Evaluating the impact of a 10-day online dietary intervention on subjective and objective health measures

Research has found that immigrant health has a tendency to decline with time spent in the United States. Using data from the Mexican Migration Project from 2007-2014, this paper is the first to test the impact of domestic and international migration on different types of health measures. Results find cumulative U.S. migration experience has a negative impact both on self-reported and objective health measures. By contrast, the number of trips to the United States and migrations made within Mexico impact individual’s self-assessment of their health but not objective health measures. The analyses suggest that differences in self-reported versus objective health measures may help to explain mixed results in the literature. Results suggest that individual’s health will suffer considerably more from U.S. migrations than from migration within Mexico which is consistent with the acculturation hypothesis. Not surprisingly, high levels of BMI and smoking are significant predictors of negative self-reported and objective health. There is also a troubling significant negative trend in health over time observed in the sample. Taken as a whole, these results suggest that even short trips to the United States can have a negative health effect on immigrants if they are repeated.

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Dietary Patterns: A New Therapeutic Approach for Depression?

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology ◽

10.2174/1389201019666180925122116 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 123-129 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mariana Jesus ◽

Tânia Silva ◽

César Cagigal ◽

Vera Martins ◽

Carla Silva

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Large Scale ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Common Mental Disorder ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Inverse Association ◽

The Impact

Introduction: The field of nutritional psychiatry is a fast-growing one. Although initially, it focused on the effects of vitamins and micronutrients in mental health, in the last decade, its focus also extended to the dietary patterns. The possibility of a dietary cost-effective intervention in the most common mental disorder, depression, cannot be overlooked due to its potential large-scale impact. Method: A classic review of the literature was conducted, and studies published between 2010 and 2018 focusing on the impact of dietary patterns in depression and depressive symptoms were included. Results: We found 10 studies that matched our criteria. Most studies showed an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and whole grains, and with low intake of processed and sugary foods, and depression and depressive symptoms throughout an array of age groups, although some authors reported statistical significance only in women. While most studies were of cross-sectional design, making it difficult to infer causality, a randomized controlled trial presented similar results. Discussion: he association between dietary patterns and depression is now well-established, although the exact etiological pathways are still unknown. Dietary intervention, with the implementation of healthier dietary patterns, closer to the traditional ones, can play an important role in the prevention and adjunctive therapy of depression and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: More large-scale randomized clinical trials need to be conducted, in order to confirm the association between high-quality dietary patterns and lower risk of depression and depressive symptoms.

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Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology ◽

10.1177/0891988721996816 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089198872199681

Author(s):

Kerry Hanna ◽

Clarissa Giebel ◽

Hilary Tetlow ◽

Kym Ward ◽

Justine Shenton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Support Services ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Daily Lives ◽

Health Measures ◽

Social Support Services ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

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Quality of life and perceived health status in surviving adults with univentricular heart

Heart ◽

10.1136/hrt.86.1.69 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 86 (1) ◽

pp. 69-73

Author(s):

Z Saliba ◽

G Butera ◽

D Bonnet ◽

P Bonhoeffer ◽

E Villain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Normal Population ◽

Psychosocial Problems ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Univentricular Heart ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinical Variables ◽

Health Measures ◽

The Impact

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the quality of life in patients with univentricular heart and to determine the impact of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.DESIGN AND SETTINGRetrospective, cross sectional study conducted in a regional paediatric cardiology centre.PATIENTSThe health records of 89 survivors with univentricular heart (median age 21 years; range 17–49 years) were reviewed. Sixty seven answered the Duke questionnaire. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were similar in the responders and non-responders. The impact of sociodemographic and clinical variables on individual Duke's measures was assessed.RESULTSThe Duke scores of adults with univentricular heart were similar to the normal population. Cyanosis predicted a worse score for physical (p = 0.05) and perceived health measures (p = 0.02). A higher educational level predicted a better score for physical (p = 0.004), mental (p = 0.01), and general health measures (p = 0.02). Orthopaedic problems worsened the social score (p = 0.05). Psychosocial problems worsened the pain score (p = 0.04). In comparison with the other anatomical types, mitral atresia worsened the perceived health score (p = 0.02). Patients younger than 23 years scored better for almost all health and dysfunction measures.CONCLUSIONSDespite repeated interventions and other disease related everyday stresses, a selected group of adults with univentricular heart had a satisfying quality of life.

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The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

Primary Health Care Research & Development ◽

10.1017/s146342362100030x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

Author(s):

Chris Bullen ◽

Jessica McCormack ◽

Amanda Calder ◽

Varsha Parag ◽

Kannan Subramaniam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

World Health ◽

Noncommunicable Diseases ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Health Measures ◽

The Impact ◽

Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.

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The Impact of Diet and Fibre Fractions on Plasma Adipocytokine Levels in Prediabetic Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020487 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 487

Author(s):

Margarita S. Dodevska ◽

Sladjana S. Sobajic ◽

Vesna D. Dragicevic ◽

Ivan Stankovic ◽

Nevena Dj. Ivanovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intervention ◽

Polynomial Regression ◽

Body Weight Loss ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Resistin Level ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Obese Subjects ◽

The Impact ◽

Necrosis Factor ◽

Recommended Level

The impact of diet and fibre fractions on adipocytokines in obese subjects with a risk of diabetes has not been investigated in detail yet. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-month lifestyle intervention with different fibre profiles (resistant starch (RS)—rich fibre, or ordinary food fibre profiles) on adipocytokine levels. Fifty participants are divided into two groups (RS group and Fibre group). The groups differ only in the percentage of the recommended level of the RS consumed as a fraction of the same total fibre amount. The applied dietary intervention includes intake of 7531 KJ/daywith a total fibre portion of 25–35 g/dayfor both groups that includes 15 g/day of RS for the RS group only. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, apelin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and C-reactive protein (CRP) are measured, and their relationship to anthropometric and biochemical parameters is estimated. Along with significant body weight loss, only leptin is significantly reduced by 13% in the RS group while in the Fibre group, apelin levels are significant (−21%). Polynomial regression shows a negative correlation between RS intake and adiponectin (R2 = 0.145) and resistin level (R2 = 0.461) in the RS group. This study indicates the possibility that fibre fractions differently influence the outcome of lifestyle interventions, as well as their adipocytokine levels, in obese prediabetic adults.

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Harnessing testing strategies and public health measures to avert COVID-19 outbreaks during ocean cruises

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95032-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gerardo Chowell ◽

Sushma Dahal ◽

Raquel Bono ◽

Kenji Mizumoto

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Contact Network ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Individual Level ◽

Health Measures ◽

Testing Strategies ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Individual ◽

The Impact

AbstractTo ensure the safe operation of schools, workplaces, nursing homes, and other businesses during COVID-19 pandemic there is an urgent need to develop cost-effective public health strategies. Here we focus on the cruise industry which was hit early by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 40 cruise ships reporting COVID-19 infections. We apply mathematical modeling to assess the impact of testing strategies together with social distancing protocols on the spread of the novel coronavirus during ocean cruises using an individual-level stochastic model of the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. We model the contact network, the potential importation of cases arising during shore excursions, the temporal course of infectivity at the individual level, the effects of social distancing strategies, different testing scenarios characterized by the test’s sensitivity profile, and testing frequency. Our findings indicate that PCR testing at embarkation and daily testing of all individuals aboard, together with increased social distancing and other public health measures, should allow for rapid detection and isolation of COVID-19 infections and dramatically reducing the probability of onboard COVID-19 community spread. In contrast, relying only on PCR testing at embarkation would not be sufficient to avert outbreaks, even when implementing substantial levels of social distancing measures.

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Abstract 14: An Anti-inflammatory Proton Sensing-receptor Contributes To Cardiovascular Protection Of Gut Microbiota-derived Metabolites

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.78.suppl_1.14 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Liang Xie ◽

Rikeish R Muralitharan ◽

Evany Dinakis ◽

Michael E Nakai ◽

Hamdi Jama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Dietary Fibre ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Immune Cell ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Direct Role ◽

Cardiovascular Protection ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

The Impact

High fibre (HF) diet protects against hypertension via the production of acidic metabolites, e.g. short-chain fatty acids, by the gut microbiota. While these metabolites have a direct role in blood pressure (BP) regulation, their acidic nature may activate proton-sensing receptors, which have anti-inflammatory functions. G-protein coupled receptor 65 (GPR65) is a proton-sensing receptor activated around pH 6.5 and is critical for gut homeostasis. We hypothesized that GPR65 is involved in the cardiovascular protection by dietary fibre. We first measured cecal pH of C57BL/6 (WT) mice after a 7-day dietary intervention with either HF or low fibre (LF) diets (n=6/group). HF diet lowered cecal pH to a level where GPR65 is highly activated, compared to the LF diet (6.5±0.1 vs 7.6±0.1, P<0.001). The impact of pH and GPR65 on T cell production of IFNγ, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, in vitro was measured by flow cytometry. Acidic pH inhibited the production of IFNγ by CD8+ T cells (pH 6.5 vs pH 7.5, P<0.001). Cells lacking GPR65 had higher IFNγ at both pH (P<0.001). To determine if GPR65 is involved in BP regulation by dietary fibre, WT and GPR65 knockout ( Gpr65 -/- ) mice were implanted with minipumps containing angiotensin II (Ang II, 0.5mg/kg/day, 28 days, n=8-9/group) and fed with HF diet. BP, cardiorenal function and immune cell infiltration were measured. Gpr65 -/- mice had higher BP compared to WT mice after 2 weeks (mean arterial pressure ± SEM; WT 79.8±2.4 vs Gpr65 -/- 95.8±1.6mmHg, P<0.001) and 4 weeks of Ang II infusion (WT 92.3±2.4 vs Gpr65 -/- 99.5±1.3, P=0.062). Gpr65 -/- mice developed cardiac (P=0.035) and renal (P=0.025) hypertrophy, and impaired renal natriuretic (P=0.054) and diuretic (P=0.056) function compared to WT mice. This was accompanied by higher macrophage (P=0.009) and γδ T cell (P=0.014) infiltration in the kidneys. In conclusion, our data suggest that pH-sensing by GPR65 contributes to the protection against hypertension by dietary fibre via inflammatory mechanisms. This is a novel mechanism that contributes to BP regulation via the gut microbiota.

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APOE4 Genotype Exerts Greater Benefit in Lowering Plasma Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B than Wild Type (E3/E3), after Replacement of Dietary Saturated Fats with Low Glycaemic Index Carbohydrates

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10101524 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 1524 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Bruce Griffin ◽

Celia Walker ◽

Susan Jebb ◽

Carmel Moore ◽

Gary Frost ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Glucose Homeostasis ◽

Apolipoprotein B ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Plasma Lipids ◽

Plasma Cholesterol ◽

Apoe Genotype ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Glycaemic Index ◽

Apo B ◽

The Impact

We examined the impact of APOE genotype on plasma lipids and glucose in a secondary analysis of data from a five-arm, randomised controlled, parallel dietary intervention trial (‘RISCK’ study), to investigate the impact of replacing saturated fatty acids (SFA) with either monounsaturated fat (MUFA) or carbohydrate of high or low glycaemic index (GI) on CVD risk factors and insulin sensitivity. We tested the impact of APOE genotype (carriage of E2 and E4 alleles versus E3/E3), determined retrospectively, on plasma lipids, lipoproteins and glucose homeostasis at baseline (n = 469), and on the change in these variables after 24 weeks of dietary intervention (n = 389). At baseline, carriers of E2 (n = 70), E4 (n = 125) and E3/E3 (n = 274) expressed marked differences in total plasma cholesterol (TC, p = 0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, p < 0.0001), apolipoprotein B (apo B, p < 0.0001) and total to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC:HDL-C, p = 0.002), with plasma concentrations decreasing in the order E4 > E3/E3 > E2. Following intervention, there was evidence of a significant diet x genotype interaction with significantly greater decreases in TC (p = 0.02) and apo B (p = 0.006) among carriers of E4 when SFA was replaced with low GI carbohydrate on a lower fat diet (TC −0.28 mmol/L p = 0.03; apo B −0.1 g/L p = 0.02), and a relative increase in TC (in comparison to E3/E3) when SFA was replaced with MUFA and high GI carbohydrates (TC 0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.03). Among carriers of E2 (compared with E3/E3) there was an increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) when SFA was replaced with MUFA and low GI carbohydrates 0.46 mmol/L p = 0.001). There were no significant interactions between APOE genotype and diet for changes in indices of glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, variations in APOE genotype led to differential effects on the lipid response to the replacement of SFA with MUFA and low GI carbohydrates.

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Effects of Weight Loss on FGF-21 in Human Subjects: An Exploratory Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16234877 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (23) ◽

pp. 4877

Author(s):

Headland ◽

Clifton ◽

Keogh

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Wound Repair ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Restriction Pattern ◽

Energy Restriction ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 ◽

Continuous Energy ◽

The Impact

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), is a protein involved in cell growth and differentiation, development, wound repair and metabolism. Research looking at the impact of weight loss on FGF-21 levels is limited. The objective of this exploratory study was to determine changes in serum FGF-21 levels following weight loss induced by either continuous energy restriction or intermittent energy restriction. A sub cohort of participants who completed a 12-month dietary intervention trial following continuous energy restriction, or a week-on week-off energy restriction pattern, were selected for analysis. FGF-21 levels were not altered by weight loss and were not correlated with body weight or BMI at baseline or 12 months. Weight loss after 12 months either through continuous energy restriction or intermittent energy restriction was −5.9 ± 4.5 and −4.9 ± 3.4 kg, respectively. There was no change in FGF-21 levels, 0.3 ± 0.9 and 0.04 ± 0.2 ng/mL (p = 0.2). In conclusion, weight loss in healthy overweight or obesity subjects did not affect FGF-21 levels.

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