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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy-related endocrinopathies, affecting up to 25% of pregnancies globally. GDM increases the risk of perinatal and delivery complications, and the chance of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications, including cardiovascular diseases. This elevated risk is then passed on to the next generation, creating a cycle of metabolic dysfunction across generations. For many years, GDM preventive measures have had inconsistent results, but recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have identified promising new preventative routes. This review aims to summarize the evidence investigating the efficacy of lifestyle treatments for the prevention of GDM and to summarize the effects of two lifestyle interventions, including physical activity and dietary interventions. Based on the present research, future studies should be conducted to investigate whether initiating lifestyle interventions during the preconception period is more beneficial in preventing GDM. In addition, research targeting pregnancy should be designed with a personalized approach. Therefore, studies should customize intervention approaches depending on the presence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors at the individual level.
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Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Diabetes Gestacional , Embarazo , Femenino , Humanos , Diabetes Gestacional/prevención & control , Ejercicio Físico , Estilo de VidaRESUMEN
The consumption of fermented dairy products has been linked with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but studies have yet to demonstrate a definite association. We evaluated evidence from a cross-sectional analysis of longitudinal studies and human and animal experimental trials to further understand the current knowledge linking short- and long-term consumption of fermented dairy products to T2DM. Most cohort studies revealed a protective effect of fermented dairy products on T2DM development, with yogurt noted as the most consistent food item protecting against the disease. Human experimental trials and animal studies revealed improvements in biomarkers of glycemic control with short-term monitored intake of fermented dairy products from various sources. Therefore, fermented dairy products may offer protection against the development and may have therapeutic benefits for individuals with T2DM. This could influence on dietary recommendations and the development of functional foods aiming to minimize the risk of T2DM.
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Productos Lácteos Cultivados , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Animales , Estudios Transversales , Productos Lácteos , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/prevención & control , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/veterinaria , Dieta/veterinaria , Humanos , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread globally, forcing countries to apply lockdowns and strict social distancing measures. The aim of this study was to assess eating habits and lifestyle behaviours among residents of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the lockdown. A cross-sectional study among adult residents of the MENA region was conducted using an online questionnaire designed on Google Forms during April 2020. A total of 2970 participants from eighteen countries participated in the present study. During the pandemic, over 30 % reported weight gain, 6·2 % consumed five or more meals per d compared with 2·2 % before the pandemic (P < 0·001) and 48·8 % did not consume fruits on a daily basis. Moreover, 39·1 % did not engage in physical activity, and over 35 % spent more than 5 h/d on screens. A significant association between the frequency of training during the pandemic and the reported change in weight was found (P < 0·001). A significantly higher percentage of participants reported physical and emotional exhaustion, irritability and tension either all the time or a large part of the time during the pandemic (P < 0·001). Although a high percentage of participants reported sleeping more hours per night during the pandemic, 63 % had sleep disturbances. The study highlights that the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a variety of lifestyle changes, physical inactivity and psychological problems among adults in the MENA region.
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COVID-19/epidemiología , Conducta Alimentaria , Estilo de Vida , SARS-CoV-2 , Adolescente , Adulto , África del Norte/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Recolección de Datos , Femenino , Abastecimiento de Alimentos , Humanos , Internet , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Medio Oriente/epidemiología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In light of the pandemic, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress and in need of imperative preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health, lifestyle adaptations, and their determinants among pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates. METHODS: A survey was conducted electronically between June and August 2020. Pregnant women were recruited from prenatal clinics in the UAE and invited to participate in an online survey developed on Google Forms. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, the Impact of Event Scale- Revised, the Perceived Support Scale and lifestyle-related factors. RESULTS: A total of 384 pregnant women completed the questionnaire of whom 20.6% were in their 1st trimester, 46.1% in their 2nd and 33.3% in their 3rd trimester. The mean IES-R score for the respondents was 26.15 ± 13.55, corresponding to a mild stressful impact, which did not differ significantly among trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnant women expressed increased stress from staying home (64%), work (40%), feeling frightened (66%) and apprehensive (59%). Women reported increased support and sharing their feelings with family members (59%), mainly in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.05). There was a greater attention to mental health (48%), resting time (55.3%), and relaxing time (57.3%); while a decreased amount of time was spent engaging in physical activities (53.6%), which differed significantly between trimesters (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a mild stressful impact among pregnant women in the UAE, braced by strong family support and self-care mental health behaviors.
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Adaptación Fisiológica , Adaptación Psicológica , COVID-19 , Mujeres Embarazadas/psicología , Adulto , Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles , Estudios Transversales , Ejercicio Físico , Femenino , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Humanos , Embarazo , Apoyo Social , Estrés Psicológico/etiología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Emiratos Árabes UnidosRESUMEN
Urogenital aging is a common process affecting all women in the post-menopausal period of their life, and it is substantially due to oestrogen deprivation after ovarian function cessation. These changes can lead to a progressive, chronic, and complex association of symptoms identified as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which has a significant impact on quality of life. Genitourinary syndrome and urogenital aging do not resolve spontaneously and usually recur when treatment is stopped. Therefore, appropriate long-term management is of paramount importance, and local oestrogen is the most effective treatment to reverse urogenital aging and to improve symptoms of genitourinary syndrome as replacement therapy. In some women, topical oestrogen may be inconvenient, it may not achieve complete response, or it may be contra-indicated. Several non-hormonal therapies have been investigated, but few treatments have been reported as potentially able to reverse the urogenital aging process similarly to exogenous oestrogens. Laser seems the most promising, although further studies to define its safety and efficacy are mandatory. Vitamin D and E, and phytotherapy have returned conflicting results and require further confirmation. Lifestyle modifications, physiotherapy, and electrical stimulation represent inexpensive and applicable treatments that might slow urogenital aging. Among the hormonal non-oestrogenic therapies, the use of vaginal oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone have been found to be effective compared to placebo, as well as the use of oral ospemifene, which partially relieves vulvovaginal atrophy.
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BACKGROUND: The PAPHIO study; a randomized controlled trial with 2X2 crossover design will implement a self-directed physical activity program in which participants will engage in self-monitoring and receive motivational interviewing to enhance physical activity adherence. The study aims to determine the effects of 24 weeks self-directed activity combined with motivational interviewing (MI) on (i) psychological health, (ii) quality of life (QoL) and (iii) immune function in female breast cancer survivors. METHODS: The study will recruit 64 female breast cancer survivors within 3 years of diagnosis and at least 6 months post primary treatments at Western Health Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. They will be randomly allocated to immediate intervention (IIG group) or delayed intervention groups (DIG group) in a 1:1 ratio. All participants will be given a wearable device (Fitbit Alta HR) and undertake self-directed physical activity for 24 weeks and will receive MI for 12 weeks (IIG; during week 0 to week 12 and DIG; during week 13 to week 24). Participants' daily step count and the changes of immune cell functionality will be assessed at the beginning (week 1: T1), week 12 (T2) and week 24 (T3) of the program. Physical activity adherence will be assessed at T2 and T3. Participants will also complete four questionnaires assessing exercise self-regulation (BREQ2), exercise barrier and task self-efficacy, mental health (DASS-21) and QoL (FACT-B) at three time points (T1 to T3). Linear-mixed models will be used to assess the relationship between physical activity volume by step counting and mental health (DASS-21), QoL (FACT-B), immune biomarkers, self-regulation (BREQ2) and self-efficacy at T1, T2 and T3;between 2 groups. DISCUSSION: We expect this physical activity intervention to be acceptable and beneficial to the participants in terms of psychological and immunological well-being with the potential outcomes to be implemented more widely at relatively low cost to these or other patient populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical trials Registry- ACTRN12619001271190. Prospectively registered on 13 September 2019.
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Neoplasias de la Mama/inmunología , Neoplasias de la Mama/psicología , Supervivientes de Cáncer/psicología , Ejercicio Físico/psicología , Salud Mental , Factores de Edad , Australia , Estudios Cruzados , Femenino , Estado de Salud , Humanos , Entrevista Motivacional/métodos , Calidad de Vida , Proyectos de Investigación , Autoeficacia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Sobrevivientes , Dispositivos Electrónicos VestiblesRESUMEN
Chronic inflammation can lead to tumour initiation and progression. Vitamin B complex has the ability to regulate the immune response and, therefore, inflammation but many of the mechanistic and molecular processes involved in this regulation are still not fully understood. This study sought to determine some of these processes by studying the effects of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folic acid) on un-differentiated pro-monocytic lymphoma cells in regard to their ability to alter the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cytokines and expression levels of programmed death ligand 1. We show that vitamin B2, B6 and B9, on pro-monocytic lymphoma cells exerted an anti-tumorigenic effect. This data could form the basis for future studies in using vitamin B supplementation to reduce cancer cell growth in vivo.
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Anticarcinógenos/farmacología , Ácido Fólico/farmacología , Linfoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Riboflavina/farmacología , Vitamina B 6/farmacología , Adulto , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Linfoma/patología , MasculinoRESUMEN
Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful central nervous system stimulant which elevates mood, alertness, energy levels and concentration in the short-term. However, chronic use and/or at higher doses METH use often results in psychosis, depression, delusions and violent behavior. METH was formerly used to treat conditions such as obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but now is primarily used recreationally. Its addictive nature has led to METH abuse becoming a global problem. At a cellular level, METH exerts a myriad of effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, immune system and the gastrointestinal system. Here we present how these effects might be linked and their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. In the long term, this pathway could be targeted therapeutically to protect people from the ill effects of METH use. This model of METH use may also provide insight into how gut, nervous and immune systems might break down in other conditions that may also benefit from therapeutic intervention.
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Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Estimulantes del Sistema Nervioso Central/farmacología , Tracto Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Sistema Inmunológico/efectos de los fármacos , Metanfetamina/farmacología , Animales , Estimulantes del Sistema Nervioso Central/administración & dosificación , Estimulantes del Sistema Nervioso Central/efectos adversos , Deluciones/inducido químicamente , Depresión/inducido químicamente , Humanos , Metanfetamina/administración & dosificación , Metanfetamina/efectos adversos , Psicosis Inducidas por Sustancias/etiologíaRESUMEN
Amino acid mutations to agonist peptide epitopes of myelin proteins have been used to modulate immune responses and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, animal model of multiple sclerosis). Such amino acid alteration are termed, altered peptide ligands (APL). We have shown that the agonist myelin basic protein (MBP) 87-99 epitope (MBP87-99) with crucial T cell receptor (TCR) substitutions at positions 91 and 96 (K91,P96 (TCR contact residues) to R91,A96; [R91,A96]MBP87-99) results in altered T cell responses and inhibits EAE symptoms. In this study, the role of citrullination of arginines in [R91,A96]MBP87-99 peptide analog was determined using in vivo experiments in combination with computational studies. The immunogenicity of linear [Cit91,A96,Cit97]MBP87-99 and its cyclic analog - cyclo(87-99)[Cit91,A96,Cit97]MBP87-99 when conjugated to the carrier mannan (polysaccharide) were studied in SJL/J mice. It was found that mannosylated cyclo(87-99)[Cit91,A96,Cit97]MBP87-99 peptide induced strong T cell proliferative responses and IFN-gamma cytokine secretion compared with the linear one. Moreover, the interaction of linear and cyclic peptide analogs with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC II, H2-IAs) and TCR was analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations at the receptor level, in order to gain a better understanding of the molecular recognition mechanisms that underly the different immunological profiles of citrullinated peptides compared to its agonist native counterpart MBP87-99 epitope. The results demonstrate that the citrullination of arginine in combination with the backbone conformation of mutated linear and cyclic analogs are significant elements for the immune response triggering the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteína Básica de Mielina/inmunología , Fragmentos de Péptidos/inmunología , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Animales , Proliferación Celular , Citocinas/inmunología , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/inmunología , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Estructura Molecular , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Linfocitos T/citologíaRESUMEN
Mucin 1 (MUC1 [CD227]) is a high-molecular weight (>400 kDa), type I membrane-tethered glycoprotein that is expressed on epithelial cells and extends far above the glycocalyx. MUC1 is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in adenocarcinomas and in hematological malignancies. As a result, MUC1 has been a target for tumor immunotherapeutic studies in mice and in humans. MUC1 has been shown to have anti-adhesive and immunosuppressive properties, protects against infections, and is involved in the oncogenic process as well as in cell signaling. In addition, MUC1 plays a key role in the reproductive tract, in the immune system (affecting dendritic cells, monocytes, T cells, and B cells), and in chronic inflammatory diseases. Evidence for all of these roles for MUC1 is discussed herein and demonstrates that MUC1 is truly a multitasked molecule.
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Mucina-1/química , Mucina-1/fisiología , Empalme Alternativo , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Comunicación Celular , Células Epiteliales/fisiología , Femenino , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno , Humanos , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Leucocitos/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Embarazo , Isoformas de ProteínasRESUMEN
We developed and tested a cost-effective model for health promotion capacity building among community health volunteers (CHVs) within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Twenty multilingual CHVs, from CALD communities in Melbourne, underwent 3 days of education and training to deliver face-to-face education programs in their own language. Participants were instructed how to collect anthropometric data, make qualitative observations, and conduct diabetes knowledge questionnaires, before conducting mini education sessions with three members of their own community. Knowledge about diabetes among CHVs increased. CHVs were able to collect anthropomorphic data and knowledge surveys from community participants with greater participation than from outreach programs. Evidence-based data collected by CHVs could be incorporated into health education and promotion programs run by CHVs. Here we confirm that CHVs represent an effective tool for health promotion within CALD communities and have the capacity to incorporate evidence-based collection as part of their health education.
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Agentes Comunitarios de Salud/educación , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/prevención & control , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Educación en Salud/organización & administración , Lenguaje , Voluntarios , Adulto , Pesos y Medidas Corporales , Creación de Capacidad/organización & administración , Análisis Costo-Beneficio , Diversidad Cultural , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/etnología , Femenino , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Educación en Salud/economía , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Persona de Mediana Edad , Características de la Residencia , VictoriaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is widely used as an alternative modality for weight loss. Despite its increasing use, few acupuncture studies have evaluated the effect of a weight loss program on the mental health of obese/overweight participants and none have looked at the effect on those with eating, weight and shape concerns. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of conducting an acupuncture study involving overweight or obese individuals undertaking a weight loss program with particular reference to those with eating concerns. METHODS: Thirty-five overweight/obese males and females participated in a single-blinded randomised cross-over study. The two intervention phases were: (1) nutritional counselling plus Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture and (2) nutritional counselling plus sham acupuncture. OUTCOME MEASURES: This study evaluates the feasibility and practicalities of the study including recruitment, retention, adverse events, effectiveness for defining eating and weight concerns, study design and statistics for power calculations. CONCLUSION: The outcome measures, the recruitment of those with eating and weight concerns and the acceptability of the intervention demonstrate a larger trial investigating the use of acupuncture for weight loss in those who have elevated eating and weight concerns is feasible.
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Terapia por Acupuntura , Salud Mental , Obesidad/terapia , Sobrepeso/terapia , Pérdida de Peso/fisiología , Programas de Reducción de Peso , Adulto , Estudios Cruzados , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Obesidad/psicología , Sobrepeso/psicología , Proyectos Piloto , Método Simple Ciego , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.
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Glucemia , Cinnamomum zeylanicum , Síndrome Metabólico , Especias , Zingiber officinale , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Método Doble Ciego , Persona de Mediana Edad , Cinnamomum zeylanicum/química , Glucemia/efectos de los fármacos , Glucemia/metabolismo , Adulto , Nigella sativa/química , Hemoglobina Glucada/metabolismo , Hemoglobina Glucada/análisis , Composición Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Anciano , Lípidos/sangre , Suplementos DietéticosRESUMEN
Menopause is a natural physiological phase during which women experience dramatic hormonal fluctuations. These lead to many symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, which, in turn, can negatively affect quality of life. Proper nutrition has an influential role in alleviating depression as well as anxiety. It is well known that gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to the development of mood disorder. There is mounting evidence that modulating the gut-brain axis may aid in improving mood swings. In this context, this narrative review summarizes recent findings on how aging changes the composition of the gut microbiota and on the association between gut microbiota and mood disorders. In addition, it evaluates the effectiveness of psychobiotics and fermented foods in treating mood swings in middle-aged and older women. A search was done using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and thirteen recent articles are included in this review. It is evident that psychobiotic supplementation and fermented foods can improve mood swings via several routes. However, these conclusions are based on only a few studies in middle-aged and older women. Therefore, long-term, well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to fully evaluate whether psychobiotics and fermented foods can be used to treat mood swings in this population.
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Alimentos Fermentados , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Probióticos , Humanos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Calidad de Vida , Afecto , Trastornos del Humor , Probióticos/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in the Arab Gulf countries. Despite this, limited culturally-adapted lifestyle intervention studies have been conducted in this region. METHODS: In this culturally adapted 12-month cluster randomized trial, 382 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 20-70 years were recruited from 6 public healthcare centers (3 interventions and 3 controls) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The primary outcome of this study was a change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The secondary outcomes were Body Mass Index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, dietary intake, and physical activity levels. A diet and physical activity intervention, guided by the social cognitive theory, was delivered individually and in group format to the intervention group. The control group continued receiving only their usual diabetes management care. The data were collected at baseline and 1 year after participation. RESULTS: The mean baseline HbA1c levels of the control and the intervention groups were 7.45 ± 0.11% and 7.81 ± 0.11%, respectively. At the end of the 12-month intervention, there was no significant difference in the changes of mean HbA1c between the intervention and the control groups. On the other hand, BMI and daily caloric intake were significantly decreased in the intervention compared to the control group by 1.18 kg/m2 (95% CI: -1.78 - -0.60) and 246 kcal (95% CI: -419.52 - -77.21), respectively, after controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, duration since diabetes diagnosis, diabetes treatment, treatment clinic, and baseline values. Sitting time during the week-end was significantly lower, difference 52.53 minutes (95% CI: 93.93 - -11.14). CONCLUSIONS: This community-based lifestyle intervention for patients with baseline HbA1c <8% did not result in a significant decrease of HbA1c but reduced caloric intake, body weight, and weekend inactivity after controlling for the covariates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on February 11, 2020 with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04264793).
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Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Ejercicio Físico , Hemoglobina Glucada , Humanos , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/sangre , Persona de Mediana Edad , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Hemoglobina Glucada/metabolismo , Hemoglobina Glucada/análisis , Anciano , Dieta , Emiratos Árabes Unidos , Índice de Masa Corporal , Adulto Joven , Estilo de VidaRESUMEN
Background: Social media is an online community that offers a digital setting where people create, share, and access a wide range of information, knowledge, and viewpoints. This study assessed the association between social media use and eating behaviors and whether sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits are correlated with this association. In addition, it assessed whether this effect is different according to changes in lifestyle habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among 1056 adults living in the UAE. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, social media use, and dietary habits were collected. The Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behavior (SESMEB) was used and a total score ranging from 18 to 90 was generated with higher scores corresponding to a greater effect. The general linear model analysis assessed associations of certain characteristics with the score. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA test were used to investigate differences based on changes in lifestyle habits due to COVID-19. Results: Most participants (80.3 %) reported using social media >2 h/day. The mean score was 44.15 ± 12.68 (range 18-90). Increasing age, being a male, spending less time on social media, and not following influencers were associated with lower SESMEB scores. Not consuming breakfast and spending more time on screens for leisure were associated with higher scores (p < 0.05). Significantly higher scores were recorded for those previously infected with COVID-19 and who reported an increase in screen time, food intake, body weight, and meals/day (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Social media appears to have an association with adults' dietary habits in the UAE. Spending more time on social media, being a female, and having more screen time were associated with a higher impact. Targeted programs are needed to increase awareness and advocate for a positive lifestyle with social media use.
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Introduction: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess Online food delivery applications (OFDA) usage trends among adolescent users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on their perceptions of healthy food options and food safety (n = 532). Methods: Sociodemographic information, frequency of OFDA use, factors affecting food choices, and perceptions of healthy food and food safety were investigated. A total perception score was calculated for each participant. Results: Most participants used OFDAs weekly (65.4%), favoring fast food (85.7%). Factors like appearance and price drove food choices (65.0%), while taste and cost hindered healthy food orders (29.7 and 28.2%). Younger and frequent users had lower scores for perceiving healthy food, while seeking healthy options was associated with higher scores (p < 0.05). Females and those seeking healthy food showed higher food safety scores (p < 0.05). Discussion: The study suggests tailored interventions to promote healthier choices and improve food safety perceptions among adolescents using OFDAs in the UAE.
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BACKGROUND: Limited studies have suggested that inflammatory biomarkers play a role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients. This study assesses the effect of inflammatory biomarkers: fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (C-RP) on the progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. METHODS: Sixty two patients with T2D and PAD (mean age 60.28 ± 27 years and diabetes duration of 8.58 ± 6.17 years) were enrolled in a cohort prospective study of 36 months. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured in all patients at baseline and after 36 months. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictivity of variables for fibrinogen, C-RP, plasma lipid fractions, fasting plasma glucose, Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of diabetes status and the age on changes in ABI value. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis defined F as a predictor for endpoint value of ABI (ß = 0.469, p = 0.007). Value of C-RP determinates change of minimal value of ABI (ß = 0.449, p = 0.037) and change of mean ABI per year (ß = 0.442, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that plasma determination of fibrinogen and C-RP might have a clinical implication in defining the process of progression of PAD in T2D population.
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Proteína C-Reactiva/fisiología , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/sangre , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Fibrinógeno/fisiología , Enfermedad Arterial Periférica/sangre , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Biomarcadores/sangre , Estudios de Cohortes , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/epidemiología , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedad Arterial Periférica/diagnóstico , Enfermedad Arterial Periférica/epidemiología , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
Grains are global dietary staples that when consumed in whole grain form, offer considerable health benefits compared with milled grain foods, including reduced body weight gain and reduced cardiovascular and diabetes risks. Dietary patterns, functional foods, and other lifestyle factors play a fundamental role in the development and management of epidemic lifestyle diseases that share risks of developing adverse metabolic outcomes, including hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Whole grains provide energy, nutrients, fibres, and bioactive compounds that may synergistically contribute to their protective effects. Despite their benefits, the intake of grains appears to be lower than recommended in many countries. Of emerging interest is the application of germination processes, which may significantly enhance the nutritional and bioactive content of grains, as well as improve palatability. Enhancing grain foods in a natural way using germination techniques may therefore offer a practical, natural, dietary intervention to increase the health benefits and acceptability of whole grains, with potentially widespread effects across populations in attenuating adverse lifestyle disease outcomes. Continuing to build on the growing body of in-vitro studies requires substantiation with extended in-vivo trials so that we may further develop our understanding of the potential of germinated grains as a functional food.