Excellent Health Research Articles

EXAMINING THE ALIGNMENT OF SINGLE NATIONAL CURRICULUM OF WAKFIYAT-E-AMA TEXTBOOKS FOR GRADE 1-3 WITH MORAL VALUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

This research aimed to analyze the extent to which Punjab's Wakfiyat-e-Ama text books for grades 1 to 3 incorporate sustainable development elements and promote moral values. The study employed a qualitative research design and content analysis as the research tool, which involved systematically categorizing and analyzing the textbook content based on predefined criteria. The study revealed that topics such as peace, diversity, excellent health and wellbeing, and a sustainable way of life were given priority, while other factors such as morality, political principles, energy conservation, environmental concerns, climate change, and access to clean water received less attention. The predominant themes in the Wakfiyat-e-Ama text books were honesty, mutual respect, compliance, toleration, empathetic freedom, and kind-heartedness. The study suggests that there should be a separate section at the end of each book with extracurricular moral activities to allow students to apply what they have learnt. Moreover, moral values and SDG chapters should be integrated into all subjects to expose students to these principles more extensively for their success in life. The content analysis method provided a structured approach to evaluate the textbook content and identify areas for improvement in promoting sustainable development and moral values.

Factors associated with long-term use of digital devices in the electronic Framingham Heart Study

Long-term use of digital devices is critical for successful clinical or research use, but digital health studies are challenged by a rapid drop-off in participation. A nested e-cohort (eFHS) is embedded in the Framingham Heart Study and uses three system components: a new smartphone app, a digital blood pressure (BP) cuff, and a smartwatch. This study aims to identify factors associated with the use of individual eFHS system components over 1-year. Among 1948 eFHS enrollees, we examine participants who returned surveys within 90 days (n = 1918), and those who chose to use the smartwatch (n = 1243) and BP cuff (n = 1115). For each component, we investigate the same set of candidate predictors for usage and use generalized linear mixed models to select predictors (P < 0.1, P value from Z test statistic), adjusting for age, sex, and time (app use: 3-month period, device use: weekly). A multivariable model with the predictors selected from initial testing is used to identify factors associated with use of components (P < 0.05, P value from Z test statistic) adjusting for age, sex, and time. In multivariable models, older age is associated with higher use of all system components. Female sex and higher education levels are associated with higher completion of app-based surveys whereas higher scores for depressive symptoms, and lower than excellent self-rated health are associated with lower use of the smartwatch over the 12-month follow-up. Our findings show that sociodemographic and health related factors are significantly associated with long-term use of digital devices. Future research is needed to test interventional strategies focusing on these factors to evaluate improvement in long-term engagement.

ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE BY USING ORAL HEALTH IMPACT PROFILE (OHIP) SCORES IN PARTIALLY DENTATE PATIENTS WITH PROVISION OF TOOTH- SUPPORTED FIXED PARTIAL DENTURES

Globally, dentistry and healthcare policies now follow a different paradigm. These days, the focus is more on theindividuals’ improved quality of life than on the marginal treatment of physical and psychological illnesses. Thisstudy assessed the quality of life associated with oral health in patients who were partly dentate and receiving fixedpartial dentures supported by teeth by utilizing the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) scores. From October 2015to April 2016, 209 participants in this quasi-experimental research were seen in the prosthodontics departmentin the prosthodontics department at Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan. Patients with one or two missing teeththat will be replaced by a fixed partial denture, excellent general health, the ability to comprehend and react to thequestionnaire, and no soft or hard tissue inflammation in the oral cavity were included. Patients ranged in age from18 to 60. Excluded from the study were those with severe congenital or surgical deformities of the jaws, drug addiction, psychological instability, acute pain associated with TMJ disorders, life-threatening illnesses, disability, lack ofcooperation, and active periodontal disease or caries. The cumulative score for each of the 14 questions in the OHIPquestionnaire was recorded as the patient’s OHIP score. With SPSS version 17, statistical analysis was carried out.For every variable, descriptive statistics were calculated. Age and gender-based stratification of the OHIP Score wasdone to look for impact modifiers. The Paired T-test compared the Oral Health Impact Profile scores before and after.A significant threshold of P≤0.05 was used.The OHIP score changed on average by 20.84±3.25, a statistically significant change (P&lt;0.0001). Thirty patients(14.35%) had two missing teeth, compared to n=179 (85.64%) who had one missing tooth overall. In terms ofmastication and aesthetics, fixed partial dentures may statistically considerably enhance a partly dentate patient’squality of life.Study design: A quasi-experimental studyDuration and place of study : From October 2015 to April 2016, 209 participants in this quasi-experimentalresearch were seen in the prosthodontics department at the Bacha Khan Medical College, MardanKeywords: OHRQoL, fixed partial denture, partial edentulism, and Oral Health Impact Profile scores

Patients' Impression of Health Care Providers' Attire in the Emergency Department.

Background The level of patient satisfaction and, ultimately, the assessment of the quality of care are greatly influenced by physicians' capacity to leave a positive impression on patients during provider-patient interactions. The way doctors dress affects how people view their care. There have been few studies on the impact of doctors' attire on patient confidence and trust. The objective of this study is to assess patients' preferences concerning specific cultural attire and its influence on patients' trust, compliance, and perceptions of the quality of care in the emergency department. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using the survey methodology for patients in emergency departments. Participants completed a written survey after reviewing doctors' portraits in different dress styles. Respondents were asked questions about the importance of the health service providers' attire in the emergency department on the patient's perception. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 (SPSS; IBM Inc., Armonk, New York) was used to perform the analysis after the data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 (Microsoft, Redmond, Washington). The categorical analysis was performed using the Chi-squared test to explore for relationships between the results and various variables. Result A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 395 patients; two responses were excluded for lack of completeness of the answers in it: 33.8%) were males (66.2%) were females (56.7%) were married (73.8%) completed university education (44.8%) were employed and (74.5%) with excellent health conditions. The questionnaire was devoted to the local setting, with pictures of the health care provider (male and female), in different types of doctor's attire included.Respondents overwhelmingly prefer male emergency physicians to dress in medical scrub (50%, p=.0001)and prefer female emergency physicians to dress in a medical scrub with a white coat (68.7%, p=.0001). Conclusion First impressions based on a physician's appearance serve as the foundation for assumptions about trust, confidence, and competency, particularly in circumstances when patients or family members do not already have a relationship with the provider.

SWISS CENTENARIANS: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM THE SWISS100 PHONE STUDY

Abstract Increase in very old individuals is observed in all developed countries around the world. The number of centenarians has also been rising, requiring the investigation of the characteristics of these exceptionally long-lived individuals as well as their experience of life at age 100. In the present study, we present findings from the first nation-wide Swiss centenarian study SWISS100. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a telephone study with centenarians and a family member as proxy informant, using a mixed-methods approach to investigate specific characteristics, their life circumstances and their experience during the pandemic. Recruitment was conducted with the help of the national address registry. A total of 64 centenarians and 62 family members participated, leading to data for 119 centenarians. Centenarians were on average 102 years old, with a range of 100 to 108 years. In line with higher survival rates in females, 76% were women and 24% were men. Most centenarians had received basic education and had completed an apprenticeship. Concerning their residence, 43% lived in private homes and 57% lived in institutions. Of those living in private, half lived alone, one fourth lived with their spouse and one fourth lived with a child. The majority was widowed. Over 80% had children. Although over 70% of the centenarians reported health restrictions, 60% reported good to excellent subjective health. Over 90% of the sample were aware of COVID-19. Despite substantial COVID-19-related restrictions, life-satisfaction was high. Overall, Swiss centenarians show health-related vulnerability but also psychological resilience.

RE-EMPLOYMENT MANDATE IN SINGAPORE: EMPLOYMENT AND HEALTH OUTCOMES

Abstract Older workers can be a crucial resource to meet manpower needs for aging society. This is especially so for countries where older adults are expected to live longer and healthier. In 2012, Singapore implemented the Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA) which obliged employers to offer re-employment to eligible workers. With RRA, mature workers have the flexibility to work beyond retirement age. Using the Retirement and Health Study (RHS) data and regression discontinuity design, we find that, after adjusting for education, marital status, housing asset and expenditure, the re-employment mandate helps delay retirement in the sample by 8.7%, with a larger impact of 9.1% among the males, as compared to the females of 7.3%. More non-retirees reported that they have very good or excellent health compared to retirees. Retirement leads to increase in healthcare utilization. Does the work environment affect how one responds to retirement option? We observe a correlation between post-retirement wellbeing and stress at work. Our study also suggests that mandatory re-employment offers are less effective in encouraging those in physically demanding jobs to continue working. Re-employment mandate helped raise the employment rate for workers in high-routine, high-manual jobs by 6.1 per cent. These would include craft workers and trade workers. It raised the employment rate for workers in highly routine and low-manual occupations by 26.9 per cent. These include workers in the hospitality, retail and services sectors. In sum, the mandate together with other inclusive work policies have been useful to mitigate impacts of societal ageing in Singapore.

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN PUERTO RICO

Abstract Older age groups and racial and ethnic populations are more likely to have medical conditions that increase their risks for illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Puerto Rico has a high prevalence of acute and chronic health conditions and the lowest percent of people reporting good / excellent health of all U.S. states and territories. The effects of poor health on the island have been compounded in recent years by economic and political instability and by major natural disasters; yet, as of February 2022, 95% of persons aged 65 and older had received at least one vaccination and 88% were fully vaccinated. This symposium comprises five papers based on a study of personal, social, physical health, and mental health factors associated with COVID-19 in a community sample of 213 adults aged 60 and over in Puerto Rico. The first paper will introduce the study, including its purpose, theoretical framework, and methodology. Next, we will address methodological and ethical challenges of conducting research with older adults during the pandemic and strategies we used to overcome these. The third paper will report on the core focus of the project: to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of older Puerto Ricans toward COVID-19. The fourth paper will focus on mental health effects of loneliness and loss, two of the most challenging exigencies of the pandemic for older adults. Finally, we will consider participants’ responses to open-ended questions about how they have coped with the pandemic and made meaning of their experiences.

Tiga Aspek Penting dalam Kesehatan

Abstract – Humans place a high value on their health. Health is influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, exercise, stress levels, personality, and behavior. A decent quality of life is influenced by excellent health. The three key facets of health—physical, mental, and social—are the focus of this study. The findings of the study indicate that wellbeing includes not only physical but also mental and social wellbeing. These are three crucial and connected facets of health. Our health can be impacted by a healthy diet, enough sleep, exercise, stress reduction, and social connection. The purpose of this study is to enlighten readers on the significance of considering one's physical, mental, and social health because it influences one's quality of life.

Investigation of health literacy by gender in individuals receiving physiotherapy and rehabilitation services

Purpose: Health literacy is important for the science of physiotherapy, which includes treatment methods based on understanding and practice. To increase the health literacy level of patients, individual characteristics should be considered. The aim of this study is to investigate the health literacy level of individuals who received physiotherapy and rehabilitation services and identify the role of gender on the health literacy level.Methods: The health literacy levels of patients who received physiotherapy and rehabilitation services due to an orthopedic injury or musculoskeletal problem were examined. Health literacy was evaluated with the Turkey Health Literacy Questionnaire (THLQ). Age, body mass index, disease duration, number of physiotherapy sessions, physiotherapy history and education level were questioned. Whether the data obtained differed according to gender was analysed with appropriate statistical methods.Results: Average health literacy overall score found as 34.02±8.56. The mean health literacy score of females was found to be significantly better than that of males (p&amp;lt;0.01). No difference was found between genders in terms of excellent health literacy status (p=0.008).Conclusion: The health literacy level of patients who received physiotherapy and rehabilitation services was found to be sufficient. The health literacy level of females was found to be higher than males. Since our study reveals the health literacy level of patients receiving physiotherapy, it is also expected to contribute to future studies on public health.with the Turkey Health Literacy Questionnaire (THLQ). Age, body mass index, disease duration,number of physiotherapy sessions, physiotherapy history and education level were questioned.Whether the data obtained differed according to gender was analysed with appropriate statisticalmethods.Results: Average health literacy overall score found as 34.02±8.56. The mean health literacy score offemales was found to be significantly better than that of males (p&amp;lt;0.01). No difference was foundbetween genders in terms of excellent health literacy status (p=0.008).Conclusion: The health literacy level of patients who received physiotherapy and rehabilitationservices was found to be sufficient. The health literacy level of females was found to be higher thanmales. Since our study reveals the health literacy level of patients receiving physiotherapy, it is alsoexpected to contribute to future studies on public health.

Factors Associated with Annual Influenza Vaccination Uptake in U.S. Older Adults from 2019 to 2020

Annual influenza vaccination is important for older adults to prevent morbidity and mortality from seasonal influenza. Although the United States has had limited success in increasing influenza vaccination, the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 may have changed older adults’ approach to vaccination. The objective of this study is to determine factors associated with influenza vaccination in 2019 and 2020 and compare their degree of associations across the two years. Data from the 2019 and 2020 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional interview, were collected for variables relating to annual influenza vaccination and possible associated factors. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The results show that never having received a vaccination for pneumonia increased the odds of receiving an influenza vaccination by 6.79–7.80 times. Recent specialist care for eye or oral health significantly increased the odds of receiving an influenza vaccination. Being a smoker, identifying as African American, and considering oneself to have excellent overall health were associated with significantly lower odds of receiving a vaccination. Although self-reported feelings of anxiety were not associated with vaccination in 2019, they increased the odds in 2020. Overall, influenza vaccination in older adults may be tied to reliable healthcare access and perceived susceptibility to infectious respiratory diseases.

Immunostimulants: Concepts, Types and Functions

The proper functioning of human immune system is essential for organism survival against infectious, toxic and oncogenic agents. The concept of immunomodulation was proposed by Edward Jenner, while working on polio vaccine in 1796. A brawny, fine-functioning immune system is the keystone of excellent health. Immune replies are the consequence of an effectual interaction among innate (natural and non-specific) and acquired (adaptive and specific) components of the immune system. Inequity or failure of the immune systems is connected with a variety of chronic illness counting allergies, autoimmune diseases, cancers and furthers. Immunomodulators are natural or synthetic materials that regulate the immune system and induce innate and adaptive defense mechanisms. These substances are classified into two types, immunostimulants and immunosuppressants. Immunostimulants can enhance body's resistance against various infections through increasing the basal levels of immune response. These agents could increase the oxidative activity of neutrophils, augment engulfment activity of phagocytic cells and stimulate cytotoxic cells as necessary defense mechanisms. The researchers classified the immunostimulants using their origin and mode of action such as bacterial products, complex carbohydrates, vaccines (antigens and adjuvants), cytokines, immunoenhancing drugs, nutritional factors, animal extracts, and plant extracts. The link between immune system with diet, exercise, sleep, stress, microbial exposure, alcohol, water, hygiene are found to influence the immune response to a greater extent. Immunostimulants and some immunity enhancing nutrients improve the functioning of the immune system. In addition, some preventive measures such as healthy diet or proper nutrition, moderate exercise, sound sleep, drinking adequate water, subclinical exposure to microbes and managing stress, good hygiene, are altogether capable of boosting the immune system. In this review, the concepts, types and functions of immunostimulants will be described as a therapeutic approach against different diseases. Keywords: Immunomodulators, Immunostimulants, Adjuvant, Mechanism, Immune system.

Descriptive Analysis Sociodemography of Breastfeeding Mother in Suku Anak Dalam During Covid-19 Pandemic

Now moment now this the problem of Covid-19 in Indonesia already start sloping however no could denied that mother breastfeed must exists enhancement power stand body especially baby with breastfeeding , breastfeeding becomes very good protection for baby. Effect Breast milk protection is very strong in fighting disease infections through increased power hold on baby. The purpose of this study to determine the characteristics mother breast-feed in Suku Anak Dalam in on period pandemic . Quantitative research methods , design cross-sectional with a total sampling of 58 respondents mother breast-feed in Suku Anak dalam , data collection is done through observation and questionnaire . Results study obtained 98.3% of mothers no work , 58.6% mother no take formal education , 62.1% range age mother reproduction , 77.6% mother have child ≥ 3, 98.3% mother going through a normal childbirth process is not in service health , 94.8% Mother argue that breast milk can replaced with other foods as well as 98.3% mothers provide complementary foods aged &lt;6 months. Concluded description from sociodemography on mother breastfeeding in the tribe child in must very noticed and need maximizing facility and service health especially continuity health on mother and child with maximizing program management lactation , as well with condition moment now this need exists cooperation cross- sector and cross program inside even distribution service excellent health.

Construction of double network hydrogels using agarose and gallic acid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for wound healing

Gallic acid (GA) has attracted extensive attention due to its excellent health benefits. Our recent work demonstrated that GA could be self-assembled into hydrogels. However, the poor mechanical properties and rapid degradation of GA hydrogels presented challenges for further applications. In this study, agarose (AG), a water-soluble polysaccharide, was used with GA to develop a double network hydrogel (GA-AG). Physical and chemical tests demonstrated that the GA-AG hydrogel at ratio of 4:5 had the highest cross-linked structure, along with excellent porosity, good water retention and a swelling ratio of 9.72 %. In addition, the cross-linked network structure enabled the GA-AG hydrogel to have good mechanical properties and better viscosity than the pure GA hydrogel. The glass transition temperature of the GA-AG hydrogel increased from 59.49 °C to 65.54 °C, while its disintegration rate decreased from 99.07 % to 64.37 % within 48 h. In vitro tests showed that the GA-AG hydrogel had excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that this double network hydrogel significantly reduced inflammation and accelerated wound healing in vivo. From the results of our study, we expect that this stable GA-AG double network hydrogel has potential applications in wound healing.

Long-term health effects of childhood parental income

While research on the link between socio-economic status and health spans several decades, our understanding of this relationship is still severely constrained. We estimate the long-term effects of parental income from birth to age 18 on health and risky health behaviors in adulthood. We use over 4 decades of data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, from 1968 to 2017, to construct a unique data set that links 49,459 person-year outcomes in adulthood, to several parental and family level variables when they were born and throughout their childhood. To mitigate concerns that parental income is likely correlated with unobserved factors that determine children's outcomes in adulthood, we estimate an instrumental variables model. We construct a simulated income variable that is used to instrument for parental income. This approach breaks the link between an individual's own parental income and unobserved characteristics that are possibly correlated with their health in the long run. We find that a $10,000 increase in annual parental income increases the likelihood of very good or excellent health in adulthood by 3.7%, reduces the likelihood of physical limitation by 10.3%, and reduces the likelihood of smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per day by 12.7% and 16.7%, respectively. We also find that the pathways by which income improves health are increased education, employment, annual hours worked, pre-tax hourly earnings and pre-tax annual earnings. Our results highlight the lasting impact of economic resources in childhood and the importance of growing up in a financially stable environment.

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AS THE EFFECT OF THREE MONTHS OF RECREATIONAL TREATMENT OF WOMEN

The primary objective of this study is to analyze the self-assessment of the mental and physical health of young women from the effects of programmed recreational activities in a three-month period. The sample is composed of 35 women (20 - 40 years old). For a sample of variables in the assessment of mental and physical health, standardized instruments were used: THE HAD scale - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (for mental health assessment) and EQ thermometer (for physical health assessment) The results of the overall condition of all participants before the start of the experimental procedure, 24 participants had no symptoms of depression, 8 participants had a borderline condition, and 3 participants with depressive disorder. After three months of recreational treatment, 30 of the participants have no symptoms of depression, 3 participants have borderline condition and 2 participants with depressive disorder. When it comes to the self-assessment of anxiety in the initial state, it was noted that 26 participants of the experiment had no signs of anxiety, 6 participants had a borderline state of anxiety, while 3 participants had anxiety disorders, of which 2 participants slightly above the limit state and one participant with a particularly high number of points indicating a more severe state of anxiety. At the end of the experiment, 31 participants had no signs of anxiety, 4 had a borderline state and 1 person with a severe anxiety condition. Before the start of recreational activities, one participant rated their physical health as extremely poor and 3 people rated their health as poor. The largest number of participants before the experiment, 16 of them, rated their physical health slightly above average, 10 women rated their physical health as excellent and 5 women rated themselves the best imaginable physical health. After the experiment, only 4 participants estimated lower and average self-health, above average 6, 20 women claimed to have excellent health and 5 participants in the experiment claimed to be in the best physical health imaginable. Keywords: Women, recreation, self-assessment, depression, anxiety, physical health.

Association between ecological footprint awareness and health literacy in adults: a population-based study from Turkey

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and ecological footprint which is an indicator of sustainability and environmental impact and to examine the factors that may affect them. It was found that 20.3% of individuals have inadequate, 43.7% problematic, 26.1% sufficient and 10.0% excellent health literacy levels. There were differences in age, education level and BMI classification according to Ecological Footprint Awareness Scale score quartiles and health literacy levels (p < 0.05). It was determined that age and Turkey Health Literacy Scale score had effect on ecological footprint awareness. Individuals with a high level of health literacy have a high awareness of their ecological footprint. The increase in people’s health literacy levels and ecological footprint awareness with age can be interpreted as the increase in people’s education and knowledge levels and their awareness levels against the protection of nature and the environment.

Correlations between Colposcopy Findings and Histopathological Results from Colposcopy Directed Biopsy in Cervical Pre-Cancerous Lesions

Introduction: Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia is a precancerous condition in which abnormal cells grow on the surface of the cervix. CIN is a symptomless illness that often goes undetected by the naked eye. In most cases, the afflicted cervix appears to be in excellent health. As a result, the illness is detected by chance during cervicological histology or as a result of programs for routine cervical cytology or colposcopy screening. Colposcopy is an extra and valuable technique for identifying cervix anomalies. This study aimed to analyze the correlations between colposcopy findings and histopathological results from colposcopy-directed biopsy in cervical pre-cancerous lesions. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong, from September 2014 to February 2015. VIA-positive 72 women fulfilling all inclusion criteria who attended at colposcopy clinic of CMCH were included in the study. Statistical analyses were done by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 for Windows. The quantitative observations were indicated by frequencies and percentages. Result: In the present study, the majority of the participants were over the age of 30 years, with 43.1% being in the age group of 30-39 years. Another 30.6% were from the age group of 40-49 years, while only 15.2% were from the age group of 20-29 years. Colposcopy findings were normal in 9.7% of the participants. CIN I was observed in the majority of the participants (54.2%), while CIN II and CIN III were observed in 29.2% and 6.94% respectively. According to the colposcopy-directed biopsy results, 5.6% of patients had normal outcomes, 7.7% had inflammations, 45.8% had CIN I, 30.6% had CIN II and 8.3% had CIN III. The correlation was calculated by reporting the number of cases histologically confirmed to the number of cases of colposcopic diagnosis for each lesion group separately. The correlation was 71.8% (28 out of 39) in the CIN I category, 76.2% (16 out of 21) in the CIN II category, and 75% (3 out of 4) in the CIN III category. The sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy were calculated considering a colposcopy-directed biopsy. Colposcopy findings revealed 65 CIN positive cases and 07 CIN negative cases, while biopsy findings revealed 60 positive and 12 negative cases. The sensitivity of colposcopy was 96.7%, specificity was 41.6%, the false positive rate was 58.4% and the false negative rate was 03.3% according to this study. Conclusion: This study demonstrated high accuracy and correlation between colposcopy and histology. The sensitivity of colposcopy was 96.7%, specificity was 41.6%, the false positive rate was 58.4% and the false negative rate was 03.3%. Specificity was lower in this study probably because biopsies were performed in all cases during diagnostic workups.

Evaluating the Potential of Marine Invertebrate and Insect Protein Hydrolysates to Reduce Fetal Bovine Serum in Cell Culture Media for Cultivated Fish Production.

The use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and the price of cell culture media are the key constraints for developing serum-free cost-effective media. This study aims to replace or reduce the typical 10% serum application in fish cell culture media by applying protein hydrolysates from insects and marine invertebrate species for the growth of Zebrafish embryonic stem cells (ESC) as the model organism. Protein hydrolysates were produced from black soldier flies (BSF), crickets, oysters, mussels, and lugworms with a high protein content, suitable functional properties, and adequate amino-acid composition, with the degree of hydrolysis from 18.24 to 33.52%. Protein hydrolysates at low concentrations from 0.001 to 0.1 mg/mL in combination with 1 and 2.5% serums significantly increased cell growth compared to the control groups (5 and 10% serums) (p < 0.05). All protein hydrolysates with concentrations of 1 and 10 mg/mL were found to be toxic to cells and significantly reduced cell growth and performance (p < 0.05). However, except for crickets, all the hydrolysates were able to restore or significantly increase cell growth and viability with 50% less serum at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg/mL. Although cell growth was enhanced at lower concentrations of protein hydrolysates, the cell morphology was altered due to the lack of serum. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity results indicated that BSF and lugworm hydrolysates did not alter the cell membrane. In addition, light and fluorescence imaging revealed that the cell morphological features were comparable to those of the 10% serum control group. Overall, lugworm and BSF hydrolysates reduced the serum by up to 90% while preserving excellent cell health.

Effect of Socio-demographic Factors and Physical Exercise Training on Cardiovascular Health: Case Study of Fresh Students of Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Introduction: Sedentary behavior and lack of physical exercise are one of the strongest risk factors for many chronic diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and depression. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the combined and relative effect of socio-demographic characteristics and physical exercise (PE) training on the cardiovascular health of freshmen of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental study that employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. An all-inclusive sampling method was used to select all 72 volunteers for a pre-exercise medical evaluation, and questionnaires were administered to 600 volunteers for pre and post-data. The respondents were treated with a six-week dose of regular daily selected physical activities. The post-test was conducted, recorded, and subjected to statistical analysis using inferential statistics. Results: The mean age was 18±1.89 with the age of 17 forming the largest group, i.e., 218 (36.3%). Females, 379(65.2%), were slightly more than their male counterparts, 221 (36.8%). The results of pre-exercise showed that some, 9 (12.2%), had normal body temperature. The respondents who were obese and over-weighted were 25 (33.8) and 20 (27.1), and respondents with high mean arterial pressure were 15 (20.3), respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the respondents tested showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) between the mean age, sex and marital status with respect to the blood sugar level, body temperature and the body mass index. MAP and irregular participation in physical activities were significant (P&lt;0.05) among this group of students. The knowledge mean score (KMS) of 19.37±6.035 was high compared to a 27-point scale. There was no significant relationship between df=2, F=1.566 and P&gt;0.005. Some, 160 (26.7%), had excellent overall physical health, and 173 (28.8%) had good overall physical health. There were significant interactional effects (F= 59.276, mean score within group 1.60, df 2, p = .000, R = -282) between groups and time for perceived benefits, interpersonal norms, social support, counter heart conditioning, stimulus control, and overall time spent on being physically active per week. Conclusion: In conclusion, a correlation was observed between the predictive factors and cardiovascular diseases; it was recommended that all students should be encouraged to engage in regular PE at a level appropriate to their capacities, needs, and interests to maintain optimal cardiovascular health status.

Investigating Modifiable Health Behaviours in MCAST Students

Health-related behaviours (HRBs) are known to shape health on an individual aswell as a population level. This study was undertaken, therefore, to explore the status quoregarding such behaviours at the main state-sponsored vocational education institution inthe Maltese islands, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). An onlinequestionnaire was designed to assess physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour,substance abuse, and self-reported health and happiness at school among a total sampleof 483 MCAST students aged 16+. A poor level of physical activity engagement was noted,with a significantly high proportion of students (23.4%) not engaging in at least one hourof PA (over the previous seven days), and with only a minority (8%) of students reportingthat they were physically active on a daily basis. High levels of sedentary behaviour wereobserved, specifically sedentary screen time, and there was a statistically significant, albeitweak, association between physical activity over the previous seven days and perceivedstate of health. Low levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption were observed, whilehigher levels of cannabis use were identified when compared to similar studies carried outin Malta. The majority of students reported being happy at school during the period thesurvey was administered, and a significantly high percentage of studentsmore than halfreported feeling excess pressure from schoolwork, with females reporting higher levels ofpressure than their male counterparts. A majority of students also reported being in goodor excellent health, with males reporting better health than females.