Effect of varieties and storage on the quality parameters of nectarine (Prunus persica)-based intermediate moisture food (IMF) products

Fruits play an important role in maintaining a healthy life. Nectarine is a hybrid fruit of peach and plum, wherein efforts were made to develop intermediate moisture food products (jam and jelly) from nectarine varieties (May Fire, Snow Queen, and Silver King). The study aimed to determine the effect of storage on the nutritional (TSS, pH, acidity, ascorbic acid, and sugars) and sensory parameters (color, taste, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability) of jam and jelly at different storage intervals. Storage had a nonsignificant effect on the total soluble solids, with reported mean values of 69.670 Brix, while the pH content of jam varied significantly from 2.90-2.20 during 6 months of storage. The values for acidity and total sugars increased (P≤0.05) significantly from 1.92-2.03 percent and 57.04 to 56.93 percent, respectively. However, the ascorbic acid content decreased significantly from 4.64 - 1.66 mg/100 g. In the case of jelly, the total soluble solids and pH decreased from 67.78 – 67.440 Brix and 2.70 – 2.48, respectively, during storage for 6 months at ambient temperature. The ascorbic acid content decreased from 4.56-2.10 mg/100 g. Among cultivars, there was a nonsignificant difference in the nutritional parameters of jam, but in the case of jelly, different cultivars had a significant effect on TSS, pH, and ascorbic acid content. Organoleptically, the nectarine jam was rated as ‘liked very much’, while the jelly ‘liked slightly’, with good storage acceptance up to 6 months. Being nectarine as a superfood can be explored to develop speciality food products for vulnerable sections of society

A review on impact of carbonated milk beverages on human health

Carbonated milk beverages are drinks produced by the fermentation process (addition of yeast) and carbonated by mechanical or physical method. Recent studies show the consumption of carbonated milk beverages are becoming popular due to their nutritional and therapeutic effects. Products like kefir, koumiss, carbonated probiotic drinks and sparkling milk. According to research kefir has different health benefits like gastrointestinal proliferation, anti-bacterial spectrum, an anti-carcinogenic effect due to the presence of lactic acid formed during fermentation. It is also good for those who are lactose intolerant because of the high B – galactosidase activity enzyme which helps break down lactose sugar. Koumiss is first used by Mongolian people to treat tuberculosis, ulcers and hepatitis. It is rich in vitamin C, A, E, D and antibiotics. Carbonated probiotic drinks help in maintaining cholesterol level because lactic acid hinders the growth of bacteria in the small intestine by attaching the hexagen. Carbonated blueberry flavoured milk helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, anti-inflammatory effects and some forms of cancer because blueberry is a source of vitamins, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds (anthocyanins)

Efficacy of stem cell in improvement of left ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction - MI3 Trial

Background and objectives: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by irreparable and irreversible loss of cardiac myocytes. Despite major advances in the management of AMI, a large number of patients are left with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which is a major determinant of short and long term morbidity and mortality. A review of 33 randomized control trials has shown varying improvement in left ventricular (LV) function in patients receiving stem cells compared to standard medical therapy. Most trials had small sample size and were underpowered. This phase III prospective, open labelled, randomized multicenteric trial was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy in improving the LVEF over a period of six months, after injecting a predefined dose of 5-10 Χ 10 [8] autologous mononuclear cells (MNC) by intra-coronary route, in patients, one to three weeks post ST elevation AMI, in addition to the standard medical therapy. Methods: In this phase III prospective, multicentric trial 250 patients with AMI were included and randomized into stem cell therapy (SCT) and non SCT groups. All patients were followed up for six months. Patients with AMI having left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 20-50 per cent were included and were randomized to receive intracoronary stem cell infusion after successfully completing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results: On intention-to-treat analysis the infusion of MNCs had no positive impact on LVEF improvement of ≥ 5 per cent. The improvement in LVEF after six months was 5.17 ± 8.90 per cent in non SCT group and 4.82 ± 10.32 per cent in SCT group. The adverse effects were comparable in both the groups. On post hoc analysis it was noted that the cell dose had a positive impact when infused in the dose of ≥ 5 X 10 [8] (n=71). This benefit was noted upto three weeks post AMI. There were 38 trial deviates in the SCT group which was a limitation of the study. Interpretation and conclusions:Infusion of stem cells was found to have no benefit in ST elevation AMI. However, the procedure was safe. A possible benefit was seen when the predefined cell dose was administered which was noted upto three weeks post AMI, but this was not significant and needs confirmation by larger trials

Health system gaps in cardiovascular disease prevention and management in Nepal

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of deaths and disability in Nepal. Health systems can improve CVD health outcomes even in resource-limited settings by directing efforts to meet critical system gaps. This study aimed to identify Nepal's health systems gaps to prevent and manage CVDs. METHODS: We formed a task force composed of the government and non-government representatives and assessed health system performance across six building blocks: governance, service delivery, human resources, medical products, information system, and financing in terms of equity, access, coverage, efficiency, quality, safety and sustainability. We reviewed 125 national health policies, plans, strategies, guidelines, reports and websites and conducted 52 key informant interviews. We grouped notes from desk review and transcripts' codes into equity, access, coverage, efficiency, quality, safety and sustainability of the health system. RESULTS: National health insurance covers less than 10% of the population; and more than 50% of the health spending is out of pocket. The efficiency of CVDs prevention and management programs in Nepal is affected by the shortage of human resources, weak monitoring and supervision, and inadequate engagement of stakeholders. There are policies and strategies in place to ensure quality of care, however their implementation and supervision is weak. The total budget on health has been increasing over the past five years. However, the funding on CVDs is negligible. CONCLUSION: Governments at the federal, provincial and local levels should prioritize CVDs care and partner with non-government organizations to improve preventive and curative CVDs services.</p