Bad Dietary Habits Research Articles

Gambaran Kebiasaan Pola Makan pada Ibu Hamil dengan Kekurangan Energi Kronis (KEK)

This study aims to determine the dietary habits of pregnant women with chronic energy deficiency (CHD) at Puskesmas Leles Garut Regency. This research method is descriptive-quantitative by involving 31 pregnant women experiencing first, second, and third trimester SEZ in the age range of 20-35 years at Puskesmas Leles Garut Regency with total sampling. The results showed that 22.6% had bad dietary habits, and 77.4% had good dietary habits. In conclusion, only a small proportion of pregnant women have bad dietary habits because they do not pay attention to the frequency of eating and drinking. Keywords: Chronic Lack Of Energy (CED), Dietary Habits, Pregnant Women

Metabolic syndromes increase significantly with the accumulation of bad dietary habits.

The association between dietary habits and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been well documented, due to the complexity and individualization of dietary culture in the Chinese population. To construct a composite score from various bad dietary habits and to evaluate their comprehensive association with the prevalence of MetS and its components among Chinese men and women across various age groups. Serial cross-sectional studies. Twenty-three dietary habits were assessed through face-to-face interviews with 98,838 males and 83,099 females in health check-up programs from 2015 to 2021, among which eighteen bad dietary habits were observed to be associated independently with total MetS. The total score of bad dietary habits was composed of four categories via variable clustering analysis, including irregular dietary habits, unhealthy dietary flavors, unbalanced dietary structure, and high-fat diet. The 2016 Chinese guideline for the management of dyslipidemia in adults was used to define MetS. Men had a higher score of bad dietary habits than women (9.63 ± 3.11 vs. 8.37 ± 3.23), which decreased significantly with increasing age in both males and females (Pinteraction<0.01). The prevalence of total MetS increased significantly with the cumulative score of bad dietary habits in both males (highest quintile vs. lowest quintile: OR, 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80-2.00; Plinear<0.01) and females (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 2.02-2.46; Plinear<0.01) after adjusted for age, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activities. These linear trends were also observed for each MetS component (all Plinear<0.01). The role of irregular dietary habits and high-fat diet on MetS prevalence are much higher in males than in females, while unhealthy dietary flavors and unbalanced dietary structure had a greater influence on females. The accumulation of bad dietary habits contributes to the MetS developments. Thus, individualized lifestyle interventions are needed to correct bad dietary habits with regard to gender differences.

Effect of Fasting Ramadan on Different Laboratory Parameters on Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Patients

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries, and continues to increase in numbers and significance, as changing lifestyles lead to reduced physical activity, and increased obesity. It has been estimated that by the year 2030, there will be 8.6 million adult with diabetes in Egypt, making it the country with the tenth largest population of diabetic in the world. Diabetes is associated with reduced life expectancy, significant morbidity due to micro and macro vascular complications and diminished quality of life. Objective To study the impact of Ramadan fasting on metabolic parameters and anthropometry in type 2 DM in Egypt. Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 80 type 2 diabetic patients who were intending to fast Ramadan. During Ramadan (2014) the average fasting hours were 15 h. Patients were recruited from the internal medicine outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University hospitals and from the nutrition institute. 6 Patients were under insulin treatment (Biphasic human insulin) &amp; 74 patients were under oral hypoglycemic treatment {52 on combination treatment sulfonylurea + metformin &amp; 9 on metformin only &amp;13 of them were on sulfonylurea only}. Results We found that there was a statistically significant increase as regard lipid profile (serum triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol) in after Ramadan measurement. Also CVD risk parameters have untimely increased after Ramadan this parameters including (10 years risk (Framingham score) systolic and diastolic blood pressure). In addition (Creatinine, HOMA IR and fasting insulin) showed increased level in after Ramadan measurement which indicate deterioration of blood glucose parameters. There was no statistical significant changes seen as regard anthropometric measures (BMI, WHR) in pre Ramadan and after Ramadan measurement. Also there was no statistical significant changes regarding fasting, 2 hours plasma glucose, A1c levels between pre-Ramadan fasting &amp; after-Ramadan. In addition CRP and ACR showed no significant changes as regard measurement between before and after Ramadan. Conclusion Ramadan fasting appears to have significant effect on lipid profiles that could adversely impact cardiovascular outcome. These effects are mostly due to quality and quantity of food intake during Ramadan and the negative impact of sedentary life style. In addition the number of fasting days and period of daily fasting could affect glycemic control and renal function tests. Bad dietary habits, lack of exercise and irregular drug intake during Ramadan has a negative impact on glycemic control.

Effect of Shunthi-Haritaki Choorna and Kapalbhati in Sthaulya (Obesity): A Case Study

Obesity is a medical condition where body fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25kg/m2 is considered overweight, and over 30kg/m2 is obese. Modernization, stress, bad dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle results into the clinical entity called obesity. In Ayurveda, it has been mentioned under Santarpanjanya Vikara in Bahudoshavastha condition. Ayurveda has a holistic approach towards management of Sthaulya. This is a single case study on effective management of Sthaulya. The treatment was planned as Shunthi-Haritaki Choorna in a dose of 5 gm [2:1] with lukewarm water B.D. after meal and Kapalbhati - 3 rounds (with 1 minute interval of normal breathing) in morning time. Each round will have 4 cycles of 20 strokes (with an interval of 3-4 deep breathing) for 45 days. After completing 45 days, patient felt significant changes in the anthropometrical measurements of the body, along with weight reduction of about 4.2kgs. And improvement in other associated symptoms as well as lipid profile. The current study thereby proves that treatment with Shunthi-Haritaki Choorna and Kapalbhati is a good way to manage overweight and obesity.

Risk Factors for Various Cognitive Function Decline Trajectories in Adults Over 40 Years of Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The aims of our study were to identify distinct trajectories of cognitive function using the group-based trajectory model. We also investigate which demographic factors act as risk factors for cognitive decline in each group. The data from the Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center, from 2005 to 2019. The number of study subjects was 637. We used a group-based model to identify cognitive function trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to define risk factors for cognitive function decline. The cognitive function trajectories among adults over 40 years of age were heterogeneous. We identified four trajectories: high (27.3%), medium (41.0%), low (22.7%), and rapid decline (9.1%). Older age, male, low educational level, bad dietary habits, diabetes mellitus, technical worker, and lower income increased the likelihood of a cognitive function decline. A younger age, a higher educational level, professional worker, good dietary habits, no diabetes mellitus, and no obesity improved cognitive function. A combination of these factors can improve "cognitive reserve" and delay cognitive decline. Interventions to prevent cognitive decline are needed after identification of high-risk groups for cognitive decline.

Acculturation, Dietary Behaviors, and Macronutrient Intake Among Mexican Americans With Prediabetes: The Starr County Diabetes Prevention Initiative.

The purpose of the study was to examine the influences of sex and acculturation on dietary behaviors, macronutrient intake, and dietary quality in participants enrolled in a diabetes prevention initiative in Starr County, Texas. Baseline data from the Starr County diabetes prevention study (N = 300) were analyzed-acculturation (country of origin, years in Starr County, language and food preferences), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), healthy eating self-efficacy (Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire-Short Form), diet quality (USDA Healthy Eating Index), fat avoidance (Fat Avoidance Scale, Spanish version), and macronutrients. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis of covariance were used to examine differences based on acculturation, controlling for sex. Participants were predominantly female (73%) and, on average, 51 years of age. Language and food preferences favored Spanish language and Hispanic foods, respectively. The majority (71%) was born in Mexico but had resided in Starr County for 33 years, on average. Depressive symptoms were moderate, and eating self-efficacy scores suggested low confidence in making healthy food choices, particularly for saturated fats. Spanish language preference was associated with worse dietary habits. The mean dietary quality score was lower than the national average (54 vs 59 nationally); females had slightly higher dietary quality than males and a higher mean fat avoidance score, although differences were not clinically significant. Intakes of carbohydrate, saturated fats, and cholesterol were higher than recommended daily allowances. The overall preference for speaking Spanish and the influence of language on dietary intake should inform future dietary interventions. Accommodating cultural norms and food preferences remain major challenges to improving dietary quality among the diverse Hispanic ethnic groups.

RAG-SACA-5: HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING ACTIVITIES FOR BETTER HYPERTENSION CARE

Raised systolic BP was responsible for 10·4 million deaths and 218 million disability adjusted life years across the globe in 2017. A disease that largely affected high-income countries in the past, has now been shown to affect low-income and middle-income countries disproportionately. Weak health infrastructure, poor access, high illiteracy rates, poverty, high costs of drugs, bad dietary habits and skewed national health priorities have been found to contribute to the poor performance of these countries in the hypertension care cascade. While there are several effective targeted as well as population-level interventions available to choose from, most countries have failed to integrate them effectively into their hypertension control strategies. Health system-strengthening activities such as capacity building, task shifting and appropriate use of digital health technologies can help bridge some of these gaps. Certificate Course in Management of Hypertension (CCMH) is a joint certification program designed and implemented by the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) in collaboration with the British &amp; Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS), the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC). CCMH is an ten month course with once- a- month contact sessions, being conducted on a designated weekend at regional training centres across India. It is fundamental objective is to enhance the knowledge, skills and core competencies of practicing PCPs in the management of Hypertension and to build their network with other PCPs and existing specialists. A total of over 2000 primary care physicians have been trained in the initiative so far. The course is being adapted in collaboration with the American Heart Association for online education of prescribers as well as non-prescribers. In addition, PHFI has also instituted an innovative assisted telemedicine healthcare delivery model - Digisahayam - which acts as an inter-operable system setting up multiple innovations in digital health technology on a single platform. It works on the model of task sharing and task shifting while embedding electronic health records (EHR), point-of-care diagnostics (13 common lab tests including ECG), in-built clinical decision support system and numerous state-of-the-art digital health technologies. Approximately 16,000 teleconsultations have been conducted in three clinics in India over the span of 18 months.

THE DIETARY HABITS AND NUTRITION BELIEFS OF PATIENTS WITH AORTIC STENOSIS

Aim: The analysis of dietary knowledge and habits of patients with aortic stenosis, both prior to and post valve implantation. Materials and methods: Patient with diagnosed moderate or severe aortic stenosis were included into the study. Telephonic dietary interview was performed. It was based on the standard KomPAN questionnaire developed and validated by the Behavioural Nutrition Team, Committee of Human Nutrition of Polish Academy of Sciences. Results: The analysis was conducted in 94 consecutive patients. The pro-health diet index was 4.87 points (3.7; 5.96), while the optimal level was defined as 20 points. The 12.8% of the respondents had low knowledge about nutrition, 79.8% - moderate and 7.4% - good. From 94 patients, 37 had the patientprosthesis mismatch and overweight. The 35.1% of patients with the patient-prosthesis mismatch and overweight considered their nutritional habits as bad, 62.2% as moderate and 2.7% as good. In a group of patients without the patient-prosthesis mismatch the self-opinion about diet was bad in 20.8%, moderate in 72.9% and good in 6.3%. Conclusions: Dietary habits and nutritional knowledge in patients with aortic stenosis are inadequate. However, awareness of bad dietary habits in patients who are overweight and have patient-prosthesis mismatch is better compared to the remaining group of patients. The proper dietary education is needed in all patients with aortic stenosis.

AGNI AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN HEALTHY AND DISEASED INDIVIDUALS: A REVIEW

Agni is a vital factor for life. Maintenance of health depends upon agni. Agni digests ahara on which strength of body, complexion, and ojas depends. Agni should be maintained for overall health. Due to improper lifestyle or bad dietary habits, agni gets vitiated, which leads to ama formation and diseases. Aamvata and udara roga are examples of agni vitiation, which decrease the quality of life and health. Ayurveda has elaborated that ahara vidhi vidhana and ahara vidhi visheshaytana, and dwadsha asana vichara are codes and conducts for a diet which is essential for physiological and functional activities. Ritucharya and dinacharya should be followed for the restoration of agni. According to digestive power, ahara vihara should be taken properly to keep agni healthy. The health of the agni is directly proportional to an individual's physical and mental health. This article aims to emphasize the importance of agni in a healthy state, the role of agni in an individual's diseased state, and what one should do to maintain agni.

Spousal caregiver burden among patient with cognitive impairment: effects on nutrition and other lifestyle factors

AbstractBackgroundAmong old adults, caring for a spouse with cognitive decline is well‐known to be associated with significant risk to the caregiver`s health such as cardiovascular disease, depression and, especially, cognitive impairment. It is important to understand the caregiving‐related risk factors for caregiver`s cognitive decline. Therefore, in this study, we examined the impact of caregiver`s burden on the lifestyle factors (malnutrition, sleep, depression, and physical activity) influencing cognitive decline among SCGs, focusing on nutritional status which contribute to SCG’s cognitive decline.MethodFrom May 2020 to May 2021, clinical evaluation and blood tests were conducted for patients who visited Chungnam National University Hospital Geriatric Neuropsychiatric Clinic with their spouse. A total of 51 subjects were included in the analysis. As clinical assessment, we evaluated the care burden (Zait burden interview), depression(Geriatric‐Depression‐Scale), sleep quality (Pittsburgh‐Sleep‐Quality‐Index), cognitive function(Mini‐Mental‐state‐exmination) physical activity(International‐Physical‐Activity‐Questionnaire), and dietary habits (Mini‐Nutrional‐Assessment).ResultAs the care‐recipient’s cognitive function declined, the caregiver`s burden were increased (β = ‐0.66, p &lt; 0.001). In linear regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, the SCG`s burden was significantly associated with the worse dietary habits (β = ‐3.194, p = 0.003) and increased level of depressed mood (β = 0.525, p &lt; 0.001). The SCG`s burden showed a trend level association with sleep quality (β = 0.292, p = 0.050) but no significant relationship with physical activity (β = ‐0.053, p = 0.742). The results were unchanged after excluding care‐recipients with normal cognition (n = 7).ConclusionThis study provides substantial evidence that SCGs are at risk for depression and malnutrition, which can further affect cognitive decline. As such, these factors should be well assessed and monitored among SCGs for patient with cognitive impairment.

Hsa-miR-133a-3p, miR-1-3p, GOLPH3 and JUP combination results in a good biomarker to distinguish between prostate cancer and non-prostate cancer patients.

The incidence and mortality of Prostate Cancer (PCa) worldwide correlate with age and bad dietary habits. Previously, we investigated the mRNA/miRNA role on PCa development and progression using high fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Here our main goal was to investigate the effect of HFD on the expression of PCa-related miRNAs and their relevance in PCa patients. We identified 6 up- and 18 down-regulated miRNAs in TRAMP-C1 mice prostate tumors under HFD conditions using miRNA microarrays. Three down-regulated miRNAs: mmu-miR-133a-3p, -1a-3p and -29c-3p were validated in TRAMP-C1 mice prostate tumor by stem-loop RT-qPCR. Hsa-miR-133a-3p/1-3p expression levels were significantly decreased in PCa compared to normal tissues while hsa-miR-133a-3p was found to be further decreased in metastatic prostate cancer tumors compared to non-metastatic PCa. We examined the promoter region of hsa-miR-133a-3p/1-3p genes and compared methylation at these loci with mature miRNA expression. We found that hsa-miR-1-2/miR-133a-1 cluster promoter hypermethylation decreased hsa-miR-133a-3p/1-3p expression in PCa. GOLPH3 and JUP, two hsa-miR-133a-3p and miR-1-3p predicted target genes, were up-regulated in PCa. ROC analysis showed that the combination of hsa-miR-133a-3p, miR-1-3p, GOLPH3 and JUP is a promising panel biomarker to distinguish between PCa and normal adjacent tissue (NAT). These results link PCa aggressiveness to the attenuation of hsa-miR-133a-3p and miR-1-3p expression by promoter hypermethylation. Hsa-miR-133a-3p and miR-1-3p down-regulation may enhance PCa aggressiveness in part by targeting GOLPH3 and JUP.

The Family Level Assessment of Screen Use-Mobile Approach: Development of an Approach to Measure Children's Mobile Device Use.

There is a strong association between increased mobile device use and worse dietary habits, worse sleep outcomes, and poor academic performance in children. Self-report or parent-proxy report of children's screen time has been the most common method of measuring screen time, which may be imprecise or biased. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of measuring the screen time of children on mobile devices using the Family Level Assessment of Screen Use (FLASH)-mobile approach, an innovative method that leverages the existing features of the Android platform. This pilot study consisted of 2 laboratory-based observational feasibility studies and 2 home-based feasibility studies in the United States. A total of 48 parent-child dyads consisting of a parent and child aged 6 to 11 years participated in the pilot study. The children had to have their own or shared Android device. The laboratory-based studies included a standardized series of tasks while using the mobile device or watching television, which were video recorded. Video recordings were coded by staff for a gold standard comparison. The home-based studies instructed the parent-child dyads to use their mobile device as they typically use it over 3 days. Parents received a copy of the use logs at the end of the study and completed an exit interview in which they were asked to review their logs and share their perceptions and suggestions for the improvement of the FLASH-mobile approach. The final version of the FLASH-mobile approach resulted in user identification compliance rates of >90% for smartphones and >80% for tablets. For laboratory-based studies, a mean agreement of 73.6% (SD 16.15%) was achieved compared with the gold standard (human coding of video recordings) in capturing the target child's mobile use. Qualitative feedback from parents and children revealed that parents found the FLASH-mobile approach useful for tracking how much time their child spends using the mobile device as well as tracking the apps they used. Some parents revealed concerns over privacy and provided suggestions for improving the FLASH-mobile approach. The FLASH-mobile approach offers an important new research approach to measure children's use of mobile devices more accurately across several days, even when the child shares the device with other family members. With additional enhancement and validation studies, this approach can significantly advance the measurement of mobile device use among young children.

C85 IMPACT OF QUARANTINE ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS

Abstract Background Pandemic–related quarantine has led to critical lifestyle changes with possible detrimental consequences on health. The effects of lockdown on cardiovascular (CV) risk factors have been investigated to define patient–tailored strategies aimed at reducing the negative impact on CV health. Methods We administered a closed response survey to consecutive patients coming to our cardiac outpatient centre over a period of 10 days. Questions focused on quarantine–related lifestyle changes during March and April 2020. Results We enrolled 150 patients (62% male, mean age 65 years). The vast majority of subjects (73%) did not work due to retirement/unemployment, 14% worked in office and 13% worked from home. 50% had hypertension and/or diabetes and/or dyslipidemia, 33% had atrial fibrillation, 17% coronary artery disease, 6% had heart failure and 4% had a pacemaker/ICD implanted. Physical activity did not change for 44%, increased in 2%, decreased in 33% and was stopped in 21%. Dietary pattern remained the same in 73% while 22% consumed more junk food and 5% more healthy food. Body weight was not monitored in 35%, remained unchanged in 32%, increased in 28% and decreased in 5%. Among active smokers (22%), 86% reported higher cigarette consumption while 14% reduced/unchanged number of cigarettes per day. Sleep disorders were present in 73%. Regarding health needs, 16% had to reschedule medical check–ups due to personal choice or hospital unavailability. Conclusions Quarantine appeared to have different effects on CV risk factors. During lockdown, on–site work was limited, which may partially account for the observed lifestyle changes. Physical activity was reduced/interrupted in more than half of the population, whereas dietary pattern did not change in the vast majority of subjects, with only a small proportion reporting worse dietary habits. Body weight increased in only a minority of subjects, though this may be underestimated because most participants did not monitor their weight. Cigarette consumption was higher for the majority of active smokers. Similarly, sleep disorders were present in the vast majority of subjects. To conclude, consistent with current literature, our real–world data confirm that quarantine seems to have affected lifestyle habits defining CV risk profile differently. A patient–tailored approach should be implemented to minimise possible detrimental effects of quarantine on CV health.

Knowledge of diabetic foot complication, self-care beliefs and practices among patients attending a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases are a stumbling block to global development. Among the diseases, diabetes mellitus in particular, features a major public health problem with increasing prevalence. Foot ulcer ranks first among the complication of diabetes mellitus preceded by cellulitis. This study aimed at determining knowledge about diabetic foot complications, foot care practices, and the beliefs of diabetic patients towards diabetes. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional survey using a validated structured questionnaire was conducted among 199 Type 2 adult diabetic patients (≥18 years) who visited the hospital clinic and the wards during the study period. ResultsMore than half that is 118(59.3%) reported not to know that they may develop reduced blood flow in their feet, and 136(68.30%) reported unawareness of smoking as a contributor to reduced blood flow in their feet.Less than half which is 90(45.2%) of the patients reported to dry their feet often after washing, than half that is 96 (48.2%) always inspecting the inside of footwear before putting on, and only 54(27.1 %) of the participants reported never to walk barefooted. The patients’ beliefs on the causes of diabetes included; hereditary, bad dietary habits, inactivity, stress, being fat, punishment from God or gods, and witchcraft. ConclusionDiabetic patients demonstrated limited knowledge of diabetic foot complications and foot care practices. The patient’s beliefs on the causes of diabetes included; hereditary, bad dietary habits, inactivity, stress, being fat, punishment from God or gods, and witchcraft.

Effect of Dashamooladi Bastiin the Short Term Management of Amavata w.s.r. to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Context: Bad dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles affect Agni. Weakness of Agnileads to formation of Ama.Ama is indigested Aadya Rasa Dhatu. This Ama produces various Amaprodoshaja Vikara. Among these, Amavata is most challenging for physician. In Amavata Ama gets lodged in Kapha Sthanas with the help of vitiated Vyana Vayu. Thus Prakupita Ama and Vata both lodged in Kostha,Ttrika and Sandhi produces Shotha ,Shoola and Stabdhata. Due to their similar mode of presentation, a disease, rheumatoid arthritis can be broadly grouped under the heading Amavata. Aim: To evaluate the role of Dashmooladi Basti in short term management of Amavata w.s.r. to Rheumatoid arthritis. Material and Method: To emphasize the effect of Basti Karma on Amavata, 30 patients having classical sign and Symptoms of Amavata (R.A.) were selected for present study. Dashamooladi Basti was given indose of 240-320 ml (320 ml for 1st day and 240 ml for 2nd&amp; 3rd day) at NatibubhukshitaKala for 3 days to patients. The subjects for the study were patients who were between the age group of 16 and 60 years. Results: Wilcoxon sign rank test was used to access the effect of therapy on subjective criteria of thesis. Statistically highly significant relief was achieved in all the cardinal &amp; some associated features. Functional parameters were observed to be highly significant, highly significant changes were found on ESR and CRP but changes in RA factor were found insignificant. 40.0 % of the patients showed mild improvement and unimproved in rest as an overall effect. Conclusion: Dashamooladi Basti is effective in the management of Amavata. Most of patients had recurrence immediately after omitted treatment, so it can be said that, in Amavata long term treatment is required.

Role of Bifidobacterium spp. intake in improving depressive mood and well-being and its link to kynurenine blood level: an interventional study.

Evidence for the contribution of the brain-gut-microbiota axis to the depression pathophysiology is increasing nowadays. Disturbed gut microbiota equilibrium along with bad dietary habits both lead to kynurenine pathway abnormalities contributing to the depression pathophysiology. In this respect, many studies are found but the interventional clinical trials are limited. The present interventional study aims to evaluate the impact of Bifidobacterium spp. supplementation together with improving dietary intake on depressive mood and well-being and their correlation with kynurenine blood level in adult Egyptian healthy volunteers. A number of 98 healthy female volunteers with a mean age of 46.96 ± 1.82 years were selected and enrolled in this study. They were given yogurt enriched with Bifidobacterium spp. daily for eight weeks. Clinical examination as well as questionnaires for the evaluation of psychological well-being and depression were done at base line and after eight weeks of intervention. Fasting blood samples and stool samples were collected from all subjects at baseline and eight weeks after the intervention for the investigation of serum kynurenine concentration, blood hemoglobin, serum transaminases (ALT & AST) serum urea and creatinine as well as fecal Bifidobacterium count. Data revealed that both depression and well-being showed highly significant improvement combined with significant drop in kynurenine blood level after intervention. Also, a significant rise in fecal Bifidobacterium count and a significant improvement in hemoglobin level and activity of liver enzymes were recorded. After intervention, a significant negative correlation was recorded between depression and fecal Bifidobacterium count as well as between serum kynurenine level, and well-being. Bifidobacterium spp. supplementation combined with improvement in dietary intake resulted in improvement of depressive mood and well-being and reduced kynurenine blood level.

Impact of COVID-19 on Academic and Psychological aspects of Undergraduate Students in Bangladesh: A Case Study

Undergraduate students are considered susceptible in terms of anxiety, drug abuse, depression, and bad dietary habits in comparison to the general people. Their academic and psychological facets have severely been altered due to COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to identify the effect of COVID-19 on the academic and psychological aspects of undergraduate students in Bangladesh accompanied by other pertinent factors. Data were accumulated from the undergraduate students of the Fall semester 2020-21 of American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) by questionnaire provided through Microsoft Forms. The associations among the variables were assessed through the chi-square test. All the statistical analyses required to meet the goals of the study were done through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Nearly one-fourth of the students suffered from anxiety and depression at an extreme level while close to one-third of them suffered quite a bit signaling a tormenting psychological state of the students. Chi-square tests found that depression, anxiety, study hour, assessment of online learning, and income issue due to COVID-19 of the student had a highly significant association with effects on their study and psychological aspects. Failure to address the aforesaid issues during an epidemic might have negative consequences on the academic and psychological aspects in the long run.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: A Microbiome Modulation Technique for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and the fifth leading cause of death among the elderly. AD involves parts of the brain that can lead to progressive memory loss and impaired language skills and cognitive thinking, affecting one’s ability to carry out daily activities. Aging, bad dietary habits, family history, as well as altered gut microbiota composition may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Although the association between the imbalance of gut microbiota and AD is still difficult to determine, it has been suggested that dysbiosis can lead to the increased secretion of lipopolysaccharides and amyloid, which may impair the permeability of the intestine and the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, it can progress the process of neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta formation, and ultimately neuronal death. Microbiota-targeted interventions such as personalized diet, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) might represent a potential therapeutic option for AD. This review article discusses the procedure of FMT and its possible side effects on the recipient’s body. In addition, we review the role of FMT in the context of its application in various nervous system-related disorders (AD, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis).

Diabetes Prevalence and Risk Factors in Patients With Chronic Mental Illness on Second-Generation Antipsychotics

The rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are much higher in patients with chronic mental illness compared to the general population1. Second-generation antipsychotic medications (SGA) are clearly contributory to these adverse metabolic phenotypes2. Thus, annual monitoring of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels is recommended to screen for T2D in patients on SGA3. Of note, FPG, and also HbA1c, have poor sensitivities in detecting T2D early, with nearly 50% of cases being missed using either of the above tests when compared to oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (oGTT,4). We thus screened patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder on SGA per oGTT. We hypothesized that we would identify more patients with T2D per oGTT compared to FPG or HbA1c testing alone. To identify risk factors for T2D, we also assessed BMI, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure, dietary habits (UKDDQ = UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire), physical activity records (3d pedometer records), measures of psychopathology, cognition (PHQ-9 = Patient Health Questionnaire, SLUMS = Saint Louis University Mental Status exam) as well as HOMA IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), Matsuda index and lipid profile. Data were analyzed using SPSS, comparing normal and prediabetic patients to patients with T2D (per oGTT criteria). Thus far, we screened 22 patients per oGTT and newly identified 5 patients with T2D (23%), only one patient had T2D per HbA1c criterion, 4 were identified per elevated FPG, 3 patients had elevated 2h plasma glucose levels. Patients with T2D had significantly lower Matsuda indices (p<0.0001); trends towards higher HOMA IR and waist/hip ratios were observed in diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients (p=0.08). Patients with T2D tended to be heavier, had worse dietary habits (higher UKDDQ scores), and surprisingly were less depressed (lower PHQ-9 scores) than non-diabetic patients (p<0.25). In conclusion, oGTT is more sensitive in identifying patients with T2D early compared to FPG or HbA1c alone. Matsuda indices, HOMA IR and waist/hip ratios may serve as additional markers to distinguish non-diabetic from diabetic patients. Since metabolic syndrome and diabetes are all risk factors for an increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic mental illness, identifying and treating T2D early and aggressively should be primary goals of care in this high-risk patient population.

Exploring Healthy life Style of University Students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

University is a critical stage of life in which students are more likely to engage in unhealthy health behaviors such as physical inactivity, stress, and bad dietary habits. Health-promoting behaviors are an important component of a healthy lifestyle and have been reported as a key factor in sustaining and improving one's health. This study aimed to determine the healthy and unhealthy lifestyles of students in KPK universities by gender and location. In total, 384 university students took part in the study, with 200 authentic and fully completed questionnaires used to determine the overall sample. Data was gathered from six universities in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Males made up the majority of participants (109, 54.2 percent), while females made up the rest (91, 45.3 percent). The findings revealed that the causes had a significant effect on the health of university students. Adherence to guidelines for physical activity and healthy eating habits was found to be insufficient among students.