A study on mechanically peeled garlic cloves was carried out to study the effect of various pre-treatments, coating treatments and storage conditions on the shelf life of peeled cloves. The coated and uncoated samples were stored at ambient and refrigerated conditions (5°C) and were packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE) of 150 gauges thickness. The qualitative analysis of stored samples was done in terms of total colour difference, ascorbic acid, titrable acidity, pyruvic acid and allicin content. Sensory evaluation was done on the basis of odour rating and visual appearance. The quality of samples was analyzed during storage on regular basis. The study revealed that refrigerated storage helped in better retention of the quality parameters and enhanced the shelf life of both control and hot air treated peeled cloves up to 18 days. Taking into account the non-significant effect of roller speed on peeling efficiency, it was found that physical parameters such as colour, visual appearance, odour and biochemical parameters such as titrable acidity, pyruvic acid and allicin content were best retained for control samples peeled at 300 roller speed stored under refrigerated conditions without any coating treatment.

Musculoskeletal tuberculosis considered as diagnostic dilemma by clinicians because diagnosis often gets delayed due to its varied presentation, false negative results on smear microscopy and less sensitivity on culture methods. The main objective was to know the effectiveness of using ultrasonographic guided aspirate sample in early diagnosis of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: In the present study, among newly suspected musculoskeletal tuberculosis total of thirty-seven clinical specimens like pus swab and ultrasonography guided (USG) pus aspiration were evaluated for microscopy, culture and molecular detection of M. tuberculosis. Results: The study reveals prevalence of 45.9% musculoskeletal tuberculosis among the clinically suspected patients. The most commonly involved sites in suspected musculoskeletal tuberculosis were hip joint (23.1%). USG guided pus comprises only 26.9% of the samples collected, however, yield of M. tuberculosis from them were 71%. PCR detected the maximum number of cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis 17 (45.9%) followed by culture method 9 (24%) and smear microscopy 1 (2.7%). Conclusion: This observation will help guiding clinicians in effective management of musculoskeletal tuberculosis cases because delayed diagnosis and treatment in musculoskeletal TB results in poor outcome.

Seven genotypes of mango turmeric and two genotypes of blue turmeric were taken for the investigation in order to find out the suitability of cultivating these medicinally enriched genotypes in the terrain region of West Bengal. Standard package of practices was adopted for developing the genotypes in this region. Characterization, which is mandatory for conservation of germplasms was done according to the DUS descriptors ic developed by Indian Institute of Spices Research. Randomized blocked design was adopted for evaluation and characterization of mango ginger and blue turmeric where MG-6 was found to have highest yield per plot, MG-8 was found to have highest rhizome wt, MG-4 was found to have highest number of mother rhizome, MG-1 highest rhizome length in quantitative estimations of rhizome and qualitative estimation of each genotype was done for characterization to evaluate the performances of all the genotypes in this region.

Zinc is an important micronutrient required for various biological processes in plants and animals. To improve zinc uptake of plants it is essential to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying zinc uptake process. Hence, in the present study expression analysis of zinc transporter genes and zinc accumulation in tomato at three different zinc treatments was assessed. Expression profiles showed LeZIP1, LeZIP3, LeZIP5 and LeZIP6 as low zinc responsive zinc transporter genes and LeZIP2 as a high zinc responsive gene. Quantitative real time expression analysis showed 1.5 and 1.8 fold decrease in transcript levels of LeZIP2 in excess zinc and deficient zinc treatments, respectively. Estimation of zinc content in leaves and roots of these zinc treated plants showed significant increase in zinc content of zinc deprived plants upon providing moderate zinc. Zinc content in leaves and roots increased with the increase in the external zinc application. Thus, different zinc contents in plant parts could be attributed to differential expression of zinc transporter genes.

Introduction: Acute bacterial cholangitis is defined as infection either in the inflamed biliary ductal system or in the biliary obstruction. The rational of this study was to identify the microbiological organisms responsible for causing biliary cholangitis and the emergence of drug resistance in these organisms. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was done in the Department of Microbiology of Tertiary care Super speciality Hospital in North India. All cases of cholangitis due to various causes were included during the study period. Bile samples from clinically suspected cholangitis cases were collected under sterile conditions and standard bacteriological tests were performed for identification and appropriate statistical methods were employed. Result: In the present study involving 175 patients, 57% presented with acute cholangitis, 38% with chronic cholangitis and 5% with malignancy. A total of 50.3% of the bile samples among suspected cholangitis patients were positive for aerobic culture. Gram negative bacteria were the predominant pathogens responsible for cholangitis than Gram positive bacteria. Escherichia coli (52.1%) was the predominant microorganism among Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.6 %) and Acinetobacter baumannii (8.5%). Polymicrobial infection was reported in 3.2% of the bile culture positive cases of cholangitis. Conclusion: Gram negative bacteria demonstrated maximum resistance to β-lactam group and cephalosporin group of drugs followed by aminoglycosides. Emerging multiple drug resistance strains and polymicrobial etiology reflects therapeutic failure. Incorporating a proper antibiotic policy can help clinicians in early and prompt treatment of cholangitis cases.

India ranks first both as producer and consumer of pulses. It is also the largest importer of pulses as the total domestic requirement outweighs total production. So, to attain self-sufficiency in terms of pulse production the constraints in cultivation need to be addressed. Pulse production faces a series of constraints which include its inherent physiological limitations. These limitations include lower germination percentage, source limitation, low leaf area development, indeterminate growth habit, C3 photosynthetic apparatus, slow initial dry matter accumulation, limited photosynthesis, hormones inhibitors, decline in nodule activity and diversion of metabolic energy to sinks for protein synthesis. To overcome these limitations simple agronomic techniques such as application of growth hormones are adopted. This paper critically reviews the physiological constraints of pulses and effect of growth regulators to improve these limitations and concomitantly increasing yield.

Introduction: Dengue is an acute, potentially fatal viral infection that can culminate into dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. It has emerged as a notable public health problem in recent decades in terms of the mortality and morbidity associated with it. Specific antibody Ig M and Ig G detection along with the newer parameter NS1 antigen detection has been the main stay of diagnosis. Apart from these parameters, thrombocytopenia is a constant finding and therefore platelet count can be used as an accessory test for diagnosis of dengue infection in the laboratories where resources are limited. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data of clinically suspected dengue cases reported to the microbiology laboratory during June-August months of 2017 at CIMS teaching hospital, Chamarajanagar. Samples were tested either for NS1or IgM by ELISA depending on duration of fever and platelet counts were obtained. Statistical analysis was done using WHO Epi info software version 3.5.4. Results: Out of 1653 clinically suspected cases, 265(16.03%) were found to be positive for dengue infection either by NS1 or IgM ELISA. Among them 135 (50.95%) were females and majority 211 (79.62) were below the age of 30 years. Proportion of thrombocytopenia was significantly higher in dengue positive cases than in negatives. Conclusion: In resource limited setting thrombocytopenia can be used as predictor of dengue infection for early initiation of therapy to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it.

Coffee is one of the most consumed products worldwide, but when not properly processed, it can be contaminated with ochratoxin A(OTA)-producing fungi such as Aspergillus species. The yeasts Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Meyerozyma caribbica, Hyphopichia burtonii, and Aureobasidium pullulans were isolated from green coffee beans and co-inoculated with the OTA-producing fungi Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus carbonarius. Growth inhibition in vivo and in vitro as well as OTA levels were assessed. W. anomalus, M. caribbica, and H. burtonii had the best results. These yeasts have the potential to inhibit growth and reduce OTA production by fungi naturally occurring in coffee beans.

The aim and objective of this study were to the made comparison of 24-hour I-131 thyroid uptake calculated by Gamma camera-based method and thyroid uptake probe based method after administration of a diagnostic I-131 solution in patients with thyroid disease. Methods: This study group was comprised of 25 patients, out of which 10 patients were male, and 15 patients were female (Age range 20-62 yrs). In these patients had benign thyroid disorders and most of who had been referred for Thyroid evaluation before radioiodine-131 treatment. A liquid form of 131I (50μCi [1.85MBq]) was administered to the patient with adequate flushing of the vial to ensure maximum oral administration of the dose. The dose was prepared with the help of pipetting technique. Radioiodine-131 uptake was usually measured at 25 cm distance from the face of the crystal to the anterior neck or phantom and also 24 hours thyroid uptake was calculated by using a probe-based method and a camera-based method with a high-energy parallel-hole (HEGP) collimator. Gamma camera uptake calculated by two method syringe method and decay correction method for later method first correction factor derived and then applies it. Result and Discussion: Radioiodine uptake was measured by gamma camera method and thyroid uptake value was not equal of that measured by thyroid uptake probe when we use syringe method. Therefore, by applying a study specific correction factor in gamma camera uptake value and then we can equate the uptake value of probe method and gamma camera method. But when we apply correction factor in gamma camera method then the uptake values with the help of gamma camera are very close to the uptake value obtain by thyroid probe system. Conclusion: On the basis of precision in counting by thyroid uptake probe it takes the edge over gamma camera method but with the help of study specific correction factor the camera based method is a good substitute for the thyroid probe based method and the camera-based thyroid uptake method can be substituted well for the probe based method. Nuclear Medicine Centre that do not have a dedicated thyroid probe can use this method to obtain quantitative information in a single scan and thyroid uptake probe method can be replaced by gamma camera method.

Introduction-Infections due to Acinetobacter baumannii has become a global medical challenge. Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates are causing catastrophic consequences in healthcare settings particularly in the critical care areas. The purpose of this study was to isolate A. baumannii species from different clinical specimens and to determine their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Methodology- The study was done in Department of Microbiology, RMC, Loni. The clinical samples were subjected to Gram staining, aerobic culture using MacConkey and blood agar. Acinetobacter baumannii species were identified by standard microbiological identification methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. Result- A total of 114 Acinetobacter baumannii species were isolated. Maximum number of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were recovered from pus sample (41.23%) followed by tracheal secretions (30.7%). Rate of isolation of A. baumannii was highest from critical care areas (42.11%). Highest resistance was noted against Tobramycin (100%) followed by Cefotaxim (98.4%), Piperacillin (96.8%), and Ceftazidime (96.2%). All strains were sensitive to Polymyxin B & Colistin. Multidrug resistant A. baumannii isolates were found to be 77.19%. Conclusion- Stringent infection control protocols, regular practice of hand hygiene and strict implementation of antibiotics policy may help to control multidrug resistant ICU bugs.

Background: The members of the genus Acinetobacter are persistent nosocomial pathogens. Strains with increased resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides continue to be detected worldwide. They are responsible for various nosocomial infections. This study aimed to find the prevalence, epidemiology, and changing trend of this organism in a tertiary care hospital over a period of three years. Materials and methods: Acinetobacter species isolated from various clinical samples of a hospital were studied. Susceptibility test was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were detected. Results: Out of 8,905 isolates, 490 (5.5%) were Acinetobacter species. Maximum isolates 47.1% were obtained from intensive care units (ICUs). Off the MDR isolates, 87% were from the ICUs. All the ceftazidime-resistant isolates obtained from the outpatient department (OPD) were ESBL producers (100%). Amongst the indoor wards paediatric ward showed the highest percentage of ESBL producers (71.4%). The isolation rates throughout the three years were high in the late summer and monsoon, that is, may to oct. Conclusions: Isolation of MDR Acinetobacter species continues to be significant among ICUs. It is a major challenge to control infections caused by MDR Acinetobacter spp. Therefore, the continuous surveillance of the organism is needed to understand the changing trends in epidemiology and antibiotic resistance pattern.

Three species of Oyster mushroom viz. Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sajor-caju, Pleurotus florida were procured from DMR, Solan and a wild strain was collected from Bankura district in West Bengal during the monsoon season of 2017-18. The effect of temperature and pH on mycelial growth of different Pleurotus spp. and a wild collected strain was observed at temperatures 20°C, 25°C, 28°C and 32°C and pH 4.5, 5.5, 6.5,7, 7.5 and 8.5. The study revealed that a temperature of 25 ºC was optimum for most of the Pleurotus isolates on PDA plates. Although, the collected strain showed the restricted mycelial growth of 3.20 cm after 5 and 7 days of inoculation at 28°C. Also, a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 was found to be optimum for P. ostreatus, P. sajor caju and P.florida while the wild collected showed optimum mycelial growth at an acidic pH 4.5-5.5 on PDA plates.

The study group’s attitude was checked by making them to answer questions related to disclosure of HIV status to their family members and sexual partners. About 70% and 91% of HCW feels that client’s HIV status has to be told to family members and sexual partners respectively. We feel opinion of public has to be considered by conducting studies regarding disclosure of HIV status to care givers. Around 60% of HCW positively opined regarding HIV patient becoming pregnant and others felt it is better to avoid conception. We suggest regular training sessions and awareness campaign regarding mother to child transmission has to be promoted in the institute.