 392.0 ± 6.4 U/g IDS at 192 h in SSCW medium (pH 8.7 ± 0.2) at 25 °C incubation temperature and 60% (w/w) initial moisture content of medium. Along with chitin deacetylase, C. lindemuthianum ATCC 56676 produced maximum endo-chitinase (0.28 ± 0.03 U/g IDS at 144 h) and β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (0.79 ± 0.009 U/g IDS at 192 h) in CWB medium and 0.49 ± 0.05 U/g IDS of endo-chitinase at 264 h and 0.38 ± 0.04 U/g IDS of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase at 96 h of incubation in SSCW medium. SEM studies indicated the difference in the morphology of mycelia and hyphae of C. lindemuthianum ATCC 56676 when grown on different solid substrates. Production of chitin deacetylase by SSF is being reported for the first time.

Lipid classes and fatty acid profile of selected Indian fresh water fishes

Lipid extracts from meat, head and viscera of Indian fresh water fishes, viz., catla, rohu, mrigal, common carp and tilapia were analyzed for lipid class distribution and fatty acid profile. The yield of meat ranged from 66.0-79.5% and total lipid content in meat was 0.8-3.8%. The total lipid content was higher (>4.0%) in head and viscera. Neutral lipids constituted 71.5-93.3% of the total lipid extract. Higher glycolipid content of 25.2% was observed in lipid extract from meat of common carp and higher phospholipid content (13.7%) was observed in lipid extract from meat of mrigal. Hydrocarbons, sterolesters and triacylglycerol were the major fractions of neutral lipids. Unsaturated fatty acids dominated in all the samples. Palmitic and oleic acids were the major fatty acids found in all the lipid extracts. Docosahexaenoic acid content was higher than 3% in lipid extract from meat of all the fishes. However, in most of the fishes, the content of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were higher in visceral lipids.

Utilization of tannery fleshings: Optimization of conditions for fermenting delimed tannery fleshings using Enterococcus faecium HAB01 by response surface methodology

Conditions for fermentation of delimed tannery fleshings--to obtain higher degree of protein hydrolysis and reasonably better antioxidant activity--using Enterococcus faecium HAB01 (GenBank #FJ418568) were optimized. Three independent variables--viz., inoculum level (X1), glucose level (X2) and fermentation time (X3)--were optimized using response surface method considering degree of hydrolysis (DH; %) and total titrable acidity (TTA) as response variables. The optimized conditions were found to be 12.5% (v/w) inoculum, 17.5% (w/w) glucose and 96h of fermentation at 37+/-1 degrees C to obtain a maximum DH%. The usefulness of the predicted model was further validated by considering random combinations of the independent factors. The chemical score of the hydrolysate revealed an excess amount of essential amino acids, viz., arginine and leucine compared to reference protein. The liquor portion had relatively high antioxidant activities, indicating its potential for use as a high value feed ingredient.

Influence of Indian Brown Seaweed (Sargassum marginatum) as an Ingredient on Quality, Biofunctional, and Microstructure Characteristics of Pasta

This study aimed to develop pasta with Indian brown seaweed (Sargassum marginatum) as an ingredient to improve the biofunctional and nutritional qualities. Different levels of seaweed (1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0%; w/w) were substituted to obtain seaweed-incorporated pasta and pasta without seaweed was used as control. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (%) of seaweed-incorporated pasta was higher in cooked form as compared to uncooked (raw) pasta. Reducing power of seaweed incorporated pasta increased with the increased levels of seaweed. However, metal-chelating activity was highest (5.88%) in pasta with 2.5% seaweed. With regards to product quality, weight of uncooked pasta (25 g) increased to between 70 and 77 g on cooking, depending on the type of pasta. Cooking loss decreased in samples having seaweed up to 2.5% as compared to control. Pasta with 2.5% seaweed had rupture free nonsticky strands. Microstructure studies revealed that the incorporation of seaweed up to 2.5% enhances gluten network of pasta.

Protein hydrolysate from visceral waste proteins of Catla (Catla catla): optimization of hydrolysis conditions for a commercial neutral protease

Protein hydrolysate was prepared from visceral waste proteins of an Indian freshwater major carp, Catla catla. Hydrolysis conditions (viz., time, temperature and enzyme to substrate level) for preparing protein hydrolysates from the fish visceral waste proteins using in situ pH of the visceral mass were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) by employing a factorial design. The regression coefficient close to 1.0, observed during both experimental and validation runs, indicated the validity of prediction model. An enzyme to substrate level of 1.25 % (v/w), temperature of 55 degrees C and a hydrolysis time of 165 min were found to be the optimum conditions to obtain a higher degree of hydrolysis of >48% using multifect-neutral. The amino acid composition of the protein hydrolysate prepared using the optimized conditions revealed that the protein hydrolysate was similar to FAO/WHO reference protein. The chemical scores computed indicated methionine to be the most limiting amino acid. The protein hydrolysate has the potential for application as an ingredient in balanced fish diets.

Antioxidant properties of methanol extract and its solvent fractions obtained from selected Indian red seaweeds

In vitro antioxidant activities of three selected Indian red seaweeds - viz., Euchema kappaphycus, Gracilaria edulis and Acanthophora spicifera were evaluated. Total phenolic content and reducing power of crude methanol extract were determined. The antioxidant activities of total methanol extract and five different solvent fractions (viz., petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), dichloromethane (DCM), butanol (BuOH) and aqueous) were also evaluated. EA fraction of A. spicifera exhibited higher total antioxidant activity (32.01 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g extract) among all the fractions. Higher phenolic content (16.26 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) was noticed in PE fraction of G. edulis. Reducing power of crude methanol extract increased with increasing concentration of the extract. Reducing power and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of E. kappaphycus were higher compared to standard antioxidant (alpha-tocopherol). The total phenol content of all the seaweeds was significantly different (P<0.05). In vitro antioxidant activities of methanol extracts of all the three seaweeds exhibited dose dependency; and increased with increasing concentration of the extract.

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis of visceral waste proteins of Catla (Catla catla) for preparing protein hydrolysate using a commercial protease

Protein hydrolysate was prepared from visceral waste proteins of Catla (Catla catla), an Indian freshwater major carp. Hydrolysis conditions (viz., time, temperature, pH and enzyme to substrate level) for preparing protein hydrolysates from the fish visceral waste proteins were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using a factorial design. Model equation was proposed with regard to the effect of time, temperature, pH and enzyme to substrate level. An enzyme to substrate level of 1.5% (v/w), pH 8.5, temperature of 50 degrees C and a hydrolysis time of 135 min were found to be the optimum conditions to obtain a higher degree of hydrolysis close to 50% using alcalase. The amino acid composition of the protein hydrolysate prepared using the optimized conditions revealed that the protein hydrolysate was similar to FAO/WHO reference protein. The chemical scores computed indicated methionine to be the most limiting amino acid. The protein hydrolysate can well be used to meet the amino acid requirements of juvenile common carp and hence has the potential for application as an ingredient in balanced fish diets.

Partial purification and characterization of protease of Bacillus proteolyticus CFR3001 isolated from fish processing waste and its antibacterial activities

Bacillus proteolyticus CFR3001 isolated from fish processing wastes (both fresh water and marine) produced an alkaline protease. The optimum conditions for cell growth and protease production were 37 degrees C, 96 h, agitation speed of 100 rpm and medium pH 9. The partially purified protease obtained from had specific activity of 22.05 at 37 degrees C was active between 40 degrees C and 50 degrees C and lost >20% of its activity around 60 degrees C. Its molecular weight was approximately 29 kDa and it inhibited the growth of several pathogenic organisms such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Yersinia enterocolytica. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that the protease produced by B. proteolyticus CFR3001 lysed the cells of these pathogenic bacteria.

Recovery of carotenoids from ensilaged shrimp waste

A method for fermentation of shrimp waste was standardized using a statistically designed experiment, with respect to three variables namely, levels of glucose and starter culture and time of fermentation. The optimized levels for achieving the desired pH was 20.5% glucose, 19.5x10(4)cells/g of starter culture and fermentation time of 70h. Recovery of carotenoids from fermented and acid ensiled shrimp waste was assessed during 75 days of storage. Acid ensilaging resulted in the reduction of solvent extraction yield of carotenoids from 43.09 to 26.76 microg/g by the end of 75 days of storage. The yield of oil extracted carotenoids was higher in both types of silage at the end of 75 days storage compared to the initial yield, being 31.30 microg/g in fermented silage and 26.18 microg/g in acid silage. The results indicated the usefulness of fermentation as a method for stabilization and recovery of carotenoids in the shrimp waste.

Utilization of meat industry by products: protein hydrolysate from sheep visceral mass

Protein hydrolysate was prepared from pre-treated sheep visceral mass (including stomach, large and small intestines) by enzymatic treatment at 43+/-1 degrees C (at the in situ pH 7.1+/-0.2 of the visceral mass) using fungal protease. The enzyme readily solubilized the proteins of the visceral mass as indicated by the degree of hydrolysis (34%) and nitrogen recovery (>64%). Hydrolysis with an enzyme level of 1% (w/w of total solids) at 43+/-1 degrees C with a pH around 7.0 for 45 min was found to be the optimum condition. The yield of protein hydrolysate was about 6% (w/w). The amino acid composition of the protein hydrolysate that was very hygroscopic, was comparable to that of casein.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the brainstem with atrial septal mass

Simultaneous occurrence of cardiac and central nervous system tumors have been rarely reported. A 23 years male presented to us with right cerebello-pontine (CP) angle symptoms and signs. Cranial imaging showed a mass lesion in the right pons infiltrating into the right and middle cerebellar peduncles. There was also a cardiac-atrial septal mass. The brainstem lesion was found to be a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma where as the cardiac lesion was not accessible. Central nervous system lymphomas are reported rarely and the prognosis is poor. The chances of the cardiac lesion in this patient also being a lymphoma are high, as it was a infiltrative cardiac mass, infiltrating the atrial septum.

Role of electron beam treatment in postoperative management of carcinoma of the breast

The aim of post operative radiotherapy to chest wall and drainage areas in advanced breast cancer is to sterilize the possible microscopic disease. Fifty cases of post surgical breast cancers were evaluated in a prospective study of chest wall radiation therapy by electrons. Fifty women of histologically proved post operative invasive breast cancers underwent simple mastectomy with axillary dissection followed by post-operative radiotherapy (Electron) to chest wall +/- drainage area. The chest wall and IMC was treated by a direct electron beam (9/12 MeV and 12 MeV) at fixed angle. 6 MV X-ray beam was used to treat axillary apex and supraclavicular area. In some cases, supplement RT was given by 6 MV X-rays through small posterior axillary portal. The energy of electron beam was 9 MeV or 12 MeV depending on the thickness of treated area. The supraclavicular and axillary lymphatic regions were treated, by direct custom shaped anterior portal. The dose delivered was 50 Gy over 5 weeks at 2 Gy per fraction. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to patients who were pre-menopausal with histologically proved axillary node involvement as Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate and 5-Fluorouracil (CMF) after radiotherapy. Post menopausal patients received adjuvant tamoxifen 10 mg.bid. The overall time varied from 26 to 87 days with a median of 41.5 days (SD 11.7). The followup period varied from 4-32 months with a mean of 22 months (SD 6.4). All the fifty patients developed dense pigmentation towards the end of radiation therapy, along with patchy dry desquamation. Moist desquamation occurred in 6 patients. The median OTT in the patients who developed moist desquamation was 34.5 days. The moist reaction healed over 10-15 days after completion of radiotherapy. Lung Fibrosis (Apical lobe) occurred in four patients. The fibrosis was evident at a median of 12 months of follow up. Lymphoedema of the ipsilateral arm occurred in six patients. None of 50 patients developed late sequalae like Cardiac effects, Rib fracture, Brachial Plexopathy, Shoulder joint impairement and Soft tissue effects. Local control in this study was 96% (48 patients). The two year actuarial overall survival was 80%. In early stages survival was significantly better compared to late stages. The actuarial two year DFS was 72%. In early stages DFS was significantly better compared to late stages.

The effect of dietary fatty acids on the gastric production of prostaglandins and aspirin-induced injury

We have investigated in man the effect of dietary supplementation with evening primrose oil (linoleic acid 72%, gamma-linolenic acid 9%) on gastric immunoreactive PGE2 release and aspirin-induced mucosal injury. Twenty healthy volunteers received in a randomized crossover evening primrose oil (2 g b.d.) and olive oil (control) for 2 weeks each. During the last 48 hours of each period, five doses of aspirin 900 mg were taken. In gastric washings on day 7, evening primrose oil had enhanced immunoreactive PGE2 release from a mean of 38 ng/30 min (olive oil) to 80 ng/30 min (P less than 0.05). This, however, was not able to protect against aspirin-induced gastric blood loss which rose from a mean (95% confidence limits) of 1.3 (0.7-2.1) microliters 10 min-1 (evening primrose oil day 7) to 9.4 (5.4-16.5) microliters 10 min-1 (day 14). Although not effective against aspirin, similar dietary supplementation might assist in preventing peptic ulcer recurrence.