General Health Parameters Research Articles

Cognitive training and physical therapy for fibromyalgia : Results of the KogTraP pilot study

The effectiveness of additive cognitive training in groups to the standard physical-medical therapy for primary and secondary fibromyalgia syndrome (p/sFMS) and asubsequent home-based self-training phase (STP) was analyzed. In the prospective controlled randomized study, 32people with confirmed p/sFMS were included, whereby 4patients could not be evaluated. During 2weeks of acute inpatient therapy, the control group (CG; n = 12) received standard physical-medical therapy and the intervention group (IG, n = 16) also received social-communicative cognitive group training (once/day, 60 min). In thesubsequent 3‑months, STP training was continued by both groups. Outcome parameters at baseline (U1), at discharge (U2), and after a quarteryear (U3) were pain, well-being/depressive mood, general health, and cognitive parameters (memory functions, cognitive speed). Both groups showed significant pain relief (U2 vs. U1), which was 10% more in the IG. Asignificant improvement in mood could be seen in both groups, but only the IG no longer achieved depressive values in the follow-up (U3). An improvement in the general state of health was also detected in both groups, which was only maintained in the IG until the end of the STP. Cognitive performance remained the same in the IG at U2, while there was areduction in the CG; cognitive speed could only be further improved in the IG during the STP. Adding cognitive training to astandard physical-medical clinical therapy resulted in significant pain relief and improvement of depression in patients during ahospital stay.

Personalized sleep and nutritional strategies to combat adverse effects of night shift work: a controlled intervention protocol

Abstract Background Working during the night interferes with the timing of normal daily activities and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. Under controlled experimental conditions, interventions focusing on sleep and nutrition can mitigate the short-term adverse effects of shift work. However, it is unclear how these results translate to real-life, how they can be targeted to individual conditions, and how they relate to long-term health. Therefore, the current study aims to implement a personalized sleep and nutritional intervention among night shift workers in the field. Methods A non-blinded controlled intervention study is used, consisting of a run-in period, an intervention of 3 months, post-intervention measurements, and a follow-up after 12 months. Three study arms are included: sleep intervention, nutritional intervention, and control group (n = 25 each). Participants are healthy 18–60-year male night shift workers, with at least one year of experience in night shift work. Information from the run-in period will be used to personalize the interventions. The main outcomes are sleep measurements and continuous interstitial glucose levels. Furthermore, general health biomarkers and parameters will be determined to further evaluate effects on long-term health. Discussion This study aims to mitigate negative health consequences associated with night shift work by introducing two personalized preventive interventions. If proven effective, the personalized interventions may serve as practical solutions that can have a meaningful impact on the sustainable health and employability of night shift workers. This study will thereby contribute to the current need for high–quality data on preventative strategies for night shift work in a real-life context. Trial registration This trial has been registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06147089. Registered 27 November 2023.

Retrospective Assessment of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Monthly and Three-Month Long-Acting Paliperidone Palmitate Treatment in Schizophrenia

IntroductionPatients with schizophrenia exhibit a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases compared to the general population, resulting in increased mortality rates. The extent of this risk may vary based on the specific treatment employed.ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the risk assessments of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in schizophrenia patients who transitioned from monthly long-acting paliperidone palmitate (PP1M) treatment to three-month long-acting paliperidone palmitate (PP3M) treatment during both treatment periods.MethodsThe research was conducted at the Psychiatry Clinic and Psychotic Disorders Outpatient Clinic of Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine. Eligible participants included patients under PP3M treatment for a minimum of 6 months and undergoing continuous monitoring in the psychotic disorders outpatient clinic. Sociodemographic and clinical data, scales, laboratory values, and measurements taken both before and during the use of PP3M and PP1M were retrieved from file records, encompassing assessments, analyses, and examinations conducted in accordance with the “Psychotic Disorders - Treatment Monitoring Protocol.” Ethical approval was obtained from the Selcuk University Ethics Committee.Results Among the 31 patients transitioning from PP1M to PP3M treatment, 15 (48.4%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 44.4±14.4 years. No statistically significant differences were observed in the mean values of clinical evaluation and side effect assessment scales, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, prolactin levels, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurements between the pre- and post-treatment phases (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was identified in the mean Qrisk3 values, a cardiovascular risk index, in two distinct measurements (10-year risk score: PP1M 3.7±4.2 and PP3M 4.6±4.8, p=0.003).Conclusions Our study, designed to investigate the impact of the monthly and three-month long-acting formulations of the same antipsychotic drug on patients’ clinical status, side effects, and general health parameters, found that PP3M treatment did not significantly differ from PP1M treatment in terms of Qrisk3 values. Despite the lack of statistical significance between the parameters used in Qrisk3 calculation, the observed significant difference in Qrisk3 values is attributed to variations in age. In order to promote the widespread adoption of long-acting treatments in schizophrenia management, clinicians should engage in comprehensive comparative studies assessing both efficacy and side effects.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Pre-clinical safety and toxicity assessment of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 in murine model

Comprehensive safety assessment of potential probiotic strains is crucial in the selection of risk-free strains for clinical translation. This study aimed to evaluate the biosafety of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400, a potential probiotic strain, using oral toxicity tests in a Swiss albino mouse model. Mice were orally gavaged with low (108 CFU/mouse/day) and high (1010 CFU/mouse/day) doses of NCDC 400 for 14 (acute), 28 (subacute), and 90 (subchronic) days to assess behavioral, hematological, biochemical, immunological, and histological effects. The administration of NCDC 400 did not result in any observable adverse effects on general health parameters, including body weight, feed and water intake, and organ indices. Hematological and biochemical parameters, such as glucose, serum enzymes, urea, creatinine, serum minerals, total serum proteins, and lipid profile, remained largely unaffected by the test strain. Notably, NCDC 400 administration led to a significant reduction in harmful intestinal enzymes and improvement in gut health indices, as indicated by fecal pH, lactate, ammonia, and short-chain fatty acids. There were no instances of bacterial translocation of NCDC 400 to blood or extra-intestinal organs. Immune homeostasis was not adversely affected by repeated exposure to NCDC 400 in all three oral toxicity studies. Histopathological examination revealed no strain-related changes in various tissues. Based on these findings, a dose of 1010 CFU/mouse/day was considered as the No Observable Effect Level (NOEL) in healthy mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the safe and non-toxic behavior of L. fermentum NCDC 400. The results support and ensure the safety and suitability for clinical trials and eventual translation into clinical practice as potential probiotic.

Efficacy of mindfulness meditation to improve quality of life in young women with polycystic ovarian disease

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of women’s most common endocrine disorders that can cause anxiety, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life (QOL). Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a 9-week mindfulness-based meditation program on the QOL and general health parameters in young women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This study was implemented on women diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria. The program was conducted for 9 weeks, beginning with a 15 min session and gradually increasing it to 60 min. The program included techniques on breath focus, body scan, “Om” chanting, mindful breathing, thinking, seeing, and listening. Pre-intervention questionnaires were given to the participants. These were a PCOS questionnaire (PCOSQ), a general health-related QOL questionnaire, and a five-item questionnaire for acne problems. Responses of participants were analyzed using 22 SPSS statistical software. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean of pre- and post-intervention Likert scale response values for the 26-item PCOSQ. There was no significant difference in the mean of pre- and post-intervention Likert scale response values for the acne questionnaire. Before the intervention, majority of them were unsatisfied with their health condition, only 8% reported “excellent” health, after the intervention 63% reported “very good.” 42% reported a reduction in pain, and 71% reported that they were calm and peaceful “most of the time.” Conclusion: Results showed that mindfulness meditation intervention had caused a significant change in general health and QOL of patients with PCOS.

Evaluation of the Effects of Instant Cascara Beverage on the Brain-Gut Axis of Healthy Male and Female Rats.

Instant cascara (IC) is a sustainable beverage obtained from dried coffee cherry pulp, rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. The present research aimed to determine the effects of IC on general health and brain-gut axis parameters of healthy female and male rats. Wistar rats were exposed to IC (10 mg/mL) in their drinking water for 3 weeks. Body weight and solid and liquid intakes were monitored as indicators of food safety. Gastrointestinal transit was radiographically evaluated one day (acute) and 3 weeks (chronic) after the start of IC exposure. Locomotor activity, anxiety, and anhedonia of the animals after 3 weeks of treatment was also studied. Overall, compared to water-exposed animals, IC significantly increased food intake in males (p < 0.0001) and liquid intake in females (p < 0.05) without changes in body weight in either case. IC did not significantly modify gastrointestinal motility parameters after its acute or repeated intake and did not cause any significant behavioral alterations in males or females (p > 0.05). In conclusion, repeated intake of IC at the studied concentration did not negatively affect brain-gut axis functions of healthy male and female rats. Anxiety behavior, diarrhea, constipation, abnormal weight modifications, or other typical effects of toxicity were not observed in animals treated with the new powdered beverage, suggesting its food safety under the studied conditions.

Short-term intake of fiber-rich oat bran but not spelt bran flake mix lowers bacterial endotoxin levels and improves health parameters in healthy, normal weight, young to middle-aged women

Diets low in dietary fiber have been associated with higher risks for non-communicable chronic diseases. We assessed in a single-blinded cross-over designed study if oat bran and spelt bran rich flake mixes, respectively, are suitable to increase general fiber intake in healthy women and impact intestinal microbiota composition, markers of intestinal barrier function, and general health parameters. Both interventions were associated with a significant increase in overall fiber intake but no marked changes of nutrient intake. Blood pressure was significantly lower after both interventions whereas cholesterol levels, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities in serum were only lower after the oat bran mix intervention. The latter was associated with a significant decrease of bacterial endotoxin in plasma but no change in intestinal microbiota composition. Our study suggests that fiber rich flake mixes are a suitable measure to increase dietary fiber intake, but health effects may differ between different dietary fibers.

Prospective assessment of mental and physical health of maternal near-miss women: A low-middle-income country's experience.

Traumatic birth experience is an unaddressed arena, especially in Asian women, with several societal stigmas lingering around. A study was undertaken to simultaneously assess the post-partum mental and physical health follow-up of maternal near-miss (MNM) women and compare it with women of uneventful deliveries. The prospective cohort study enrolled 88 MNM women (case cohort) and 80 women with an uneventful peri-partum period (control cohort) at the same time. The participants were followed up with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS), PTSD Checklist - Civilian Version (PLC-C), and a 36-item short-form-survey form over 6 months after the delivery. The case group had higher mean EPDS and PLC-C scores, with poor quality of life (QOL) performance, compared to the control group at 6 weeks and 3 months, and 6 months follow-up (P < 0.05). At the sixth-week follow-up visit, the study observed that 28 (31.8%) women from the case group required a psychiatry consultation compared to the control group with only two (2.5%) participants (P < 0.001). At 3 months, an evident difference was noted on various QOL parameters, such as limitations due to physical health and emotional problems, energy fatigue, general health, and health change parameters between the two groups (P < 0.05). The difference persisted at 6-month follow-up as well for limitations due to physical health, energy fatigue, and general health parameters only (P < 0.05). There is an urgent need for a multi-departmental collaborative approach at the hospital level and policy-making decisions at higher levels for the mental health of Asian women facing MNM events.

Evaluation of the Interaction between Gum Arabic Addition and Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and General Health Parameters of Broiler Chickens.

The present study aims to investigate the interaction between the addition of gum arabic as a prebiotic and various stocking densities on performance indicators, intestinal morphology, carcass characteristics, lymphoid organs, and selected blood indices of broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were used and randomly divided into six blocks as replicates with eight treatments per block (forty-eight floor pens) based on 4 × 2 factorial arrangements with four dietary treatments containing 0.00% (CONT), 0.12% gum arabic (T1), 0.25% gum arabic (T2), and 0.10% commercial prebiotic (T3) and two stocking densities (normal = 28 kg/m2; high = 50 kg/m2). All performance indicators were evaluated during the feeding phases. Blood biochemical indicators were analyzed at 36 days of age. At 37 days of age, carcass characteristics, lymphoid organs, and intestinal morphology were measured. On days 1-36, growth performance indicators were negatively affected at high stocking density, but all growth performance indicators except feed intake improved in chickens receiving T1-T3 compared to CONT (p < 0.05). The relative weight of total small intestine and weight-to-length ratio showed a significant interaction between treatments and stocking density (p < 0.05). A high stocking density decreased pre-slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing yield, while legs and thymus increased (p < 0.05). None of the interactions or treatments affected carcass characteristics or lymphoid organs (p > 0.05). Indicators of blood biochemistry were not affected by treatments, stocking density, or their interaction (p > 0.05), except for uric acid, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase, which were higher at a high stocking density (p < 0.05). In conclusion, gum arabic as a prebiotic improved growth performance, production efficiency, and intestinal morphology in broilers. In contrast, high stocking density negatively affected performance, production efficiency, some blood indices, carcass weight, dressing yield, and intestinal morphology. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism.

Pulmonary functions and life quality assessment results two years after COVID-19 comparison with the sixth month results.

We aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on patients 24 months after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Fifty-four patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated on the 24th month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry and short form of health-related quality of life scale (SF-36) were used. Chest computed tomography (chest-CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % values of 19 patients (35.18%) and forced vital capacity (FVC) % values of 23 patients (42.54%) were found lower than expected on the 24th month. Physical function, energy-vitality, social functionality and general health parameters were found lower than normal on the SF-36 scale. 27 (50.00%) patients had a chest-CT abnormality. There was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values and group 3: medium-lower lobe dominant, reticulation + traction, 10-50% surface area. Chest-CT of 6 patients was fully recovered. No correlation was found between chest-CT findings on the 24th month and BMI, length of hospitalization, white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin and D-dimer values at the time of hospitalization. Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients on the 24th month. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long-term problems that may arise.

Health status of the red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gases, and physical examination.

The red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus, is a species of seabird native to the Galápagos archipelago, and widely distributed across the neotropics. General health, blood chemistry, and haematology parameters have not been published for this species. Blood analyses were performed on samples drawn from 51 clinically healthy red-billed tropicbirds captured from their burrows at Islote Pitt on San Cristóbal Island in July, 2016 (21) and Daphne Major Island in June, 2017 (30). In the field, a point of care blood analyser (iSTAT) was used to obtain results for HCO3-, pH, pCO2, pO2, TCO2, iCa, Na, K, Cl, Hb, HCT, anion gap, creatinine, glucose and urea nitrogen. Additionally, a portable Lactate PlusTM analyser was used to measure blood lactate, and blood smears were also created in situ. The blood slides were used to estimate leukocyte counts and 100-cell differentials. Alongside these biochemistry and haematology parameters, average heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and scaled mass index (calculated from weight and a body measurement) were compared to determine the standard measurements for a healthy individual. The baseline data, and reference intervals reported in this paper are essential to detecting changes in the health of red-billed tropicbirds in the future.

Intraperitoneal BromAc® Does Not Interfere with the Healing of Colon Anastomosis

A combination of bromelain and acetylcysteine, BromAc®, is an efficient intraperitoneal mucolytic for thick mucus secreted in pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Patients with PMP quite often undergo colon anastomosis. Hence, we investigated the effect of the intraperitoneal delivery of BromAc® on colon-anastomosis healing in a rat model. Sixteen Wistar rats were divided into two groups (N = 8). The controls received intraperitoneal saline after anastomosis, whilst the other group received BromAc®. They were monitored for body-weight and general health parameters. Half the rats in each group (N = 4) were culled at 4 or 13 days post-surgery for assessment. The healing process of the tissues was assessed by burst pressure and collagen density with histology to assess the integrity of the internal organs. The results indicated that there was a similar pattern of weight fluctuation during the experiment, although the rats treated with the BromAc® showed slightly greater weight loss during the first 4 days. Although the burst pressure was similar in both groups, the BromAc® group at day 13 showed a slightly higher burst pressure, which was complemented by a higher collagen density (albeit not statistically significant). The histology of the internal organs was comparable to those of the controls. This study indicates that the intraperitoneal delivery of BromAc® in a rat model does not interfere with the healing process of colonic anastomosis.

Oral health-related quality of life in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) are chronic diseases that are associated with connective tissue and bone destruction, which affects the quality of life of the people suffering from these conditions. The identification of social conditions and the determinants of RA and PD would permit the elaboration of policies and strategies based on social reality. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the indicators of general health and oral health in patients with RA. A cross-sectional study involving 59 patients with RA was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Demographic, general health, periodontal, and oral health parameters were collected. In addition, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was administered to each patient. A description of the OHIP-14 dimensions according to different variables was performed. The relationship between OHRQoL and general/oral health indicators was analyzed with logistic and linear regression analyses. The highest OHIP-14 scores were found in people that were 60 years of age and over, single, had low educational achievements, a low socioeconomic status, were unemployed, and had no health affiliation. In the adjusted model, the prevalence of the impact on OHRQoL was 1.34 (1.10-5.29) times greater in those with erosive RA than in those without, and 2.22 (1.16-29.50) times greater in those who self-reported morning stiffness. Regarding the stage of PD, those with stage IV had a prevalence of the impact on the OHRQoL of 70%, an average extent of 3.4 ±4.5 and a severity score of 11.5 ±22.0, with statistically significant differences. The dimensions with the greatest impact on the OHRQoL of patients were physical pain, discomfort and psychological disability. The type of RA and the severity of PD are indicators of worse scores on the OHRQoL scale.

Safety and immunogenicity of the anti-cocaine vaccine UFMG-VAC-V4N2 in a non-human primate model.

A promising strategy for cocaine addiction treatment is the anti-drug vaccine. These vaccines induce the production of anticocaine antibodies, capable of linking to cocaine, and decrease the passage of cocaine throughout the blood-brain barrier, decreasing drug activity in the brain. Our research group developed a new vaccine candidate, the UFMG-V4N2, to treat cocaine use disorders (CUD) using an innovative carrier based on calixarenes. This study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of the anti-cocaine vaccine UFMG-VAC-V4N2 in a non-human primate toxicity study using single and multiple vaccine doses. The UFMG-VAC-V4N2 yielded only mild effects in the injection site and did not influence the general health, feeding behavior, or hematological, renal, hepatic, or metabolic parameters in the vaccinated marmosets. The anti-cocaine vaccine UFMG-VAC-V4N2 presented a favorable safety profile and induced the expected immune response in a non-human primate model of Callithrix penicillata. This preclinical UFMG-VAC-V4N2 study responds to the criteria required by international regulatory agencies contributing to future anticocaine clinical trials of this anti-cocaine vaccine.

Abstract P649: Juvenile Exercise Delays Frailty and Promotes Metabolic Health in Aged Mice

Introduction: Physical exercise is well-recognized for its beneficial effects on health. Acute or short-term effects of exercise have been extensively studied; however, it remains unclear whether exercise in juvenile has sustained beneficial effects until old age. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that juvenile exercise would delay frailty and promote metabolic health in aged mice. Methods: Male and female mice were divided into sedentary and exercise groups, and each group contains 50 mice. Mice in exercise group started swimming at 1 month of age and stopped at 4 month of age (1.5 hour per day and 5 days per week). No exercise intervention was conducted in other time. The general health, cardiac function, metabolism and other parameters were examined in aged mice. Transcriptional profiling of various tissues and organs was performed to obtain insight into mechanisms that how juvenile exercise affects aged mice. Results: Juvenile exercise mice showed significant reduction in frailty and improvement in metabolic health compared with sedentary controls. Both male and female juvenile exercise mice were scored lower in frailty at the age of 24 months. Juvenile exercise improved the integument and physical/musculoskeletal status of male mice. For females, juvenile exercise reduced frailty in all aspects. Female juvenile exercise mice weighted more than sedentary mice at 24 months old but male groups showed no difference. The cardiac function, food consumption, grip strength and rotarod running time between two groups also presented no difference at 24 months. Juvenile exercise mice showed improved flexibility in substrate usage at the age of 24 months under fasting condition. Aged mice in exercise group showed significant higher energy expenditure, fat and carbohydrate oxidation than their controls. KEGG overrepresentation analysis for the differentially expressed genes demonstrated that pathways altered by juvenile exercise were most related to metabolism, especially lipid metabolism. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that regular and moderate physical exercise in juvenile age extends health span in mice, highlighting the sustained beneficial effects of juvenile exercise.

Curcumin effects on Leydig cell functions and potential therapeutic uses.

Curcumin has been ascribed with countless therapeutic effects, but its impact on testicular function has been scarcely researched. Leydig cells comprise the androgen-secreting population of the testis and may give rise to Leydig cell tumours (LCTs). Due to their steroid-secreting nature, LCTs entail endocrine, reproductive, and psychological disorders. Approximately 10% are malignant and do not respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess curcumin's impact on Leydig cells' functions and its potential effect on LCT growth. In vitro assays on MA-10 Leydig cells showed that curcumin (20-80 µmol/L) stimulates acute steroidogenesis, both in the presence and absence of db-cAMP. This effect is accompanied by an increase in StAR expression. Regarding curcumin's in vitro cytostatic capacity, we show that 40-80 µmol/L curcumin reduces MA-10 Leydig cells' proliferative capacity, which could be explained by the arrest in G2/M and the reduced viability due to the activation of the apoptotic pathway. Finally, CB6F1 mice were inoculated with MA-10 cells to generate ectopic LCT in both flanks. They received i.p. injections of 20 mg/kg curcumin or vehicle every other day for 15 days. We unveiled curcumin's capacity to inhibit LCT growth as evidenced by reduced tumour volume, weight, and area under the growth curves. No detrimental effects on general health parameters or testicular integrity were observed. These results provide novel evidence of curcumin's effects on the endocrine cell population of the testis and propose this natural compound as a therapeutic agent for LCT.

Hand grip strength and ocular associations: The Ural eye and medical study

AbstractPurpose: To explore associations between the hand grip strength (HGS) and ocular parameters and diseases.Methods: Participants of the population‐based Ural Eye and Medical Study, including 5899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible individuals aged 40+ years, underwent systemic and ophthalmological examinations including dynamometric HGS measurement.Results: The study included 5381 (90.4%) individuals (age: 58.6 ± 10.6 years; range: 40–94 years) with HGS measurements. Higher HGS (mean: 30.6 ± 11.7 dekaNewton) correlated (multivariable analysis) with better visual acuity (beta: 0.02; p = 0.02), longer ocular axial length (beta: 0.03; p = 0.003), higher intraocular pressure (beta: 0.03; p = 0.001), thicker peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (beta: 0.03; p = 0.001), and lower prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (beta: −0.03; p = 0.007), after adjusting for younger age, male sex, Russian ethnicity, higher body height and waist‐hip ratio, higher educational level, higher physical total score, lower smoking package years, higher serum concentration of haemoglobin, higher prothrombin index, lower leucocyte cell count, lower prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, lower depression score, and lower arthritis prevalence. In that model, HGS was not correlated with the prevalence of nuclear cataract (p = 0.38), cortical cataract (p = 0.67), subcapsular posterior cataract (p = 0.50), open‐angle glaucoma (p = 0.22), or angle‐closure glaucoma (p = 0.27).Conclusions: In addition to parameters such as lower physical activity, higher depression score and worse general health status, a reduced HGS is associated with visual impairment, shorter axial length, lower intraocular pressure, thicker peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer, and higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. HGS dynamometry or a handshake may give additional clinical information for the ophthalmologist about the general health and ocular parameters of the patient.

Prophylactic effect of Ayurveda interventions in prevention of COVID 19 in selected containment zones of Delhi

BACKGROUND: The exponential rise of cases and associated morbidity and mortality has managed to make COVID-19 a serious threat. Minimising the transmission of disease by prevention and control strategy forms the core-pillar of response. Ayurveda with its holistic approach can potentially promote disease prophylaxis both at the individual as well as community levels. This clinical study was executed in a community set-up to explore the potential of Ayurvedic interventions in COVID-19 prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted as an open label community based study in six selected containment zones of Delhi on 9200 individuals with an objective to record the incidence of COVID-19 in these areas. The selected Ayurvedic Interventions (Ashwagandha, Maha Sudarshan Ghan Vati, Samshamani Vati) were distributed in the dose of two tablets of 250 mg each twice daily after food with lukewarm water for a period of one month. Onset of any COVID-19 related clinical symptoms, patient satisfaction in general health parameters and incidence of ADR/AE were taken as outcome measures. RESULTS: 9010 participants were recruited with mean age of 37.9 years. A total of 12 participants (0.17%) were reported positive during the intervention period, among 279 who underwent testing (because of contact tracing or symptoms). Participants who were devoid of any symptoms throughout the trial period were 98.8%. Statistically significant improvement was observed in parameters of general well-being at the end of study period. CONCLUSION: Ayurveda interventions demonstrated potential as a safe prophylactic measure against COVID 19 with comparatively good compliance and minimal adverse effects.

Persistence, prevalence, and polymorphism of sequelae after COVID-19 in unvaccinated, young adults of the Swiss Armed Forces: a longitudinal, cohort study (LoCoMo)

BackgroundPersistent COVID-19 sequelae could have global, public health ramifications. We therefore aimed to describe sequelae presenting more than 180 days after COVID-19—focussing on several organ systems, general health, and laboratory parameters—in non-hospitalised, unvaccinated, young adults.MethodsWe did a longitudinal cohort study of all army bases in Switzerland. Eligible participants were personnel of the Swiss Armed Forces (SAF) who were aged 18–30 years with a positive or negative RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 during their service between March 1, 2020, and Dec 31, 2020. Exclusion criteria were unwillingness to participate in testing. Females or men with a known reproductive anomaly were excluded from the optional component of male fertility testing. COVID-19 was defined as a positive diagnostic RT-PCR test result for SARS-CoV-2 with concurrent symptoms compatible with COVID-19. Participants were subdivided into four groups: control group (ie, serologically negative), asymptomatic infection group (ie, serologically positive but with no symptoms), non-recent COVID-19 group (>180 days since positive PCR test), and recent COVID-19 group (≤180 days since positive PCR test). Outcomes of interest were part of a comprehensive, intensive test battery that was administered during a single day. The test battery quantified the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, renal, ophthalmological, male reproductive, psychological, general health, and laboratory parameters. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04942249.FindingsBetween May 20, 2021, and Nov 26, 2021, we enrolled 501 participants. 29 (6%) of 501 were female and 464 (93%) were male, and the median age was 21 years (IQR 21–23). Eight (2%) of 501 had incomplete data and were not included into the study groups. 177 participants had previous COVID-19 that was more than 180 days (mean 340 days) since diagnosis (ie, the non-recent COVID-19 group) compared with 251 serologically negative individuals (ie, the control group). We included 19 participants in the recent COVID-19 group and 46 in the asymptomatic infection group. We found a significant trend towards metabolic disorders in participants of the non-recent COVID-19 group compared with those in the control group: higher BMI (median 24·0 kg/m2 [IQR 22·0–25·8] vs 23·2 kg/m2 [27·1–25·0]; p=0·035), lower aerobic threshold (39% [36–43] vs 41% [37–46]; p=0·012), and higher blood cholesterol (4·2 μM [3·7–4·7] vs 3·9 μM [3·5–4·5]; p<0·0001) and LDL concentrations (2·4 μM [1·9–2·9] vs 2·2 μM [1·7–2·7]; p=0·001). The only significant psychosocial difference was found in the results of the Chalder Fatigue scale with the non-recent COVID-19 group reporting higher fatigue scores than the control group (median 12 points [IQR 11–15] vs 11 [9–14]; p=0·027). No significant differences in other psychosocial questionnaire scores, ophthalmological outcomes, and sperm quality or motility were reported between the control group and non-recent COVID-19 group.InterpretationYoung, previously healthy, individuals largely recover from SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the constellation of higher BMI, dyslipidaemia, and lower physical endurance 180 days after COVID-19 is suggestive of a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders and possible cardiovascular complications. These findings will guide future investigations and follow-up management.FundingSwiss Armed Forces.

Hand grip strength and ocular associations: the Ural Eye and Medical Study

PurposeTo explore the associations between hand grip strength (HGS) and ocular parameters and diseases.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.MethodsParticipants of the Ural Eye and Medical Study, including 5899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible...