Body composition and anthropometric indicators as predictors of blood pressure: a cross-sectional study conducted in young Algerian adults.

Various body indicators are used to predict health risks. However, controversies still exist regarding the best indicators to predict CVD. Using a large number of measurements, our aim was to assess their associations with blood pressure (BP) and to identify the most relevant parameters to be used in health surveillance studies. The population included 589 students (67·2 % women) aged 20-25 years from Constantine (Algeria). Sixteen parameters were considered, including crude body measurements, ratios and body fat indicators based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We used multi-adjusted linear regression models to assess the associations between body measurements and BP. According to WHO definitions, underweight, overweight-without obesity, obesity and hypertension (HT) were identified in 6·1, 18·0, 2·4 and 5·1 % of the subjects, respectively. Prevalence of HT was higher in men than in women (11·9 % v. 1·8 %; P < 0·001). In the whole sample, almost all indicators were positively associated with systolic and diastolic BP. The suprailiac skinfold had the strongest associations with systolic (ß = 3·498; P < 0·001) and diastolic (ß = 2·436; P < 0·001) BP, and as a whole, arm circumferences and weight were also good candidates. The currently used BMI, waist-to-hip, waist-to-height ratio and BIA indictors also predicted BP, but they did not seem to be better determinants of BP than crude anthropometric measurements. This study showed that overweight and HT were already found in the present population of young Algerian adults. Most body indicators were highly associated with BP, but simple anthropometric measurements appeared to be particularly useful to predict BP.

Ramadan Fasting and NCDs-Example of the Diabetes.

Although Ramadan lasts only for 1 month each year, it can be accompanied by significant changes in: both energy and nutritional intake; in the diet composition; in the working hours; and the usual way of life. The majority of practitioners consume two meals, one after sunset (Iftar) and one before dawn (Sohor). During this month, it is also an opportunity to share a meal with family and friends, a period of highly intensified socialization. In parallel with the nutritional changes brought about by this unique pattern of fasting in Ramadan, other metabolic and physiological changes may occur, such as fluctuations in body weight and/or disturbance in the quantity and quality of the sleep-wake circadian rhythm. In the verses of the Qur'an, the exemption from fasting in certain situations such as illness is clearly stated. Despite this religious tolerance, many faithful who are eligible for the exemption observe the fast of Ramadan either for the spiritual aspect it provides by performing it, by religious guilt or to mark a normalization in the Muslim community for fear of the gaze of others. The world is experiencing an increase in the emergence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs); leading cause of the global mortality. Environmental and behavioral risk factors related to lifestyle, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and sedentarity have a causal association with NCDs. Other factors, such as genetic and physiological factors may also be associated (overweight, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia). Diabetes is one of the highest prevalent NCDs in the world and it continues increasing year by year. This chronic disease can lead to significant potential complications (degenerative, dermatological, and acute) to the patient's health. This requires an individual and appropriate care, both dietetic and therapeutic and over the long term will at best make it possible to sensitize the diabetic patient to the adverse effects related to his disease and thus improve its quality of life. Performing the Fast of Ramadan for a diabetic is a common situation. Diabetes is the only chronic disease widely studied in relation to Ramadan fasting. In the literature, many studies have investigated the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on diabetic patients. This article aims to provide a general overview and highlight if there are many effect of Ramadan fasting on diabetes, as an example of a NCDs.

Rapidly accumulating spontaneous pulmonary hematoma complicating a small parenchymal aneurysm.

A 20-year-old male is presented with hemoptysis since 3 months. Plain chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) chest at that time showed bilateral hilar shadows. Recent X-ray showed a huge right-sided well-defined opacity. CT chest and magnetic resonance angiography were ordered for him revealing a huge intrapulmonary hematoma.