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Introduction: Keratoconus is a non inflammatory disease characterised by progressive corneal thinning that results in a cone-like ectasia, irregular astigmatism, and decreased vision. Advanced disease can result in corneal scarring and blindness, necessitating penetrating keratoplasty. The only treatment believed to have the ability to stop or decrease the progression of keratoconus is Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL). Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin (C3R) in patients with keratoconus by studying the outcomes in terms of Uncorrected Visual Acuity (UCVA), Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, and corneal topography. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India from June 2017 to June 2018. Fifteen eyes of 12 patients who underwent corneal collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus were included. Routine ophthalmological examinations was done for all patients. Patients under the age of 35 years with progressive keratoconus, an average K value not exceeding 60 D, and who had not undergone any other surgical modalities of treatment were included in the study. Patients with scarred cornea or hydrops, active ocular infection, or pachymetry <400 µm were excluded. Detailed informed consent was obtained from all patients before surgery. Preoperative UCVA, BCVA cylinder, Spherical Equivalent (SE), and topography values were obtained. All patients were followed-up at three and six months postoperative period to look for changes in UCVA, BCVA, manifest refraction, and corneal topography. Data were expressed as the mean±Standard Deviation (SD) pre- and postoperatively and analysed statistically using the paired t-test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: On follow-up at six months post-treatment, UCVA (log MAR) improved from 0.87±0.40 to 0.65±0.35 (p-value=0.001), and BCVA (log MAR) changed from 0.37±0.21 to 0.17±0.22 (p-value=0.001). K max decreased from 54.90±6.05 to 52.67±5.02 (p-value=0.001), and K min decreased from 48.14±4.24 to 45.93±4.07 (p-value=0.001). Astigmatism and SE also showed statistically significant improvement post-procedure (p-value 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Astigmatism reduced from -3.50±1.58 to -2.90±1.37. SE reduced from -4.93±3.92 to -4.28±3.48. No significant complications were noted in any of the patients. Conclusion: The CXL is an effective procedure for stabilising the progression of keratoconus, thus reducing the burden of preventable blindness and the need for keratoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice landraces conserved by tribal farmers are important for their nutritional richness. Landraces are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids useful to cure noncommunicable diseases and metabolic disorders. A study was carried out with 10 rice landraces from the tribal‐dominated belt of Southern Odisha to investigate grain nutrition, proximate composition, and vitamin and mineral contents. The protein content of the landraces was higher (>6 g/100 g) and the fat content was lower (<0.6 g/100 g) than popular Indian rice varieties. The mean nutrient content of 10 rice landraces was as follows: protein 6.3 ± 0.313 g/100 g, total dietary fiber 1.6 ± 0.094 g/100 g, fat 0.536 ± 0.008 g/100 g, ash 10.514 ± 6.753%, and total sugar 77.18 ± 2.118 g/100 g. The high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for alkali spreading value (31.11%), capacity of grain hydration (52.705), index of hydration (171.439), moisture (46.343%), and vitamin B2 (23.994%) in rice landraces. Few landraces had superior iron content: Kalamalli (1.49 mg/100 g), Kandulakathi (1.42 mg/100 g), and Dudhamani (1.39 mg/100 g) compared to popular Indian rice varieties. Tikichudi had highest moisture (19%) and fat (0.53 g/100 g) content, which signifies the taste quality of rice. Kanakchudi exhibited the highest fiber content (1.8 g/100 g) and ash content (22.80%). Kalamalli contained higher zinc (0.49 mg/100 g), iron (1.49 mg/100 g), potassium (108.33 mg/100 g), magnesium (78.33 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (125.00 mg/100 g), whereas Muktabali was found to have higher Ca (3.88 mg/100 g) and Baunsidubraj exhibited higher niacin (4.9 mg/100 g). The indigenous landraces Kalamalli, Kandulakathi, and Dudhamani had considerably high iron content, whereas Kalamalli, Baunsidubraj, and Muktabali possessed less phytic acid in comparison with existing varieties and other landraces reported from various states of our country. Landraces Kalamalli, Kanakchudi, Tikichudi, and Muktabali from southern Odisha, India, represented nutritionally better genetic pool for future rice improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Christella kendujharensis S.K. Behera & S.K. Barik (family: Thelypteridaceae) is a critically endangered fern endemic to India. We developed its mass propagation protocol through in vitro spore culture in a liquid suspended medium for germination of gametophytes that produced sporophytes subsequently. The spores were monolete, reniform (mean length 36.49 ± 3.6 × breadth 25.67 ± 4.2 μm) to spheroidal with fimbriate and broad‐winged perispore. The maximum germination was in the Parker's and Thompson's (P&TV) medium with 0.1 mg L−1 thiamin, 0.1 mg L−1 riboflavin, 0.1 mg L−1 biotin, 0.1 mg L−1 pyridoxin, 0.5 mg L−1 nicotinic acid, 100 mg L−1 myoinositol, 0.01 mg L−1 folic acid, and 3 mg L−1 glycine. Spore germination was Vittaria type and gametophyte development was Aspidium type. The cordate gametophyte developed archegonia on the 38th day and antheridia on the 42nd day of spore sowing. Both isolate and composite cultures developed sporophytes indicating the presence of intra‐gametophytic selfing. Based on the maximum number of regenerated gametophytes, two combinations, that is, (i) 2 mg L−1 kinetin, and 0.01 mg L−1 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and (ii) 0.1 mg L−1 naphthaleneacetic acid and 2 mg L−1 kinetin in P&TV media were recommended for mass propagation of C. kendujharensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial disorders are a group of metabolic disorders with variable presentation and usually affect organs with high energy requirements like the brain, eye, and heart. Seventeen-month-old girl child presented with right hemiparesis and regression of milestones following chicken pox. Investigations showed elevated lactate, white matter signal changes in both periventricular and subcortical white matter with frontal predominance in the MRI of the brain, cardiomyopathy in the echocardiography, with complex I deficiency in respiratory enzyme assay in the muscle biopsy. A homozygous missense variant c.304C>T (p. Arg102Cys) in exon 5 of NDUFS8 gene (chr11:67800682C>T; NM_002496.4) was detected on whole exome sequencing with positive parental Sanger for the same gene. The child was started on a mitochondrial cocktail, ramipril, and frusemide. Mitochondrial complex deficiency should be considered in cases with stroke-like episodes, and predominant white matter involvement on imaging mimicking classical genetic leukodystrophy like Alexander disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of CXL in treating fungal keratitis as an adjuvant therapy.Methods: Detailed clinical examination microbiological investigation was performed. Twenty fungal keratitis patients were recruited and randomized into two groups: group 1 (n= 11, standard antifungal), group 2 (n=9, corneal collagen crosslinking with standard antifungal). Corneal scraping and tear samples collected were subjected to real-time PCR targeting ITS, TLR analysis and cytokine analysis.Results: The mean time for complete resolution of ulcer for group 2 was significantly shorter compared to group 1 and the final mean BCVA was better for group 2. Expression of IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ significantly decreased immediately post CXL in group 2 patients. Significant downregulation of TLR 6, TLR-3, TLR-4 was observed 3-days post CXL compared to group 1 patients.Conclusion: Adjuvant effect of CXL was significant in treating fungal keratitis compared to standalone antifungal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice cakes are a traditional delicacy of the ethnic tribes in Meghalaya. In the current study, three popular rice cakes, viz., Putharo, Pusla, and Pusyep, have been evaluated for shelf-life and bio-functional study for 1, 3, and 5 days. Pusyep rice cake had higher pH on day 1 & 5, protein content on day 1, produced more vitamin B2 on day 3, and exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. typhi. Putharo rice cakes have higher pH on day 3, protein content on days 3 & 5, produce the most vitamin B2 on days 1 and 5, and have yeast and mould count on all three storage days. The Pusla rice cake had the highest total titratable acidity, carbohydrate content, and antioxidative activity of all storage days. Pusla and Putharo produced the most acetic acid on day 3. The coliform count was absent for all rice cake types. According to our findings, personal hygiene education and safety management during rice cake preparation are required to ensure hygienic conditions and to prevent microbial contamination of the rice cakes caused by the equipment used. The current study provides information on the bio-functional properties, microbial and physico-chemical analysis of three traditional rice cakes, which can aid in the improvement of our dietary strategy for individual health management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoebe cooperiana U.N Kanjilal ex A. Das is an indigenous forest tree species yielding fruits consumed widely across the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. As part of an initiative to domesticate the species, phenotypic variation in fruit and seed morphology as well as the biochemical properties of the pulp were assessed for 14 populations within the state. Nine fruit and seed characters were measured and 12 biochemical parameters of the fruits were analysed. Five trees were selected from each population and a minimum of 30 fruits were collected from each tree. Analysis of variance indicated significant variation in all fruit and seed morphological parameters. The coefficient of variation for fruit weight was reported to be 5.02%, seed weight 5.60%, pulp weight 5.36% and pulp fruit ratio 4.14%. Among biochemical parameters which are of nutritive value, crude protein, vitamin E and A were higher than that found in most common fruits and vegetables. These traits also showed significant variation among the 14 selected populations with crude protein values ranging between 5.99 and 10.76%, vitamin E between 4.80 and 7.33 mg/100 g and vitamin A between 1.88 and 3.13 mg/100 g. The fruits are also high in phenol with a mean value of 22.19 mg/g and displayed promising 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging properties averaging 56.94% antioxidant activity. However, cyanogen content in the fruits was higher than the permissible amount for human consumption, for which processing is recommended before use. The opportunities for domestication are discussed and some promising traits and populations that can be utilized in the domestication programme are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the dietary inadequacies of micronutrients and the associated factors among the apparently healthy urban adults. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study involved 300 urban adults (distributed into age groups: 21–40, 41–60, and > 60 years) residing in Hyderabad city, South India. Hemoglobin in whole blood, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 (B12) in plasma was estimated. Dietary intakes were assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls and calculated the probability of adequacy (PA) using estimated average requirement. Results: The prevalence of anemia (30%), iron deficiency (ID, 23%), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA, 14.3%) was independent of age but higher in women. While folate deficiency (32.2%) was independent of age and gender, B12 deficiency (35.5%) varied by both age and gender. The PA of iron (89%) was higher, while that of folate, B12, and zinc (1–11%) were noticeably low. The mean PA (MPA) across the ten micronutrients was 38%, independent of age and gender, but associated with the educational status. Energy intake was a strong predictor of the MPA. Cereals and millets predominantly contributed to the intake of thiamine, niacin, zinc, and iron; green leafy vegetables and fruits to vitamins A, C, folate, and iron; animal foods to B12; and milk and milk products to calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, and B12. The unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models revealed that micronutrient inadequacy was associated with greater risk of IDA and folate deficiency. Conclusions: These results indicate a higher prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among the healthy urban adults possibly due to the inadequacy of multiple micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Riboflavin- and ultraviolet (UV)-A-mediated collagen cross-linking of the cornea is a frequently used therapeutic measure for the treatment of progressive keratoconus (PK). First, riboflavin increases cross-linking and second, it serves as a protective shield to other deep ocular structures. However, pharmacogenomic variation in riboflavin efficacy is reported. As the Northeast Indian population represents a genetically diverse group of population compared to mainstream India, we have assessed the efficacy of the procedure in a northeastern population with PK. METHODS: In this study, 78 eyes with PK were included (n = 39 in the treatment arm and n = 39 in the control arm). The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of corneal collagen cross-linking using riboflavin (C3R) (epithelium off) on maximum keratometry. The secondary objectives were evaluation of change in corneal topography parameters, i.e., minimum keratometry (Kmin), simulated keratometry (Sim K), subjective refraction (cylinder power, spherical power, and spherical equivalent [SE]), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and contrast sensitivity (CS) and safety (intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density, and percentage hexagonality) at 1, 3, and 6 months following C3R procedure. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was noted in Kmin(6 months), Sim K (3 and 6 months), cylinder power (3 and 6 months), spherical power (3 and 6 months), SE (3 and 6 months), BCVA (6 months), and UCVA (1, 6 months) in the C3R group (n = 39) when compared to the control group (n = 39). The mean CS decreased at 1 month and gradually improved to achieve statistically significant value at 6 months in the C3R group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Riboflavin-assisted C3R treatment showed promising efficacy in the treatment of PK patients in our population. As the collagen turnover rate of cornea is 2–3 years and the progression of PK is highly variable, we need long-term studies to evaluate the efficacy of C3R over time, requirement of repeat therapy, and safety of repeat cross-linking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bauhinia purpurea, Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Dillenia pentagyna, Diplazium esculentum, Houttuynia cordata, Oenanthe linearis, Potentilla lineata, Perilla ocimoides, Sonchus arvensis, and Zanthoxylum acanthopodium are potent wild edible plants and consumed by the tribal people of North-eastern region in India. Objective: A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method using photodiode array detector with gradient elution has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of several water-soluble vitamins such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), thiamine (Vitamin B1), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and folic acid (Vitamin B9) in these ten wild edible plants. Materials and Methods: The chromatographic separation of vitamins was carried out on Acclaim C 18 column (5 µm particle size, 250 mm × 4.6 mm), Dionex Ultimate 3000 liquid chromatograph and detection was carried out at three different wave lengths (210, 245, and 254 nm) using a mobile phase of acetonitrile and aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (0.01% v/v) solution with gradient elution. Conclusion: The results of investigation showed that these plants are rich sources of vitamins, especially the B group of vitamins that can contribute immensely to nutrition, food security, and health and therapeutic benefits. The high percentage of recovery (98%-99%), low coefficient of variation (R² > 0.99), low limit of detection, and limit of quantitation confirm the suitability of the method for simultaneous quantification of vitamins in these ten plants under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Two objectives were investigated: (1) to assess the risk of micronutrient deficiencies in relation to weight status in Indian women with a focus on iron but also including zinc, vitamin A and B vitamins and (2) to compare fractional iron absorption between obese (OB) and normal weight (NW) women. Methods: Part 1 was a cross-sectional study including 146 healthy, middle-class women from Bangalore, India, with a BMI between 19 and 40 kg/m. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured, and a fasting blood sample was obtained for the analysis of vitamin and mineral status, hepcidin, blood lipids and glucose. In part 2, 16 OB and 13 NW women consumed a standardized test meal labeled with the stable iron isotope Fe. Incorporation of the iron isotope into erythrocytes was measured 14 days later. In addition, iron status, hepcidin and inflammatory markers were determined. Results: In part 1, compared to NW women, overweight/OB subjects had significantly higher C-reactive protein, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and hepcidin concentrations ( p < 0.05). The odds ratio for having high sTfR concentrations (i.e., low iron status) with increasing BMI was 1.09 (95 % CI 1.02-1.17). None of the other micronutrients investigated showed any differences between weight status groups. In part 2, fractional iron absorption was significantly lower in the OB group compared to the NW group even after controlling for differences in iron status (10.0 ± 6.5 vs. 16.7 ± 4.6 %; p = 0.038). Conclusions: OB women in Bangalore have an increased risk of low iron status and absorb less dietary iron; however, their risk of other micronutrient deficiencies was similar to NW women. Our results clearly demonstrate the importance of considering the double burden of malnutrition in the planning of prevention strategies especially in transition countries with emerging obesity epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the comparative phytochemical profiling of the Clerodendrum infortunatum root with selected herbal medicinal plants found in the Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal which includes the Croton bonplandianus, Jatropha curcas and Aloe ferox.

A case study of an eight‑year‑old boy born to consanguineous marriage is brought with developmental delay, recurrent falls, seizures, behavioral abnormality, and unresponsiveness with fever in the last 20 days. Topics include riboflavin and child has a significant improvement in development, which may be due to medications or spontaneous health recovery; and child presenting with developmental delay, and muscle enzymes, a diagnosis of childhood myocerebrohepatopathy should be considered.

The present investigation deals with the study of prevalence and nutritional status of Diabetes from the rural area of Nambur, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The age group ranges between 30-75 years among 7,000 people. Out of which 140 (2%) people were found to be diabetic. The sample size 140 consists of 82 male and 58 female subjects and was recruited for the study. Hence the prevalence of Diabetes among men was 1.18% and 0.82% among women. House to house survey was conducted to collect the information regarding parameters like anthropometry, dietary measurements. 60-70% subjects reported to had maternal or paternal origin and remaining 30-40% reported to have no family history. Women had higher Body Mass Index (BMI) range i.e., 25-30 than men. There is significant difference between the intake of diet and Recommended Dietary Allowance (R.D.A.). Energy gained seems to correlates with the intake of protein, calcium and riboflavin in both men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on 100 subjects (both males and females) suffering from non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) of 30-60 years of age from Hisar city of Haryana. Majority of the respondents were suffering from diabetes for the last 1 to 5 years. Majority of subjects had 120-200 mg/100 ml fasting and 200-300 mg/100 ml postprandial blood glucose level. Dietary intake of the subjects was recorded by 24-hour recall method. The results indicated that NIDDM patients consumed inadequate intake of protective foods like pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits whereas, the intake of cereals, milk and milk products, fat and oils, sugar and jaggery was higher as per their suggested intakes. Due to higher consumption of energy yielding foods the mean daily intake of energy, total fat, thiamine, calcium and phosphorus was also higher while the intake of protein, fibre, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and ascorbic acid was inadequate. The average weight of the diabetic subjects was higher as compared to reference standard. With regard to BMI, it was observed that majority (58 %) of the diabetic subjects were found in the category of overweight and only 15 % in the category of obese. Mean values of waisthip ratio (WHR) and triceps skin fold thickness (TSFT) were also found higher than their standards as they are indicators of causing degenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We test for the existence of a poverty nutrition trap (PNT) in the case of calories and four important micronutrients—carotene, iron, riboflavin, and thiamine—for three categories of wages: sowing, harvesting, and others for male and female workers separately using robust sample selection procedures due to Heckman to arrive at consistent and efficient estimates for rural India for the period January to June 1994. It is discovered that the PNT exists in ten cases indicating that the PNT is pervasive and has a significant impact on labor productivity of agricultural workers, particularly female agricultural workers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To explore the influence of dietary factors of iron bioavailability and socio-demographic conditions on blood iron status of married adolescent girls (MAG), a cross-sectional study was conducted in 173 MAG (15-19 years old) from urban slums near Pune city, India. Diet was assessed by two random 24-h recalls. The age, weight, height, education, family size, income, physical work, and number of days of menstrual loss were recorded. Fasting blood was analyzed for hemoglobin and serum ferritin. Mean intakes of micronutrients were 40-75% less than the recommended dietary intakes for Indian adolescent girls. High intake of phytates (171±6 mg/day) and low intakes of vitamin C (25±1 mg/day) resulted in low bioavailable iron intakes. The mean bioavailable iron intake was 0.76±0.3 mg/day, which is one-half of the basal iron requirement of adolescent girls. The prevalence of iron deficiency (serum ferritin<12 µg/l) was 25.1%, and anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/l) was seen in 46.4% of MAG. A multiple regression model adjusted for energy intake indicated that intakes of β-carotene and riboflavin were associated with hemoglobin (P<0.001) and those of zinc, riboflavin and thiamin associated with serum ferritin (P<0.01). Multiple regressions including socio-demographic factors revealed that the family size, number of menstrual days lost and total bioavailable iron intake were the influencing factors for low iron status. In conclusion, there is a need to increase intakes of vitamin C and other micronutrients of the MAGs and to improve iron bioavailability through diet modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]