Development Of Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Genetic Signature of a Healthy Lifestyle: New Horizons for Preventing Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases by Modulating MicroRNA-155.

The development and progression of several noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with microRNA (miR) 155 (miR-155) activation, which promotes inflammation and oxidative stress. In particular, miR-155 regulates nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) by silencing gene expression of proteins involved in NF-κB suppression, such as suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and SH-2 containing inositol 5' polyphosphate 1 (SHIP1), increases the production of reactive oxygen species, and suppresses gene expression of antioxidant enzymes through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibition. In this context, a healthy lifestyle based on a diet rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds as well as regular physical activity may modulate the activity of several miRs. Following this concept, studies involving nutrients, bioactive compounds, and physical activity have been developed to modulate miR-155 activation. This narrative review aims to discuss how a healthy lifestyle based on a diet rich in nutrients, bioactive compounds, and physical activity may modulate the miR-155 pathway and consequently prevent the development and progression of NCDs. Nutrients and bioactive compounds from food may act by inhibiting pathways that promote miR-155 activation such as NF-κB and promote activation of pathways that are associated with the downregulation of miR-155, such as Nrf2, and SOCS1 pathways. Regular physical activity also seems to influence miR-155 levels through an improvement in the immune system during muscle recovery. There is relevant evidence that shows a positive effect of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and physical activity with the modulation of miR-155, which can potentially provide benefits in the clinical setting in cases of NCDs.

Lifestyle, meal times, and sleep patterns changes in higher education professors during COVID-19: Association with non-communicable chronic diseases.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions had to swiftly adapt and transition to remote teaching in order to maintain academic activities. However, these changes presented a number of challenges for professors, which could have negative effects on their health. To analyze the association between changes in dietary and sleep habits, physical activity level, and sedentary behavior with the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Brazilian higher education professors during the pandemic period. This is a cross-sectional and retrospective study conducted using an online form. Generalized linear models, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, were used to verify the difference between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Logistic regression models were used to predict the odds ratio (OR) for the development of NCDs according to physical activity time, sedentary behavior time, dietary and sleep patterns. A total of 936 professors residing across Brazil participated in the survey. The duration of sedentary behavior increased, sleep duration slightly decreased, and meal times shifted to earlier during the pandemic. A total of 22.9%of the participants reported the diagnosis of some NCDs during this period. Physical activity practice was associated with a lower risk of diseases during the pandemic, regardless of the intensity performed. On the other hand, late eating habits and excessive food consumption during the pandemic were associated with a higher risk. The results provide data that can help in the development of public policies that promote health actions to minimize the consequences associated with the pandemic period.

Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Human Health: An Update of the Literature

Several meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated that the consumption of an adequate level of fruit and vegetables (F&V), along with other food groups, is associated with a low risk of all-cause mortality, and, as such, represents one of the major modifiable risk factors related to the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The aim of the present narrative review was to provide an up-to-date analysis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the past five years, dealing with the effects of F&V consumption on human health, focusing on specific pathologies, such as total mortality, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), type 2 diabetes, intestinal inflammation, and bone and respiratory illnesses. The results of our evaluation confirmed and consolidated the protective role of F&V consumption against the development of NCDs, especially CVDs. However, the need to corroborate existing evidence and clarify the role of confounding factors by performing additional randomized control trials and adopting more standardized approaches and study designs also emerged. Moreover, evaluating the protective role of fruit and vegetables as separate food categories appeared to be one of the most interesting areas to investigate in the near future. Overall, these outcomes could help in addressing future research to better establish a causal relationship between F&V consumption and human health.

Burden of noncommunicable diseases and COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control strategies

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in 21st century. The risk factors for development and progression of NCDs include sedentary lifestyle, inadequate fruits and vegetables intake, tobacco use, high blood pressure, high total cholesterol levels, obesity, high salt intake, low physical activity, and air pollution. People with NCDs and comorbidities like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory infection and cancer are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection that ultimately results into mortality. To reduce the impact of NCDs on COVID-19 cases, prevention is the best measure. Primary and secondary level prevention of NCDs plays a main role to control bad outcome in COVID-19 cases. The strategies that are required to address this comorbidity includes integration and convergence of the existing communicable and NCD programs, strengthening health care systems by giving major focus on primary health care services, health and wellness centers, universal health coverage, updating guidelines, enhancing community participation, capacity building, appropriate policy making, multi-sectoral participation and coordination.

Dietary practices of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients concerning Pender's health Promotion Model in Lalitpur district, Nepal

BackgroundType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) in Nepal. Nutrition plays a significant role in creating barriers to the development of NCDs like diabetes. The main objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence the dietary behaviors and practices among T2DM patients. MethodsThe study used quantitative method and a cross-sectional research design. The study was carried out in two centers: one in diabetes and another in thyroid care centers at the Lalitpur district, Nepal. A survey questionnaire based on Pender Health Promotion Model (PHPM) was developed, piloted, and administrated directly to 450 T2DM patients aged 40–65. Validity and reliability of the tools was ensured through reviewing panel of experts and using the coefficient and Cronbach's alpha test, respectively. Three sorts of statistical analysis; univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were done using SPSS version 25. ResultsRespondents belonged to a joint family, no alcohol consumption, positive attitude towards a healthy diet (P < 0.05), no smoking habit, reminders for healthy food, and engaging in physical activity (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with good dietary practice. Higher odds of sufficient dietary practice were found in respondents who were from joint families (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR = 2.332; 95 % Confidence Level (CI): 1.958–2.989, p < 0.01), literate (aOR = 1.783; 95 % CI: 1.256–2.531, p < 0.01), no smoking history (aOR = 0.935; 95 % CI: 0.609–1.434, p < 0.05), alcohol consumption history (aOR = 0.615, 95 % CI: 0.412–2.346, p < 0.05), had family support (aOR = 1.824, 95 % CI: 1.265–2.630, p < 0.01), availability of healthy foods (aOR = 2.26; 95 % CI: 1.453–3.517, p < 0.001), and those who preferred daily physical activities (aOR = 1.982, 95 % CI: 1.369–2.364, p < 0.001). ConclusionNuclear family, illiteracy, lower income, smoking and consumption of alcohol, poor family support, poor access in healthy food, and low engagement in physical activities influenced dietary behavior among T2DM patients. Thus, PHPM based educational intervention needs essential to the T2DM patients and family members to ensure better life.

Exploring the Exposome Spectrum: Unveiling Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases.

The exposome encompasses all endogenous and exogenous exposure individuals encounter throughout their lives, including biological, chemical, physical, psychological, relational, and socioeconomic factors. It examines the duration and intensity of these types of exposure and their complex interactions over time. This interdisciplinary approach involves various scientific disciplines, particularly toxicology, to understand the long-term effects of toxic exposure on health. Factors like air pollution, racial background, and socioeconomic status significantly contribute to diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, and cancer. Advanced analytical methods measure contaminants in biofluids, food, air, water, and soil, but often overlook the cumulative risk of multiple chemicals. An exposome analysis necessitates sophisticated tools and methodologies to understand health interactions and integrate findings into precision medicine for better disease diagnosis and treatment. Chronic exposure to environmental and biological stimuli can lead to persistent low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, autoimmune conditions, and depression. These NCDs are influenced by smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol abuse, all shaped by genetic, environmental, and social factors. Dietary patterns, especially ultra-processed foods, can exacerbate inflammation and alter gut microbiota. This study investigates the exposome's role in the prevention, development, and progression of NCDs, focusing on endogenous and exogenous factors.

Sociodemographic, Lifestyle and Media Factors Associated with Health Screening: Evidence from Timor-Leste

Preventive medicine plays an important role in combating the surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). By using health screening, individuals can prevent and monitor the development of NCDs. This study aims to examine sociodemographic, lifestyle and media factors associated with the use of health screening (blood pressure and blood glucose tests) among adults in Timor-Leste. Data used in this study were derived from the Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey 2016. A total of 4,264 adults aged between 30 and 59 years were included in the bivariate probit analysis. Results showed that the use of health screening remained low in Timor-Leste. Males, rural dwellers, less-educated individuals, individuals who were in the poorer and poorest wealth quintiles, and unmarried individuals were less likely to use blood pressure test compared with females, urban dwellers, well-educated individuals, individuals who were in the richest wealth quantile and married individuals. Adults less likely to use blood glucose tests were less educated and unmarried. However, the use of health screening was not correlated with a respondent’s lifestyle behaviour and mass media exposure. In short, sociodemographic factors were associated with the use of health screening in Timor-Leste. Policymakers should consider designing intervention measures based on different sociodemographic groups.

Ultra-processed food and non-communicable diseases in the United Kingdom: A narrative review and thematic synthesis of literature.

The social and economic constructs of the United Kingdom (UK) provide a fertile food environment for the dramatic expansion in the ultra-processed food (UPF) market, driving increased UPF consumption. This has coincided with the significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, with an inherent impact on morbidity and mortality. Our review aims to assess the current epidemiological and public health trends in the United Kingdom, specifically examining consumption of UPFs and subsequent development of NCDs, summarizing existing meta-analytical and experimental approaches. First, we address important socioeconomic and psychosocial domains that may contribute to increased availability and consumption of UPF. Additionally, we explore the putative mechanistic basis for the association between UPFs and NCDs: partly attributable to their energy density, the macro- and micronutrient composition (including high refined carbohydrate, saturated, and trans fats composition, in addition to low fiber and protein content), and artificially engineered additives and other compounds that adversely affect health in inadequately researched pathophysiological pathways. This review highlights the importance of promoting minimally processed diets to both clinical and political decision makers.

Exploring ways to support patients with noncommunicable diseases: A pilot study in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global healthcare systems have faced unprecedented strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a profound impact on individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a scenario particularly pronounced in low-income countries like Nepal. This study aimed to understand the experiences of and challenges faced by patients with NCDs in Nepal during the pandemic, focusing on healthcare service availability and identifying factors affecting healthcare use, with the goal of being prepared for future emergencies. This study utilized a telephonic survey of 102 patients with NCDs and 10 qualitative interviews with healthcare providers in the Kavrepalanchok and Nuwakot districts of Nepal. We used mixed methods, with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Specifically, multiple correspondence analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and classification tree analysis were used as exploratory methods. The study revealed that while 69.6% of the participants reported no difficulty in obtaining medication, other questions revealed that 58.8% experienced challenges in accessing routine medical care. Major barriers, such as fear of infection, unavailability of medicine in rural areas, and lack of transportation, were found through the qualitative interviews. Meanwhile, participants identified innovative strategies, such as telemedicine and community-based awareness programs, as potential facilitators for addressing barriers that arise during pandemic situations such as COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges in accessing healthcare services for patients with NCDs in Nepal. Our findings suggest the need to design and implement telemedicine services for patients with NCDs, as well as community-based programs that aim to improve health literacy, encourage healthy behavior, prevent development of NCDs, and ensure continuity of care during such crises, especially in countries with limited resources.

Hronične nezarazne bolesti uzrokovane poremećajima ishrane kod adolescenata

Decreased satisfaction with physical appearance during adolescence is significantly linked to reduced self-esteem and an increased prevalence of obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A major issue in today's world is the influence of media, which serves as the primary channel through which ideals of physical appearance and attractiveness are transmitted. According to a 2015 study, adolescents spend an average of 17 hours per week watching television. Scientific evidence indicates that an active lifestyle provides health benefits and prevents the occurrence of numerous chronic non-communicable diseases, while improper diet and physical inactivity among adolescents contribute to the development of these diseases. Improper nutrition during adolescence can be a significant risk factor for the development of NCDs. These diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer, often have complex causes, but dietary habits can be identified as a common risk factor. Excessive intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and a high consumption of processed foods are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Improper dietary habits can also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and increase cancer risk. Adopting a balanced and nutritionally rich diet, along with regular physical activity, can help prevent and manage these conditions. This review paper is based on a search of the scientific literature published in the last ten years, with a special focus on original research articles published in the last five years from the scientific databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and SCI index.

Impact of tobacco habits on poor oral health status among bone-factory workers in a low literacy city in India: A cross-sectional study.

Oral health is a vital indicator of well-being that is influenced by various habits and lifestyles of individuals. Oral diseases are the bottleneck in the effective control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to chronic in nature and reciprocal relationship as sharing the common risk factors and habits such as sugar, tobacco, and alcohol consumption that increase the risk of developing various inevitable diseases. However, there is a lack of literature highlighting the relationship between risk factors for oral diseases and general health among individuals. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 study participants aged 20 to 64 years who gave written informed consent and were recruited by Multistage Stratified Cluster Sampling technique among workers in five bone factories, working for at least one year since January 2001 to March 2022 in Sambhal city, Uttar Pradesh. WHO-Basic Oral Health Survey-1997 was used to record the data regarding sociodemographic and oral health status variables. We used the modified WHO-STEPWISE pre-structured questionnaire to record tobacco consumption habits and oral health-seeking behavior. We scheduled a clinical intra-oral examination to record the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the interview on the premises of five bone factories. Among the 500 bone-factory workers, the total number of males was 342 (68.40%) and 158 (31.60%) were females. The mean age (Standard Deviation) was 33.18 (10), and the mean DMFT score of factory workers was 2.84 (3.12). Production workers had the highest mean DMFT score of 4.60 (3.25). More than half of the factory workers (53.2%) were tobacco users. Tobacco users were 3.52 times more likely to have a severe DMFT index. Most common pre-cancerous lesions were oral submucous fibrosis and leukoplakia. Compared to non-tobacco users, mild tobacco users have 6.80 folds higher odds of oral lesions. Tobacco consumption is not only harmful for oral health but also leads to several non-communicable and systemic diseases. NCDs and dental caries are chronic and preventable conditions with a bidirectional relationship implicated by modifiable major risk factors such as tobacco consumption. Decreasing the consumption of tobacco use may improve oral health and reduce the risk of the development of NCDs. Also, regular dental visits should be scheduled to monitor the oral health status of factory workers. Additionally, tailored intervention for tobacco cessation should be implicated to maintain the general and oral health of industrial workers.

GERAKAN POJOK PROMKES REMAJA SEHAT DAN PRODUKTIF DALAM PENCEGAHAN PENYAKIT TIDAK MENULAR DI KELURAHAN LEGOK DANAU SIPIN KOTA JAMBI

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the highest cause of death in Indonesia. The development of NCDs is increasing due to trends and shifts in disease patterns. Adolescents are at risk of developing NCDs due to risky behavior in unhealthy living habits, such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, unhealthy reproduction and eating patterns, and lack of physical activity. Mitra Ayu District Health Center's priority problem is the high number of NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol and high blood pressure. Partner location data includes teenagers who use drugs, smoke, drink alcohol and marry early. The aim of community service is to increase teenagers' knowledge using poster media containing health material which is stored in a QR barcode link, posted in public places such as schools, village heads' offices, babinsa, motorbike taxi bases, health centers, and in residents' homes. At any time, residents who want to read can scan where posters and health educational videos will appear that can be read with ever-increasing material. The activities carried out in community service are gymnastics together with physical activities, planting toga, health checks namely blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, together with 5 health program students carrying out health education about drugs, smoking, reproductive organs and the impact of free sex. Education in partnership with BNN, Putri Ayu Community Health Center midwives. Processing fish resources, making crispy ikan bilis and making compost from water hyacinth leaves in partnership with UKM Paddle Habibah. To measure the success of measuring instrument education, it is done through the pre-test and post-test stages using a knowledge variable questionnaire with a target of 200 respondents, carried out between January and October 2023. The results of the education were an increase in mean pre-test knowledge (6.92) and mean post-test (13.97), an increase in scores. knowledge of 7.05. It is recommended that sub-districts continue physical activities every Sunday together at the sub-district head's office, that the Community Health Center facilitate regular health checks so that NCDs are detected, the community is aware and willing to monitor healthy behavior by always reading the material on the PTM barcodes that have been posted in public places. , UKM Dayung Habibah can continue making crispy ikan bilis to improve the family economy, as well as developing more modern composting for water hyacinth raw materials.

Dietary Inflammatory Potential in Pediatric Diseases: A Narrative Review.

Inflammatory status is one of the main drivers in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Specific unhealthy dietary patterns and the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may influence the inflammation process, which negatively modulates the gut microbiota and increases the risk of NCDs. Moreover, several chronic health conditions require special long-term dietary treatment, characterized by altered ratios of the intake of nutrients or by the consumption of disease-specific foods. In this narrative review, we aimed to collect the latest evidence on the pro-inflammatory potential of dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients in children affected by multifactorial diseases but also on the dietetic approaches used as treatment for specific diseases. Considering multifactorial diet-related diseases, the triggering effect of pro-inflammatory diets has been addressed for metabolic syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases, and the latter for adults only. Future research is required on multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and pediatric cancer, in which the role of inflammation is emerging. For diseases requiring special diets, the role of single or multiple foods, possibly associated with inflammation, was assessed, but more studies are needed. The evidence collected highlighted the need for health professionals to consider the entire dietary pattern, providing balanced and healthy diets not only to permit the metabolic control of the disease itself, but also to prevent the development of NCDs in adolescence and adulthood. Personalized nutritional approaches, in close collaboration between the hospital, country, and families, must always be promoted together with the development of new methods for the assessment of pro-inflammatory dietary habits in pediatric age and the implementation of telemedicine.

AEROBIC EXERCISE PERFORMED IN ADULT LIFE MAINTAINS BODY WEIGHT AND FOOD INTAKE OF MALE RATS EVEN AFTER TRAINING INTERRUPTION

Excess weight in adult life is an important risk factor for the development ofnoncommunicable diseases. On the other hand, aerobic physical exercise programs have beenshown to be important components both in the prevention and control of these conditions.This work aims to evaluate the effects of moderate intensity training on the body weight(BW) and food intake (FI) of adult male rats. Wistar rats were obtained at 30 days old.Throughout the experimental period, they were kept in appropriate cages (4 rats per box)containing food and water, temperature (22ºC) and photoperiod (07:00 to 19:00) controlled.At PN 40 they were divided into sedentary (S) and exercised (E) groups. The BW and FI weremeasured twice a week, from 40 to 140 days old. Exercised rats performed a moderate-intensity treadmill running from PN 90 to 120. During this period, they were submitted to aneffort test to evaluate performance and control the training load (55% to 65% VO 2max ). Theresults showed that both BW and FI were not altered with the training performed during adultlife, even after 20 days of exercise cessation. More studies are needed in order to assesswhether moderate-intensity training is able to attenuates the deleterious effects observed inthe biometric and metabolic markers of adult rats programmed for obesity and/or metabolicsyndrome.

Effect of Lifestyle Factors on Serum Antioxidant Levels in Apparently Healthy Individuals

Introduction Lifestyle factors are among the multiple factors that initiate pathology of non-communicable diseases (NCD) which starts in young age and remains undetected till the clinical symptoms occur. Serum antioxidant levels in individuals with varied lifestyle habits were evaluated to determine the relationship between lifestyle factors, reactive oxygen species and development of NCD. Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of serum antioxidants in the metabolic changes initiated by lifestyle choices of apparently healthy individuals. Materials and methods 104 healthy volunteers of age 20-30 years from South Indian Population were randomly selected after obtaining informed consent for the cross section observational study. The inclusion criteria were Fasting glucose &lt;100mg/dl, Triglycerides &lt;150mg/dl, Total cholesterol&lt; 200mg/dl and Hemoglobin &gt;12 g/dl (females) and &gt;14g/dl (males). Lifestyle factors like age, gender, diet, socioeconomic condition, physical activity, psychological stress, smoking, alcohol were determined based on questionnaires. Fasting serum antioxidants- Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Coenzyme Q10 – single dilution method HPLC, serum uric acid and body mass index (BMI) were estimated. Pearson correlation and Spearman rho correlation was done using SPSS software version 17 with “p” value &lt;0.05 were considered as significant. Results Mean of Age (25.30±3.214), BMI (22.5±4.65), Superoxide dismutase (U/mL) (181.78±17.9), Glutathione peroxidase (U/L) (8607.36±1237.2), Coenzyme Q10 (μg/L) (484.12±59.65) and Uric acid (mg/dL) (4.92±1.27) are as noted in the study group. A positive correlation was found between SOD, CoQ10 and increased dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, low BMI, higher Socio economic status. GPx and uric acid had a positive correlation with age, smokers and alcoholics, and negative correlation with physical activity. Gender wise differences significantly seen in GPx and Uric acid. Conclusion Serum antioxidants are altered by the lifestyle choices of the study population.

Composition, Microbiota, Mechanisms, and Anti-Obesity Properties of Rice Bran.

Rice is a major cereal crop and a staple food for nearly 50% of people worldwide. Rice bran (RB) is a nutrient-rich by-product of rice processing. RB is rich in carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, lipids, minerals, and several trace elements (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese). The extraction process and storage have influenced RB extracts and RB oil's quality. The RB composition has also varied on the rice cultivars. The color of RB indicates the richness of the bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins. γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and unsaturated fatty acids are major components of RB oil. It has been established that RB supplementation could improve the host's health status. Several preclinical and clinical studies have reported that RB has antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anticolitis, and antidiabetic properties. The beneficial biological properties of RB are partially attributed to its ability to alter the host microbiome and help to maintain and restore eubiosis. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and lung disease, account for 74% of deaths worldwide. Obesity is a global health problem and is a major reason for the development of NCDs. The medical procedures for managing obesity are expensive and long-term health supplements are required to maintain a healthy weight. Thus, cost-effective natural adjuvant therapeutic strategy is crucial to treat and manage obesity. Several studies have revealed that RB could be a complementary pharmacological candidate to treat obesity. A comprehensive document with basic information and recent scientific results on the anti-obesity activity of RB and RB compounds is obligatory. Thus, the current manuscript was prepared to summarize the composition of RB and the influence of RB on the host microbiome, possible mechanisms, and preclinical and clinical studies on the anti-obesity properties of RB. This study suggested that the consumption of RB oil and dietary RB extracts might assist in managing obesity-associated health consequences. Further, extended clinical studies in several ethnic groups are required to develop dietary RB-based functional and nutritional supplements, which could serve as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy to treat obesity.

Opportunities and challenges to non-communicable disease (NCD) research and training in Pakistan: a qualitative study from Pakistan

IntroductionMost of the global non-communicable disease (NCD)-related death burden is borne by low and middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs like Pakistan, however, a major gap in responding to NCDs is...

Opportunistic non-communicable diseases in times of COVID-19.

We previously proposed the term 'opportunistic non-communicable diseases (NCDs)' to raise awareness of how NCDs thrive in societies with inadequate healthcare services. However, we did not anticipate that within the next year the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) would sweep the globe. Lockdowns became the primary strategy for mitigation in most countries. However, the extensive restrictions and allocation of resources towards the containment of the pandemic have likely served as a catalyst of NCDs, especially in populations, societies and individuals already at high risk. We are presenting evidence to qualify two primary factors responsible for the potential impact on the development of NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first is disrupted healthcare services including avoidance and postponement of healthcare visits. The second is effects of changing lifestyle and living conditions including isolation, loss of job and income. The accumulated effect of these factors will likely further accelerate the development of NCDs and impair their management, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Insufficient vaccination coverage due to inequality in vaccine distribution and vaccine hesitancy left room for the incubation of immune-evasive variants that threatened to sustain or reinitiate the pandemic. We believe the concept of opportunistic NCDs and the potential catalytic effect that pandemics may have on the development of NCDs and their management, should be used as further arguments to secure equal vaccine distribution, promote global vaccine acceptance and to speed up and increase investments in primary health care in low- and middle-income countries to cope with the already existing NCD crisis and to prepare for future epidemics.

Self-initiated dietary changes reduce general somatic and mental symptoms in a relatively healthy Dutch population

The risk for development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can be predicted by somatic or mental symptoms and dietary alterations aimed at improvement of those symptoms could potentially delay development of NCDs. The goal of this study was to identify whether self-initiated dietary changes could reduce mental and somatic symptoms in relatively healthy individuals. Participants (n = 494) recruited from the Dutch population filled out weekly questionnaires on dietary intake, somatic and mental symptoms and physical activity at baseline and during dieting for four weeks. There was a significant reduction in mental and somatic symptoms, body weight, and waist circumference at four weeks, whereas physical activity remained unchanged. Five dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis labelled “Processed foods”, “Animal source foods”, “Wheel of Five”, “Traditional Dutch”, and “Party”. Reduction in mental symptoms was correlated to increased physical activity and increased intake of Wheel of Five foods. Reduction in somatic symptoms was correlated to body weight loss and less Processed foods, more Wheel of Five foods, and lower intake of fat and protein. Higher intake of protein and fat and lower intake of carbohydrates, however, were correlated to body weight loss. In conclusion this research showed that a self-initiated dietary change can lead to a significant reduction of mental and somatic symptoms.

Condiciones sociodemográficas ambientales asociadas a perfiles de salud-alimentación entre personas adultas mayores, Córdoba-Argentina

IntroductionDemographic trends indicate that population aging is not exclusive to developed countries. Argentina reaches 15.5% of the elderly population. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the public health situation of this population, challenging health systems, with disproportionate impacts on this group, which has suffered more than 80% of the deaths in the country, mainly in those with comorbidities. ObjectiveTo analyze the sociodemographic and environmental conditions involved in the process of development of health and nutrition profiles of the elderly people of Córdoba, Argentina 2020. MethodologyEpidemiological, cross-sectional, population-based study that included 221 elderly people (≥60 years old), through random sampling. Data on sociodemographic and environmental conditions, health and dietary profiles were collected through structured interviews. ResultsThe average age of the participants was 68 years. Eighty-five percent recognized neighborhood contamination, 38% of them being garbage dumps close to their homes. Eighty-nine percent reported at least one non-communicable disease (NCD) or associated risk factor and 66% were overweight (BMI≥25kg/m2). The presence of obesity (BMI≥30kg/m2) was associated (OR=2.05; CI 1.007–3.922) with the development of NCDs. Only 4% of the population complied with the daily fruit and vegetable consumption recommendation. ConclusionThe predominant characteristics of the health and dietary profiles associated with NCDs identified suggest the need to study in depth the social determinants that condition the aging process.