Detection of soybean oil adulteration in cow ghee (clarified milk fat): an ultrafast study using flash gas chromatography electronic nose coupled with multivariate chemometrics.

Background: Cow ghee is one of the expensive edible fats in the dairy sector. Ghee is often adulterated with low-priced edible oils, like soybean oil, owing to its high market demand. The existing adulteration detection methods are time-consuming, requiring sample preparation and expertise in these fields.

A Randomized Controlled Study to Compare Hemodynamic Effects between Clonidine and Pregabalin in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is associated with pneumoperitoneum and hemodynamic disturbances. Pregabalin and Clonidine have been used for anesthetic effects, but a better drug for controlling hemodynamic parameters is being investigated.

Aims: The study was done to assess and compare the efficacy of preoperative single oral dose of pregabalin and clonidine in maintaining the hemodynamic parameters in the LC.

Influence of microwave heating as accelerated aging on physicochemical, texture, pasting properties, and microstructure in brown rice of selected Indian rice varieties.

Most of the population does not prefer to consume brown rice because of its strong nutty and chewy texture imparted by bran and germ. The present study has been undertaken to investigate the influence of accelerated aging through microwave (MW) heating at a lower and higher MW power levels of 950 and 1,400 W for 72 and 91 s to observe the changes in physicochemical, texture, pasting properties, sensory attributes, and microstructure of selected rice varieties (Sona masuri and RNR-15048) stored as brown rice for 6 months. The results revealed a significant decrease in moisture, amylose, free fatty acids (FFAs) with changes in color (L*, a*, and b* values) in both the varieties treated at 1,400 W for 91 s.

Comparision of shear bond strength of stainless steel and ceramic brackets at 24 hours after etching enamel with different proportions of acidulated phosphate fluoride.

Aims And Objectives: To evaluate and compare the shear bond strength of stainless steel brackets and ceramic brackets at 24h after etching the enamel with acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (1.23% APF) at different proportions (40%,30%,20%) incorporated in conventional etchant (37% phosphoric acid).

Materials And Methods: Eighty premolars (maxillary and mandibular first and second premolars) extracted for orthodontic purpose has been selected for the study and samples were divided into 4 groups containing 10 teeth each.

Role of biological sex in normal cardiac function and in its disease outcome - a review.

Biological sex plays an important role in normal cardiac physiology as well as in the heart's response to cardiac disease. Women generally have better cardiac function and survival than do men in the face of cardiac disease; however, this is progressively lost when comparing postmenopausal women with age matched men. Animal model of cardiac disease mirror what is seen in humans.

Biocomposite scaffolds containing chitosan/alginate/nano-silica for bone tissue engineering.

Bone tissue engineering is a promising alternative method for treating bone loss by a combination of biomaterials and cells. In this study, we fabricated biocomposite scaffolds by blending chitosan (CS), alginate (Alg) and nano-silica (nSiO2), followed by freeze drying. The prepared scaffolds (CS/Alg, CS/Alg/nSiO2) were characterized by SEM, FT-IR and XRD analyses.

[Mania associated with Usher syndrome type II].

Usher syndrome (or Hallgren syndrome) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness, retinitis pigmentosa, and variable vestibular deficit; Usher syndrome type II is the most common form. Various neuropsychiatric disorders have been reported to occur in those with Usher syndrome, including schizophrenia-like disorder, atypical psychosis, recurrent depressive illness, neurotic disorder, and mental retardation; however, bipolar disorder is not common in those with Usher syndrome. Herein we describe a 30-year-old male with Usher syndrome type II that developed features indicative of a probable manic episode.

Oman's progress towards reaching "Ultimate Intervention Goals" for the surgery "S" component of SAFE strategy for the elimination of blinding trachoma in 2008.

Background: A community based survey for Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) was conducted in the high (TT >5% in 1997) and meso endemic areas (TT 1% to 5% in 1997) of Oman during 2008-09.

Methods: Investigators examined Omanis 40 age years and older from randomly selected villages. Eyes were examined for TT and vision.

Evaluation of bilateral minimum thickness of normal corneas based on Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: To determine the normative ranges and various aspects of the relationship between the minimum corneal thicknesses (MCT) in fellow eyes and the location of the MCT in relation to the central cornea using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Setting: Tertiary care ophthalmic hospital, Chennai, India.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational trial, both eyes of consecutive healthy young subjects with a low refractive error and no clinical or topographic evidence of corneal disorders had bilateral pachymetric assessment with a Fourier-domain OCT platform (RTVue).

Predictive factor analysis for successful performance of iris recognition-assisted dynamic rotational eye tracking during laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To analyze the predictive factors associated with success of iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking on a laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) platform with active assessment and correction of intraoperative cyclotorsion.

Design: Interventional case series.

Methods: Two hundred seventy-five eyes of 142 consecutive candidates underwent LASIK with attempted iris recognition and dynamic rotational tracking on the Technolas 217z100 platform (Techolas Perfect Vision, St Louis, Missouri, USA) at a tertiary care ophthalmic hospital.

Effects of anxiety on TNF-alpha levels during psychological stress.

Objectives: Psychological stress can influence the immune system, which may result in stress-related illnesses. In this study, we investigated the effect of psychological stress and the coping skill on plasma cytokine levels.

Materials And Methods: One hundred eighty-three students, at different stages of an academic year, participated in this study.

Calves born from anestrus yaks (Poephagus grunniens L.) subjected to Ovsynch and superovulation treatment.

An attempt was made to induce estrus and ovulation in eight anestrus yaks by use of the Ovsynch protocol. Six out of eight yaks were successfully induced into estrus, and ovulation occurred in all the responding yaks 1-2 days after the second GnRH administration. Out of the six animals that responded to the treatment, two mated naturally with yak bulls, and calves were obtained from them.

Recurrence of trachomatous trichiasis 17 years after bilamellar tarsal rotation procedure.

Purpose: In 1989, World Health Organization consultant operated on trachomatous trichiasis (TT) cases in Dhakhiliya region of Oman. We evaluated their current ocular status.

Design: This was an historic cohort study.

Crystal structure of a highly acidic neurotoxin from scorpion Buthus tamulus at 2.2A resolution reveals novel structural features.

The crystal structure of a highly acidic neurotoxin from the scorpion Buthus tamulus has been determined at 2.2A resolution. The amino acid sequence determination shows that the polypeptide chain has 64 amino acid residues.

Active trachoma, face washing (F) and environmental improvement (E) in a high-risk population in Oman.

Oman aims to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2010. As a part of a study to review the health institution approach of trachoma surveillance, "F" (facial cleanliness) and "E" (environmental improvement) components of the SAFE trachoma control strategy were assessed in a high-risk population in Nizwa wilayat. Thus 50 households with 1 member treated for active trachoma in the last 6 months were evaluated for active trachoma and forwater and sanitation facilities.

Crystal structure of a carbohydrate induced homodimer of phospholipase A2 from Bungarus caeruleus at 2.1A resolution.

This is the first crystal structure of a carbohydrate induced dimer of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)). This is an endogenous complex formed between two PLA(2) molecules and two mannoses. It was isolated from Krait venom (Bungarus caeruleus) and crystallized as such.

Computed tomography and ultrasonographic evaluation of metastatic cervical lymph nodes with surgicoclinicopathologic correlation.

The detection of cervical lymph nodal metastasis and carotid artery invasion by metastatic lymph nodes is an important issue in the management of head and neck malignancies. This study compared the evaluation of metastasis by palpation, ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) in patients with known head and neck malignancies. Twenty-five consecutive patients with head and neck malignancy were prospectively evaluated for the presence of cervical lymphadenopathy and carotid artery invasion.