scholarly journals The effectiveness of healthy meals at work on reaction time, mood and dietary intake: a randomised cross-over study in daytime and shift workers at an university hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Leedo ◽  
Anne Marie Beck ◽  
Arne Astrup ◽  
Anne D. Lassen
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Beneficial Effects

AbstractOur dietary habits affect both cognitive performance and mood. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of increased availability of healthy meals and water at work on healthcare staff. The study used an 8-week randomised cross-over design. A total of sixty physicians, nurses and nursing assistants, including sixteen working on shifts, were recruited. The participants received a self-selected keyhole-labelled (Nordic nutrition label) lunch, snack and bottled water during each shift throughout the intervention period. Reaction time (Go/No-Go test), mood-related scores (POMS) and dietary intake were assessed at run-in, and at the end of the intervention and the control periods. The intake of fat (P=0·030) and PUFA (P=0·003) was lower, and the intake of carbohydrate (P=0·008), dietary fibre (P=0·031) and water (P<0·001) was greater in the intervention period than in the control period. The intervention had no effect on reaction time or any of the mood-related scores in the group as a whole. In shift-working participants, the intervention period resulted in a 31·1 % lower Fatigue-Inertia Score (P=0·003), a 15·3 % higher Vigour-Activity Score (P=0·041) and a 42·7 % lower Total Mood Disturbance Score (P=0·017), whereas the only dietary component that significantly improved was water intake (P=0·034), when compared with the control period. Providing healthy meals, snacks and water during working hours seems to be an effective way of improving employees’ dietary intake. Moreover, increased intake of water may be associated with beneficial effects on fatigue, vigour and total mood in shift-working healthcare staff.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Protective Measures on Healthcare Workers During Covid-19 Pandemic in Tertiary University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Protective Measures

Background: A novel coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2” causes the disease COVID-19. A high transmission rate within healthcare workers was reported. We aimed to determine effect of our protective measures on infection rate, related risk factors and measures that can be taken among healthcare professionals in our university hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyse the data of infected healthcare providers. Demographic data of the patients, computed tomography (CT) scan findings, laboratory parameters and any symptoms related with Covid-19 disease were recorded. The real‐time reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results were evaluated. Results: The infection rate was 3.8% (143 of 3700 healthcare workers). Of 143 infected healthcare workers, 91 were female and 52 were male. Mean age of these patients was 32.5±8.6 years (Table 1). First PCR tests of 99 symptomatic healthcare staff were positive. Second tests of 84 of them were negative. The most common symptom was dry cough (47 patients, 32.8%). Treatment of 117 healthcare staff has been completed and they returned to work. Mortality or intensive care unit stay have not been observed. Conclusion: The transmission rate was relatively low in our university hospital. Our protective measures of increased awareness of personal protection, adherence to algorithms, supportive attitudes of hospital management, proper preparation and intervention play a critical role in reducing infection risk for healthcare workers. Public Interest Summary. Corona Virus (COVID 19) pandemic may continue for more time. To prevent its spread within health workers personnel, should follow a strict preventive measure. Increased awareness of personal protection equipment, adherence to algorithms, supportive attitudes of hospital management, proper preparation and intervention play a critical role in reducing infection risk for healthcare workers. Supportive behaviours of hospital administration and managers are essential to increase the enthusiasm of the staff. The Ministry of Health (MOH) should design a flexible working hours system and prevent long working hours under extreme pressure. All meetings are better to be held with a teleconference to prevent face-to-face transmission.

scholarly journals Rearranging meal times during night shift work promotes weight change: a randomised crossover intervention in shift workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria K. W. Leung ◽  
Rochelle Davis ◽  
Catherine E. Huggins ◽  
Erika Rosbotham ◽  
Rebekah Warnock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Control Period ◽  
The Body ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Research Facility ◽  
Shift Workers

AbstractUp to 20% of the population in industrialised countries are employed as shift workers. Shift work is an independent risk factor for metabolic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity. This may be associated with shift workers’ typical habit of eating during the night, as it forces the body to process nutrients when the body is expecting a period of fast. This study aimed to examine whether redistributing meal times, to create a defined overnight fast period, can improve CVD risk factors in night shift workers.Eligible participants were permanent or rotating night shift workers who habitually ate on night shift between 1am to 6am and had abdominal obesity as assessed by waist circumference, but were otherwise healthy. This randomised crossover trial comprised a four-week control period and a four-week intervention period separated by a minimum two-week washout period. During the intervention period, participants were advised to rearrange meal and snack times to create a five hour nightly fast between 1am and 6am. Up to four random 24-hour food recalls per participant were performed during both periods of the study, to check compliance and to assess energy intake. All recall periods included a night shift. Participants attended the research facility at the end of each period to be weighed (seca, gmbh & co. kg, Hamburg, Germany). Work schedule and meals were standardised 24 hours prior to attending the research facility. Data were analysed using paired t-test and reported as mean (SD).Participants (n = 19) were aged 41(10) years. Daily energy intake was not markedly different between the two study periods, intake was 10633 (3591) kJ/ day in the intervention period vs. 10919 (4276) kJ/ day in the control period (n = 60 recalls in each period, p = 0.670). Body weight was significantly lower at the end of the intervention period compared with at the end of the control period (86.2 (17) vs. 87.1 (18) kg, p = 0.001). Similarly, BMI was lower at the end of the intervention period compared with end of control period (30.7 (6) vs. 31.1 (6) kg/m2, p = 0.001).Increasing evidence indicates that working night shifts potentiates weight gain. We show that advising shift workers to avoid eating during 1am and 6am for a four-week period had a positive impact on body weight. Manipulating meal and snack times for shift workers may be a simple strategy to assist in weight management.

scholarly journals The Presence of Lunasin, a Soy-Derived Bioactive Peptide in Plasma: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 400-400
Author(s):  
Sara Haddad Tabrizi ◽  
Ella Haddad ◽  
Joan Sabaté
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Corn Fiber ◽  
Bioactive Peptide ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Research Software ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Abstract Objectives Lunasin is a bioactive peptide originally derived from soy protein which is being marketed as a nutraceutical product for its potential beneficial effects. Functionality of lunasin depends on its presence in circulation after digestion and metabolism. We studied safety, tolerability, and presence of lunasin in blood for the first time in humans in a well-controlled randomized clinical trial. Methods In a triple-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study, 31 subjects (female: 19, male: 12, age = 61 ± 9.9 years) were randomized into an 8-week intervention period with capsules containing either 335 mg/d lunasin-enriched soy extract (LES) or corn fiber (placebo). This was followed by a 3-week wash-out period after which participants switched treatment groups for the next 8 weeks. In this crossover randomized study, plasma samples of subjects were collected after ingestion of a daily dose of lunasin-enriched capsules for 8 weeks, which provided 50 mg/d of lunasin. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used to detect plasma lunasin level after an overnight fast. In order to assess the dietary intake of lunasin, two 24-hour dietary recalls (one in each intervention period) were obtained from each participant. Dietary intake data were collected and analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research software version 2015, developed by the Nutrition Coordinating Center (NCC), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Results During the intervention, no major safety concerns related to lunasin consumption were noticed. Ingestion of 335 mg/d LES for 8 weeks resulted in higher lunasin level in plasma compared to placebo. Fasting plasma lunasin levels ranged 0–10 ng/mL. The mean lunasin concentration in plasma increased by 44% after 8 weeks of daily supplementation with LES. Conclusions Lunasin was detectable in plasma after overnight fast in higher levels among LES takers. The difference in lunasin concentration was due to LES capsules and not dietary intake of lunasin-containing foods. Funding Sources The study was funded by Soy Labs Inc.

scholarly journals Longer-Term Soy Consumption Improves Cerebral Blood Flow and Psychomotor Speed: Results of a Randomized, Controlled Cross-Over Trial in Older Males and Females

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 913-913
Author(s):  
Jordi PD Kleinloog ◽  
Ronald Mensink ◽  
Lea Tischmann ◽  
Tanja Adam ◽  
Peter Joris
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Psychomotor Speed ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cerebrovascular Function ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract Objectives Effects of plant-based diets on cerebral blood flow (CBF), which is a physiological marker of cerebrovascular function, have hardly been studied and may contribute to the beneficial effects of these diets on cognitive performance. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate longer-term effects of soy nut consumption on CBF in older men and women. Changes in cognitive performance were also studied. Methods A randomized, controlled, cross-over trial was performed with a sixteen-week intervention period, separated by a wash-out period of eight weeks. Twenty-three males and females, aged 64 ± 3 (mean ± SD) years and with a BMI of 25.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2, started with the soy intervention period (67 g of soy nuts daily providing 25.5 g soy protein) or control period (no nuts). The two periods were separated by a wash-out period of eight weeks. At the end of each period, CBF was assessed with arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. Cognitive performance was assessed in the main cognitive domains using well-validated CANTAB tests. Results Serum isoflavone concentrations significantly increased after the soy intervention (daidzein Δ 133 ± 113 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.001; genistein Δ 456 ± 256 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.001), indicating good compliance. Regional increases in CBF were observed in four brain regions that are involved in object recognition, visual information processing and target reorientation. These brain clusters were located in the (1) left occipital and temporal lobe (Δ 36%, volume 11,296 mm3, P &lt; 0.001), (2) bilateral occipital lobe (Δ 32%, volume 2632 mm3, P = 0.002), (3) right occipital and parietal lobe (Δ 47%, volume 2280 mm3, P = 0.005). The fourth cluster was located in the left frontal lobe (Δ 43%, volume 2120 mm3, P = 0.009), and is part of the ventral network, which is involved in task-relevant stimuli. Movement time during the psychomotor speed test was reduced by 7% (P = 0.005), while no changes were observed in executive function or memory. Conclusions A longer-term soy nut intervention improved cerebrovascular function in older adults, as regional CBF increased. These effects may underlie observed beneficial effects on cognitive performance in the psychomotor speed domain. Funding Sources This research was supported by a grant from the Alpro Foundation.

Novel and Practical Approaches to Manage Diet-induced Metabolic Disorders: Part-I

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (39) ◽  
pp. 4953-4954
Author(s):  
Mallikarjuna Korivi ◽  
Betty Revon Liu
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Dietary Strategies ◽  
Global Health Problem

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) which is caused by poor dietary habits and sedentary behavior is a serious global health problem. MetS is a cluster of risk factors, represented by central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. In the 21st century, MetS and associated comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are the major threats to human health. Practical dietary strategies, nutritional bioactive compounds and a healthy lifestyle are claimed to be efficient in the management of one or more components of MetS. Nevertheless successful management of MetS and commodities is still a major concern. Since hyperglycemia, inflammation and redox imbalance are intrinsically involved in the progression of MetS comorbidities, finding effective strategies that precisely target these systems is highly warranted. In this scenario, pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches with or without dietary patterns, phytochemicals or exercise interventions are the practical strategies to combat MetS and associated diseases. However, designing and prescribing of optimal nutritional patterns and exercise regimens remains a big challenge to achieve the maximum beneficial effects. This thematic issue addressed the concerns and provided practical strategies to overcome the malady of MetS in the modern world.

scholarly journals Quality of life, symptoms and dietary habits in oncology outpatients with malnutrition: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mira Sonneborn-Papakostopoulos ◽  
Clara Dubois ◽  
Viktoria Mathies ◽  
Mara Heß ◽  
Nicole Erickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Mini Nutritional Assessment ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
European Organization

AbstractCancer-related malnutrition has a high prevalence, reduces survival and increases side effects. The aim of this study was to assess oncology outpatients and risk of malnutrition. Reported symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients found to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished were compared to patients without malnutrition. Using a standardized questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire for Quality of Life and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), patients in an outpatient cancer clinic undergoing chemotherapy treatment at a German University Hospital were assessed for nutrition, risk of malnutrition and quality of life. Based on the MNA, 39 (45.9%) patients were categorized as malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Loss of appetite (n = 37.6%, p < 0.001) and altered taste sensation (n = 30,3%, p < 0.001) were the symptoms most frequently associated with reduced food intake. Patients with risk of malnutrition scored lower on the global health status (n = 48.15%, p = 0.001). Side effects of cancer treatments lead to a higher risk of malnutrition and as a consequence lower QoL. These side effects should be addressed more efficiently in cancer care.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Food Consumption among Dutch Toddlers

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1531
Author(s):  
Elly Steenbergen ◽  
Anne Krijger ◽  
Janneke Verkaik-Kloosterman ◽  
Liset E. M. Elstgeest ◽  
Sovianne ter Borg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Milk Products ◽  
Health Council ◽  
Dutch Health

Improving dietary habits at a young age could prevent adverse health outcomes. The aim was to gain insight into the adequacy of the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers, which may provide valuable information for preventive measures. Data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016 were used, which included 672 children aged one to three years. Habitual intakes of nutrients were evaluated according to recommendations set by the Dutch Health Council. Specific food groups were evaluated according to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. For most nutrients, intakes were estimated to be adequate. High intakes were found for saturated fatty acids, retinol, iodine, copper, zinc, and sodium. No statement could be provided on the adequacy of intakes of alpha-linoleic acids, N-3 fish fatty acids, fiber, and iron. 74% of the toddlers used dietary supplements, and 59% used vitamin D supplements specifically. Total median intakes of vegetables, bread, and milk products were sufficient. Consumption of bread, potatoes and cereals, milk products, fats, and drinks consisted largely of unhealthy products. Consumption of unfavorable products may have been the cause of the observed high and low intakes of several nutrients. Shifting towards a healthier diet that is more in line with the guidelines may positively affect the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers and prevent negative health impacts, also later in life.

scholarly journals Burnout Syndrome during Residency Training in Jordan: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Implications

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1557
Author(s):  
Abdullah Nimer ◽  
Suzan Naser ◽  
Nesrin Sultan ◽  
Rawand Said Alasad ◽  
Alexander Rabadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Resident Physicians ◽  
Healthcare Professions

Burnout syndrome is common among healthcare professions, including resident physicians. We aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among resident physicians in Jordan, and a secondary aim was to evaluate the risk factors associated with the development of burnout syndrome in those residents, including gender, working hours, psychological distress, training sector, and specialty. In this cross-sectional study, 481 residents were recruited utilizing multistage stratified sampling to represent the four major health sectors in Jordan. Data were collected using an online questionnaire, where the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was used to assess the prevalence of burnout. The prevalence, group differences, and predictors of burnout were statistically analyzed using STATA 15. Overall, 373 (77.5%) residents were found to have burnout. Factors associated with higher levels of burnout were psychological stress (β = 2.34, CI = [1.88–2.81]), longer working hours (β = 4.07, CI = [0.52–7.62], for 51–75 h a week, β = 7.27, CI = [2.86–11.69], for 76–100 h a week and β = 7.27, CI = [0.06–14.49], for >100 h a week), and obstetrics/gynecology residents (β = 9.66, CI = [3.59–15.73]). Conversely, medical sub-specialty residents, as well as private and university hospital residents, had lower burnout levels. We concluded that decreasing the workload on residents, offering psychological counseling, and promoting a safety culture for residents might help in mitigating burnout consequences.

scholarly journals Have Lifestyle Habits and Psychological Well-Being Changed among Adolescents and Medical Students Due to COVID-19 Lockdown in Croatia?

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Ružica Dragun ◽  
Nikolina Nika Veček ◽  
Mario Marendić ◽  
Ajka Pribisalić ◽  
Gabrijela Đivić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Medicine ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Objective: To investigate dietary habits, sleep and psychological well-being of adolescents and medical students during COVID-19 lockdown in Split, Croatia. Methods: We surveyed 1326 students during 2018 and 2019, and compared their responses with 531 students enrolled in May 2020. Perceived stress, quality of life (QoL), happiness, anxiety, and optimism were assessed as proxies of psychological well-being, using general linear modelling. Results: We found no substantial differences in dietary pattern between pre-lockdown and lockdown periods, including the overall Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence. However, the MD pattern changed, showing increased adherence to the MD pyramid for fruit, legumes, fish, and sweets, while cereals, nuts, and dairy intake decreased during COVID-19 lockdown. A third of students reported weight loss during lockdown, 19% reported weight gain, while physical activity remained rather stable. The most prominent change was feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep, reported by 31.5% of students during lockdown vs. 8.5% before; median length of sleep duration increased by 1.5 h. Lockdown significantly affected QoL, happiness, optimism (all p < 0.001), and perceived stress in students (p = 0.005). MD adherence was positively correlated with QoL and study time, and negatively with TV and mobile phone use in pre-lockdown period (all p < 0.001). Interestingly, higher MD adherence was correlated with less perceived hardship and greater happiness and QoL during lockdown. Conclusion: These insights provide valuable information for tailored interventions aimed at maintaining healthy lifestyle in young population. Given the numerous beneficial effects associated with MD adherence, modification of lifestyle through application of lifestyle medicine deserves a priority approach.

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