Lifestyle Choices Research Articles

Awareness of dementia risk factors among healthcare professionals at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar: a cross-sectional survey.

Dementia, a degenerative neurological disorder, is estimated to affect 82 million people worldwide by 2030 and 152 million by 2050, with a sharp increase in its incidence in the Middle East and Qatar. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity, may account for up to 40% of dementia cases. Healthcare practitioners who play an important role in health promotion must understand the modifiable risk and protective factors for dementia. This study investigated healthcare professionals' knowledge of dementia risk factors at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar. A sample of 737 healthcare professionals was recruited using simple random sampling from Hamad Medical Corporation. The target population included physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare workers from various departments. The participants completed an online survey between 1st January and December 31, 2023. The survey included questions on modifiable risk factors, preventive interventions, and dementia-related information sources. The study revealed that 76% of participants believed in dementia prevention and 87.4% were interested in learning about lifestyle choices and dementia risk. The majority of the participants were female and non-Qataris. Challenges to dementia risk reduction include lack of understanding, time restrictions, and motivational obstacles. Awareness of risk factors such as depression, alcohol use, and physical inactivity was identified. Digital platforms are the dominant source of information, highlighting the need for more dementia education and prevention programs. Given the gaps identified in knowledge, we recommend further training to improve the knowledge of healthcare professionals. In addition, further exploration of patients and caregiverss is warranted.

The improvement strategy of fresh produce supply chain resilience based on extenics.

Nowadays, the world is in turmoil, climate and environmental problems are prominent, the import and export of fresh agricultural products are restricted, etc. The impact of the growing demand for fresh agricultural products and healthy lifestyle choices, and fresh agricultural products are essential for people's daily life, which are perishable, fragile, seasonal, and other unstable factors. Therefore, when the fresh produce supply chain faces various pressures and difficulties, how to enhance the resilience of the supply chain against various problems and risks with flexible and multi-dimensional strategies and methods has become the focus of extensive attention. This kind of problem is a typical contradictory problem, and previous studies have failed to achieve good results. In this paper, based on extenics, we are able to one-dimensionalise the multi-dimensional contradictory problems and multi-dimensionalise the one-dimensional contradictory problems to solve such problems in a scientific and effective way. Firstly, taking fresh agricultural products supply chain enterprise M as the research object, we constructed the fresh agricultural products supply chain enterprise toughness system and identified the toughness state of each index. Secondly, we found the low-evaluation toughness indexes that need to be solved and constructed a extension model of incompatible problems of enterprise toughness. Thirdly, we analysed the objectives and conditions of toughness incompatible problems of fresh agricultural products supply chain enterprises numerically and quantitatively, and then, with the objective of toughness improvement, we analyzed the correlation of the condition basic-elements of incompatible problems and carried out extension transformations. Again, the objectives and conditions of the incompatible problems of fresh produce supply chain enterprises are analysed numerically and quantitatively, and with toughness enhancement as the objective, the correlation analysis and extension transformation of the condition basic-elements of the incompatible problems are implemented to generate the set of toughness enhancement strategies that can solve the incompatible problems in a multidimensional and scientific way. Finally, the optimal toughness enhancement strategies are selected through the superiority evaluation and composed into a new strategy to enhance the toughness of the fresh produce supply chain. Combined with extenics calculations and screening, a new strategy for supply chain resilience enhancement of fresh agricultural products was finally formed. The existing problems are solved from six aspects: product supply type, product demand, product supply efficiency, human resource quantity, production and processing equipment, and logistics guarantee ability. It provides a certain reference significance for the fresh agricultural products supply chain toughness enhancement, and helps enterprises to strengthen their competitiveness and sustainability through the enhancement of toughness.

Maximizing Patient Safety in Al-Diwaniya Private Pharmacies: An Exploratory Review of the Various Physiological Disorders Where Field Pharmacists are Central to Treatment and Management

The community pharmacist is unique among health care providers in that he or she interacts with a wide variety of people every day, giving them enough opportunities to raise patients' levels of self-awareness and provide guidance toward healthier lifestyle choices. This project detailed the duties of several authorized committees and administrations, some of which were excellent and others of which were subpar. There has to be more work done by community pharmacists to help improve health care, but integrated care where they provide clinical pharmacy services while dispensing may make a big difference. From December 2021 until the end of May 2022, online surveys were conducted. The pharmacists' understanding of patient safety culture was evaluated using a community pharmacy questionnaire. The results showed that of all the areas examined, patient counseling had the greatest level of positive awareness (23–59%), and yet only 18% of pharmacists regularly educate patients of important information about their new prescriptions, which is a very low response rate.

Insights from a multicenter nationwide cohort analysis in Japan on the association of underlying conditions and pharmacological interventions with COVID-19 disease severity

BackgroundIn 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China, spreading globally with significant impacts in Japan, including the Delta and Omicron variants. The research identified risk factors such as age, chronic diseases, and lifestyle choices, emphasizing the need for further study on the association between underlying health conditions, treatments, and COVID-19 severity in Japan.MethodsThis study used a nationwide medical database to analyze the association between COVID-19 underlying conditions and pharmacological interventions to identify risk factors for disease severity. We examined the Japanese COVID-19 dataset from Medical Data Vision, selecting patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 2020 and December 2022. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for intensive care unit treatment- or ventilator use-related risk factors.ResultsAmong 650,317 patients (mean age: 52.1 ± 20.9 years; male individuals: 324,127; female individuals: 326,190), factors that significantly increased the severe disease risk (OR [95% confidence interval]) included age > 65 years (1.31 [1.27–1.36]), hypertension (1.34 [1.28–1.41]), cardiovascular disease (1.74 [1.67–1.81]), and use of beta-blockers (2.09 [2.00–2.17]), calcium blockers (1.97 [1.89–2.06]), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (1.41 [1.33–1.49]), low-dose aspirin (1.38 [1.32–1.45]), and insulin (7.14 [6.87–7.43]). Conversely, factors that reduced the severe disease risk included female sex and the use of sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.ConclusionsPatients using cardiovascular medications faced a higher risk, whereas those receiving diabetes treatment had a lower risk. Appropriate pharmacotherapy and risk factor identification can aid in the prevention of severe COVID-19.

The Impact of Gamified Smartphone App Interventions on Behaviour and Metabolic Outcomes in Individuals at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.

This study examines gamified smartphone app interventions for improving lifestyle choices and cardiometabolic health in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. A systematic review of six databases compared gamified interventions with conventional methods. Despite a functionality rating of 4.07, user engagement was lacking. Findings suggest that incorporating game elements into health apps can promote lifestyle changes and improve cardiometabolic health, guiding future digital health strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Home-Educating Families with Young Children in the UK: The Untold Stories.

Recent trends indicate a significant increase in the number of families opting for home education in the UK, yet research dedicated to this area remains limited. Moreover, there is a notable scarcity of studies focusing on the lived experiences of home-educating families of young children. Amidst this context, a new conceptual framework was developed combining the portraiture approach and the life course theory to study five families with young children in the UK. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and curriculum document analysis were used to gain insights into these families' experiences. The study revealed diverse motivations driving parents to choose home education, including concerns about the traditional education system, a preference for personalized learning, and personal lifestyle choices and ideologies. The research data presented suggests that participants had diverse and dynamic daily routines shaped by their unique educational philosophies. In general, parents consistently sought beneficial opportunities to foster their children's social development. Challenges participants faced included curriculum suitability, financial burdens, and managing dual roles within the home. However, participants viewed these challenges as worthwhile because their main aim of educating their children in a purposeful manner was being met. In line with the theme of parental autonomy in education, parents shared their belief in the freedom for families to educate their children outside traditional schools. They supported flexi-schooling, advocated for accessible resources, the inclusion of home-educated children in assessments, and government funding provision.

Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Associated with Impoverishment Due to Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure in São Paulo City, Brazil.

The rise in obesity and related chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) during recent decades in Brazil has been associated with increases in the financial burden and risk of impoverishment due to out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure. Thus, this study investigated trends and predictors associated with impoverishment due to health expenditure, in the population of São Paulo city, Brazil, between 2003 and 2015. Household data from the São Paulo Health Survey (n = 5475) were used to estimate impoverishment linked to OOP health expenses, using the three thresholds of International Poverty Lines (IPLs) defined by the World Bank at 1.90, 3.20, and 5.50 dollars per capita per day purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2011. The results indicated a high incidence of impoverishment due to OOP disbursements for health care throughout the period, predominantly concentrated among low-income individuals. Lifestyle choices referring to leisure-time physical activity (OR = 0.766 at $3.20 IPL, and OR = 0.789 at $5.50 IPL) were linked to reduction in the risk for impoverishment due to OOP health expenditures whilst there were increases in the probability of impoverishment due to cardiometabolic risk factors referring to obesity (OR = 1.588 at $3.20 IPL, and OR = 1.633 at $5.50 IPL), and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (OR = 2.268 at $1.90 IPL, OR = 1.967 at $3.20 IPL, and OR = 1.936 at $5.50 IPL). Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with an increase in the probability of impoverishment at only the $1.90 IPL (OR = 2.506), whilst coefficients for high blood pressure presented lack of significance in the models. Health policies should focus on interventions for prevention of obesity to ensure the financial protection of the population in São Paulo city, Brazil, especially targeting modifiable lifestyle choices like promotion of physical activity and reduction of tobacco use.

Determinants of indoor air quality in Korean households: A nationwide study using the Eighth KNHANES

This study aimed to elucidate the determinants of indoor air quality in Korean households, analyzing data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Measurements focused on Particulate Matter 2.5, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde (HCHO), and total volatile organic compounds. We analyzed the impact of household characteristics and lifestyle factors on indoor air pollutant levels. Key factors such as household composition, the floor of residence, floor area, and living room floor material were significantly associated with pollutant concentrations. Additionally, lifestyle choices including type of cooking fuel, ventilation habits, cleaning frequency, usage of air fresheners, presence of smokers, use of humidifiers, and air purifiers were linked to variations in air quality. These findings highlight the importance of both architectural modifications and lifestyle adjustments in mitigating indoor air pollution. This study contributes to the existing knowledge on indoor air quality determinants, offering pivotal insights for public health strategies aimed at reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants.

Bone Loss and Fractures in Post-Menopausal Women Living with HIV: A Narrative Review.

Post-menopausal women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (WLHIV) face an increased risk of bone fractures due to the relationship between HIV-related factors and menopause. This narrative review aims to summarise the current knowledge about fracture risk among post-menopausal WLHIV in particular looking at hormonal changes, combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), lifestyle factors, and psychosocial implications. We also profiled a summary of the significant, recent studies of post-menopausal WLHIV residing in low-income countries (LIC). A thorough search of the literature was performed across PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focussing on studies published between 2000 and 2024. Inclusion criteria entailed original research, reviews, and meta-analyses addressing bone mineral density (BMD), fracture incidence, and related risk factors in post-menopausal WLHIV. The review identified 223 relevant studies. Post-menopausal WLHIV exhibit significantly lower BMD and higher fracture rates compared to both HIV-negative post-menopausal women and pre-menopausal WLHIV. cART, particularly tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), contributes to reduced BMD. Menopausal status exacerbates this risk through decreased oestrogen levels, leading to increased bone resorption. Moreover, lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and low physical activity are more prevalent in PWHIV, which further elevates fracture risk. Different psychosocial factors may make WLWHIV more vulnerable at this stage of their life, such as depression, isolation, stigma, and housing and nutritional issues. Women living in LICs face a variety of challenges in accessing HIV care. There are gaps in research related to the prevalence of osteoporosis and bone loss in post-menopausal WLHIV in LICs. Post-menopausal women living with HIV face a significantly higher risk of bone loss and fractures due to the combined effects of HIV and menopause. Antiretroviral therapy (particularly TDF), lifestyle factors, and psychosocial challenges exacerbate this risk. There is a need for careful selection of cART, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and emerging treatments such as Abaloparatide. A holistic approach including lifestyle changes and psychosocial support is crucial to reduce fracture risk in WLHIV, especially in low-income countries.

Quality of life following Covid-19 vaccination in Lebanese adults

Background: This study investigates the quality of life (QoL) among individuals in Lebanon post-COVID-19 vaccination, focusing on various demographic and lifestyle factors influencing physical, psychological, social, and environmental health domains. Objective: To explore the associations between COVID-19 vaccination status and QoL across four sub-scales: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental quality, examining the impact of gender, tobacco and alcohol consumption, chronic diseases, physical activity, employment status, education level, geographic location, and marital status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 507 Lebanese adults who completed a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, lifestyle factors, and QoL using a standardized measurement tool. Statistical analysis, including bivariate analysis, was performed to determine significant associations between independent variables and QoL scores across the four domains. Results: The majority of participants were female (71.6%), non-smokers (83%), and non-drinkers (76.7%). Most had no chronic diseases (83%), and 42.4% engaged in regular physical activity. High educational attainment (80.5% with graduate or professional degrees) and full-time employment (77%) were prevalent. Significant associations were found between gender and all QoL domains, with males reporting higher scores. Physical health scores were higher among non-drinkers, the physically active, independent workers, and vaccinated individuals. Psychological health was better in males, the physically active, and independent workers. Social relationships were stronger among males, independent workers, and those in relationships. Environmental quality was higher among males, non-drinkers, independent workers, and those with no formal education. Vaccination status positively influenced physical health and showed near-significant effects on social relationships and environmental quality. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination is associated with improved QoL in Lebanon, particularly in physical health. The findings highlight the importance of considering socio-economic factors and lifestyle choices in public health strategies to enhance overall well-being. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts and address the specific needs of diverse populations.

Environmental awareness and sustainable behavior of respondents in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland: A qualitative focus group study

The diverse European landscape of climate consciousness is shaped by political values, financial constraints, and country-specific point of view. The aim of the study was to unravel age-specific ecological awareness, forms of engagement, and perceptions, contributing to a nuanced understanding of climate dynamics.Selected regions: Germany (Rheinisches Revier), the Netherlands (Amsterdam Metropolitan Area), and Poland (Upper Silesia/Metropolis GZM) present different states regarding recycling/Circular Economy principles, and different environments.The research design incorporates an inductive qualitative approach to investigate environmental awareness and attitudes toward ecologically friendly behaviors. Six FGIs (Focus Group Interviews) were conducted across three European regions, involving participants from diverse age groups (20–39 years and 40–60 years) in each region.The study shows that ecological awareness varies between countries and generations, reflecting distinctive environmental strategies shaped by cultural and developmental factors. Participants in each region and age group exhibit diverse levels of engagement in sustainable activities, and highlight issues such as the need for tailored strategies, concerns related to eco-labelling, greenwashing, and inadequate waste treatment, as well as information gaps.These variations in pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors across age groups and regions underscore the need for tailored strategies and regional policies. Transparency in waste management, eco-labelling, and sustainable transportation alternatives should be prioritized. Educational initiatives addressing information gaps, especially regarding lifestyle choices, are crucial. Collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are essential for fostering positive change and a sustainable future across the European Union. Transparent communication, regulatory measures, and accessible eco-friendly options encourage widespread adoption of pro-environmental behaviors.

Diet and risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Comprehensive modification of established AF risk factors combined with dietary interventions and breaking deleterious habits has been shown to reduce AF burden and recurrence. Numerous AF risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity or hypertension can be partially related to dietary and lifestyle choices. Therefore, dietary interventions may have potential as a therapeutic approach in AF. Based on available data, current guidelines recommend alcohol abstinence or reduction to decrease AF symptoms, burden, and progression, and do not indicate the need for caffeine abstention to prevent AF episodes (unless it is a trigger for AF symptoms). Uncertainty persists regarding harms or benefits of other dietary factors including chocolate, fish, salt, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and micronutrients. This article provides a systematic review of the association between AF and both dietary patterns and components. Additionally, it discusses potentially related mechanisms and introduces different strategies to assess patients' nutrition patterns, including mobile health solutions and diet indices. Finally, it highlights the gaps in knowledge requiring future investigation.

Sex-Specific and Long-Term Trends of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Dermatitis in South Korea, 2007–2022: A Nationwide Representative Study

Introduction: Although sex differences in allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma are considered important, a limited number of studies during the COVID-19 pandemic investigated this aspect. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze sex-specific and long-term trends and risk factors for allergic diseases before and during the pandemic. Methods: This study utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2022, including 92,135 participants aged 19 years and older. This study used weighted multivariate regression analysis to examine the estimates of related factors and assessed weighted odds ratios or β-coefficients for these factors across multiple categories. Results: During the study period (2007–2022), the prevalence of AR was more common in females than in males. Particularly in 2022, the prevalence among females was 19.3% (95% confidence interval, 17.3–21.3), while among males, it was 15.6% (13.8–17.4). The prevalence of AD and asthma showed a slight disparity between males and females. Before and during the pandemic, the prevalence of AD and AR showed a continuous increase (AD: from 2.8% [2.5–3.2] in 2007–2009 to 4.7% [3.9–5.4] in 2022; AR: from 11.7% [11.1–12.4] in 2007–2009 to 17.4% [16.0–18.9] in 2022), while asthma maintained a relatively stable trend. Moreover, this study identified several sex-specific factors that seem to be associated with a higher prevalence of allergic diseases in females, such as high household income, smoking, and being overweight or obese. Conclusions: Throughout all the periods examined, females consistently exhibited a higher prevalence of AR compared to males. Moreover, the risk factors for males and females varied depending on the disease, with females generally facing a greater number of risk factors. Consequently, this study highlights the necessity for sex-specific health interventions and further research to comprehend the complex influence of socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices on the prevalence and risk of AD, AR, and asthma.

Global legal trends in fertility interventions: A criminal justice perspective

The global decline in birth rates has heightened the urgency of addressing infertility, a condition that affects approximately one in six individuals worldwide. This paper explores the complex causes of infertility, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures, which collectively contribute to reproductive challenges in both men and women. The advent of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), particularly In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), has revolutionized infertility treatment since 1978, providing hope to millions. Despite the remarkable advancements in ART, these technologies raise significant legal and ethical concerns, necessitating robust regulatory frameworks. This paper examines the historical development of ART, with a focus on global trends and data from ART registries, highlighting the steady increase in ART cycles worldwide. Furthermore, it delves into the legal and ethical challenges associated with ART, including issues related to donor rights, parental responsibilities, and the potential health risks for children born through these technologies. The paper advocates for continued refinement of ART practices and regulations to ensure safety, efficacy, and ethical integrity. It also underscores the importance of ongoing research into the long-term health implications for children conceived via ART and the broader societal impacts. By addressing these concerns, ART can continue to offer a viable solution to infertility while upholding human dignity and societal well-being.

Nutrition and Selected Lifestyle Elements as a Tertiary Prevention in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Nutrition and lifestyle elements can significantly support the therapeutic process in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, which is the basis for tertiary prevention. The study aimed to assess the nutritional strategies and lifestyle of CRC patients and to determine differences in these behaviors depending on gender and age. The study group included 202 CRC patients. The research was carried out in two hospitals and using the snowball method. The research tool was an original questionnaire. Data were processed in statistical programs. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Patients reported many behavioral-nutritional side effects. Half of them did not use a therapeutic diet (n = 101; 50.0%). The majority of patients declared that they ate three meals a day (57.4%). Fruits and vegetables were mainly eaten raw (69.3%). Almost a quarter of patients were not physically active at all (22.3%). Men chose to fry meat significantly more often than women (27.7% vs. 19.3%) (p = 0.003). The elderly consumed fast food significantly less often than middle-aged (88.5% vs. 72.3%) (p = 0.03). Patients showed both pro- and anti-health activities. The findings revealed several noteworthy disparities in dietary habits and lifestyle choices based on gender and age, indicating that these factors can significantly influence the health management of CRC patients. The patients' behaviors should be constantly monitored and intensified, especially through regular consultations and educational meetings with an oncology dietitian for nutritional tertiary prevention of chronic disease.

Searching for Beauty and Health: Aging in Women, Nutrition, and the Secret in Telomeres.

Women typically outlive men, yet they often experience greater frailty and a higher incidence of chronic diseases as they age. By exploring the biological foundations of aging, with a particular focus on telomere dynamics, this manuscript aims to describe how dietary and lifestyle choices can significantly influence the aging process. The review comprehensively examines current research, underscoring the power of nutrition to counteract age-related changes, support healthy aging, and maintain vitality and beauty in women. The exploration of telomeres-the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes-reveals how they serve as markers of cellular aging and are potential targets for interventions aimed at enhancing women's longevity and quality of life. This study also emphasizes the importance of sex-specific approaches and precision medicine in understanding the unique health challenges women face as they age. By proposing targeted strategies, the review seeks to address these challenges, offering insights into preventive measures that can foster resilience, promote well-being, and extend healthy life expectancy in women. Ultimately, this work provides a sophisticated understanding of the aging process in women, highlighting the pivotal role of tailored interventions in preserving both health and beauty.

Pengaruh Trend Halal Lifestyle dan Gaya Hidup Terhadap Perilaku Belanja Mahasiswa

This study explores the impact of the halal lifestyle trend and lifestyle on the shopping behavior of students at the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business (FEBI), UIN SYAHADA Padangsidimpuan. The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires to 96 respondents, and the analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23. The results of the study, as determined through partial (t-test) and simultaneous (F-test) analyses, reveal that the halal lifestyle trend does not significantly affect students' shopping behavior. On the other hand, the lifestyle variable demonstrates a positive and significant influence on students' shopping behavior. The combined effect of both the halal lifestyle trend and lifestyle is found to be positively and significantly correlated with the shopping behavior of FEBI UIN SYAHADA Padangsidimpuan students. In conclusion, the presence of the halal lifestyle trend does not result in an increase in students' expenditures or shopping behavior. However, lifestyle choices significantly impact students' shopping behavior, with higher lifestyle preferences leading to increased shopping activities.

The multifaceted effects of flavonoids on neuroplasticity.

There has been a significant increase in the incidence of multiple neurodegenerative and terminal diseases in the human population with life expectancy increasing in the current times. This highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of lifestyle, in particular diet, may affect neural functioning and consequently cognitive performance as well as in enhancing overall health. Flavonoids, found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and derived beverages, provide a new avenue of research that shows a promising influence on different aspects of brain function. However, despite the promising evidence, most bioactive compounds lack strong clinical research efficacy. In the current scoping review, we highlight the effects of Flavonoids on cognition and neural plasticity across vertebrates and invertebrates with special emphasis on the studies conducted in the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, which has emerged to be a functionally dynamic model for studies on learning and memory. In conclusion, we suggest future research directions and discuss the social, cultural, and ethnic dependencies of bioactive compounds that influence how these compounds are used and accepted globally. Bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical studies about the effects of bioactive natural compounds on brain health will surely lead to lifestyle choices such as dietary Flavonoids being used complementarily rather than as replacements to classical drugs bringing about a healthier future.

Unraveling the Mysteries of PCOS: A Comprehensive Investigation into Causes, Mechanisms, and Molecular Docking Analysis with Dolichos biflorus Linn.

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents as a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by anovulation, infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovaries. Various factors contribute to PCOS risk, including lifestyle choices, diet, environmental pollutants, genetics, gut dysbiosis, neuroendocrine changes, and obesity. These factors can impact hyperinsulinemia, oxidative stress, hyperandrogenism, decreased folliculogenesis, and irregular menstrual cycles, ultimately contributing to metabolic syndrome. Conventional treatments for PCOS often carry significant side effects, prompting exploration into Ayurvedic alternatives. This review concentrates on molecular docking studies of phytochemicals sourced from Dolichos Biflorus Linn. against key proteins implicated in PCOS pathogenesis. Identification, modeling, and evaluation of target proteins were conducted, followed by the assessment of their interactions with selected phytochemicals and additional ADMET analysis. Molecular docking studies utilizing Auto Dock Vina software were then performed to forecast the binding affinities of these phytochemicals to the active sites of the specified targets.

From risk to reward: Japan’s potential for health and economic improvements

This study examines the relationship between risky consumption behaviors, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and socioeconomic costs in Japan using the Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl (PRIME). We assess the potential impact of healthier lifestyle choices on NCD incidences and costs in 2019. Japan's rising healthcare expenditures threaten its economic future. Excessive intake of salt, tobacco, and alcohol, along with insufficient fiber and fruit consumption, significantly contribute to high NCD rates. Our analysis shows that healthier behaviors could have prevented 564,000 NCD cases, potentially saving $35 billion in health costs and economic losses in 2019. We consider scenarios where smokers switch to heated tobacco products (HTPs), applying conservative risk reduction estimates. Higher risk reduction levels could triple smoking-attributable savings. Projecting these savings over ten years would increase economic benefits tenfold. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive public health strategies promoting healthier lifestyles. Targeted interventions, such as stricter regulation of high-risk products and incentives for healthier alternatives, could reduce NCD incidences and healthcare costs. While PRIME provides valuable insights, further research is needed to refine our understanding of risk factor-disease relationships.