Influence of Different Chemical Preservatives and Local Preservation Methods of Drying Apricot

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different apricot drying methods of Local and Turkey on the overall quality of sun-dried apricot stored at ambient temperature for period of three months. In Local method, the fruit before drying is destoned and cut in two pieces, while in Turkey the destoned whole fruit is used for drying. For packing of the samples white glassy bags were used. The treatments were T0 (Local Method + Unpacked), T1 (Local Method + Packed), T2 (Local Method + Sulfur dioxide + Unpacked), T3 (Local Method + Sulfur dioxide + Packed), T4 (Turkey Method + Unpacked), T5 (Turkey Method + Packed), T6 (Turkey Method + Sulfur dioxide + Unpacked), T7 (Turkey Method + Sulfur dioxide + packed). The samples were analysed physico-chemically (TSS, ascorbic acid content, moisture content, acidity, pH and dry solids), microbially (Total fungal count) organoleptically (color, flavor and texture) and overall acceptability at each 15 days interval of storage. At three months storage TSS (30.80 oBx) was slightly reduced in all unpacked samples. Moisture content (18.50 %) was slightly increased in unpacked samples (T0, T2, T4, T6) and slightly reduced in packed samples (T1, T3, T5, T7). Ascorbic acid content (16.80 mg/100 g) was reduced in unpacked and packed samples, the loss was more in unpacked samples. Titratable acidity (0.40%) was slightly enhanced in all samples. pH (5.20) was reduced (4.4) in all samples. Dry solid (81.60) was slightly reduced in unpacked samples and increased in packed samples. Sun dried apricots samples were analysed for total microbial growth. Maximum growth was found in sample T0 (1163.0 cfu/g) and minimum in T7 (35.14 cfu/g). These samples were sensory evaluated. Maximum score for colour was obtained by T7 (7.86 – 7.20) and minimum by T0 (5 - 4). For taste maximum score was obtained by T5 (8.6 – 8.0) and minimum by T2 (5.6 – 4.6). Texture maximum score was obtained by T7 (7.0 – 5.6) and minimum by T0 (6.0 – 4.2). For overall acceptability maximum score was obtained by T5 (7.53 – 6.36) and minimum by T0 (5.73 – 4.53). Statistical analysis of all the treatments stored for three months at ambient temperature was found significant (p<0.05) except storage effect on moisture content and dry solids. Keywords: Local Methods, Quality, Sun-Dried Apricot, Physico-Chemically Analysis, Organoleptically Analysi

Efficacy of Phytochemicals of Cassia Angustifolia in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia – An In-silico Analysis

Objective: To discover the compounds of Cassia having activity against the BCR-ABL fusion protein involved in the pathogenesis of CML and to compare it with previously developed inhibitor, nilotinib using in-silico molecular docking. Methodology: The 3D structure of Human BCR-ABL fusion protein was obtained from PDB (RSCB). The SMILES and Chemical Structures of the ligands were obtained from PubChem. They were prepared in Mol SDF format by the Chem Bio Draw and then converted to PDBQT format using PyRx tool for generating the atomic coordinates for molecular docking.  Molecular docking of Nilotinib, Quercimeritin, and Scutellarein with Human ABL Kinase was performed using Autodock4. The ADMET properties were described using Swiss ADME, a web-based tool. Results: All the three compounds under study bind and make stable complexes with wild-type BCR ABL with the global energies of -12.46, -16.17kCal/mol and -15.41kCal/mol for Nilotinib Scutellarein and Quercimeritin respectively which means that these compounds can act as selective inhibitors of BCR-ABL fusion protein. Quercimeritin, also form Hydrogen bonds with GLU 286 and Asp 381, Conclusion: The binding energies of the phytochemicals of Cassia are higher in comparison with Nilotinib which has a binding energy of -12.46kCal/mol which suggests a better inhibitory potential of these compounds. Quercimeritin also forms Hydrogen bonds with Glutamine 286 and Aspartate 381, hence its potential to be a potent inhibitor of the BCR- ABL fusion protein is more promising Nilotinib. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are suggested to elaborate the anti-neoplastic potential of Quercimeritin in CML

Patient delay in breast cancer diagnosis in two hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan: Preventive and life-saving measures needed

Purpose: Patients with breast cancer in Pakistan commonly present with advanced disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency and length of delays in seeking medical consultation and to assess the factors associated with them.Methods: Four hundred ninety-nine patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were enrolled and interviewed over the period from February 2015 to August 2017. Information on sociodemographic factors, delay to medical consultation, stage of breast cancer at presentation, and tumor characteristics of the breast cancer were collected through face-to-face interviews and medical file review.Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of patients with breast cancer was 48.0 (12.3) years. The mean (standard deviation) patient delay was 15.7 (25.9) months, with 55.2% of women detecting a breast lump but not seeking a medical consultation because of a lack of awareness about the significance of the lump. A total of 9.4% of the women decided to seek treatment initially using complementary and alternative medicine and traditional treatment; 9.4% of the women presented to a health care provider with a breast lump but no action was taken, and they were wrongly reassured about the lump without mammography or biopsy. For 26% of the women, the delay in presentation was caused by anxiety, fears and misconceptions regarding diagnosis and treatment, and other social factors including possible adverse effects on their relationship with their husband. Multivariable analysis showed a strong association of lower socioeconomic status (odds ratio [OR], 8.11 [95% CI, 2.46 to 26.69]) and late stage of breast cancer (OR, 4.83 [95% CI, 1.74 to 13.39]) with a patient delay of ≥ 3 months.Conclusion: Patient delay is a serious problem in Pakistan. There is an urgent need for intensive and comprehensive breast cancer education that addresses the myths and misconceptions related to breast cancer

Impact of macroeconomic variables on islamic banks profitability

The main objective of this study is to understand and determine the impact of macroeconomic variables on Islamic banks’ profitability in Brunei. The impact of GDP growth rate, inflation, interest rate, exchange rate, oil prices, competition and money supply on Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) profitability was determined from the year 2012 to the year 2016. The secondary data was obtained from DEPD, AMBD and IMF annual reports. The collected data was analysed using Stata 15. The fixed effects panel regression technique was adopted to measure the impact of each variable on Islamic banks’ profitability. The findings revealed that GDP growth rate, inflation, exchange rate, oil prices and money supply have a significant positive impact on profitability. The findings further revealed that oil prices, GDP and inflation were the most significant and exchange rate and money supply were the least significant determinants of profitability. The findings suggest the regulators and policy makers to discover alternative resources to rejuvenate economic and financial system. Islamic bankers may revamp its marketing strategies to reduce the intensity of macroeconomic variables. This study has vigorously contributed in the existing literature of single country analysis of Islamic banks particularly in the context of Brunei

Comparative study to access coagulation abnormalities in breast cancer

Background: Coagulation abnormalities such as thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are the major factors that play a major role in breast cancer. In this study, coagulation abnormalities were assessed in breast cancer patients to help the clinician in early detection of DIC and management of patients at different stages of breast cancer.Methods: 75 patients were enrolled in the study, 50 were from case group (breast cancer patients) and 25 were selected as control group subjects used to compare the results. All of these subjects undergone, General Hematological analysis i.e. differential leukocyte count hemoglobin, platelets count and total leukocyte count were performed on each of the samples collected from the subjects and Specific Hematological analysis i.e. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Fibrinogen Assay, Prothrombin Time (PT), D-Dimer Detection and Fibrin Degradation Products (FDPs).Results: PT was found to be comparable in patients with breast cancer when compared with controls. Difference between control group (II) and subjects with breast cancer (I) was non-significant, fibrinogen level was found to be significantly increased (p < 0.01) in patients with different stages of breast cancer when compared with controls. FDPs were found to be significantly increased (p< 0.01) in patients of breast cancer when compared with control group. These increased levels of FDPs may be due to enhanced fibrinolysis. D-Dimers were also found to be significantly increased (p < 0.01) in patients with breast cancer when compared with controls.Conclusion: Patients with breast cancer were associated with compensated DIC state including normal PT and APTT level but increased fibrinogen and platelets count as compared to the controls. Detection of D-Dimers offers a differential analysis over other laboratory tests for DIC

Health professionals and women's knowledge and experiences of caring for small gestational age (SGA) infants in Pakistan

Background In Pakistan, every third baby is born small for gestational age (SGA). Early antenatal detection of SGA helps with birth planning and initial treatment of mother and baby, thereby reducing complications. Screening and diagnosis of SGA however are challenging, especially in low and middle-income countries where access to technological advances may be limited and there is a lack of routine antenatal screening. Aims To explore the current practices, knowledge, and experiences of caring for SGA infants with women and health professionals in Pakistan. Design A cross-sectional survey with healthcare professionals and focus groups or interviews with health professionals and mothers of SGA babies were undertaken. Survey data were analysed descriptively and integrated with the qualitative data using thematic data analysis. Subjects 78 completed surveys were returned and eight FGDs and five interviews were undertaken with 77 participants – 67 healthcare professionals (gynecologists/obstetricians, neonatologists, Lady Health Workers, and Lady Health Visitors) and 10 mothers of SGA infants aged under 12 months. Results The survey highlighted a general lack of training on SGA for all health care professionals, but particularly amongst community staff who often act as primary caregivers for women. Five qualitative themes described the challenges and issues faced in the management, treatment, and prevention of SGA in Pakistan: Lack of policies and training, Lack of resources, Lack of access to healthcare, Not following the guidance, and Lack of data and reporting. Conclusions A whole system approach to improve service provision and outcomes is needed. This should include epidemiological research, country-specific policies, training for healthcare professionals and awareness raising amongst women and community members

Advance Care Plans in UK care home residents: a service evaluation using a stepped wedge design

Introduction Advance care planning (ACP) in care homes has high acceptance, increases the proportion of residents dying in place and reduces hospital admissions in research. We investigated whether ACP had similar outcomes when introduced during real-world service implementation. Methods A service undertaking ACP in Lincoln, UK care homes was evaluated using routine data. Outcomes were proportion of care homes and residents participating in ACP; characteristics of residents choosing/declining ACP; and place of death for those with/without ACP. Hospital admissions were analysed using mixed-effects Poisson regression for number of admissions, and a mixed-effects negative binomial model for number of occupied hospital bed days. Results15/24 (63%) eligible homes supported the service, in which 404/508 (79.5%) participants chose ACP. Residents choosing ACP were older, frailer, more cognitively impaired and malnourished. 384/404 (95%) residents choosing ACP recorded their care home as their preferred place of death: 380/404 (94%) declined cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Among deceased residents, 219/248 (88%) and 33/49 (67%) with and without advance care plan respectively died in their care home (relative risk 1.35, 95%CI 1.1-1.6, p<0.001). Hospital admission rates and bed occupancy did not differ after implementation. Discussion 79.5% participants chose ACP. Those doing so were more likely to die at home. Many homes were unwilling or unable to support the service. Further research should consider how to enlist the support of these homes. Hospital admissions were not reduced and may not be an appropriate outcome metric for ACP in care homes

The effect of increasing the supply of skilled health providers on pregnancy and birth outcomes: evidence from the midwives service scheme in Nigeria

Background: Limited availability of skilled health providers in developing countries is thought to be an important barrier to achieving maternal and child health-related MDG goals. Little is known, however, about the extent to which scaling-up supply of health providers will lead to improved pregnancy and birth outcomes. We study the effects of the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS), a public sector program in Nigeria that increased the supply of skilled midwives in rural communities on pregnancy and birth outcomes. Methods: We surveyed 7,104 women with a birth within the preceding five years across 12 states in Nigeria and compared changes in birth outcomes in MSS communities to changes in non-MSS communities over the same period. Results: The main measured effect of the scheme was a 7.3-percentage point increase in antenatal care use in program clinics and a 5-percentage point increase in overall use of antenatal care, both within the first year of the program. We found no statistically significant effect of the scheme on skilled birth attendance or on maternal delivery complications. Conclusion: This study highlights the complexity of improving maternal and child health outcomes in developing countries, and shows that scaling up supply of midwives may not be sufficient on its own

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.Comment: Major update of previous version. This is the reference document for LBNE science program and current status. Chapters 1, 3, and 9 provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess. 288 pages, 116 figure

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on stroke risk by brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases: subgroup analyses of the RESTART randomised, open-label trial

Background Findings from the RESTART trial suggest that starting antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage compared with avoiding antiplatelet therapy. Brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases (such as cerebral microbleeds) are associated with greater risks of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. We did subgroup analyses of the RESTART trial to explore whether these brain imaging features modify the effects of antiplatelet therapy