Journal of Healthcare and Biomedical Science

Knowledge of Food Label Among Master’s Students of Home Science in Kathmandu: A Cross-Sectional Study

2024-02-26T16:04:43+07:00

The part of food labels that states the amount of nutrients is called nutrition labeling. This comprises a list of components, a nutrition information table, health endorsement logos and nutritional content claims on product labels. Food labeling is an essential part of any product. As a food producer, it is not only legally required but also empowers customers to make informed food purchases and ensures the safe storage and use of their purchases. Students in food and nutrition should be knowledgeable in the topics of label reading, healthy eating, and how to use food labels as future nutritionists. With this sound understanding, they will be able to counsel their future patients on the proper use of food labels and, as a result, become change agents in the community. It can also help people live healthier lives if food labels are used appropriately. This study aimed to evaluate students’ understanding of food labels in home science. Using a descriptive cross-sectional approach, data were collected through purposive sampling. The findings indicated that among the 118 participants, the majority (98%) were aware of the food labels, although only about half could interpret all the information on them. The study suggests that although most students recognize food labels, they may lack a comprehensive understanding of the details provided. This underscores the importance of public awareness campaigns and educational programs to improve consumer knowledge and the effective use of food label information.

Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Utilizing the Extract of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Leaves, Guava (Psidium Guajava) Leaves, and Mango (Mangifera Indica) Leaves

2024-12-08T23:58:54+07:00

Dye- sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a third-generation solar cells that utilize natural dyes from leaves extract to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. This study aimed to investigate the performance of DSSCs using the leaf extracts of cassava, guava, and mango as natural dyes in terms of UV-Vis absorption and energy output. The experimental method was applied in which the researcher constructed three DSSCs, with each treatment involving the same fabrication and construction. The UV-Vis Spectrum peak value and UV absorption was obtained from UV-Vis Analysis. A multimeter was used to record each voltage to determine the energy output produced by the DSSCs and the commercial solar cell. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the significant difference in the UV absorption of the natural dyes. To determine the significant difference between the three treatments and control in pairwise comparison in terms of energy output, One-Way ANOVA Analysis and Post Hoc Tukey were used. The results showed no significant difference in UV absorption among the three natural dyes. This result signified that the same pigment content gave almost the same UV absorbance at a common UV spectrum peak wavelength. DSSCs with natural dyes produce less electrical energy than commercial solar cells. There was a significant difference in the energy output between the three treatments and the control. DSSCs utilizing natural dyes produced electrical energy in smaller amounts.

Acceptability of Mango Seed Kernel (Mangifera Indica) as Potential Tea Source

2024-10-09T16:05:56+07:00

This study determined the acceptability and phytochemical properties of mango seed kernel (Mangifera Indica) as a tea source. Kernels from Carabao, Apple, and Indian Mango seeds were used in the study, which involved four drying processes: 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The hedonic scale method was used to determine the mean level of acceptability of the tea, which was evaluated by the panelists. The presence of DPPH scavenging activity, total flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and anthocyanins was analyzed for phytochemical analysis. Statistical analysis, including mean and standard deviation, was used to evaluate acceptability levels, and ANOVA was used to determine significant differences. The results revealed that tea derived from Carabao mango kernels dried for 7 days had the highest acceptability. The phytochemical analyses of Carabao mango powder showed DPPH scavenging activity, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins; however, anthocyanins were not detected. The findings indicate that there were no significant differences in the mean sensory evaluation of the Carabao Mango kernel tea samples in terms of color, odor, taste, and general acceptability. In contrast, significant differences were observed among Apple Mango kernel tea samples for color and odor, while no significant differences were found for taste and general acceptability. Similarly, significant differences were noted among the samples of Indian Mango kernel tea for color but not for odor, taste, and general acceptability. The study highlights the potential of using mango seed kernels for tea production, thereby contributing to waste reduction and promoting health-conscious food production and consumption practices.

Hypolipidemic and Adipose-reducing Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Ziziphus Talanai (Blanco) Merr. in Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Obese Female Albino Rats

2024-11-03T22:34:35+07:00

Obesity is a global health-related risk factor associated with metabolic disorders characterized by excessive fat accumulation and high lipid serum profile. One major factor contributing to obesity is the chronic consumption of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Generally, this study aimed to evaluate the hypolipidemic and anti-adipogenic effects of Ziziphus talanai ethanolic leaf extract (ZTELE) in MSG-induced obesity in female albino rats. A total of twelve (12) female albino rats were used in the study and divided into four treatment groups: T (distilled water), T+ (simvastatin), T1 (400 mg/kg ZTELE), and T2 (800 mg/kg ZTELE). Before treatment, rats were fed a high-fat diet and MSG for 1 month to induce obesity. Significant reductions in body weight, intrascapular and visceral fats, and selected lipid serum profiles (total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins) were observed in the ZTELE-treated groups (T1 and T2), with comparable results to those of simvastatin-treated (T+). Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, influence metabolic pathways by their antioxidative potential, inhibition of lipid synthesis, and regulation of fat cell differentiation. In conclusion, ZTELE is a promising natural therapeutic agent for managing obesity by regulating fat accumulation and lipid metabolism.

Protective Effects of Premna serratifolia L. Leaf Extract Against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in ICR Mice

2024-10-27T23:11:18+07:00

Many therapeutic drugs, including aminoglycosides, are known to cause nephrotoxicity and impair kidney function. Gentamicin is a type of aminoglycoside commonly used to treat infection caused by gram-negative bacteria, but it can induce nephrotoxicity by accumulation in the proximal convoluted tubules, resulting in stress, degeneration, and injury to the kidney. Although traditional treatments are limited, natural products, such as in Premna serratifolia, have potential for ameliorative bioactivities. This study examined the nephroprotective effects of P. serratifolia ethanolic leaf extract (PSELE) against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male ICR mice. Twelve male ICR mice were divided into four groups: normal (T0), negative (T-), 0.3 ml/20 g b.w. PSELE-treated (T1), and 0.5 ml/20 g b.w. PSELE-treated (T2). The kidneys were then extracted, weighed, and subjected to histopathological examination. Results showed that PSELE counteracts gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by mitigating its effect on weight and kidney tissue alterations in PSELE-treated mice (T1 and T2), with comparable results to normal (T0). The protective effects of the extract were attributed to the phytochemicals that mitigated the oxidative stress of gentamicin. In conclusion, PSELE is a potential therapeutic agent for nephrotoxicity mitigation.

Evaluating the Impact of Immunotherapy on Long-term Survival Rates in Lung Cancer Patients in Sub-urban Areas in Bangladesh

2024-11-09T20:30:27+07:00

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with an exceptionallyhigh incidence and poor outcomes in the suburban areas of Bangladesh due to limited healthcare infrastructure. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment modality for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its impact on resource-limited settings underexplored. This study evaluated the effect of immunotherapy on long-term survival rates among patients with lung cancer in the sub-urban districts of Cumilla and Feni, Bangladesh. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving 22 patients with NSCLC who were divided equally into the immunotherapy group and control group receiving conventional chemotherapy. Quantitative data on survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard models to adjust for confounders. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with patients in the immunotherapy group, focusing on access barriers, perceptions, side effects, and support systems. The immunotherapy group had a median overall survival of 18 months compared with 12 months in the control group (p = 0.03), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.32–0.95, p = 0.033), indicating a 45% reduction in the risk of death. Qualitative findings revealed significant financial and geographical barriers to receiving immunotherapy. Patients reported a mix of hope and anxiety regarding treatment efficacy and side effects, with support systems playing a crucial role in treatment adherence and coping mechanisms. Immunotherapy significantly improves long-term survival rates among patients with lung cancer in sub-urban Bangladesh. Addressing financial constraints, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and strengthening support systems are essential to maximize the therapeutic potential of immunotherapy in resource-limited settings.