Individual Habits Research Articles

Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in the Railway Transportation Sector: Literature Review

Introduction: Hearing loss, a significant global health problem, can significantly impact quality of life. The railway sector, with its high noise levels, is particularly vulnerable. To address this, it is crucial to focus on mitigating risk factors through noise control, PPE promotion, and regular hearing assessments. Objective: The study aims to identify factors related to hearing loss in railway sectors. By understanding these factors, the research seeks to contribute to improved workplace safety and hearing conservation programs. Method: This study employed a literature review methodology, utilizing sources from Scopus and Google Scholar. Articles were searched using the keywords "hearing loss," "NIHL," "hearing impairment," "railway transport," "railway industry," and "train transportation" published within the last 10 years from 2014 to 2024. Result: The result of the article search revealed 10 articels that match the criteria set. The result show that various factors were identified that can increase the risk of hearing loss in the railway sector. Overall, risk factors for hearing loss among workers include duration of noise exposure, age, sex, individual habits, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion: The need for comprehensive hearing conservation programs in the railway sector that address not only noise control, but also individual risk factors and the effective use of personal protective equipment. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of combined noise and vibration exposure and the potential benefits of advanced audiometric techniques in the early detection and prevention of hearing loss.

Saving Behavior Factors among Working Students in Kathmandu Valley Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

In recent times, the financial landscape of Kathmandu Valley has witnessed a surge in the number of working students who balance their educational pursuits with employment commitments. In parallel, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented economic and sociological disruptions, potentially altering the financial habits of individuals. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the saving behavior of working students in Kathmandu Valley, while also investigating whether the pandemic plays a mediating role in this context. To achieve these objectives, explanatory research design is used to analyze the connections and causal effects between the factors of saving behavior among working students in Kathmandu valley. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using the Partial Least Square (PLS) version 4.0 is adopted for data analysis. The findings reveal significant support for all the hypotheses proposed in the study. The analysis indicated that the economic factor, sociological factor, psychological factor and Covid 19 have a positive impact on saving behavior among working students. The results also suggest that the utilization of SEM and SMART PLS provides valuable insight into understanding the relationship between various factors. The study has revealed important new information about the complex dynamics of saving behavior in the context of both personal and societal factors. An in-depth analysis of the impact of economic, sociological, and psychological factors on the financial decisions made by working students in the Kathmandu Valley was conducted in this study, with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic's mediating role.

Effect of smoking on the risk of gastrointestinal cancer after cholecystectomy: A national population-based cohort study.

The role of smoking in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) or gastric cancer (GC) in populations undergoing cholecystectomy has not been investigated. To evaluate the effect of smoking on CRC or GC development in cholecystectomy patients. A total of 174874 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 were identified using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database. These patients were matched 1:1 with members of a healthy population according to age and sex. CRC or GC risk after cholecystectomy and the association between smoking and CRC or GC risk in cholecystectomy patients were evaluated using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CIs. The risks of CRC (adjusted HR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.06-1.25; P = 0.0013) and GC (adjusted HR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01-1.22; P = 0.0027) were significantly higher in cholecystectomy patients. In the population who underwent cholecystectomy, both CRC and GC risk were higher in those who had smoked compared to those who had never smoked. For both cancers, the risk tended to increase in the order of non-smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the amount of smoking and the risks of both CRC and GC. Careful follow-up and screening should be performed, focusing on the increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer in the cholecystectomy group, particularly considering the individual smoking habits.

Analisis Kompetensi Andragogi Tutor Pendidikan Kesetaraan dalam Pembelajaran di Sanggar Kegiatan Belajar (SKB) Kota Medan

This research aims to analyze the competence of equal education tutors in the Medan City Community Learning Activity Studio (SKB). The type of research used is qualitative descriptive research. There were 3 subjects in the research, namely tutors in the equivalency program. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques are data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The validity of the research includes source triangulation and technique triangulation. The research results show that tutors have shown significant efforts in understanding the characteristics and needs of students by approaching them directly and identifying individual habits and needs. Mastery of educational principles can also be seen through the tutor's efforts to integrate educational principles in learning by creating an active and interesting class atmosphere. In terms of curriculum development, tutors collaborate with external parties to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the curriculum according to student needs, by paying attention to basic principles such as relevance and efficiency. The learning strategies implemented, including discussion methods and the use of simple language, succeeded in increasing students' understanding. Apart from that, tutors are able to create interactive, fun and challenging learning situations. Mastery of conventional learning media is good, but use of information and communication technology (ICT) varies, with some tutors facing technical and infrastructure obstacles. Finally, assessments are carried out using various tools, both tests and non-tests, to ensure fair and objective learning outcomes.

Impact of dry eye disease on psychological symptoms among Chinese doctoral students studying abroad.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dry eye disease (DED) on depression, anxiety, and stress among Chinese doctoral students studying abroad. This is a cross-sectional study. This study enrolled 185 Chinese doctoral students pursuing education in the Philippines. DED was assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index, while psychological symptoms were evaluated using the abbreviated version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 questionnaire. A survey encompassing demographic information, potential DED risk factors, and individual habits was also administered. Of the 185 students, 129 completed the survey, of which 40 (31.0%) were male and 89 (69.0%) were female. The average age was 36.3 ± 7.0 (mean ± SD; range, 22-57) years. The prevalence of DED, depression, anxiety, and stress was 73.6% (95/129), 43.4% (56/129), 50.4% (65/129), and 22.5% (29/129), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that aging (P < .001), prolonged visual display terminal (VDT) use (P = .004), extended paperwork time (P < .001), higher depression score (P = .006), higher anxiety score (P < .001), and higher stress score (P < .001) were associated with increased influence of DED. After adjusting for age, duration of VDT use, duration of paperwork, and depression score, age (P = .030) had significant association with DED. Additionally, after adjusting for age, duration of VDT use, duration of paperwork, and anxiety score, age (P = .026) and anxiety score (P = .047) were significantly associated with DED. Moreover, after adjusting for age, duration of VDT use, duration of paperwork, and stress score, age (P = .035) and stress score (P = .028) showed significant associations with DED. In the multivariate analysis of variance, there was a significant impact of DED severity classification on psychological distress (V = 0.19, F(9, 375) = 2.83, P = .003). Univariate analysis of variances indicated that DED severity had a significant impact on anxiety F(3, 125) = 6.06, P = .001 and stress F(3, 125) = 3.00, P = .033. A higher influence of DED was related to stress and anxiety. Anxiety and stress levels increase with the severity of DED.

Effects of Migration on Nutritional Habits: From Turkey to Germany.

Dietary habits are influenced by environmental factors. Among these environmental factors are the place of residence, cultural characteristics, food accessibility, and economic status, which can all contribute to changes in the dietary pattern. Migration is another factor that can influence changes in the aspects mentioned above. We aimed to assess the dietary habits of individuals who have migrated from Turkey to Germany in comparison to those living in Turkey. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 254 individuals were enrolled with 102 individuals in Germany and 152 individuals in Turkey between April 2022 and July 2023. The data collection tools included Socio-demographic Characteristics Forms, Dietary Habits and Health Status Forms, and Food Consumption Frequency Forms. The data was collected online via Google Forms. There were statistically significant differences in the consumption frequency of processed meats, meat and poultry, sweetened beverages, sugar, desserts and pastries, vegetables, fruits, eggs and grains, olive oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, grains, dairy products, coffee, starch, and carbonated beverages between the two groups (P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were not found in terms of butter and tea consumption frequency. Overall, the study results have revealed significant differences in dietary habits between Turks living in Germany and those living in Turkey. The most noteworthy dimension of these differences is that individuals living in Turkey exhibit a stronger adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, while those living in Germany tend to follow a Western dietary pattern.

Exercise Barriers in Older Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Defining the exercise habits of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) may help to determine optimal rehabilitation programs. This study aimed to investigate the physical and psychological parameters associated with exercise barriers in older individuals with AD, with the goal of informing more effective rehabilitation programs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 50 individuals with AD. The individuals were evaluated with the Exercise Benefit/Barriers Scale (EBBS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), the Barthel Index (BI), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: There was a significant positive correlation between age with EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.308; p = 0.029) and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.295; p = 0.038). There were significant negative correlations between the time of diagnosis with EBBS-Exercise Benefits (r = -0.569; p = 0.000), EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = -0.324; p = 0.022), and EBBS-Total Score (r = -0.508; p = 0.000). There was a positive correlation between MMSE and EBBS-Exercise Benefits (r = 0.465; p = 0.001), EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.471; p = 0.001) and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.519; p = 0.000). There were significant positive correlations between FTSTS and EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.340; p = 0.016), and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.280; p = 0.049). There were positive correlations between BI and EBBS-Exercise Benefits (r = 0.362; p = 0.010), EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.377; p = 0.007), and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.405; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Exercise barriers/benefits were associated with cognition and post-diagnosis duration in individuals with AD. Individuals with lower physical function had lower exercise perception. In addition, living with relatives or caregivers led to better exercise benefit scores.

The Influence of Lifestyle on Cholesterol Levels

The Epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Obesity has doubled since the 1980s, rapidly becoming the largest global public health challenge. Obesity is the third leading cause of death in the world. The increase in obesity rates is associated with an individual's habit of consuming food with more energy than the body needs. Risk factors that can influence the increase in the prevalence of heart disease involve individuals with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, lack of physical activity, poor lifestyle habits such as consuming fast food, an unhealthy diet, and experiencing prolonged stress. This can be changed with a better lifestyle, while some risks that cannot be changed are congenital or genetic heart disease. Research Objective: reduce the death rate caused by heart disease by reducing the risk of heart disease. The sampling technique used is random sampling with a cross-sectional approach, and the examination sample consists of capillary blood, measurements, and interviews using questionnaires. Out of 130 people in Nisa Village, a significant relationship was found between an increase in cholesterol levels and respondents who frequently consume fast food. Subjects who were active/passive smokers had a significance value of 0.65 (p&gt;0.05), indicating a strong relationship according to correlation guidelines. Subjects who frequently experienced stress also had a strong relationship with an increase in blood cholesterol levels, with a significance value of 0.34 (p&gt;0.05). The variable of subjects who rarely exercised was found to have a significance value of 0.38 (p&gt;0.05), meaning that the habit of infrequent exercise has a strong relationship with an increase in cholesterol levels.

Contribution of kelp dashi liquid to sustainable maintenance of taste sensation and promotion of healthy eating in older adults throughout the umami-taste salivary reflex.

Taste decline, including taste loss in older adults, leads to malnutrition and frailty. In a super-aging society, improving taste decline and maintaining taste sensation are crucial for the wellbeing of older adults. Hyposalivation frequently affects older individuals and is the leading cause of taste decline in older adults. Treating taste decline, including taste loss, in older adults presents challenges due to the limited sustainable methods for increasing saliva production, except for drug therapy, which may lead to adverse effects. Umami-taste stimulation results in a prolonged increase in both the whole salivary flow rate (WF), more than 90% of which is secreted from the major salivary glands, and the minor salivary gland flow rate (MF) in healthy volunteers through the umami-taste salivary reflex. We hypothesized that umami-rich kelp dashi liquid (KDL), commonly used in Japanese cuisine, may alleviate taste decline and sustain normal taste sensation in older adults with hyposalivation. This study investigated whether KDL stimulation could improve taste decline. A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted at the dental department of a university hospital, involving those who presented with dry mouth between May 2017 and December 2021. Before and after repeated KDL stimulation, characteristics like changes in WF and MF, the recognition thresholds (RTs) for five basic tastes, and subjective eating and swallowing difficulties were assessed. Statistical comparisons were performed between the values measured before and after KDL stimulation. A total of 35 older patients were included. Patients with reduced MF and with or without reduced WF exhibited umami-taste loss. Repeated stimulation with KDL increased MF and WF and improved taste loss, including umami, decreased RTs, and normalized each taste. Furthermore, subjective taste impairment, subjective eating and swallowing difficulties, and burning sensations in the oral mucosa were alleviated. These findings indicate that KDL stimulation improved umami-taste loss and normalized each taste sensation, further alleviating eating difficulties via the umami-taste salivary reflex. Importantly, umami-taste loss was also observed in patients with normal WF but decreased MF, who are typically not diagnosed with hyposalivation. Therefore, KDL has the potential to sustain taste sensations and promote healthy eating habits in older individuals.

Exposure to biocides and their potential exposure sources among adults: A nationwide population-based study in South Korea

Biocides are present in personal care (including preservatives or antibacterials), pest control, and disinfectant products (including non-agricultural insecticides, fungicides, and disinfectants), and their long-term exposure may induce adverse health effects in humans. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the exposure levels and major exposure predictors of biocides among nationally representative Korean adults. The target group included adults (≥19 years) participating in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015–2020. We employed survey-weighted multiple regression analysis and conditional inference trees analysis to assess the associations between demographic characteristics, behavioral sources (including personal care product use, pesticide use, and dietary patterns), and urinary levels of phenol (triclosan [TCS]), parabens (methyl paraben [MP], ethyl paraben [EP], propyl paraben [PP], and butyl paraben [BP]), and the pyrethroid insecticide metabolite (3-phenoxybenzoic acid [3-PBA]). Urinary EP, BP, and 3-PBA levels were higher in South Korean adults compared with those in Western countries. Major exposure predictors for MP, EP, and PP included the use of personal care products such as sunscreen, makeup, and hair care products in KoNEHS 2018–2020. Major exposure predictors for TCS and BP were vegetable consumption, and those for 3-PBA were mosquitocide use during summer in KoNEHS 2018–2020. However, these predictors were not observed in KoNEHS 2015–2017. Collectively, our findings suggest that biocide exposure predictors vary according to changes in product use and diet habits of individuals. Therefore, developing strategies to mitigate biocide exposure based on the demographic and behavioral characteristics of the general population is imperative.

“That Looks Like My Kitchen!” − Personalized context by usage frequency and familiarity influences consumer perception and liking of chicken nuggets in VR

Restoring relevant context during consumer sensory testing using virtual reality (VR) technologies may facilitate evaluations reflective of real-world experiences, enabling reliable data collection to better predict product success. Prior research has applied the same consumption scenario to all participants without accounting for variations in individual consumption habits. Thus, a consumption scenario of low personal relevance can lead to misleading conclusions. This study aimed to investigate how personal relevance (usage frequency and similarity) of a consumption environment influences consumer perception and acceptance during product evaluations. Using a VR system, 63 consumers evaluated four commercial frozen chicken nuggets in three virtual environments one week apart: sensory booth, high-relevance kitchen, and low-relevance kitchen. Participants assessed the products virtually on overall liking, Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) on 20 attributes, and purchase intent. They also completed a virtual presence and engagement questionnaire after testing. Results found better product discrimination in both kitchen environments compared to the booth as demonstrated in more post-hoc statistical subgroups (p’s < 0.05) on liking and purchase intent. Additionally, more significant product differences were found among CATA attributes in the kitchens. CATA penalty-lift analyses indicated that sensory attributes had more pronounced positive and negative impacts on liking in the high relevance kitchen, followed by the low relevance kitchen, and lastly the booth. Consumers were equally present and engaged during testing across conditions (p’s > 0.05). Results suggest providing a personally relevant consumption environment via VR technologies for consumer testing generated more discriminating data that can improve the quality of consumer insights.

Emotional Eating on Sedentary Workers: Is It Caused by Individual Characteristics, Exercise Habits, and Work Stress?

Introduction:Emotional eating is a person's response to stress or inadequate and ineffective stress coping and is shown by the behavior of eating more than needed and is associated with increased body weight. Emotional eating is caused by age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress. Based on the observations carried out at Kalla Group Office, employees tend to work in a monotonous and static manner that has the potential to increase the risk of emotional eating. The aim of this research is to determine the strength and weakness of the correlation between age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress with emotional eating in Kalla Head Office workers. Methods: This quantitative research was carried out through analytical observational design. The number of samples taken is 133 people using purposive sampling. In this case, the independent variables measured are age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress. Meanwhile, the dependent variable studied is the level of emotional eating using "The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire of 13 items (DEBQ-13)". Data were further analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient test (Spearman rho). Results: The research results show varied relationship with the independent variables including age (r = 0.052), gender (r = 0.251), exercise habits (r = -0.128), and stress (r = 0.048). Conclusion: Age is a variable that has the weakest relationship, while gender has the strongest relationship with emotional eating compared to the variables exercise habits and work stress.

The Role of Environmental and Nutritional Factors in the Development of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Case-Control Study.

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are increasing around the world, especially in Western countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the health habits of healthy controls and individuals with IBDs to identify possible risk factors for IBD development. A case-control study was conducted among Spanish participants over 18 years of age. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by subjects to collect information on several sociodemographic variables and habits, such as the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and macronutrients; anxiety and depression; and quality of life. The main risk factors identified were age; living in an urban environment; anxiety; and excessive consumption of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. In addition, the consumption of fibre had a preventive effect against IBD development. Age, anxiety and living in urban areas pose a risk of suffering from IBD, as does the excessive consumption of certain macronutrients. However, the consumption of fibre has a protective effect on the development of some IBD types.

Effect of smoking on lung cancer: A causal inference approach

Smoking is associated with an increased chance of developing lung cancer. Three causal inference methods, backdoor adjustment, front-door adjustment, and counterfactual are used to analyze observational data on smoking, lung cancer, and related risks factors. Backdoor adjustment fails to allow for possible presence of unobserved confounders, which is merited by front-door adjustment. Counterfactual harnesses individual patient statistics to establish causal relationships between smoking and cancer on the individual level, so as to evaluate lung cancer risks after changes in individual smoking habits. Results by different methodology are in good agreement and showcase a strong causation between smoking and lung cancer at both group and individual level.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in marine mammals: New data and transplacental transfer on threatened species

Coastal areas are affected by urban, industrial and agriculture pollutants runoff, wastewater and stormwater discharges, making this environment the final repository of chemical contaminants. These contaminants have the potential to spread out to the entire food chain, impacting marine life and the quality of their habitat. In this aspect, the concept of marine mammals as bioindicators provides an approach to the degree of contamination in the environment and to the identification and management of multiple sources of contaminants. The present study analyzed several elements like As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in liver tissue from two dolphin species: Sotalia guianensis, a near-threatened species, and the vulnerable Pontoporia blainvillei. In the study, we also investigated if dolphins (population) recorded using the heaviest urban areas have higher concentrations of contaminants in their tissues. Dolphin samples (n = 40 S. guianensis; n = 97 P. blainvillei) were collected by daily monitoring carried out by Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), from stranded individuals found in São Paulo state. The Spearman's rank correlation showed distinct correlations in the accumulation of trace elements by both species, indicating different sources of exposure to the elements studied or distinct biochemical processes between species. Interspecific and intraspecific variations were observed, possibly related to the individual distribution and feeding habits. Correlations were observed between age and concentrations of trace elements, positive for Cd, Hg and Mo. Finally, our findings indicate high levels of Cu, Zn, and concentrations of As, V and Hg in fetuses, in particular, an analysis was performed on a fetus found inside a stranded individual, indicating placental transfer as the first route of exposure for some elements.

Living between sand and waves: Age and feeding habits of sand sole (Pegusa lascaris, Risso 1810) and brill (Scophthalmus rhombus, Linnaeus, 1758) on the beaches of the Gulf of Cádiz (Southwest Iberian Peninsula)

Within ecosystems that are used as nurseries, surf zones are crucial for many species due to the protection and sustenance these areas provide. Many commercially important species live in these zones during their early years, including the sand sole (Pegusa lascaris) and the brill (Scophthalmus rhombus). The objective of this study was to determine the age and feeding habits of individuals from both species living in the surf zone, as well as any potential variations with the environmental variables such as time of the day, lunar phases or season. The average size was 15.66 ± 3.71 cm (TL) for the sand sole and 11.49 ± 5.66 cm (TL) for the brill. The length-weight relationship for the sand sole was TW = 0.005*TL3.230 (parameter a: 95 % C.I.: 0.004–0.006 and parameter b: 95 % C.I.: 3.134–3.326), while for the brill it was TW = 0.013*TL3.048 (parameter a: 95 % C.I.: 0.012–0.016 and parameter b: 95 % C.I.: 2.988–3.108). In both the sand sole (92.4 %) and the brill (85.6 %), the most abundant age classes were 0+ and 1+, with significant differences in the abundance of age classes, depending on the season, in the case of the brill. The sand sole primarily feeds on cumaceans and bivalves, with significant variations in diet based on the time of the day, moon phases, and season, whereas the brill preys on mysids. This research provides new insights into how both species utilize the surf zone, using these areas as nurseries in their early years of life. This underscores the importance of these zones and the potential of the ecosystem services they offer.

Pengaruh Pemasaran Digital, Kualitas Layanan Elektronik dan Citra Merek Terhadap Keputusan Konsumen Menggunakan Aplikasi OVO

The behavior of digital wallet users in Indonesia depends on individual preferences, user habits, and other factors. Consumers' decisions in using digital finance applications are influenced by various factors, including digital marketing, the quality of electronic services and the brand image of the digital finance applications they use. This research aims to determine the influence of digital marketing, electronic service quality and brand image on consumer decisions to use the OVO application in the Jabodetabek area. The method used in this research is a quantitative method that is associative. Data was collected using a questionnaire distributed via Google Form to 155 respondents who used the OVO application. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. Data processing in this research used the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) ver.25. Based on the results of hypothesis testing, it shows that: (1) digital marketing variables have a positive and significant effect on consumer decisions to use the OVO application (2) electronic service quality variables have a positive and significant effect on consumer decisions to use the OVO application (3) brand image variables have a positive and significant effect on consumer decisions to use the OVO application and (4) digital marketing variables, electronic service quality and brand image together have a significant influence on consumer decisions to use the OVO application.

Actazin® green kiwifruit powder consumption at 600 mg per day for 28 days improves stool form and relieves occasional constipation in healthy individuals: A randomized controlled trial

Constipation is a global issue which impacts quality of life. Kiwifruit promote laxation without the urgency induced by therapeutic laxatives. Actazin® is a skinless, seedless, cold-processed green kiwifruit powder previously shown to improve laxation at 2400 mg daily dosages. Here we investigated the laxation support provided by a 600 mg daily dosage of Actazin.A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel study for 28 days across four North American sites (NCT03462199) enrolled 85 participants with non-pathological constipation who had ≤3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) per week. Participants consuming Actazin reported improved Bristol stool form scores (BSFS) over placebo (p < 0.05), improving the normality of stool form. Both Actazin and placebo showed improvements of >1 CSBM per week over baseline (p < 0.05). Actazin was safe and well tolerated by participants and resulted in changes (p < 0.05) in the relative abundance of fecal bacterial taxa consistent with consumption of kiwifruit cell wall components.This study demonstrated that once daily supplementation of 600 mg Actazin green kiwifruit powder resulted in clinically significant improvements in stool form and improved participant bowel habits in healthy individuals with occasional constipation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first recorded observation of this BSFS improvement over placebo by a kiwifruit product.

Health Information Source Patterns and Dietary Variety among Older Adults Living in Rural Japan.

Dietary variety is associated with some health outcomes among older adults. Rural areas, however, often have difficulty accessing health information that influences dietary variety. This study aimed to identify patterns of health information sources by using latent class analysis and assess their association with dietary variety among older adults aged ≥ 75 in rural Japan (n = 411). Three patterns of health information sources were identified: multi-sources (29.7%), television-only (53.5%), and non-sources (16.8%). In the multi-sources pattern, more people used television, radio, and newspapers. The television-only pattern had mostly television users, with fewer other sources. The non-sources pattern had many reporting "none." Logistic regression analysis revealed that the multi-sources pattern has a significant positive effect on dietary variety compared with the non-sources pattern (odds ratio: 5.434, 95% confidence interval: 1.792-16.472), even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and physical health status. These findings underscore the positive impact of broad access to health information on the dietary habits of older individuals. The study highlights the importance of promoting access to diverse health information sources to enhance dietary variety and overall well-being among rural older adults.

Evaluation history of dietary food groups and nutritional habits of individuals diagnosed with a memory disorder: a case–control study

PurposeCognitive decline and dementia are major causes of disability. Research has suggested a relationship between dietary intake and memory problems in individuals. This study aims to examine the dietary histories of participants with newly diagnosed memory problems.Design/methodology/approachA total of 285 subjects (129 cases and 156 controls) were included in this retrospective case−control study. This paper used a food frequency questionnaire to determine the intake of dietary food groups in the previous year and a general questionnaire to assess food habits. The strength of the association between dietary history and memory problems was assessed using logistic regression and Pearson’s tests.FindingsIn this study, 73% of participants had a lower middle income and consumed less than the recommended number of meats, fruits and vegetables (1.2, 1.8 and 0.99 units/day, respectively). Participants with memory problems were more likely to take supplements than those without (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in energy intake between the case and control groups (1634 Kcal vs 1656 Kcal). The results of the logistic regression showed that consuming any of the food groups in the previous nine months was not associated with memory problems. However, the Pearson test showed that an increase in the consumption of high-quality protein and vegetables had a slightly nonsignificant relationship with a decrease in the severity of memory disorder.Originality/valueIt is safe to suggest consuming adequate amounts of high-quality protein and affordable protein from sources such as dairy products, meats and vegetables. Research is insufficient to recommend the use of dietary supplements as a means of preventing memory disorders.