Health Nutritional Status Research Articles

Assessment of the Dietary Pattern of Mothers on the Nutritional Status of their Under Five Children in Ilorin Metropolis

Malnutrition is a significant contributor to child mortality and morbidity in Nigeria, with poor dietary practices of mothers of under five children being a critical indicator of their nutritional outcomes and health status. This paper reviews studies on the influence of dietary practices on the nutritional status of children in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. The studies were sourced from various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Sci-space, and Consensus. The study was conducted in the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, between February 15th and March 31st, 2024. The research aimed to assess the dietary patterns of mothers of their under five children in the city. The study used a descriptive design and a multistage sampling technique to select 225 children of under-five age. The sample size was determined using the Leslie Kish multistage formula. Data collection tools included self-structured questionnaires, weighing scales for children, and meter rules. The study used SPSS 25.0 windows for data analysis, which was presented using frequency distribution tables, percentages, chi-square, and univariate regression statistical methods. The findings showed that dietary practices by mothers significantly influence the body max index of children (at p<0.05), with undernutrition being more prevalent. Overweight and normal children were the least associated with dietary practices (at p<0.05). The study also found that the dietary practice of children is affected by mothers aged at first birth (at p<0.05), suggesting that mothers aged at first birth can contribute to formulating policies on right dietary practices to enhance nutrition security, especially for young mothers between 18 and 25 years old. The findings provided insights into strategic interventions to enhance dietary practices and eradicate all forms of malnutrition associated with undernutrition in children under five years old.

Haematological response of starter broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of dried watermelon peel meal

The experiment was carried out to assess the hematological parameters of starter broiler chickens fed feed formulated with dried watermelon peel meal (DWPM). Ninety-six 21-day old broiler chickens were randomly assigned into four (4) treatments of twenty-four (24) birds each containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% DWPM and coded as D1, D2, D3 and D4 respectively in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment groups were further sub-divided into four (4) sub-groups of eight (8) birds to serve as replicate. At the end of the experiment, one bird per replicate was selected for blood analysis. Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration (PC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), granulocyte and lymphocyte were measured. Results showed that the DWPM diet had no effect (P>0.05) on PCV, Hb, WBC, RBC, MCV, MCH, PC and MCHC. All mean values for the haematological parameters are above the normal range except WBC and RBC. In conclusion, the lack of significant effect suggests that, DWPM can be safely incorporated up to 12.5% in to the diets of starter broiler chicks without adverse haematological consequences. Nevertheless, careful consideration should be given to ensuring optimal nutritional balance and health status in broiler flocks.

Perioperative Nutritional, Functional, and Bone Health Optimization in Spine Surgery: A National Investigation of Spine Surgeons' Perceptions and Practices.

While perioperative nutritional, functional, and bone health status optimization in spine surgery is supported with ample evidence, the implementation and surgeon perception regarding such efforts in clinical practice remain largely unexplored. This study sought to assess the current perception of spine surgeons and implementation regarding the nutritional, functional status, and bone health perioperative optimization. An anonymous 30-question survey was distributed to orthopaedic spine fellowship and neurosurgery program directors identified through the North American Spine Society and American Association of Neurological Surgeons contact databases. The questionnaire was completed by 51 surgeon survey respondents. Among those, 62% reported no current formal nutritional optimization protocols with 14% not recommending an optimization plan, despite only 10% doubting benefits of nutritional optimization. While 5% of respondents perceived functional status optimization as nonbeneficial, 68% of respondents reported no protocol in place and 46% noted a functional status assessment relying on patient dependency. Among the respondents, 85% routinely ordered DEXA scan if there was suspicion of osteoporosis and 85% usually rescheduled surgery if bone health optimization goals were not achieved while 6% reported being suspicious of benefit from such interventions. While most responding spine surgeons believe in the benefit of perioperative nutritional and functional optimization, logistical and patient compliance challenges were noted as critical barriers toward optimization. Understanding surgeon perception and current practices may guide future efforts toward advancement of optimization protocols.

Irruption of Network Analysis to Explain Dietary, Psychological and Nutritional Patterns and Metabolic Health Status in Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Overweight and Obese University Students: Ecuadorian Case.

The association between dietary nutritional patterns, psychological factors, and metabolic health status has not been investigated in university students. There are studies that include numerous variables to test hypotheses from various theoretical bases, but due to their complexity, they have not been studied in combination. The scientific community recognizes the use of Gaussian graphical models (GGM) as a set of novel methods capable of addressing this. To apply GGMs to derive specific networks for groups of healthy and unhealthy obese individuals that represent nutritional, psychological, and metabolic patterns in an Ecuadorian population. This was a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational study conducted on a sample of 230 obese/overweight university students, selected through a multi-stage random sampling method. To assess usual dietary intake, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used; to evaluate psychological profiles (anxiety, depression, and stress), the DASS-21 scale was employed; blood pressure and anthropometric data were collected; and insulin levels, lipid profiles, and glucose levels were determined using fasting blood samples. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were applied to identify metabolically healthy and unhealthy individuals. Statistical analysis relied on univariate methods (frequencies, measures of central tendency, and dispersion), and the relationships were analyzed through networks. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze differences between groups. In metabolically unhealthy obese individuals, GGMs identified a primary network consisting of the influence of waist circumference on blood pressure and insulin levels. In the healthy obese group, a different network was identified, incorporating stress and anxiety variables that influenced blood pressure, anthropometry, and insulin levels. Other identified networks show the dynamics of obesity and the effect of waist circumference on triglycerides, anxiety, and riboflavin intake. GGMs are an exploratory method that can be used to construct networks that illustrate the behavior of obesity in the studied population. In the future, the identified networks could form the basis for updating obesity management protocols in Primary Care Units and supporting clinical interventions in Ecuador.

Assessment of Nutritional Status among the Adolescents - A Case Study

In India, the prevalence of under nutrition among adolescents is most common. Assessments of nutritional status play significant role in formulating developmental strategies of a country. The objectives of the present study is to assess the impact of nutritional supplementation in terms of nutritional grading and health status among student of age group of 19 to 21 years by the survey at University College Mangalore, Karnataka State. The survey carried out among students having lunch under Mid-day meal scheme, college canteen and food from their home. Anthropometric measurements were used to assess nutritional status and BMI of each student were calculated. Among these students, getting lunch box from home are healthier than the student having lunch at college canteen and mid-day meal scheme. This may be due to, these students get more nutrient food prepared at their home. Therefore there should be nutrition education and awareness sessions for students to increase their knowledge and benefit regarding proper diet and its effect on their health.

Comparative analysis of nutritional status among institutionalised and community-dwelling elderly women and its association with mental health status and cognitive function.

Population pyramids are significantly impacted by the global phenomena of ageing. It has been reported that depression and cognitive function have an impact on the nutritional status of older adults. Depression is the most common psychiatric problem in old age, and cognitive deterioration is frequently observed in this age group. This descriptive and comparative study set out to compare the cognitive abilities, nutritional health and depression status of older adults who lived in community settings and in assisted living facilities. A total of 250 older women (125 from institutionalised old age home and 125 from community) participated in a cross-sectional study (residing at Rajarhat, Newtown area). The lengthy version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool (MNA®) was used to evaluate the participants' nutritional status. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS 30) was used to evaluate the severity of the depression. Using the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), cognitive function was assessed. Using SPSS software, the Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient were computed. In the present study, it was observed that only 30.4% of the respondents who are community-dwelling elderly had normal MNA score, whereas 69.6% were at risk of malnutrition or already malnourished. Considering institutionalised elderly it was observed that only 7.2% were normal and 92.8% were malnourished/at risk of malnutrition. Statistically significant association was observed between nutritional status and mental health status (P = 0.00) as well as cognitive function (P = 0.00) among old age home residing elderly. Among the community-dwelling elderly mental health status has significant association with their nutritional status (P = 0.00) and cognitive function (P = 0.00) as well. Community-dwelling elderly were relatively healthy compared to old age home residents. Maintaining the nutritional, cognitive, and mental health of institutionalised and community-dwelling elderly women requires the implementation of physical and cognitive stimulation activities as well as interventions targeted at improving a healthy diet.

Nutritional Practices, Quality of Life and, Health Status of Elderly in Rural Communities in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

The study investigates the nutrition practices, health status, and quality of life of elderly individuals in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. It involves a descriptive cross-sectional design with 346 elderly participants aged 60-90, systematically sampled from six rural communities. Data were collected via structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires on demographics, medical and lifestyle histories, daily activities, health-seeking behaviors, food consumption, and nutritional care practices. Nutritional status and high blood pressure were assessed using anthropometric indices and a digital sphygmomanometer. Key findings indicate that 37.6% of participants were aged 60-64. Significant differences were noted between sexes in socio-demographic variables. Alcohol consumption, tobacco sniffing, and cigarette smoking were reported by 15.3%, 11.0%, and 4.6% respectively. Additionally, 23.1% were on hypertensive drugs and 20.1% were confirmed diabetics. Meal frequency varied, with 16.5% eating less than three times daily and 59.2% eating three times daily. Lunch (58.0%) and breakfast (36.6%) were the most skipped meals, and 15% ate outside the home. Dietary diversity scores revealed 66.5% with medium and 27.5% with good diversity. Significant gender differences were observed in dietary diversity and consumption patterns of cereals, roots, tubers, and fruits. Nutritional care practices and daily living activities scores showed 90.2% and 80.6% with fair practices and good activity scores, respectively, while 46.2% demonstrated good health-seeking behavior. Common health complaints included body and joint pain. Central obesity rates were 33.8% (WC), 30.3% (WHtR), and 30.6% (WHR). Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found in 36.7% and 23% of participants, respectively. Only 31.2% reported a good quality of life. Significant positive correlations were found between nutritional status, quality of life, nutritional care practices, and functionality. Malnutrition, poor quality of life, and inadequate care practices among the elderly in rural areas highlight a public health challenge requiring targeted interventions.

Enhanced Estimation of Rice Leaf Nitrogen Content via the Integration of Hybrid Preferred Features and Deep Learning Methodologies

Efficiently obtaining leaf nitrogen content (LNC) in rice to monitor the nutritional health status is crucial in achieving precision fertilization on demand. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based hyperspectral technology is an important tool for determining LNC. However, the intricate coupling between spectral information and nitrogen remains elusive. To address this, this study proposed an estimation method for LNC that integrates hybrid preferred features with deep learning modeling algorithms based on UAV hyperspectral imagery. The proposed approach leverages XGBoost, Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), and a synergistic combination of both to identify the characteristic variables for LNC estimation. We then construct estimation models of LNC using statistical regression methods (partial least-squares regression (PLSR)) and machine learning algorithms (random forest (RF); deep neural networks (DNN)). The optimal model is utilized to map the spatial distribution of LNC at the field scale. The study was conducted at the National Agricultural Science and Technology Park, Guangzhou, located in Baiyun District of Guangdong, China. The results reveal that the combined PCC-XGBoost algorithm significantly enhances the accuracy of rice nitrogen inversion compared to the standalone screening approach. Notably, the model built with the DNN algorithm exhibits the highest predictive performance and demonstrates great potential in mapping the spatial distribution of LNC. This indicates the potential role of the proposed model in precision fertilization and the enhancement of nitrogen utilization efficiency in rice cultivation. The outcomes of this study offer a valuable reference for enhancing agricultural practices and sustainable crop management.

Serbato ice cream: Transforming serbat-based ice cream

The 2022 Indonesian Ministry of Health's Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) revealed four prevalent child malnutrition issues in Indonesia: stunting (27.7%), wasting (7.7%), underweight (17.1%), and overweight (3.5%). One source of nutritious food can be obtained from “air serbat,” presenting an entrepreneurial opportunity for students through the Chemistry Education Student Association (HIMDIKIM). This "air serbat" serves as the base ingredient for an ice cream innovation named “Serbato ice cream,” packaged in 50 mL cups. Following entrepreneur recruitment, the community service initiative proceeded with workshops on production and packaging. Test marketing was conducted five times, including one in Sebuyau, Sarawak, Malaysia. Organoleptic test results indicated positive responses towards color, aroma, and sweetness, with the substitution of packaged coconut milk improving smoothness and consistency. Serbato ice cream has obtained HAKI certificate No. EC00202366602, and its sales have generated a profit of 29.6% for HIMDIKIM.

The effect of Internet use on nutritional intake and health outcomes: new evidence from rural China.

Internet use is changing nutritional intake and health outcomes, but the results are mixed, and less attention is given to the rural developing regions. Based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data from 2004 to 2015, this study seeks to better understand the effect of Internet use on nutritional intake and health outcomes. An instrumental variable estimation is used to address endogeneity problem. The results show that Internet use improves the dietary knowledge of rural residents, and thus has a positive impact on dietary quality, such as healthy eating index (HEI) and dietary diversity score (DDS). The higher the dietary quality, the better the nutritional health status. However, results also show that Internet use increases the risk of overweight, and obesity among rural Chinese residents. Because Internet use has significantly reduced the physical activity of rural residents in China. Interestingly, we also find that the Internet increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, but there is a positive causal relationship between Internet use and the self-assessment score of health. Our findings suggest that there may be a serious lack of awareness of the health risks of chronic diseases among Chinese rural residents. Therefore, policymakers are suggested to consider the possible negative effects when promoting digital development.

Impact, Implications, Challenges of Accelerating Maternal Mortality Rates in Indonesia

This article discusses the impacts, implications and challenges of accelerating maternal mortality rates in Indonesia. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Indonesia is still a serious public health problem. MMR in Indonesia shows a downward trend throughout the 1991-2015 period. However, in 2012 the infant mortality rate increased again and then fell in 2018. Even though it shows a decline, the MMR in Indonesia is still relatively high and still above the MDGS target of 102 per 100,000 live births. MMR in Indonesia in 2021 compared to 2020. The impact of a high MMR is a decline in the productive and competitive workforce, a decline in social welfare and poverty, a decline in life expectancy and quality of life in society, a decline in fertility rates and population growth, which can affect the demographic structure and demographic bonus. and declining reproductive and nutritional health status of women and children. Meanwhile, the implications arising from a high MMR are implications in terms of health, social, economic and development status. The challenges faced by Indonesia in reducing MMR are the low health budget allocation, the lack of health facilities and personnel, low access to PONED (Basic Emergency Neonatal Obstetric Services) and PONEK (Comprehensive Emergency Neonatal Obstetric Services) facilities, high disparities in socio-economic levels, and low awareness and healthy living behavior in the community. The conclusion of this short article about the maternal mortality rate in Indonesia is that the maternal mortality rate in Indonesia is still high and has not yet reached the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target set by the UN, namely 70 per 100,000 live births in 2030. This article recommends Reducing MMR requires comprehensive and collaborative efforts from all parties, including central and regional governments, health institutions, civil society organizations, academics, media and society.

Effect of nutritional guidance on employee work ability, work well-being and quality of life (RAVI trial): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe minority of working-age Finns eat according to the national and Nordic nutritional guidelines and increasing numbers of health problems affect the Finnish workforce. Coincidently recruiting new workers in the more rural areas of Finland, such as Satakunta, has been problematic. To optimize the use of the existing workforce, health promotion interventions focusing on nutrition have been suggested to improve the health and well-being of the current working age Finns. Methods and analysisThe aim of this RCT study is to assess the effectiveness of a 12-month multifactorial nutritional guidance intervention to improve work ability (performance), work well-being, health-related quality of life, work productivity, sickness absence, dietary intake and eating habits. In total, six small or medium-sized companies and their employees (n = 170) from the Satakunta region will be recruited. Companies will be randomized 1:1 to a 12-month multifactorial nutritional guidance intervention group (INT) or a control group (CG). Comprehensive measurements are taken before randomization (baseline) and at the end of the 12-month study period. Primary outcomes (work ability, work well-being and health-related quality of life) are measured with Work Ability Index, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale short questionnaire and EQ-5D. Dietary intake and eating habits are measured with 3-day food records and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). DiscussionThis study will provide nationally important data on how workplace nutrition guidance affects work-related outcomes, quality of life, and nutritional and overall health status among working age Finns.

Does Parental Out-migration Affect Nutritional Health Status and Morbidity Among Children? Evidence From India Human Development Survey Data for the Empowered Action Group States

In India, despite having high economic growth, considerable inter-state inequality exists across states in terms of per capita income as well as employment opportunities. The eight Empowered Action Group (EAG) states, which have performed poorly on different accounts of social and physical infrastructure, are also characterised by large inter-state migration for employment. Parental out-migration from these states affects different aspects of child well-being. The present study tries to assess nutritional health status, morbidity and health care utilisation among children based on their parents’ migration status. The results show that parents’ migration status plays a vital role in influencing the prevalence of common childhood diseases and malnutrition among children in EAG states. Multi-prolonged and decentralised strategies are required towards developing and implementing comprehensive nutrition and nutrition-related education programme for the children in these states.

Rational Dietary Adjustment Improves Nutritional Health Status in Patients with Hypertension Complicated by Type 2 Diabetes: An Observational Study

This observational study aimed to analyze the effects of rational dietary adjustment on the nutritional health status of patients with hypertension complicated by type 2 diabetes. This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 77 patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes treated at our hospital. Patients underwent a 6-week rational dietary adjustment intervention, comprising dietary guidance adjustment in weeks 1-2, concentrated implementation in weeks 3-4, and self-execution in weeks 5-6. Food frequency surveys and 24-h dietary recalls assessed pre- and post-intervention dietary structure and nutrient intake. Changes in body composition, blood glucose indicators, and blood pressure control were observed. Pos-intervention, patients showed decreased intake of soy nuts, pickled products, fried foods, and salt, while intake of fresh fruits, fresh milk, and dairy products increased (P < 0.05). Fat and sodium intake decreased, while intake of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium increased (P < 0.05). SBP, DBP, PBG, TC, and LDL-C levels decreased (P < 0.05), with improved PBG and blood pressure control rates (P < 0.05). Rational dietary adjustment intervention in patients with hypertension complicated by type 2 diabetes has ideal effects, helping patients change their irrational dietary structure and improve their nutritional status.

Hubungan Perilaku Ibu, Peran Nakes, Dan Motivasi Keluarga Terhadap Kejadian Anemia Pada Ibu Hamil Di Desa Permis

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is a problem in the health sector because it is an indicator of poor nutritional status and health status. Anemia during pregnancy is defined as Hb less than 10 g/dL. If Hb is below 12 g/dL in early pregnancy, pregnant women may need to be given prophylactic drugs because of hemodilution which reduces Hb levels to less than 10 g/dL. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal behavior, the role of health workers, and family motivation on the incidence of anemia in pregnant women in Permis Village in 2022. Methods: This type of research is an analytical descriptive study using a quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. Results: The statistical test results show that there is a relationship between the role of midwives and the incidence of anemia in pregnant women in Permis Village in 2022 with a p-value of 0.006. there is a relationship between family motivation and the incidence of anemia in pregnant women in Permis Village in 2022 with a p-value of 0,021. there is a relationship between anemia prevention behavior and the incidence of anemia in pregnant women in Permis Village in 2022 with a p-value of 0.013. Discussion: The conclusion is the relationship between maternal behavior, the role of health workers, and family motivation toward the incidence of anemia in pregnant women in Permis Village in 2022. The suggestion for this research is to apply healthy behavior on how to prevent and treat anemia during pregnancy to prevent complications in pregnant women and fetuses.

Nutrition Management Miniprograms in WeChat: Evaluation of Functionality and Quality.

With the rise in people's living standards and aging populations, a heightened emphasis has been placed in the field of medical and health care. In recent years, there has been a drastic increase in nutrition management in domestic research circles. The mobile nutritional health management platform based on WeChat miniprograms has been widely used to promote health and self-management and to monitor individual nutritional health status in China. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of comprehensive scientific evaluation regarding the functionality and quality of the diverse range of nutritional miniprograms that have surfaced in the market. This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of China's WeChat nutrition management miniprogram by using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). This observational study involves quantitative methods. A keyword search for "nutrition," "diet," "food," and "meal" in Chinese or English was conducted on WeChat, and all miniprograms pertaining to these keywords were thoroughly analyzed. Then, basic information including name, registration date, update date, service type, user scores, and functional scores was extracted from January 2017 to November 2023. Rating scores were provided by users based on their experience and satisfaction with the use of the WeChat miniprogram, and functional scores were integrated and summarized for the primary functions of each miniprogram. Moreover, the quality of nutrition management applets was evaluated by 3 researchers independently using the uMARS. Initially, 27 of 891 miniprograms identified were relevant to nutrition management. Among them, 85.2% (23/27) of them offered features for diet management, facilitating recording of daily dietary intake to evaluate nutritional status; 70.4% (19/27) provided resources for nutrition education and classroom instruction; 59.3% (16/27) included functionalities for exercise management, allowing users to record daily physical activity; and only 44.4% (12/27) featured components for weight management. The total quality score on the uMARS ranged 2.85-3.88 (median 3.38, IQR 3.14-3.57). Engagement scores on the uMARS varied from 2.00 to 4.33 (median 3.00, IQR 2.67-3.67). Functional dimension scores ranged from 3.00 to 4.00 (median 3.33, IQR 3.33-3.67), with a lower score of 2.67 and a higher score of 4.33 outside the reference range. Aesthetic dimension scores ranged from 2.33 to 4.67 (median 3.67, IQR 3.33-4.00). Informational dimension scores ranged from 2.33 to 4.67 (median 3.33, IQR 2.67-3.67). Our findings from the uMARS highlight a predominant emphasis on health aspects over nutritional specifications in the app supporting WeChat miniprograms related to nutrition management. The quality of these miniprograms is currently at an average level, with considerable room for functional improvements in the future.

Edukasi Gizi Seimbang Pada Remaja Di Wilayah BTN Pagesangan Pepabri Melalui Penggunaan Aplikasi Deteksi Dini Dan Edukasi Potensi Obesitas

Population health is influenced by nutritional intake in the food consumed. In accordance with the SDGs goal, eliminating hunger, people's nutrition must be considered. Each person's nutritional adequacy rate varies depending on gender, age, level of physical activity, and physiological condition. Adequate nutrition or excess nutritional consumption is related to obesity. Obesity is a serious public health problem throughout the world. One of the activities that can be carried out to fulfill education regarding the fulfillment of balanced nutritional health is by obtaining information through interactive lecture-based counseling or using smartphone applications. The Method is Counseling using an application for early detection of potential obesity seeks to provide knowledge to teenagers regarding balanced nutrition education, starting with coordination with the Head of RT 5, outreach with posyandu cadres, counseling for RT 5 teenagers and evaluation of activities. The results of the evaluation of this activity are an increase in teenagers' knowledge regarding balanced nutrition and they are more aware of their condition, motivated to be more active in exploring information regarding the fulfillment of balanced nutrition. The Conclusion is Access and quality of health services for adolescents regarding nutritional health status is carried out by assessing the standards for fulfilling balanced nutrition with status categories based on body mass index. Access can be achieved through various media, one of which is a smartphone-based application

Sweet Spot Regulation of Maternal Metabolic Health and Nutrition on β-Cell Mass in the Offspring.

Maternal nutrition and metabolic health status during pregnancy are critical factors that shape the life-long health trajectory of offspring. Altered nutrition during specific times of development in utero can lead to functional changes in tissues such as the pancreatic β-cells, predisposing those tissues to metabolic diseases and Type 2 diabetes that manifest later in life. This chapter will focus on the role of pregnancy complications with altered nutrition during gestation in the maladaptive programming of β-cell mass and function in the offspring.

Study on the effects of short-term yoga practice on body composition, physical fitness, physiological variables, nutritional and mental health status of school children

Background and Aim: Physical inactivity may cause poor physical fitness, obesity, cardio-respiratory and mental illness. The present study was designed to find out the effects of short term yoga practice on body composition, physical fitness, physiological variables, nutrition and mental status of school children of 10 to 12 years. Materials and Methods: For the present study 120 volunteers (60 healthy female and 60 healthy male) within the age group of 10–12 years were screened randomly and were divided into: (a) Yoga Group (n = 60) and (b) Control Group (n = 60). Both these groups were sub-divided into (i) Male (n = 30) and (ii) Female (n = 30) volunteers. The volunteers of yoga group followed a yoga practice schedule of 1hr/day, 6 days/week for 6 weeks, with no yoga practice in control group. Body composition, physical fitness, physiological variables, nutrition and mental status were measured before (0 week) and after (6 weeks) training. Results: A significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in strength, flexibility, anaerobic power, VO2max, FVC, FEV1, PEFR; and decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in resting heart rate, blood pressure, depression, anxiety and stress scores were observed in both male and female volunteers after six weeks of yoga practice. Conclusion: Regular practice of yogic asana, pranayama, and meditation improves body composition, cardiovascular, respiratory, physical fitness, and reduces stress level.

Application of biosensors in the detection of plant biomolecules

Traditional plant research mainly relies on the observation of external performance, and it is difficult to accurately understand the internal physiological and environmental responses of plants. However, the introduction of biosensors provides different avenues to address these issues. The application of biosensors in plants is an emerging field, combining sensor technology with biology, bringing new opportunities for plant research and agricultural production. The core content of plant biosensing technology is to embed biosensors into plants to monitor and transmit information such as biomolecules, metabolites, or environmental factors inside plants. This paper introduces the design of biosensors, the research progress of biosensors, and the development trend of biosensors. Biosensors can quickly and accurately respond to changes in plants and transmit data to researchers or farmers through wireless communication. Real-time monitoring of the nutritional status and health status of plants can help to gain insight into the adaptability and stress resistance of plants to the environment and provide support for the cultivation of original varieties with greater adaptability. Farmers can accurately fertilize, water, and prevent pests and diseases based on sensor data, improve crop yield and quality, and reduce waste of resources. In general, plant biosensor research is of great significance in the fields of environmental monitoring, biological research, agricultural application, environmental protection, and sensing technology, which can help solve practical problems and promote the development and application of science and technology.