Search

Microalgae have emerged as a storehouse of biologically active components having numerous health benefits that can be used in the formulation of nutraceuticals, and functional foods, for human consumption. Among these biologically active components, functional triacylglycerols are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers owing to their beneficial characteristics. Microalgae are excellent sources of triacylglycerol containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and can be used by the vegan population as a replacement for fish oil. The functional triacylglycerols extracted using conventional processes have various drawbacks resulting in lower yield and inferior quality products. The non-thermal technologies are emerging as user-friendly and environment-friendly technologies that intensify the yield of final products and maintain the high purity of extracted products that can be used in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications. The present review focuses on major non-thermal technologies that can probably be used for the extraction of high-quality functional triacylglycerols from microalgae.

In view of the rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis and difficult-to-treat related diseases caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, there is an urgent need for antimycobacterial drug discovery. Nα-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalanine amides (AAPs) have been identified as antimycobacterial agents and are subject to lead optimization. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of N-aryl ortho cyano substitution in a lead compound on the crystal and molecular structure and its in vitro activity against Mycobacterium abscessus. The title AAP can be conveniently synthesized from N-Boc-protected d-phenylalanine in two amide coupling steps using a previously established racemization-free method. Two polymorphic forms in the solid-state are described, as discovered by X-ray and electron diffraction. The introduction of a cyano group in the ortho position of the AAP N-aryl ring, however, leads to loss of in vitro activity against M. abscessus subsp. abscessus.

Abstract Estimation of physico-chemical properties is essential for food processing operations ranging from equipment design to plant installation and extending towards packaging, storage and distribution applications. Among the various physico-chemical properties, density, heat capacity and thermal conductivity play an influential role. Herein, the physico-chemical properties such as estimation of density, heat capacity and thermal conductivity for Malbec V. Vinifera specie Alphonse Lavallee variety of black grape juice are estimated as a function of temperature (274 to 339 K) and concentration (13.6–45°Brix). A group contribution method approach coupled with the genetic algorithm (GA) formulation is employed to estimate the parameters and respective non-linear equations for important property parameter calculations are generated. The objective functions use experimental dataset of density, thermal conductivity and heat capacity over the same temperature and concentration range subtracted from the estimated dataset to minimize the objective function values in the genetic algorithm framework. Additionally, cubic equation of state is employed as constitutive relation for such estimation. The results follow a similar trendline and show a close resemblance in comparison of the experimental dataset with high accuracy indicating a potential use of similar methodology towards estimation of properties for other food matrices. Graphical Abstract

COVID-19 is emerging as a global pandemic and is a complex disease presenting with multi-organ involvement. Acute haemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy (AHNE) is a rarely reported phenomenon post-COVID-19 but is a rapidly progressing, fatal, haemorrhagic necrosis of the CNS parenchyma. Here, we present a very interesting case of a cirrhotic male patient with AHNE with COVID-19. Diagnosis of AHNE requires a multimodality approach and high index of suspicion in a patient suffering from SARS-CoV-2. Timely intervention and diagnosis may lead to a favourable outcome in the diagnosed cases. Future detailed studies in this direction may give an insight into this rare but important disease entity.

This study investigates the in vitro activity of Nα-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalanine amides (AAPs), previously identified as antimycobacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) inhibitors, against a panel of 25 non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The compounds, including the hit compound MMV688845, were selected based on their structural diversity and previously described activity against mycobacteria. Bacterial strains, including the M. abscessus complex, M. avium complex, and other clinically relevant NTM, were cultured and subjected to growth inhibition assays. The results demonstrate significant activity against the most common NTM pathogens from the M. abscessus and M. avium complexes. Variations in activity were observed against other NTM species, with for instance M. ulcerans displaying high susceptibility and M. xenopi and M. simiae resistance to AAPs. Comparative analysis of RNAP β and β′ subunits across mycobacterial species revealed strain-specific polymorphisms, providing insights into differential compound susceptibility. While conservation of target structures was observed, differences in compound activity suggested influences beyond drug–target interactions. This study highlights the potential of AAPs as effective antimycobacterial agents and emphasizes the complex interplay between compound structure, bacterial genetics, and in vitro activity.

ABSTRACT The clinical utility of rifamycins against non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease is limited by intrinsic drug resistance achieved by ADP-ribosyltransferase Arr. By blocking the site of ribosylation, we recently optimized a series of analogs with substantially improved potency against Mycobacterium abscessus. Here, we show that a representative member of this series is significantly more potent than rifabutin against major NTM pathogens expressing Arr, providing a powerful medicinal chemistry approach to expand the antimycobacterial spectrum of rifamycins. IMPORTANCE Lung disease caused by a range of different species of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is difficult to cure. The rifamycins are very active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis (TB), but inactive against many NTM species. Previously, we showed that the natural resistance of the NTM Mycobacterium abscessus to rifamycins is due to enzymatic inactivation of the drug by the bacterium. We generated chemically modified versions of rifamycins that prevent inactivation by the bacterium and thus become highly active against M. abscessus. Here, we show that such a chemically modified rifamycin is also highly active against several additional NTM species that harbor the rifamycin inactivating enzyme found in M. abscessus, including M. chelonae, M. fortuitum, and M. simiae. This finding expands the potential therapeutic utility of our novel rifamycins to include several currently difficult-to-cure NTM lung disease pathogens beyond M. abscessus.

A comparative study on the antioxidant effect of clean rosemary extract (CL) and Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) on lipid oxidation and colour stabilisation of high fat mayonnaise is demonstrated. A real time and accelerated shelf-life evaluation was conducted. The peroxide value (POV) of the mayonnaise containing 0.0075% w/w EDTA was 12.7 ± 0.5mEq Kg−1 after 120 days of storage, whereas the mayonnaise containing 0.19% w/w CL displayed a POV of 9.56±0.2mEq Kg−1. Mayonnaise with 0.0075% w/w EDTA exhibited 90.00±0.9 mg kg−1 hexanal, while mayonnaise with 0.19% w/w CL had a hexanal level of 21.40±0.21 mg kg−1 at the 150-day analysis in the accelerated study on hexanal content analysis. Colour change in mayonnaise was analysed by colour brightness indicative value. The values were 87.37 for mayonnaise containing CL and 83.92 for mayonnaise based on EDTA. Unlike conventional rosemary extract, the CL was not interfering the identity and sensitivity of the mayonnaise and upon shelf storage, the product showed higher overall acceptance compared to EDTA. Comparing the concentration of Clean Rosemary Extract, 0.19% dosage has given best results comparing 0.4% and 0.06% in analysing the peroxide value of the mayonnaise products at regular intervals during its storage duration of 120 days.

In this study, the atmospheric cold plasma treatment is carried out at two different powers of 50 and 60 W for two different exposure durations of 30 and 45 min. The treatment had not resulted in a significant difference between the control and plasma-treated samples in values like saponification value, triacylglycerol value, acid value, and free fatty acid value. While there was about a 3% increase in the melting point from 34.1 ± 0.17 °C to 35.23 ± 0.25 °C after 60 W of treatment for 45 min, there was around a 0.9% increase after 50 W of treatment for 30 min. The peroxide value and anisidine value started increasing slowly immediately after cold plasma treatment but still, the values were within the range. There was a significant decrease in the iodine value (56.31 ± 0.26 g of I2/100 g of oil to 51.56 ± 0.01 g of I2/100 g of oil) due to the cold plasma treatment. The TOTOX value which represents the oxidative stability of the palm oil had increased from 12.77 ± 0.93 for the control sample to the maximum value of 16.38 ± 0.28 which was for the 60 W power treatment for 45 min.

The present study focused to modify the functionality of arrowroot starch (ARS) by a novel atmospheric pressure pin-to-plate cold plasma. The top electrode consists of multiple pins arranged in such a way to shower corona discharge of electrons to provide effective modification. Arrowroot starch (10 g) was exposed to the cold plasma processed at three input voltages (190, 210, 230 V) for 5–15 min and studied for the changes in intrinsic viscosity average molecular weight (MWv), powder flow properties (bulk and tapped density, Hausner's ratio, Carr's index), functional (water and oil binding capacity, pH, gel hydration, turbidity), rheological (pasting and steady shear flow), thermal (DSC) and structural (FTIR, XRD, SEM) properties. With cold plasma treatment, MWv of the ARS was increased evincing the cross-linking phenomenon which has also shown in increase in peak viscosity of the starch pastes (4.33%–11.98%). The steady shear viscosity at 50 s−1 of the plasma-treated starch also increased remarkably (15.44%–223.83%) than the untreated. Inclusion of acidic and hydrophilic functionalities along with surface etching of starch observed under SEM have resulted in the pH reduction (from 5.41 ± 0.03 to 4.01 ± 0.01), Increase in water (22.5% rise in 230–15) and oil binding (8.46% in 230–15), swelling volume (50% increase) and solubility index (240% increase), reduction in paste turbidity. The increase in % of crystallinity in the plasma-treated arrowroot starch was associated with the increase in gelatinization enthalpy showing the thermal stability of plasma-indued crosslinking of arrowroot starch. This proves that cold plasma can be a potential green modification technology to produce clear, highly viscous, more hydrating, shear, and thermally stable starches.

ABSTRACT In a library screen of tuberculosis-active compounds for anti-Mycobacterium abscessus activity, we previously identified the synthetic phenylalanine amide MMV688845. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, this class was shown to target the RpoB subunit of RNA polymerase, engaging a binding site distinct from that of the rifamycins. Due to its bactericidal activity, rifampicin is a key drug for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). However, this natural product shows poor potency against M. abscessus due to enzymatic modification, and its clinical use is limited. Here, we carried out in vitro microbiological profiling of MMV688845 to determine its attractiveness as a substrate for a chemistry optimization project. MMV688845 was broadly active against the M. abscessus complex, displayed bactericidal against M. abscessus in vitro, and in a macrophage infection model showed additivity with commonly used anti-M. abscessus antibiotics and synergy with macrolides. Analyses of spontaneous resistant mutants mapped resistance to RpoB, confirming that MMV688845 has retained its target in M. abscessus. Together with its chemical tractability, the presented microbiological profiling reveals MMV688845 as an attractive starting point for hit-to-lead development to improve potency and to identify a lead compound with demonstrated oral in vivo efficacy. IMPORTANCE Infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria are an increasing health problem, and only a few new drug classes show activity against these multidrug-resistant bacteria. Due to insufficient therapy options, the development of new drug leads is necessary and should be advanced. The lead compound MMV688845, a substance active against M. abscessus complex, was characterized in depth. In various assays, it showed activity against M. abscessus, synergy with other antibiotics, and bactericidal effects.

The present work explored the effect of using ultrasound during synthesis of oleogels on stability, strength and oxidative stability of oleogel and its comparison with conventional stirring process to highlight the importance of using ultrasound. Further, this MCT-based oleogel was used in formulation of cookies and its effect on texture and sensory attributes was examined. Ethyl cellulose (EC) concentration of 1.5% at ≤10 °C during synthesis resulted in gelation of MCT liquid oil. Ultrasound duty cycle of 10% and 20 kHz frequency improved the elastic modulus (G’) of oleogel and reduced the oil loss when maintained for storage period of 30 days and also the U-MCTO showed excellent hardness and stickiness for 30 days as compared with the oleogel prepared using conventional stirring. The U-MCTO, C-MCTO and MCT liquid oil showed induction time of 9.76, 6.41, 5.98 h at 110 °C, thus showing higher oxidative stability for the U-MCTO at accelerated conditions. The U-MCTO cookies showed excellent texture with force (N) of 4.17 ± 0.01 and 4.73 ± 0.00 N on 0 and 30 days, respectively, whereas it was much higher for MCTLO cookies i.e., 5.2 ± 0.0 and 7.89 ± 0.00 N on 0 and 30 days, respectively, making it unsuitable for consumption. The sensory score and overall acceptability of U-MCTO cookies was higher in terms of texture, mouthfeel, crunchiness, and hardness making it an excellent replacement for the use of saturated fat in bakery application like cookies.

Modification of hydrocolloids by employing “green” processes such as cold plasma has gained attention in recent times. Apple pectin is a highly branched pectin, which leads to a low emulsification capacity. This study aims to understand the effect of cold plasma on the structural and functional properties of pectin, ranging from emulsification to antioxidant properties. In this study, atmospheric pressure cold plasma (230 V|3–15 min) was used for the modification of apple pectin (Degree of esterification (DE)∼68%). The viscosity-average-molecular weight decreased from 160677.4 to 98352.3 g mol−1 within 6 min of plasma treatment. A decrease in DE from 68 to 54% was observed after 15 min of treatment. An increase in galacturonic acid from 0.653 to 0.816 g g−1 and reducing sugars from 0.243 to 1.134% was noted after 15 min of treatment. The highest amount of unsaturated GalA residues (2.36 mmol/g) was formed after 12 min of treatment. The Ca2+ sensitivity of the acid-sugar-pectin gels increased from 22.2 to 65.3 mPa s after 15 min of treatment. An increase in the whiteness index and a decrease in flow properties of the pectin powder were observed with the increasing duration of the treatment. This was well-evidenced in the Hausner's and Carr's indices, which increased from 1.23 to 1.48 and 0.24 to 0.35, respectively after 12 min of treatment. Prolonged treatments (>9min) negatively impacted emulsion stability. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power of pectin increased with the duration of plasma treatments for low concentrations of pectin (0.5–1.5%). The maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity (26.11%) was observed for 2% pectin dispersions, which were made from 12 min-plasma modified pectin. The future course of work can include the exploration of advanced applications of plasma-treated pectin in food matrices.

The current study focuses on comparing the physico-chemical changes during frying of palm oil designer lipid (PODL) and two different blends of palm oil with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) over 48 frying cycles. The PV of PODL, F1 (blend of palm oil with MCT in 50:50 proportion) and F2 (blend of palm oil with MCT in 70:30 proportion) increased from 1.29 ± 0.02, 1.34 ± 0.00, 1.38 ± 0.01 to 1.36 ± 0.02, 1.83 ± 0.02, 1.94 ± 0.02 meq O2 / kg respectively after 48 frying cycles. Similarly, p-AV and Totox values were 39.5 ± 0.01 and 42.22 ± 0.01, 52.8 ± 0.02 and 56.46 ± 0.03, 61.7 ± 0.01 and 65.58 ± 0.02 for PODL, F1 and F2 respectively after 48 frying cycles confirming that PODL showed higher thermo-oxidative stability in comparison with palm oil blends. The viscosity of all the frying medium increased and also there was a change in color of frying oil upon successive frying indicating accumulation of oxidative byproducts in the frying oil. Heat transfer coefficient was also elucidated to decrease with an increase in the frying cycle for all the blends and PODL. Overall, it was clearly demonstrated that the physicochemical properties and heat transfer quality of PODL was less affected as compared with palm oil blends demonstrating excellent potential of the PODL/interesterified fat as an alternative frying medium.

Plant proteins are gaining attention in recent times. Apart from the greater sustainability and environment-friendliness offered by plant proteins, improved health consciousness among consumers has boosted the market for plant proteins. With the ever-increasing population, the need for alternative sources of protein is urgent. However, plant proteins possess inferior functional properties such as low solubility, emulsification and film-forming properties, which limit their use in food matrices. Cold plasma can be a sustainable and “green” method for modification of proteins, with minimal use of solvents and chemicals. The improvement in mechanical properties and biodegradability of the plant protein-based films by plasma treatment can be a great sustainable option for the industry. Apart from the mechanism of inactivation of enzymes, the immobilization of enzymes and fabrication of plant protein nanoparticles is also possible by cold plasma. Plasma improved the solubility, hydrophilicity, emulsifying and foaming properties of plant proteins. Prolonged exposure to cold plasma treatments had negative impact on the functional properties. However, plasma was successful in inactivating antinutritional factors and allergens in most proteins. Plasma treatments enhanced the adhesiveness of films, improving the composite formation of plant proteins with other films, with improved barrier properties.

The inclination towards naturalness and ''clean label'' products amongst the consumers has encouraged the development of novel processes for the production of vegan meat flavour. Many basic investigations indicate that acid, enzymatic, or fermentation reactions can be used to produce specific flavour molecules or more complicated flavour formulations. This review summarises recent basic research and development on meat flavour by using different vegan sources. The combination of acid or enzymatic treatment or fermentation of raw materials with heat-induced food processes (e.g., extrusion) represents an elegant approach for generating meat flavour. The current review illustrates the different raw materials, techniques, and challenges in producing vegan meat flavour.

Abstract Background Probiotic Enterococcus strains of human origin were microencapsulated by spray drying using whey protein and maltodextrin as an encapsulating agent. The obtained encapsulates were characterized for stability, viability, and physiological properties. Results The microcapsules were prepared from probiotic Enterococcus strains that were previously isolated from human vagina and infants’ meconium. The microcapsules revealed similar particle sizes and morphologies. The highest hygroscopicity was observed in the microcapsules produced with strain E. rivorum S22C (0.17 ± 1.15) g water/kg powder/min. E. canintestini S18A revealed highest dissolution time in water (703 ± 2 s). The DSC thermogram revealed excellent thermal stability of all microcapsules. The physicochemical and morphological characteristics of the microcapsules were acceptable with regard to residual water content, particle mean size, and thermophysical properties and storage stability under room temperature conditions, with a low inactivation rate of Enterococcus strains. All the microcapsules revealed the recommended count of probiotic cells, low moisture content with low water activity. Observation under a scanning electron microscope revealed spherical-shaped partially collapsed structures measuring between 9 and 14 μm with surface concavities. Conclusions The microcapsule probiotic strains of Enterococcus microencapsulated by spray drying using whey protein and maltodextrin revealed properties of acceptable standards. These strains can have future potential as developing probiotic animal feed and food industry.

Context: Topical steroids, the most widely prescribed drugs in dermatology are being increasingly misused. Aims: This study was conducted to assess knowledge and practices regarding the use of topical steroids and to analyze prescriptions containing topical steroids. Subjects and Methods: Following approval from the institutional ethics committee, participants were recruited as per the selection criteria and divided into those treated in the institution and those having outside prescription. They were administered a pre-validated questionnaire to assess knowledge and practices regarding the use of topical steroids. Statistical Analysis Used: Comparison of awareness between two patient categories was done using Chi-square test. Prescription variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Significance of P value was set at 0.05. Results: Out of 400 patients, 167 had external prescriptions whereas 233 were institutional patients. Only 5.5% of all patients knew about the type of drug prescribed whereas 31.25% were aware of the indication. A total of 33.75% of the patients knew topical steroids required a prescription and 5.6% said they were aware that topical steroid use was associated with side effects. Side effects were reported by 96 patients. Awareness regarding knowledge, indication, and need for prescription were significantly better in institutional patients whereas knowledge about side effects was lacking in both groups. Psoriasis was the most common indication overall whereas tinea was the most common indication (51.5%) among externally prescribed. Conclusions: Although this study showed that institutional patients had comparatively better knowledge than community-treated patients, there is a need to create more awareness among patients overall and implement measures to stop irrational prescribing practices in the community.

Abstract Background Cesarean delivery (c-section) is on the rise globally. C-section is generally preferred if complications prevail in a vaginal delivery. Some private institutions conduct it unnecessarily for economic gains. This has led to a severe risk to a child’s health. The neonate’s gut microbiota has been observed to be influenced by the mode of delivery. Lactobacilli and other bacteria are very vital for developing healthy gut flora. An attempt has been made to investigate the passage of lactic acid bacteria to the infant via delivery. The vaginal swabs of the mothers and fresh meconium samples of the newborns post-delivery were examined for the presence of lactobacilli through culture techniques. Results The present investigation revealed that c-section-delivered infants lacked these bacteria in comparison with vaginally delivered infants. Biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequencing showed similarity with groups 1, 2, 3, and 5 of Enterococcus genus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed more than 98% similarity with several Enterococcus species. E. canintestini, E.rivorum, and E. dispar were transferred frequently from mother to infants born via vaginal delivery. The strains were submitted to the NCBI GenBank database under accession numbers KX830968–KX830982. Conclusion The study supports the hypothesis of maternal-neonatal transmission of bacteria during delivery and also possibilities of isolating newer strains for probiotic use.

Over 900 species of Acacia trees are found on earth; most of them produce gums. But gums obtained from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal were explored scientifically and used commercially compared to other species. Acacia Catechu is one of the gums-producing species of the Acacia family found in the India and Indian subcontinent and has not been studied extensively compared to commercial Acacia gum. The present work is aimed to study the physicochemical, rheological properties of Acacia catechu gum (ACG) and compare them with commercial Acacia senegal gum (CAG). ACG is a 1.17 × 105Da molecular weight polysaccharide and is mainly composed of galactose (29.8%), arabinose (19.5%), and rhamnose (18.2%). Further functional property studies showed that ACG has alike film-forming property as CAG. The rheological study indicates that ACG also gives less viscosity at a higher concentration as CAG. Where the effect of NaCl, sucrose, glucose, and fructose addition in gum solution of flow behavior also showed a similar effect on the flow behavior of ACG as showed on CAG. The obtained results help in understanding the behavior of Acacia catechu gum and its possible uses.

We explore the use of superconducting quantum phase slip junctions (QPSJs), an electromagnetic dual to Josephson Junctions (JJs), in neuromorphic circuits. These small circuits could serve as the building blocks of neuromorphic circuits for machine learning applications because they exhibit desirable properties such as inherent ultra-low energy per operation, high speed, dense integration, negligible loss, and natural spiking responses. In addition, they have a relatively straight-forward micro/nano fabrication, which shows promise for implementation of an enormous number of lossless interconnections that are required to realize complex neuromorphic systems. We simulate QPSJ-only, as well as hybrid QPSJ + JJ circuits for application in neuromorphic circuits including artificial synapses and neurons, as well as fan-in and fan-out circuits. We also design and simulate learning circuits, where a simplified spike timing dependent plasticity rule is realized to provide potential learning mechanisms. We also take an alternative approach, which shows potential to overcome some of the expected challenges of QPSJ-based neuromorphic circuits, via QPSJ-based charge islands coupled together to generate non-linear charge dynamics that result in a large number of programmable weights or non-volatile memory states. Notably, we show that these weights are a function of the timing and frequency of the input spiking signals and can be programmed using a small number of DC voltage bias signals, therefore exhibiting spike-timing and rate dependent plasticity, which are mechanisms to realize learning in neuromorphic circuits.

Cutaneous epithelioid angiomatous nodule (CEAN) is an uncommon benign vascular proliferation that presents as a reddish solitary nodule. Less than 60 cases have been reported in the literature. As it is benign, the prognosis is good, but it is sometimes difficult to differentiate it from other vascular neoplasms. A 16-year-old male presented with a single, large, brownish multinodular swelling over the left pinna. Biopsy showed conglomeration of epithelioid endothelial cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm in the dermis. These cells stained positive for CD31 and CD34. Diagnosis of CEAN was made

Unlike Tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium abscessus lung disease is a highly drug-resistant bacterial infection with no reliable treatment options. De novo M. abscessus drug discovery is urgently needed but is hampered by the bacterium’s extreme drug resistance profile, leaving the current drug pipeline underpopulated. One proposed strategy to accelerate de novo M. abscessus drug discovery is to prioritize screening of advanced TB-active compounds for anti-M. abscessus activity. This approach would take advantage of the greater chance of homologous drug targets between mycobacterial species, increasing hit rates. Furthermore, the screening of compound series with established structure–activity-relationship, pharmacokinetic, and tolerability properties should fast-track the development of in vitro anti-M. abscessus hits into lead compounds with in vivo efficacy. In this review, we evaluated the effectiveness of this strategy by examining the literature. We found several examples where the screening of advanced TB chemical matter resulted in the identification of anti-M. abscessus compounds with in vivo proof-of-concept, effectively populating the M. abscessus drug pipeline with promising new candidates. These reports validate the screening of advanced TB chemical matter as an effective means of fast-tracking M. abscessus drug discovery.

Food is subjected to various thermal treatments during processes to enhance its shelf-life. But these thermal treatments may result in deterioration of the nutritional and sensory qualities of food. With the change in the lifestyle of people around the globe, their food needs have changed as well. Today's consumer demand is for clean and safe food without compromising the nutritional and sensory qualities of food. This directed the attention of food professionals toward the development of non-thermal technologies that are green, safe, and environment-friendly. In non-thermal processing, food is processed at near room temperature, so there is no damage to food because heat-sensitive nutritious materials are intact in the food, contrary to thermal processing of food. These non-thermal technologies can be utilized for treating all kinds of food like fruits, vegetables, pulses, spices, meat, fish, etc. Non-thermal technologies have emerged largely in the last few decades in food sector.

Abstract Cold plasma processing has been marched toward becoming one of the proven techno alternatives to thermal food preservation. It was found effective to cause positive alterations in the surface properties of food by etching. The effect of low‐pressure cold plasma on the percent moisture absorption of six chickpea cultivars, namely, Kripa, Virat, Vishal, Vijay, Digvijay, and Rajas, was studied. For plasma treatment, low‐pressure glow discharge plasma with bell‐jar symmetry was employed. The samples were treated with plasma at 40, 50, and 60 W each for 10, 15, and 20 min. These were soaked in distilled water and 1% sodium bicarbonate solution at room temperature for 8 h. The percent moisture absorption changed significantly (p

Abstract Background In the present study, previously isolated, safe, and avirulent enterococci strains were exploited for their metabolic profile (Bhagwat et al., Asian J Pharm Clin Res 12: 2019). Results Thirteen enterococci strains of human origin produced important enzymes like amylase (0.5–0.7 mg ml−1), protease (192–264 mg ml−1), lipase (8–10 mg ml−1), bile salt hydrolase, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and lactic acid (highest 12 mg ml−1), thus implicating potential attributes of starter cultures in food and dairy industry. Biogenic amines like arginine and tryptamine were produced after 4 days above 25 °C. Castor oil (highest yield 60 μg ml−1) and sunflower oil (highest yield 48 μg ml−1) both proved to be excellent sources of CLA production. Reduction assays using FRAP, ABTS (above 83%), and DPPH (30–50%) revealed excellent radical scavenging properties of cell-free supernatants of Enterococcus strains. Conclusion The results implicate the future potential of application enterococci for therapeutic purpose as well as the food industry.

Linear and unilateral basaloid follicular hamartoma (BFH) is a rare disease that manifests with papules and plaques with distribution along lines of Blaschko. It runs a benign course but with the risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in long term course. BCC can be differentiated from BFH with histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Dermoscopic features of BCC are well studied. Dermoscopic features of BFH are not yet described in literature in detail probably due to rarity of the disease. Here, we present a case of extensive linear and unilateral BFH with its clinicohistopathological and dermoscopic features. The lesions were extensive to involve scalp, face, neck, upper, and lower trunk. Dermoscopy revealed features similar to that of BCC including brown-grey globules and dots, in focus dots, brown linear and arciform structures, crown vessels, short fine telangiectasias, spoke wheel like structures without central dark point, white structureless areas with telangiectasias and keratotic plug. Other dermoscopic features of BCC like arborizing vessels, blue-grey ovoid nests, maple leaf-like areas, concentric structures, ulcerations, erosions and white streaks were absent in this case.

Background: Genital lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory dermatosis of genitalia more common in females than males. Diagnosis of early genital LS is difficult clinically; hence, histopathology may help to confirm the diagnosis. Aims: The aim of this retrospective study was to elucidate the epidemiology of genital LS and to correlate the clinical and histopathological features of genital LS. Methods: Records of 30 clinically diagnosed patients of genital LS with 27 biopsies included in the study. Clinical data from the records reviewed. Histopathological parameters noted and accordingly cases classified into early, evolved, and mature LS and correlated with clinical features. Results: Genital LS was more common in females with early age of onset. Adult patients had longer duration of disease. Pruritus was the most common symptom and females were more symptomatic. Hypothyroidism was the associated autoimmune disease in two cases. Out of thirty patients, six had genital with perianal involvement and two had genital with the extragenital disease. Phimosis was the most common complication in males, while introital stenosis was the most common in females. Lymphohistiocytic infiltrate was the most common histopathological finding followed by hyperkeratosis, dilated blood vessels and lymphatics, and collagen homogenization. Duration, symptoms, and clinical features were found to be independent of the histopathology findings. Limitations: It is a retrospective study with limited patient information. Association of genital LS with other autoimmune diseases cannot be commented as required investigations were not done. Our data are cross-sectional without follow-up, hence the disease course and treatment outcome could not be commented. Conclusions: Genital LS is prevalent in adult females but childhood occurrence is uncommon. Perianal affection occurs almost exclusively in women with genital LS. Understanding variations in histopathologic features is vital to appropriate clinicopathologic correlation. Long-term follow-up is recommended.

The present study deals with intensified synthesis of designer lipids with application of ultrasound based on biocatalyzed reaction between long chain triglyceride and medium chain fatty acid. The effects of various reaction conditions like molar ratio of reactant, reaction temperature, and enzyme loading along with the effect of ultrasound parameters such as duty cycle and irradiation time on the rate of formation of designer lipids has been investigated. The ultrasound assisted process was also compared with the traditional process so as to clearly bring out the intensification effects. During the study, it was clearly demonstrated that the optimum reaction conditions for maximum yield of designer lipids as 92% was molar ratio of medium chain fatty acid to long chain triglyceride as 4:1, reaction temperature of 40 °C, enzyme loading of 3%, duty cycle of 70%, 240 W as power dissipation and 360 min as reaction time. The recyclability study of enzyme showed its effectiveness up to 10 cycles. The synthesized designer lipid showed higher oxidative stability for 35 days and also showed Newtonian behaviour with eye appealing colour. The current study demonstrates development of an eco-friendly technique for intensified synthesis of designer lipids having numerous nutraceutical benefits.

Exudate gums are the naturally occurring polymers found abundantly, and their low cost makes them preferred choice for use in food and pharmaceutical industry. The gum obtained from Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth (locally named as Vilayti chinch) has medicinal benefits and being used from ancient times. This study reveals the physical, chemical, thermal, and functional properties of gum with the application as microencapsulating material. Monosaccharide analysis by HPLC showed the presence of arabinose, galactose, glucose, and rhamnose with a concentration of 27.98, 26.30, 7.16, and 2.77%, respectively. SEM, Particle size analysis, XRD, TGA, DSC, FTIR, Elemental, and rheological analysis were used to characterize the gum sample. Emulsions were prepared with gum solutions with different concentrations and Rosemary oil. The resulting emulsions were subsequently spray-dried to produce powders and analyzed. The gum can be further explored as an encapsulating material for spray drying processes.

Prunus domestica is one of the gums producing species of Roscaceae family and not yet explored due to unavailability of scientific data on gum properties. The present work was undertaken to study the physicochemical and functional properties of Prunus domestica plant exudate. The Prunus domestica exudate gum made-up of two fractions water-soluble (73%) and non-soluble (23%). Carbohydrate profiling of PDG shows that Galactose contributes a major fraction of purified gum followed by arabinose, xylose, and mannose. FTIR spectra give a typical pattern of polysaccharides. The XRD analysis of these fractions showed that the crystallinity index of the non-soluble fraction was higher than a soluble fraction. The GPC result reviles that the molecular weight of PDG is 4.9 x106 Da. PDG shows good emulsion stability at 3% concentration. The physicochemical and functional properties of the PDG shows the greater potential as an additive for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Schopf–Schulz–Passarge syndrome (SSPS) is a rare type of ectodermal dysplasia that has autosomal recessive inheritance. It is characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma, hypodontia, hypotrichosis, nail dystrophy, and multiple periocular and eyelid apocrine hidrocystomas. A 36-year-old male presented with multiple eyelid and periocular apocrine hidrocystomas, ichthyosis, palmoplantar keratoderma, hypodontia, nail dystrophy, and thin scalp hair. Skin biopsy from a periocular lesion revealed cyst lined with smooth, thin epithelium, and few areas revealed foci of decapitation secretion consistent with apocrine hidrocystoma. The patient was diagnosed with SSPS.

Glomangioma, currently termed as glomuvenous malformation, is a rare type of venous malformation (VM) with a rim of glomus cells around the dilated vessels. This glomus cell lesion is not usually as painful as solid glomus tumor. Rarely, thrombus may be seen in the vessels like other VMs. A male with adult-onset extradigital glomangioma presented with a painful nodule with thrombus seen on histopathology. The thrombus was responsible for the tenderness of the lesion, and its presence confirms it to be a malformation than a tumor.

Masson's tumor is a rare, benign, reactive proliferating vascular lesion. The most commonly affected sites are the head, neck, and extremities. We present a 29-year-old male, a case of Masson's tumor over the forehead. Masson's tumor, with the involvement of the forehead is rare and intriguing in this case. Masson's tumor is a benign tumor that may get confused on histopathology with malignant tumors; hence, dermatologists need to understand this entity to avoid unnecessary confusion.

The miliarias are a clinically heterogeneous group of diseases which occur when the free flow of eccrine sweat to the skin surface is impeded. Miliaria profunda is a variant with obstruction of the duct at or below the level of dermoepidermal junction. The giant centrifugal variant of miliaria profunda has been described in the past at the sites of occlusive tapes and in febrile patients. Thyroid hormone has a regulatory effect on the skin and its appendages and an association of hypothyroidism with this variant of miliaria profunda has not been described in the past. We report a case of giant centrifugal miliaria profunda in an infant with congenital hypothyroidism.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune, connective tissue disorder which has multi-organ involvement. Patient might rarely present with major joint sterile inflammatory effusion and evaluation of such patients for connective tissue disorders helps in the early diagnosis and treatment. We hereby, present the case of 35-year-old female with left knee joint effusion subsequently diagnosed to have SLE with lupus nephritis Class IIIa.

Background: Indian Medical Graduates are expected to work as Medical officersat Primary Health Centres (PHC). However, their current training provides inadequate opportunity for practical un- derstanding of PHC, especially the administrative aspects. Methods: Medical Undergraduates (3rd MBBS, part 1) were posted at four PHCsfor four days. Orientation sessions and post visit presentation were carried out one day before and after the residen- tial posting. Teaching was by group discussions, informal interac- tions with the local communities, interview of the PHC staff, ob- servation of the activities, analysis of various PHC records and re- ports, mainly as self-directed activities. Pre and post-test were conducted to assess the gain in knowledge. Results: Mean pre-test score was 6.50 (SD=1.93) and post test score was 11.7 (SD=1.41). There was significant improvement in scores [5.20 (SD=2.25), p

Background: Onychopathies constitute one of the major challenges faced by a dermatologist in terms of its early detection and diagnosis. Utility of dermoscope as a tool for detection is increasing by the day and its use in onychopathies needs to be explored. Aims: To study the dermoscopic features of nails in patients of chronic plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 68 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited. Dermoscopy of nail plate was conducted and were compared with equal number of age and sex matched healthy volunteers. Results: Forty-six patients showed dermoscopic findings. Twenty-two patients did not show any dermoscopic findings. Coarse pits (18/46, P < 0.0001), onycholysis (10/46, P < 0.001), oil drop sign (2/46, P = 0.12) and splinter hemorrhages (5/46, P = 0.05) were seen. In addition certain findings of interest were stout, globose, dilated, pink- to red-colored nail bed vessels arranged longitudinally at the onychodermal band surrounded by a prominent halo (9/46, P = 0.01). In contrast, splinter hemorrhages appeared as streaks and were purple in color. Conclusion: In a psoriasis patient, dermoscope can be a useful tool to detect early nail involvement in psoriasis and aid in differentiating it from other disorders of nails.

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is a distinct, rare, and underdiagnosed condition. We report a case of CCV in a 50-year-old woman presenting as asymptomatic, erythematous to hyperpigmented nonblanchable macules over both the lower extremities. The clinical differential diagnosis of the lesions was pigmented purpuric dermatoses (Schamberg's purpura) and cutaneous small vessel vasculitis. Histology of the lesions revealed dilated superficial dermal vessels with abundant pink hyaline material in the vessel wall, which stained with periodic acid Schiff stain. The patient was diagnosed as CCV. This condition remains largely underdiagnosed and is commonly mistaken for pigmented purpuric dermatosis or generalized essential telangiectasia. Emphasis on the differentiation of CCV from its clinical and histological mimicks is made.

Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus and nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are different morphological variants of BCC. It is very rare to see both the variants together in a single lesion. Here we report a case of a 56-year-old female who presented with a nodule on the trunk, which on biopsy showed features of both nodular BCC and fibroepithelioma of Pinkus.