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Objective: To determine the association of educational status of mothers and incomplete immunization in children presented at Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi. Methods: This Case-control study was conducted at Pediatric department, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi; from July 2018 to January 2019. The data were prospectively collected from 434 subjects with consent out of which 217 had an incomplete vaccination status and 217 had completed vaccination status. Case group included unvaccinated children whose mothers were uneducated (mothers were labeled un-educated who were never enrolled in school, madrasa and received primary education), whereas control group included vaccinated children whose mothers were educated (mothers were labeled educated who were enrolled in school, madrasa and received primary education).Quantitative data were presented as simple descriptive statistics giving mean and standard deviation and qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was applied to compare both groups and the odds ratio was calculated. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification to see the effect of these on the outcome variable. Using post-stratification chi-square test, a p-value of ?0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 434 (217 cases and 217 controls) were included in this study. The mean age was 3.27±1.79 years (case) and 3.49±1.40 years (controls). Educational status of mothers was assessed verbally. Uneducated mothers are defined as those who did not receive formal education of any level, while educated mothers are defined as those who were enrolled in school or madarsa and received primary education or more. On the basis of which the uneducated mothers in case group were 144 (66.4%) while in control group was 52 (24%).Children with incomplete immunization were 6.25 times more likely to have uneducated mothers than those with complete immunization, after controlling for the other factors. Conclusion: This study has strengthened the value of maternal education in context of complete childhood immunization because acquisition of literacy and health-seeking behavior enhance vaccine uptake for their children.

Amaranthus spp. was found a few centuries back as a highly auspicious plant species that might yield significant unsaturated fat, protein, and several other beneficial ingredients. Since that day, studies have mainly centered on different Amaranthus spp. Various journals with fundamental characteristics, including biological, pharmacological, technical, compositional, botanical along with health impacts have been published. This in-depth analysis focuses on constituents, anti-oxidant qualities, uses, and processing of amaranth. In addition to macro-components, the composition also contains vitamins, tocopherols, polyphenols, phytates, squalene, and other significant ingredients. Humankind has long been aware of the advantages plants have for supporting health. Amaranth is currently generating more scientific and commercial concern. This is because of its beneficial biological traits, diverse nutraceutical activity, and extensive phytoconstituents. Amaranth is a pseudo cereal plant that combines the qualities of a food and a health-improving commodity into one plant. This article addresses the most important biological and pharmacological activity of amaranth, in addition to its chemical makeup, status as a dietary ingredient, and effectiveness of its supplementation. The favorable biological features of amaranth formulations discussed in this work may serve as a catalyst for additional, deep scientific study in this area as well as for the advancement of new methods utilizing this pseudo cereal in the cosmetic & food sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, tempeh was developed using a probiotic culture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus adjunct culture. Purposely, soybean seeds were soaked overnight at room temperature and then boiled at 100°C for 10 to 15 min. The hot beans were then spread out in a thin layer and allowed to cool to room temperature. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus culture was added to the soybeans, which were then tightly packed in perforated plastic bags and incubated at 30°C for 24 h to produce fresh tempeh. The tempeh was then analyzed for its physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics, and the data obtained was statistically analyzed. The results of the physical and chemical analysis showed that the probiotic tempeh had a slight increase in pH, ash, and protein content, while there was a significant decrease in acidity, moisture, and fat content during storage. The microbial analysis revealed that both the total plate count and probiotic count increased over time, with treatment T4, which contained a high amount of culture, exhibiting the maximum plate count and probiotic count. The sensory evaluation showed that both the treatment and storage duration significantly impacted the aroma, color, taste, and overall acceptability of the tempeh, with all sensory attributes decreasing over time. The sensory panelists rated treatment T4 the highest for overall acceptance. In conclusion, the study suggests that probiotic soybean tempeh could be a beneficial carrier for producing a product with good physicochemical properties, acceptability, high probiotic viability, and storage durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry is faced with a significant challenge in maintaining the viability and stability of probiotics during processing and in model food. Encapsulation technology offers a promising solution to this issue. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Sodium Alginate (SA) and arabinoxylan (AX) composite encapsulation on the viability & stability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The AX was extracted from maize and characterized, and then the SA-AX composite was used to encapsulate the probiotics. The resulting microbeads were analyzed for their morphological, molecular, and physicochemical properties. The MAX-SA microbeads demonstrated the highest efficiency at 97.9 ± 0.6%, followed by MAX at 95 ± 1.5% and SA at 92 ± 1.4%. The FTIR spectra revealed specific functional groups in the samples. The MAX-SA and MSA matrices had a dispersed structure, while the MAX matrix had a smooth microstructure. The microcapsules had an average size ranging from 718 ± 2 mm to 734 ± 2 mm. The viability of the encapsulated probiotics was assessed under storage conditions, simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and model food. Encapsulated probiotics showed higher viability than free probiotics in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and pineapple juice fortified with encapsulated probiotics showed a higher probiotic count. Overall, the study found that MAX-SA was the most effective in maintaining probiotic viability under stressed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation plays a vital role in the food industry, known for its multifunction constituents' preservation, covering undesirable food components (taste, color, flavor), nutritional and functional components incorporation, and under controlled conditions (time and rate) release of encapsulation ingredients. Milk proteins are highly demanding encapsulating material and are investigated at large scale to design encapsulating devices. Polyphenols, flavorings, fatty acids, minerals, and hydrophobic vitamins are within encapsulating bioactives. Milk protein is widely used in the microencapsulation (ME) of probiotics and in comparison to other biomaterials offers more benefits. Milk protein includes whey protein and casein and several techniques are developed to make use of them in the ME of multiple probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus). This review will cover all the possible aspects of dairy proteins and their properties that enabled them to be used as encapsulating material. This review will also discuss the range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components delivered from milk protein and their utilization in the formation of encapsulating agents. Overall, this study aimed to explore the emerging role of encapsulation in the food industry, characterize milk proteins as effective encapsulation agents, investigate their synergism with nondairy encapsulating materials, and evaluate various encapsulation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a chronic disease that has affected millions of people worldwide. The current treatments for diabetes, such as insulin therapy and oral medications, have limitations, including adverse effects and high costs. Therefore, there is a need for new and effective treatments for diabetes. Recent studies have shown that plants from the Chenopodiaceae family have anti-diabetic properties. In this study, we have identified 22 plants from the Chenopodiaceae family that have been reported to have anti-diabetic properties. These plants contain various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols that have been shown to have anti-diabetic effects. Some of these compounds can enhance insulin secretion, improve glucose uptake, and reduce blood glucose levels. The anti-diabetic properties of these plants have been investigated in vitro and in vivo studies, and the results are promising. Several of these plants have been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in animal models of diabetes significantly. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that plants from the Chenopodiaceae family have potential as safe and effective treatment options for diabetes. Further research is needed to fully understand these plants' mechanisms of action and safety profile. However, these findings provide a promising avenue for developing new anti-diabetic drugs from natural sources. Specifically, I've outlined three significant mechanisms: stimulation of insulin secretion, enhancement of glucose uptake, and inhibition of gluconeogenesis, all of which are attributed to the bioactive compounds found in Chenopodiaceae medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of olive oil and flaxseed oil on chemically induced hepatotoxicity in rats by evaluating key biochemical parameters, including free fatty acids, iodine value, liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST), cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL levels. The results demonstrated significant improvements in these markers with the administration of olive oil and flaxseed oil, either individually or in combination. The free fatty acid percentages and iodine values were consistent with the known nutritional properties of the oils. Notably, the combination of olive oil and flaxseed oil yielded the most substantial benefits, reducing ALP (115.53 ± 0.44 U/L), ALT (50.77 ± 1.46 U/L), and AST (52.12 ± 0.36 U/L) levels while improving lipid profiles by lowering cholesterol (135.4 ± 1.43 mg/dL) and triglyceride levels (57.14 ± 2.35 mg/dL) and increasing HDL levels (49.20 ± 0.45 mg/dL). These findings suggest that olive oil and flaxseed oil, due to their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, can effectively mitigate liver damage and promote lipid metabolism. The study supports the potential therapeutic application of these oils in managing liver health and preventing hepatotoxicity. In this study, flaxseed oil and olive oil were analyzed and tested for their therapeutic effects over a 28 day period using rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced (by CCL4) in five groups, and the oils were administered accordingly. The results showed that both oils significantly reduced elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and improved lipid profiles, except for HDL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae‐derived natural compounds have shown significant potential in treating various health conditions, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the development of precise drug delivery systems and diagnostic tools utilizing these compounds. Central to this innovation are the vibrant pigments found in algae chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins which not only impart color but also possess notable nutritional, medicinal, and antioxidant properties. These pigments are extensively used in supplements and the food industry for their health benefits. Emerging research highlights the role of algal pigments in promoting gut health by modulating gut microbiota. This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic benefits of algae, recent progress in algal‐derived nanoparticle technology, and the synergistic effects of algae and their pigments on gut health. Novel insights and recent data underscore the transformative potential of algal compounds in modern medicine and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell wall polysaccharides (dietary fiber) in cereal grains contribute to health benefits. The novelty of the current study was an effort to explore the in vivo therapeutic potential of different cereal bran cell walls against hypercholesterolemia. For this purpose, the cell walls were isolated from different cereal brans (wheat, maize, oats, and barley), and the intake of these cereal bran cell walls was evaluated for their anti‐lipidemic activity in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. The serum taken from the rats was tested for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride profiles before and after treatment. The outcomes of the current study have shown that the cereal cell wall has a significant hypercholesterolemia effect. The biochemical parameters of the control animals were within the normal clinical ranges, indicating that the experimental diets were safe. Among cereal bran cell walls, barley bran significantly decreased cholesterol (56.35 ± 1.35 mg/dL), low‐density lipoprotein (56.35 ± 1.05 mg/dL), triglycerides (105.29 ± 1.95 mg/dL), and increased high‐density lipoprotein level (48.35 ± 1.35 mg/dL). These findings provide conclusive evidence that the cereal cell wall is beneficial in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and may potentially provide protection against other acute, recurring, or chronic illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research explored the possible protective effect of chenopodium quinoa extract against CCl4 acute liver toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Thirty rats were divided into five groups with six rats in each group. CCl4 (Carbon tetrachloride) was administered at a dose rate of 2 mL/kg b.w. intra‐peritoneally once a week for 3 weeks. The plant extract was given through oral gavage for a period of 21 days. Group I served as a normal group which was given with basal diet. Group II was referred to as a positive control group and received CCl4 2 mL/kg body weight (i.p.). Group III was the standard treatment group and received 2 mL/kg CCl4 (i.p.) and 16 mg/kg body weight (p.o.) silymarin. Group IV was the plant treatment group, which received 2 mL/kg CCl4 (i.p.) and 600 mg/kg body weight of quinoa seed extract (p.o.). Group V was the combined treatment group, which received 2 mL/kg CCl4 (i.p.) accompanied with a combination of silymarin (p.o.) 16 mg/kg body weight and quinoa seed extract (p.o.) 600 mg/kg body weight. The liver biomarkers were assessed along with histopathological analysis to observe the changes in the liver. The outcome suggested that the treatment, which was given with the combination of silymarin and quinoa seed extract, significantly enhanced the antioxidant levels, reduced the oxidative stress, and restored the liver function as evidenced by biochemical parameters histopathological studies. The hepatoprotective potential may be due to the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of quinoa seed extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic and chronic disease linked to lifestyle factors like dietary patterns and physical inactivity. This randomized clinical study aimed to develop a novel dietary intervention using pomegranate peel powder‐based multigrain chapatti to prevent diabetes. The product was formulated by incorporating pomegranate peel powder into a mixture of wheat flour, pearl flour, millet flour, and chickpea flour. The study included the formulation of various treatments (Tc, T1, T2, and T3) following product development, and these treatments were subjected to comprehensive assessments. The nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of the pomegranate peel powder‐based multigrain chapatti were analyzed. Sensory attributes, including taste, texture, and overall acceptability, were evaluated. Additionally, biochemical analyses, including blood glucose levels and HbA1C, were conducted to assess the impact of the interventions on blood glucose metabolism. The results revealed that the nutritional profile and phytochemical potential of the product improved significantly in treatment T3, which contained 15% pomegranate juice. Overall acceptability was found to be high for T3, indicating that the inclusion of pomegranate peel powder was well received in terms of taste and sensory qualities. Importantly, the clinical trial demonstrated positive outcomes in the intervention group receiving the pomegranate peel powder‐based multigrain chapatti. Blood glucose analysis and HbA1C assessments indicated that the consumption of this innovative dietary product contributed to improved blood glucose metabolism, suggesting its potential as a preventive strategy for diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated kinetics and thermal degradation of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate (ABS/PC) blend using thermogravimetric analysis in the range of 25 to 520°C. For thermal degradation of blend, activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A) were calculated under various heating rates as 5, 10, 15 and 20°C/min using iso-conversional model-free methods (Kissinger, Flynn-Wall- Ozawa and Friedman). Mass loss of the blend as a function of temperature was plotted as thermogravimetric curve (TG) while derivative values of mass loss were drawn as derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curve. Using Kissinger method, Ea was 51.4 kJ/mol, while values calculated from FWO and Friedman method were 86–161 and 30–251 kJ/mol respectively. Results showed increasing trend of Ea with higher conversion values indicating different degradation mechanisms at the initial and final stages of the experiment. Thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy change (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and entropy change (ΔS) were also calculated.

The primary objective of this investigation was to assess the viability of free and encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics in mango juice and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Specifically, the probiotics were encapsulated using sodium alginate and alginate-soy protein isolate through the internal gelation method, and the obtained probiotics were characterized for various attributes. Both free and encapsulated probiotics were exposed to challenging conditions, including thermal stress, low temperature, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, both types of probiotics were incorporated into mango juice, and their survival was monitored over a 28-day storage period. Following viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the count of free and encapsulated probiotic cells decreased from initial levels of 9.57 log CFU/mL, 9.55 log CFU/mL, and 9.53 log CFU/mL, 9.56 log CFU/mL to final levels of 6.14 log CFU/mL, 8.31 log CFU/mL, and 6.24 log CFU/mL, 8.62 log CFU/mL, respectively. Notably, encapsulated probiotics exhibited a decrease of 1.24 log CFU and 0.94 log CFU, while free cells experienced a reduction of 3.43 log CFU and 6.24 log CFU in mango juice over the storage period. Encapsulated probiotics demonstrated higher viability in mango juice compared to free probiotics throughout the 28-day storage period. These findings suggest that mango juice can be enriched with probiotics to create a health-promoting beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was planned to provide nutrient dense carbonated beverage fortified with chamomile herbal extract that was rich in healthy nutrients and best to use. Infusion method was used to prepare chamomile herbal extract. After adding flavor and sugar syrup, carbonation was done. Different treatments were prepared (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). The antioxidant potential, physiochemical properties, and sensory attributes of beverage were assessed. Results showed that addition of chamomile enhanced the antioxidant and physiochemical properties of beverage. The DPPH activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were observed as 49.23 ± 0.03 (%), 136.92 ± 0.06 (mg GAE/L), and 1989.47 ± 0.07 (mg QE/L), respectively, among T5 with 12% of chamomile extract. Moreover, the acidity increases from T0 to T5 (0.191 ± 0.01 to 0.220 ± 0.01). Furthermore, the overall acceptability of T4 was highest among sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of chemical preservatives in the baking industry is a common practice to extend the shelf life of baked goods However, there is growing interest in natural alternatives due to worries about the security and potential health risks of these chemicals. The purpose of this concurrent review is to investigate the potential of using essential oils and bio-preservatives in place of chemical preservatives in the baking industry. With a focus on their efficiency in extending the shelf life of baked goods, the review includes a thorough analysis of the most recent research on the use of bio-preservatives and essential oils in food preservation. The findings suggest that bio-preservatives and essential oils can be effective in preserving baked goods and may offer a safer and more natural alternative to chemical preservatives. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential of these natural alternatives and to optimize their use in the baking industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of NTS has been realised in many safety critical industries. Recently the maritime domain has also embraced the idea and implemented an NTS training course for both merchant marine deck and engineering officers. NTS encompass both interpersonal and cognitive skills such as situational awareness, teamwork, decision making, leadership, managerial skills, communication and language skills. Well-developed NTS training allow ship’s officers to recognise quickly when a problem is developing and manage the situation safely and efficiently with the available team members. As a result, the evaluation and grading of deck officers’ NTS is necessary to assure safety at sea, reduce the effects of human error on-board ships, and allow ship board operations to be performed safely. This paper identifies the skills necessary for deck officers to effectively perform their duties on the bridge of a ship. To achieve this, initially, a taxonomy of deck officers’ NTS is developed through a review of relevant literature and the conducting of semi-structured interviews with experienced seafarers. Subsequently, NTS weighting data is collected from experienced seafarers to allow the weight of each element of the taxonomy to be established by the use of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Food is one of the most necessary needs since human civilization. For Muslims, it is mandatory to consume halal food. From a halal authentication perspective, adulteration of food products is an emerging challenge worldwide. The demand for halal food consumption has resulted in an ever‐increasing need for halal product validity. In the market, there are several food products in which actual ingredients and their source are not mentioned on the label and cannot be observed by the naked eye. Commonly nonhalal items include pig derivatives like lard, pork, and gelatin derivatives, dead meats, alcohol, blood, and prohibited animals. Purposely, various conventional and modern methods offer precise approaches to ensure the halalness and wholesomeness of food products. Conventional methods are physiochemical (dielectric) and electrophoresis. At the same time, modern techniques include high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), electronic nose (E‐Nose), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This review intends to give an extensive and updated overview of conventional and modern analytical methods for ensuring food halal authenticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulatory effects of serotonin (5‐Hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) have been seen in hepatic, neurological/psychiatric, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to their host. Recent research has suggested that probiotics can promote serotonin signaling, a crucial pathway in the regulation of mood, cognition, and other physiological processes. Reviewing the literature, we find that peripheral serotonin increases nutrient uptake and storage, regulates the composition of the gut microbiota, and is involved in mediating neuronal disorders. This review explores the mechanisms underlying the probiotic‐mediated increase in serotonin signaling, highlighting the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of serotonin production and the modulation of neurotransmitter receptors. Additionally, this review discusses the potential clinical implications of probiotics as a therapeutic strategy for disorders associated with altered serotonin signaling, such as GI and neurological disorders. Overall, this review demonstrates the potential of probiotics as a promising avenue for the treatment of serotonin‐related disorders and signaling of serotonin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The task of producing a generic model of the modal choice decision making process is a challenging one. Modal choice is strongly influenced by the infrastructure limitations and geographical constraints of the area in which the decision is being made. With this in mind, addressing modal choice on an individual basis for each region may be the optimal solution. This is the approach adopted in this paper. The creation of a modal choice model is a multistage process of which this paper addresses the first stage, the production a framework of the decision making process. Firstly, a number of criteria that are commonly used in modal choice models are identified. Then a number of gaps in the criteria utilized in previous papers are established. Subsequently, the method used to produce a framework of the decision making process within North West England’s Atlantic Gateway is outlined. Through consultation with transport industry experts in North West England, an initial list of sixty eight papers was reduced to thirty six that were considered to be of specific relevance to modern day freight transportation within their region. The criteria used in each of these papers were then, along with further industry input, used to create the foundation on which a modal choice framework specific to the Atlantic Gateway could be built. A greater understanding of what influences modal choice within this region will allow informed decisions to be made by policy makers on how to more efficiently utilize the available modes of freight transport. Having established this, future work can then go on to build upon these findings. This paper recommends that future work is performed to establish the weights of each criteria and sub-criteria within the framework. This should then be followed by establishing industry’s perceptions of the best and worst alternatives for moving freight within the Atlantic Gateway.

This paper presents an analytical solution for a complex mechanical system consisting of a pendulum with a rolling wheel, which combines translational and rotational motion. The system's dynamics are described by a set of coupled differential equations that are challenging to solve analytically using traditional methods. To overcome this challenge, the variation iteration method (VIM) is employed to derive an analytical solution. VIM is a powerful technique that allows for the approximate solution of differential equations by constructing a series solution iteratively. The Lagrange multiplier, a crucial component in the solution process, is determined for the first time using the Elzaki transformation. Interestingly, the Lagrange multiplier obtained through the Elzaki transformation matches the result obtained from Laplace transformation, which is a fundamental finding of this paper. Also we compared its results with the by employing the VIM and the derived Lagrange multiplier, a comprehensive analytical solution for the complex pendulum with a rolling wheel system is obtained. The solution provides insights into the system's behavior, such as the oscillation amplitudes, angular velocities and other relevant dynamic parameters. The proposed approach demonstrates the efficacy of the VIM in tackling complex mechanical systems and showcases the equivalence between the Lagrange multiplier derived through Elzaki transformation and the well-established Laplace transformation. The results obtained from this study contribute to the understanding and analysis of coupled translational and rotational systems, providing a valuable tool for researchers and engineers working in the field of mechanical dynamics. Sketches are made of the phase portraits close to the equilibrium points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]