Browsing by Author "Vikas Kumar"

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Acute and sub-chronic toxicity study of Brahmi ghrita in rodents
(BRNSS Publication Hub, 2014) Yadav Kapil Deo; K.R.C. Reddy; Vikas Kumar
Context: Brahmi Ghrita (BG) contains Brahmi (Bacopa monneri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Puran Ghrita, mentioned for treatment of various diseases. Aim: To assess acute and sub-chronic toxicity of Brahmi Ghrita in mice and rats, respectively. Materials and Methods: In acute toxicity study, Swiss strain albino mice were administered orally Brahmi Ghrita doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 g/kg and observed for behavioural changes and mortality, if any. In sub chronic toxicity study, Charles Foster albino rats were administered two doses of Brahmi Ghrita i.e., 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o. for 30 consecutive days. During 30 days of treatment, rats were observed for any changes in body weight and daily food and water intake. After 30 days, rats were sacrificed for haematological, biochemical and histopathology study. Result: There was no mortality or abnormal behaviour, observed in acute toxicity study in mice at all the three dose levels. In sub-chronic toxicity study, Brahmi Ghrita did not produce any significant changes in body weight and daily food and water intake of rats when compared to control group rats. Further, haematological and biochemical parameters were also found normal. Histopathological study revealed normal architecture of kidney and liver of Brahmi ghrita treated rats. Conclusion: Brahmi Ghrita is safe in rodent and mice.
Adaptogenic anti-stress activity of standardised extract of Marselia minuta L
(2009) O.P. Tiwari; S.K. Bhattamisra; P.N. Singh; Vikas Kumar
Marsilea minuta (Mm) was investigated on a 14-day mild, unpredictable and inescapable foot shock stress (FSS) induced perturbations in behaviour (depression), suppressed male sexual behaviour and cognitive dysfunction in albino rats. Gastric ulceration, and adrenal gland and spleen weights were also used as the stress indices. Panax ginseng (PG) was used as the standard adaptogenic agent for comparison. FSS induced marked gastric ulceration, significant increase in adrenal gland weight with concomitant decrease in spleen weight. Chronic stress also suppressed male sexual behaviour, induced behavioural depression (Porsolt's swim despair test and learned helplessness test) and cognitive dysfunction (attenuated retention of learning in active and passive avoidance tests). All these FSS induced perturbations were attenuated dose dependently by Mm (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and PG (100 mg/kg, p.o.). The results indicate that Mm has significant anti-stress activity, qualitatively comparable to PG, against a variety of behavioural and physiological perturbations induced by chronic stress, which has been proposed to be a better indicator of clinical stress than acute stress, and may indicate adaptogenic activity.
Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effect of poly-herbal formulation in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats
(Medknow Publications, 2015) Anoop Gupta; Vikas Kumar; K.R.C. Reddy
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the important metabolic diseases, and the percentage of affected population is increasing day by day. The search for better medicament is the need of hour. Aim: Poly-herbal formulation (PF) containing fourteen plant materials is studied for anti-hyperglycemic and anti hyperlipidemic effect. Material and methods: A total of 36 rats were taken for the study. The rats of either sex randomly divided into five groups, among these five groups, four groups contained 6 animals in each, whereas one group, i.e., normal control groups contain 12 animals. Group one (control) animals were treated with carboxy methyl cellulose, whereas group two animals were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Group three animals were treated with 300 mg dose test drug and group four treated with 600 mg of the test drug. Whereas group five was treated with a known anti-diabetic drug, i.e., glibenclamide 10 mg. Result: It is found that the testing drug PF is a novel medicine having significant anti hyperglycemic effect and anti hyperlipidemic effect. No significant change was found in HDL level. Conclusion: PF is having good antidiabetic effect against STZ-nicotinamide induced model of diabetic rats.
Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of hyperforin: An in vivo study in rats
(2009) Srikanth Ineedi; Vikas Kumar
The objective of the study was to evaluate the putative antihyperlipidemic activity of hyperforin in fructose fed hyperlipidemic rats and its hypolipidemic activity in normal rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced in rats by replacing drinking water with 10% fructose solution. Fructose feeding has elevated plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, whereas plasma HDL-cholesterol level has been decreased. Hyperforin treatment (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in fructose fed rats has shown to decrease the elevated levels of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and it has elevated the decreased levels of HDL-cholesterol. Treatment with a standard antihyperlipidemic drug, atorvastatin has also produced similar results. However, hyperforin treatment has not shown significant effect on lipid profile of normolipidemic rats. The results of the present study indicate that hyperforin has significant antihyperlipidemic activity, which is qualitatively comparable to that of atorvastatin.
Antiaggresive activity of standardised extract of Indian Hypericum perforatum L
(2009) G.M. Husain; S.S. Chatterjee; P.N. Singh; Vikas Kumar
The present study was undertaken to evaluate in vivo anti-aggressive potential of standardised extract of Indian Hypericum perforatum (IHp) by using defensive and offensive behavioural models in rodents. Standardised extract of IHp was evaluated for its potential effects against defensive or offensive aggressive behaviour of rodents. IHp extract was orally administered at two dose levels (100 and 200 mg/ kg of body weight) once daily for three consecutive days, lorazepam (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.), was used as standard anti-aggressive agent. Control group animals were given equal volume of vehicle (0.3 % carboxy methyl cellulose). Anti-aggressive activity was evaluated using following validated models of aggression viz. foot shock-induced aggression, isolation-induced aggression, resident-intruder aggression, water competition test and apomorphine induced aggression in rodents. IHp extract has demonstrated dose dependant anti-aggressive activity in the aforementioned validated models of aggression. IHp at both dose levels (100 and 200 mg/kg) have shown promising anti-aggressive activity qualitatively comparable to that of lorazepam.
Antidepressant activity of Indian Hypericum perforatum Linn in rodents
(1999) Vikas Kumar; P.N. Singh; A.K. Jaiswal; S.K. Bhattacharya
A standardised 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of Indian Hypericum perforatum (IHp) was investigated for its antidepressant activity on various experimental paradigms of depression, viz. behavioural despair (BD), learned helplessness (LH), tail suspension (TS) and reserpine-induced hypothermia (RIH) tests in rats and mice. Pilot studies indicated that single dose administration of IHp had very little or no acute behavioural effects, hence the IHp was administered orally at two dose levels (100 and 200 mg/kg, po) once daily for three consecutive days, while imipramine (15 mg/kg, ip), a clinically used antidepressant agent, was administered acutely to rats (CF strain, 150±10 g) and mice (Wistar strain, 23±2 g) of either sex as the standard drug. Controls animals were treated similarly with equal volume of vehicle (0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose). Indian Hypericum perforatum extract showed significant antidepressant activity on all the paradigms of depression used. Thus IHp and imipramine treatments significantly reduced the immobility time in BD and TS tests. Significant reduction in escape failures was also observed in LH test. In RIH test IHp and imipramine inhibited reserpine induced hypothermia in a dose dependent manner. The observed antidepressant activity of IHp was qualitatively comparable to that induced by imipramine.
Antidiabetic activity of standardized extract of Quassia amara in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
(2011) Gulam Mohammed Husain; Paras Nath Singh; Rakesh Kumar Singh; Vikas Kumar
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized methanol extract of Quassia amara L. (Family: Simaroubaceae) in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in rats pre-treated with nicotinamide. Diabetic rats were treated with oral doses of Quassia amara extract (QaE; 100 and 200 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; as standard). QaE and glibenclamide were administered as a suspension in 0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose for 14 days. Control animals received an equal volume of vehicle. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture on day 14, 1 h after last treatment. Plasma glucose, insulin and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides) were measured using commercially available biochemical kits. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate the effect of the extract on peripheral glucose utilization in normal rats. Both doses of QaE significantly (p < 0.01) reduced elevated fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. In the oral glucose tolerance test, QaE treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) the glucose tolerance compared with the vehicle. QaE and glibenclamide, effectively normalized dyslipidemia associated with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The findings of the present study indicate that Quassia amara extract may be potentially valuable in the treatment of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing soil organic carbon and its relation with biophysical and ecological parameters in tropical forest ecosystem India
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Haroon Sajjad; Pavan Kumar; Prashant Kumar Srivastava; Shakti Om Pathak; Meraj Ahmed; Vikas Kumar; Manmohan J.R. Dobriyal; Preeti Kumari; Prem C. Pandey
Organic matter in soil is an essential parameter for assessing the agrodynamic productivity of soils. Forest productivity and health largely depend on soil organic carbon (SOC). This study aims to assess SOC levels and analyze their relationship with biophysical parameters in tropical forests. SOC was predicted using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values derived from Sentinel-2A imagery. A total of 30 samples were collected through stratified random sampling based on NDVI values to estimate SOC. Regression analysis was performed between the estimated and predicted SOC, showing a strong correlation. The results indicated that SOC decreased with increasing soil depth in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, ranging from 8.27 - 26.54 t/ha at 5 cm depth and 1.9- 12.4 t/ha at 10 cm depth. NDVI was positively correlated with SOC, while the Bare Soil Index (BSI) showed a negative correlation. Additionally, soil pH and SOC were positively correlated, indicating high SOC levels. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Assessing the effect of various nutrient management practices on Mungbean (Vigna radiata) production in Guava (Psidium guajava) based agri-horti system
(Horizon e-Publishing Group, 2025) Visha Jain; Chandra Bhushan; Ayushi Jain; Shivam; Anjali Tiwari; Subhaprada Behera; Vikas Kumar
The field experiment was conducted in the Kharif season spanning 2022-23 to determine the most effective nutrient management practice via foliar application in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in a guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit based agri-horti system. The studies were conducted at Agroforestry Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University campus in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. The guava fruit orchard of size 7x7 m was established in 2007. The orchard had an average height of 5.85 m, canopy diameter of 5.60 m, stem girth of 0.97 cm and crown length of 4.93 m. Mungbean cv. Samrat, a short duration (60-65 days) and yellow mosaic virus resistant variety were used for the study. The plot size was 9 m2 (gross) and 4.80 m2 (net) with an inter-row spacing of 30 cm and an intra-row spacing of 10 cm. The seeds were sown at the rate of 15 kg ha-1. The plants were raised till 64 days and the treatments with different concentrations of recommended fertilizer foliar were given when most of the (80 %) pods turned brown. The results revealed that treatment T₁₀ in which recommended fertilizer dose (18:48:24 kg ha-1 N:P₂O₅: K₂O) along with foliar applications of Nano urea (4 mL L-1), 0.5 % ZnSO₄ and 0.2 % Boron at pre-flowering and pod development stages gave high yield. The plants subjected to this treatment showed significantly low mortality but increased plant height, branching, leaf production, yield and improved economic returns (gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio). The second most effective treatment was T₉ in which recommended fertilizer dose was supplemented with 0.5 % ZnSO₄ and 0.2 % boron applied twice, at pre-flowering and pod development stages. Integrating optimized fertilization and foliar nutrient applications to enhance mungbean yield while maintaining sustainable practices in agri-horti systems. © The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Assessment of genotoxicity of some common food preservatives using Allium cepa L. as a test plant
(Elsevier Inc., 2014) Himadri Pandey; Vikas Kumar; B.K. Roy
Food preservatives play important role in today's food supplies that are used to prolong the self-life of products by protecting them from deterioration caused by micro-organisms. In this study, investigations were carried out to study the impacts of food preservatives like butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, sorbic acid, propyl gallate and sodium nitrate. The effects of these preservatives at concentration of 1000. ppm, 1500. ppm, 2000. ppm, 2500. ppm for 4. h, 8. h and 16. h of exposure period were studied on the root tips of Allium cepa. Cytological studies revealed statistically significant (. p<. 0.05) inhibition in mitotic index with an increase in concentration of the food preservatives when compared with the control. Most frequent cytological abnormalities observed were bridges, multipolarity, C-mitosis, stickiness and cell death. The total percentages of abnormalities were also increased with increasing concentration and time duration. The abnormalities (%) in root system caused by used preservatives were recorded as butylated hydroxytoluene. <. butylated hydroxyanisole. <. sodium nitrate. <. sorbic acid. <. propyl gallate. © 2014 The Authors.
Association of thrombocytopenia and liver enzymes in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: a meta-analysis
(Springer, 2025) Ashish Kumar; Ambika Sharma; Vikas Kumar; Megha Agrawal; Kalpana Tiwari; Chahat Choudhary; Gyan Vardhan
Canine Ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis and transmitted through the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), poses a significant health challenge to dogs in India, where the warm climate favors tick proliferation. This study employs a meta-analytical approach to analyze the clinical and biochemical markers of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) over the past decade (2014–2024) across India. The objective is to assess the diagnostic value of thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase (AST, ALT, ALP) in dogs affected by CME. Following PRISMA guidelines, 13 relevant studies were selected after screening 2,018 publications. Data were pooled to evaluate the associations between biochemical markers and CME. The meta-analysis found moderate associations between thrombocytopenia and CME (SMD = 0.34, I2 = 94.5%) and stronger correlations with elevated liver enzymes: ALT (SMD = 2.47, I2 = 94.0%), AST (SMD = 2.23, I2 = 94.3%), and ALP (SMD = 2.31, I2 = 91.9%). High heterogeneity among studies was noted, but the findings underscore the importance of these biochemical markers in CME diagnosis. Meta-influence analyses confirmed the robustness of the results, with no individual study disproportionately affecting the pooled estimates. Publication bias tests, including Egger’s and Begg’s, revealed no significant bias, ensuring the reliability of the conclusions. These findings highlight the critical role of liver enzyme evaluations in diagnosing CME, while thrombocytopenia remains a supplementary marker. This study contributes to a more standardized understanding of CME’s clinical diagnosis and emphasizes the need for further research to reduce variability in future studies. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2025.
Beneficial effects of an Andrographis paniculata extract and andrographolide on cognitive functions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2016) Ajit Kumar Thakur; Geeta Rai; Shyam Sunder Chatterjee; Vikas Kumar
Context Andrographolide containing Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. Ex Nees (Acanthaceae) extracts is often used for treatments of diabetes and other inflammatory disorders commonly accompanying cognitive and other psychiatric disorders. Objective To compare the efficacies of a standardised A. paniculata extract (AP) and pure andrographolide on cognitive functions, oxidative stress and cholinergic function in diabetic rats. Materials and methods Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Charles Foster albino rats treated orally with a hydro-methanolic A. paniculata leaf extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day), or with pure andrographolide (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day) for 10 consecutive days, were subjected to Morris water maze test. After the test, acetylcholinesterase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in brain tissues were assessed. Results Acetylcholinesterase activity in pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus of diabetic rats was 2.1 and 2.6 times higher compared to nondiabetic rats. LPO was 1.6 times higher and decreased SOD (56.3%) and CAT (44.9%) activities in pre-frontal cortex of diabetic rats compared to nondiabetic rats. AP or andrographolide treatments dose dependently attenuated cognitive deficits, reduced acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress, improved diabetic hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency. All observed effects of AP were quantitatively almost equal to those expected from its analytically quantified andrographolide content. Discussion and conclusion Reported observations are the very first ones suggesting beneficial effects of andrographolide against diabetes associated cognitive deficits, increased acetylcholinesterase activity and deteriorated antioxidative status. Efforts to exploit A. paniculata extracts enriched in andrographolide as preventive measures against such disorders can be warranted. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Brain neurotransmitter receptor binding and nootropic studies on Indian Hypericum perforatum Linn
(2002) Vikas Kumar; V.K. Khanna; P.K. Seth; P.N. Singh; S.K. Bhattacharya
The high affinity binding sites for serotonin and benzodiazepine in the frontal cortex, for dopamine in the striatum and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the hippocampus were investigated in the brains of Charles Foster rats treated for 3 days. Transfer latency on elevated plus maze (TL), passive and active avoidance behaviour (PA and AA) and electroconvulsive shock (ECS) induced amnesia were also studied. Pilot studies indicated that single dose administration of Indian Hypericum perforatum (IHp) had little or no acute behavioural effects and hence the extract of IHp was administered orally at two dose levels (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 3 consecutive days, while piracetam (500 mg/kg, i.p.), a clinically used nootropic agent, was administered acutely to rats as the standard nootropic agent. Control rats were treated with an equal volume of vehicle (0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose). The results indicate that IHp treatment caused a significant decrease in the binding of [3H] spiroperone (DA-D2 receptor) to the striatum and an increase in the binding of [3H] ketanserin (5-HT2A receptor) and [3H] flunitrazepam (BDZ receptor) to the frontal cortex in rats. Preliminary pharmacological studies with IHp extract indicate the presence of two major behavioural actions, namely, antidepressant and anxiolytic. The present findings tend to elucidate the mechanism of earlier observations, the downregulation of the dopamine D2 receptor being consonant with anxiolytic and the upregulation of 5-HT2A and BDZ receptors being consonant with antidepressant activity. Piracetam when given alone, shortened the TL on days 1, 2 and 9 day and also antagonized the amnesic effects of ECS on the TL significantly, whereas IHp antagonized the amnesia produced by ECS. IHp had no significant effect per se on the retention of the PA in rats but produced a significant reversal of ECS induced PA retention deficit. Piracetam showed a significant facilitatory effect per se on PA retention and also reversed the ECS induced impaired PA retention. In the AA test, piracetam facilitated the acquisition and retention of AA in rats but IHp had no effect per se. Both the doses of IHp and piracetam significantly attenuated the ECS induced impaired retention of AA. These results indicate a possible nootropic action of IHp in amnesic animals, which was comparable qualitatively to piracetam. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cactus cladode polysaccharide as cryoprotectant in frozen Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2020) Anirban Dey; Prasad Rasane; Somya Singhal; Vikas Kumar; Sawinder Kaur; Jyoti Singh; Umar Garba; Navneet Kaur; Mehak Arora
The study investigated the optimisation of freezing conditions for Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) incorporated with cactus cladode polysaccharide as cryoprotectant. The freezing rate of both natural and commercial cryoprotectant-containing samples varied significantly. The optimised (2% natural cryoprotectant) Paneer sample had about 44% moisture content, 14% protein, 16% carbohydrate and 22% fat. Freezing time of optimised Paneer sample packed in metalised polyester was 40 min. The study concluded that Paneer incorporated with 2% cactus cladode polysaccharide, packaged using metalised polyester and frozen with packaged immersion freezing method, had the least freezing time (40 min) and retained better texture during freezing. © 2019 Society of Dairy Technology
Central nervous system cryptococcosis among a cohort of HIV infected patients from a University Hospital of North India
(2012) Chaitanya Nigam; Rupam Gahlot; Vikas Kumar; Jaya Chakravarty; Ragini Tilak
Background: Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous encap- sulated yeast that causes significant infections which range from asymptomatic pulmonary colonization to the life threatening meningoencephalitis, especially in immunocompromised indi- viduals. Cryptococcal meningitis is one of the AIDS-defining illnesses. Recent data have indicated that, the incidence of the cryptococcal infection is high in developing countries like India. We conducted this study to find out the incidence of cryptococcosis in this area. Material and Methods: The Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) specimens were collected from known HIV positive cases that had a clinical diagnosis of meningitis and they were processed by standard microbiological procedures. The cryptococcal isolates were identified by microscopy, their cultural characteristics, sugar assimilation and by the hydrolysis of urea. Results: The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis was 12.9%. All the strains were susceptible to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole. Conclusion: The cryptococcal infection should be suspected in all cases of meningitis, especially among HIV infected persons. An early diagnosis and treatment may alter the prognosis of these patients and hence, an examination of the CSF for cryptococcosis should be considered in all the HIV infected persons who have the symptoms of meningitis.
Chemical kinetic modeling of nutricereal based fermented baby food for shelf life prediction
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2019) Prasad Rasane; Alok Jha; Sawinder Kaur; Vikas Kumar; Nitya Sharma
Background: A nutricereal based fermented baby food was investigated to predict its shelf life using chemical kinetic modeling. An optimized baby food formulation, packaged in metalized polyester packets was stored at accelerated conditions for 180 days and analyzed for hydroxy methyl furfural (HMF), thiobarbituric value (TBA), free fatty acid content (FFA) and sensory characteristics. Result: Shelf life model based on chemical and sensory acceptability was derived using Arrhenius equation modeling. Thus, the baby food had a predictive shelf life of 54 weeks when stored at 10°C in metalized polyester based on the chemical (HMF, TBA and FFA) and sensory (overall acceptability) characteristics. A most suitable model based on FFA was developed considering lowest root mean square (RMS) percentages and least deviations in actual and predicted values. Conclusion: Chemcial kinetics could be applied to determine the shelf life of the fermented baby foods. HMF, TBA and FFA play key role in the shelf life of the stored fermented product. A model based on FFA is most suitable to determine the shelf life of the powdered nutricereal based fermented baby food packged in metalized polyster, stored at 10°C. © 2019 Bentham Science Publishers.
Clinicomycological spectrum of fungal rhino-sinusitis from university hospital, North India
(Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2012) Ragini Tilak; Vikas Kumar; Chaitanya Nigam; Munesh Kumar Gupta; Rajesh Kumar; R.K. Jain
Background: Fungal infection of the paranasal sinuses is an increasingely recognized entity, both in normal and immunocompromised individuals. Various agents including bacteria, viruses and fungi have been introduced as aetiological origins of the disease. Fungi have been reported as a common cause of sinusitis and among them Aspergillus species are the usual. The objective of this study was to explore the frequency of different fungi isolated by in vitro culture from biopsy samples obtained from operated rhinosinusitis patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 47 patients clinically diagnosed with sinusitis and who underwent sinonasal surgery performed between 2008-2011 in the University hospital were included in this study. Results: Fungal cultures were positive in 10 (21.3%) of 47 patients from surgical specimen. Aspergillus spp, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Candida albicans and Bipolaris species were isolated in these cases. Conclusion: The overall frequency of fungal sinusitis in studied population was 21.3%. Early diagnosis and combination therapy of surgery and antifungal therapy is needed. Although culture helps in definite diagnosis and identification, direct microscopic detection (10% KOH) of fungal structures in biopsies permits a rapid presumptive diagnosis.
Comprehensive shell model study of β+/EC-decay properties for f5/2pg9/2 space nuclei
(Springer, 2025) Surender; Jouni T. Suhonen; Vikas Kumar
In this study, we investigate the half-lives of the allowed combined β+ and electron-capture (β+/EC) decays of nuclei with Z=31-40 and A=60-89 employing shell-model calculations within the f5/2pg9/2 valence space using the JUN45 interaction. Using the quenching factor q=0.71±0.01 for the weak axial coupling gA, obtained from the analysis of pure Gamow–Teller β- and β+ decay processes in nuclei with Z=31-40 and A=61-87, the transition strengths and branching ratios for the β+/EC decays are evaluated. The experimental β-decay half-lives are found to be rather well explained by the shell-model calculations. We investigate also the isospin mixing in the ground states of 64Ge, 70Se, and 78Rb nuclei for non-analog 0+→0+(ΔT≠0)β transitions from 64Ge, 70Se, and 78Rb. A comprehensive study of the β+/EC-decay processes in nuclei in this region is done for the first time in the present work. Though the model space has a limitation due to the lack of its f7/2 and g7/2 spin-orbit partners, the results obtained can be considered reasonable. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.
Correlating the 0νββ-Decay Amplitudes of 136Xe with the Ordinary Muon Capture (OMC) Rates of 136Ba
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Aagrah Agnihotri; Vikas Kumar; Jouni T. Suhonen
The potential correlation between the ordinary muon capture (OMC) on 136Ba and (Formula presented.) decay of 136Xe is explored. For this, we compute (Formula presented.) -decay amplitudes for intermediate states in 136Cs below 1 MeV of excitation and for angular-momentum values (Formula presented.) by using the proton–neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation (pnQRPA) and nuclear shell model (NSM). We compare these amplitudes with the corresponding OMC rates, computed in a previous Universe article (Universe 2023, 9, 270) for the same energy and angular-momentum ranges. The obtained results suggest that an extension of the present analysis to a wider energy and angular-momentum region could be highly beneficial for probing the (Formula presented.) -decay nuclear matrix elements using experimental data on OMC rates to intermediate states of (Formula presented.) decays. © 2025 by the authors.
Effect of processing on vital chemical components of button mushroom
(Blackwell Publishing Inc., 2020) Somya Singhal; Prasad Rasane; Jyoti Singh; Sawinder Kaur; Vikas Kumar; Kajal Dhawan; Sushma Gurumayum; Navneet Kaur; Neeru Gupta; Damanpreet Kaur
The processing conditions for mushroom (Agaricus bisporous) were optimized for optimal nutrient retention. Pretreatments, namely blanching (hot water, frying, microwave, and steam blanching) and osmotic dehydration were considered as variables at different temperatures and salt concentrations (5–20%). After blanching, the different times of deactivation of catalase enzyme were noted for both with and without calcium chloride (2%) treatments. Phytochemicals such as total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and the free radical scavenging activity were analyzed. Microwave blanching (mushroom treated with 2% calcium chloride) at 1080 W for 30 s was found to be the most appropriate among all the other types of blanching techniques. Further, osmotic dehydration was performed at different salt concentrations and time for the microwave blanched sample. Samples with 15% sodium chloride treatment for 10 min retained, the maximum nutritional compounds according to experimental analysis. Mathematical modeling using the Peleg model was used and mushrooms treated with 10% salt concentration was found to have the least root mean square error values, which was thus chosen to be the most appropriate salt concentration. The functional components of button mushroom are thus most appropriately preserved by treating them with calcium chloride (2%), microwave blanched (1080 W, 30 s), followed by osmotic dehydration (10–15% NaCl for 10 min). Practical applications: Thermal processing of mushrooms is the most common technique used in the processing of mushrooms commercially. By understanding the best possible technique the nutritional losses to the product could be reduced extensively, adding to nutritional security. Mathematical modeling used could be used to generate the desired response economically for a variable set of conditions for mushroom processing. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.