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Energy bars are considered a healthy food alternative due to the different properties attributed to them. The research aimed to evaluate the influence of amaranth and melon seeds on the nutritional composition of an energy bar intended for human consumption. A unifactorial design with three treatments T1 (45% amaranth, 15% melon seeds), T2 (30% amaranth, 30% melon seeds), T3 (15% amaranth, 45% melon seeds) was used to prepare the bars. energetic. Proximal analysis of protein, ash, fat, fiber, moisture, carbohydrates, and energy were performed on each of the formulations. A sensory evaluation of each of the treatments was carried out in which the attributes of smell, color, flavor, texture and general appearance were evaluated; A total of 20 untrained panelists were used for this. The results were analyzed with the statistical program InfoStat. The proximal analysis shows that the content of protein, ash and fiber was higher in the T2 treatment with a total of 11.03%, 12.59% and 13.43%, respectively. The fat, moisture and energy contents were higher in the T3 treatment with a total of 13.74%, 5.62% and 3820.85%. While the highest carbohydrate content was presented in treatment T1 with 67.14%. The evaluation of the organoleptic properties of taste, smell, color, texture and general appearance was better in the T3 treatment. The inclusion of the different levels of amaranth flour and melon seeds showed favorable results of the proximal and sensory characteristics (color, smell, flavor, texture and general appearance).

Objective To investigate if visuomotor coordination of hand movements is impaired in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) identified by dedicated testing procedures. Methods Forty-seven patients admitted for diagnostic workup for suspected NPH were studied prospectively with MRI, testing of cognitive and motor functions, lumbar puncture, and visuomotor coordination of hand movements using the PABLOR-device before and after a spinal tap of 40–50 ml CSF. Statistical analyses were carried out with repeated measures ANOVA and non-parametric correlation analyses. Results Fourteen patients were found to suffer from ideopathic NPH. They were severely impaired in visuomotor control of intermittent arm movements in comparison to patients who were found not to be affected by NPH (n = 18). In the patients with NPH the deficient arm control was improved after the spinal tap in proportion to the improvement of gait. There was no improvement of cognitive and motor functions in the patients not affected by NPH, while the patients with possible NPH (n = 15) showed intermediate deficit and improvement patterns. Interpretation: Our data underline the importance of a multiparametric assessment of NPH and provide evidence for a motor control deficit in idiopathic NPH involving leg and arm movements. It is suggested that this motor control deficit resulted from an affection of the output tracts from the supplementary motor area in the periventricular vicinity.

A fifty-six (56) day experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and feed utilization in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed with six iso-nitrogenous diets in which oven-dried melon (Citrillus lanatus) seed peel meal (MSPM) was substituted for yellow maize at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% inclusion levels. A total of 270 fingerlings of C. gariepinus (mean weight: 7.40 ± 0.02 g) were randomly allocated into eighteen plastic bowls (50-litre capacity) at 15 fish per bowl and fed the control and experimental diets twice daily at 5% of their body weight. Proximate composition of melon seed peel meal-supplemented diets and fish carcass was determined using standard procedures. Results showed that crude protein was highest (60.75%) in fish fed diet 2 (20% MSPMsupplemented diet) and least (58.21%) in fish fed diet 4 (60% MSPM-supplemented diet). Fish fed diet 2 (20%MSPM-supplemented diet) had statistically (p < 0.05) superior values of MWG (48.27 g), SGR (1.56%/day) and FCR (0.48) beyond which growth and feed utilization indices gradually declined with increased level of MSPM inclusion. This study demonstrated that 20% substitution level of oven-dried melon seed peel meal produced the best growth and feed utilization in C. gariepinus. Keywords: Melon seed peel, Clarias gariepinus, Growth performance, Feed utilization

This study was carried out to examine the comparative effects of coconut oil (CO), avocado oil (AO), and melon seed oil (MSO) on the growth performance, blood, biochemical, hematological parameters, and total microbial loads of Noiler birds. A total of 120 Noiler birds with an average weight of 50.3 ± 0.13 g were randomized into four treatment groups with 3 replications (10 per pen) for six weeks of fattening. Weekly body weight gain and daily feed intake of the birds were recorded for six weeks, after which average weight gain and feed conversion ratios were calculated. At the end of the feeding trials, blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological parameter assessments, and the digesta from the colon and ileum were collected for their intestinal total microbial load analysis. The average weight gains and feed conversion ratios (FCR) of the birds supplemented with CO (1229.40 ± 15.00) and MSO (1232.66 ± 43.18) were observed to be significantly higher (P < 0.05), compared to the birds supplemented with AO (1110.73 ± 18.29) and the birds fed feed only (1034.79 ± 2.04) having the least weight gained. The biochemical parameters of the birds across the treatment were not significantly different (P > 0.05). White blood cells, packed cell volume, red blood cells and lymphocytes were significantly higher in the CO group compared to the birds supplemented with the avocado oil and melon seed oil. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the weight of the spleen, bursa and gall bladder among the birds. The Lactobacillus spp. in the colon of birds supplemented with coconut oil (6.43 ± 0.56) and melon oil (6.25 ± 0.65) were significantly higher. It can be concluded that coconut oil and melon seed oil have the potential to serve as growth promoters for chicken production.

An improved designed and constructed melon seed sheller with continuous separator comprises of electric motors, hopper, shelling, and separator units for separating melon seed from its shell, was developed. This machine which was fabricated using locally sourced standard materials by eliminating the drudgery involved in the melon kernel separation. As we know that melon seed is a vital oil seed that is mostly used in food industries. Shelling of this crop is a problem due to the stress and time that is involved, prior to its usage. In order to address these challenges associated with shelling and separating the melon from its kernel, an improved design of melon shelling machine of melon seeds for both commercial and a small scale was presented and evaluated in this research work. Parameters evaluated include shelling efficiency, percentage seed shelled, and output volume with time and general machine capacity. The machine was constructed using locally available materials and consists of a hopper, frame, shelling and cleaning unit, chutes and prime mover. Shelling speeds of the machine and seed moisture content of melon affects the rate, efficiency and percentage seed damage. Adopting this design concept is recommended because it minimizes seed breakage during manual shelling, it also enhanced hygiene as human direct contact with the seed during shelling is reduced. KEY WORDS: Improved design, melon seed, melon kernel, performance evaluation, efficiency.

Turkish delight, which is produced from sugar, starch and water as raw materials and can be enriched with different flavors and aromas, is a traditional dessert widely consumed around the world. Although there are many types of Turkish delight, capsicum pepper powder (CPP) and natural cheese aroma (NCA) added Turkish delights are not consumed in Turkey. In this study, the potential use of CPP and NCA in the production of flavored Turkish delights was studied to obtain a unique taste, flavor and color, and also the physical, chemical and sensorial properties of Turkish delights containing three different ratios of CPP and NCA were determined. For this purpose, capsicum pepper was dried and powdered, and commercial natural Cheddar cheese flavor was used to provide cheesy characteristic to Turkish delights. In capsicum pepper and cheese flavored Turkish delights, the ratios of CPP were 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5% (w/w) while the ratios of NCA were 6.5, 10.0 and 12.5% (w/w). The physicochemical properties such as color, dry matter and ash contents, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activities and the sensory properties of Turkish delight samples were determined. The highest L* values were found in Turkish delights with 6.5% and 10.0% NCA concentrations (p0.05). Sensory analysis results indicated that Turkish delights containing 12.5% NCA had a high acceptability score, and CPP added Turkish delights were equally liked by panelists. In conclusion, CPP and NCA flavorings could be used in the production of Turkish delights for the development of a novel dessert product with a high consumer acceptability, and might provide health beneficial functional components.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder of human. However, the anti-diabetic activity of protein isolates from fermented plants seed for DM remains enigmatic. The prevalence of diabetes in Africa is exponentially increasing with more deaths occurring directly from diabetes mellitus or from its associated complications. The current study investigated the effect of Protein isolate from fermented melon seeds (Ogiri; OPI) of Cucumeropsis manni on blood glucose, hepatic and pancreatic protein profile, histopathological parameters, identification and characterisation of expressed proteins in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty Male wistar rats were divided into nondiabetic control, STZ-diabetic control, STZ-Ogiri protein isolate supplemented group (STZ-OPI; 200 mg/kg diet), STZ-Ogiri protein isolate supplemented group (STZ-OPI; 600 g/kg diet) and STZ-glibenclamide treated group (STZ-GBN; 0.5 mg/kg diet). Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg BW) freshly dissolved in 0.1 mol/L citrate buffer (pH 4.5) into the intraperitonium. Diabetes was confirmed by measuring the fasting blood glucose concentration 48-h post-injection. The rats with blood glucose level above 290 mg/dL were considered to be diabetic. Ogiri protein isolates was supplemented in the diet for 6 weeks. The supplementation OPI reduced (P< 0.05) the blood glucose concentration of the STZ-induced diabetic rats. OPI supplemented groups had significantly higher percentage body weight gain. The high dose OPI supplemented group had a lowest liver protein concentration (19.39 mg/dl) but a significantly (P< 0.05) higher pancreas protein concentration when compared to all the diabetic control. Histological sections of examined tissue revealed accumulation of fat in the liver of diabetic rats and necrosis of the islet of Langerhans were observed in the pancreas. 1DE SDS-PAGE of hepatic and pancreatic tissue homogenates revealed differential expression of 150 kDa proteins in rats treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of OPI only and 20-25 kDa proteins in rats treated with 600 mg/kg body weight of OPI respectively. This result show that OPI supplementation may impose a direct or indirect inhibitory or post translational modification on specific proteins implicated in hyperglycemia and diabetes and as such be a potential antihyperglycemic agent in the management of diabetes.

Antifungal property of A. paniculata on fungal isolates from Citrullus colocynthis was investigated. Citrullus colocynthis were bought from traders in a major market in Abia State, Nigeria. The melon seeds were first cleaned and disinfested by keeping them in a freezer at -50C for 7 days to kill all hidden infestations. The disinfested seeds were dried in a Gallenkamp oven at 40oC for 4 hours before they were stored in plastic sterile containers with tight lids. Fresh plant of A. paniculata was collected from botanical garden of the Rivers State University and was identified in the botany department. The leaves of the plant were shade dried and blended into fine powder. Twenty grams (20g) of the powdered leaves was extracted using methanol and ethanol. The filtrate was evaporated and the resulting crude extract was used for antifungal sensitivity test. Fungi associated with rotted C. colocynthis were identified using standard microbiological methods. The antifungal activity of the extracts was carried out using the well in agar diffusion method. In this method, 48 hours old fungal isolate was inoculated on dried Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates in duplicates. five wells were bored using sterile 6mm cork borer on the dried seeded plates before 0.2ml of the different concentrations of 100, 50, 25, and 12.5mg/ml of the methanol extracts were transferred into the wells using sterile pipettes. Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp were identified from the melon seeds. The zone diameters of methanolic extract of A. paniculata on Rhizopus arrhizus, A. niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp were 11.50±0.71, 19.50±0.71, 34.50±0.71, 15.00±0.00 and 17.00±0.00mm, respectively. The zone diameters of ethanolic extract of A. paniculata on Rhizopus arrhizus, A. niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp were 0.00±0.00, 16.50±0.71, 34.50±0.71, 20.50±0.71 and 0.00±0.00mm, respectively. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the antifungal activity of the extract across the fungal isolates. The antifungal activity of the leave extracts showed that the ethanolic extract and the methanolic extract were very active on the fungal isolates and the antifungal activities of the extract was greatly influenced by the concentration of the extract, with higher concentrations of extract having high zone diameter.

Some data suggested that the seeds of water melon may have therapeutic benefits. We here attempted to determine ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seeds on alloxan-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity on wistar rats. Rats were divided into 11 groups, with each group consisting of 3 rats. Groups 2-11 received single dose of 120 mg/kg b.wt. of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally. Groups 4 and 5 orally received a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. of metformin for 7 & 21 days. Groups 6, 8 and 10 orally received 200 mg/kg b.w., 400 mg/kg b.w., and 600 mg/kg b.w. of the extract respectively for 7 days while groups 7, 9 and 11 orally received same doses respectively for 21 days. The most abundant phytochemicals present in the seeds sample were flavonoids mainly catechin (70.88 ± 0.21) and anthocyanin (42.11 ± 0.89). Blood samples were collected 24 hours after 7 and 21 days of treatment. Biochemical analyses were conducted on liver-injury, kidney-injury, and oxidative-stress markers. Liver/kidney histopathology were examined. Result revealed significant (p≤0.05) reduction in liver enzyme activities, creatinine and urea and malondialdehyde levels, while the electrolyte concentrations significantly increased in the extract treated groups on day 7 and 21 when measured against group 1. The histopathological examination revealed regeneration of the liver/kidney tissues in the extract treated groups mostly in 10 and 11. Thus, aqueous extract of water melon seeds ameliorated alloxan induced hepato-/nephron-toxicity in diabetic rats.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seeds on alloxan induced-diabetic wistar rats. The Wistar rats were grouped into 11 of 3 rats in each. Groups 2-11 received single dose of 120 mg/kg b.wt of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally. Groups 4 and 5 orally received a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt of metformin for 7 and 21 days respectively. Groups 6, 8 and 10 orally received 200 mg/kg b.wt, 400 mg/kg b.wt, and 600 mg/kg b.wt. of the extract respectively for 7 days while groups 7, 9 and 11 orally received 200 mg/kg b.wt., 400 mg/kg b.wt and 600 mg/kg b.wt of the extract respectively for 21 days. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after 7 and 21 days of treatment and selected biochemical parameters were determined; glucose determination, pancreatic α- amylase activities and lipid profile, while histopathology examination of the pancreas was also examined. Qualitative phytochemical result showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, tannin, oxalate and phytate. Flavonoids (176.87 ug/g) were most abundant and phytate was the least occurring anti nutrient (6.75±0.06). Citrullus lanatus seeds extract significantly (p≤0.05) decreased the plasma glucose levels, pancreatic α-amylase activities, total cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins while there was a significant (p≤0.05) increase in high density lipoproprotein levels on 7 and 21 days in all the extract treated groups. The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed regeneration of pancreatic cells in all the extract treated groups. The aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seeds is rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant properties hence could serve as novel herbal antidiabetic agent.

Powdery mildew is one of the diseases caused by fungal infections that can reduce the production of melon fruit worldwide including in Indonesia. A powdery mildew-resistant cultivar of melon is needed to increase melon yield crops. This study aimed to detect resistance gene linked to powdery mildew using a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. The melon cultivar Meloni was used in this study. SL-3, PI 371795, and Aramis cultivar were used to compare. Amplification of the marker was performed employing a pair of primers. The result showed that Meloni had a powdery mildew resistance gene by the presence of a DNA target band at 1058 base pair (bp). Based on this result, it could be concluded that Meloni was an excellent melon cultivar because of its ability to overcome the powdery mildew infections naturally. SCAR markers have been used for various purposes, especially to detect resistance genes to plant diseases. The present study had provided information for plant breeders about Meloni as the new melon cultivar that was genetically resistant against powdery mildew infections. Furthermore, Meloni could be proposed as an alternative to native Indonesian superior melon seeds.

Melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.) is a widely cultivated and consumed oil-seed in West Africa. Its seeds deteriorate quickly in storage due to microbial attack introduced during the shelling stage of processing. Aim: This study investigated and compared the microbial and proximate composition of Hand shelled and machined melon seed as sold in the market in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Study Design: The total bacterial, total fungal, Staphylococcal and coliform counts of the machine shelled and hand shelled melon seeds samples were determined. Methodology: The mould count was estimated as SFU/g and isolates (Aspergillus) were identified through spore formation, production of fruiting bodies, morphological and molecular characteristics. The proximate and chemical compositions-Free Fatty Acid (FFA) and Peroxide Value (PV)-were determined by standard analytical methods. Data were analysed using analysis of variance. Results: There is no significant (p

This study was planned to determine in vitro glycemic indices of some traditional foods frequently consumed by Turkish nation and to evaulate their effects on nutrition. Glycemic indices of roasted chickpea, Turkish bagel, tarhana, bulgur, Turkish delight, baklava, pişmaniye and kadayıf species; white bread was taken as reference (70) and analyzed in vitro by taking digestive system model. Glycemic index of Turkish bagels and bulgur was high (> 70), medium (55-70) of tarhana and low (

International audience; Quantifying the spatial variability of species-specific tree transpiration across hillslopes is important for estimating watershed-scale evapotranspiration (ET) and predicting spatial drought effects on vegetation. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess sap flux density (J(s)) and tree-level transpiration (T-s) across three contrasting zones a (riparian buffer, mid-hillslope and upland-hillslope, (2) determine how species-specific J(s) responds to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and (3) estimate watershed-level transpiration (T-w) using T-s derived from each zone. During 2015 and 2016, we measured J(s) in eight tree species in the three topographic zones in a small 12-ha forested watershed in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina. In the dry year of 2015, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) J(s) rates were significantly higher in the riparian buffer when compared to the other two zones. In contrast, J(s) rates in tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and red maple (Acer rubrum) were significantly lower in the buffer than in the mid-hillslope. Daily T-s varied by zone and ranged from 10 to 93 L/day in the dry year and from 9 to 122 L/day in the wet year (2016). J(s) responded nonlinearly to VPD in all species and zones. Annual T-w was 447, 377 and 340 mm based on scaled-J(s) data for the buffer, mid-hillslope and upland-hillslope, respectively. We conclude that large spatial variability in J(s) and scaled T-w was driven by differences in soil moisture at each zone and forest composition. Consequently, spatial heterogeneity of vegetation and soil moisture must be considered when accurately quantifying watershed level ET.

Performance evaluation of an electric motor and a fuel-engine powered machine used for shelling melon seeds was performed in this study to determine the effects of shelling speed and moisture content on machine productivity. The melon seeds used for the evaluation of the existing melon shelling machine were sourced locally from Umungasi market in Aba, Abia state, Nigeria. The unshelled melon seeds as used were weighed (25g each), sprinkled with water and partially dried with natural air for 25 minutes. This enabled the skin coat became slightly softened and the cotyledon easily detached from the shell, thus making the shelling more efficient. To evaluate the parameters (machine productivity, throughput capacity and percentage seed damage), the melon seeds were employed. For the shelling performance, melon seeds of five different moisture contents (7.48, 10.24, 13.92, 18.36, 21.44%) dry basis (d.b.) at different shelling speeds (850, 1000 and 1200 rpm) were utilized in the evaluation. From the evaluation, results revealed that the machine has an optimal productivity of over 83% and percentage seed damage of 14.2% at seed moisture content of 21.44% and drum speed of 1200 rpm for both power sources. Maximum machine throughput capacity of over 940 kg/h was recorded at 1200 rpm and 21.44% moisture content for both power sources. Overall, results obtained indicated that the machine can effectively shell melon seeds and that seed moisture contents and shelling speed affected the machine productivity.Keywords— Performance operation, evaluation, motorized, melon, shelling machine

The pin nematode, Paratylechus beltsvillensis n. sp. collected from rhizosphere soil of a Virginia pine tree (Pinus virginiana Mill) growing in Little Paint Branch Park, Beltsville, Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA, is described and illustrated along with light and scanning electron photomicrographs. Females, males, and juveniles of this new species were recovered from soil samples using the sugar centrifugal flotation and Baermann funnel extraction methods. Morphologically, females are short, body length ranging from 245 to 267 μm, stylet from 70 to 75 μm long with anchor shaped knobs, vulva located at 70–73% and small vulval flap, spermatheca large, and ovoid filled with sperms. Lateral field with three incisures, of which the outer two are prominent. Tail slender, having a rounded tail terminus. Males without stylet and have a degenerated pharynx, spicules = 17–20 µm and gubernaculum = 5.0–5.5 µm. Both morphological observations and molecular analysis of ITS and partial 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequences indicated that the specimens collected from the soil at Beltsville Park from rhizosphere soil samples from Virginia pine represents a new pin nematode species.

Introduction: Brazil is in the ranking of the 10 countries that most waste food in the world, it is also the 3rd largest producer of fruits, with the Northeast responsible for the production of 95% of the melon. As a result of the high fruit production, the country has faced environmental problems resulting from organic waste formed by waste. The peels and seeds that are neglected, as an example of melon, can be used in food through the full use of food that has been a great alternative in the search to reduce waste, as well as nutritionally enriching culinary preparations. Objective: Carry out a pilot study to verify organoleptic characteristics of culinary preparations made with flour from cantaloupe melon seeds (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus). Methodology: Two products were prepared, simple cake and chicken pie, with different percentages of melon seed flour (MSF) added to wheat flour enriched with iron and folic acid, following the concentrations of 25%, 50% and 75% of MSF. Results: The preparations made with flour whose constitution had 50% of MSF were those mentioned in the evaluation of the organoleptic characteristics, since they were more palatable, due to the lower amount of residues, as well as presenting a more pleasant aroma and flavor. Conclusions: In view of the results, it was observed that the participants opted for products that did not have a large amount of melon residues in the preparations, since these hinder chewing and swallowing, as well as altering some organoleptic characteristics such as aroma and flavor. Introducción: Brasil está en el ranking de los 10 países que más desperdician alimentos en el mundo, también es el 3er productor de frutas, siendo el Nordeste responsable de la producción del 95% del melón. Como resultado de la alta producción de frutas, el país ha enfrentado problemas ambientales derivados de los residuos orgánicos formados por los residuos. Las cáscaras y semillas que se descuidan, como ejemplo del melón, se pueden utilizar en la alimentación mediante el aprovechamiento pleno de alimentos que ha sido una gran alternativa en la búsqueda de reducir los desperdicios, así como preparaciones culinarias enriquecedoras nutricionalmente. Objetivo: Realizar un estudio piloto para verificar las características organolépticas de preparaciones culinarias elaboradas con harina de semillas de melón cantalupo (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus). Metodología: Se prepararon dos productos, bizcocho simple y pastel de pollo, con diferentes porcentajes de harina de semilla de melón (HSM) agregada a la harina de trigo enriquecida con hierro y ácido fólico, siguiendo las concentraciones de 25%, 50% y 75% de HSM. Resultados: Las preparaciones elaboradas con harina cuya constitución tenía 50% de HSM fueron las mencionadas en la evaluación de las características organolépticas, ya que resultaron más palatables, debido a la menor cantidad de residuos, además de presentar un aroma y sabor más agradable. Conclusiones: A la vista de los resultados, se observó que los participantes optaron por productos que no presentaban gran cantidad de residuos de melón en las preparaciones, ya que estos dificultan la masticación y deglución, además de alterar algunas características organolépticas como el aroma y el sabor. Introdução: O Brasil está no ranking dos 10 países que mais desperdiçam alimentos no mundo, é também o 3º maior produtor de frutas, sendo o Nordeste responsável pela produção de 95% do melão. Em consequência da elevada produção de frutas, o país tem enfrentado problemas ambientais decorrentes do lixo orgânico formado pelo desperdício. As cascas e sementes que são desprezadas, como exemplo do melão, podem ser utilizadas na alimentação por meio do aproveitamento integral de alimentos que tem sido uma ótima alternativa na busca de reduzir o desperdício, bem como enriquecer nutricionalmente as preparações culinárias. Objetivo: Realizar um estudo piloto para verificar características organolépticas de preparações culinárias elaboradas com farinha das sementes de melão cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus). Metodologia: Foram elaborados 2 produtos, bolo simples e torta de frango, com diferentes percentuais de farinha das sementes de melão (FSM) adicionados à farinha de trigo enriquecida com ferro e ácido fólico, seguindo as concentrações de 25%, 50% e 75% de FSM. Resultados: As preparações feitas com farinha cuja constituição possuía 50% de FSM foram as comentadas na avaliação das características organolépticas, visto que eram mais palatáveis, em virtude da menor quantidade de resíduos, bem como apresentaram aroma e sabor mais agradáveis. Conclusões: Diante dos resultados observou-se que os participantes optaram pelos produtos que não possuíam grande quantidade de resíduos de melão nas preparações, visto que esses dificultam a mastigação e deglutição, bem como alteram algumas características organolépticas como aroma e sabor.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol are the common analgesics used in children who experience mild to moderate pain. NSAIDs-related case of aseptic meningitis or meningism in healthy adolescent is relatively uncommon. We report a case of an 11-year-old boy with underlying bronchial asthma who had recent intake of three doses of diclofenac (50 mg), presented with signs and symptoms mimicking acute meningism. The boy initially presented to the emergency department after he experienced throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and persistent vomiting for about 15 times per day for the past 2 days. He did not report presence of any auditory or visual hallucination; however, he claimed to have a bit of photophobia. Signs and symptoms occurred soon after the second dose of diclofenac. Besides, he was also taking oral antibiotic Augmentin for his left epididymo-orchitis problem and famotidine for prevention of gastritis prescribed by general practitioner. Vital signs were normal, and review of systems did not find any abnormality. Neurological assessment found no significant deficit, no cerebellar sign, negative Babinski test and no sign of meningism. Patient did not have frequent fall, head trauma or any family history of neurological diseases. A provisional diagnosis of meningoencephalitis was made after review by specialist. The parents of the boy did not give consent to conduct spinal tap. Upon further examination, urgent contrast-enhanced computed tomography was done and clinical neurological assessment was not suggestive of meningoencephalitis. Antibiotics treatment for meningoencephalitis was stopped 12 h after hospitalization. Although this case was not diagnosed as aseptic meningitis, timeline of diclofenac intake, onset of symptoms, clinical manifestations and quick resolution symptoms after drug discontinuation were supportive of a temporal relationship between diclofenac and meningism. Paracetamol was given to relieve the headache, vomiting resolved after one dose of intravenous metoclopramide plus ranitidine, and patient was well throughout the 5 days in ward. This adverse effect of NSAIDs is very rare and continuous effort in pharmacovigilance can help to raise awareness among clinicians. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2020;9(1):20-23 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/ijcp358

The effect of storage on the nutritive values, proximate composition and mycoflora of Citrullus lanatus was investigated during a 24 weeks of storage. The mycoflora were isolated using direct plating and washing methods. Eight fungi were isolated namely Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium sp. The fungal count was found to increase as the storage time increased. The proximate analysis showed a decrease and an increase on some parameters investigated. The mineral composition was found to decrease as the storage time increased. The following nutrients (g/100 g) were found to have reduced: ash content 4.29 - 3.19, fibre content 2.06 - 1.51, fat content 57.02 - 50.90, while the following increased: Moisture content 7.21-12.22, crude protein 29.24-30.90, carbohydrate content 0.20-2.01. The results for minerals analysis (mg/100 g) showed a decrease in all parameters investigated: sodium 2.01-1.49, potassium 65.52-56.21, calcium 13.10-10.19, magnesium 46.34-37.61, Iron 8.12-3.31, zinc 4.76-1.24, copper 2.84-2.11 and phosphorus 3.46-1.60 while lead and cadmium were not detected. However, storage was found to cause deterioration and reduction in the nutritive value and mineral content of C. lanatus seeds. It is therefore recommended that these seeds must be stored under controlled conditions that will prevent the growth of fungi and reduction of nutrients.

백합(fleur-de-lis)은 12세기 중엽 프랑스 문장으로 채택된 후 오랫동안 프랑스 왕실을 상징하고 프랑스와 동일시되었다. 파리와 리옹 등 도시 문장과 관공서 상징에 지금도 나타나며, 디트로이트나 뉴올리언스와 같은 미국 도시 깃발에도 등장한다. 그럼에도 불구하고 백합에 관한 문헌은 자료로 잘 축적돼 있지 않고 관련 연구 또한 미미한 실정이다. 프랑스 혁명기에 백합이 왕정의 표상으로 인식되고 파괴되면서 백합이 정치적으로 예민한 주제가 된 탓에 학문적 지위를 부여받지 못한 것이 가장 큰 이유다. 본 연구는 공정하게 해석될 수 없다는 이유로 주목받지 못한 프랑스 문장으로서 백합을 역사적 관점에서 재조명하여 그 학술적 가치를 복원하는 것을 목표로 한다. 백합이 태동한 배경과 청색을 바탕으로 왕실 문장으로 정착하는 과정을 살펴보면서 유럽 다른 나라와 구별되는 프랑스만의 문화적 특징을 지니게 된 이력과 그 의미를 궁구한다. 문장은 당대 사회를 읽을 수 있는 문화적 코드를 담고 있기에 프랑스 문장으로서 백합을 탐구하는 일은 역사 연구의 필수 과제이자 오늘날 프랑스를 만든 문화의 원형질을 이해하는 데 있어서도 중요한 작업이다. 이 논문은 프랑스 백합 문장이 정확히 언제 어떤 이유로 프랑스의 공식 엠블럼으로 사용되기 시작했으며, 그 모양과 의미가 어떻게 변천되어 왔는지 왕의 인장과 당대의 동전, 중세의 역사서에 의거해 역사적인 맥락에서 고찰한다. 그리고 12세기 서유럽에서 일어난 마리아 숭배가 서방 기독교에서 성모의 위상을 어떻게 변화시키고 프랑스 왕실 백합 문장의 색채에 어떤 영향을 끼쳤는지 고딕 대성당의 파사드와 스테인드글라스를 통해 살펴본다. 마지막으로 앙시앵 레짐(Ancien Regime)의 출현을 기점으로 프랑스에서 문장이 쇠퇴일로를 걷게 된 역사적 배경을 추적하면서 왜 오늘날에도 문장 연구가 중요하며 또 앞으로 어떤 방향으로 나아가야 하는지 연구한다.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) solution injections into an aqueous mobile phase moving through narrow bore stainless-steel capillary tubing results in adsorption of at least 99% Aβ within the tubing or injection valve. However, if flow is stopped for a period of 5–10 minutes, then started, wall desorption yields Aβ-containing molecules in the new effluent. The amount of desorbed Aβ-containing effluent depends on flow rate, period of flow cessation, and number of successive Aβ injections into the same tube without cleaning between injections. Unexpected multiple chromatographic peaks in these experiments seem to imply “separation” of released, previously adsorbed Aβ-containing products in the empty capillary tubing. These preliminary experiments raise questions about possible errors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spinal tap analyses, which use stainless-steel needles of approximately the same inner diameter and encounter similar flow rates as those in our capillary experiments. Microliter syringes and HPLC connectors also contain stainless-steel tubing that have similar inner diameter dimensions and similar flow rates. The capillary system involved in these experiments has previously been proposed as a model system for studying the effects of shear on Aβ within the brain because it offers a research environment that provides highly restrictive flow through very small dimension channels. A suggestion is made for the use of this system in exploratory anti-amyloid drug studies in which both the drug and Aβ are injected in the same solution so that both drug and Aβ are subjected to the same shear environment. Reduction in adsorbed Aβ is suggested as an indicator of effective anti-Aβ drugs.

Background: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is difficult to diagnose in early stages due to nonspecific symptoms. There should be high index of suspicion to diagnose TBM at an early stage. The objective of the study was to find out the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spinal tap in early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from July 2015 till July 2018 at Neuromedicine ward, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. All patients above 12 year of age, both male and female with nonspecific symptoms like headache, malaise and drowsiness or suspicion of TBM (stage I, II, and III according to British Medical Research Council TBM staging criteria) were included in the study. Patients diagnosed with other CNS disease like encephalitis, malaria and acute bacterial meningitis were excluded. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain and early spinal tap for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were used to diagnose TBM and findings were noted. Results of MRI and CSF analysis were analyzed by SPSS version 24. Results: A total of 110 patients of TBM, with 60 (54.5%) male and 50 (45.5%) female patients were included in the study. Most of the patients belonged to a younger age group of 12-40 years (81.8%), while 18.2% were above 40 years of age. About 90% patients were diagnosed in stage I TBM and 10% in stage II and III. MRI brain findings included meningeal enhancement (60%), hydrocephalus (41.81%) cerebral edema (82.73%), tuberculoma (19%) and infarct (14.5%), respectively. CSF analysis showed low protein in 80%, low glucose in 91.8% and lymphocytic pleocytosis in 97.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Both MRI brain and spinal tap with CSF analysis played a role in the early diagnosis of TBM, which is important to prevent the lethal complications associated with late diagnosis of this disease.

A previously healthy 43-year-old man presented with durable occipitalgia for 1 month. Neurological examination revealed severe pain in the right C2 area accompanied by neck stiffness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing, polycystic intradural mass at the C2 level, occupying the left dorsolateral part of the spinal canal. In addition, a rim-like enhancement was found along the surfaces of the spinal cord. Blood tests did not show signs of infection. A lumbar spinal tap revealed albuminocytologic dissociation without cultured organisms. Cranial computed tomography scans taken 20 days later revealed an overt ventriculomegaly. The patient underwent a total tumor resection through hemilaminectomy of the C2. Intraoperatively, the left dorsal C2 roots were found to be extremely redundant due to the tumor and surrounding thickened arachnoids. The roots restored normal morphologies after resection of the arachnoids and tumor. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms resolved and histological diagnosis was endodermal cyst. Four weeks later, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed to treat progressive ventriculomegaly. A polycystic intradural mass of the upper cervical spine should assume an endodermal cyst that may cause contralateral occipitalgia and aseptic meningitis. Keywords: Endodermal cyst, Contralateral occipitalgia, Aseptic meningitis

International audience; The genus Pinus has wide geographical range and includes species that are the most economically valued among forest trees worldwide. Pine needle length varies greatly among species, but the effects of needle length on anatomy, function, and coordination and trade-offs among traits are poorly understood. We examined variation in leaf morphological, anatomical, mechanical, chemical, and physiological characteristics among five southern pine species: Pinus echinata, Pinus elliottii, Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda, and Pinus virginiana. We found that increasing needle length contributed to a trade-off between the relative fractions of support versus photosynthetic tissue (mesophyll) across species. From the shortest (7 cm) to the longest (36 cm) needles, mechanical tissue fraction increased by 50%, whereas needle dry density decreased by 21%, revealing multiple adjustments to a greater need for mechanical support in longer needles. We also found a fourfold increase in leaf hydraulic conductance over the range of needle length across species, associated with weaker upward trends in stomatal conductance and photosynthetic capacity. Our results suggest that the leaf size strongly influences their anatomical traits, which, in turn, are reflected in leaf mechanical support and physiological capacity.

Melon ( Cucumis melo L.) is one of the fruits of the family Cucurbitaceae, which propagated generatively by seeds. High quality of seed can results plants that good production. The problems often encountered in the seed production technology is the aspect of the post-harvest handling. On melon seed production, seed quality deterioration occurs caused fruit storage and seed drying are less precise. To get high quality seeds, then to do a proper post harvest handling. The purpose of this study is to get the proper time of fruit storage and seed drying to produce the high quality melon seed. The study was conducted from January to March 2018 at PT. BISI International Tbk Farm Karangploso Malang, prepared using Factorial Random Block Design (RCBD). The first factor is the fruit storage time (C), consisting of C1: 1 day, C2: 4 days, C3: 7 days, and C4: 10 days. While the second factor is seeds drying time (K), consisting of K1: 1 day, K2: 2 days, K3: 3 days, and K4: 4 days. Observations were made on the qualitative and the quantitative character including yield of seed result, the weight of 1000 grain, seed water content, seed germination, and seed germination rate. The results showed that there was interaction between fruit storage time treatment and seeds drying time on germination rate variable, while the effect given by each treatment showed a real result on all observation variables.

Background This observational study was done to develop a score based on clinical predictors that enables a guided decision for the necessity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis after first unprovoked epileptic seizures and to validate this score in a retrospective patient cohort. Methods Clinical predictors were identified by two panels of epilepsy experts and selected according to content validity ratios. Based on these predictors a score was created and applied to a cohort of patients with first epileptic seizures. Results The “IDEAL score” consists of 9 items (fever, prolonged disturbance of consciousness, headache, imaging results, cognitive dysfunction, status epilepticus, malignancy, autoimmune encephalitis symptoms) that are collected at two different time points ( 3 h [B-score] after hospital admittance). A CSF analysis is recommended, if at least one clinical finding is present, either one of the items evaluated during the acute phase (A-score) or later in the diagnostic process (B-score). In 41 patients (13%) CSF analysis provided essential clues to the cause of the seizure. The combined IDEAL score reached a sensitivity of 98%, a specificity of 53%, a positive predictive value of 24% and a negative predictive value of 99% in this patient cohort. Conclusions A CSF analysis after first epileptic seizures provided decisive etiological findings in only 13% of all investigated patients. The IDEAL score offers clinicians a simple and easy-to-implement algorithm to assess the necessity of a CSF analysis, and to prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures.

Southern yellow pines such as loblolly, Virginia and shortleaf pines constitute forest products and contribute significantly to the economy of the United States (U.S.). However, little is understood about the temporal change in canopy cover and greenness of southern yellow pines, especially in Tennessee where they are used for timber and pulpwood. This study aims to map and monitor the canopy cover and greenness of southern yellow pines i.e., loblolly (Pinus taeda), shortleaf (Pinus echinata), and Virginia (Pinus Virginiana) pines in the years 1988, 1999 and 2016 in central-eastern Tennessee. Landsat time-series satellite data acquired in December 1988, November 1999 and February 2016 were used to map and monitor the canopy cover and greenness of loblolly, shortleaf and Virginia pines. The classification and mapping of the canopy cover of southern yellow pines were performed using a machine-learning random forest classification algorithm. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to monitor the temporal variation in canopy greenness. In total, the canopy cover of southern yellow pines decreased by about 35% between December 1988 and February 2016. This information could be used by foresters and forest managers to support forest inventory and management.

BackgroundUptake of lumbar puncture (LP) remains low in regions with a high prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) infections like Zambia. Efforts to improve uptake are hindered by limited understanding of factors influencing LP uptake.MethodsSemistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients with suspected CNS infection, caregivers, doctors and nurses at the University Teaching Hospitals in 2016. Questions focused on LP experiences, knowledge, the consent process and health system barriers to LP among patients with an LP indication. Interviews were transcribed, translated to English and analysed using a thematic approach.ResultsWe recruited 24 adult patients, 36 caregivers of adult patients, 63 caregivers of paediatric patients, 20 doctors and 30 nurses (173 in total). LP barriers arose from both patients/caregivers and health providers and included community apprehension about LP, proxy (family) consensus consent practices, competing clinical demands, wariness of patient/caregiver responses, limitations in consumables and time to complete the LP. This could result in consent not being obtained correctly. LP enablers included patient/caregiver perceived LP utility, provider comfort with LP and in-person counselling.ConclusionsLP uptake is a complex sociocultural process influenced by patient, healthcare and community-level factors. Interventions to improve uptake must address multiple barriers to be successful.

Objective Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a potential complication of certain neuraxial anesthesia and spinal procedures, and some risk factors for PDPH have been identified. However, there have been no detailed analyses of rates and risk factors of PDPH after various spinal and neuraxial anesthesia procedures. Methods Patient data from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent dural puncture procedures (spinal anesthesia, lumbar puncture [spinal tap], lumbar cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] drainage) or nondural puncture procedures (transforaminal epidural injection, interlaminar epidural injection, epidural catheterization with patient-controlled analgesia for delivery). PDPH incidence and risk factors were evaluated. Results For dural puncture procedures, PDPH incidence was 2.96%, and risk factors were younger age, female sex, and lumbar puncture. Larger needle gauge was a risk factor according to Student t-test but not during logistic regression analysis. PDPH incidence was higher after lumbar puncture using a 22 G Tuohy needle (4.63%) than after lumbar CSF drainage using an 18 G Tuohy needle (3.05%). For nondural puncture procedures, PDPH incidence was 0.53% and did not differ between procedure types; no risk factors were identified. Conclusions PDPH incidence and risk factors depended on the type of neuraxial anesthesia and spinal procedures. PDPH incidence after lumbar puncture using a 22 G Tuohy needle was higher than that after lumbar CSF drainage using an 18 G Tuohy needle, suggesting that catheter insertion may reduce PDPH risk. In non-dural puncture procedures, PDPH risk did not differ according to type of procedure, and no risk factors were found.

A 35-year-old female without any history of medical or psychiatric illness. One month prior to presenting to our clinic, she had intermittent headaches, night sweats, and muscle pain that went unnoticed by her. A week later, the patient developed agitation and behavioral changes. The patient was admitted through emergency room (ER) to the psychiatry unit for 3 days. During a detailed interview in the Neurology Clinic 10 days post discharge, she described the previously mentioned symptoms. Her cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed leukocytosis, with normal protein and glucose, and positive brucella titers in blood. She received antibiotics for neurobrucellosis with frequent follow ups. Repeated spinal tap was reported normal. Her symptoms gradually improved. Neuropsychiatric manifestations are an unusual presentation of brucellosis. This case emphasizes the importance of considering an organic cause, such as neurobrucellosis, as a differential diagnosis in patients with new onset of unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms in endemic countries like Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most expensive and currently incurable disease that affects a large number of the elderly globally. One in five Medicare dollars is spent on AD-related tests and treatments. Accurate AD diagnosis is critical but often involves invasive and expensive tests that include brain scans and spinal taps. Recommending these tests for only patients who are likely to develop the disease will save families of cognitively normal individuals and hospitals from unnecessary expenditures. Moreover, many of the subjects chosen for clinical trials for AD therapies never develop any cognitive impairment and prove not to be ideal candidates for those trials. It is thereby critical to find inexpensive ways to first identify individuals who are likely to develop cognitive impairment and focus attention on them for in-depth testing, diagnosing, and clinical trial participation. Research shows that AD is a slowly progressing disease. This slow progression allows for early detection and treatment, but more importantly, gives the opportunity to predict the likelihood of disease development from early indications of memory lapses. Neuropsychological tests have been shown to be effective in identifying cognitive impairment. Relying exclusively on a set of longitudinal neuropsychological test data available from the ADNI database, this paper has developed Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) to diagnose the current and predict the future cognitive states of individuals. The RNNs use sequence prediction techniques to predict test scores for two to four years in the future. The predicted scores and predictions of cognitive states based on them showed a high level of accuracy for a group of test subjects, when compared with their known future cognitive assessments conducted by ADNI. This shows that a battery of neuropsychological tests can be used to track the cognitive states of people above a certain age and identify those who are likely to develop cognitive impairment in the future. This ability to triage individuals into those who are likely to remain normal and those who will develop cognitive impairment in the future, advances the quest to find appropriate candidates for invasive tests like spinal taps for disease identification, and the ability to identify suitable candidates for clinical trials.

Background: Lumbar puncture is a common clinical procedure that can occasionally be difficult. Various needle guidance methods can facilitate performing this procedure, but at the expense of special expertise, equipment and facility. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical feasibility of a novel bioimpedance needle system regarding its ability to detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in paediatric lumbar punctures. Methods: We performed 40 lumbar puncture procedures using the bioimpedance needle system in 37 paediatric patients, aged from 0 days to 17 months, as a part of their prescribed examinations in two university hospitals. The bioimpedance needle is similar to a conventional 22G cutting-edge spinal needle with a stylet, except the needle and stylet are configured as a bipolar electrode with high spatial resolution. The system measures in real-time when the needle tip reaches the subarachnoid space containing CSF. The procedure was considered successful when the erythrocyte count was determined from the obtained CSF sample. Results: Subarachnoid space was verifiably reached in 28 out of 40 procedures (70%). Bioimpedance needle system detected CSF in 23 out of these 28 successful procedures (82%) while failed in 3 out of 28 procedures (11%). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Bioimpedance spinal needle system was found clinically feasible in paediatric lumbar punctures, and it may offer an objective and simple means to detect the time point when the needle tip is in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid. publishedVersion

Objectives Correction factors have been proposed for traumatic lumbar punctures (LPs) in febrile young infants. However, no studies have assessed their diagnostic utility. We sought to determine the proportion of traumatic LPs safely reclassified as low risk for bacterial meningitis using recently derived white blood cell (WBC) and protein correction factors. Methods We retrospectively analyzed traumatic LPs among all febrile infants ≤60 days old at two tertiary paediatric hospitals from 2006 through 2018. Traumatic LPs were defined as ≥10,000 RBCs/mm3. Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) WBCs and protein were adjusted downward using a newly derived correction factor (877 red blood cells [RBCs]: 1 WBC), three commonly used correction factors (500 WBCs: 1 RBC; 1,000 WBCs: 1 WBC; peripheral RBCs: WBCs), and a newly derived protein correction factor (1,000 RBCs: 0.011 g/L protein). Results There were 437 traumatic LPs including 357 (82%) with pleocytosis and 4 (0.9%) with bacterial meningitis. Overall, fewer infants were classified as having CSF pleocytosis using 877:1 and 1,000:1 ratios (38% and 43%, respectively), with 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value, and improved specificity (63% for 877:1, 58% for 1,000:1 ratios versus 19% for uncorrected counts). Among infants with pleocytosis, 877:1 and 1,000:1 ratios reclassified 191 (54%) and 171 (48%) as normal with no misclassified bacterial meningitis cases. Ratios of 500:1 and peripheral RBC:WBC misclassified 1 infant that had bacterial meningitis. Corrected CSF protein outperformed uncorrected protein in specificity but did not add diagnostic value following WBC-based correction. Conclusions Correction ratios of 877:1 and 1,000:1 safely reclassified half of all febrile infants ≤60 days. These corrections should be considered when interpreting CSF results of traumatic LPs.

The oil content and the fatty acid composition of roasted and unroasted melon seed and oils were determined. The oil contents of roasted melon seeds changed between 26.4% (Type 12) and 38.7% (Type 4). In general, oil contents of roasted melon seeds were found higher than that of unroasted seeds that could be due to the evaporation of water during roasting processes which consequently lead to increased concentrations of other seed components including oils. Saturated fatty acid contents of unroasted melon seed samples change between 13.5% (Type 6) and 17.1% (Type 20). In addition, polyunsaturated fatty acids of unroasted melon seed oils ranged from 51.9% (Type 13) to 70.2% (Type 6). Palmitic acid contents of roasted seed oils varied between 7.8% (Type 5) and 15.1% (Type 17). In addition, the oleic acid contents ranged from 15.4% (Type 10) to 37.7% (Type17). Also, linoleic acid contents were found between 34.7% (Type 17) and 70.3% (Type 6). Saturated fatty acid contents of roasted melon seed oils ranged from 13.5% (Type 6) to 16.7% (Type 13). The major tocopherols in both roasted and unroasted melon seed oils were alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and delta-tocopherols. Melon seed oils are rich in linoleic, oleic acids and gamma-tocopherol. Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud UniversityKing Saud University [RG-1439-080] The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for funding this work through research group no. NO (RG-1439-080). Technical support of RSSU at King Saud University is also well appreciated.

Importance: Coagulopathy may deter physicians from performing a lumbar puncture.Objective: To determine the risk of spinal hematoma after lumbar puncture in patients with and without coagulopathy.Design, Setting, and Participants: Danish nationwide, population-based cohort study using medical registries to identify persons who underwent lumbar puncture and had cerebrospinal fluid analysis (January 1, 2008-December 31, 2018; followed up through October 30, 2019). Coagulopathy was defined as platelets lower than 150 × 109/L, international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 1.4, or activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) longer than 39 seconds.Exposures: Coagulopathy at the time of lumbar puncture.Main Outcomes and Measures: Thirty-day risk of spinal hematoma. Risks were provided as numbers and percentages with 95% CIs. Secondary analyses included risks of traumatic lumbar puncture (>300 × 106 erythrocytes/L after excluding patients diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage). Adjusted hazard rate ratios (HRs) were computed using Cox regression models.Results: A total of 83 711 individual lumbar punctures were identified among 64 730 persons (51% female; median age, 43 years [interquartile range, 22-62 years]) at the time of the procedure. Thrombocytopenia was present in 7875 patients (9%), high INR levels in 1393 (2%), and prolonged APTT in 2604 (3%). Follow-up was complete for more than 99% of the study participants. Overall, spinal hematoma occurred within 30 days for 99 of 49 526 patients (0.20%; 95% CI, 0.16%-0.24%) without coagulopathy vs 24 of 10 371 patients (0.23%; 95% CI, 0.15%-0.34%) with coagulopathy. Independent risk factors for spinal hematoma were male sex (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.72; 95% CI, 1.15-2.56), those aged 41 through 60 years (adjusted HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.01-3.81) and those aged 61 through 80 years (adjusted HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12-4.33). Risks did not increase significantly according to overall severity of coagulopathy, in subgroup analyses of severity of coagulopathy by pediatric specialty or medical indication (infection, neurological condition, and hematological malignancy), nor by cumulative number of procedures. Traumatic lumbar punctures occurred more frequently among patients with INR levels of 1.5 to 2.0 (36.8%; 95% CI, 33.3%-40.4%), 2.1 to 2.5 (43.7%; 95% CI, 35.8%-51.8%), and 2.6 to 3.0 (41.9% 95% CI 30.5-53.9) vs those with normal INR (28.2%; 95% CI, 27.7%-28.75%). Traumatic spinal tap occurred more often in patients with an APTT of 40 to 60 seconds (26.3%; 95% CI, 24.2%-28.5%) vs those with normal APTT (21.3%; 95% CI, 20.6%-21.9%) yielding a risk difference of 5.1% (95% CI, 2.9%-7.2%).Conclusions and Relevance: In this Danish cohort study, risk of spinal hematoma following lumbar puncture was 0.20% among patients without coagulopathy and 0.23% among those with coagulopathy. Although these findings may inform decision-making about lumbar puncture by describing rates in this sample, the observed rates may reflect bias due to physicians selecting relatively low-risk patients for lumbar puncture.

Fruit-processing industries annually discard large volumes of fruit by-products. Thousands of tons of melon seeds could be recovered through the year from melon production. These seeds are an excellent source of vegetable oil with significant health-promoting properties due to their unsaturated fatty acid profile and high content of specific bioactive compounds. However, little information exists about the influence of melon cultivars and oil-extraction methods on oil characteristics. In this study, oils from nine different melon cultivars were evaluated. Additionally, two oil-extraction methods (screw and hydraulic press) were studied. Results showed that melon seeds may be used as a novel source of healthy oils. Higher-quality oils were obtained with the hydraulic press, however, low yields reduced industrial interest in this method. Oils extracted from the different cultivars showed high variability in the content of linoleic (51&ndash, 69%) and oleic (15&ndash, 34%) acids. Regarding vitamin E, &gamma, tocopherol was the main isoform found in melon-seed oils (99.81&ndash, 456.73 mg/kg), followed by &alpha, and &delta, tocopherols. Significant concentrations of tocotrienols (&alpha, &beta, and &gamma, ) were also found. Although all cultivars showed positive attributes, principal-component analysis (PCA) showed that Honey Dew and Blanco de Ribatejo could be specifically considered as a potential source of polyunsaturated oils with high concentrations of vitamin E.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Long-term surveillance of intracranial pressure (ICP) in neurological/neurosurgical patients during ventilator weaning and early neurorehabilitation currently relies on clinical observation because neuroimaging is rarely readily available. In this prospective study, multimodal neurosonography and pupillometry are evaluated for follow-up monitoring. METHODS Sonographic neuromonitoring was used to noninvasively examine patients' ICP during weaning and early neurorehabilitation. It allowed assessments of third ventricle width, possible midline shift, middle cerebral artery flow velocities, and bilateral optic nerve sheath diameters. Quantitative pupillometry was used to determine pupil size and reactivity. Other neuroimaging findings, spinal tap ICP measurements, and clinical follow-up data served as controls. RESULTS Seventeen patients-11 suffering from intracranial hemorrhage, four from encephalopathies, and two from ischemic stroke-were examined for ICP changes by using neurosonography and pupillometry during a mean observation period of 21 days. In total, 354 of 980 analyses (36.1%) yielded pathological results. In 15 of 17 patients (88.2%), pathological values were found during follow-up without a clear clinical correlate. In two patients (11.8%), clinically relevant changes in ICP occurred and were identified using neurosonography. Abnormal pupillometry findings displayed a high predictive value for absent clinical improvement. CONCLUSION Multimodal neurosonography may be a noninvasive means for long-term ICP assessment, whereas pupillometry may only detect rapid ICP changes during acute neurointensive care. The study also illustrates common pitfalls in neuromonitoring in general, with large numbers of pathological albeit nonsignificant findings. Additional controlled studies should validate the influence of detected subtle changes in ICP on neurological outcome.

Background and objectivesLearning epidural anesthesia traditionally involves bedside teaching. Visualization aids or a simulator can help in acquiring motor skills, increasing patient safety and steepening the learning curve. We evaluated the face and construct validity of the TU-Delft Epidural Simulator and the effect of needle visualization.MethodsSixty-eight anesthesiologists, anesthesia residents, and final-year medical students tested the epidural simulator. Participants performed six epidural simulations with and six without needle visualization. We tested face validity on a Likert scale questionnaire. We collected data with the simulator software (spinal taps, dura contacts, bone contacts, attempts, and time) and tested for correlation with the performer’s experience (construct validity). A visualization aid was tested in a randomized crossover design.ResultsFace validity as rated by the participants was above average, with a mean of 3.7 (2.0–4.8) on a 5-point scale. Construct validity was indicated by significantly more spinal taps (0.4 [0–4) vs 0.07 [0–2], p=0.04) and more dura contacts (0.58 [0–6] vs 0.37 [0–3], p=0.002) by the inexperienced group compared with the expert group. The visualization aid improved performance by reducing the number of bone contacts and the number of attempts, and by decreasing the procedure time. Prior visualization training reduced the total procedure time from 279 s (69–574) to 180 s (53–605) (p=0.01) for the “blind” procedure.ConclusionsThe TU-Delft Epidural Simulator is a useful tool for teaching motor skills during epidural needle placement. Prior use of a visualization tool improves performance even without visual support during consequent simulations.

We hereby present a case of iatrogenic dissection of the superior mesenteric artery dissection in a 63-year-old female undergoing a lumbar puncture (LP). She presented with severe diffused abdominal pain accompanied by lower back pain, nausea and vomiting a few hours after undergoing an LP due to ongoing headaches. Abdominal CT showed evidence of hemoperitoneum. She was then transferred to another facility and while in route received one unit of packed red blood cellsdue to drop in hemoglobin levels from 15 to 11 gm/dl. Physicians should consider the possibility of arterial variations and the level at which spinal tap is performed during interventions. Acute abdominal pain is a significant, common complaint that should be appropriately investigated.

Introduction Latissimus Dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap is a workhorse flap for various large reconstructions. Variants described to increase its volume are referred to as extended LD flaps. The extended fleur-de-lis LD is one of these variants. We report the clinical outcomes using a modified extended fleur-de-lis LD flap for complex multi-directional soft and bone tissue defects. Methods Between 2010 and 2017, 29 patients underwent the modified extended fleur-de-lis LD flaps, whose sizes were between 120 cm2 and 442 cm2. The mean age was 47.55 ± 9.07 years. Locations of the defects included head and neck (nine cases), upper extremity (six cases), lower extremity (nine cases) and chest wall regions (five cases). Results Of the 29 extended fleur-de-lis LD flaps, 11 were pedicled and 18 were free flaps. A total of 10 flaps were osteomyocutaneous and 19 were myocutaneous. The mean vertical size of the harvested skin paddle was 30.72 ± 4.57 cm (range: 20-38), and the mean horizontal size of the skin paddle was 8.69 ± 0.80 (range: 7-10) cm, with the mean maximum horizontal extensions of the flaps being 16.03 ± 1.18 (range: 14-18) cm. The flap survival rates were 100%. One flap had distal partial loss (less than 5%). Donor site complications included seroma (1) and numbness (1), both of which were managed conservatively. The average follow-up time was 23.97 ± 7.19 months. Conclusion The presented modified extended fleur-de-lis LD myocutaneous/osteomyocutaneous flap for reconstruction of multi-directional complex soft tissue and bone defects is a good and reliable option, with low donor site morbidity.

Introduction Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is important for detecting inflammation of the nervous system and the meninges, bleeding in the area of the subarachnoid space that may not be visualized by imaging, and the spread of malignant diseases to the CSF space. In the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, the importance of CSF analysis is increasing. Measuring the opening pressure of CSF in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and at spinal tap in normal pressure hydrocephalus constitute diagnostic examination procedures with therapeutic benefits. Recommendations (most important 3-5 recommendations on a glimpse): The indications and contraindications must be checked before lumbar puncture (LP) is performed, and sampling CSF requires the consent of the patient.Puncture with an atraumatic needle is associated with a lower incidence of postpuncture discomfort. The frequency of postpuncture syndrome correlates inversely with age and body mass index, and it is more common in women and patients with a history of headache. The sharp needle is preferably used in older or obese patients, also in punctures expected to be difficult.In order to avoid repeating LP, a sufficient quantity of CSF (at least 10 ml) should be collected. The CSF sample and the serum sample taken at the same time should be sent to a specialized laboratory immediately so that the emergency and basic CSF analysis program can be carried out within 2 h.The indication for LP in anticoagulant therapy should always be decided on an individual basis. The risk of interrupting anticoagulant therapy must be weighed against the increased bleeding risk of LP with anticoagulant therapy.As a quality assurance measure in CSF analysis, it is recommended that all cytological, clinical-chemical, and microbiological findings are combined in an integrated summary report and evaluated by an expert in CSF analysis. Conclusions In view of the importance and developments in CSF analysis, the S1 guideline “Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis” was recently prepared by the German Society for CSF analysis and clinical neurochemistry (DGLN) and published in German in accordance with the guidelines of the AWMF (https://www.awmf.org). /uploads/tx_szleitlinien/030-141l_S1_Lumbalpunktion_und_Liquordiagnostik_2019-08.pdf). The present article is an abridged translation of the above cited guideline. The guideline has been jointly edited by the DGLN and DGN.

Europium ions doped pearl white dispersed effectively in PVA binder using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as a stabilizer. Nano-powders (NPs) were synthesized by using propellant chemistry approach. Further, these NPs were incorporated into the polymer binder matrix by solvent casting approach. BSA stabilizer made any avenue for the perturbation to the secondary protein chains leading to functionalized surfaces. This helped in obtaining the uniform dispersion of the filler added. Different proportions of (2-10 wt %) functionalized BiOCl-Y2O3:Eu3+ NCPs were loaded into PVA matrix. X-ray diffraction profile shows the effective incorporation of the NPs into the polymer. Upon exciting at 398 nm near UV light, the NC shows strong red emission at 612 nm along with other three peaks were due to the transition from 5D0 to 7Fj (j = 1, 2, 3 and 4). The highest PL intensity was registered for 8 wt% NPs in PVA matrix. The optimized NCPs were further utilized for various technological applications namely solid-state lighting, forensic and security ink preparation. The latent fingerprints developed on commonly encountered objects were investigated from the functionalized BiOCl-Y2O3:Eu3+ NCPs by powder dusting method. The results undoubtedly revealed all the Type – I – III ridge details irrespective of surfaces. Anti – counterfeiting ink has been developed and testified on various surfaces. The overall results clearly revealed that surface functionalized NCs were quite suitable for multifunctional applications.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of varietal difference on the proximate, functional and sensory properties of four varieties of melon seeds such as Cucumis melo, Cucumeropsis manii, Citrullus colocynths and Citrullus vulgaris. The proximate result showed that protein, fat, ash, moisture, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents of the melon seeds ranged from 30.37 to 34.81%, 47.14 to 52.52%, 2.57 to 4.40%, 4.30 to 6.26%, 3.92 to 5.51% and 0.11 to 3.16%, respectively. There were significant differences (p 0.05) with Cucumis melo and Citrullus colocynths. The results showed that the four melon seed varieties contain appreciable quantities of protein, ash and fat with functional properties that are favourable for human consumption and for industrial applications. Higher premium should therefore be placed on the consumption of Cucumis melo and Citrullus colocynths as they can be used to replace Citrullus vulgaris in the preparation of egusi soup.