Changes In Food Habits Research Articles

Secondary Preventive Management of Kitibha Kushta (Plaque Psoriasis) - A case study

Levels of prevention has been a wide idea concept which includes all the aspects related to health and disease like preventive, curative, promotive and rehabilitative measures. Applicability of this concept in Ayurveda has elaborative understanding in a more simplified manner. Despite leading to both physical and psychological issues, the importance given to skin diseases is always the least. Changing food habits and lifestyle is being the major reason in the current era for increased prevalence of skin diseases especially in young adults. In a way to cope up with fast living culture, people are compromising with their health and well being which needs immediate attention and action. Early diagnosis and complete treatment is the basis of Kushta Chikitsa (treatment of skin diseases) and the same has been highlighted as a secondary preventive measure. One such case is being discussed here which is diagnosed initially and treated as per Ayurveda chikitasa siddhtanta (Ayurvedic treatment principle), considering Dosha (bio-forces of body), Agni(metabolism), Bala (Strength), Ritu (season) etc giving complete relief and self confidence of the patient. This not only prevents the further occurrence of complications due to chronicity but also brings back the faith in Ayurveda treatment modalities. It is high time to make the young minds realize the importance of healthy living, which otherwise can impair the health status of the nation, dragging back its growth and development.

The human microbiome proofed by the Anthropocene: from correlation to causality and intervention

The deleterious effects of human activities on biodiversity in the vegetal and animal world, and on climate changes are now well-established facts. However, little is yet known on the impact of human activities on microbial diversity on the planet and more specifically on the human microbiota Large implementation of metagenomics allows exaustive microbial cataloguing with broad spatio-temporal resolution of human microbiota. A reduction in bacterial richness and diversity in the human microbiota, particularly in the intestinal tract, is now established and particularly obvious in the most industrialized regions of the planet. Massive, uncontrolled use of antibiotics, drastic changes in traditional food habits and some elements of the "global exposome" that remain to identify are usually considered as stressors accounting for this situation of "missing microbes". As a consequence, a dysbiotic situation develops, a "dysbiosis" being characterized by the erosion of the central core of shared bacterial species across individuals and the development of opportunistic "pathobionts" in response to a weaker barrier capacity of these impoverished microbiota. The current challenge is to establish a causality link between the extension of these dysbiotic situations and the steady emergence of epidemic, non-communicable diseases such as asthma, allergy, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and some cancers. Experimental animal models combined with controlled, prospective clinical interventions are in demand to consolidate causality links, with the understanding that in the deciphering of the mechanisms of alteration of the human-microbiome symbiosis resides a novel exciting chapter of medicine: "microbial medicine".

Demographic and food frequency survey of a marginalized community in Almora, Uttarakhand, India

The demography and eating behaviour of the marginalized communities residing in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India, was investigated. It was observed that agriculture was the main income source along with other work such as labourer, black-smith, etc. Food consumption was mainly dependent upon either the Government Public Distribution System or on traditional coarse grains which were being produced only for their own consumption. Traditional food crops were being neglected in the Himalayan region due to the deterioration of local food systems, changing food habits, and lack of awareness of the uses and nutritional value of traditional crops.

Improved food habits and anthropometry among primary school children following a novel healthy eating programme.

Assess longer-term changes in food habits and anthropometry among Grades 1-2 primary school students from four public schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka, following a 3-week programme including a classroom-based motivational storybook discussion and self-monitoring food diary (FD). This follow-up study assessed changes from baseline (pre-intervention) BMI z-scores and food habits (increased healthy food-item consumption/decreased unhealthy food-item consumption reflected by an increase in FD score) and parental perceptions (anonymous questionnaires) among 863 students (aged 6-8 years), between 9 and 12 months after completing the programme (November 2019-February 2020). Food habits showed sustained improvement from baseline mean FD score (baseline vs. follow-up: 51 ± 23% vs. 67 ± 22%, p < 0.001), with children from all BMI subgroups (underweight [UW], normal weight [NW], overweight [OW] and obesity [OB]) showing a significant increase in FD scores (ranging from 14.1% to 17.2%, p < 0.001). BMI z-scores increased in children living with UW (-2.85 to -2.21, p < 0.00) and NW (-0.70 to -0.57, p < 0.001), but did not change in children with OW (+1.5 to +1.49, p = 0.83) and OB (+2.85 to +2.21, p = 0.19). Most parents (n = 497, 97.8%) reported satisfaction with programme outcomes. This programme led to sustained improvement in food habits among young primary school children from all BMI categories, increase in BMI towards the median among children living with UW and NW, and stabilization of BMI in children with OW and OB, suggesting it as a useful tool for improving nutritional status of young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) facing the double burden of under- and overnutrition.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review and Qualitative Study Using Systematic Literature Review and Reddit.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted how people accessed health services and likely how they managed chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Social media forums present a source of qualitative data to understand how adaptation might have occurred from the perspective of the patient. Our objective is to understand how the care-seeking behaviors and attitudes of people living with T2D were impacted during the early part of the pandemic by conducting a scoping literature review. A secondary objective is to compare the findings of the scoping review to those presented on a popular social media platform Reddit. A scoping review was conducted in 2021. Inclusion criteria were population with T2D, studies are patient-centered, and study objectives are centered around health behaviors, disease management, or mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exclusion criteria were populations with other noncommunicable diseases, examining COVID-19 as a comorbidity to T2D, clinical treatments for COVID-19 among people living with T2D, genetic expressions of COVID-19 among people living with T2D, gray literature, or studies not published in English. Bias was mitigated by reviewing uncertainties with other authors. Data extracted from the studies were classified into thematic categories. These categories reflect the findings of this study as per our objective. Data from the Reddit forums related to T2D from March 2020 to early March 2021 were downloaded, and support vector machines were used to classify if a post was published in the context of the pandemic. Latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling was performed to gather topics of discussion specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 26 studies conducted between February and September 2020, consisting of 13,673 participants, were included in this scoping literature review. The studies were qualitative and relied mostly on qualitative data from surveys or questionnaires. Themes found from the literature review were "poorer glycemic control," "increased consumption of unhealthy foods," "decreased physical activity," "inability to access medical appointments," and "increased stress and anxiety." Findings from latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling of Reddit forums were "Coping With Poor Mental Health," "Accessing Doctor & Medications and Controlling Blood Glucose," "Changing Food Habits During Pandemic," "Impact of Stress on Blood Glucose Levels," "Changing Status of Employment & Insurance," and "Risk of COVID Complications." Topics of discussion gauged from the Reddit forums provide a holistic perspective of the impact of the pandemic on people living with T2D, which were found to be comparable to the findings of the literature review. The study was limited by only having 1 reviewer for the literature review, but biases were mitigated by consulting authors when there were uncertainties. Qualitative analysis of Reddit forms can supplement traditional qualitative studies of the behaviors of people living with T2D.

Application of Drug Repurposing Approach for Therapeutic Intervention of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), represented by Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) characterized by chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain, cramping, loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Although the etiology of IBD remains unclear, it is believed to be an interaction between genes, and environmental factors, such as an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, changing food habits, an ultra-hygiene environment, and an inappropriate immune system. The development of novel effective therapies is stymied by a lack of understanding of the aetiology of IBD. The current therapy involves the use of aminosalicylates, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids that can effectively manage symptoms, induce and sustain remission, prevent complications, modify the course of the disease, provide diverse treatment options, showcase advancements in biologic therapies, and enhance the overall quality of life. However, the efficacy of current therapy is overshadowed by a plethora of adverse effects, such as loss of weight, mood swings, skin issues, loss of bone density, higher vulnerability to infections, and elevated blood pressure. Biologicals, like anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, can stimulate an autoimmune response in certain individuals that may diminish the effectiveness of the medication over time, necessitating a switch to alternative treatments. The response of IBD patients to current drug therapy is quite varied, which can lead to disease flares that underlines the urgent need to explore alternative treatment option to address the unmet need of developing new treatment strategies for IBD with high efficacy and fewer adverse effects. Drug repurposing is a novel strategy where existing drugs that have already been validated safe in patients for the management of certain diseases are redeployed to treat other, unindicated diseases. The present narrative review focuses on potential drug candidates that could be repurposed for the management of IBD using on-target and off-target strategies. It covers their preclinical, clinical assessment, mechanism of action, and safety profiles, and forecasts their appropriateness in the management of IBD. The review presents useful insights into the most promising candidates for repurposing, like anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic troxerutin, which has been found to improve the DSS-induced colitis in rats, an antiosteoarthritic drug diacetylrhein that has been found to have remarkable ameliorating effects on DSS-induced colitis via anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory properties and by influencing both apoptosis and pyroptosis. Topiramate, an antiepileptic and anticonvulsant drug, has remarkably decreased overall pathophysiological and histopathological events in the experimental model of IBD in rodents by its cytokine inhibitory action.

ETHNIC STUDY OF ADUWA KO JAANR, A LESSER-KNOWN FERMENTED GINGER MILD ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OF EASTERN HIMALAYAS

Consumption of fermented foods and beverages is a part of the dietary cultures of the Himalayan community and is prevalent amongst various ethnic groups in this region. Native of the Himalayan range ferment food and beverages using 'ethno-microbiological' knowledge acquired and practiced since ages, which lacks documentation. This knowledge is transmitted through practice and verbally to new generations. Women folk are engaged in this traditional fermentation culture with cultural and ethnic significance. In addition to its distinctive tastes, fermented foods and beverages provide health advantages to indigenous people. It becomes essential to highlight their scientific value due to their health benefits and ethnic relevance. The diverse nature of fermented foods and beverages, the fermentation process, and the traditional knowledge behind fermentation are a heritage of the eastern Himalayas. Traditional fermentation, in which raw materials are organic and natural starter culture is used, is part of the people's socio-economic lifestyle. Their preservation highlights organic and conventional practices as an excellent alternative to a healthy lifestyle. The present study documents a lesser-known mild-alcoholic fermented beverage, 'Aduwa ko Jaanr,' from the Eastern Himalayan region. A steady decline in traditional fermentation practices has recently been observed due to changes in food habits and culinary practices.

Development of Sustainable Integrated Farming Systems for Small and Marginal Farmers and Ecosystem Services -A Comprehensive Review

This review article shows a holistic approach regarding integrated farming system (IFS) for livelihood security and sustainable development of small and marginal households in India. Integrated farming systems are being developed for location specific because enormous problems are being aroused in the agriculture and allied sectors such as declined factor productivity, profitability, unscientific management of farm resources, decreases in crops and livestock productivity due to climate change, changes in food habits of the people, deprived soil health, low inputs use efficiencies, declined in crop diversification and biodiversity, increased cost of production, utilization of high energy inputs, produces low energy outputs and other problems are also coexisted in current farming system. The integrated farming system includes different components like crops, livestock, poultry, beekeeping, fisheries, mushroom, kitchen garden, boundary plantation and others to cultivate in an integrated way for efficient utilization of limited farm resources. Moreover, imperative need to resolve these ablaze issues with the help of development of location-specific integrated farming system modules/models. IFS is a tool of sustainable strategies for the meeting of assorted agrarian anxieties along with ensured food and nutritional security and conserved ecosystem services. The standardized and upscale IFS models increased the productivity and profitability of the farmers more than mono-cropping and single-farm enterprises. The conducted studies emphases about enhance soil quality indicators, recycling and saving plant nutrients by around 55.6% through proper management of farm-based waste and byproducts. A total of 265.18 kg nitrogen, 48.91 kg phosphorus and 269.48 kg potassium can be saved through recycled farm-based waste or byproducts of a 1.5 ha model which comprises nine components. In conclusion, IFS modules/models are emission-negative or low GHG emitters, paving the way for promoting of climate-friendly farming in India. IFS emerges as a holistic approach to increase climate-resilient, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, it is a potential for sustainable agriculture development requiring continued research, policy support and innovative strategies for widespread adoption. As regards to livelihood security, the IFS approach has adapted to meet the home-grown family needs of cereals, pulses, oils, fruits, milk, meat, eggs, and vegetables. The future direction for research includes vertical farming, climate-smart farming systems, and improving the quality and sustainability of the farming systems, especially for underprivileged farm householders.

Changing food choices: the option for high-protein foods and the move away from the Mediterranean diet

Purpose The growing importance placed on health and physical well-being by consumers continues to influence food industry choices. The food market therefore, pandering to the desires for a lean and athletic body, offers new products deemed more healthy and able to impact body image. It is evidenced, thus, a change in food choices and habits, with more attention to the quality and nutrient content of the products consumed, in which protein is assuming increasing importance. The purpose of the study is to highlight important changes in eating habits and in particular the increase in the consumption of high-protein foods, attributable to the focus on physical fitness and thinness, resulting in a decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the progressive loss of its positive impact on health.Methods and resultsThis analysis is based on CIRCANA srl data on food consumption trends (change percentage of quantity and value sales) in recent years. Specifically, between January and September 2022 vs. 2021, there was a 21.6% increase in the sale of high-protein products, significantly higher than all the previous ones.ConclusionsThe past few years have seen the gradual discovery of new products, at first little-known and niche, which are becoming major players on the national food consumption scene. The trend is toward a growing preference for high-protein foods and diets with the gradual abandonment of the Mediterranean and an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.Level of evidenceLevel IV, evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention.

An assessment of the water footprint of the population and agricultural crops in the natura 2000 site ROSCI0434 siretul mijlociu, Romania

The designation of a Natura 2000 site ROSCI0434 Siretul Mijlociu for the protection of habitats and species, whose development is closely tied to the aquatic environment, signifies that the management of water resources, and implicitly, the water footprint, has contributed to maintaining a balanced and favorable status for biodiversity conservation. Given that the Natura 2000 site was declared based on older studies, and the Management Plan for the protected natural area was not yet developed, we are now conducting an assessment of the impact of the water footprint in the current climatic conditions. This includes considering other predominant types of agricultural crops and changes in food habits. This evaluation aims to understand the relationship between the water footprint and the conservation status of species and habitats in light of these new circumstances.The blue and grey water components of the water footprint are the ones that directly affect the natural protected area out of the three components of the water footprint: green, blue, and grey water. The ecological impact of water use in ROSCI0434 Siretul Mijlociu is extensive, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants can harm habitats and species, while agricultural water usage alters habitats and disrupts hydrological patterns, impacting breeding and foraging grounds. Additionally, changes in water quantity and quality diminish ecosystem services like water purification and habitat provision, affecting biodiversity and human well-being.

Millets as nutri-cereals and its health benefits: an overview

Millets are one of the oldest foods known to humans, possibly the first cereal grain used for dietary. Since ancient times, millet has been widely consumed in Asia and India. Although millets are highly nutritious, their consumption still needs to be improved in the general and poor population due to less awareness regarding their nutritional values and health benefits. With changing food habits, increasing population, and uncontrolled use of natural resources, providing nutritious food to all is challenging. Natural plant resources are quickly depleting, and we must explore new alternatives. Besides the usual rice and wheat, many underutilized millets are less consumed, with great potential to replace routine cereal crops. Millets are one of the significantly underutilized crops with a nutri-cereal potential. Regular and excess consumption of common cereals contributed to developing and increasing the burden of lifestyle diseases. Millets are highly nutritious, gluten-free, and have rich dietary properties. Millets are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibres, energy, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamin B and minerals which help to prevent diseases like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancer, cardiovascular diseases. Cereal-based food products are supplemented with millet and have become popular due to nutritional and economic advantages. The millets have fostered immunity and health to continue the fight against malnutrition in children and adolescents. Ultimately, millet consumption furthers nutrition, food security and the welfare of farmers. This review furnishes crucial information about the compounds found in millets, highlighting their nutraceutical properties, health benefits, and other therapeutically significant elements that classify them as nutri-cereals.

Anti-Diabetic Potentials ofLactobacillus Strains by Modulating Gut Microbiota Structure and β-Cells Regeneration in the Pancreatic Islets of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Diabetes mellitus, a most common endocrine disorder of glucose metabolism, has become a global epidemic and poses a serious public health threat with an increased socio-economic burden. Escalating incidence of diabetes is correlated with changes in lifestyle and food habits that cause gut microbiome dysbiosis and β-cells damage, which can be addressed with dietary interventions containing probiotics. Hence, the search for probiotics of human origin with anti-diabetic, anti-AGE, and anti-ACE potentials has gained renewed interest for the effective management of diabetes and its associated complications. The present study used an alloxan (AXN)-induced diabetic rat model to investigate the effects of potential probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei MKU1, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus MKU3, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKU7 administration individually on physiochemical parameters related to diabetic pathogenesis. Experimental animals were randomly allotted into six groups viz. NCG (control), DCG (AXN), DGM (metformin), DGP1 (MKU1), DGP2 (MKU3), and DGP3 (MKU7), and biochemical data like serum glucose, insulin, AngII, ACE, HbA1c, and TNF-α levels were measured until 90days. Our results suggest that oral administration with MKU1, MKU3, or MKU7 significantly improved serum insulin levels, glycemic control, glucose tolerance, and body weight. Additionally, β-cell mass was increased by preserving islet integrity in Lactobacillus-treated diabetic rats, whereas TNF-α (~40%), AngII (~30%), and ACE levels (~50%) were strongly inhibited and enhanced sIgA production (5.8 folds) abundantly. Furthermore, Lactobacillus administration positively influenced the gut microbiome with a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus species and the beneficial Bacteroides uniformis and Bacteroides fragilis, while decreased the pathogenic Proteus vulgaris and Parabacteroides distasonis. Among the probiotic treatment groups, L. pentosus MKU3 performed greatly in almost all parameters, indicating its potential use for alleviating diabetes-associated complications.

The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Obesity.

In the developed world, pediatric obesity (PO) has been a major health concern since the last century, and this condition may lead to detrimental life-long physical and mental comorbidities. Currently, its prevalence has increased in low- and middle-income countries and in many high-income countries. Thus, the provision of effective and tailored care for children and their families has become vital. The social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are known everywhere, and among these, it has been argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on PO. Overall, the growth of PO over the last decade has been enhanced by the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children, adolescents and young adults gained weight as the pediatric population dealt with sedentary lifestyles and changes in food habits. In this review, we want to highlight the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on PO.

Scientific applicability in day-to-day practice on Granthokta Sutika Paricharya

Being a mother is most challenging and most rewarding position a woman ever holds, so motherhood is wonderful at the same time its hardest phase for woman. Giving birth to a new life is a beautiful moment a women will cherish forever. But after the delivery, mothers body encounters many physical and psychological changes which may lead to the generalized weakness and backache etc., if proper postnatal care is not taken. Mother needs to recover and heal from the physical and emotional distress experienced during the delivery. So, proper care in postnatal period is essential. Ayurveda classics emphasize on both prenatal and postnatal care of the mother. There is detailed description of postnatal period and care known as Sutika Kala and Paricharaya respectively. After the childbirth when placenta is expelled out then women is termed as Sutika[1] and Paricharya means following the diet, regimen and medicines (Aahara, Vihara and Aushadha) during the Sutika Kala (postnatal period). According to Acharyas, Mithyaachrana during Sutika Kala may result in incurable disease, so extreme care must be taken during this period.[2] The main prospective of the Sutika Paricharya is to retrieve the strength and vitality of the mother’s body same as non-pregnant state along with stabilization of the physiological and psychological health. It also improves the quality and quantity of breast milk of mother. In present time due to changing lifestyles and food habits Sutika Paricharya can be a solution to many problems faced due to Mithyaachrana during the Sutika Kala.

Immunohistochemical analysis of cdx2 and its correlation with histopathological parameters of gastric enteric and colorectal epithelial malignancies

:Gastrointestinal tract cancers have become the leading causes of death worldwide. In India, the incidence of gastrointestinal carcinomas is increasing due to urbanization, change in food habits and life style. According to National Cancer Registry, gastro-intestinal carcinomas are more common in men than women and more commonly seen in elderly age group. CDX2 is a caudal type Homeo-box gene, encoding a transcription factor that plays an important role in differentiation, proliferation, cell adhesion and migration. CDX2 is often deregulated in cancer and might have oncogenic and tumour suppressor potential.1) To know the expression of CDX2 in gastric, enteric and colo-rectal epithelial. malignancies. 2) To observe and analyse the staining pattern in various grades and stages of tumour.The resected specimens of gastric, enteric and colo-rectal carcinomas were collected from the Department of Pathology, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, during the year December 2019 to May 2021. Standard protocol for grossing and histopathological techniques were followed by immunohistochemical staining with CDX2 antibody. Expression of CDX2 marker and its staining pattern in various grades and stages of tumour were recorded and compared with patient’s clinicopathological parameters.A total of 67 cases of Gastrointestinal carcinomas were taken for the study. Positive CDX2 expression was seen in 58 out of 67 cases but the intensity of expression varied. There was significant statistical correlation between the CDX2 expression and histopathological grade (p value &amp;#60;0.05).The present study showed consistent expression of CDX2 in gastrointestinal carcinomas. The CDX2 expression decreased with increase in grade of the carcinoma.Therefore, CDX2 can be used as one of the prognostic indicators in intestinal variants gastrointestinal carcinoma.

The impact of RS–040 highway on wildlife roadkill patterns, Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil.

Road infrastructure has caused severe impacts on the environment and wildlife. Understanding and mitigating these effects are essential conservation measures. This study aimed to evaluate wildlife mortality due to animal-vehicle collisions along an 80-km stretch of the Tapir Rocha Highway (RS–040). The field inventory was carried out between August 2015 and March 2019. Once a week, two observers drove along the highway at an average speed of 40 km/h and all the vertebrate roadkill spotted from the car were assessed to record the species, carcass condition, and the roadkill locations along the road. In total, 2,371 dead animals were recorded and categorized into 137 species. The most affected classes were mammals (n = 1,223), and birds (n = 704). The most affected wild species were white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris, n = 559), black-and-white tegus (Salvator merianae, n = 129), and coypus (Myocastor coypus, n = 102). Carcass exposure assessments indicated that many (n = 637) of the animal deaths occurred the night before our arrival, which may suggest that nocturnal species were among the most vulnerable to mortality. Roadkill sighting peaked in the spring (34%) and summer (25%), probably due to reproductive activity and juvenile dispersal. Evident seasonal variations included a 50% reduction in reptile roadkill rates in autumn-winter compared to spring-summer, and a 20-percentage-point increase in the number of mammal road deaths in the winter. The reduced activity that reptiles display at low temperatures, and seasonal changes in carnivore food habits may explain these respective findings. While most of the animal victims of roadkill were common and widely distributed species with abundant populations, decreasing abundance of these species is a growing conservation concern.

Dental Experience, Anxiety and Oral health in Low Income Chennai Children

Background: Dental problems are more common in children nowadays due to the change in food habits. Various treatment modalities are available including fillings, root canal treatment, and crown. The ambience in the dental clinic and the noise created by the compressor, suction apparatus make the child apprehensive, low-income children have more exposure to noises and their fear threshold are more compared with high-income children. This study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental anxiety and the factors influencing dental anxiety and poor oral health among low-income children in Chennai.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty children were examined who reported to Pedodontic Department in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. The oral health status of male and female patients was assessed based on the decayed, filled teeth index, simplified oral hygiene index (OHI), and Streptococcus mutans score. The assessment excluded the patient who had facial deformities, and mentally retardant, suffering from congenital diseases. Dental anxiety was assessed using the facial image scale and Frankl scale. Early dental experience was classified as: no previous dental visits; preventive control; restorative treatment; and emergency visit.&#x0D; Results: Dental caries is the key factor for the child to visit the dental clinic. The dental setup and its factors are one of the triggering agents to child’s anxiety and previous dental experiences. Patients with systemic problems have a high rate of dental caries.&#x0D; Conclusion: In low-income children, prior dental experiences of six-year-old children were directly related to their dental caries experience. Children who had preventive visits and those who had never seen a dentist before had low rates of dental caries. Patients have a low percentage of dental visits for their preventive treatment due to the unawareness of their parents. Simplified OHI and dental anxiety levels showed no statistically significant differences among the types of previous dental experiences

Confronting Anxiety in the Era of COVID-19: Investigating the Prevalence and Impact on Daily Life in Bangladesh

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented stress levels and has significantly impacted daily life activities, including changes in food patterns, sleep disturbances, and reduced physical activity. This survey study aims to analyze the pervasiveness of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among Bangladeshi adults and its association with daily life activities. Methods: A randomized phone number generator was utilized to approach 1438 individuals aged 18 and above, out of which 412 participants volunteered for the study. Participants' anxiety level was estimated by using the GAD-7 score. Results: Out of the 412 respondents, 11.89% experienced severe anxiety, while 17.72% and 39.32% suffered moderate and mild anxiety, respectively. Severe anxiety was more prevalent among women (16%) than men (9.54%). The study found that sleeping for less than eight hours was associated with an increased likelihood of severe anxiety (OR = 4.87), while fewer changes in food habits (OR = 0.27), less online exposure (OR = 0.01), and engaging in some physical activity (OR = 0.20) were associated with the reduced likelihood of anxiety. Conclusion: This survey study highlights to give more emphasis of monitoring anxiety during a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study establish a significant correlation between GAD and everyday life activities, emphasizing the need to prioritize mental health initiatives during such unprecedented times. Bioresearch Commu. 10(1): 1378-1385, 2024 (January)

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF RAKTAVAHA SROTAS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TARUNYA PITTIKA

Srotas means pores or channels are present in the whole body. Raktavaha Strotas are channels carrying Rakta Dhatu. Rakta Dhatu is the second Dhatu, and its main function is Jeevanam. The Mulasthan or root of Raktavaha Strotas are Yakrut and Pleeha.The Rakta dhatu (blood), which is also referred to as the fourth Dosha by Ayurveda, is one of the essential functional elements of the body of which formation, transformation, and conduction are carried out by Raktavaha Srotas. Nowadays, changing food habits and a sedentary lifestyle are the rapid and significant causes of Raktavaha Srotas Dushti. also, fast food is becoming a slow poison for everyone and is free from nutritional value. Intake of the Vidahi Anna and Pana, Snigdha Aahar, and Ushna Drava, along with exposure to sunlight and air, leads to Raktavaha Srotas Susti piercing injury to Mulasthana of Raktavahi Srotas, causes skin diseases. The diseases of Raktavaha Srotasa mentioned in the Samhita are Kustha, Visarpa, Pidika, and Raktapitta.

Traditional processing methods for quality enhancement of indigenous basil seeds and formulation of functional flours

The changing food habits and lifestyle led to consumption of faulty diets with increased prevalence of life style diseases in India. This has spurred health consciousness among food consumers and enhanced the demand for functional foods. The indigenous underutilised clove and sweet basil seeds being rich source of fibre (36.23, 28.85%), protein (9.16, 8.55%), polyphenols (17.28, 17.71 mg GAE/g extract) and antioxidants (266.13 and 344.63 mg TE/g extract), exhibited vast potential for formulation of functional flours. Traditional processing methods such as roasting, fermentation and germination have significantly enhanced the nutritional and antioxidant properties of both the seeds. Among them, germination was found to be ideal processing technique with relatively higher fibre, protein, total mineral, phenolic contents, antioxidant capacity and less fat content. Henceforth, processing of basil seeds in a traditional way could significantly enhance their quality and promote their utilisation as functional ingredients for designing healthy foods.