Salty Food Intake Research Articles

Impact of a Mediterranean diet on food cravings in an Australian population

Food cravings are one of several important complexities between psychological and physiological triggers for food consumption. Cravings are commonly cited as contributing to over-consumption of hyperpalatable foods (sugary, salty, and fatty foods) and may be causal in obesity(1). The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) is linked to reduced disease risk and improved health and wellbeing(2). Despite a lower intake of sugary and salty foods compared to a Western diet, free-living adults switching to the MedDiet find it satiating and achieve high adherence in Western countries. The MedDiet is known to improve mood and wellbeing, is high in fibre, monounsaturated fat and low in added sugar, and has a low glycaemic load, which could separately and synergistically reduce food cravings. The relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and food cravings has never been investigated. In the MedLey randomised controlled trial, we investigated the effects of a MedDiet on food cravings, compared with a habitual Australian diet (HabDiet)(3). Adherence to the MedDiet was scored out of 15 (maximum adherence). Participants completed three food cravings questionnaires at baseline and 6-months. The State questionnaire measures momentary cravings and has a maximum score of 75, indicating maximum food cravings. The Trait-reduced questionnaire measures general cravings and has a maximum score of score of 126, indicating more frequent and intense cravings for foods. The Food Cravings Inventory (FCI) measures cravings for four food domains: fatty foods, fast foods, sugary foods, and high carbohydrate (CHO) foods. MedDiet group (n = 58) responses were compared with the HabDiet group (n = 53) across visits using linear mixed effects modelling. Predicted differences were obtained for adherence scores of ≤8 (median adherence) and ≥9. Means ± SD or CIs are presented. Mean adherence increased from 7.1 ± 1.8 to 10.7 ± 1.48 in the MedDiet group (P<0.01), with no change in the HabDiet group (P = 1.00). Trait-reduced scores were not significantly different between groups at 6-months (P = 0.11), although there was a 5.57-point reduction within the MedDiet group (CI −12.56, −1.96, P = 0.04). State score was significantly lower in the MedDiet group than the HabDiet at 6-months (−4.4 (CI −7.53, −0.39), P = 0.03), and was significantly lower than at baseline (−5.9 (CI −9.33, −0.24,) P = 0.04). There were no differences between groups for the four domains of the FCI (P>0.05). Cravings for sugary foods was significantly reduced within the MedDiet group (−0.26 (CI −0.46, −0.05) P = 0.01). The predictive modelling suggested moving from an adherence score of 8 to 9 was associated with lower cravings for sugar (−0.03 ± 0.01, P = 0.03), fast food (−0.04 ± 0.02, P = 0.02) and CHO foods (−0.05 ± 0.02, P = 0.02). These results are suggestive that higher adherence to a MedDiet could reduce cravings compared to the Australian diet and suggest that the MedDiet may specifically reduce sugar cravings. Further investigation is warranted, through observational and intervention trials.

PENGARUH TERAPI MUROTTAL SURAH AR-RAHMAN IRAMA JIHARKAH TERHADAP TEKANAN DARAH PENDERITA HIPERTENSI DI UPT GADING REJO

The prevalence of hypertension sufferers in the world and Indonesia is increasing. Various factors related to genetics and lifestyle such as lack of physical activity, intake of salty and fat-rich foods as well as smoking and drinking habits play a role in soaring hypertension rates. One of the complementary therapies that can control blood pressure is murottal surah Ar-Rahman therapy. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of murottal therapy of surah Ar-Rahman with the jiharkah rhythm on changes in blood pressure in hypertension sufferers in the working area of ??the UPT Puskesmas Gading Rejo Pringsewu Lampung. Quantitative research design with a quasi-experimental method with a one group pretest and posttest design without a control group. The research population was hypertension sufferers at the UPT Puskesmas Gading Rejo in September 2023. The total sample was 70 respondents using the purposive sampling method. Analysis used a paired test on systolic blood pressure and the Wilcoxon test on diastolic blood pressure. The results of statistical tests using the paired t test showed that the p-value of systolic blood pressure before and after murottal therapy of surah Ar-Rahman was 0,002 and the results of the Wilcoxon test of diastolic blood pressure before and after murottal therapy of surah Ar-Rahman obtained a p-value is 0,000. In conclusion, there is an effect of murottal therapy of surah Ar-Rahman with jiharkah rhythm on blood pressure before and after intervention is given to hypertension sufferers, so that murottal therapy of surah Ar-Rahman with jiharkah rhythm is effective for lowering blood pressure in hypertension sufferers.

Dietary habits and selected noncommunicable disease risk factors among middle-aged adults in rural Kerala

Background: Noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors are increasing in Kerala. The science of Ayurveda emphasizes lifestyle modification rather than treating the disease. We aim to explore the correlation between selected ayurvedic dietary risk factors with NCD risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. Methods: Using cluster sampling, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 middle-aged adults in the rural Kollam district, Kerala. The participants underwent biochemical tests for fasting blood sugar (FBS) and serum cholesterol (S. Cholesterol). WHO STEPs questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and a checklist to assess the usage of dietary risk factors proposed by Ayurveda for NCDs were used. All analyses were done using R software version 4.1.2. Results: The mean age of the participants was 46±5.4 years. The rates of regular intake of salty foods (ati-lavana) (77.1%), sour foods (ati-amla) (80.5%), heavy foods (guru-annapaana) (87.3%), oily foods (snigdha annapaana) (67.3%), frequency of food intake more than 4 times day (80%) were found to be high in population. On multivariate analysis, increased frequency of food intake was found to be associated with diabetes (AOR-1.9, CI: 1.2-3.2). Conclusions: Some of the risk factors that Ayurveda has been proposing are found to have an association with the NCD risk factors considered. Interventions to reduce the prevalence of selected NCD risk factors that incorporate the stipulations of alternative systems could have a significant public health impact.

Association Between Dietary Patterns of Salty Foods, Sweet Drinks, Fruit and Vegetables and The Prevalence of Hypertension in East Java: Multivariate Analysis of Indonesian Basic Health Surveys Data 2018

Hypertension remains the main cause of mortality globally, including in Indonesia, with a prevalence rate of 34.1%. Various studies have reported an association between dietary patterns and the prevalence of hypertension. Therefore, further analysis is needed to determine preventive intervention strategies in each region. This study aimed to analyze the effect of dietary patterns on the prevalence of hypertension in East Java Province. The sample is the result of multistage random sampling from the census block of Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) report in the East Java Province collected from 2013 – 2018. The classical assumption test was carried out using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov method, bivariate test using the Pearson method, and multivariate test using the multiple linear regression method. There are three variables tested that have a p-value below the value of α <0.05, including eating salty foods once a day (p=0.021), drinking sweet drinks three times per month (p=0.008), and non-routine of fruits and vegetables consumption (p=0.003). Based on the r-value, the association between predictor variables and prevalence in order from the largest to the smallest of the habit of not consuming fruits and vegetables (r=-0.469), the habit of drinking sugary drinks three times per month (r=-0.425), and salty eating habits one time per day (r=-0.372). Multivariate multiple linear regression analysis showed that daily intake of salty foods (p=0.013) was associated with the prevalence of hypertension.

중학생의 짠맛 미각판정과 짠맛⋅단맛식행동 및 당류식품 섭취와의 관련성

Objectives This study aimed to examine the habitual salt and sugar intake in middle school students and investigate whether salt taste preference using salt taste tests is associated with frequency of sugar food intake.
 Methods Survey questionnaires were conducted in 256 male and female students at middle schools in the Seoul province from December 11 to December 20, 2019. Habitual salt and sugar intake and frequency of sugar food consumption were assessed including the administration of salt taste tests.
 Results The salt taste tests showed that 39.9% of male students preferred a moderate (0.31% salinity) salty taste, whereas 38.7% of female students preferred a slightly bland (0.08% salinity) taste. In evaluating habitual salt intake, male students scored significantly higher than that of female students in one out of 10 items. In evaluating habitual sugar intake, female students scored significantly higher than that of male students in four out of 10 items. According to the salt taste test, preference for salty showed a positive correlation with habitual salt and sugar intake. Habitual salt and sugar intake were positively correlated to the consumption frequency of almost all sugar foods; whereby, the preference for salty was positively correlated to the consumption frequency of sweetened beverages, frozen desserts, and chocolates. The group that preferred salty had a higher score for habitual salt and sugar intake than that of the groups that preferred moderate and bland tastes. Additionally, the analysis showed that the group that preferred salty had a more frequent sugary foods consumption.
 Conclusions The perception of salty, habitual salty and sugary food intake, and frequency of sugar food consumption were all associated. Consequently, schools should provide middle school students with educational opportunities that help reduce sugar and sodium intake.

Liking of salt is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress.

Early research has shown variations in salt taste qualities in depression, anxiety, and stress. These studies evaluated changes to salt taste intensity and liking (pleasantness) of salt solutions but not of salty foods. Therefore, an Australian population survey (n = 424) was conducted where participants rated recalled intensity and liking of salt index foods and completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure these states. Standard least squares regression (post hoc Tukey's HSD) compared means between groups, and nominal logistic regression assessed differences in distributions between categories. Higher salt liking was found in participants with DASS-21 scores indicative of severe depression (68.3 vs. 60.0, p = 0.005) and severe anxiety (68.4 vs. 60.0, p = 0.001) in comparison to those with normal scores, in all models. Higher salt liking was found in participants with DASS-21 scores indicative of moderate stress (67.7 vs. 60.2, p = 0.009) in the unadjusted model only. Higher salt liking was found in females with DASS-21 scores indicative of anxiety and stress, and in males with indicative depression and anxiety. No relationships between salt taste intensity ratings and the mood states were found. Results indicate that liking salty foods is positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Further research on the relationships between salt liking and intake of salt and salty foods, and the biological mechanisms of these mood states are needed to direct the application of findings toward potential new risk assessment measures, dietary interventions, or therapeutics.

Association between EPHA5 methylation status in peripheral blood leukocytes and the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer.

PurposeAltered DNA methylation, genetic alterations, and environmental factors are involved in tumorigenesis. As a tumor suppressor gene, abnormal EPHA5 methylation was found in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and was linked to the initiation, progression and prognosis of GC. In this study, the EPHA5 methylation level in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was detected to explore its relationship with GC risk and prognosis.MethodsA total of 366 GC cases and 374 controls were selected as the subjects of this study to collect their environmental factors, and the EPHA5 methylation status was detected through the methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting method. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the associations among EPHA5 methylation, environmental factors and GC risk. Meanwhile, the propensity score (PS) was used to adjust the imbalance of some independent variables.ResultsAfter PS adjustment, EPHA5 Pm (positive methylation) was more likely to increase the GC risk than EPHA5 Nm (negative methylation) (ORb = 1.827, 95% CI [1.202–2.777], P = 0.005). EPHA5 Pm had a more significant association with GC risk in the elderly (ORa = 2.785, 95% CI [1.563–4.961], P = 0.001) and H. pylori-negative groups (ORa = 2.758, 95% CI [1.369–5.555], P = 0.005). Moreover, the combined effects of EPHA5 Pm and H. pylori infection (ORca = 3.543, 95% CI [2.233–5.621], P < 0.001), consumption of alcohol (ORca = 2.893, 95% CI [1.844–4.539], P < 0.001), and salty food intake (ORca = 4.018, 95% CI [2.538–6.362], P < 0.001) on increasing the GC risk were observed. In addition, no convincing association was found between EPHA5 Pm and the GC prognosis.ConclusionsEPHA5 methylation in PBLs and its combined effects with environmental risk factors are related to the GC risk.

Familial Mediterranean Fever and Diet: A Narrative Review of the Scientific Literature.

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease characterized by short acute attacks, with an as yet unknown cause. Several authors have investigated the role of some foods as potential triggers. This narrative review aims to analyze the correlation between diet and FMF clinical outcomes. Methods: The review was carried out following PRISMA statement guidelines, including all cross-sectional, case-crossover, and trial studies written in English and conducted between 1974 and 2022. Results: Overall, 642 records were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE (292) and Scopus (350), and seven studies were included: three out of seven (43%) studies evaluated FMF attack recurrence or time between consumption of high-fat foods and FMF attacks, while another three (43%) articles variously assessed FMF severity, and one (14%) evaluated the distribution of MEFV mutations. Conclusions: To date, conflicting results have been reported about fatty and salty food intake and FMF attack recurrence. Moreover, some authors have suggested a possible role of wheat. Finally, a diet rich in antioxidants and supplements with an anti-inflammatory effect could partially reduce symptoms and improve the well-being of FMF patients. Nevertheless, no conclusive data could be drawn about the impact of diet in FMF symptom triggering, and further studies are required to clarify this putative association.

Characterizing Adolescents' Dietary Intake by Taste: Results From the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

The taste of foods is a key factor for adolescents' food choices and intakes, yet, exploring taste characteristics of adolescents' diet is limited. Using food records for 284 adolescents (10–19 years old) from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), year 9 (2016–2017), we classified diets according to taste. Tastes for each food consumed were generated from a previous survey that asked participants to allocate one main taste to each food. Responses from that survey were processed and included in a Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) to identify taste clusters. The resulting tastes were then applied to the adolescents' food records in the NDNS. For each individual, the total weight of food per day for each taste was calculated. A linear regression model was used to explore dietary intakes from each taste. Findings reveal that adolescents' daily energy intake was highest (34%) from foods that taste sweet. Sweet foods were the main calorie contributors at breakfast and daytime snacking, while energy intake from neutral-tasting foods was higher at lunch and dinner. Sweet food intake was significantly positively associated with higher energy, sugar, and fat intakes. For each percentage increase in sweet foods, energy increased by 10 kcal/d (95% CI 6, 15; P < 0.01). Savory food intake was lower in carbohydrates and sugars; with neutral food consumption inversely associated with energy, carbohydrate, sugars, saturated and total fat. Higher salty food intake was linked to higher saturated fat as well as sodium consumption. Sweet and neutral foods dominate the UK adolescent diet, followed by savory tastes. Balancing the contributions of different tasting foods could assist in improving adolescent diet quality.

Prevalence of urolithiasis in Sarawak and associated risk factors: An ultrasonagraphy-based cross-sectional study.

The aim of this research is to study the prevalence of urolithiasis among the population of Sarawak Malaysia and the associated risk factors. A survey was conducted among individuals aged ≥18 years age in three primary health care clinics in the main cities of Sarawak from March 2019 to March 2020. Participants underwent face-to-face interview using a predesigned and standardised questionnaire. Details on demographic data, comorbidities, dietary variables and lifestyle were collected. Ultrasonographic examination of the kidney, ureter and bladder was performed followed by blood and urine sampling. Prevalence was defined as the proportion of participants with kidney stones, and univariate logistic regression was used to estimate the associated factors. A total of 1087 participants (486 male, 601 female) completed the questionnaire. Ultrasonographic examination and laboratory investigation were carried out, with an overall response rate of 98.8%. The prevalence of ultrasonographic proven urolithiasis in the sample studied was 4.04%. The mean age of patients with urolithiasis was 50.05 (SD 14.6, range 18-89), and the male to female ratio was 1.2: 1. Univariate analysis showed that odd ratio of personal history of urolithiasis (0.16, p:0.00), salty food intake (0.39, p:0.02), family history of urolithiasis (0.39, p:0.01), and hypertension (1.77, p:0.04) was significantly associated with a greater risk of urolithiasis. The prevalence of urolithiasis in this study population is 4.04%. It affects males and females equally; 61.4% are in the age group of 25-64 years. Hypertension, high salt diet, personal history of urolithiasis and family history of urolithiasis are significant risk factors.

Gender Difference in Lipid Profile in Hypertensive Patients’ Hospital-Based Study

Background and objectives: Hypertension and dyslipidemia are the integral components of metabolic syndrome. It has emerged as cause of substantial mortality in both genders. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of dyslipidemia in both gender and difference in pattern of lipid profile in hypertensive patients. Methods: This was an observational study conducted in 2018 to 2019 at Sir Syed university Hospital Karachi Pakistan. Sample size of 250 diagnosed cases of hypertension (comprising equal number of males and females) were collected. The lipid values were interpreted in normal or high-risk category by applying NCEP ATPIII criterion. Fasting sample were collected for sugar and lipid profile. Anthropometric, demographic and biochemical data was tabulated. Categorical variables were displayed as mean ± standard deviation and percentage respectively, compared with chi-square test. Student 't' test was use to assess the difference for the lipid profile at 5% significance level. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was estimated for men and women, and pattern in lipid profile were compared. The factors associated with dyslipidemia in both genders were calculated by multiple logistic regression expressed as odd Ratio with 95% confidence interval (C.I). To evaluate the effect of age on dyslipidemia we made four age groups 25-65 years and lipid pattern was compared. Results: Dyslipidemia was found 63% of hypertensive group, 72% women were dyslipidemia than 54% men and pattern of lipid in males showed low LDL and high cholesterol and in females’ high triglycerides and low HDL. The Predictors of dyslipidemia in female were old age, BMI kg/m2 high blood pressure level, depression and lack of physical activity and in men smoking intake of fried, salty food, smoking and obesity with increasing age. Females have more triglycerides total cholesterol and low HDL compared to men. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia was more found in women with hypertension but as the age increasing more women have dyslipidemia. while treating hypertensive patient’s lipid lowering management gender heterogeneity should be considered.

Risk Factors for Obesity in Five-Year-Old Children: Based on Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Data.

This study aimed to identify the risk factors for obesity in five-year-old children using data from the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. We identified 26,047 children who underwent the sixth screening (at age 5) from the 2017 National Health Screening Program for Infant and Children and for whom data from the fourth screening (at age 3) database and the mothers’ health screening and eligibility database were available. To identify the risk factors of obesity, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by a hierarchical multiple logistic regression. Female sex, a birth weight of over 4 kg, the “caution/refer” remark during developmental screening at ages three and five, maternal obesity, and a middle-level income were risk factors for obesity in the subjects. Good appetite, high consumption of milk, heavy intake of sweet food at age three, speedy eating, irregular meals and snack times, large single-meal quantities, heavy intake of oily and salty food, and not performing physical exercise at age five were also considered significant risk factors. For early intervention efforts to prevent childhood obesity, modifiable behavioral factors and other obesity risk factors identified in this study could be used to target high-risk children and dietary behaviors.

Frequency of Sweet and Salty Snack Food Consumption Is Associated with Higher Intakes of Overconsumed Nutrients and Weight-For-Length z Scores During Infancy and Toddlerhood

BackgroundCurrent dietary guidelines recommend avoiding foods and beverages with added sugars and higher sodium before age 2 years. ObjectiveThe aim was to describe daily snack food intake (frequency and total energy) and the associations with overconsumed nutrients (added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats) and child weight-for-length z scores. DesignA cross-sectional, secondary analysis of baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal intervention was conducted. Participants and settingA sample of 141 caregivers with infants (aged 9 to 11 months) and toddlers (aged 12 to 15 months) was recruited in Buffalo, NY, between 2017 and 2019. Main outcome measuresThree 24-hour dietary recalls were used to categorize 'sweet and salty snack foods' or 'commercial baby snack foods' based on the US Department of Agriculture What We Eat in America food group classifications and estimate nutrient intakes. Child recumbent length and weight were measured by trained researchers. Statistical analysisDaily frequency (times/day), energy (kcal/day), and overconsumed nutrients from snack food intake were calculated. Multivariable regression models examined associations between the frequency of and energy from snack food intake with overconsumed nutrients and child weight-for-length z scores. ResultsInfants consumed snack foods on average 1.2 times/day contributing 5.6% of total daily energy, 19.6% of added sugars, and 6.8% of sodium. Toddlers consumed snack foods on average 1.4 times/day contributing 8.9% of total daily energy, 40.0% of added sugars, and 7.2% of sodium. In adjusted models including all children, greater frequency of sweet and salty snack food intake, but not commercial baby snack foods, was associated with higher weight-for-length z scores. ConclusionsSnack foods are frequently consumed by infants and toddlers and contribute to the intake of overconsumed nutrients such as added sugars and sodium. Given the current guidelines to avoid added sugars and higher sodium before age 2 years, additional recommendations related to nutrient-dense snack intake may be beneficial.

Balanced Nutrition Practiced with Limitations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experience of Teachers in Subang District, West Java, Indonesia

The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge on Balanced Nutrition and its practices among pre-school teachers in Subang district, West Java, Indonesia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (before March 2020 vs. October 2021) and to seek differences in the knowledge and practices of teachers who attended nutrition training and those who did not attend any nutrition training. We evaluated the knowledge and practice of 142 teachers based on 10 messages of the 2014 Indonesian Balanced Nutrition Guidelines, using google online survey platform. The top three messages mostly selected by the teachers were consuming a variety of staple foods (87%), drinking adequate and safe water (87%), and eating plenty of vegetables and fruits (86%), while the least selected were enjoying a variety of foods (41%) and reading food labels (28%). A slight increase was found in teachers who consumed fruits daily, while the practice of washing hands before and during the pandemic was statistically and significantly increased (58% to 72%; p < 0.05). A slight decrease was found in teachers who consumed vegetables and animal protein, as well as performed physical exercise daily. Majority of teachers (80%) participated in some kinds of nutrition training in the last four years. The top three gaps of knowledge between trained and non-trained teachers were on physical activity and maintaining ideal body weight (64% vs. 33%; statistically significant at p < 0.05); limit intake of sweet, salty, and fatty food; and consuming high protein food, with the range between 20 to 35 percentage points. We concluded that teachers acquired knowledge on nutrition to some degree, but its application faced limitations during the pandemic. Dissemination of Balanced Nutrition should continue.

The Affect of Salty Food Intake on the Risk of Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Patients Attending Benghazi Medical Center (A Retrospective Cohort Study)

Human infection by Helicobacter pylori is a great public health hazard because they colonize the stomach of approximately half world’s population. The current work tries to detect and assess the association between salty foods and the prevalence of H. Pylori in Benghazi outpatients who attending Benghazi Medical Centre. It is retrospective cohort study on 293 patients in Benghazi Medical Center Gastroenterological Unit. The study includes all adult patients, a confirmed H. Pylori immunity test, a body weight records, and twenty four dietary recalls. Exclusion criteria; this work does not involve study of peptic ulcer and or any other gastric diseases. (69.7%) of the subjects prefer eating salty foods. (72.2%) of the subjects prefer pickled foods; and (83%) of the subjects prefer canning foods. Age, sex, body mass index, nutritional supplement intake were the variables associated with high salt intake among H. pylori patients. All patients in Benghazi Medical Center should be routinely screened for H. Pylori due to their health and financial consequences. Early nutritional intervention strategies including nutrition education should be implemented with an appropriate follow up.

Chinese Traditional Fermented Soy Sauce Exerts Protective Effects against High-Fat and High-Salt Diet-Induced Hypertension in Sprague-Dawley Rats by Improving Adipogenesis and Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Activity

Although high-fat and high-salt diets are considered risk factors for hypertension, the intake of salty soybean-based fermented foods has beneficial effects. This study explored the potential of Chinese traditional fermented soy sauce (CTFSS) in preventing hypertension by analyzing its effects on adipogenesis and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), high-fat diet with saline (HDS, NaCl-8%), and high-fat diet with Chinese traditional soy sauce (HDCTS, NaCl-8%). Each group is administrated 12 weeks by oral gavage as 10 mL/kg dose, respectively. CTFSS supplementation resulted in significantly lower body weight, epididymal fat weight, and systolic blood pressure. Additionally, it decreased the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), renin, angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and aldosterone levels. It also increased the urinary volume and improved sodium and potassium ion balance. The gene levels showed significant enhancements in the mRNA levels of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-related and adipogenesis-related genes. In addition, CTFSS may prevent hypertension-associated kidney injury. Therefore, this study demonstrates that CTFSS has no harmful effects on hypertension. In contrast, the beneficial effects of CTFSS intake in ameliorating hypertension were shown.

Effect of Web Causation Epidemiological Model on Preventive Behaviors of Diabetic Females with Genitourinary Tract Infection

Context: Genitourinary tract infection becomes a silent epidemic that devastated female life. It is closely interrelated with hyperglycemia, diabetes, and lack of awareness about personal hygiene care. All increase the susceptibility to various types of infections.&#x0D; Aim: To assess the effect of web causation epidemiological model on preventive behaviors of diabetic females with genitourinary tract infection.&#x0D; Methods: The study was conducted at a diabetic outpatient clinic in El Demerdash Hospital because it received clients from different areas and a high population rate. This study encompasses a purposive sample of 100 females. A quasi-experimental research design was selected. Data were collected using a structured interviewing questionnaire and preventive practice checklists to assess the knowledge and practices of the diabetic female.&#x0D; Results: 69% of diabetic females had a family history of diabetes mellitus. 39% of them had satisfactory knowledge about causes that increased blood glucose in diabetic females shift to 81% at post-intervention. 35% of diabetic females had satisfactory knowledge about the function of the reproductive system at preprogram shift to 93% at post-program implementation. 34% of diabetic females had satisfactory knowledge about entry urinary tract infection methods at preprogram shift to 81% at post-program implementation. A highly statistically significant association between the presence of urine infection and application of web causation model (causative factors) such as lack of hygiene during menstruation, lack of hygiene before and after sexual intercourse, using mechanical contraceptive methods, increase the intake of salty foods, poor glycemic control and lack of personal hygiene with the results of urine analysis for infection.&#x0D; Conclusions: Females exposed to the web causation epidemiological model exhibited better knowledge and preventive practices after exposure than their pre-intervention level. Apply the web-causation model at high population areas as slum areas on a large group of participants to improve awareness and practices regarding diabetes mellitus and genitourinary tract infection. Replicate the current study on a representative sample to improve the generalizability.

The Association between Diet and Esophageal Cancer in Afghanistan: A Case-Control Study

Introduction: Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, esophageal cancer is the fourth most common cancer among Afghan men and the fifth most common cancer among Afghan women in 2018. Data on the link between diet and disease are extremely limited in Afghanistan. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between diet and esophageal cancer in Afghanistan. In this hospital-based case-control study, 84 esophageal cancer patients (newly diagnosed), and 164 controls with no history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy (due to cancer) were included. The cases and controls are aged between 20 and 75 years and matched in terms of age ± 5year and sex. All participants were interviewed face to face by trained female investigators using structured questionnaires. Diff erences in general characteristics and diet between cases and controls were examined by the t-test and chi-square test. The Binary Logistic Regression was used to examine the association between food consumption and esophagus cancer. The mean age of study participants was 55 years. The salty food 1 time or more per day 9.3 times (95% CI: 3.390-25.807), intake of meat 1 time or more per day 7.345 times (95% CI: 079-26.083), and pepper 1 time or more per day 2.342 times (95% CI: 0.968- 1.456) were increased the odds of esophageal cancer in Afghans population. Conclusion: We found that a high intake of salty food, pepper, and red meat positively associated with the risk of esophageal cancer, and the higher intake of fruits, vegetables, fish, and poultry reduces the risk of esophageal cancer in the Afghan population. Further studies (e.g. cohort studies) with a large sample size are required to establish this association.

Tobacco use and associated mental symptoms and health risk behaviours amongst individuals 15 years or older in South Africa

Background: Tobacco use may deteriorate mental health and increase health risk behaviours.Aim: The aim of this investigation was to identify associations between tobacco use and mental illness symptoms and health risk behaviours in individuals 15 years or older in South Africa.Setting: Community-based national population sample in South Africa.Methods: Cross-sectional data were analysed from the ‘South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) 2012’, using a sample of 15 310 individuals 15 years or older (median age 33 years). Measures included information on tobacco use, sociodemographic factors, mental symptoms and health risk behaviour.Results: Compared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users were associated with psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adjusted logistic regression analysis, and with sleeping problems in unadjusted analysis. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were highly associated with a drinking problem. In terms of dietary variables, less than daily and daily tobacco use increased the odds of inadequate fruit intake and salty food intake, and daily tobacco use decreased the odds of fast food consumption. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were inversely associated with physical inactivity, and daily tobacco use was associated with not always washing hands before eating.Conclusions: The study showed that compared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users had significantly poorer mental health (psychological distress and PTSD) and increased odds for several health risk behaviours (drinking problem, inadequate fruit intake, salty food consumption and not always washing hands before eating) as compared to non-tobacco users.

Tobacco use and associated mental symptoms and health risk behaviours amongst individuals 15 years or older in South Africa.

BackgroundTobacco use may deteriorate mental health and increase health risk behaviours.AimThe aim of this investigation was to identify associations between tobacco use and mental illness symptoms and health risk behaviours in individuals 15 years or older in South Africa.SettingCommunity-based national population sample in South Africa.MethodsCross-sectional data were analysed from the ‘South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) 2012’, using a sample of 15 310 individuals 15 years or older (median age 33 years). Measures included information on tobacco use, sociodemographic factors, mental symptoms and health risk behaviour.ResultsCompared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users were associated with psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adjusted logistic regression analysis, and with sleeping problems in unadjusted analysis. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were highly associated with a drinking problem. In terms of dietary variables, less than daily and daily tobacco use increased the odds of inadequate fruit intake and salty food intake, and daily tobacco use decreased the odds of fast food consumption. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were inversely associated with physical inactivity, and daily tobacco use was associated with not always washing hands before eating.ConclusionsThe study showed that compared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users had significantly poorer mental health (psychological distress and PTSD) and increased odds for several health risk behaviours (drinking problem, inadequate fruit intake, salty food consumption and not always washing hands before eating) as compared to non-tobacco users.