Fruit Quality Assessment of Novel Hybrid Pummelo × Sweet Orange and Its Molecular Characterization Using Acidity Specific Markers

Research background

There is considerable diversity in newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids. Most hybrids showed lower peel thickness and high juice yield but there is a lack of information on fruit quality parameters and molecular characterization. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the content of antioxidants and properties of the fresh juice of 24 new pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and the parental genotypes along with molecular characteristics determined using acidity specific markers.

Experimental approach

The correlation and estimate of inheritance of the fruit juice properties: ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant, total soluble solid and sugar contents, pH, titratable acidity, along with sensory evaluation was performed. Molecular characterization of these hybrids was carried out using de novo generated acidity specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers.

Results and conclusions

The main constituents of the fruit juice of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids were observed in the range of w(ascorbic acid)=40.00-58.13 mg/100 g, total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents w(GAE)=40.67-107.33 mg/100 g, total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalents b(Trolox)=2.03-5.49 µmol/g, total flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalents w(QE)=23.67-59.33 mg/100 g, along with other properties: total soluble solids=7.33-11.33 %, w(total sugar)=2.10-5.76 %, w(reducing sugar)=1.69-2.78 %, w(non-reducing sugar)=0.39-3.17 % and titratable acidity 1.00-2.11 %. The above parameters differed significantly in the fruit juice of the evaluated pummelo × sweet orange hybrids. Considering these parameters, the hybrids SCSH 17-9, SCSH 13-13, SCSH 11-15 and SCSH 3-15 had superior antioxidant properties in terms of these parameters. A higher heritability (≥80 %) was also observed for all juice properties. Molecular characterization of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids showed that >50 % of the hybrids were grouped with medium acidity parents. Both molecular and biochemical parameter-based clustering showed that interspecific hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation with increased antioxidants that help alleviate the health problems.

Novelty and scientific contribution

These newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids are a valuable source of high-quality antioxidants for a healthy diet. The identification of trait markers that enable selection at the seedling stage is of great benefit to citrus breeders, as the characteristic features of a mature tree are not yet visible at the juvenile stage.

Rootstock-mediated carbohydrate metabolism, nutrient contents, and physiological modifications in regular and alternate mango (Mangifera indica L.) scion varieties

Most of the popular scion varieties of mango possess alternate/irregular bearing. There are many external and internal factors assigned, among them carbohydrate reserves, and nutrient content plays important roles in the floral induction process in many crop species. In addition to that rootstock can alter the carbohydrate reserve and nutrient acquisition of scion varieties in fruit crops. The present investigation was carried out to understand the effect of rootstocks on the physiochemical traits of leaf, and bud and nutrient content in regular and alternate bearing varieties of mango. The rootstock "Kurukkan" promoted starch content in leaves of both alternate bearing varieties 'Dashehari' (5.62 mg/g) and regular 'Amrapali' (5.49 mg/g) and encouraged higher protein content (6.71 mg/g) and C/N ratio (37.94) in buds of alternate bearing 'Dashehari'. While Olour rootstock upregulated the reducing sugar in leaves of 'Amrapali' (43.56 mg/g) and promoted K (1.34%) and B (78.58 ppm) content in reproductive buds of 'Dashehari'. Stomatal density in 'Dashehari' scion variety was found higher on Olour rootstock (700.40/mm 2), while the rootstock fails to modify stomatal density in the scion variety regular bearer 'Amrapali'. Further, a total of 30 carbohydrate metabolism-specific primers were designed and validated in 15 scion/rootstock combinations. A total of 33 alleles were amplified among carbohydrate metabolism-specific markers, which varied from 2 to 3 alleles with a mean of 2.53 per locus. Maximum and minimum PIC value was found for NMSPS10, and NMTPS9 primers (0.58). Cluster analysis revealed that scion grafted on Kurukkan rootstock clustered together except 'Pusa Arunima' on Olour rootstock. Our analysis revealed that Fe is the key component that is commonly expressed in both leaf and bud. Although Stomatal density (SD) and Intercellular CO2 Concentration (Ci) are more specific to leaf and Fe, B, and total sugar (TS) are abundant in buds. Based on the results it can be inferred that the physiochemical and nutrient responses of mango scion varieties are manipulated by the rootstock, hence, the scion-rootstock combination can be an important consideration in mango for selecting suitable rootstock for alternate/irregular bearer varieties.

Physio-biochemical and molecular stress regulators and their crosstalk for low-temperature stress responses in fruit crops: A review

Low-temperature stress (LTS) drastically affects vegetative and reproductive growth in fruit crops leading to a gross reduction in the yield and loss in product quality. Among the fruit crops, temperate fruits, during the period of evolution, have developed the mechanism of tolerance, i.e., adaptive capability to chilling and freezing when exposed to LTS. However, tropical and sub-tropical fruit crops are most vulnerable to LTS. As a result, fruit crops respond to LTS by inducing the expression of LTS related genes, which is for climatic acclimatization. The activation of the stress-responsive gene leads to changes in physiological and biochemical mechanisms such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, respiration, membrane composition changes, alteration in protein synthesis, increased antioxidant activity, altered levels of metabolites, and signaling pathways that enhance their tolerance/resistance and alleviate the damage caused due to LTS and chilling injury. The gene induction mechanism has been investigated extensively in the model crop Arabidopsis and several winter kinds of cereal. The ICE1 (inducer of C-repeat binding factor expression 1) and the CBF (C-repeat binding factor) transcriptional cascade are involved in transcriptional control. The functions of various CBFs and aquaporin genes were well studied in crop plants and their role in multiple stresses including cold stresses is deciphered. In addition, tissue nutrients and plant growth regulators like ABA, ethylene, jasmonic acid etc., also play a significant role in alleviating the LTS and chilling injury in fruit crops. However, these physiological, biochemical and molecular understanding of LTS tolerance/resistance are restricted to few of the temperate and tropical fruit crops. Therefore, a better understanding of cold tolerance's underlying physio-biochemical and molecular components in fruit crops is required under open and simulated LTS. The understanding of LTS tolerance/resistance mechanism will lay the foundation for tailoring the novel fruit genotypes for successful crop production under erratic weather conditions.

Aqueous ozone controls decay and maintains quality attributes of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

Investigations were made on the changes in physical and biochemical attributes, fruit decay and storage life of 'Winter Dawn' strawberry fruits in response to aqueous ozone dip treatment for different exposure times. Fruits were subjected to 0.1 ppm aqueous ozone for different time intervals (1-4 min). The treated strawberries were air dried and stored under ambient (25 ± 2 °C and 45-50% RH) and low temperature (2 ± 1 °C and 90% RH) conditions. Results revealed that treatment of strawberry fruits with aqueous ozone @ 0.1 ppm for 2 min resulted in 21% lower weight loss, 16% higher firmness and 15% lesser change in fruit colour during 2 days in ambient storage. Under low temperature storage, 2 min ozone treated fruits exhibited ~ 21% lower PLW, 19% higher firmness and 46% lesser colour change as compared to control fruits during 14 days of storage. Fruit decay reduced significantly under both low and cold storage conditions. Thus, it can be concluded that application of aqueous ozone for 2 min was able to retain the strawberry fruit quality and extend its storage life till 14 days under low temperature storage and 2 days under ambient storage conditions.

Does pre-procedure ultrasound increase the success and safety of right internal jugular venous catheterization? An intervention study

Background

Real-time ultrasound (US) in central venous catheterization is superior to pre-procedure US. However, ensuring real-time US into routine practice is impeded by its perceived expense and difficulty. This expertise requires hand-eye coordination and learning curve. Moreover, availability of multiple US machines and probes for multiple operation theatres may not be possible even at the tertiary level care set-up. Currently, pre-procedure US and landmark methods are most widely used. We investigated both the techniques with application of skin markings in the pre-procedure group to ascertain efficacy and safety with a view to incorporate pre-procedure US in our practice.

Methods

In this randomized study, we investigated 66 patients. Thirty-three patients in the pre-procedure ultrasound group and 33 patients in the landmark group were included for right internal jugular vein (RIJV) cannulation. We recorded the first needle pass success rate, cannulation time and complications.

Results

Pre-procedure US was associated with more successful attempts, shorter cannulation times and less complications. Under pre-procedure US, 75.76% of first attempts were successful with a cannulation time of 50 (25-180) seconds. Under landmark technique, 27.27% of first attempts were successful with a cannulation time of 85 (20-200) seconds. First puncture success rates were higher in pre-procedure US than landmark technique, 66.67% vs 27.27%, respectively.

Conclusion

Pre-procedure US for RIJV catheterization is safer, quicker and superior to landmark technique.

Control of hospital acquired infections in the ICU: A service perspective

BACKGROUND

The service setting has some unique strengths and weaknesses that must be kept in mind when organizing Hospital acquired infections (HAI) prevention interventions.

METHODS

Following an initial study to gather data regarding HAI in the Surgical intensive care unit (ICU) we put into place various infection control interventions. The present study was carried out to analyse the effect of these interventions on the incidence of HAI in the ICU.

RESULTS

The total admissions to the ICU were 253 patients. Eighty eight patients (34.78%) were admitted for more than 48 hr, 165 patients stayed for less than 48 h. The frequency of HAI was 7.95% (95% CI 3.54, 15). Hospital acquired pneumonia was observed in 2 of the 88 patients (2.27%) (95% CI 0.38, 7.30) which amounted to 9.70 infections per 1000 ventilator days. Bloodstream infection was detected in 3 out of 88 patients (3.4%) (95% CI 0.87, 8.99) amounting to 6.54 fresh infections per 1000 Central Venous Catheter days. Urinary tract infection was observed in 2 (2.27%) (95% CI 0.38, 7.30) at 2.86 fresh infections per 1000 catheter days. As compared to the previous study we found that there was a decline of HAI ranging from 60 to 70%.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that by meticulously following infection control protocols especially tailored to the service setting the incidence of HAI's can be reduced. However, the challenge is in maintaining the gains achieved since there is a rapid turnover of manpower in the ICU and a lack of a structured ICU design model.

Evaluation of mannitol as an osmotherapeutic agent in traumatic brain injuries by measuring serum osmolality

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of mannitol as an osmotherapeutic agent has never been subjected to a controlled clinical trial against placebo. Excessive use of mannitol in brain trauma patients can result in hyperosmolar states, hypernatremia and renal failure. This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the institutional protocol of using mannitol and assess its effects on serum osmolality.

METHOD

Thirty patients with brain injury were included in the study. All the patients were given 100 mL of 20% mannitol three times a day as bolus infusion over 20-30 minutes. Serum osmolality was measured at 12 hourly intervals using Fiske osmometer. Mannitol administration was stopped whenever serum osmolality reached ≥ 320 mOsmol/Kg H2O. The total dose and duration of mannitol used to reach target osmolality of ≥ 320 mOsmol/Kg H2O was recorded.

RESULTS

On 33% of all occasions, the patients had a serum osmolality which was in excess of the desired values (i.e. ≥ 320 mOsmol/Kg H2O). This indicates that the standard protocol of administering 20% mannitol 100 mL three times a day for more than 48 hours is perhaps excessive.

CONCLUSION

The mannitol therapy should be guided by 12 hourly measurement of serum osmolality. Mannitol should be used for 48 hours only if facilities for measuring serum osmolality are not available.

Effects of Low Dose Vasopressin in Catecholamine Resistant Septic Shock

BACKGROUND

Septic shock commonly leads to death in critically ill patients. Severe hypotension resistant to conventional catecholamine leads to multiorgan failure. We studied the effectiveness of low dose vasopressin in resistant septic shock.

METHODS

Thirty critically ill patients with catecholamine resistant hypotension were included in the study. After adequate fluid resuscitation, infusion of norepinephrine and dobutamine was started. If the patient remained hypotensive, vasopressin was infused at a fixed rate of 0.04 unit/minute for 24 hours. Haemodynamic parameters and mortality rates were recorded.

RESULT

There was a significant improvement in systolic and mean arterial pressure within four hours of starting vasopressin. This improvement continued throughout the 24-hour period. In addition, it was possible to withdraw dopamine in all the patients and significantly reduce infusion rates of dobutamine and norepinephrine. No significant complication was noted.

CONCLUSION

Low dose vasopressin at the rate of 0.04 unit/minute is an effective vasopressor in adult patients with catecholamine resistant septic shock.

Walking Epidural : An Effective Method of Labour Pain Relief

BACKGROUND

Labour pain can be deleterious for mother and baby. Epidural analgesia relieves labour pains effectively with minimal maternal and foetal side effects. A prospective open label study was undertaken to ascertain effective dosing regime for walking epidural in labour.

METHODS

Fifty women with singleton foetus in vertex position were included. Epidural catheter was inserted in L2-3 / L3-4 interspinous space. Initial bolus of 10 ml (0.1% bupivacaine and 0.0002% fentanyl) solution was injected and after the efficacy of block was established, an epidural infusion of the same drug solution was started at the rate of 5 ml/hour.

RESULTS

In first stage of labour 80% of the parturient had excellent to good pain relief (visual analogue scale 1 to 3) with standard protocol while 20% parturient required one or more additional boluses. For the second stage, pain relief was good to fair (VAS 4-6) for most of the parturient. The incidence of caesarian section was 4% and 6% needed assisted delivery. No major side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

0.1% bupivacaine with 0.0002% fentanyl maximizes labour pain relief and minimizes side effects.

Uptake and distribution of natural radioactivity in wheat plants from soil

The uptake of naturally occurring uranium, thorium, radium and potassium by wheat plant from two morphologically different soils of India was studied under natural field conditions. The soil to wheat grain transfer factors (TF) were calculated and observed to be in the range of 4.0 x 10(-4) to 2.1 x 10(-3) for 238U, 6.0 x 10(-3) to 2.4 x 10(-2) for 232Th, 9.0 x 10(-3) to 1.6 x 10(-2) for 226Ra and 0.14-3.1 for 40K. Observed ratios (OR) of radionuclides with respect to calcium have been calculated to explain nearly comparable TF values in spite of differences in soil concentration of the different fields. They also give an idea about the discrimination exhibited by the plant in uptake of essential and nonessential elements. The availability of calcium and potassium in soil for uptake affects the uranium, thorium and radium content of the plant. The other soil factors such as illite clays of alluvial soil which trap potassium in its crystal lattice and phosphates which form insoluble compounds with thorium are seen to reduce their availability to plants. A major percentage (54-75%) of total 238U, 232Th and 226Ra activity in the plant is concentrated in the roots and only about 1-2% was distributed in the grains, whereas about 57% of 40K activity accumulated in the shoots and 16% in the grains. The intake of radionuclides by consumption of wheat grains from the fields studied contributes a small fraction to the total annual ingestion dose received by man due to naturally existing radioactivity in the environment.

Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed extract as an antineoplastic agent

The antineoplastic effect of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract has been evaluated in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model in Balb-C mice. Intra-peritoneal administration of the alcohol extract of the seed both before and after inoculation of EAC cell in mice produced more than 70% inhibition of tumour cell growth with respect to the control. Treatment with the extract was found to enhance both the peritoneal exudate cell and macrophage cell counts. The extract also produced a significant antiinflammatory effect. We report here the antiinflammatory and antineoplastic effects, of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract.

Antiinflammatory effect of petroleum ether extract of leaves of Litchi chinensis Gaertn. (Sapindaceae)

Pharmacological studies were conducted with the petroleum ether extract of leaves of the plant Litchi chinensis Gaertn. (Sapindaceae) on experimental animals. The extract was found to possess antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract, up to a dose of 1 g/kg intraperitoneally, was nontoxic. The extract did not inhibit arachidonic acid-induced paw inflammation thus indicating that it may inhibit the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. The extract also enhanced peritoneal cell exudate along with macrophage significantly.

Anti-hyperglycemic effect of black tea (Camellia sinensis) in rat

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of the hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. The extract significantly reduced the blood glucose level and was found to possess both preventive and curative effects on experimentally produced diabetes in rats. The study reveals that, like green tea, black tea also possesses antidiabetic activity.

ACUPUNCTURE AS AN ANTI-EMETIC IN MINOR GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGERY

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as an anti-emetic in patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery. 100 patients were studied divided into study group (Group I) and control group (Group II) of 50 patients each. In group I patients, acupuncture needle was inserted at acupuncture point P6, 10 minutes before induction of anesthesia. In group II, no acupuncture was used. Anaesthetic technique was similar in both the groups. Five patients (10%) in group I and twenty (40%) in group II had one or more emetic episodes. These results show that acupuncture can be one of the modalities for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in postoperative period and its use as an anti-emetic should be explored further.

Empathy--a retrospective on its development in psychotherapy

The paper situates the notion of empathy broadly within the historical context of its origins and subsequent conceptual development, particularly in psychotherapy. It shows how the term is related to its wider usage in popular culture and in studies outside of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The paper surveys the contributions of several psychoanalytic writers, from Freud to Kohut. This is followed by a critique of more recent psychoanalytic inquiries into empathy. The discussion explores reasons for some of the difficulties resting with a psychoanalytic approach. It is suggested that these are due in large measure to inherent difficulties in defining the term, but that they are accentuated by the language and polemics of psychoanalysis. More specific contributions are considered with a view to understanding the notions of aetiology, description, function and epistemology in regard to empathy within the psychoanalytic framework.

Comparative study of known nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs with glycosidal fraction isolated from Maesa chisia D. don var angustifolia Hook F and Th

Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of glycosidal fraction isolated from M. chisia were compared in battery of animal tests with known nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The pharmacological activities compared favourably with NSAIDs whereas remarkable lack of toxicity was an added advantage.

Effects of high dietary sulphur on enzyme activities, selenium concentrations and body weights of cattle

This study was designed to assess the effects of a moderate increase in dietary sulphur (S) in cattle. Twelve animals were initially fed a basal concentrate (S = 0.2%) and then divided into two groups; one fed basal and the other high S (S = 0.75%) concentrates. Health, body weight gains, and activities of erythrocyte enzymes-glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), plasma- asparate aminotransferase (AST), and whole blood concentrations of selenium (Se) were monitored at various stages of the study. Marked increases in the activities of GSH-Px, SOD and G6PD from the pretrial values were observed upon initial feeding of basal concentrate diet. Sex related differences were not evident in enzyme activities and Se concentrations of the blood. A high linear correlation (r = 0.92) between averages of GSH-Px activity and Se concentration of blood was observed in both sexes. Increasing the amount of S in the concentrate diet (from 0.2 to 0.75%) did not produce any statistically significant change in enzyme activities and Se concentrations, body weight gains, and health of the cattle during the 85 days feeding period. The results indicate that a moderate increase in the dietary S would not impair Se and copper status or cause related disorders in cattle.

Comparative bioavailability of sustained-release and conventional tablets of hydroxyethyltheophylline in man

The comparative bioavailability of sustained-release and conventional tablets of hydroxyethyltheophylline was studied in normal subjects. In a single dose study on 7 subjects, 3 conventional tablets or 2 sustained-release tablets were administered orally after a light breakfast and blood samples taken for 6 and 12 hours respectively. With conventional tablets the mean peak concentration (8.10 +/- 0.751 microgram/ml) was reached at 3 hours and concentrations less than 5 microgram/ml were observed in 4 out of 7 subjects at 6 hours. In contrast, with sustained-release tablets of theophylline and hydroxytheophylline complex the mean peak concentration (8.90 +/- 0.88 microgram/ml) was reached at 6 hours and levels above 5 microgram/ml were observed in 4 out of 7 cases at 12 hours. Administration of 2 sustained-release tablets twice a day produced trough plasma concentrations varying between 6.9-13.8 microgram/ml, i.e. within the therapeutic range in all the 5 subjects. It is concluded that this new oral sustained-release preparation provides therapeutic plasma theophylline concentration on a 12 hourly dosage schedule.

Disposition of sulfonamides in food-producing animals: concentrations of sulfamethazine and its metabolites in plasma, urine, and tissues of lambs following intravenous administration

A sensitive, precise, and efficient analytical method for sulfamethazine in the liver, kidney, heart, skeletal muscle, and fat of lambs is reported. The method involves freezing cubed tissue in liquid nitrogen, powdering the frozen tissue in a liquid nitrogen-cooled blender, and extracting the tissue on a sodium sulfate column with chloroform:acetone. A thin-layer chromatographic procedure capable of separating and quantitating sulfamethazine and 3 metabolites (acetyl, hydroxylated, and polar conjugate(s) in lamb urine is also reported. Sulfamethazine was administered intravenously (107.25 mg/kg body weight) to 14 cross-bred ewe lambs. The concentration of sulfamethazine in plasma and tissues and sulfamethazine and its metabolites in urine were determined in samples collected at specific postdosing times. The concentration of sulfamethazine in plasma exceeded 5 mg/100 ml for 18 to 24 hours after drug administration. The excretion of diazotizable materials in the urine was essentially complete at the 60th hour after dosing. The drug was excreted in the urine as sulfamethazine, a hydroxylated metabolite, acetylsulfamethazine, and polar conjugate(s). Tissue concentrations of the drug were greatest in the kidney and less (in decreasing quantities) in liver, heart, skeletal muscle, body fat, and omental fat.

Evaluation of culture media for the isolation of Salmonellae from feces

A study conducted on 300 fecal samples from a cow and a pig, each artificially contaminated with approximately four Salmonella organisms revealed that, of the three enrichment broths used in conjunction with the three selective media, the maximum number of isolations were obtained with Brilliant Green MacConkey broth (BGMB), followed by those obtained with tetrathionate (TTB), and the least with selenite broth. The combination of BGMB with Brilliant Green-neutral red-lactose agar (BGNRLA), and TTB with desoxycholate citrate agar (DCA) gave an equal number of isolations. Of the three selective media used in conjunction with the three enrichment broths, the maximum number of recoveries were obtained on BGNRLA, followed by those on DCA, and least number of isolations on bismuth sulfite agar (BSA). The combination of selenite F broth-BSA appeared to be somewhat inhibitory for the growth of Salmonella organisms. Of the two selective media combinations, the DCA-BGNRLA combination yielded the highest number of isolations. The use of all three selective media gave still better results. Selenite and tetrathionate broths were found unsuitable for isolating Salmonella choleraesuis from feces. BGMB, containing 100 mug of Brilliant Green per ml, proved to be a useful enrichment medium for the isolation of this organism from cow and pig fecal samples, each inoculated with 16 organisms. Observations recorded seemed to suggest that contaminant bacteria perhaps outgrow and mask S. choleraesuis. An incubation period of 24 to 30 hr was found optimum for the three enrichment broths. A longer period was detrimental in the case of TTB but not with selenite broth and BGMB.