General Health Benefits Research Articles

Molecular Hydrogen Neuroprotection in Post-Ischemic Neurodegeneration in the Form of Alzheimer's Disease Proteinopathy: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential for Clinical Implementation-Fantasy or Reality?

Currently, there is a lot of public interest in naturally occurring substances with medicinal properties that are minimally toxic, readily available and have an impact on health. Over the past decade, molecular hydrogen has gained the attention of both preclinical and clinical researchers. The death of pyramidal neurons in especially the CA1 area of the hippocampus, increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, amyloid accumulation, tau protein dysfunction, brain atrophy, cognitive deficits and dementia are considered an integral part of the phenomena occurring during brain neurodegeneration after ischemia. This review focuses on assessing the current state of knowledge about the neuroprotective effects of molecular hydrogen following ischemic brain injury. Recent studies in animal models of focal or global cerebral ischemia and cerebral ischemia in humans suggest that hydrogen has pleiotropic neuroprotective properties. One potential mechanism explaining some of the general health benefits of using hydrogen is that it may prevent aging-related changes in cellular proteins such as amyloid and tau protein. We also present evidence that, following ischemia, hydrogen improves cognitive and neurological deficits and prevents or delays the onset of neurodegenerative changes in the brain. The available evidence suggests that molecular hydrogen has neuroprotective properties and may be a new therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as neurodegeneration following cerebral ischemia with progressive dementia. We also present the experimental and clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of hydrogen use after cerebral ischemia. The therapeutic benefits of gas therapy open up new promising directions in breaking the translational barrier in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Traditional Indian Medicinal Flowers in Floral Therapeutics: A Field Survey of Purvanchal, Uttar Pradesh

Flowers play an important role in our lives, whether medicinally or professionally, and flowers help to maintain health and a positive human relationship. The therapeutic uses of flowers utilized in Ayurveda has been attempted to be shown. Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, and Pushpa-Ayurveda were used to research the therapeutic use of flowers in ancient and modern literature. In this overview, medicinal flowers are found in special Vargas (groups) of Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, and Pushpa-Ayurveda, respectively, and are grouped systematically in tabular form. Charaka and Vagbhat explained the medicinal advantages of flowers in a random manner. The topic is separated into two parts: the general health benefits of flowers and their pharmacological form. Most of the flowers listed in this study were used in the treatment of Jvara (Fever), Meha (Diabetes), Atisara (diarrhea), Krimi (Wormicidal), Hridaroga (In Heart problems), Kshaya (Wasting), Kasa (Cough), Svasa (Respiratorydiseases), Kustha (Skin diseases), Daha (Burning), Chardi (Vomiting), Raktapitta (Intrinsic hemorrhage), Sopha (Swelling), Dipana (Appetizer), Pachana (Digestive), and Vrana (Wound). Flowers have a special position in Ayurveda and have been employed in healing and sickness since ancient times. As a result, this work gives academics and clinicians who are actively engaged in medicinal plant research and medical practice a unique perspective.

Impact of Resistance Training on Sports Performance and Muscular Adaptations

Resistance training helps contribute to sportsperformance and general health benefits. In particular, resistance training is linked to physiological adaptations causing increases in muscular strength, endurance, power, and hypertrophy. These muscular adaptations can be translated to improvements in sports performance. With this concept in mind, sports performance coaches can manipulate training variables in order to optimize athletic performance and help athletes achieve their goals.

General Health Benefits and Pharmacological Activities of Triticum aestivum L.

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum), one of the world’s most consumed cereal grains, is known for its uses in baking and cooking in addition to its medicinal uses. As this plant’s medical benefits are enormous and scattered, this narrative review was aimed at describing the pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, and the nutritional values of Triticum aestivum. It is a good source of dietary fiber, resistant starch, phenolic acids, alkylresorcinols, lignans, and diverse antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, tocopherols and tocotrienols. These constituents provide Triticum aestivum with a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hypolipemic, antioxidant, laxative, and moisturizing effects. This review summarized the established benefits of wheat in human health, the mode of action, and different clinical, in vitro and in vivo studies for different varieties and cultivars. This review also gives an insight for future research into the better use of this plant as a functional food. More clinical trials, in vivo and in vitro studies are warranted to broaden the knowledge about the effect of Triticum aestivum on nutrition-related diseases prevention, and physical and mental well-being sustenance.

Effect of aerobic exercise intensity on health-related quality of life in severe obesity: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAerobic exercise is an important part of obesity treatment and may improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two different exercise programs on health-related quality of life in patients with severe obesity.MethodsThis was a single-center, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study comparing the effects of a 24-week moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) program and a combined high-intensity interval training program with MICT (HIIT/MICT). The primary objective (specified secondary outcome) was to assess HRQOL by using the general health dimension of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The secondary objectives were to assess other dimensional SF-36 scores, the impact of weight on the physical and psychosocial aspects of quality of life (IWQOL-Lite), and the burden of obesity-specific weight symptoms (WRSM).Results73 patients were enrolled and reported patient reported outcome measures, with 71 patients (55% females) allocated to either MICT (n = 34) or HIIT/MICT (n = 37). In the intention-to-treat analysis, general health scores increased between baseline and 24-week follow-up in both the HIIT/MICT group and the MICT group, with a mean change of 13 (95% CI 6–21) points and 11 (95% CI 5–17) points, respectively, with no difference between the groups. The effect sizes of these changes were moderate. The vitality and social functioning scores of SF-36, and the physical function and self-esteem scores of IWQOL-Lite increased moderately in both groups, with no difference between groups. The tiredness, back pain, and physical stamina scores based on WRSM showed moderate to strong changes in both the groups.ConclusionsPatients who had completed a combined HIIT/MICT program did not experience larger improvements in general health compared with those completing a clean 24-week MICT program. Exercise may confer general health benefits independent of intensity.Trials registrationRegional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics south east, Norway, October 23, 2013 (identifier: 2013/1849) and ClinicalTrials.gov December 8, 2014 (identifier: NCT02311738).

Underlying evidence for the health benefits of fermented foods in humans.

Fermented foods (FFs) have been a part of our diets for millennia and comprise highly diverse products obtained from plants and animals all over the world. Historically, fermentation has been used to preserve food and render certain raw materials edible. As our food systems evolve towards more sustainability, the health benefits of FFs have been increasingly touted. Fermentation generates new/transformed bioactive compounds that may occur in association with probiotic bacteria. The result can be specific, advantageous functional properties. Yet, when considering the body of human studies on the topic, whether observational or experimental, it is rare to come across findings supporting the above assertion. Certainly, results are lacking to confirm the widespread idea that FFs have general health benefits. There are some exceptions, such as in the case of lactose degradation via fermentation in individuals who are lactose intolerant; the impact of select fermented dairy products on insulin sensitivity; or the benefits of alcohol consumption. However, in other situations, the results fail to categorically indicate whether FFs have neutral, beneficial, or detrimental effects on human health. This review tackles this apparent incongruity by showing why it is complex to test the health effects of FFs and what can be done to improve knowledge in this field.

Assessment of Roadside Plants as Barriers for Control Pollution of Some Districts of Uttar Pradesh:Green National Corridor

Several studies have investigated the use of roadside plants in reducing near-road air pollution concentrations since this method is often one of the few short-term options available to reduce near-road air pollution. In addition to air quality and general health benefits, roadside vegetation can improve aesthetics, increase property values, reduce heat, control surface water runoff, and reduce noise pollution (with dense, thick and tall stands). Since roadside vegetation has other potential benefits, the impact of this feature has been of particular interest. Roadside tree planting can make significant improvements to the quality of roads and the environment and can protect key natural resources. Road corridors can be a focus area for the restoration of vegetation cover, as vegetation supports many additional benefits, such as trapping dust and reducing run-off flows. Roadside vegetation may provide an opportunity to reduce nearroad pollutant concentrations in urban areas. This roadside vegetation can include the preservation of existing trees and bushes, as well as planting vegetation, which may constitute some of the few near-term mitigation strategies available for urban developers and facilities already subjected to high pollution levels near roads. This paper describes the field survey of roadside vegetation of different districts of Uttar Pradesh and it was observed that some common species are barriers to control pollution on road side besides covering other the environmental aspects such as control noise pollution, air pollution and maintenance of the ecological balance. It was also observed that the vegetation of Uttar Pradesh consists mostly of shrubs. Forests are generally concentrated in the southern uplands.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and ferroptosis: jumping into the era of novel regulated cell death.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and ferroptosis: jumping into the era of novel regulated cell death.

Probiotic potential of Weissella paramesenteroides MYPS5.1 isolated from customary dairy products and its therapeutic application.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03074-2.

Resveratrol As a Novel Treatment for Recurrent Epistaxis in SMAD4+ Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

IntroductionHereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of arteriovenous malformations or telangiectasias that may affect any organ system, but are most prevalent in the nose and gastrointestinal tract. Nasal telangiectasia account for epistaxis, the most frequent manifestation of HHT, which may be frequent, debilitating and lead to decreased quality of life. Epistaxis is quantified by the Epistaxis Severity Scores (ESS), which ranges from 1-10 with higher scores associated with more severe bleeding. The diagnosis of HHT is based on clinical criteria and requires three or more of the following features: epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasis, visceral AVMs, and/or a family history of HHT. HHT is associated with several mutations that may involve ENG, ACVRL1, or SMAD4; the latter occurs in only ~2% of HHT patients, which is also associated with the Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS), another autosomal dominant disorder associated with an increased risk for colorectal, stomach, small intestine, and pancreatic cancers.MethodsCase report with serial ESS scores, hemoglobin and hematocrit monitoring.ResultsA 25-year-old male was diagnosed with JPS/HHT and a c.1081C>T mutation in SMAD4 leading to an R361C missense mutation was diagnosed in 2013. The patient had a longstanding history of frequent epistaxis leading to severe iron deficiency anemia and requiring at least two 750 mg iron infusions annually (total of 14), and did not improve with oral iron supplements. In December 2020, the patient initiated a 1 g daily dose of resveratrol for general anti-aging and health benefits. His epistaxis improved immediately, and his ESS decreased from 6 (consistent with severe bleeding) to 1 (no bleeding) over a two week period. The frequency, severity and duration of epistaxis all improved dramatically (Figure). No additional iron therapy has been required since initiation of resveratrol. Recent serum iron and ferritin values (6/2021) were both within normal limits.Of interest, in parallel with the resolution of epistaxis, the patient also had a dramatic reduction in colonic polyposis after starting resveratrol.ConclusionsThere are no approved therapies for the treatment of HHT, and patients with this disorder may suffer from a markedly reduced quality of life due to unpredictable epistaxis and other manifestations. While a responses to bevacizumab have been reported in 60-70% of patients, treatment is expensive and may be associated with thromboembolic events, and patients may become refractory over time. Invasive approaches such as sclerotherapy may be initially, but only temporarily effective. Thus, there is an urgent need for better HHT therapies. [Display omitted] DisclosuresMcCrae: Sanofi, Novartis, Alexion, and Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy, Honoraria; Dova, Novartis, Rigel, and Sanofi Genzyme: Consultancy.

Does exercise-therapy increase physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review

Introduction: Physical activity has important general, physical and mental health benefits. Few (13%) people with knee osteoarthritis meet physical activity guidelines; and over half (60%) have one or more other chronic comorbidities. This review aims to investigate the effects of exercise-therapy on physical activity levels in people with knee osteoarthritis. Secondary aims included investigating the effects of exercise-therapy on (i)-physical fitness; and (ii)-measures of general health. Methods: This systematic review of randomised-controlled trials with meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42020140796). We searched five databases from inception until June 2019. Randomised controlled trials involving exercise-therapy for people with knee osteoarthritis were included. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used by two reviewers to independently appraise articles. We extracted data at three timepoints: short-term (<6 months), medium-term (6-11 months) and long-term (≥12 months). Certainty of meta-analyses was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: We screened 5190 studies for eligibility, 66 full-text articles were assessed. Eleven randomised controlled trials (12 articles) were included. Nine trials compared exercise-therapy to no intervention and two compared exercise-therapy to another intervention. Low certainty evidence from six trials indicates a small increase in physical activity for exercise-therapy compared to no intervention at short-term follow-up (standardised mean difference (SMD) [95 % confidence interval (CI)]=0.35[0.03,0.67]). Sensitivity analysis found that walking programs (n=3) had a moderate effect on physical activity (0.69[0.23,1.14]), while resistance programs (n=3) had no effect (0.09[-0.11,0.29]). Very-low certainty evidence from two trials found no effect of exercise-therapy on physical fitness for exercise-therapy compared no intervention at short-term follow-up (SMD[95% CI]=0.40[-0.59,1.38]). Individual trials reported small improvements for systolic blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass when exercise-therapy is compared to no intervention. Discussion: Exercise-therapy for people with knee osteoarthritis can improve pain/function and may also increase physical activity. However, this effect may be specific to exercise-therapy type, with aerobically targeted exercise-therapy (walking programs), but not resistance training, increasing physical activity. Future exercise-therapy trials are encouraged to include physical activity monitoring to increase the certainty of these findings. Exercise-therapy may also improve general health, but findings are currently limited to single trials. Targeted physical activity interventions are required to address the disparity of people with knee osteoarthritis participating in physical activity. Conflict of interest statement: Authors acknowledge that we have no conflicts of interest relevant to the submission of this abstract.

Review on Theobromine: An Alternative to Fluorides in Treating Dentinal Hypersensitivity

Theobromine is a unique constituent that can help dentistry and general health in the future. The generic name of theobroma is obtained from two Greek words i.e., Theo and Broma, which means “food of the gods". It can be found in cocoa beans and chocolates. Theodent toothpaste harness the power of cocoa. Rennou, the main component in Theodent, is a unique compound that combines theobromine, calcium, and phosphate to enhance enamel remineralization. This article is to review the effectiveness of theobromine in blocking dentinal tubules by preventing dentinal hypersensitivity, and its positive effects on general health. Various researches and valid documents were reviewed by us. Several studies have been conducted that shows theobromine is effective in blocking dentinal tubules, thus preventing dentinal hypersensitivity as well as tooth demineralization. It also has other general health benefits. Because of its potent vasodilation, diuretic and heart stimulant effect, theobromine can also be used in treating high blood pressure. It also aids in opening of airways and helps in preventing kidney stones. The use of fluoride dentifrices is debatable, as it has many detrimental effects. Also, we consider that theobromine if used as a component in dentifrices, if unintentionally swallowed, cause no catastrophic effects.

Utility of Vajikarana in General Health- A Review

Objective: Vajikarana or Vrishya chikitsa is the branch of Ayurveda dealing with reproductive health and virility. Though this branch makes use of drugs under the category of aphrodisiac, the multifaceted effect of those is underexplored. The properties of disease prevention and restoration of health might be the attribute benefited in sexual health too. This paper intends to explore the general health benefits of Vajikarana drugs.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Data related to the aphrodisiac drugs are located in classical texts of Ayurveda and online journals with keywords “Vajikarana, Ayurveda, aphrodisiacs, neuro-endocrine immune system, Vrishya chiktsa, Ojas and sex hormones”. The relevant scripts were selected and appropriate data from 8 articles and 18 chapters were extracted for the final manuscript construction.&#x0D; Results: The drugs like Ashwgandha, Shatavari, Atmagupta, Sweta musali and Masha proved to have a neuro-endocrinological effects, psycho-neuro-immunological effects, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties apart from aphrodisiac effects. It stabilizes Tridosha, Saptadathu and eventually Ojas, and calms mental faculties.&#x0D; Conclusion: The proper use of the Vajikarana formulations imparts qualities like good physique, potency, strength, and complexion. This benefits of Vajikarana can be incorporated into other health conditions also. The practice of Vajikarana corrects the deformities of reproductive systems and in turn balances other body functions. Advanced research on the health benefits and enhancing sexual potency of women should be carried out on Vajikarana therapy. This will aid prevention of diseases which is a major health standpoint in the current day scenario.

Exercise effects on cardiovascular disease: from basic aspects to clinical evidence.

Cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of major morbidity and CVD- and all-cause mortality in most of the world. It is now clear that regular physical activity (PA) and exercise training (ET) induces a wide range of direct and indirect physiologic adaptations and pleiotropic benefits for human general and CV health. Generally, higher levels of PA, ET, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are correlated with reduced risk of CVD, including myocardial infarction, CVD-related death, and all-cause mortality. Although exact details regarding the ideal doses of ET, including resistance and, especially, aerobic ET, as well as the potential adverse effects of extreme levels of ET, continue to be investigated, there is no question that most of the world's population have insufficient levels of PA/ET, and many also have lower than ideal levels of CRF. Therefore, assessment and promotion of PA, ET, and efforts to improve levels of CRF should be integrated into all health professionals' practices worldwide. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss the exercise effects on many areas related to CVD, from basic aspects to clinical practice.

MP32-06 ASSOCIATION OF PLANT-BASED DIETARY PATTERNS WITH PROSTATE CANCER RISK

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Epidemiology & Natural History II (MP32)1 Sep 2021MP32-06 ASSOCIATION OF PLANT-BASED DIETARY PATTERNS WITH PROSTATE CANCER RISK Stacy Loeb, Benjamin C. Fu, Scott R. Bauer, Claire H. Pernar, June M. Chan, Erin L. Van Blarigan, Edward L. Giovannucci, Stacey A. Kenfield, and Lorelei A. Mucci Stacy LoebStacy Loeb More articles by this author , Benjamin C. FuBenjamin C. Fu More articles by this author , Scott R. BauerScott R. Bauer More articles by this author , Claire H. PernarClaire H. Pernar More articles by this author , June M. ChanJune M. Chan More articles by this author , Erin L. Van BlariganErin L. Van Blarigan More articles by this author , Edward L. GiovannucciEdward L. Giovannucci More articles by this author , Stacey A. KenfieldStacey A. Kenfield More articles by this author , and Lorelei A. MucciLorelei A. Mucci More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002036.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Plant-based diets are associated with multiple health benefits as well as a favorable environmental impact. For prostate cancer, previous studies suggest a beneficial role of specific plant-based foods (e.g., tomatoes with lycopene) and a potentially harmful role of specific animal-based foods (e.g., meat and dairy). However, less is known about plant-based dietary patterns and prostate cancer risk. METHODS: This was a prospective study including 47,243 men followed for up to 28 years in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Plant-based dietary indices were calculated using data from food frequency questionnaires collected every four years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate multivariable hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between plant-based diet in relation to risk of incident prostate cancer. A priori we hypothesized that a plant-based diet would be associated with a lower risk of advanced, lethal and fatal cancers, and among men less than 65 years at diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 6,660 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer over follow-up, including 516 with advanced stage at diagnosis, 958 with lethal disease and 807 deaths from prostate cancer. There was no association between the overall plant-based dietary index with total prostate cancer risk, although greater overall plant-based consumption was associated with a nonsignificant lower risk of fatal prostate cancer. In men age less than 65 at diagnosis, greater overall consumption of plant-based diet was associated with a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.42-1.10, p-trend=0.046). Moreover, among younger men, greater consumption of a healthful plant-based diet was associated with lower risks of total prostate cancer (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.70-0.95, p-trend=0.01) and fatal disease (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.32-0.90, p-trend=0.03). There were no associations with either the overall or healthful plant-based diet indices with prostate cancer among men older than 65 years. Limitations of the study include that <1% of the participants followed a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to well-established benefits for general health and the environment, data from this prospective study provide supportive evidence that greater consumption of healthful plant-based foods may be associated with a lower risk of total and fatal prostate cancer among younger men. Source of Funding: This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (U01 CA167552, T32 CA009001). SL and LAM are supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation. SB is supported by grant 1K12DK111028 from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disorders © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e566-e567 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Stacy Loeb More articles by this author Benjamin C. Fu More articles by this author Scott R. Bauer More articles by this author Claire H. Pernar More articles by this author June M. Chan More articles by this author Erin L. Van Blarigan More articles by this author Edward L. Giovannucci More articles by this author Stacey A. Kenfield More articles by this author Lorelei A. Mucci More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Withania somnifera as a safer option to hydroxychloroquine in the chemoprophylaxis of COVID-19: Results of interim analysis

ObjectivesTo study the efficacy and safety of Withania somnifera (WS, Ashwagandha) in the prophylaxis against COVID-19 in high risk health care workers (HCW) in comparison to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). To evaluate the general physical and mental health benefits of Ashwagandha. MethodsA 16 week randomized prospective, open-label, parallel efficacy, two arm, multi-centre study. The primary efficacy measure was ‘failure of prophylaxis’ as confirmed COVID-19 by quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) at any time during the study period. This study on 400 participants from three centres was designed to establish non-inferiority for WS to HCQ for prophylaxis against COVID-19 at 80 % power and significance p < 0.025, one-sided. The interim analysis was carried out on 160 participants after completion of 8 weeks. ResultsParticipants in both the arms were well-matched at the baseline characteristics. Forty participants in the HCQ group and 26 participants in the WS group reported mild AE. The symptoms of confirmed COVID-19 were found to be 3.7 % (95 % CI 1.3–10.5 %) in the HCQ and 1.3 % (95 % CI 0.02–6.7 %) in the WS arm amongst the first 160 participants completing 8 weeks. ConclusionOur intent was to explore a safer option to HCQ. We report that WS was not found inferior to HCQ and its efficacy was within the 15 % non-inferiority margin set a priori. WS as an immunomodulator has other clinical benefits including reducing mental stress. The final report of this study is expected by end of August 2021.

Deciphering the colonic fermentation characteristics of agavin and digestion-resistant maltodextrin in a simulated batch fermentation system

Gut microbial fermentation of soluble dietary fibers promotes general and substrate-specific health benefits. In this study, the fermentation characteristics of two soluble branched-dietary fibers, namely, agavin (a type of agave fructans) and digestion-resistant maltodextrin (RD) were investigated against cellulose, using a simulated colonic fermenter apparatus employing a mixed culture of swine fecal bacteria. After 48 h of complete fermentation period, the microbial composition was different among all groups, where Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. dominated the agavin treatment, while the members of the families Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae dominated the RD treatment. Agavin treatment exhibited a clearly segregated two-phased prolonged fermentation trend compared to RD treatment as manifested by the fermentation rates. Further, the highest short-chain fatty acids production even at the end of the fermentation cycle, acidic pH, and the negligible concentration of ammonia accumulation demonstrated favorable fermentation attributes of agavin compared to RD. Therefore, agavin might be an effective and desirable substrate for the colonic microbiota than RD with reference to the expressed microbial taxa and fermentation attributes. This study revealed a notable significance of the structural differences of fermentable fibers on the subsequent fermentation characteristics.

Physical fitness and anthropometrical profile for the recruits of the elite close protection unit of the Portuguese public security police

ABSTRACT The initial assessment of physical fitness (PF) is associated with daily duty tasks/performance, and health-indicators (risk of injury/illnesses) of police officers. This research aimed to characterize the demographic, sports practice, PF, and metabolic profile of Elite Portuguese Public Security Police recruits. This cross-sectional study included 32 participants (age 30.1 ± 2.7 years old). The following data were collected: demographic, sports practice, PF (e.g. muscular resistance [pull/sit/push-ups], cardiorespiratory fitness [Cooper Test]), and metabolic measures (e.g. blood pressure [systolic/diastolic]). A robust PF and metabolic profile was observed: sit-ups 79.6 ± 11.6 rep.; push-ups 65.4 ± 17.3 rep.; VO2max prediction 49.6 ± 4.7 ml/kg/min; Body Mass Index 23.5 ± 2.1 kg/m2; fat mass 10.7 ± 2.3%; systolic blood pressure 134.0 ± 12.0 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure 74.6 ± 12.5 mm Hg. Deeper knowledge on initial PF and its impact on health may be relevant for policing policy, allowing one to define assessment guidelines and implement regular training to optimize PF throughout police officers´ lives and careers, with potentially general health benefits.

Relationship between mindfulness and general health among couples in Mainland China: A crossover perspective

RationalePrevious research has indicated that mindfulness can be beneficial both intrapersonally and interpersonally. Although mindfulness has been shown to improve an individual's health, much less is known about whether these health benefits extend to the individual's spouse. ObjectiveThe present study aims to establish a crossover model to expound ''how'' and ''why'' mindfulness might be associated with both the individual's and the spouse's general health. MethodsIn total, 319 married couples in Mainland China participated in a two-wave survey study with a 3-month interval. The hypotheses were tested by Structural Equation Modeling. ResultsAs expected, mindfulness was positively correlated with personal general health through decreases in perceived social undermining. However, mindfulness had an asymmetrical crossover effect on spouses' general health. Whereas wives' mindfulness had significant benefits for husbands' general health, husbands' mindfulness was not a significant protective factor of wives' general health. The benefits of wives' mindfulness on husbands' general health were mediated by the direct crossover of lower perceived social undermining from wives to husbands. ConclusionsThis study is the first to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and general health at the couple level. Our findings help clarify the benefits of mindfulness on couples' health management from a systemic perspective and provide further support for the crossover theory.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on application of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for exercise in adults with CHD: a data-based questionnaire.

Regular physical activity is safe and effective therapy for adults with CHD and is recommended by European Society of Cardiology guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges to healthcare teams and patients when ensuring guideline compliance. We explored the implications of COVID-19 on physical activity levels in adult CHD patients. A data-based questionnaire was distributed to adult CHD patients at a regional tertiary centre from October to November 2020. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 96 (79.3%) of 125 respondents reported participating in regular physical activity, with 66 (52.8%) meeting target levels (moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week). Commonest motivations for physical activity were general fitness (53.6%), weight loss (36.0%), and mental health benefits (30.4%). During the pandemic, the proportion that met target levels significantly decreased from 52.8% to 40.8% (p = 0.03). The commonest reason was fear of COVID-19 (28.0%), followed by loss of motivation (23.2%) and gym/fitness centre closure (15.2%). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted exercise levels of adult CHD patients. Most do not meet recommended physical activity levels, mainly attributable to fear of COVID-19. Even before the pandemic, only half of respondents met physical activity guidelines. Availability of online classes can positively impact exercise levels so could enhance guideline compliance. This insight into health perceptions and behaviours of adult CHD patients may help develop quality improvement initiatives to improve physical activity levels in this population.