Week Of Ramadan Research Articles

Effect of Fasting on Intraocular Pressure

Purpose: To determine the effect of fasting on intraocular pressure in fasting individuals.
 Study Design: Cross sectional observational study.
 Place and Duration of Study: District Headquarter Teaching Hospital/Sahiwal Medical College Sahiwal, from April 2020 to May 2020.
 Methods: Four hundred eyes of two hundred healthy fasting subjects were included in this study. Intraocular pressure was measured one week before and during the second week of Ramadan. t-test was used to calculate the difference of means of intraocular pressure one week before and during the second week of Ramadan.
 Results: Mean age of the subjects was 34.56 ± 12.52 years. IOP in male subjects before and during Ramadan was 14.23 mmHg and 13.20 mmHg respectively, while IOP in female subjects before and during Ramadan was 14.43 mmHg and 13.20 mmHg respectively. Before Ramadan mean intraocular pressure in the right eye was 14.38 ± 3.00 mmHg and in the left eye was 14.21 ± 2.79 mmHg. During Ramadan mean intraocular pressure in the right eye was 13.24 ± 2.87 mmHg and in the left eye was 13.15 ± 2.71 mmHg. t-test indicated that the difference in means of intraocular pressure for right eye one week before and during the second week of Ramadan was 25.74 (p = 0.000). Similarly, the difference in means of intraocular pressure for left eye one week before and during the second week of Ramadan was 41.54 (p = 0.000).
 Conclusion: Fasting results in a decrease in intraocular pressure in normal population. There was no difference in intraocular pressure changes between male and female subjects. Intraocular Pressure was higher in older age group in both genders.
 Key Words: Intraocular Pressure, Tonometry, Glaucoma.

Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on cognitive, physical and biochemical responses to strenuous short-term exercises in elite young female handball players

The present study aimed to assess the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RF) on cognitive and physical performance and biochemical responses to specific exercises in elite young female handball players. Twelve athletes participated in three experimental sessions: one week before Ramadan (BR), during the first week of Ramadan (FWR) and during the last week of Ramadan (LWR). The present crossover study was carried out in Tunisia during the 2013 Ramadan month lasting from 9 July to 7 august. During each session, a battery of tests was performed as follow: Hooper index, vigilance test (VT), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), five jump test (5-JT), modified agility T-test (MAT), maximal standing ball-throw velocity test (MSBVT) and Running-based Anaerobic Sprint (RAST) Test. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded immediately after the RAST. Blood samples were collected before and after exercises during each session. The results showed that ESS scores were higher during LWR than BR (p < 0.05). Moreover, MSBVT time decreased (p < 0.05) during LWR, therefore performance enhanced. The power of three final sprints from the RAST decreased significantly only during LWR compared to BR (p < 0.05). RAST fatigue index and RPE scores were higher during LWR more than BR (p < 0.05). The results showed also that hematological measures (i.e., red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit), plasma osmolarity and energetic markers were unaffected by RF. Biomarkers of muscle damage were higher after the RAST only during LWR compared to BR (p < 0.01 for all). In conclusion, RF increased ESS and decreased RAST performances associated with higher muscle damage and fatigue, especially at LWR. These previous alterations could be attributed to disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms rather than nutritional deficiency or dehydratation.

Salivary cortisol levels during Ramadan fasting in hydrocortisone-treated secondary adrenal insufficiency patients.

Patients with adrenal insufficiency have difficulties in fasting during the month of Ramadan with an increased risk of complications. Cortisol levels are unknown in these patients. The objective of this study was to assess the daily cortisol profile in hydrocortisone-treated patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) and healthy controls during a fasting day. A cross-sectional matched case-control study on 50 hydrocortisone-treated SAI patients and 69 controls who are used to fast. Clinical and therapeutic data were collected. Five salivary samples for cortisol measurement were collected throughout a fasting day of the third week of Ramadan 2019. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher on awakening, at midnight and before the predawn meal in patients compared with controls. The circadian cortisol rhythm was disrupted in patients. The area under the salivary cortisol level versus time curve (AUC) was lower than the 2.5th percentile of the controls in one patient (2.5%) and higher than the 97.5th percentile in 23 patients (59%) who were considered overtreated. Age ≥ 35 years was independently associated with overtreatment (adjusted odds ratio = 12.0; 95% CI (2.0-70.4); p = 0.006). Seven patients broke their fasting for a complication compared with no one of the controls (p = 0.001). No factor was associated with this risk. Salivary cortisol levels were high in fasting hydrocortisone-treated SAI patients with a disruption of the circadian rhythm.

Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Biochemical and Exercise Parameters Among Patients Undergoing Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation.

BackgroundRamadan fasting is an important worship activity for Muslims. It is not known if fasting could have deleterious effect on cardiac patients joining cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program, especially during summer season.AimTo assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on biochemical and exercise parameters among patients undergoing 12-week exercise-based CR program.Patients and methods53 patients joining CR program in university hospital were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their Ramadan fasting status. Fasting group included 32 patients, while non-fasting group included 21 patients. All patients underwent supervised exercise-based CR during the month of Ramadan. Plasma osmolality, blood urea and serum creatinine were assessed before CR and during the last week of Ramadan. Lipid profile, echocardiography and exercise parameters were assessed before and after CR program.ResultsThe two groups were similar in baseline characteristics including: risk factors, osmolality, urea, creatinine, lipid profile and hemoglobin values, as well as ejection fraction and exercise parameters. After the program, both groups showed significant improvement in ejection fraction, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels. There was also improvement in duration of exercise reached and achieved METs before and after CR program in both groups. An important notice was that fasting did not significantly influence plasma osmolality in either group.ConclusionRamadan fasting did not change serum osmolality or negatively affect the results of CR among cardiac patients. It appears to be safe to undergo exercise-based CR during Ramadan even in summer season.

Effects of Ramadan Observance on Dietary Intake and Body Composition of Adolescent Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the effects of Ramadan observance on dietary intake, body mass and body composition of adolescent athletes (design: systematic review and meta-analysis; data sources: PubMed and Web of Science; eligibility criteria for selecting studies: single-group, pre-post, with or without control-group studies, conducted in athletes aged <19 years, training at least 3 times/week, and published in any language before 12 February 2020). Studies assessing body mass and/or body composition and/or dietary intake were deemed eligible. The methodological quality was assessed using ‘QualSyst’. Of the twelve selected articles evaluating body mass and/or body composition, one was of strong quality and eleven were rated as moderate. Ten articles evaluated dietary intake; four were rated as strong and the remaining moderate in quality. Continuation of training during Ramadan did not change body mass from before to the first week (trivial effect size (ES) = −0.011, p = 0.899) or from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = 0.069, p = 0.277). Additionally, Ramadan observance did not change body fat content from before to the first week (trivial ES = −0.005, p = 0.947) and from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = -0.057, p = 0.947). Lean body mass remained unchanged from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = −0.025, p = 0.876). Dietary data showed the intake of energy (small ES = -0.272, p = 0.182), fat (trivial ES = 0.044, p = 0.842), protein (trivial ES = 0.069, p = 0.720), carbohydrate (trivial ES = 0.075, p = 0.606) and water (trivial ES = −0.115, p = 0.624) remained essentially unchanged during as compared to before Ramadan. Continued training of adolescent athletes at least three times/week during Ramadan observance has no effect on body mass, body composition or dietary intake.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Lipid Profiles and Interleukin-6 in Obese Patients

Abstract. Obesity can cause a state of chronic low-grade inflammation due to hypertrophy and hyperplasia of adipose tissue which is not followed by the formation of balanced vascularization. Interleukin-6 is one of the mediators of inflammation that results from obesity. Changes in lifestyle during fasting for the entire month of Ramadan are thought to have an effect on the lipid profile and inflammatory mediators. Method. This research is a prospective cohort observational study conducted in March 2019-May 2019 endocrine polyclinic outpatient clinic Haji Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 30 subjects. Anthropometric measurements and examination of lipid profiles and IL-6 levels, one week before Ramadan fasting and the fourth week of Ramadan. Results. This study showed that there were significant differences in total cholesterol and HDL levels in the study subjects before and after Ramadan fasting (p &lt;0.001; p = 0.049). Also found significant differences in median IL-6 study subjects before and after Ramadan fasting (p &lt;0.001). Conclusion. There was a decrease in levels of IL-6, a decrease in total cholesterol and a statistically significant increase in HDL in obese patients undergoing Ramadan fasting.

The effect of carbohydrate and caffeine mouth rinsing on kicking performance in competitive Taekwondo athletes during Ramadan

ABSTRACTMouth rinsing has been proposed as a strategy to minimize performance decrements during Ramadan. We investigated the effect of 4 weeks of Ramadan on kicking performance in 27 Taekwondo athletes performing weekly Taekwondo Anaerobic Intermittent Kick Tests (TAIKT). The effects of a placebo, 6.4% glucose and 6-mg/kg caffeine mouth rinses on TAIKT performance and perceived exertion were investigated before, during weekly training sessions, and after Ramadan in a counterbalanced, crossover design. Ramadan had a significant negative impact on the percentage of successful kicks in Week 1 of Ramadan (pre: 76.7±0.4%, Week 1: 69.9±3.2%). The percentage of successful kicks was significantly greater in the caffeine mouth rinse condition compared to the glucose and placebo conditions during the first 3 weeks of Ramadan (caffeine: 38.3±6.8%, glucose: 36.4±6.9%, placebo: 36.0±6.5%). Caffeine decreased perceived exertion during Ramadan (0.74-1.15 AU, p>0.05). Our results showed that Ramadan had a significant negative effect on repeated high-intensity kicking efforts that should be considered when training and competing. Additionally, there were significant positive effects of a caffeine mouth rinse in a sport-specific test. These data suggest that athletes can consider mouth rinsing as a strategy to enhance performance when undertaking training or competition during a period of privation.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on heart rate variability as a measure of cardiac stress in a Lebanese cohort.

Intermittent fasting is an annual religious practice of Muslims worldwide, which affects the physiology of the body due to lifestyle alterations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on the HRV, an indirect measure of cardiac sympathetic stress. This study included 80 healthy Lebanese females (aged 18-25 years old) monitored for 24 h when following normal routine; 38 and 42 females were enrolled before and during Ramadan, respectively. Our results reveal no effect of fasting on HRV; there was insignificant change in HRV between the first and last weeks of Ramadan (P > 0.05). Morning fasting was significantly the least stressful period (lowest HR, P < 0.001), with lower HR compared with non-fasting day (P < 0.001). Therefore, Ramadan fasting does not alter the autonomic nervous activity of the heart, neither HRV levels. This may imply that intermittent fasting is a risk-free practice, which does not interfere with the cardiac autonomic nervous system function.

Effect of Ramadan fasting: Association with time of day on time-motion, technical aspect and psychophysiological response to simulated karate competition in young amateur competitors

Ramadan is characterized by daily abstinence from food and fluid intake from dawn to sunset. The understanding of the Ramadan effects on the diurnal variations of athletic performance is crucial for practitioners, coach and researchers to prepare sport events and optimize performance. The aim of the present study was to reveal the effect of Ramadan on the performance aspect, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion during a karate match. In a randomized counterbalanced, 2 × 2 cross-over order, 22 male and female amateur karate athletes (age = 16.8 years, body mass = 59.1 kg, height = 168.3 cm) participated in simulated karate match at 8–10 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. on three different occasions: 1 week before Ramadan, the second week of Ramadan (during Ramadan), and 2 weeks after Ramadan. Performance aspects were analyzed, and heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were assessed before and immediately after the match at each visit. Our results demonstrated that Ramadan adversely affected time-motion variables (fighting time and preparatory time) and heart rate during simulated karate match (p &lt; 0.05, all). However, heart rate pic response to karate match was higher during Ramadan when compared with before Ramadan and after Ramadan. However, rating of perceived exertion results did not show any variation during Ramadan phases. Concerning the interaction of Ramadan and time of day, fighting time and stoppage time were higher in the evening and in the morning before Ramadan and the inverse during Ramadan, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan altered the diurnal variation of performance aspect, in terms of fighting time and stoppage time, during simulated karate match.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on serum lipid profile.

Introduction:Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar Islamic calendar and lasts for about 29–30 days. It is mandatory for all adult individuals of the Islamic faith to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. During this period, healthy Muslims do not eat or drink (i.e., total abstinence from food and fluids) and refrain from tobacco, daily from pre-dawn until dusk (21). Very few studies in the recent years have been conducted on this subject and for primary care physicians, it is of great help in understanding the physiological changes that occur in various populations with different rituals in Muslims.Materials and Methods:The present study included healthy adult male Muslim volunteers from different mosques in and around Jammu city. The number of subjects in the study was 100. Blood samples from all 100 subjects were collected twice during the study—once in the week prior to the beginning of Ramadan and then again in the last week of Ramadan (from 98 subjects as 2 subjects opted out). Following biochemical parameters were taken into consideration: (a) Serum total cholesterol (b) Serum triglycerides (c) Serum HDL cholesterol.Results:It was observed that compared to pre-fasting levels, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were significantly decreased (P = 0.000) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level had significantly increased (P = 0.000).Conclusion:This study showed a reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides along with a rise in levels of HDL-C, which had beneficial effects on lipid profile post Ramadan fasting period.

The effects of diurnal intermittent fasting on proinflammatory cytokine levels while controlling for sleep/wake pattern, meal composition and energy expenditure.

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the effect of diurnal intermittent fasting (DIF) during and outside of the month of Ramadan on plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, while controlling for sleep/wake pattern, sleep length and quality, meal composition, energy consumption and expenditure, and light exposure. DIF outside of the month of Ramadan was performed to evaluate the effect of DIF in the absence of the way of life accompanying Ramadan.MethodsTwelve healthy male volunteers with a mean age of 25.1 ± 2.5 years arrived to the sleep laboratory on 4 times: 1) adaptation, 5 weeks before Ramadan; 2) 4 weeks before Ramadan while performing DIF for 1 week (fasting outside of Ramadan; FOR); 3) 1 week before Ramadan (non-fasting baseline; non-fasting BL); and 4) After completing 2 weeks of Ramadan while performing DIF. Plasma levels of cytokines were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassays at 22:00, 02:00, 04:00, 06:00, and 11:00.ResultsDuring DIF, there was a significant decrease in the levels of cytokines, particularly, IL-1β and IL-6, in most measurements compared to non-fasting BL. This reduction was more obvious during the FOR period. There were no significant changes in the circadian phase of the measured cytokines reflected by the acrophase of the measured variables during fasting (FOR and Ramadan) compared to non-fasting BL.ConclusionUnder controlled conditions, DIF led to significantly decreased plasma levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), particularly IL-1β and IL-6 across 24 h. DIF had no effect on the circadian patterns of the measured cytokines as shown by cosinor analysis.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Recovery Following a Simulated Soccer Match in Professional Soccer Players: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: Assessing the effects of Ramadan fasting on recovery following a soccer match simulation.Methods: Eight elite soccer players (age: 21.0 ± 0.4 years) performed a modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test protocol (LISTmod) on two occasions: 1 week before (BR) and during the fourth week of Ramadan (End-R). At BR and End-R, soccer players performed squat jump, countermovement jump, maximal voluntary contraction, and 20 m sprint, and creatine kinase, uric acid, and subjective ratings (feelings scale, quality of sleep, fatigue, muscle soreness and stress) were assessed at baseline and 0, 24, 48, and 72 h following LISTmod.Results: Following LISTmod, performance in squat jump (48 and 72 h) (p < 0.05), countermovement jump (48 and 72 h), maximal voluntary contraction (0, 24, 48, and 72 h), and 20 m sprint (0 and 48 h) decreased significantly on both occasions. Decreases were higher at End-R than BR. Creatine kinase levels increased significantly at 24 and 48 h at BR and End-R (p < 0.05). Uric acid increased at 0 and 24 h only on BR. Muscle soreness increased throughout the recovery period at both occasions, with a higher level at End-R. Stress rating increased only at 0 h on End-R, while fatigue rating increased at 24 h at BR and at 0, 24, and 48 h at End-R.Conclusion: Perturbations in physical performance and subjective ratings parameters were higher at the end of Ramadan. However, the results of this study showed that Ramadan fasting did not adversely affect the recovery following soccer match simulation in professional soccer players.

Investigating Physical and Nutritional Changes During Prolonged Intermittent Fasting in Hemodialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Studies investigating the health effects of prolonged intermittent fasting during Ramadan among Muslim patients on hemodialysis (HD) are limited and reported heterogeneous findings. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on nutritional and functional status of patients on maintenance HD. This was a 12-week, multicenter, prospective observational study. The study setting included three HD centers. Adult Muslim patients, who were undergoing HD session thrice weekly and planned to fast during Ramadan, were screened for eligibility and recruited. Nutritional and functional status assessments were carried out 2weeks before (V0), at the fourth week of Ramadan (V1), and 4 weeks after Ramadan (V2). Nutritional status parameters included anthropometry (body mass index, interdialytic weight gain, waist circumference), body composition (mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold, body fat percentage), blood biochemistry (albumin, renal profile, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers), blood pressure, dietary intake, and handgrip strength. Changes in nutritional and functional status parameters across study timepoints were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. A total of 87 patients completed the study, with 68 patients (78.2%) reporting fasting ≥20days. Ramadan fasting led to significant reductions (all P<.05) in body mass index, interdialytic weight gain, waist circumference, mid-arm circumference, fat tissue mass, and body fat percentage, but these were not accompanied by any significant change in lean tissue mass (P>.05). Significant improvement was observed in serum phosphate levels, but serum albumin, urea, and creatinine were also reduced significantly during Ramadan (P<.05). There were no significant changes in lipid profile and inflammatory markers. Interestingly, energy and protein intakes remain unchanged during Ramadan. Handgrip strength improved significantly during Ramadan and further improved after Ramadan. Intermittent Ramadan fasting leads to temporary changes in nutritional status parameters and poses nondetrimental nutritional risk for patients on maintenance HD.

Effect of Fasting on Contrast Sensitivity in Healthy Males.

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of fasting on contrast sensitivity (CS) in healthy male individuals during the month of Ramadan.MethodsThis study included 45 healthy male individuals, aged between 20 and 40 years, working in the same environment. Functional acuity contrast testing (F.A.C.T) was performed using the Optec 6500 vision testing system. Measurements taken during a state of satiety one week before Ramadan were compared with those taken a minimum of 12 hours after the start of fasting in the first and fourth weeks of Ramadan.ResultsContrast sensitivity (CS) was increased at the spatial frequency of three cycles per degree (cpd) at the end of the first week of Ramadan in comparison to the CS measured before Ramadan ( = 0.03). The mean CS values were increased at the spatial frequencies of 3 and 12 cpd at the end of the last week of Ramadan in comparison to the mean values measured before Ramadan ( = 0.01 for both).ConclusionAlthough we found statistically significant increases in CS at certain frequencies, we can conclude that Ramadan fasting has no negative effects on CS.

Effects of Diurnal Intermittent Fasting on Daytime Sleepiness Reflected by EEG Absolute Power.

We hypothesized that diurnal intermittent fasting would not increase slow frequency EEG waves, which reflect increased sleepiness. Therefore, this study aimed at performing a quantitative EEG analysis of young healthy volunteers with and without diurnal intermittent fasting while controlling for potential confounders. Eight young healthy volunteers (mean age: 24.4 ± 3.7 years) reported to the laboratory during the following five occasions: (1) adaptation, (2) 4 weeks before Ramadan while performing diurnal intermittent fasting (fasting from dawn to sunset) for 1 week (fasting outside Ramadan), (3) 1 week before Ramadan (nonfasting baseline), (4) during the second week of Ramadan while fasting (Ramadan), and (5) 2 weeks after Ramadan (recovery). Frontal, central, and occipital EEG signals were monitored four times (09:15, 11:15, 13:15, and 15:15 for 15 minutes each time) while the participants were awake to assess EEG spectral power of the delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. During wakefulness, no difference in EEG slowing was observed between nonfasting baseline and fasting during and outside Ramadan. There were no differences in the mean absolute power of each band in any studied brain region in any of the four study periods. Moreover, there was no difference in EEG absolute powers in the delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands for any individual brain region during the four study periods. Spectral analysis of EEG power indicates that diurnal intermittent fasting does not increase sleepiness. Future larger studies are needed to confirm the current findings.

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Serum Leptin Level: A Prospective Study

Objective: To evaluate the changes caused by Ramadan fasting on body weight and serum leptin level in normal, overweight and obese individuals. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from June to July 2014 among individuals who fasted throughout the month of Ramadan and had no known chronic disease. All individuals were categorized according to Body Mass Index (BMI) categories for Asians, i.e., normal weight (18.5-22.9 Kg/m2), overweight (23-24.9 Kg/m2) and obese (>25Kg/m2). Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were obtained at irst day of Ramadan (Pre Ramadan) and during the last week of Ramadan (Post Ramadan). Leptin hormone was analyzed by Human ELISA kit. Paired t-test was used for comparison, pvalues <0.05 was considered as signiicant. Results: Out of total, 110 patients (55 males and 55 females), 30 (27.27%) individuals had normal BMI, 20 (18.18%) were overweight while 60 (54.54%) were obese. Ramadan fasting caused signiicant reduction 2 in BMI (Kg/m ) of overweight (P=0.013) and obese (P=0.046) male individuals. Noticeable and signiicant reduction was also observed in BMI of obese females (P=0.036). A signiicant reduction in the mean serum leptin (ng/ml) level of overweight males (P=0.033), obese males (P=0.003) males, and obese females (P=0.041) was also observed at the end of Ramadan. Conclusion:The indings of this study showed that the fasting during Ramadan is an excellent opportunity for overweight and obese people to lose body weight. The BMI and serum leptin concentration of obese and overweight individuals of both genders of our study signiicantly decreased due to fasting.

SUN-160 Insulin Glargine Time of Injection during Fasting Ramadan in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: Fasting Ramadan carries high risk for patients with T1DM. Current IDF-DAR guidelines suggest to change basal insulin timing from bedtime to early evening. However, there is paucity of studies to guide physicians toward evidence based management decisions. Objective: To compare glucose profiles in patients with T1DM while taking basal insulin Glargine at 7 pm (after Maghreb) versus 12 midnight (bed time) during Ramadan. The primary outcome being rates of hypoglycemia. Methods: 30 patients with T1DM planning on fasting Ramadan were recruited from the Diabetes clinic at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Hospital National Guards Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Glucose data collected using self-monitoring via the Abbott Freestyle Libre © 14-day device. Patients were instructed to continue taking their insulin glargine at bedtime for two weeks of Ramadan then to change timing to 7pm for the other two weeks of Ramadan in a treatment timing cross-over design. Results: Out of the 30 patients recruited 19 completed both phases of the study. Total number of sensor data captured was 79.84 for the 7pm timing vs. 72.82 for the 12am timing, and the total daily scans recorded were 9.79 vs. 8.18 respectively. The percentage of time spent within target (70-180mg/dl) for the 7pm timing vs. the 12 am timing respectively was 24.53% vs. 21.24%, above target 63.31% vs. 65.76%, and below target 12.16% vs. 13%. The average blood glucose for the 7pm timing vs. for the 12 am timing was 193.63 mg/dl vs 198.59 mg/dl and the HbA1c for the two weeks as calculated by Abbott Libre software was 8.24 vs 8.34% (p more than 0.05 for all values). Average number of hypoglycemic episodes (<70mg/dl) was 9.3 during the 7pm timing vs. 8.1 during the 12 am timing (p=0.05), and average duration spent in hypoglycemia was 128.3 minutes vs. 125.8 minutes (p=0.89). Conclusion: In patients with T1DM who fast Ramadan there is no advantage of changing basal insulin Glargine timing to earlier evening hours in regards to difference in rates of hypoglycemia. Larger randomized trials are needed to answer this question.

Penerapan Metode VAR-X untuk Pemodelan Data Deret Waktu dengan Calendar effects

One of the commodities that has quite varied price fluctuations is broiler and carcass chicken. The context of forecasting is quite important considering the policies that can be taken by the producer and even the strategies that can be taken by consumers. This study attempts to modeling broiler and carcass prices together with Vector Autoregressive (VAR) which is one method in time series analysis that utilizes more than one time series variable. In addition, the effect of calendar calendar events is also the topic of discussion in this study which is implemented by the VAR-X method. As a result, the calendar effects variables that affect broiler and carcass prices are February, the first week of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. Furthermore, forecasting with VAR-X produces a pretty good value than VAR with lower MAPE criteria.

The Effect of Zeitgeber (Fasting and Exercise) on Phase Advance Blood Glucose Circadian Rhythms in Endurance Athletes

Objectives: Fasting is usually associated with changes in the metabolic, psychological and physiological responses of athletes; advancing and/or delaying their biological clock and therefore, affecting their sport performance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on blood glucose level, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and skin temperature in 11 experienced endurance athletes. Methods: The study was conducted during the third and fourth weeks of Ramadan (26 May - 24 June 2017). Eleven northwest African male endurance runners volunteered to participate in this study (mean ± SD: Age 32 ± 8 years, mass 64 ± 5 kg, and height 1.72 ± 0.05 cm). All participants regularly trained between 18:00 - 19:00; aiming to complete their training close to the time of breaking of fast to allow for rapid rehydration and avoiding any health complications. Blood finger-pricking, blood pressure (BP), HR and skin temperature samples were taken every 2 hours over a 24-hour period during the 3rd or 4th weeks of Ramadan. Data were analysed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests. Results: A clear within-day variation was revealed in blood glucose concentrations and HR (P &lt; 0.05). Blood glucose concentration variation was directly associated with exercise and food intake but significant peaks were also observed prior to breaking fast. These peaks corresponded to the start of athlete’s usual daily routine and suggest the athletes were able to phase advance blood glucose circadian rhythms. Conclusions: The data presented demonstrates the combination of exercise and fasting phase shifted and adjusted the blood glucose concentration to start rising prior to training session.

The role of inflammatory markers following Ramadan Fasting.

Objectives:The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of fasting during Ramadan on plasma adiponectin and TNF-α levels.Methods:This is a cross sectional study, conducted at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST), Karachi, comprising a total of 55 (50%) females and 55 (50%) males whose ages ranged between 20 and 40 years, and fasted during Ramadan (June-July 2014) were enrolled in the study. Subjects were separated into normal weight, overweight and obese males and females. Anthropometric measurements and Fasting venous blood samples were taken at first and last (29th) day of Ramadan. Plasma adiponectin and TNF-alpha levels were assayed with ELISA kits. All values were calculated and presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) and by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. P values < 0.05 were accepted as significant.Results:Body mass index (BMI) (Kg/m2) in over-weight and obese male subjects exhibited considerable reduction (P<0.05; P<0.05), post Ramadan when compared to their respective pre Ramadan fasting weights. Noticeable and significant reduction was also observed in BMI of obese females (P<0.05). Post Ramadan Overweight Males (P<0.05) and Post Ramadan Obese Males (P<0.001) exhibited significantly elevated plasma adiponectin (μg/mL) values. While plasma adiponectin mean concentration of only obese females were significantly improved at last week of Ramadan (P<0.01). Fasting in Ramadan significantly decreased TNF-α (pg/mL) levels of post obese males and females than Pre-Ramadan-groups (P<0.05; P<0.01) respectively.Conclusion:The study reports of noticeable changes with Ramadan fasting resulting increase of plasma adiponectin and decrease of TNF-α levels as well as body weight. The study strongly suggests further investigations on larger sample sizes with possible association of dietary restrictions and weight loss on mechanism of enhanced adiponectin and reduced TNF-α in obese and overweight persons who fast on Ramadan pattern.