Digestive Problems Research Articles

Nutritional Management of Oncological Symptoms: A Comprehensive Review.

Throughout their experience of illness and during the course of treatment, a substantial proportion of cancer patients are prone to develop nutritional and/or metabolic disturbances. Additionally, cancer patients often encounter long-term side effects from therapies, which may lead to impaired digestion, nutrient absorption or bowel motility. Therefore, the preservation and maintenance of an optimal and balanced nutritional status are pivotal to achieving a better prognosis, increasing the tolerance and adherence to cancer therapies and improving the overall quality of life. In this context, personalized nutritional programs are essential for addressing conditions predisposing to weight loss, feeding difficulties, digestion problems and intestinal irregularity, with the goal of promoting adequate nutrient absorption and minimizing the detrimental effects of treatment regimens. The focus of this research is to examine the most common clinical conditions and metabolic changes that cancer patients may experience, including stomatitis, xerostomia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, sub-occlusion, dysgeusia, dysosmia, anorexia, and cachexia. Furthermore, we present a pragmatic example of a multidisciplinary workflow that incorporates customized recipes tailored to individual clinical scenarios, all while maintaining the hedonic value of the meals.

Effects of Cirsium palustre Extracts and Their Main Flavonoids on Colon Motility-An Ex Vivo Study.

For centuries, various species from the genus Cirsium have been utilized in traditional medicine worldwide. A number of ethnopharmacological reports have pointed out that Cirsium plants can be applied to diminish digestive problems. Among them, Cirsium palustre (L.) Scop. (Asteraceae) stands out as a promising herbal drug candidate because its constituents exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, as evidenced by ethnopharmacological reports. As a result, the species is particularly intriguing as an adjunctive therapy for functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders. Our research goal was to verify how the extracts, fractions, and main flavonoids of C. palustre affect colon contractility under ex vivo conditions. An alternative model with porcine-isolated colon specimens was used to identify the effects of C. palustre preparations and their primary flavonoids. LC-ESI-MS was utilized to evaluate the impacts of methanol (CP1), methanolic 50% (CP2), and aqueous (CP3) extracts as well as diethyl ether (CP4), ethyl acetate (CP5), and n-butanol (CP6) fractions. Additionally, the impacts of four flavonoids, apigenin (API), luteolin (LUT), apigenin 7-O-glucuronide (A7GLC), and chrysoeriol (CHRY), on spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced motility were assessed under isometric conditions. The results showed that C. palustre extracts, fractions, and their flavonoids exhibit potent motility-regulating effects on colonic smooth muscle. The motility-regulating effect was observed on spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractility. All extracts and fractions exhibited an enhancement of the spontaneous contractility of colonic smooth muscle. For acetylcholine-induced activity, CP1, CP2, and CP4 caused a spasmolytic effect, and CP5 and CP6 had a spasmodic effect. LUT and CHRY showed a spasmolytic effect in the case of spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced activity. In contrast, API and A7GLC showed a contractile effect in the case of spontaneous and pharmacologically induced activity. Considering the results obtained from the study, C. palustre could potentially provide benefits in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders characterized by hypomotility and hypermotility.

Tannic acid adsorption properties of cellulose nanocrystalline/fish swim bladder gelatin composite sponge

Foods and beverages with excessive tannins acid (TA) content taste astringent and bitter. The overconsumption of TA could result in nutritional and digestive problems. In this study, the cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/fish swim bladder gelatin (FG) composite sponge was prepared with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The TA adsorption performance of the sponge was discussed. The freeze-dried CNC/FG composite sponge had a porous network structure. CNC was combined into the FG matrix as a reinforcing phase. The mechanical strength, thermal stability, and swelling properties of the composite sponge were improved with the addition of an appropriate amount of CNC. Although CNC decreased the porosity of composite sponge, the increase in active adsorption sites resulted in an overall positive effect on its TA adsorption properties. Under the optimal adsorption conditions, the TA removal rate of 1.0 % CNC composites reached 80.4 %. Furthermore, the sponge retained a TA removal rate of 54 % after five cycles of adsorption and desorption using 50 % ethanol. The results demonstrated that CNC/FG composite sponge has application potential in the field of adsorption materials for TA.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUMPKINS AND OIL GOURDS IN ROMANIA

In my article, I chose one group of cucurbits, the oil pumpkin. The pumpkin can be considered an old cultivated plant dating back hundreds of years, but the importance of the oil pumpkin can be traced back to the last 10 years. My goal in writing this article is to point out the importance of pumpkin seed oil and to highlight its beneficial effects in addition to emphasizing a healthy lifestyle. In Hungary, pumpkin seed oil is more important in the western part of the country’s border (Vas and Zala counties), while in Romania it is in Cluj County and the surrounding areas, as well as the territorial units of Bucharest. In addition to its characteristic delicious taste, pumpkin seed oil is also considered healthy, as it is considered one of the best immune-boosting substances. Pumpkin seed oil is also beneficial for preserving masculinity, preventing prostate problems, and stomach and digestion problems. After presenting the cultivation conditions of pumpkin seed oil, I present the production possibilities of pumpkin seed oil and the market prospects of pumpkin seed oil from the perspective of Romania.

GARCINIA INDICA CHOISY: A REVIEW ON THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNDERUTILIZED MEDICINAL PLANT OF AYURVEDA

Garcinia indica (commonly known as kokum in India) tree has several applications in the food and medicine industries. Since ancient times, kokum has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including as dermatitis, diarrhea, dysentery, ear infections, and digestive problems. Plant parts like leaves, fruit and seeds have anticancer, antiulcer, antioxidant, antiglycation and antitumor properties. Presence of hydroxycitric acid, anthocyanins and garcinol has been found in fruits and seeds. The present review highlights the historical use, nutritional value, phytochemical componentsand confirmed pharmacological activities of kokum.

Patterns of diet‐related practices and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux among high school students: A cross‐sectional study

Background: GERD is a gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, causing typical symptoms such as heartburn (a burning sensation in the epigastric region), acid regurgitation (a bitter taste in the mouth), nausea, and dysphagia, which can lead to esophageal mucosal damage. Over the long term, it can result in complications like Barrett's esophagus. The prevalence of GERD in Asia was approximately 2.5%-7.8% in 2014, generally lower compared to Western countries. However, recent data indicates an increasing prevalence. Poor dietary patterns, such as irregular eating habits, consuming low-nutrient foods, excessive or insufficient food intake, can elevate gastric acid production and affect an individual's health.Purpose: To determine the relationship between dietary patterns and symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) among vocational high school students.Method: A quantitative study was applied using correlation analysis with a cross-sectional study approach. The research was conducted at Vocational High School Bojonegoro in January 2023. The study population comprised 305 students in grade 12. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling, with a sample size of 74 respondents. The measurement tool for dietary pattern variables was the FFQ questionnaire, and GERD symptoms were assessed using the GERD-Q questionnaire. Data analysis techniques included univariate analysis to describe the frequency distribution of each variable and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and GERD symptoms among students.Results: Poor dietary patterns were found to cause GERD in 47 (97.9%) respondents, whereas good dietary patterns significantly minimized GERD; only 1 (2.1%) respondent experienced GERD symptoms in this study. The research resulted a value of ρ = 0.000 < α (0.05), indicating that the ρ value in this study was less than α (0.05) or below 0.05; thus, H0 was rejected. It can be concluded that there is a relationship between dietary patterns and GERD symptoms, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.542 (moderate) and a positive correlation direction.Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between dietary patterns and GERD symptoms. The correlation coefficient analysis also showed a figure of 0.542 (moderate) with a positive correlation direction, indicating that better dietary patterns lead to fewer respondents suffering from GERD.Suggestion: It is advisable for students to avoid consuming spicy foods, fast food, fried food, and high-sugar food or beverages. They should pay more attention to a balanced diet and timely meals. Additionally, the school authorities are encouraged to establish regulations or advisories to cafeteria owners to refrain from providing fast food, nutritionally poor food, carbonated drinks, spicy food, and other items that may contribute to digestive problems among students.

Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation with Carminative Effect

Carminative drugs, which reduce or prevent gastrointestinal flatulence and colic and have historically been used to enhance human health, is examined in this study. The carminative qualities of spices like clove, coriander, cardamom, fennel, nutmeg, black pepper, and ajowan are highlighted in particular. Numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-hypertensive, and myorelaxant qualities, are demonstrated by these spices. To enhance their effects, formulations were made utilizing a geometrical approach and different weights of these powders were combined and evaluated. To confirm the quality and safety of the carminative powder, organoleptic evaluation, physicochemical characteristics, rheological evaluation, and carminative potential were evaluated. The carminative powder, had a pH of 6.5, is free-flowing, non-sticky, and aesthetically pleasing, according to the results. Given the rising popularity of natural treatments and holistic healthcare, the future of carminative herbal medications is bright. Due to their digestive advantages, many herbs and mixtures have grown in popularity, and this pattern is predicted to continue. New carminative herbs and novel formulations may be found as a result of research and development in herbal medicine in the upcoming years. The market for carminative herbal medicines is projected to grow as consumer interest in plant-based treatments for digestive problems rises.

THE BENEFITS OF UNCONVENTIONAL (HOMEMADE) FOOD ADMINISTERED TO DOGS WITH DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

"Homemade dog food preparation for dogs with digestive problems can be worth the time and effort if the owner owns a dog that suffers from regular digestive disorders. Digestive disorders in dogs are quite common problems that veterinarians regularly have to deal with. Patients with digestive disorders often present with similar clinical signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, lack of apathy, and abdominal pain. Nutritional modification is an integral part of gastrointestinal disease management, both in preventing recurrence and reducing clinical signs. Once a patient is evaluated from both nutritional and medical perspectives, the general nutritional case approach can be followed to select an appropriate diet and feeding plan for the dog. The objectives were to develop nutritionally balanced homemade food recipes with specific ingredients for digestive disorders in dogs. The recipes were personalized, made of specific ingredients for digestive problems."

The Effect of Night Shifts on Nurses' Health and Well-Being in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of night shift work on nurses’ health and well-being. Methods: 100 nurses in all were chosen at random from various hospital located in Itanagar. Data was collected from night shift working nurses by self-administered questionnaire through personal interview method. Data was used to gather information on socio- demographic, anthropometric measurements, professional, physical activity, food habits and intakes were collected. To study the detrimental impact of night shift employment on the health and wellbeing descriptive frequency and correlation were used. Results: One hundred nurses in all, the majority of them had one or more health issues, digestive problems includes- disturbed appetite (60%), heartburn or stomach-ache (71%), feeling nausea/ dizziness (75%), difficulty in digestion (72%) and suffer from constipation (52%). Cardiovascular problems of the respondents it was found that out of 100 respondents (16%) workers reported that they are on their high blood pressure or cardiac problems and chronic chest disorder (6%) followed by (45%) workers were low blood pressure. About 23% of nurses regularly skip meals, followed by 52% of nurses who did so once or twice, and the majority of nurses did not eat at set times. The results showed that 72% of nurses often ate fast food; only 8% of nurses took home-cooked meals with them for dinner. During night shifts, chips, cookies, sweets, and were the most popular munchies. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that nurses working nights have bad eating habits that cause their diets to be unbalanced. They eat less nutrient-dense foods but a greater number of meals that are rich in calories. They also rarely engage in any sort of exercise outdoors from what they do for a living and frequently prefer to eat snacks rather than full meals. The hospital's nurses need to get nutritional hygiene counseling, and night shift food service needs to be enhanced.

Medicinal Uses of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill and Small Cardamom: A Review

Foeniculum vulgare Mill, commonly known as fennel, and small cardamom are both traditional spices in India. They have been used for centuries in Indian cuisine for their unique flavor and aroma, as well as their medicinal properties. Foeniculum Vulgare Mill (fennel) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the parsley family and is cultivated worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses. Fennel seeds, leaves, and stems can all be used medicinally. Fennels are used in digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas, bloating, and colic. It can also help to relieve nausea and vomiting, respiratory problems: to loosen mucus and relieve coughs and bronchitis, menstrual cramps and pain, lactation: to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers and a variety of other conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Small cardamom is a spice that is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is one of the most expensive and popular spices in the world. Cardamom is used in both sweet and savory dishes, and it is also used in traditional medicine to cure digestive problems such as indigestion, heartburn, and gas and also help to relieve nausea and vomiting, respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to clear mucus from the lungs and airways. Cardamom can be used to freshen breath and prevent cavities. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to fight against the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar. It has also treated a variety of other ailments e.g. high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. It has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Fennel and Small Cardamom are often used together in traditional medicine. The combination of these two spices is thought to be particularly effective for treating digestive disorders and respiratory problems. This literature review is focus on various nutritive value and medicinal importance of fennel and Small Cardamom.

An Unusual Cause of Vomiting in Childhood: A Case Report

In infants and young children, vomiting is a common symptom that may indicate a digestive or other health problem. This case report presents a rare incidence in which an intracranial tumour was the root cause of an infant's vomiting and failure to thrive. An intracranial tumour was found during the evaluation, which also evaluated acute gastroenteritis, reflux illness, and milk protein intolerance. Considering unusual etiologies, such as metabolic, endocrine, and neurological disorders, is crucial for determining the cause of symptoms like chronic vomiting and stunted development in infants, as shown by this instance. The best possible results for patients depend on their ability to benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.

Forecasting Liver Disorders with Machine Learning Models

Liver disorders encompass a spectrum of ailments that impact the liver, a crucial organ responsible for a variety of vital bodily functions. These functions encompass metabolic processes, detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of bile. Liver maladies can arise from various sources, such as viral infections (e.g., hepatitis), excessive alcohol consumption, conditions related to obesity (like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), autoimmune conditions, genetic predisposition, or exposure to toxins. Common signs and symptoms may encompass fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and digestive problems. In our study, we gather data and employ five distinct machine learning classification algorithms: Random Forest, Decision Tree, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor, and XG Boost. After constructing models and evaluating their performance, we observed that XG Boost achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 99.8%.

Gut microbiota and autism spectrum disorders: where do we stand?

BackgroundChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have digestive problems and microbial imbalances in their guts, suggesting that these conditions may play a role in the development of the disorder. Scopus-based research on the gut microbiota and ASD was examined in this bibliometric analysis to shed light on the current state of research and identify potential hotspots for future work in this area.MethodsWe searched documents from the Scopus database and reference citation analysis to collect published data on the gut microbiota and ASD from 2003 to 2022. The downloaded document records were exported to VOSviewer v.1.6.19 to examine and visualize the collaboration between countries and determine the research hotspots.ResultsThe search yielded 958 articles specifically dedicated to gut microbiota and ASD. The number of publications in this field increased rapidly after 2013, with a peak in 2022. The United States (n = 267; 27.87%) was the most active country, followed by China (n = 171; 17.85%) and Italy (n = 96; 10.02). International collaboration was observed, with the USA playing a central role. University College Cork, Ireland, was the most productive institution (n = 24; 2.51%). The National Natural Science Foundation of China was the most active funding agency (n = 76; 7.93%). Nutrients journal had the highest number of publications (n = 28; 2.92%). The articles related to gut microbiota and ASD were highly cited, with an h-index of 108. The research themes identified focused on the modulation of gut microbiota as a potential therapy for children with ASD and gut-brain axis dysfunction in ASD.ConclusionsIn recent years, the study of gut microbiota and its association with ASD has garnered considerable interest as an emergent field of study. The results of this study substantially enhance our current understanding of the knowledge landscape in this field and illuminate potential avenues for future research. It is essential to emphasize the significance of devoting more resources to the newest and most promising research areas, such as investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating the intestinal microbiota in children with ASD. This research has enormous potential and merits intensified focus and investigation.

GastroNet: A Custom Deep Learning Approach for Classification of Anomalies in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Images.

Among all cancer forms, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the most serious condition that spreads quickly and requires early detection. GI disorders claim the lives of up to nearly two million people worldwide. To lower the mortality rate from GI cancer, early detection is essential. For the identification of GI illnesses, such as polyps, stomach ulcers, and bleeding, endoscopy is the gold standard in the medical imaging industry. The numerous images produced by endoscopy require an enormous amount of time for the specialist to diagnose the disease. It makes manual diagnosis difficult and has sparked research on automatic computer-based approaches to diagnose all the generated images quickly and accurately. AI-based algorithms have already been used in endoscopy images with promising outcomes and have enhanced disease identification and classification with precision. However, there are still a lot of issues to be solved, including figuring out potential biases in algorithms and improving interpretability and generalizability. The proposed GastroNet model creates a system for classifying digestive problems for the Kvasir Version 1 dataset. The framework consists of different CNN layers with multiple filters, and average max-pooling is used to extract image features. The optimization of network parameters is done using the Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) algorithm. Finally, the robustness of the proposed model is compared with other state-of-the-art models like VGG 19, ResNet 50, Inception, and Xception in terms of evaluation metrics.

A retrospective study on the isolated strains of Salmonella in poultry

Poultry represent an important global reservoir of Salmonella. Poultry salmonellosis results in great economic losses, and some serovars also have zoonotic potential. Some poultry can be infected with Salmonella without showing clinical signs of the disease, but is, nevertheless, a significant source of spread of the infection. Clinical symptoms range from digestive problems (white diarrhea, malabsorption) to bacteremia and death. The aim of this study was to retrospectively show the presence of bacteria Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica of various serovars in poultry in the Belgrade epizootiological area in a period of six years (2014-2019). A total of 4580 samples were examined including: incubated eggs, dead chickens, broiler feces and laying hens with total of 207 positive samples. Salmonella was isolated by standard microbiological methods followed by serological typing. In the examined period, the prevalence of poultry salmonella was 4.52%. The highest number of examined samples was recorded in 2017 (879), and positive in 2018 (65), while the lowest prevalence was recorded during year 2016 with 7 positive samples. Of all isolated and serotyped Salmonella, the most commonly isolated serovar was S. Enteritidis (65.28%), followed by S. Infantis (21.30%), S. Mbandaka (6.02%), S. Senftenberg (3.24%), S. Typhimurium (1.85%), S. Agona (0.93%), S. Taksony (0.93%), and the least common is S. Tshiongwe (0.46%). The first report of serovars : S. Agona, S. Taksony and S. Tshiongwe have been during 2018. The highest number of positive specimens was found in laying hens faces (116 of 921 tested), broiler faces (73 of 1147), chickens carcasses (12 of 1443) and incubated eggs (6 of 1069). Complete eradication of Salmonella from production is a difficult goal because of the presence of a heterogeneous serovars pool and various sources of infection. Prevention is the best tool for controlling Salmonella: hygiene, biosecurity and where applicable - vaccination. It is a great responsibility of the poultry farmers to apply the existing standards and to improve the new ones.

Anti-microbial And Anti-diabetic Properties of Dillenia Indica Linn. (Elephant Apple ): A Short Review

Dillenia indica Linn. is classified under (Dilleniaceae) family, generally known as elephant apple with many other names like bhavya, chalta, karambel, ramphal. This evergreen deciduous tree mainly found in Asian countries and in India, mainly found in Assam, Bihar, Bengal. There are many Dillenia species however only some are established scientifically. Historically the unripe end result are used to make curries due to its sour taste and ripe end result are making pickles. The end result are commonly high in fibre and due to presence of gummy substances, extraction of juice turns into tough .Not only the culmination have medicinal values but the leaves and the bark also showed numerous pharmacological interest. Dillenia indica is a well-known medicinal plant of this genus for their therapeutic capability in pre-clinical research. Various parts of this plant shows beneficial properties against various diseases like antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, anticancer activities. Fruit of Dillenia indica can be consumed as dried powder or in juice form with various health benefits. It is an important medicinal plant and has been prevalently utilized in Indian conventional and ayurvedic medicinal drug for curing plethora of ailments along with digestive, respiration and crucial nervous system problems. Plant extracts have been reported that it contains many phytochemicals as well as their active constituents i.e flavonoids, triterpenoids, phytosteroids, phenolics. These active constituents shows wide range of pharmacological activities like antimalarial, anticancer, anti inflammatory. The slime , extracts and crude sample having medicinal uses like treatment of various skin problems like eczema , skin itching , treatment of dandruff and hair related issues. Consumption of leaves directly help to neutralize food poisoning also.

Psychopathological Characteristics in Patients with Digestive Problems: A Comparative Analysis with a Healthy Control Group

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the psychopathological characteristics of patients with digestive (gastrointestinal) problems with those of a healthy control group. Methods: A total of 70 patients with gastrointestinal issues were referred to the gastroenterology department, and 70 healthy individuals were included in the study. Both groups completed the 90-question mental health questionnaire (SCL-90-R). Results: The results demonstrated significantly higher average scores in the patients' group across various scales, including depression, aggression, somatization, sensitivity in social relationships, obsession, anxiety, phobia, and psychotic symptoms. Overall, the group with digestive problems exhibited more symptoms associated with these eight mental disorders than the healthy control group. However, there were no notable differences between the two groups, except for the presence of paranoid ideations as a distinguishing characteristic. Conclusions: This research unequivocally establishes a strong association between gastrointestinal issues and mental well-being, highlighting the influence of digestive system functioning on mental health. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychopathological aspects related to gastrointestinal conditions.

Connaissances Des Vendeurs Du Marché Sur Les Risques Chimiques Des Composés Organiques Volatils « Cas Du Marché Bayaka » De La Commune De Ngiri-Ngiri,» A Kinshasa, République Démocratique Du Congo

The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge of vendors at the BAYAKA market in the commune of Ngiri-Ngiri Ville, Kinshasa, on the prevention of pathologies caused by volatile organic compounds. Methods : Data were collected using a survey questionnaire on a sample of 115 respondents, sellers of all kinds of chemical products with over three years' experience on the BAYAKA market. An interview grid (focus group) was used to complete the information contained in the questionnaire. The data collected covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and their opinions on the characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), as well as cases of intoxication caused by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Results : The results showed that the main health problems linked to the use of volatile organic compounds cited by sellers were digestive problems (2.1%), eye irritation (17.0%), vomiting (12.8%), coughing (23.4%), respiratory problems (4.3%), skin irritation (8.4%), dizziness (12.8%), hunger (6.4%), heat in the hand (4.3%), etc. When it comes to waste management, most vendors dispose of their waste by incineration (48.5%), landfill (16.9%), reuse (11.5%) and garbage can (23.1%). Conclusion : In view of the results obtained, studies on samples of persistent organic products, hydrocarbons, sodium hypochlorites (bleach), etc. are essential for a sustainable orientation of market gardening in Kinshasa.

Applications of Enteroendocrine Cells (EECs) Hormone: Applicability on Feed Intake and Nutrient Absorption in Chickens.

This review focuses on the role of hormones derived from enteroendocrine cells (EECs) on appetite and nutrient absorption in chickens. In response to nutrient intake, EECs release hormones that act on many organs and body systems, including the brain, gallbladder, and pancreas. Gut hormones released from EECs play a critical role in the regulation of feed intake and the absorption of nutrients such as glucose, protein, and fat following feed ingestion. We could hypothesize that EECs are essential for the regulation of appetite and nutrient absorption because the malfunction of EECs causes severe diarrhea and digestion problems. The importance of EEC hormones has been recognized, and many studies have been carried out to elucidate their mechanisms for many years in other species. However, there is a lack of research on the regulation of appetite and nutrient absorption by EEC hormones in chickens. This review suggests the potential significance of EEC hormones on growth and health in chickens under stress conditions induced by diseases and high temperature, etc., by providing in-depth knowledge of EEC hormones and mechanisms on how these hormones regulate appetite and nutrient absorption in other species.

VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AND COOKING SKILLS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

A high vegetable diet has proved to offer health benefits that can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect on blood sugar, which can help control appetite. However, the prevalence of vegetable consumption below the recommended daily intake is worrying. Nearly 95% of Malaysian adults, including university students, have not met the recommended daily amount of vegetables. Sociodemographic factors and a lack of cooking skills may contribute to inadequate vegetable consumption. A study was carried out to determine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and cooking skills with vegetable consumption among Malaysian university students. By utilizing a random sample, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of vegetable consumption and cooking skill among university students aged 18 and older. The data was obtained via online survey using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the Cooking Skills Questionnaire validated and tested by previous researchers. Vegetable consumption was divided into daily and non-daily consumption and a chi-square test was performed to analyze the association followed by the Bonferroni posthoc test. The association between sociodemographic and five dimensions of cooking skills with daily vegetable consumption was subject to logistic regression and an adjusted odds ratio was applied. Results demonstrated that only 24% of students (20% of males and 52% of females) consumed vegetables regularly, while the rest did not. There is a positive association between cooking skills dimensions (availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables; produce consumption self-efficacy and knowledge of cooking terms and techniques) with daily vegetable consumption. Students who were 25 years old and older, male, lived alone, with friends, or with children, understand how to cook, ordered outside during lunchtime, and dined at the cafeteria for lunch were significantly associated with daily vegetable consumption.