SNDT Women's University

About: SNDT Women's University is a education organization based out in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Routing protocol & Femtocell. The organization has 252 authors who have published 260 publications receiving 2609 citations. The organization is also known as: Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University.

Biomedical and industrial applications of collagen

Abstract: Collagen is the principal structural protein present in the skin, tendon and bone of the vertebrate body. Ten different vertebrate collagens have been identified, of which the dominant collagen is type I. Interest in collagen as a biomaterial is due to its low immunogenicity and high biocompatibility. Collagen has diverse general and biomedical applications and is also a common constituent of many cosmetic and food products in the form of gelatin. This paper discusses the use of collagen in the fields of medicine and biotechnology, as well as in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.

Almonds and Cardiovascular Health: A Review

Abstract: Several preventive strategies to reduce dyslipidemia have been suggested, of which dietary modification features as an important one. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and strategies to manage dyslipidemia have been shown to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although there are proven pharmacological therapies to help manage this condition, nutritional interventions are a safer option to help prevent and manage dyslipidemia. Addition of almonds in the daily diet has been proposed to beneficially impact the lipid profile. This review critically examines the available evidence assessing the effect of almonds on dyslipidemia in the South Asian (particularly Indian) context. An extensive review comprised of epidemiological studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews was conducted from published literature from across the world. Studies examining the effect of almonds on different aspects of dyslipidemia viz. high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceridaemia, and high total cholesterol levels have been included. In several studies, almonds have been shown to reduce LDL-C—which is a known risk factor for CHD—and the effect of almonds has been well documented in systematic reviews and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Addition of almonds in the diet has been shown to not only to reduce LDL-C levels, but also to maintain HDL-C levels. This review provides information about the use of this simple nutritional strategy which may help manage known major risk factors for heart disease, such as high LDL-C and low HDL-C levels especially in the context of South Asians.

Unraveling the cytotoxic potential of Temozolomide loaded into PLGA nanoparticles

Abstract: Nanotechnology has received great attention since a decade for the treatment of different varieties of cancer. However, there is a limited data available on the cytotoxic potential of Temozolomide (TMZ) formulations. In the current research work, an attempt has been made to understand the anti-metastatic effect of the drug after loading into PLGA nanoparticles against C6 glioma cells. Nanoparticles were prepared using solvent diffusion method and were characterized for size and morphology. Diffusion of the drug from the nanoparticles was studied by dialysis method. The designed nanoparticles were also assessed for cellular uptake using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. PLGA nanoparticles caused a sustained release of the drug and showed a higher cellular uptake. The drug formulations also affected the cellular proliferation and motility. PLGA coated nanoparticles prolong the activity of the loaded drug while retaining the anti-metastatic activity.

Infant and child feeding index reflects feeding practices, nutritional status of urban slum children

Abstract: Background: Infant and child feeding index (ICFI) an age-specific index, can be used to assess child feeding practices. We used the ICFI to assess feeding practices for urban slum children and the association between ICFI and child nutritional status. Methods: 446 children aged 6 to 24 months from urban slums of Mumbai, India were studied. We used the 24-hour diet recall to study dietary diversity and a food frequency questionnaire for consumption of food groups during the preceding week. ICFI was computed using five components, namely, breastfeeding, use of bottle, dietary diversity score (DDS), food group frequency score (FGFS) and feeding frequency scores (FFS). Weight, height and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) were measured, and z scores were calculated. Association between ICFI scores and nutritional status was examined. Results: The mean total ICFI score for all was 5.9 ± 1.9. Among the five components, FGFS and FFS differed between children 12 months and by breast feeding status. In contrast, there were no differences vis-a-vis dietary diversity scores (DDS), breast feeding, and use of bottle. Non-breastfed children had significantly higher DDS scores than did breastfed children. The mean feeding frequency score (FFS) for children 12 months of age. Mother’ sa ge and child’s age were significant determinants of ICFI. Multivariate analysis indicated that ICFI was significantly associated with Length-for-Age z scores (LAZ) and BMI-for-Age z scores (BAZ). Sensitivity of ICFI was lower than its specificity. Conclusions: The results of the present study confirmed that the ICFI can be used to collect information on key components of young child feeding practices and be incorporated into public-health programmes. Further, it could be used to determine the influence of complementary feeding practices on nutritional status of children.