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The objective of the current study was to optimize the cook-chill conditions of high-value whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) processed using the sous vide (SV) technique and to assess the effects of various time-temperature combinations on the physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities. For optimization, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach utilizing a Central Composite Design (CCD) was adopted. Optimum SV cooking conditions to acquire minimum texture (hardness) of 7235 g was 13.48 min and 81.87 °C, expressible moisture of 18.48% was 14.5 min and 84.5 °C, and cook loss of 5.58% was 5 min and 75 °C. Texture (hardness) and expressible moisture decreased while cooking loss increased with increasing time-temperature treatment. Redness and yellowness values increased (p

Docosanol is the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter topical product for treating recurrent oral-facial herpes simplex labialis. Validated analytical methods for docosanol are required to demonstrate the bioequivalence of docosanol topical products. A gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring mode mass spectrometry (GC/SIM-MS) method was developed and validated for docosanol determination in biological samples. Docosanol and isopropyl palmitate (internal standard) were separated on a high-polarity GC capillary column with (88% cyanopropy)aryl-polysiloxane employed as the stationary phase. The ions of m/z 83 and 256 were selected to monitor docosanol and isopropyl palmitate, respectively; the total run time was 20 min. The GC/SIM-MS method was validated in accordance with US FDA guidelines, and the results met the US FDA acceptance criteria. The docosanol calibration standards were linear in the 100–10000 ng/mL concentration range (R2>0.994). The recoveries for docosanol from the receptor fluid and skin homogenates were >93.2% and >95.8%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to analyze ex vivo human cadaver skin permeation samples. On applying Abreva® cream tube and Abreva® cream pump, the amount of docosanol that penetrated human cadaver skin at 48 h was 21.5 ± 7.01 and 24.0 ± 6.95 ng/mg, respectively. Accordingly, we concluded that the validated GC/SIM-MS was sensitive, specific, and suitable for quantifying docosanol as a quality control tool. This method can be used for routine analysis as a cost-effective alternative to other techniques.

Investigations have been carried out to evaluate the correlations between microstructure and mechanical properties of cast products made by Ferro chrome (Fe-Cr) slag and Granulated Blast Furnace (GBF) slag moulds in tune with silica sand moulds. A356 alloy castings were performed on all these three moulds with cylindrical pattern. The obtained castings were evaluated for its metallurgical and mechanical properties at as cast and peak ageing conditions. In all the castings, improved mechanical properties were noticed in peak ageing condition; further Fe-Cr slag cast products shows enhanced properties than either GBF slag or silica sand mould cast products. Fe-Cr slag mould cast products shows lower SDAS values than rest of the two moulds. Improved mechanical properties were observed with lower SDAS values. Correlations between individual and combined microstructural features with mechanical proprieties were established. Improved and reliable correlations were established by considering combined microstructural features.

Application of laser technology for drilling rock samples reduces mining costs because of its higher transmission capabilities providing an alternative to conventional drill bits and blasting techniques. This paper investigates the effect of laser drilling parameters such as laser power, frequency, assist gas pressure and piercing time on drilling characteristics of rock mineral samples such as limestone, shale and sandstone using 12 kW CO2 Laser. For limestone, minimum specific energy of 46.14 kJ/mm3 and maximum rate of penetration 15.14 mm/s was achieved at 1000 W laser power, 1 kHz frequency, 6 bar assist gas pressure and 0.1 s piercing time. For sandstone, minimum specific energy of 14.33 kJ/mm3 and maximum ROP of 57.46 mm/s was achieved at 1000 W, 1 kHz, 2 bar and 0.1 s. For shale, minimum specific energy of 8.13 kJ/mm3 and ROP of 45.05 mm/s was achieved at 300 W, 5 kHz, 2 bar and 0.1 s, based on Response Surface Methodology. Morphological studies were reported on the drilled rock samples. Keywords: Laser drilling, Specific energy, Rate of penetration, Rock minerals, Response surface methodology

We report the case of a 79-year-old male with previous history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in remission, who presented acutely to the Accident and Emergency department with recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia. At the time of presentation, a random glucose was low at 1.4 mmol/l, which upon correction resolved his symptoms. In hindsight, the patient recalled having had similar episodes periodically over the past 2 months to which he did not give much notice. While hospitalized, he continued having episodes of symptomatic hypoglycaemia, requiring treatment with intravenous dextrose and per os steroids. Once stable, he was discharged on oral prednisolone and dietary advice. A computed tomography scan performed during inpatient stay showed multiple deposits in the abdomen. An ultrasound guided biopsy of one of the liver deposits was performed. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) positive for CD34 and CD117. The diagnosis of non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH) secondary to an IGF2 secreting GIST was confirmed with further biochemical investigations (IGF2=105.9 nmol/l; IGF2:IGF1 ratio 23, Upper Level of Normal (ULN)