Aspects Of Health Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of sheep owners regarding abortion in Northern Tunisia.

Abortion in ewes causes high economic losses and represents a threat for human health due to abortive zoonotic pathogens. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among sheep owners in the northern Tunisia regarding ewes' abortions. Between February 2021 and May 2022, a structured questionnaire containing both close and open-ended questions was applied to 120 sheep owners in northern Tunisia. The data collected were analysed by chi-square test using Epi info 6 software. The majority (75%) of participants reported a history of abortion in their sheep flocks. Sheep owners thought that the most frequent cause of abortion was physical factors, such as trauma, climate and stress (60%±5.5%; 48/80), followed by toxicity (15%±4%; 12/80), metabolic and nutritional conditions (12.5%±3.7%; 10/80), vaccination (5%±2.4%; 4/80) and infectious causes (7.5%±2.9%; 6/80) (p<0.001). The majority of animal owners reported that abortions occurred mainly during autumn (39.6%±5%; 38/96), followed by summer (27%±4.5%; 26/96), winter (23%±4.3%; 22/96) and spring (10.4%±3.1%; 10/96) (p<0.001). Approximately, half (45.8%±5%; 55/120) of interviewed farmers would not take any action if an abortion occurred. Half of the interviewed farmers (50.5%±5.1%; 48/95) did not apply any preventive measures when manipulating aborted ewes, and most of the sheep owners (77.3%±3.8%; 92/119) did not know that aborted ewes could transmit zoonotic pathogens. Our survey concluded that sheep owners in Northern Tunisia had poor knowledge and attitudes as well as applied limited actions concerning several health aspects related to abortion. Education programmes should be established in order to improve Tunisian sheep owners' KAP regarding abortion.

The relationship between mental health and risky decision-making in children and adolescents: a scoping review

BackgroundEvidence from studies on adult participants and clinical samples of children suggest an association between risky decision-making and mental health problems. However, the extent and nature of this association in the general youth population remains unknown. Therefore, this scoping review explores the current evidence on the relationship between mental health (internalising and externalising symptoms) and risky decision-making in the general youth population.MethodsA three-step search strategy was followed and applied to four databases. Selection criteria included participants < 18 years representative of the general population, and information on both risky decision-making (assessed using gambling tasks) and internalising /externalising symptoms. Data were extracted and synthesised for study and participant characteristics, aspects and measures for the main variables, and key findings.ResultsFollowing screening, twenty-one studies were retrieved. Non-significant associations were more frequent than significant associations for both internalising and externalising symptoms, particularly for social difficulties and broad externalising symptoms. Among the significant associations, hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems appeared to be positively associated with risk-taking and negatively associated with quality of decision-making. However, patterns were less clear for links between risky decision-making and internalising symptoms, especially between risk-taking and anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsThe present review suggests predominantly a lack of relationship between risky decision-making and mental health problems, and outlines several possible reasons for it. However, when specificity is considered carefully there seems to be a link between risk-taking and specific externalising problems. Future research should employ study designs aimed at disentangling the direction of this relationship and identifying specific aspects of mental health and risky decision-making that could be eventually addressed by tailored interventions.

Dietary isoleucine content defines the metabolic and molecular response to a Western diet.

The amino acid composition of the diet has recently emerged as a critical regulator of metabolic health. Consumption of the branched-chain amino acid isoleucine is positively correlated with body mass index in humans, and reducing dietary levels of isoleucine rapidly improves the metabolic health of diet-induced obese male C57BL/6J mice. However, it is unknown how sex, strain, and dietary isoleucine intake may interact to impact the response to a Western Diet (WD). Here, we find that although the magnitude of the effect varies by sex and strain, reducing dietary levels of isoleucine protects C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice of both sexes from the deleterious metabolic effects of a WD, while increasing dietary levels of isoleucine impairs aspects of metabolic health. Despite broadly positive responses across all sexes and strains to reduced isoleucine, the molecular response of each sex and strain is highly distinctive. Using a multi-omics approach, we identify a core sex- and strain-independent molecular response to dietary isoleucine, and identify mega-clusters of differentially expressed hepatic genes, metabolites, and lipids associated with each phenotype. Intriguingly, the metabolic effects of reduced isoleucine in mice are not associated with FGF21 - and we find that in humans plasma FGF21 levels are likewise not associated with dietary levels of isoleucine. Finally, we find that foods contain a range of isoleucine levels, and that consumption of dietary isoleucine is lower in humans with healthy eating habits. Our results demonstrate that the dietary level of isoleucine is critical in the metabolic and molecular response to a WD, and suggest that lowering dietary levels of isoleucine may be an innovative and translatable strategy to protect from the negative metabolic consequences of a WD.

Association of food insecurity with reduced cancer screening rates.

1592 Background: Social determinants of health, including access to adequate food and nutrition, influence many aspects of health, including cancer screening. This study explored the associations between food insecurity and cancer screening. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the National Health Interview Series from 2018-2022 to capture contemporary screening events. Based on scaled questionnaires, food security was stratified into either food secure or insecure, and then subgrouped into high, marginal, or low security. Associations were made with rates of undergoing at least one screening test. Relationships between variables were evaluated using Chi-Square and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. Logistic regression models were applied to find factors associated with cancer screening. Results: Patients included in analyses included: 51,957 for colon, 40,103 for breast, 45,983 for cervical, and 25,781 for prostate cancer screening. Between 2018-2022, those with food insecurity had significantly lower rates of cancer screening than those with food security across all four cancer screens, including colon (68.1% vs. 76.1%, p &lt; 0.0001), cervical (83.3% vs. 87.5%, p &lt; 0.0001), breast (73.3% vs. 79.5%, p &lt; 0.0001) and prostate (41.3% vs. 54.0%, p &lt; 0.0001) (Table). This was similar when comparing low, marginal, and high food security, respectively, for colon (68.1% vs. 68.2% vs. 76.1%, p &lt; 0.0001), cervical (82.8% vs. 84.1% vs. 87.5%; p &lt; 0.0001), breast (72.7% vs. 74.1% vs. 79.5%, p &lt; 0.0001), and PSA screening (40.7% vs. 42.2% vs. 54.0%; p &lt; 0.0001). Other variables were also analyzed, including insurance type, age, race, BMI, and health status. Those with public health insurance had lower screening rates for cervical cancer compared to those with private insurance (p &lt; 0.0001). Individuals with food insecurity reported worse health than those who were food secure (p &lt; 0.0001). Lower food security disproportionately affected Black patients (p &lt; 0.001), and was associated with younger age (p &lt; 0.0001) and higher rates of obesity (p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: Individuals with self-reported food insecurity were found to have lower cancer screening rates than those who were food secure. Further analyses revealed associations between low food security status and obesity, public health insurance, younger age, and Black race. These data suggest that addressing food insecurity should be a priority, as these populations appear most vulnerable to lacking appropriate cancer screening. [Table: see text]

Exploring Challenges in Walking Frame Use Among the Elderly: A Study in Klang Valley, Malaysia

The elderly utilize a walking frame to address deficiencies in balance, coordination, strength, and the risk of falling during walking. Despite previous research highlighting the advantages and benefits of walking frame use for this demographic, some individuals have encountered various issues concerning its use. Thus, this study aims to explore issues of walking frame use among the elderly in Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 30 participants of community-dwelling elderly aged 60 and above in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur who are current and former walking frame users and were selected via purposive sampling, were involved in this study. This study utilized the qualitative approach using semi-structured questions. Interview data in the form of verbatim transcripts were analyzed thematically. The majority of respondents were female with a mean age of 71.7 years old, (SD=8.06), Malay, married, primary education level, retirees, living with a spouse and children and staying in Selangor. On the health aspect, the majority of them had hypertension and Body Mass Index (BMI) was pre-obese (25.0 – 29.9 kg/m2). In terms of walking frame usage, most respondents used a standard walking frame (without wheels), used a walking frame for 1 year or less, purchased it by themselves or through family members, indoor usage and reason for use because of leg weakness due to injury. Thematic analysis results show that there were several issues identified such as the respondents’ physical and psychological condition, as well as walking frame issues on quality, design, use and cost. Furthermore, issues concerning the physical environment of the home were reported. It is hoped that these findings can serve as a reference for relevant parties to further explore aspects related to the use, product development, and management of physical environments concerning walking frames.

EROS: Engendering reproductive health within oncologic survivorship—ECOG-ACRIN E1Q11 paradoxical provision of reproductive health.

11123 Background: For the 10% of women diagnosed with cancer in the reproductive age, reproductive health (RH) is a critical component of oncologic survivorship. RH includes oncocontraception (OC), oncofertility (OF) and sexuality. Guidelines segregate these components resulting in fragmented reproductive health care management. Methods: The EROS trial is a clustered randomized trial performed at 17 NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) sites (including 8 NCORP sites and 9 Minority/Underserved NCORP sites) from 2016-2023. Eligible subjects included reproductively capable women aged 15-55 with new cancer diagnosis. Intervention included RH didactics and decision aids. Childbearing interest was dichotomous, not completed childbearing (including either pregnant or future childbearing interest) or completed childbearing. The objective of this study is to determine provision of OC and OF referral by providers at the baseline visit based on patient’s self-reported childbearing interest at study entry. Chi-square tests were used to compare distribution differences in the referral status (receipt: yes vs. no) between treatment arms. Results: The EROS study enrolled 420 subjects. Of the 63.6% (267/420) completed childbearing, 62.4% (58/93) in the intervention arm and 40.2% (70/174) in the non-intervention arm received an OC referral (p=0.0006), whereas 98.9% (92/93) in the intervention arm and 93.7% (163/174) in the non-intervention arm received an OF referral (p=0.0487). Of the 36.4% (153/420) not completed childbearing, 48.3% (28/58) in the intervention arm and 33.72% (32/95) in the non-intervention arm received an OC referral (p=0.0729), while 77.6% (45/58) in the intervention arm and 70.5% (67/95) in the non-intervention arm received an OF referral (p=0.3388). Conclusions: While the intervention increased the rates of provision of oncocontraception and oncofertility for patients with completed childbearing, our study shows provision of oncofertility referrals at a markedly higher rate than oncontraception. Referral patterns were inconsistent with patient need particularly in completed (receiving OF referral) or delayed childbearing (not receiving OC referral) interest of the patient. The bias favoring oncofertility referral may reflect oncology guidelines emphasizing this aspect of reproductive health despite comprehensive needs of patient.

Reliability and concurrent validity of 30-s and 5-time sit-to-stand tests in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Sit-to-stand (STS) movement is fundamental in daily life. STS tasks have been used to assess lower limb muscle strength, balance control, and functional abilities in various populations, but limited information is available on their use in older individuals with knee osteoarthritis. We here examined the intra-rater, inter-rater, and test-retest reliability of the 30-s and 5-time STS tests, and calculated the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Moreover, we explored the concurrent validity of these tests by analysing their correlation with knee muscle strength, pain, stiffness, and physical function in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. This cross-sectional study included 60 older participants diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Baseline demographic information and data on pain, stiffness, and physical function using the modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) were obtained. Participants performed the 30-s and 5-time STS tests as well as knee muscle strength assessment using a hand-held dynamometer. After 1week, 30 participants were reassessed to evaluate test-retest reliability. The 30-s and 5-time STS tests had excellent intra-, inter-, and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.990-1.000, 0.996-0.999, and 0.841-0.853, respectively) with a large SEM and MDC. Both STS tests significantly correlated with knee extensor and flexor strength and all modified WOMAC domains (Pearson's correlation coefficients: 0.28-0.61, p < 0.05). The 30-s and 5-time STS tests are reliable assessment tools and correlate with knee muscle strength, pain, stiffness, and physical function in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Key Points • The 30-s and 5-time STS test can serve as surrogate measures in various aspects of knee health, including muscle strength, pain levels, stiffness, and overall physical function, in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. • Both these STS tests are dependable tools, accessible for both experienced and inexperienced assessors to administer effectively.

Examine the advantages of social dance instruction in elder people for both mental and physical health, as well as its function in fostering general well-being

The global increase in the elderly population poses challenges in physical, mental, and social aspects. This study explores the potential of social dance instruction as an innovative approach to improve the overall well-being of older adults. Drawing on previous research, our investigation focuses on the long-term effects of social dance on mental and physical health, emphasizing social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Importance of this study lies in contributing to innovative approaches for elderly well-being, offering insights to healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers. The literature review highlights the positive impact of social dance on physical health, cognitive abilities, and social and emotional aspects. However, gaps exist in understanding the interplay between these dimensions. By means of the quantitative research, employing surveys and assessments, reveals statistically significant improvements in physical health, cognitive abilities, social interactions, and emotional well-being among participants engaged in social dance. Despite limitations, the findings support the integration of social dance into health promotion programs for the elderly.

Effects of a 10-Week Integrated Curriculum Intervention on Physical Activity, Resting Blood Pressure, Motor Skills, and Well-Being in 6- to 7-Year-Olds.

Integrated curriculum interventions have been suggested as an effective means to increase physical activity (PA) and health. The feasibility of such approaches in children living in deprivation is unknown. This study sought to pilot an integrated curriculum pedometer intervention in children living in deprivation on school-based PA, body fatness, resting blood pressure, motor skills, and well-being. Using a pilot cluster randomized intervention design, children (6-7y old, n = 64) from 2 schools in central England undertook: (1)10-week integrated curriculum intervention or (2)control (regular school-based activity). School-based PA, body fatness, resting blood pressure, motor skills, and well-being were assessed preintervention and postintervention. For the intervention group, PA was higher on school days when children had physical education lessons or there were physically active integrated curriculum activities. Body fatness significantly decreased, and well-being and perceived physical competence increased, pre-post for the intervention group compared with the control group. Accelerometer-derived PA, motor skills, and resting blood pressure were not significantly different pre-post for intervention or control groups. A 10-week integrated curriculum PA intervention is feasible to conduct and can positively impact aspects of health in 6- to 7-year-old children in England.

Spiritual and Intellectual Aspect of Health of Educational Process Participants

The analysis of the spiritual-intellectual aspect of the health of the participants in the educational process made it possible to dwell on the conclusions about such health factors as 1) general health factors (a wide range of consciousness; a healthy social atmosphere of society; prudence, the ability to plan, tenacity, mastery of the situation, success at work; presence of good friends, communication with conscientious, morally stable persons; irony, humor, joy of life, positive attitude towards it; search for the best in people; maintenance of physical activity of the body; ability for positive social communication), 2) the level of a person's education as a significant potential of his/her health; 3) spiritual and religious factor of human health; 4) emotional-behavioral aspect of health (to be healthy means to build behavior in accordance with positive universal values, one of the most important of which is love, mercy, empathic ability of a person to go beyond himself/herself and reality in general); 5) the process of setting goals as the positive impact on the health of a human being; 6) the desire for freedom as a key factor in health; 7) the positive influence of a person's creative activity on his/her state of health, when creative people can maintain a psychophysiological emotional-cognitive state of uncertainty for a long time, possessing the property of reflection, simultaneously holding several opposite ideas, concepts, ideas, psychophysiological states. As a result, creative people can perceive and explore such logical-informational, cause-and-effect relationships that are often inaccessible to those people (characterized by the so-called bipolar «black and white» thinking) who strive to achieve situational clarity and logical unambiguity . Under such conditions, creativity enables a person to overcome negative psychological states due to the ability to integrate opposites, enabling the formation of integral structures that reveal the synergistic effect of the systemic properties of the whole («the whole is more than the parts»). And this reduces the entropy of system formations, which are all the objects of the universe, increasing the vitality of a person, strengthening his/her immunity, generating a state of health.

Bacterial septicemia and herpesvirus infection in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the São Paulo coast, Brazil.

In August 2021, two juvenile male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the southeastern Brazilian coast and were referred to rehabilitation centers. The animals presented increased body temperature, prostration, respiratory distress and despite treatment died. A necropsy following a standardized protocol was performed, and formalin-fixed tissues were processed for microscopic examination. Samples were screened for morbillivirus, herpesvirus, and Brucella spp. by molecular analyses (PCR, RT-PCR). Bacteriological culture was performed in samples collected from the lungs, trachea, and lymph nodes of both cases. The main histopathologic findings were of infectious nature, including multifocal necrotizing and fibrinous mixed interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and bronchitis, with intralesional myriad bacteria associated with vascular fibrinoid necrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from tracheal and lung swabs of Case 1, and Klebsiella oxytoca was found in nostril swabs, tracheobronchial lymph nodes, and lung of Case 2. Gammaherpesvirus infection was detected in both cases, and the sequences retrieved were classified into the genus Percavirus. All tested samples were PCR-negative for Brucella spp. and morbillivirus. We hypothesize that the deficient immunological status in association with starvation predisposed the reactivation of herpesvirus and secondary bacterial co-infections. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of herpesvirus in an Antarctic pinniped. These findings reinforce that Otariid gammaherpesvirus circulating in the Southern Hemisphere are likely endemic in the Arctocephalus genus. This report contributes to the current knowledge of health aspects affecting wild pinnipeds, especially in the poorly studied Antarctic species.

Comparing Generic Paediatric Health-Related Quality-of-Life Instruments: A Dimensionality Assessment Using Factor Analysis.

Widely used generic instruments to measure paediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) include the EQ-5D-Y-5L, Child Health Utility 9 Dimension (CHU-9D), Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Health Utilities Index (HUI). There are similarities and differences in the content of these instruments, but there is little empirical evidence on how the items they contain relate to each other, and to an overarching model of HRQoL derived from their content. This study aimed to explore the dimensionality of the instruments using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Data from the Australian Paediatric Multi-Instrument Comparison (P-MIC) Study were used. EQ-5D-Y-5L, CHU-9D, PedsQL and HUI data were collected via proxy or child self-report data. EFA was used to investigate the underlying domain structure and measurement relationship. Items from the four instruments were pooled and domain models were identified for self- and proxy-reported data. The number of factors was determined based on eigenvalues greater than1. A correlation cut-off of 0.32 was used to determine item loading on a given factor, with cross-loading also considered. Oblique rotation was used. Results suggest a six-factor structure for the proxy-reported data, including emotional functioning, pain, daily activities, physical functioning, school functioning, and senses, while the self-report data revealed a similar seven-factor structure, with social functioning emerging as an additional factor. We provide evidence of differences and similarities between paediatric HRQoL instruments and the aspects of health being measured by these instruments. The results identified slight differences between self- and proxy-reported data in the relationships among items within the resulting domains.

Moving toward affective immunology: Legacy and future directions

The term “affective immunology” has recently been used to denote a field focused on the interplay between affective processes (including mood states, specific emotions, and regulatory processes) and various aspects of immune function. The overarching goals of this commentary are a) to provide historical underpinnings of this field with a focus on the profound impact of the work of Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, who is further honored in this special issue, b) to review important off-shoots of her legacy work in this domain, and c) to highlight important future directions for the field. Kiecolt-Glaser's work laid much of the foundation for affective immunology, with groundbreaking research related to depression, hostility and dyadic interactions, loneliness, and other affective patterns, often in the context of holistic models, novel experimental designs, and interventions. Her former mentees (and many of their mentees) have carried on her legacy in these domains, in ways that continue to advance appreciation of how affective processes relate to immune function. There are numerous remaining questions for the field to pursue, including better understanding of the role of emotion regulation, emotional reactivity and recovery, restorative processes, affective variability, and developmental and dynamic social processes. Such work will require greater use of longitudinal and within-person approaches and/or examination of processes in daily life, as well as models that account for interactive and reciprocal processes and which integrate behavior, social context, sociocultural factors, individual differences, and other aspects of health. As more work in these domains continues, building on Kiecolt-Glaser's rich legacy, we move toward the emergence of affective immunology as an important subfield in the domain of psychoneuroimmunology, one which will offer more nuanced understanding of the role of affective processes in immune health.

Development of Ragi Dosa Premix

Abstract: Breakfast holds significant importance as it constitutes a vital component of daily nutrition. With the rising demand for nutritious and convenient food choices, there has been an emergence of premixes tailored for traditional recipes. This project specifically targets the creation of a Ragi Dosa Premix—a dry mix designed for effortless dosa preparation using ragi (finger millet), renowned for its nutritional richness and gluten-free properties. The objective of the premix is to offer a wholesome and convenient solution for health-conscious consumers. Enriched with fiber and protein, the premix is associated with positive effects on various aspects of health including appetite regulation, weight management, body composition, and overall well-being. Additionally, it aids in mitigating the risk of developing common conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, while also promoting lower blood pressure, improved weight control, and reduced instances of constipation. Combining the nutritional benefits of three different flours—ragi, urad dal, and rice—the product is further fortified with calcium and iron compounds. Sensory and microbial analyses were conducted to evaluate the product's attributes and safety. The proximate analysis revealed key nutritional parameters such as moisture content (8.8%), total fats (2.69g/100g), protein (14.19g/100g), carbohydrates (70.27g/100g), crude fiber (2.59g/100g), ash content (1.26), calcium (190.16mg/100g), and iron (3.02mg/100g). The microbial load was found to be within acceptable limits. Organoleptic assessment, encompassing attributes like color, flavor, texture, taste, and odor, indicated favorable reception by panelists, garnering a high rating score of 8. A packaging solution was chosen based on considerations of product properties and shelf-life requirements, with the product exhibiting a shelf life of 2 months from the manufacturing date. In conclusion, the developed product offers a nutrient-rich, fiber- and protein-packed breakfast alternative, catering to health-conscious consumers.

Enhancing the Evaluation of Physical Function Following Orthopaedic Trauma Care: Comparison of PROMIS Computerized Adaptive Testing and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment.

To compare measurement properties of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) (physical function [PF] and pain interference [PI]) computerized adaptive testing to traditional Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) (dysfunction index [DI] and bother index [BI]). To explore factors associated with PROMIS scores. Cross-sectional study. Level I Trauma Center. Isolated upper/lower extremity fracture patients were recruited from the orthopaedic trauma outpatient clinic (October 1, 2021 to January 1, 2023). Correlations (Pearson), reliability (standard error [SE] [T score]), efficiency (amount of information per item [1 - SE2/Nitems]), and floor/ceiling effects were assessed. An r > 0.7 represented high correlation, and SE ≤ 2.2 represented sufficient reliability. Factors associated with worse PROMIS scores were also identified. In total, 202 patients completed PROMs at median 98 days follow-up. Correlations between PROMIS-PF and SMFA-DI, and PROMIS-PI and SMFA-BI were -0.84 and 0.65. Reliability was very high for both instruments (mean SE 2.0 [PROMIS-PF], SE 2.1 [PROMIS-PI], and SE 1.2 [SMFA-DI], SE 1.8 [SMFA-BI]). Relative efficiency for PROMIS-PF versus SMFA-DI, and PROMIS-PI versus SMFA-BI was 7.8 (SD 2.5) and 4.1 (SD 1.7), respectively. Neither PROMIS nor SMFA exhibited floor/ceiling effects. In the multivariable regression analyses, elevated levels of depression, among other factors, showed an (independent) association with worse PROMIS-PF and PROMIS-PI scores. PROMIS-PF and PROMIS-PI CATs showed a (high and moderate) correlation with SMFA and hence measure a comparable construct of physical function and discomfort. As computerized adaptive tests are much more efficient to administer, they present a compelling alternative to SMFA for evaluating impact of fracture treatment. The relation between symptoms of depression and PROMIS scores emphasizes the importance of psychosocial aspects of health in orthopaedic trauma patients. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: Lockdown related morbidity among young adults in Chennai, India

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread lockdown measures, profoundly altering the daily routines and lifestyles of individuals worldwide. This study aims to investigate the repercussions of these lockdowns on the morbidity patterns among young adults in Chennai. Methods: A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among 1110 young adults aged 18 to 29 years in Chennai, India. The study analyzed various aspects of health, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being, during the lockdown period using a prevalidated questionnaire. Frequency distribution of variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables were employed. Result: The study revealed significant impacts on physical, mental, and social well-being during the lockdown period. Physical health was affected, with weight gain (56.83%) being the most common morbid condition due to physical inactivity and frequent eating. Headaches (33.24%) were prevalent, attributed to prolonged digital screen exposure and irregular sleep patterns. Psychological impacts included stress rates of 43.42% among young adults. Conclusion: This research highlights the intricate relationship between COVID-19 lockdown measures and morbidity among young adults. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential long-term implications of the pandemic on the health of this demographic group, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and support systems.

Be present now, sleep well later: Mindfulness promotes sleep health via emotion regulation.

Despite the popularity of mindfulness in research and interventions, information is missing about how and why mindfulness may benefit employee sleep health. Drawing from emotion regulation theory, we evaluate affective rumination, negative affect, and positive affect as potential mechanisms. We also explore differential effects of trait and state attentional mindfulness on both subjective (e.g., quality and sufficiency) and actigraphy-measured aspects (e.g., duration and wake after sleep onset) of sleep health. Ecological momentary assessment and sleep actigraphy data were collected across two independent samples of health care workers (N1 = 60, N2 = 84). Ecological momentary assessment was also used to collect daily information on state mindfulness, affect, and rumination. Our results support rumination and, to a less consistent extent, negative affect as mediators of the association between mindfulness and sleep health but not positive affect. Trait and state mindfulness demonstrate comparable benefits for employee sleep health, but these benefits largely emerge for subjective sleep dimensions than actigraphy-measured. These findings support emotion regulation as a sound theoretical framework for sleep and mindfulness research and may support more informed workplace mindfulness interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Understanding How Pre- and Probiotics Affect the Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Health.

The gut microbiome, a complex assembly of microorganisms, significantly impacts human health by influencing nutrient absorption, the immune system, and disease response. These microorganisms form a dynamic ecosystem that is critical to maintaining overall well-being. Prebiotics and probiotics are pivotal in regulating gut microbiotacomposition. Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria, and promote their growth, while probiotics help maintain balance within the microbiome. This intricate balance extends to several aspects of health, including maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier, regulating immune responses, and producing metabolites crucial for metabolic health. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been linked to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Impaired gut barrier function, endotoxemia, and low-grade inflammation are associated with toll-like receptors influencing pro-inflammatory pathways. Short-chain fatty acids derived from microbial fermentation modulate anti-inflammatory and immune system pathways. Prebiotics positively influence gut microbiota, while probiotics, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, may improve metabolic outcomes, such as glycemic control in diabetes. It is important to consider strain-specific effects and study variability when interpreting these findings, highlighting the need for further research to optimize their therapeutic potential. The aim of this report is therefore to review the role of the gut microbiota in metabolic health and disease and the effects of prebiotics and probiotics on the gut microbiome and their therapeutic role, integrating a broad understanding of physiological mechanisms with a clinical perspective.

Depression, Anxiety, Emotional Eating, and Body Mass Index among Self-Reported Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peruvian Adults.

Background: Vegetarianism is commonly associated with various health benefits. However, the association between this dietary regimen and aspects of mental health remains ambiguous. This study compared the symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotional eating (EmE), and body mass index (BMI) in Peruvian vegetarian and non-vegetarian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 768 Peruvian adults, of whom 284 (37%) were vegetarians and 484 (63%) were non-vegetarians. The Depression Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), and an EmE questionnaire were applied; additionally, the BMI was calculated. Simple and multiple linear regression and Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to evaluate the association between depression, anxiety, EmE, and BMI with dietary patterns. Results: The vegetarians (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.24, 95% CI 0.16-0.31; p < 0.001) reported more depressive symptoms than the non-vegetarians. This trend persisted for anxiety, with an adjusted PR of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.01-0.29; p = 0.012). However, the vegetarians (adjusted PR = -0.38, 95% CI: -0.61--0.14; p < 0.001) reported lower EmE scores compared to the non-vegetarians. Likewise, the vegetarians had a lower mean BMI than the non-vegetarians (B = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.21--0.08; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vegetarian diets are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as lower EmE and BMI scores. Further longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate these associations and determine causality and the underlying mechanisms involved.

The impact of digital literacy on personal health: Evidence from the China family panel study.

In the digital era, digital literacy is a fundamental indicator of a nation's quality and plays a crucial role in public health. Exploring the theoretical mechanisms and effects of digital literacy on individuals' health is of great practical importance, advancing the initiatives of 'Digital China' and 'Healthy China'. The study utilised three-period survey panel data from the China Family Panel Study spanning 2016, 2018, and 2020 to measure and evaluate levels of digital literacy, physical health, mental health, healthy lifestyle, and integrated health among the participants. Subsequently, a series of empirical analyses were conducted to examine the general impact, heterogeneous effects and transmission pathways of digital literacy on various types of health levels. Digital literacy significantly enhances all aspects of respondents' health, and this conclusion remains valid even after conducting robustness tests and addressing endogeneity through variable substitution and selecting instrumental variables using the 2SLS method. Furthermore, examining heterogeneity by considering individual traits and the makeup of digital literacy reveals that the impact of digital literacy on individuals' health varies according to age, cultural background, personal income, and the components of digital literacy. Pathway analyses also demonstrate that medical accessibility, information access, social network, and planned behaviour are key routes through which digital literacy enhances the health of the population. It is imperative for the government to actively promote the advancement of the digital healthcare industry, while individuals should strive to enhance their digital literacy. By collectively focussing on these efforts, national health can be significantly improved.