General Disease Prevention Research Articles

Technology of yeast-free bread using gluten-free raw materials

Among food products for special dietary consumption, a special place is occupied by products developed for the category of people with diseases in which there is an intolerance to certain food components (diabetes, celiac disease, phenylketonuria, etc.). According to the World Association of Gastroenterologists (WOG-OMGE), about 1% of the world’s population suffers from celiac disease, which has an increased risk of death compared to the general population. In this regard, an analysis of the production of food products for the population suffering from celiac disease was carried out. In Ukraine, the assortment of gluten-free bakery products on the domestic market today is insufficient for the growing needs of the population with various types of food allergies and gluten enteropathy, which is why it is advisable to develop gluten-free bread technology. Different types of raw flour, grain, and oilseeds were studied and theoretical aspects for substantiation of bread technology using gluten-free raw materials were studied. The technology of bread using green buckwheat and sesame seeds was developed, and their influence on the organoleptic quality indicators of the product was investigated. On the basis of generalized expert evaluations, it was established that the organoleptic indicators of the developed bread using gluten-free raw materials are at the control level (4.4 points), and in terms of smell and taste, it exceeds the control sample. The developed yeast-free bread with the use of green buckwheat and sesame seeds can be recommended for a gluten-free diet, used in the diet of people both for dietary nutrition and for general disease prevention. The social effect of the introduction of the developed technology of yeast-free bread using gluten-free raw materials, namely green buckwheat and sesame seeds, into the production is the expansion of the range of bread products for the nutrition of the population suffering from celiac disease.

Flour-free Gluten-free Compositions Influence on Qualitative Indicators of Cookies from Biscuits Dough

The topicality. According to the World Organization of Gastroenterologists (FOG-OMGE), patients with active (clinically severe) celiac disease have an increased risk of death compared to the general population; patients with celiac disease should definitely not eat wheat, rye or barley in any form. However, there is the increased risk of death resumes after three to five years of strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, so it becomes especially important to develop technologies for confectionery products based on gluten-free flour compositions and study their quality indicators. The purpose of the article is to determine the influence of gluten-free flour compositions based on flaxseed, rice, sesame, pumpkin seed meal, sugar substitute on the quality of cupcakes. Research methods. The dependence of stress on the shear rate of biscuit dough based on gluten-free flour compositions has been determined using a Brookfield viscometer. The adhesive stress of the dough masses from the effects of different concentrations of the model system based on gluten-free flour compositions has been performed on a bursting machine МТ-140/RV2. Results. The data of research of gluten-free flour compositions influence on qualitative properties of biscuit cake dough are resulted. An organoleptic evaluation of cupcakes for a gluten-free diet was carried out and the daily requirement for vitamins of people aged 18-59 when consuming this confectionery has been determined. Conclusions and discussions. Determining the effect of gluten-free compositions on the quality of biscuit dough and finished products makes it possible to offer for a gluten-free diet three recipes for cupcakes based on compositions of rice-flax flour, sesame-flax flour and flax flour with pumpkin seed meal, added bougainvillea, carrot and pumpkin. Developed cupcakes for a gluten-free diet can be used in the diet of people aged 18-59 years for both dietary nutrition and general disease prevention.

Ugandan cattle farmers\u2019 perceived needs of disease prevention and strategies to improve biosecurity

BackgroundInfectious diseases are an important role obstacle to high productivity in Ugandan cattle production. General disease prevention is particularly important in low-income countries, where veterinary services and adequate treatment regimens for many infectious diseases are insufficient. Improved biosecurity could lead to improved animal health and production with lower mortality and better reproductive rates. Any sustainable biosecurity interventions must be feasible for the farmers, from a practical as well as social and cultural aspect. An understanding of the farmers’ view of biosecurity and the diseases it is intended to prevent is also needed. The aim of the study was to explore the perceived needs of Ugandan cattle farmers as regards disease prevention, tools and strategies for improved biosecurity, and to assess the feasibility of basic biosecurity practices, in order to contribute to long-term strategies for improved livestock management. We conducted two rounds of focus group (FG) discussions about infectious diseases and biosecurity with cattle farmers in the districts Kabarole, Kamwenge and Kasese in western Uganda.ResultsA thematic analysis revealed four organising themes: Disease prevention and biosecurity practices, Knowledge among farmers and other actors, Community and peer pressure and Services and infrastructure. From these four organising themes, a global theme of “Biosecurity is a common effort based on collective knowledge” could be derived. Diseases represent a loss of income and wealth for farmers. Lack of knowledge, training and education among farmers were seen as a challenge. While there were claims during the first round of FGs that many biosecurity measures would be impossible to practise, in all follow-up FGs at least someone had tried. Perceived barriers for implementing biosecurity were financial and cultural. Experiences that were shared were that practising biosecurity measures had made their cattle healthier, but it also incurred extra costs.ConclusionThe perceived needs of farmers that emerged include knowledge, access to veterinary services, resources and community involvement for a broader implementation of basic biosecurity. There is potential for improved cattle production by educating farmers about infectious diseases and disease prevention measures. Such training should be participatory, involve communities and encourage participants to overcome practical and cultural obstacles.

Implications of Tourist\u2013Macaque Interactions for Disease Transmission

During wildlife tourism, proximity or actual contact between people and animals may lead to a significant risk of anthropozoonotic disease transmission. In this paper, we use social network analysis, disease simulation modelling and data on animal health and behaviour to investigate such risks at a site in Morocco, where tourists come to see wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). Measures of individual macaques’ network centrality—an index of the strength and distribution of their social relationships and thus potentially their ability to spread disease—did not show clear and consistent relationships with their time spent in close proximity to, or rate of interacting with, tourists. Disease simulation modelling indicated that while higher-ranked animals had a significantly greater ability to spread disease within the group, in absolute terms there was little difference in the size of outbreaks that different individuals were predicted to cause. We observed a high rate of physical contact and close proximity between humans and macaques, including during three periods when the macaques were coughing and sneezing heavily, highlighting the potential risk of disease transmission. We recommend that general disease prevention strategies, such as those aimed at reducing opportunities for contact between tourists and macaques, should be adopted.

Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of massage practitioner utilization: Results of a US nationally representative survey

BackgroundThe use of massage therapy is common, especially in patients with musculoskeletal pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, utilization, socio-demographic and health-related predictors of massage practitioner consultations in the US population. MethodsCross-sectional data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey for adults (n = 34,525). ResultsPrevalence of massage practitioner utilization were 12.8% (lifetime) and 6.8% (last 12 months). Compared to non-users, those who used massage in the last year were more likely: female, at least high school educated, annual income ≥ US$ 15,000, diagnosed with spinal pain or arthritis, report moderate physical activity level as compared to low level, and consume alcohol as compared to being abstinent. Massage was mainly used for general wellness or disease prevention (56.3%), but also for specific, typically musculoskeletal, health problems (41.9%) for which 85.2% reported massage helped to some or a great deal. Most (59.1%) did not disclose massage use to their health care provider, despite 69.4% reporting massage therapy combined with medical treatment would be helpful. ConclusionsApproximately 7% (15.4 million) of US adults used massage therapy in the past year, mainly for general disease prevention, wellness or musculoskeletal pain. The majority of respondents reported positive outcomes of massage on specific health problems and overall well-being. Massage utilization was rarely covered by health insurance. Despite the majority of massage users considered massage therapy combined with medical care helpful, most did not disclose massage therapy use to their health care provider.

Addressing implementation challenges during guideline development - a case study of Swedish national guidelines for methods of preventing disease.

BackgroundMany of the world’s life threatening diseases (e.g. cancer, heart disease, stroke) could be prevented by eliminating life-style habits such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use. Incorporating evidence-based research on methods to change unhealthy lifestyle habits in clinical practice would be equally valuable. However gaps between guideline development and implementation are well documented, with implications for health care quality, safety and effectiveness. The development phase of guidelines has been shown to be important both for the quality in guideline content and for the success of implementation. There are, however, indications that guidelines related to general disease prevention methods encounter specific barriers compared to guidelines that are diagnosis-specific. In 2011 the Swedish National board for Health and Welfare launched guidelines with a preventive scope. The aim of this study was to investigate how implementation challenges were addressed during the development process of these disease preventive guidelines.MethodsSeven semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of the guideline development management group. Archival data detailing the guideline development process were also collected and used in the analysis. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis as the analytical framework.ResultsThe study identified several strategies and approaches that were used to address implementation challenges during guideline development. Four themes emerged from the analysis: broad agreements and consensus about scope and purpose; a formalized and structured development procedure; systematic and active involvement of stakeholders; and openness and transparency in the specific guideline development procedure. Additional factors concerning the scope of prevention and the work environment of guideline developers were perceived to influence the possibilities to address implementation issues.ConclusionsThis case study provides examples of how guideline developers perceive and approach the issue of implementation during the development and early launch of prevention guidelines. Models for guideline development could benefit from an initial assessment of how the guideline topic, its target context and stakeholders will affect the upcoming implementation.

Differences between Male and Female Consumers of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in a National US Population: A Secondary Analysis of 2012 NIHS Data.

We examined the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2012 to explore how US adult consumers of CAM differ by gender in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics, current health conditions, and perceived benefits of CAM. All individuals who completed the adults core interviews (N = 34,525) were included. CAM use, major sociodemographic variables, perceived benefits of using CAM, and top ten reported health conditions for which CAM was used were selected and analyzed by Stata. Findings revealed that 29.6% (n = 10,181) reported having used at least one form of CAM in the previous 12 months. Compared to male CAM users, female CAM users were more likely to have a bachelor degree, to be divorced/separated or widowed, and less likely to earn $75,000 or more. Back pain/problem was the most common problem reported by both male and female CAM users (32.2% and 22.6%, resp.). A higher proportion of female CAM users reported using CAM for perceived benefits such as general wellness or general disease prevention. This paper provides foundation information regarding gender differences in CAM use and is a platform for further in-depth examination into how and why males and females differ in their reasons for CAM use.

JAIL POPULATION

Objective: The infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common among prisoners but such data are sparse from Pakistan; hence in this study, we evaluated the sero-prevalence of these three infections among Jail inmates. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Central Jail, Lahore. Period: May to November 2009. Methodology: Investigate the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infections among the random population of sentenced inmates of Central Jail, Lahore. We examined 3062 jail inmates, 396 of them were females and 2666 males. Majority of the inmates were Pakistani national (97.06 %). All collected blood samples were tested for HIV antibodies, HBsAg, and anti-HCV antibodies with one step chromatographic immunoassay. Results: Seroprevalence rate of HCV, HBV and HIV infections was 15.31%, 3.46 % and 1.79 % respectively. Overall prevalence of these infections in the jail inmates was 20.57 % and 18.77 % of them were positive for markers of viral hepatitis B/C. Conclusions: We evaluated that jail inmates in Pakistan had a high incidence of HCV, HBV and HIV infections. Regular testing is required to identify infected prisoners and refer them for appropriate treatment. In addition, general disease prevention efforts are needed to minimize transmission of these viral infections in this subpopulation, before and after release.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer survivors: a population-based study

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer survivors is high, yet less is known about reasons behind such use or the communication of CAM with conventional medical providers. Cross-sectional, multivariate logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the similarities and differences between cancer survivors and non-cancer controls in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey with 23,393 participants, including 1,471 cancer survivors. Among cancer survivors, 66.5% reported ever using CAM and 43.3% having used CAM in the past year. When compared with the general population, cancer survivors used CAM more often for general disease prevention, immune enhancement, and for pain (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.27, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.10-1.48; AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05-1.62; AOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05-1.92, respectively). Cancer survivors were more likely to use CAM because of recommendations from their provider (AOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.26-1.88) and were more likely to disclose their CAM use to their provider (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22-1.72). When compared to the general population, cancer survivors were more likely to use CAM and communicate this use with providers, indicating a growing integration of CAM in conventional medical care. Cancer survivors are more likely than the general population to communicate CAM use with providers, suggesting greater integration of CAM use in conventional care. However, the majority of CAM use is still not being communicated to providers, indicating an important area for improvement in patient-centered care.

Exercise Effects on Bone Mineral Density, Falls, Coronary Risk Factors, and Health Care Costs in Older Women

Physical exercise affects many risk factors and diseases and therefore can play a vital role in general disease prevention and treatment of elderly individuals and may reduce costs. We sought to determine whether a single exercise program affects fracture risk (bone mineral density [BMD] and falls), coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, and health care costs in community-dwelling elderly women. We conducted a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial from May 1, 2005, through July 31, 2008, recruiting women 65 years or older who were living independently in the area of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. In all, 246 women were randomly assigned to an 18-month exercise program (exercise group) or a wellness program (control group). The exercise group (n = 123) performed a multipurpose exercise program with special emphasis on exercise intensity; the controls (n = 123) focused on well-being with a low-intensity, low-frequency program. The main outcome measures were BMD, the number of falls, the Framingham-based 10-year CHD risk, and direct health care costs. For the 227 women who completed the 18-month study, significant exercise effects were observed for BMD of the lumbar spine (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] percentage of change in BMD [baseline to follow-up] for the exercise group: 1.77% [1.26% to 2.28%] vs controls: 0.33% [-0.24% to 0.91%]; P < .001), femoral neck (exercise group: 1.01% [0.37% to 1.65%] vs controls: -1.05% [-1.70% to -0.40%]; P < .001), and fall rate per person during 18 months (exercise group: 1.00 [0.76 to 1.24] vs controls: 1.66 [1.33 to 1.99]; P = .002). The 10-year CHD risk was significantly affected in both subgroups (absolute change for the exercise group: -1.96% [95% CI, -2.69% to -1.23%] vs controls: -1.15% [-1.69% to -0.62%]; P = .22), with no significant difference between the groups. The direct health care costs per participant during the 18-month intervention showed nonsignificant differences between the groups (exercise group: 2255 euros[95% CI, 1791 euros-2718 euros] vs controls: 2780 euros [2187 euros-3372 euros]; P = .20). Compared with a general wellness program, our 18-month exercise program significantly improved BMD and fall risk, but not predicted CHD risk, in elderly women. This benefit occurred at no increase in direct costs. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00267839.

Understanding how nurse practitioners estimate patients' risk for coronary heart disease: a judgment analysis

This paper is a report of a study to examine how nurse practitioners combine information when estimating patient risk of coronary heart disease. In the United States of America and other countries, nurse practitioners are increasingly working alongside physicians in primary healthcare settings. Given this role, nurse practitioners represent an important resource in early detection of numerous diseases. Understanding how nurse practitioners use patient characteristics (cues) to form estimates of patient risk for disease may improve general disease prevention efforts. Social judgment theory and its lens model analysis are concerned with the correspondence between a person's judgments and the environment. This approach was applied to examine how 15 nurse practitioners weighted eight risk factors for coronary heart disease, how accurate practitioners were in assessing patient risk for coronary heart disease, and how much self-insight practitioners had into their own risk estimation processes. The data were collected in 2006. Nurse practitioners showed moderate to high accuracy and evinced a variety of cue-weighting strategies. Insight into their own judgment policies was modest. The lens model analysis revealed that most practitioners had lower values on knowledge of the ecology than they did on cognitive control. Educational efforts aimed at improving detection of patients at risk for diseases might do better to target increasing clinicians' understanding of cue-criteria relationships, than to stress themes of consistency in evaluating patients.

Prevalence and incidence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infections among males in Rhode Island prisons.

We evaluated prevalence and intraprison incidence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infections among male prison inmates. We observed intake prevalence for 4269 sentenced inmates at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute between 1998 and 2000 and incidence among 446 continuously incarcerated inmates (incarcerated for 12 months or more). HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus prevalences were 1.8%, 20.2%, and 23.1%, respectively. Infections were significantly associated with injection drug use (odds ratio = 10.1, 7.9, and 32.4). Incidence per 100 person-years was 0 for HIV, 2.7 for HBV, and 0.4 for HCV. High infection prevalence among inmates represents a significant community health issue. General disease prevention efforts must include prevention within correctional facilities. The high observed intraprison incidence of HBV underscores the need to vaccinate prison populations.

The correlation between general disease prevention and prevention of HIV-contagion among adolescents

A representative group of young persons ( N=745), who used the youth clubs in Copenhagen were asked to fill in a structured questionnaire. A large group of the young had had their sexual debut ( N=367). In respect of this group we found no correlation between prevention regarding geneeral health risk factors vs. prevention against HIV contraction. It is discussed as to whether this difference can be accepted as an expression of the fact that adolescents do not consider the risk of AIDS as something that can affect them. Similarly, current problems in the chain of knowledge, attitude and behaviour in relation to intervention programmes are also discussed, including ethical aspects.

The logic and urgency of primary prevention.

An estimated 15 per cent of the American population suffers from some form of emotional disorder. Such widespread prevalence dictates allocation of more funds for development of primary prevention programs. For years investigators have successfully used the specific disease prevention paradigm to control infectious and nutritional diseases. To prevent psychiatric disorders, however, investigators are now including a general disease prevention paradigm that seeks etiological factors among a variety of stressful life events as well as among biological, psychological, and sociological factors that differentially predispose individuals to emotional disorders. An effective primary prevention campaign will require a national policy for the enhancement of mental health and perhaps even the establishment of an agency concerned solely with primary prevention. In the related paper following this one, Drs. Lamb and Zusman discuss new concepts in primary prevention but question the effectiveness of mental health prom...

Advice for Young Travelers

Children who live or travel in developing countries are at a small but definite risk of acquiring certain diseases that they would be unlikely to encounter had they remained in North America. Pediatricians who counsel such children and their famailies need to give competent and current advice about immunizations, chemoprophylaxis, and other maneuvers designed to maintain health. This review has outlined a general disease prevention program appropriate for children who travel to developing countires.

Advice for Young Travelers

Children who live or travel in developing countries are at a small but definite risk of acquiring certain diseases that they would be unlikely to encounter had they remained in North America. Pediatricians who counsel such children and their famailies need to give competent and current advice about immunizations, chemoprophylaxis, and other maneuvers designed to maintain health. This review has outlined a general disease prevention program appropriate for children who travel to developing countires.