Nutrition and health最新文献

Background: Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) are communities physically and socioeconomically separated from mainstream society (non-GIDA) and lack comprehensive nutrition and health assessments. Aim: This study aimed to assess the nutritional and health status and determine the factors associated with chronic energy deficiency (CED) and overweight/obesity among adults, 20-59 years old, residing in GIDA and non-GIDA. Methods: Data of the 20,381 adults collected in the Expanded National Nutrition Survey were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of CED and overweight/obesity. Results: Chronic energy deficiency and current smoking were significantly higher in GIDA, while overweight/obesity, alcohol consumption, elevated blood pressure, and insufficient physical activity were higher in non-GIDA (p < 0.001). Higher odds of CED was associated with food insecurity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.5, p < 0.001; AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001) and current smoking (AOR: 1.4, p = 0.001; AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001) in both GIDA and non-GIDA while poor wealth (AOR: 1.5, p < 0.001) only in non-GIDA. Higher odds of overweight/obesity was associated with higher age ≥30 years (AOR: 2.1, p < 0.001; AOR: 1.9, p < 0.001), being female (AOR: 1.7, p < 0.001; AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001), with grade level completed (AOR: 1.7, p = 0.004; AOR: 1.2, p = 0.038), urban residence (AOR: 1.2, p = 0.035; AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001), hypertension (AOR: 2.4, p < 0.001; AOR: 2.3, p < 0.001), and insufficient physical activity (AOR: 1.1, p = 0.020; AOR: 1.1, p = 0.027) in both GIDA and non-GIDA. Conclusions: Malnutrition affects GIDA in almost the same magnitude. The double burden of malnutrition and health inequity in GIDA underscores the greater need for comprehensive policies and stronger programs directed toward underserved areas.

Background and aims: This exploratory observational prospective study aimed to evaluate fat-soluble vitamin plasma levels during hospital admission and its relation with the development of malnutrition and complications in polytrauma patients, considering the protocolized multivitamin supplementation during intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Methods: In 49 well-nourished polytrauma (injury severity score ≥ 16) patients admitted to the ICU of two level-1 trauma centers, vitamin A, D, and E levels were assessed weekly during hospital stay. All patients received multivitamin supplementation during ICU stay. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess a trend in vitamin levels over time during hospital stay. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was performed to relate vitamin concentrations with malnutrition, defined as a subjective global assessment score ≤5, and complications.

Results: Vitamin A levels increased 0.17 µmol/L per week (95% confidence interval 0.12-0.22, p < 0.001), vitamin D levels increased 1.49 nmol/L per week (95% confidence interval 0.64-2.33, p < 0.01), vitamin E levels increased 1.17 µmol/L per week (95% confidence interval 0.61-1.73, p < 0.001) during hospital stay (29 ± 17 days). Vitamin levels were not related to malnutrition or complications during hospital stay.

Conclusion: Vitamin A, D, and E levels increased due to supplementation during hospital admission. Plasma levels of vitamins A, D, and E do not seem to be useful as biomarkers for the nutritional status of polytrauma patients during hospital stay. No correlation with complications could be demonstrated.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ChatGPT in remote learning among medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study recruited 386 medical students from three public universities in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed an online questionnaire designed to assess perceptions of ChatGPT's effectiveness in remote learning. The questionnaire included Likert scale questions to evaluate various aspects of ChatGPT's support in remote learning, such as personalized learning, language and communication skills, and interactive quizzing. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Cronbach's alpha to evaluate reliability. Results: Participants mostly used ChatGPT on a weekly (43.2%) or daily (48.7%) basis, primarily on personal computers (62.5%). Mean scores for ChatGPT's support in remote learning were high for personalized learning (4.35), language and communication skills (4.23), and interactive quizzing and assessments (4.01). Statistically significant differences were found based on gender for interactive quizzing (p = .0177) and continuity of education (p = .0122). Conclusion: Despite certain challenges and variations in perceptions based on gender and education level, the overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward ChatGPT highlight its potential as a valuable tool in medical education.

Background: While many studies have been published on nutrient intake assessment for performance improvement and deficiency prevention in single-sport athletes, few studies have addressed nutrient intakes in athletes from a various sports.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether Japanese college athletes meet the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and sports nutrition recommendations (SNRs).

Methods: Dietary intake was assessed in 1049 Japanese college athletes from a variety of sports using a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. The prevalence of inadequate intakes was estimated by comparing the DRIs and SNRs.

Results: For protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B-6, vitamins B-12, folate, magnesium, zinc, and copper, <10% of females and males consumed diets that fell below the estimated average requirement (EAR) in the DRIs. A large proportion of female and male college athletes demonstrated intakes that were below the EAR for vitamin A (7.8% and 19.0%, respectively), thiamin (10.4% and 23.9%, respectively), calcium (20.4% and 29.7%, respectively), and iron (24.2% and 2.5%, respectively). Regarding DG for chronic disease prevention in the DRIs, over half of both female and male athletes exceeded the DG for saturated fat acid and sodium, and fell below the DG for dietary fiber. Few of both female and male had intakes below the SNRs for protein and carbohydrates.

Conclusion: The results of the present study reveal the nutrient intake status of Japanese college athletes by comparing the DRIs and SNRs. Most meet the SNRs for optimal performance, but not the DRIs for health.

Study purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ChatGPT in critical thinking skills among medical students.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey study recruited 392 medical students from three public universities in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing perceptions of ChatGPT's impact on critical thinking skills. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, and Cronbach's alpha to evaluate reliability.

Results: Significant gender-based differences were found in perceptions of ChatGPT's efficacy, particularly in generating diverse perspectives (P = 0.0407*) and encouraging questioning (P = 0.0277*). Reflective practice perceptions varied significantly by age (P = 0.0302*), while academic backgrounds yielded significant differences across all factors assessed (P < 0.0001*). Overall, 92.6% believed integrating ChatGPT would benefit critical thinking skills. Most participants (N = 174) strongly agreed that ChatGPT improved critical thinking.

Conclusion: Integrating ChatGPT into medical education could offer valuable opportunities for fostering critical thinking abilities, albeit with the need for addressing associated challenges and ensuring inclusivity.

Background: Supplementing folic acid (FA) before and in the first month of conception is an essential preventive factor, especially for neural tube defects (NTDs) and other congenital anomalies. Aim: The research aimed to assess FA supplement prescribing practice during the protective period and its associated factors among health professionals in selected governmental health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2023. Methods: An institutionalized cross-sectional survey was carried out in Addis Ababa public health centers with a total sample size of 396 in February 2023. Systematic random sampling methods were used, and after each respondent's signed consent, a row of data was gathered using pretested self-administered questionnaires. The data was coded, interred to Epi Data 4.6.0.6 and transferred to Statistical Package for Social Sciences 27 software. Then a binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis method was used to show the associated variables with FA prescribing practice using a confidence interval (CI) of 95% and a significance value < 0.05. Results: The total prevalence of FA prescribing practice during the periconceptional period was 64.4% [95% CI (59.68-69.12)]. But those prescribed during the protective period were 26.7%. Ever since the birth of a neonate with NTDs, not prescribing a dose of 4 mg of FA for women with NTD, the type of women for whom FA was prescribed were associated with FA prescribing practice during the protective period. Conclusion: The healthcare professional's prescribing practice during the protective period was still low and needs more attention to strengthen FA supplements.

Background: Getting consumers to adopt healthier eating habits continues to be a puzzle for marketers and policymakers all over the globe. Nevertheless, research continues to identify factors that can influence consumers' food consumption. Aim: The purpose of this research is to explore how one relatively unexplored factor, namely the cleanliness of the surrounding environment, can affect perceptions and consumption. Methods: An online survey experiment presenting participants with either a clean or dirty environment scenario and asking subsequent questions about their dining experience was utilized. Results: Participants in a clean (vs. dirty) environment perceived their food to be healthier, fresher, and of higher quality, relative to a dirty environment. This effect, in turn, mediated the relationship between condition and perceptions of meal quality. Conclusion: Clean environmental conditions, though not directly related to the food products provided at food venues, can nevertheless have a strong influence on consumers' dining experience.

Background: Decline in muscle quality is associated with poorer health in community-dwelling older adults. Although there is evidence that malnutrition is associated with the decline of muscle quality in older adults, few analyses have considered important factors related to muscle quality. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between muscle quality and nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults, taking into account muscle mass, muscle strength, and amount of physical activity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from a health checkup program in Japan. Participants were older adults aged ≥65 years living in the community who participated in the health checkup program. The data collected were echo intensity, scores on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, skeletal muscle mass, grip strength, physical activity level, and demographic data. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association between muscle quality and nutritional status. Results: Data were analyzed for 50 participants (mean age 77.62 years, standard deviation 6.16 years, 78.0% women). Multiple regression analysis showed that nutritional status affected muscle quality even when various factors were taken into account (B = 6.95, β = 0.31, p = 0.04, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.62). Conclusion: The observed association suggests that providing nutritional support for older adults living in the community may be a useful strategy to maintain muscle quality.

Compared to the Western diet, the Mediterranean diet has many known benefits for both mental health and physical health; however, little is known about the effect of these dietary patterns on perceived stress and mental distress. To assess the relationship between dietary patterns, perceived stress and mental wellbeing, an anonymous online questionnaire targeting adults 18 and older was distributed via several social media platforms and email listservs. The survey included demographic questions, the Food-Mood Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K-6). A total of 1591 participants completed the survey. The data was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and Pearson Correlation Coefficient in SPSS version 28.0. The results showed significant negative correlations between perceived stress and mental distress with several components of the Mediterranean diet, such as whole grains, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and beans. Despite being attributed to the Western diet, meat produced a negative correlation with perceived stress and mental distress. However, significant positive correlations between perceived stress and mental distress and the Western diet, such as fast food and high glycemic index food, were detected. Our findings provide evidence that dietary patterns modulate the stress response and suggest that incorporating components of the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for mental wellbeing and stress reduction.

Molecular hydrogen (H₂, dihydrogen) is an antioxidant and signaling molecule with potent antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the growing interest in H2 as a potential therapeutic agent, the evidence regarding its potential as a nootropic remains limited. Only a handful of studies on the human population have evaluated its effects, although there are suggestive indications of its efficacy. The present paper overviews H₂'s potential as a novel agent for improving cognitive functions in health and disease contexts, highlighting its mechanisms of action and areas for further investigation. Current evidence suggests that H₂ improves executive function, alertness and memory in several clinical trials, from healthy young and elderly individuals to individuals with altered circadian rhythms, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Further investigations are needed to confirm the potential positive effects of dihydrogen as a nootropic agent in both health and disease.