Evaluation of Quantitative and Qualitative Losses on Millet and White Rice in Storage Grains Caused by <i>Corcyra cephalonica</i>(Stainton) in Senegal

In Senegal, millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) and rice (Oryza sativa (L., 1753)) are the most widely consumed foods. This study is part of improving the conservation of these two cereals in Senegal by assessing the quantitative and qualitative losses caused by a lepidopteran, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) subservient to millet and rice stocks. For this purpose, samples of millet and rice from an area of the center of the groundnut basin (Diourbel) were collected, sterilized in the cold and infected with C. cephalonica eggs from the same locality. These infected samples were tracked during a development period of two successive generations. The samples were scrutinized before being infected and after a larval cycle of codling moth. The results showed that rice grains are richer in water (10.75% ± 0.4249%, on average) than millet (9.40% ± 0.3944%, on average) and the difference in rank is very significant (p-value = 0.0001 < 0.05). Moreover, the attack percentage on millet grains is three times higher (36.31% ± 25.18%) than rice (12.95% ± 6.69%) with a non-significant difference (p-value = 0.296 > 0.05). A similar trend is observed at the loss percentage, which is four times higher with millet grains (8.67% ± 5.07%) than rice (2.86% ± 2.75%) with a non-significant difference (p-value = 0.835 > 0.05). A multiple linear regression showed a generation effect on millet for the attack percentage and a generation and cereal effect for the percentage of weight loss on rice.

A Simple Bio-preservation Technique to Increase Shelf Life of Ampalavi Mango Fruits Using Aloe vera Gel

Aloe vera is being identified as a potential medicinal plant for its application in industries as well as traditional usage. The gel obtained from the leaves of A. vera has numerous properties. In this study, using the gel to extend the shelf life of Ampalavi mango fruits was studied. Even sized, uniform coloured, matured Ampalavi cultivar mango fruits were surface cleaned and coated with 33%, 66% and 100% gel, respectively. Results revealed that the ripening was delayed due to the coating. The total soluble solid （TSS）, pH and weight loss were high in uncoated fruits. The mean pH of the pulp from fruits kept as control was 4.94 at 4 d fruit preservation period （FPP） and was slightly increased to 5.43 within 12 d FPP, whereas the minimal pH （4.69 at 4 d FPP and 5.03 at 9 d FPP） was noticed in 100% gel coated fruits. The TSS （brix） was significantly in higher levels （13.67°Bx within 4 d FPP and 20.77°Bx within 12 d FPP） in control fruits, whereas the minimum TSS value was 9.27°Bx and 18.03° Bx within 4 d and 12 d FPP, respectively, recorded from the 100% gel coated fruits in storage. The weight loss percentage （WLP） was significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher in control fruits （8.46%）, whereas the lower WLP （1.13%） was found in 100% gel coated fruits after 12 d of storage. This low-scale gel coating technique prolonged the fruits shelf life by delaying the fruit ripening. This effect has to be further investigated to commercialize the natural product for large scale ready-made application.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding:a report of 228 cases

Objective:To evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding(LAGB)in obese patients.Methods:This retrospective study included 228 patients(73 males and 155 females,mean age,32.5±10.3 years)who underwent LAGB at the Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University from June 2003 to June 2011.The body weight and postoperative complications were followed up.Results:The pre-operative mean body mass index(BMI)was 39.5±6.3 kg/m^(2).Except in one case of inadequate exposure of the stomach,all laparoscopic procedures were successfully accomplished,with no conversion to open surgery.The mean operation time was 65.0±20.3 min.The mean hospital stay was 2.7±0.9 days.Early postoperative complications(<30 days)occurred in five cases(2.2%)and late complications(>30 days)occurred in 75 cases(32.9%),including 56 cases(24.6%)with band-associated complications.The percentage of excess weight loss(EWL%)at 1,3 and 5 years was 40.5±30.5%,59.5±41.5%and 58.9±46.4%,respectively.The percentages of patients with EWL%>25%,>50%and>75%were,respectively,60%,33%and 0%at 1 year follow-up,43%,39%,and 16%at 3 years follow-up and 40%,34%and 16%at 5 years follow-up.Conclusion Although LAGB has low peri-operative mortality and morbidity rates,it is associated with a high late complication rate and unsatisfactory weight loss.It may be optional,but not the first choice,for the treatment of obesity.