Abstract 271: Animal Products Tend to Increase Hemoglobin A1c Among Depressed Individuals

Background: Development of a diabetic state has been correlated with the use of energy-rich foods. Depressed individuals are prone to have erroneous diet habits. Hypothesis: Animal products are energy-rich products. Intake of these products could affect glucose levels in depressed individuals. Methods: The study analyzed participants in a 10-day in-patient residential ,depression recovery program. A total of 309 participants that completed the program where studied: 106 men and 203 women. On day one, all participants completed a depression and anxiety assessment test, a validated 75-item self-report screening tool that determines (1) depression based on DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria, (2) anxiety level, (3) mini EQ (Emotional Quotient), (4) demographic data, and (5) dietary intakes. The fact that meat, cheese and fish were part of each participant’s diet was determined dichotomously using their answers on the assessment test. A potential diabetic state was screened in each participant by analyzing hemoglobin A1c level in day one of the program. The participants’ dietary habits were correlated to the hemoglobin A1c level. SPSS software was used to process the data. An independent-samples t-Test was conducted to compare the intake of various energy rich foods with hemoglobin A1c level. Results: At baseline participants had a mean Beck Depression index II of 27.4 (SD = 10.1, min = 7, max = 53), corresponding with high moderate depression. Results exposed that consumption of meat at least twice a day (M=5.5, SD=.68, SEM=.4) compared to no meat intake (M=5.7, SD=1.15,SEM=.17), was related with higher levels of hemoglobin A1c, t(286)=-2, p = 0.041. This association was not found for cheese t(286)=0.45, p = 0.65 or fish t(286)=0.9, p = 0.368 intake. Conclusion: It seems meat intake, excluding fish or chicken, has a negative effect in the level of hemoglobin A1c in a clinically depressed population. To further confirm these results, prospective studies are required, as to determine its mechanisms.

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A Qualitative Investigation of Factors Influencing the Dietary Intakes of Professional Australian Football Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084205 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4205

Author(s):

Sarah Jenner ◽

Regina Belski ◽

Brooke Devlin ◽

Aaron Coutts ◽

Thomas Kempton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Carbohydrate Intake ◽

Nutrition Intervention ◽

Dietary Advice ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Body Composition Assessment ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Australian Football

(1) Background: Many professional Australian Football (AF) players do not meet recommended sports nutrition guidelines despite having access to nutrition advice. There are a range of factors that can influence players′ ability to meet their nutrition goals and awareness of the barriers players face is essential to ensure that dietary advice translates into practice. Therefore, this qualitative research study aimed to explore the factors influencing AF players’ dietary intakes and food choice. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve professional male AF players. (3) Results: Less experienced players restricted their carbohydrate intake to meet body composition goals, particularly during preseason and surrounding body composition assessment. During the competition season players had a greater focus on performance and placed more emphasis on carbohydrate intake in the lead up to matches. Players felt nutrition goals were easier to achieve when dietary choices were supported by their families and peers. One-on-one consultations provided by a sports dietitian were players′ preferred mode of nutrition intervention. Individualized nutrition advice is required for less experienced AF players who may be vulnerable to unsustainable dietary habits. Experienced AF players can support junior teammates by promoting positive team culture related to body composition, nutrition and performance.

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Deployment and Dynamics of a Biofeedback System for Anxiety Awareness during Online Examination Activities

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11020756 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 756

Author(s):

Hippokratis Apostolidis ◽

Georgia Papantoniou ◽

Thrasyvoulos Tsiatsos

Keyword(s):

Academic Performance ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Path Model ◽

Self Report ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

Biofeedback System ◽

Online Examination ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Biofeedback Device

The presented paper examines the deployment of a cost-effective biofeedback system that provides anxiety awareness during online examination activities. Human anxiety is classified by evaluating biosignals related to skin conductance, skin temperature, and heart rate. The first aim of this study is to check the presented system performance. Thus, we test the convergent validity of the system regarding self-report measures of anxiety. Moreover, the system is validated against a commercial tool of anxiety detection. Fifteen (15) postgraduate students took part in the relevant psychometric test. The convergent validity of the system is found to be satisfactory. The second aim of this study is to identify the participant’s personality dimensions according to Technology Readiness Index (TRI) which affects their academic performance and their real-time anxiety, as provided by the biofeedback device, during academic examinations. Thirty-five (35) postgraduate students, who were taking examinations in the form of synchronous online tests in the classroom for one of their lessons, took part in this stage of the research. The examined relationships are presented via a path model showing mainly that insecurity causes academic performance to decline, which in turn has a significant negative effect with increasing anxiety.

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MODEST OVERWEIGHT AND HEALTHY DIETARY HABITS REDUCE RISK OF DEMENTIA: A NATIONWIDE SURVEY IN TAIWAN

Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease ◽

10.14283/jpad.2016.123 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

C.-Y. Lee ◽

Y. Sun ◽

H.-J. Lee ◽

T.-F. Chen ◽

P.-N. Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Sugar Content ◽

East Asian ◽

Asian Population ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

Normal Subjects ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Evidence of the associations of dietary habits and body mass index with dementia is inconsistent and limited in East Asian countries. Objective: We aim to explore the associations of dietary habits and body mass index with the odds of dementia. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting: A nationwide, population-based, door-to-door, in-person survey. Participants: Selected by computerized random sampling from all 19 counties in Taiwan. Measurement: Diagnosis of dementia using the criteria recommended by the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association. Lifestyle factors, dietary habits and demographic data were compared between normal subjects and participants with dementia. Results: A total of 10432 residents were assessed, among whom 2049 were classified as having a mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 929 were diagnosed with dementia, and 7035 were without dementia or MCI. After adjustment for age, gender, education, body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, habitual exercises and co-morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and cerebrovascular diseases, we found inverse associations of dementia with the consumption of fish (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.94), vegetables (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.95), coffee (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.97), green tea (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.75) and other types of tea (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.60). There was no association between dementia and fruit consumption. Compared with people who had a normal BMI (18 < BMI <= 24), older overweight people (24 < BMI <=30) had a reduced risk of dementia with an adjusted OR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.61-0.96). Conclusions: Our study provides preliminary evidence that suggests that the consumption of fish, vegetables, tea, and coffee has potential benefits against dementia in East Asian population. Being modestly overweight (nadir risk at BMI = 25) in late life was associated with decreased odds of dementia. The benefit of fruits may be offset by their high sugar content.

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Differentiation between Schizoid and Avoidant Personalities: An Empirical Test*

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/070674378903400808 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 34 (8) ◽

pp. 785-790 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

James C. Overholser

Keyword(s):

Personality Disorder ◽

Empirical Test ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Clinical Information ◽

Self Report ◽

Almost All ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

Univariate Analyses ◽

Number Of Authors

A number of authors have questioned the rationale for subdividing the DSM-II schizoid diagnosis into three separate personality disorders in DSM-III, the schizoid, avoidant, and schizotypal. The present study was designed to explore differences between psychiatric patients with schizoid and avoidant personalities as compared to psychiatric controls with no personality disorder. Differences were examined on demographic data, self-report measures, and clinical information. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed a significant overall effect for groups across MMPI subscales. However, subsequent univariate Analyses of Variance (ANOVA's) revealed that almost all differences were between the two personality disorder groups as compared to the psychiatric controls. Contrary to expectations, schizoid and avoidant personalities were found to display equivalent levels of anxiety, depression, and psychotic tendencies as compared to psychiatric control patients. No meaningful distinctions were found between the avoidant and the schizoid personalities. Results are discussed in terms of problems with the assessment methods and the diagnostic criteria.

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Dietary and non-dietary determinants of central adiposity among Tehrani women

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980007000882 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 528-534 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Leila Azadbakht ◽

Ahmad Esmaillzadeh

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Central Adiposity ◽

Fat Accumulation ◽

Dairy Consumption ◽

Central Fat

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the correlates of central adiposity.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study.SubjectsA total of 926 women (aged 40–60 years) from all districts of Tehran.MethodsDemographic data were collected and anthropometric indices were measured according to standard protocols. Dietary intakes were assessed by means of a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The suggested cut-off point for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR≥0.84) for Tehrani people, adjusted for their age group, was used to determine central adiposity. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlates of WHR, which were adjusted for age, taking medications and body mass index (BMI). The components of dietary intake were determined by factor analysis. Pearson correlation was used to determine the association between the dietary components and WHR. Analysis of covariance was employed to compare the mean values of WHR in different lifestyle groups, with adjustment for BMI and age.ResultsMean WHR was 0.82 ± 0.06. The possibility of being centrally obese was higher in women with light physical activity (odds ratio: 2.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.40–2.53), depressed women (1.36; 1.02–1.93), smokers (1.21; 1.02–1.56) and unemployed women (1.41; 1.13–1.72). Marriage (1.31; 1.10–1.82), menopause (1.22; 1.02–1.61), low vitamin C intake (2.31; 1.25–4.25) and low calcium intake (1.30; 1.07–3.78) were associated with central fat accumulation. Dairy consumption was inversely correlated with central fat accumulation (r = −0.2, P < 0.05).ConclusionCentral adiposity is associated with poor lifestyle factors including low physical activity, depression, smoking, low intake of vitamin C, low intake of calcium and dairy products and high fat consumption. Thus lifestyle modifications should be encouraged to achieve a healthier body shape.

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Improving measurement in nutrition literacy research using Rasch modelling: examining construct validity of stage-specific ‘critical nutrition literacy’ scales

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013000530 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 877-883 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Øystein Guttersrud ◽

Jorån Østerholt Dalane ◽

Sverre Pettersen

Keyword(s):

Nursing Education ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Rasch Analysis ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

School Personnel ◽

Self Report ◽

Eating Behaviours ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University Colleges ◽

Engagement Scale

AbstractObjectiveCritical nutrition literacy (CNL), as an increasingly important area in public health nutrition, can be defined as the ability to critically analyse nutrition information, increase awareness and participate in action to address barriers to healthy eating behaviours. Far too little attention has been paid to establishing valid instruments for measuring CNL. The aim of the present study was to assess the appropriateness of utilizing the latent scales of a newly developed instrument assessing nursing students’ ‘engagement in dietary habits’ (the ‘engagement’ scale) and their level of ‘taking a critical stance towards nutrition claims and their sources’ (the ‘claims’ scale).DesignData were gathered by distributing a nineteen-item paper-and-pencil self-report questionnaire to university colleges offering nursing education. The study had a cross-sectional design using Rasch analysis. Data management and analysis were performed using the software packages RUMM2030 and SPSS version 20.SettingSchool personnel handed out the questionnaires.SubjectsFour hundred and seventy-three students at ten university colleges across Norway responded (52 % response rate).ResultsDisordered thresholds were rescored, an under-discriminating item was discarded and one item showing uniform differential item functioning was split. The assumption of item locations being differentiated by stages was strengthened. The analyses demonstrated possible dimension violations of local independence in the ‘claims’ scale data and the ‘engagement’ scale could have been better targeted.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates the usefulness of Rasch analysis in assessing the psychometric properties of scales developed to measure CNL. Qualitative research designs could further improve our understanding of CNL scales.

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Baseline characteristics and outcome for aneurysmal versus non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective cohort study

Neurosurgical Review ◽

10.1007/s10143-021-01650-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Catharina Conzen ◽

Miriam Weiss ◽

Walid Albanna ◽

Katharina Seyfried ◽

Tobias P. Schmidt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Clinical Course ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Delayed Cerebral Ischemia ◽

Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Glucose Levels ◽

Shunt Dependency ◽

Baseline Characteristics

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the characteristics of patients with mild aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal perimesencephalic and non-perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH, pmSAH, npmSAH) with emphasis on admission biomarkers, clinical course, and outcome. A prospective cohort of 115 patients with aSAH (Hunt and Hess 1–3) and of 35 patients without aneurysms (16 pmSAH and 19 npmSAH) admitted between January 2014 and January 2020 was included. Demographic data, blood samples on admission, complications (hydrocephalus, shunt dependency, delayed cerebral ischemia DCI, DCI-related infarction, and mortality), and outcome after 6 months were analyzed. Demographic data was comparable between all groups except for age (aSAH 55 [48–65] vs. npmSAH 60 [56–68] vs. pmSAH 52 [42–60], p = 0.032) and loss of consciousness (33% vs. 0% vs. 0%, p = 0.0004). Admission biomarkers showed poorer renal function and highest glucose levels for npmSAH patients. Complication rate in npmSAH was high and comparable to that of aSAH patients (hydrocephalus, shunt dependency, DCI, DCI-related infarction, mortality), but nearly absent in patients with pmSAH. Favorable outcome after 6 months was seen in 92.9% of pmSAH, 83.3% of npmSAH, and 62.7% of aSAH (p = 0.0264). In this prospective cohort of SAH patients, npmSAH was associated with a complicated clinical course, comparable to that of patients with aSAH. In contrast, such complications were nearly absent in pmSAH patients, suggesting fundamental differences in the pathophysiology of patients with different types of non-aneurysmal hemorrhage. Our findings underline the importance for a precise terminology according the hemorrhage etiology as a basis for more vigilant management of npmSAH patients. NCT02142166, 05/20/2014, retrospectively registered.

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Brain-behaviour modes of covariation in healthy and clinically depressed young people

10.1101/487421 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Agoston Mihalik ◽

Fabio S. Ferreira ◽

Maria J. Rosa ◽

Michael Moutoussis ◽

Gabriel Ziegler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Connectivity ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Strong Association ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Multivariate Statistical ◽

Functional Brain ◽

Clinically Depressed ◽

Critical Developmental Period

AbstractUnderstanding how variations in dimensions of psychometrics, IQ and demographics relate to changes in brain connectivity during the critical developmental period of adolescence and early adulthood is a major challenge. This has particular relevance for mental health disorders where a failure to understand these links might hinder the development of better diagnostic approaches and therapeutics. Here, we investigated this question in 306 adolescents and young adults (14-24y, 25 clinically depressed) using a multivariate statistical framework, based on canonical correlation analysis (CCA). By linking individual functional brain connectivity profiles to self-report questionnaires, IQ and demographic data we identified two distinct modes of covariation. The first mode mapped onto an externalization/internalization axis and showed a strong association with sex. The second mode mapped onto a well-being/distress axis independent of sex. Interestingly, both modes showed an association with age. Crucially, the changes in functional brain connectivity associated with changes in these phenotypes showed marked developmental effects. The findings point to a role for the default mode, frontoparietal and limbic networks in psychopathology and depression.

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Do carers care for themselves? A population-based study

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v4i3.1215 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Foteini Tseliou ◽

Mark Atkinson ◽

Shantini Paranjothy ◽

Pauline Ashfield-Watt

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Behaviour ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Informal Carer

Background Informal caregiving has become an integral part of many societies, however there is increasing concern about the well-being of carers and how they manage their care-related responsibilities in conjunction with their health and mental health. Previous studies have reported mixed results with some proposing that carers are intrinsically healthier. Aims To explore the association between different levels of caregiving and health behaviours and mental health status. Methods Data were collected through HealthWise Wales (HWW) and linked to healthcare records (N=27,455). These included self-reported data on level of caring responsibilities (0;1-19;20-49;50+ hours per week), whether or not they left employment due to their caring role, mental health using the short Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) and health behaviour data on smoking status, physical activity and dietary habits. Data on current diagnosis of Anxiety and Depression were drawn from linked healthcare records. Separate logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender and socio-economic status were fitted to assess the association between intensity of caring responsibility and each mental health and health behaviour outcome. Results Of the 14,451 HWW participants who had complete records, 3,856 (26.7%) reported being an informal carer. Intense carers (20-49 hours per week) were more likely to be physically inactive (OR:1.27, 95%CI:1.04-1.56), smoke cigarettes (OR:1.49, 95%CI:1.11-2.00) and eat unhealthily (OR:1.48, 95%CI:1.13-1.93). They were more also likely to self-report (OR:1.87, 95%CI:1.51-2.32) or have a diagnosis of depression or anxiety (OR:1.57, 95%CI:1.26-1.97). Other levels of caregiving intensity also demonstrated the above associations. Carers who had given up work to care were more likely to be smokers and have common mental disorders. Conclusion Being an informal carer is associated with unhealthy behaviours and common mental disorders, with a gradient effect dependent on the level of caregiving activity. New interventions that can support carers to improve their health and wellbeing are urgently needed.

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Patient Markers of Successful Diabetes Management

10.2337/figshare.14057912 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amy T. Cunningham ◽

Pouya Arefi ◽

Alexzandra T. Gentsch ◽

Geoffrey D. Mills ◽

Marianna D. LaNoue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Glucose ◽

Diabetes Management ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Self Report ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Successful Management ◽

Patient Centered ◽

Care Plans ◽

Ed Visits

Purpose. For individuals with diabetes, diabetes health status may not align with A1C targets. Patients may use nonclinical targets when assessing their diabetes management success. Identifying these targets is important in developing patient-centered management plans. The purpose of this study was to identify patient markers of successful diabetes management among patients in an urban academic health system. Methods. A secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews was completed with 89 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Participants had a recent diabetes-related emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalization or were primary care patients with an A1C >7.5%. Interviews were conducted to saturation. Demographic data were collected via self-report and electronic medical records. Interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis. This analysis focused on patient perceptions of successful management coded to “measuring management success.” Results. Although most participants cited A1C or blood glucose as a marker of successful diabetes management, they had varied understanding of these metrics. Most used a combination of targets from the following categories: 1) A1C, blood glucose, and numbers; 2) engagement in medical care; 3) taking medication and medication types; 4) symptoms; 5) diet, exercise, and weight; and 6) stress management and social support. Conclusion. Individuals not meeting glycemic goals and/or with recent diabetes-related ED visits or hospitalizations had varied understanding of A1C and blood glucose targets. They use multiple additional markers of successful management and had a desire for management discussions that incorporate these markers. These measures should be incorporated into their care plans along with clinical targets.

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