Body Functions Research Articles

Exploring the Potential Effect of Negative Air Ions for Rehabilitation in Cerebral Palsy and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Exploring the Potential Effect of Negative Air Ions for Rehabilitation in Cerebral Palsy and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Sociolinguistics Study of Swear Words Found in Songs from Album “The Sailor” 2019 by Rich Brian

This research examines the use of swear words found in the lyrics of songs from album “The Sailor” 2019 by Rich Brian. It employs qualitative analysis to categorize and explore swear words, using frameworks by Wardhaugh (2006) for classification and Rothwell (1973) for purposes. Seven profanity categories are identified as mother in-law, animal, sex, death, excretion, bodily function, and religious matters. The study uncovers five purposes for profanity use in the songs: to get attention, to discredit someone or something, to provoke, to create interpersonal identification, to provide catharsis. Analyzing 89 instances, 11 profanity types are found, with "fuck" being most frequent (35 times). The prevalent purpose is to “provide catharsis.” Swear words’ presence underscores its societal significance, revealing diverse meanings based on users and contexts. This research illuminates sociolinguistic aspects of rap songs and swear words’ role in today's society.

Local Self-Government Autonomy in Saint Petersburg

In modern history, public authority has expanded its political and legal interpretation. By an amendment to the Constitution of the Russian Federation from 2020 on improving the regulation of certain issues of the organization and functioning of public authority, the bodies of local self-government were included among the bodies of public authority. Based on Article 132 of the RF Constitution, LSG bodies entered the unified system of public authority in the Russian Federation and began to cooperate with state authorities for the most effective resolution of tasks in the interests of the population residing in the respective territory.The European Charter on Local Self-Governance defines and the Constitution of the Russian Federation enshrines the historical and legal basis for the establishment of local self-governance in a particular territory — its autonomy. The cultural and historical peculiarities of the inhabitants of these territories must be taken into account.The people of St Petersburg exercise their constitutional right to exercise power through local government. It has its own cultural code, which is expressed in special history, local customs and traditions, a multinational population, and a multitude of confessions. Local self-government is represented by 111 inner-city municipalities and 1 Council of Municipalities. Local government is regulated by the law on organization of local government in St Petersburg. The degree to which the residents’ right to power, and thus political stability in the region, depends on the quality of the local government’s performance of its powers.The 2019 municipal elections changed the quality of the representative bodies by supplementing them with independent, non-systemic deputies. This circumstance allowed for a different perspective on the specifics of local government and the functioning of LSG bodies. In the opinion of the authors, this renewal is not so much the desire of the population of the metropolis to change the composition of the representative bodies, but rather the consequence of a consistent government policy of centralizing local self-governance. After the incorporation of local self-governance into the system of public authorities and the artificial subordination of its legal nature to the needs of state power, the managerial principle of federal megacities of urban unity became the main reason, exploiting which, as a screen, the state power consistently deprives LSG bodies of independence, reducing the financial basis, the number of issues of local significance, and traditionally local functionality.The article attempts to determine the level of autonomy of LSG bodies of St. Petersburg, the direction of the vector of normative-legal regulation of state power in relation to the constitutional institution, to analyze the results of the findings, to draw conclusions and to assess the level of autonomy of local self-government in the political aspect, as well as the possible consequences of such state policy on the ground.The aim of this article is to provide scientific substantiation of necessity of certain decisions of state power bodies with the aim of preventing governmentalization of local self-government in St. Petersburg, to offer concrete measures for decision-making by state power bodies.

Impact of home quarantine on physical fitness of school-aged children in Xi’an during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked unprecedented global challenges. This study intends to investigate changes in the physical fitness of students aged 6–22 during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess how the pandemic lockdown period affected these markers.MethodsAccording to the National Student Physical Health Standard, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to evaluate the body shape, body function, and physical fitness of children and adolescents (n = 8092) in Xi’an from 2019 to 2021. This study uses SPSS 26.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) for data statistics and analysis. The connection between physical fitness and years was measured using the one-variable analysis in the general linear model (GLM). Independent t-tests were used to determine the sex (male/female) and area (urban/rural) differences.ResultsDuring the lockdown period, Body Mass Index (BMI) and flexibility showed an upward trend, while aerobic, strength, speed, and endurance showed a downward trend. In addition to the BMI of middle and high school students, almost all indicators show significant sex differences. There are urban-rural differences in some indicators, such as chin-ups.ConclusionDuring the pandemic of COVID-19, the physical fitness of children and adolescents in Xi’an did not change significantly, and there were slight differences among different grades. During the pandemic lockdown period, lifestyle changes and reduced outdoor activities for children and adolescents may be the reasons for the changing trend of various indicators.

Physicochemical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Sensory Characteristics of Selected Kinds of Edible Oils

The aim of this study was to determine the peroxide values, acid numbers, oxidative stability (Rancimat method), antioxidant activity (DPPH method), antimicrobial activity (disc diffusion method), sensory properties (9-point hedonic scale), and fatty acid profiles (FAME) of five edible oils purchased from local Slovakian producers—grape seed oil, flax seed oil, walnut oil, poppy seed oil, and milk thistle seed oil. The peroxide value ranged from 2.27 (milk thistle oil) to 8.51 (flax seed oil) mmol O2/kg. All these values were in accordance with regulations (upper limit of 20 mmol O2/kg). The values of the acid number ranged from 0.11 (walnut oil) to 2.49 (milk thistle oil) mg KOH/g, and were in accordance with regulations as they did not exceed the value of 4 mg KOH/g. The oxidation stability was the lowest in flax seed oil (0.18 h) and the highest in grape seed oil (2.05 h). In milk thistle oil, the highest amounts of oleic and behenic acids, in flax seed oil, the highest amount of α-linolenic acid, and in grape seed oil, the highest amount of linolic acid were determined. Antioxidant activity was the strongest in the sample of grape seed oil—65.53 mg TEAC/L (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). Samples of flax seed oil showed the strongest inhibition of Candida albicans CCM 8186 (4.58 mm) and Bacillus subtilis CCM 2010 (0.31 mm). Poppy seed oil was determined to be the most inhibiting towards Klebsiella pneumoniae CCM 2318 (3.68 mm). Milk thistle oil showed the strongest inhibition of Clostridium perfringens CCM 4435 (6.31 mm). Grape seed oil was the most inhibitory towards Staphylococcus aureus subs. aureus CCM 2461 (5.32 mm). Walnut oil showed the strongest activity towards Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671 (6.33 mm). The sensory analysis resulted in the samples of walnut and grape seed oil being awarded the highest scores for smell, taste, and overall acceptability. The tested edible oils are rich in biologically active compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Their consumption can have a positive effect on the functioning of the human body and its health. Proper storage conditions are, however, necessary because of the susceptibility of these oils to oxidation.

Dynamics of the Efficiency of Providing Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Assistance to Victims with Spine Injuries

The degree of damage to spine is now a threat to health and optimal functioning of the human body in the post-traumatic period. Taking into account the peculiarities of the mechanism of psychogenic disorders in the conditions of the full-scale Russian invasion contributes to the specialist’s readiness for stress and conflict situations during the rehabilitation period of work with the victims. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the dynamics of the effectiveness of providing multidisciplinary rehabilitation care to victims with spinal cord injuries. Psychocorrection should contain a list of training exercises aimed at the development of self-awareness, improvement of psychological culture, improvement of reflective personality characteristics, self-actualization and will involve mastering the skills of voluntary psychophysical self-regulation of the state. Research methods. Among psychodiagnostic methods, the following were used: the questionnaire «Change in the quality of life due to the disease», the method of determining the intensity of the pain syndrome according to the visual analog pain scale (VAS) and the Minnesota Multi-Profile Personality Questionnaire (MMRI-2) to assess the psychological status of the individual. The characteristics of motor activity were determined according to the dynamics of Hauser’s gait index, which determines the mobility of the victim and his ability to move freely and the need for auxiliary means of support. Research results. In subjects with spinal cord injury during hospitalization and psychocorrection changes in the gait state according to the Hauser index (muscle strength) were improved from 3.18±0.13 points on average for the group to 4.9±0.63 after the injury. This indicates that after 10-12 months’ treatment all subjects moved without the help of other attendants, some of whom were completely independent, within and outside the home to overcome thresholds and low curbs. Motor activity and gait were improved; there was a noticeable decrease in the intensity of pain, anxiety and depression.

Imperceptible liquid metal based tattoo for Human-Machine interface on hairy skin

Biopotential signals recorded by skin surface electrodes reflect the state of the body and corresponding organ functions. These signals are commonly utilized in clinical diagnosis, health monitoring, sports training, and human–computer interaction. However, the utilization of conventional electrodes on hairy skin causes a number of issues, including suboptimal skin compliance, obstructed sweat secretion and impaired tactile perception, making it difficult to obtain long-term and high-fidelity biopotential recordings. Here, we propose an imperceptible spray-on electrode tattoo (SE-tattoo) with sweat-permeability, high adhesiveness, high conductivity, and fast curing ability (<20 s). The water-based conductive ink is sprayed directly on the hairy skin to form a conformable conductive tattoo that neither affects nor is affected by the skin hair. We demonstrate it for heart health monitoring, sports training, electro-tactile display and close-loop teleoperation control. The SE-tattoo offers a reliable and versatile solution to biopotential recordings and serves as a promising platform for bidirectional human–machine interaction.One-Sentence Summary: Imperceptible sweat-permeable SE-tattoo enables high-fidelity biopotential recordings for bidirectional human–machine interaction.

Analisis Beban Kerja Mental saat Mengoperasikan Smartphone dengan Memperhatikan Postur Tubuh: Pendekatan Menggunakan Metode NASA-TLX

Work physiology is the study of understanding how the human body adapts and functions in the work environment. Occupational physiology involves the study of the body's physiological responses to work-related demands and stress. This understanding is necessary to protect workers' health and welfare, as well as increase work productivity and efficiency. This research aims to analyze physiological workload by focusing on measuring mental workload, using the NASA-TLX method. Research activities were carried out on 12 students from the Department of Industrial Engineering, Universitas Mataram. Students were divided into 3 groups according to their assigned work posture, namely standing (Group A), sitting (Group B), and lying down (Group C). The results showed that the order of subjects with the highest mental workload was subject 1A (78.97%) with a standing posture, 2B (77.33%) with a sitting posture, and 4A (73.57%) with a standing posture. Based on these results, the final conclusion that can be drawn is that the mental workload in standing and sitting postures is what is most felt by the subject when operating the smartphone. These results conclude that different postures when operating a smartphone can affect the user's mental workload Keywords: Mental, NASA-TLX, Posture, Smartphone, Workload.

Medical rehabilitation in dermatology : Goals, program content, and application process

Medical rehabilitation plays an important role in the management of patients with chronic dermatoses and dermato-oncological diseases. Which dermatological indications qualify for amedical rehabilitation? What forms need to be completed for asuccessful application? Which treatments are provided and what are goals to be accomplished during dermatological rehabilitation? Evaluation of current guidelines, directives, and recommendations as well as exemplary reviews. Dermato-oncological diseases and every chronic dermatological disease that is associated with alimitation of body functions and structures, activity and participation is eligible for medical rehabilitation. They include need, ability to absolve arehabilitation, and afavorable prognosis. Treatments range from therapy of the underlying dermatological condition to interdisciplinary treatment of comorbidities with the aim of restoring functional health. Medical rehabilitation follows aholistic approach and represents asignificant addition to outpatient and acute inpatient care, often leading to along-term improvement in clinical outcome, participation, and activity.

Primary disablement of the adult population due to schizophrenia: structure, medical and social aspects

Substantiation. The article presents the structure and medical and social aspects of the primary disablement of the adult population of the Altai Region due to schizophrenia for the period from 2015 to 2019. Purpose of the study: to investigate the structure of primary disablement of the adult population of the Altai Region due to schizophrenia (by sex, age, place of residence, the main types, and degree of impairment of body functions and life limitations) and present the medical and social characteristics of patients first recognized as disabled. Material and methods. During the study, statistical data of the Federal State Institution «Main Bureau of Medical and Social Expert Examination for the Altai Region» of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation were used. The material of the study included reporting forms No. 7‑sobes (n=5), protocols for conducting medical and social expert examination in the federal state institution of medical and social expert examination (n=745), and forms No. 088 / u of medical organizations (n=745). The research period was 2015‑2019. Research methods: documentary, data copying, statistical, and analytical methods. Results. The study has indicated that in the structure of primary disablement of the adult population of the Altai Region due to schizophrenia, urban residents predominate, while men prevail in the gender category. More than 90.0 % of the patients first recognized as disabled due to schizophrenia are citizens of working age. The vast majority of the patients did not work at the time of examination, while having a professional education. More than half of the patients,mostly men, were not married, had no children, and lived with their parents. In more than 90.0 % of the patients, the paranoid type of schizophrenia led to disability, and the main maladapting syndrome involved emotional and volitional disorders. More than 60.0 % of the patients had persistent moderate impairment of body functions; life limitations were more frequently detected in the following categories: the ability to work, the ability to communicate, and the ability to control one»s behavior. More often, patients with schizophrenia obtained the third group of disability during the initial examination. Conclusion. The results of the study can be a scientific and practical basis for planning and effective implementation of comprehensive rehabilitation of disabled patients with this pathology.

CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND TSH VALUES IN A POPULATION WITH CASSAVA AS STAPLE FOOD

Background: Tapioca is one of the staple foods of the people of Kerala. If it is not prepared properly during cooking the cyanide present in it will interfere with body functions. The cyanide is metabolized into thiocyanate by the liver. Thiocyanate has been shown to interact with the blood pressure and thyroid function. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to observe the variation in physiology of the human body due to the effect of low dose cyanide in diet on the blood pressure and thyroid function. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in the department of General Medicine out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital of central Kerala. This research was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. The blood pressure of each subject was recorded. The fasting TSH values of each subject were determined. Results: There were no significant changes in the systolic blood pressure in hypothyroid group (p=0.288) and hyperthyroid group (p=0.915). There were no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure in hypothyroid group (p=0.270) and in hyperthyroid group (p=0.813). There was significant difference in TSH values in the hypothyroid group (p=0.001) and in the hyperthyroid group (p=0.001) compared to the matched controls. Conclusions: The above study did not show significant changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to matched controls. These findings are unusual since thyroid dysfunction is known to cause increase in blood pressure as seen in various other studies. This means low dose cyanide in diet in a population with cassava as staple food might be protective from hypertension and is good for the cardiovascular system. There was significant increase in TSH values in the hypothyroid group. There was significant decrease in TSH values in hyperthyroid group. These findings are comparable with the values obtained in other studies.

Nanotechnology - an innovative approach to cope with the distinctive challenges linked with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The brain stands out as the most intricate organ in the human body, governing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions. It is susceptible to various diseases, ranging from injuries to cancers and neurodegenerative conditions, making brain disorders a significant cause of disability and mortality. Overcoming challenges such as delivery, specificity, and toxicity has been a persistent issue in developing drugs that enhance brain structure and function, especially those that can traverse the complex barriers surrounding the brain. Nanotechnology represents a groundbreaking approach to address the unique challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One significant challenge in ASD is early and accurate diagnosis. Nanotechnology can contribute to the development of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools, enabling the identification of biomarkers associated with ASD at an earlier stage. These nanoscale devices may facilitate a more precise understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms, leading to improved diagnostic capabilities. In terms of intervention, nanotechnology can enhance drug delivery systems, allowing for the more targeted and efficient administration of medications. This targeted drug delivery can potentially mitigate side effects while maximizing the therapeutic impact, addressing some of the challenges in managing the diverse symptoms of ASD. Despite the promising potential of nanotechnology in addressing ASD challenges, it is essential to approach these innovations with ethical considerations, ensuring that the benefits are accessible and equitable for individuals with ASD. Ongoing research and collaboration between experts in nanotechnology and autism can lead to transformative advancements in understanding, diagnosing, and managing ASD. This review delves into the application of nanotechnology in diagnosing and treating ASD and shedding light on the promising role of nanoparticles.

Rehabilitation needs screening to identify potential beneficiaries: a scoping review

ObjectivesThe aim is to identify and compare the content of screening tools and needs assessments used to select rehabilitation beneficiaries and to describe the context of their use.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesWe...

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SURGERY WAITING TIME FOR COLLUM FEMUR FRACTURE WITH FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN PATIENTS OVER 65 YEARS OLD AT PROF. DR. I.G.N.G NGOERAH DENPASAR IN 2021

Fractures are common occurrence, especially in the elderly. One type of fracture with the most cases is neck fracture of the femur. The presence of a fracture can sometimes interfere with the body's functional activities, both before and after surgery. Different treatment times will result in varying outcomes, as in mortality and postoperative body function. This study aims to determine the relationship between waiting time for collum femur fracture surgery with functional outcome in patients who aged over 65 years. This study was an observational study with a retrospective analytic cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used is total sampling, which by taking all available samples. Members of the research sample will be interviewed about their body's functional abilities using the Modified Harris Hip Score scoring system. The obtained interview results will be calculated and categorized. Furthermore, the data will be tested by Chi-Square Test to determine its significance. Interviews were conducted on 19 willing families. A total of 12 people underwent surgery with waiting time 5 days post-trauma, and 7 people underwent surgery with waiting time &gt;5 days post-trauma. The results of the interviews showed that as many as 7 people died after surgery after 1 year. Meanwhile, the scoring results show that the most functional outcomes are in the bad category. The results of the Chi-Square Test showed that there was no significant difference in waiting time for surgery on post surgery outcome (p&lt;0.05). Waiting time for surgery on collum femur fractures shows no significance on functional outcome in patients over 65 years of age.

Effects of the Neuropeptides Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Male Fertility.

Background and Objectives: The neuroendocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including reproduction, with evidence suggesting its significant involvement in male fertility and sperm development. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) are expressed in both male and female reproductive tissues, influencing penile erection and regulating steroidogenesis in males. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the protein levels of VIP and PACAP in seminal plasma between healthy controls and sub-fertile patients. Additionally, we sought to correlate the levels of these biomarkers with clinical, functional, and laboratory findings in the participants. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 163 male participants for analysis. The participants were further stratified into subgroups of fertile and sub-fertile men of four subgroups according to the 2021 WHO guidelines. Seminal plasma concentrations of the neuropeptides VIP and PACAP were measured using human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The findings showed statistically significant differences in total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, and vitality (p < 0.001) between the fertile group and the sub-fertile group. Specifically, significant differences found between healthy males and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.002), and between asthenospermic and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.039). An ROC analysis showed associated sensitivity and specificity values of 62.2% and 55.6%, respectively, to PACAP seminal levels differentiated between sub-fertile patients from fertile males (p = 0.028). No significant difference in seminal levels of VIP was found between the sub-fertile and fertile groups. Conclusions: Previous research leads to the point of PACAP active involvement in spermatogenesis. In accordance to our study, in human semen samples, we have seen a significance change in PACAP levels amongst patients with low sperm count or with both low sperm count and low motility, hinting at its contribution and acting as a possible factor in this complex process. Thus, alterations in the levels or actions of these neuropeptides have been associated with certain reproductive disorders in males.

Sodium and Human Health: What Can Be Done to Improve Sodium Balance beyond Food Processing?

Sodium plays a key role in the regulation of water balance and is also important in food formulation due to its contribution to the taste and use in the preservation of many foods. Excessive intake of any essential nutrient is problematic and this seems to be particularly the case for sodium since a high intake makes it the nutrient most strongly associated with mortality. Sodium intake has been the object of recommendations by public health agencies such as the WHO and this has resulted in efforts by the food industry to reduce the sodium content of packaged foods, although there is still room for improvement. The recent literature also emphasizes the need for other strategies, e.g., regulations and education, to promote adequate sodium intake. In the present paper, we also describe the potential benefits of a global healthy lifestyle that considers healthy eating but also physical activity habits that improve body functionality and may help to attenuate the detrimental effects of high sodium intake on body composition and cardiometabolic health. In conclusion, a reduction in sodium intake, an improvement in body functioning, and educational interventions promoting healthy eating behaviours seem to be essential for the optimal regulation of sodium balance.

Effect of resistance circuit training on comprehensive health indicators in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aging process leads to the degeneration of body structure and function. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of resistance circuit training (RCT) on comprehensive health indicators of older adults. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched until August 2023. Primary outcomes were body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy. Muscle function and exercise intensity subgroups were analyzed. RCT reduces body fat (MD = − 5.39 kg, 95% CI − 10.48 to − 0.29), BMI (MD = − 1.22, 95% CI − 2.17 to − 0.26), and body weight (MD = − 1.28 kg, 95% CI − 1.78 to − 0.78), and increases lean body mass (MD = 1.42 kg, 95% CI 0.83–2.01) in older adults. It improves upper limb strength (SMD = 2.09, 95% CI 1.7–2.48), lower limb strength (SMD = 2.03, 95% CI 1.56–2.51), cardiorespiratory endurance (MD = 94 m, 95% CI 25.69–162.67), and functional autonomy (MD = − 1.35, 95% CI − 1.73 to − 0.96). High-intensity RCT benefits BMI and body weight, while low-intensity exercise reduces blood pressure. RCT improves muscle function in push, pull, hip, and knee movements in older adults. RCT improves body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy in older adults. High-intensity training is superior for body composition, while moderate to low intensity training is more effective for lowering blood pressure.

Revisiting the beyond BMI paradigm in excess weight diagnosis and management: A call to action.

Adolphe Quételet, a 19th-century Belgian sociologist and statistician, pioneered the incorporation of statistics into social sciences. He initiated the development of anthropometry since he was interested in identifying the proportions of the 'ideal man'. He devised a ratio between weight and height, originally termed the Quételet Index, and today widely known and used as the body mass index or BMI. In 1835, he demonstrated that a normal curve accommodates the distribution of human traits articulating his reasoning on human variance around the average. Quételet's long-lasting legacy of the establishment of a simple measure to classify people's weight relative to an ideal for their height endures today with minor variations having dramatically influenced public health agendas. While being very useful, the limitations of the BMI are well known. Thus, revisiting the beyond BMI paradigm is a necessity in the era of precision medicine with morphofunctional assessment representing the way forward via incorporation of body composition and functionality appraisal. While healthcare systems were originally designed to address acute illnesses, today's demands require a radical rethinking together with an original reappraisal of our diagnosis and treatment approaches from a multidimensional perspective. Embracing new methodologies is the way forward to advance the field, gain a closer look at the underlying pathophysiology of excess weight, keep the spotlight on improving diagnostic performance and demonstrate its clinical validity. In order to provide every patient with the most accurate diagnosis together with the most appropriate management, a high degree of standardization and personalization is needed.

AYURVEDA FOR YOGA AND MENTAL HEALTH

Life constitutes of mind, body and soul. The mind-body connection is very important, and Mind is called as the supreme controller of all the sense organs. Physical imbalances can disturb the mental state while mental illness leads to disruptions of body functions. The need for effective population mental health promotion approaches is urgent as mental health concerns are escalating globally. Successfully alleviating stress has the potential to promote wellbeing and prevent illness. Worldwide Ayurveda and Yoga is gaining popularity as an accessible, acceptable and safe remedial practice for mind and body. Ayurveda stands by its definition of health, in which a healthy mind plays an important role. Yoga’s added benefit is that it improves physical and mental fitness and encourages self-reliance. In this brief article we discuss the role of Ayurveda and Yoga as a form of mental health promotion and prevention of mental disorders.

The effect of circadian timing program for evening-chronotype individuals with obesity on obesity management and sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the effect of the circadian timing program (SİZAP) developed for evening-chronotype individuals with obesity on obesity management and sleep quality. MethodsThis single-site, randomized controlled trial with an experimental research design was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. It was reported in accordance with the “Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials” (CONSORT) randomized controlled trial guidelines. The study sample consisted of 38 evening-chronotype individuals with first-degree obesity, with 19 individuals in each study group. The intervention group's sleep hygiene training was conducted and their lifestyle changes were ensured through SİZAP. The control group followed their normal daily lifestyle. No intervention was made in terms of the dietary practices of both groups. Study data were collected using the personal information form, the anthropometric measurement form, the Horne and Ostberg Morning and Evening Questionnaire (MEQ), the Impact of weight on quality of life–lite (IWQOL-lite), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the sleep diary, and the data tracked via the website and smart bracelets. ResultsIt was determined that the participants in the SİZAP group had a statistically significant decrease in the anthropometric measurements and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.05). The sleep quality scores and the scores of the bodily functions sub-dimension of the quality of life scale were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). ConclusionIt was found that SİZAP is effective in obesity management in evening-chronotype individuals and increases weight loss success and sleep quality.