Eat

Vital Bodies ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 7-20
Author(s):  
Charlotte Bates

The first chapter, Eat, focuses on the importance of diet, showing how the basic need to eat can become a defining feature of our lives, whether we are calculating carbohydrates, seeking the nutrition that our bodies need, or controlling their shape and size. Through eating, the processes and practices that create routines, rules, cures, and rituals of care become visible, and the ways in which the body is reconfigured by its material needs become apparent. As a significant form of managing illness eating is a way of caring for the body, but it is one that creates conflict, turning eating into a duty and a reward. Ava has rheumatoid arthritis. In her search for a magic bullet to cure her of her daily aches and pains, she has consulted nutritionists, bought supplements, subscribed to diet and nutrition email lists, and read countless magazines, books and websites. Disciplined eating forms part of Ava’s strategy for health, and routines structured around food provide a sense of security and control, revealing significant dedication to caring for the body.

Author(s):  
Marek Frankowski ◽  
Jerzy Świerkot ◽  
Marek Gomułkiewicz ◽  
Lucyna Korman ◽  
Marta Skoczyńska ◽  
...  

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) is recommended as a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are no strict guidelines regarding monitoring for liver damage in RA patients. This study aimed to evaluate noninvasive diagnostic procedures in assessing liver fibrosis in RA patients. Ninety-six RA patients were recruited for this study. The procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) serum level was measured in all patients. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF-1) was calculated for 82 patients. Transient elastography (TE) was performed in 91 patients, those examined were divided into two groups: a study and control group, comprising patients with and without risk factors for liver fibrosis, respectively. The TE result correlated only with the body mass index—BMI (p < 0.05); there was no correlation with the cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.33). The TE result was significantly higher in those with risk factors for liver fibrosis than in those without risk factors (TE result >  = 7.1 kPa 28/42 vs 13/41, HR = 2.103, Mann–Whitney U test, approximately 0.02). There was a positive correlation between the PIIINP level and body weight (p = 0.028), cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.007), RA activity (p = 0.028) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the ELF-1 score and age (p < 0.001), cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.007) and RA activity (p < 0.001). The PIIINP level and ELF-1 score are not organ specific, and readings may vary depending on RA activity. TE is organ specific and can be performed by a skilled ultrasonographer might be useful to assess actual liver condition.


Author(s):  
Mahsa Banaei ◽  
Gholam Hosein Alishiri ◽  
Ramezan Ali Ataee ◽  
Ardeshir Hesampoor Mahalati

Background and Objectives: Microbial superantigens have been reported in the blood and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients, raising the question of whether the presence of these superantigens could provoke the induction of inflam- matory biomarkers expression or not. The purpose of this study was to examine the Staphylococcus aureus superantigen C on CD18 expression. Materials and Methods: The superantigen C was purified by ultrafiltration. Immunoblotting was performed using a specific antibody. Also, 50 micrograms of superantigens (toxin) were injected intraperitoneally and intra-articularly into separate rat groups. Blood was collected and RNA extracted. Then, the cDNA was synthesized. The expression of CD18 marker was evaluated using RT-real-time PCR, and the results were descriptively analyzed. Results: The results of this study revealed that 50 μg of toxin, injected intra-articularly and intraperitoneally, showed the surplus expression of the marker CD18 in the blood of rats after 20 days. By this method, the expression of the marker CD18 was significantly different between rats that received the superantigen intra-articularly and intraperitoneally (2.10; 2.3 and 3.3 folds) and the controls (P≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that the presence of Staphylococcal of superantigen C in the body of rats has enhanced the expression of the CD18 inflammatory marker more than 3 times. This valuable finding is an introduction to further research and could provide new methods to prevent and control inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Siti Asiyah ◽  
Dwi Estuning Rahayu ◽  
Wiranti Dwi Novita Isnaeni

The needed of Iron Tablet in pregnancy was increase than mother who not pregnant.  That  cause of  high metabolism at the pregnancy for formed of  fetal organ and energy. One of effort for prevent anemia in mother pregnant with giving the Iron tablet and vitamin c. The reason of  this research in 4 June – 11 July 2014 is for compare the effect of  iron tablet suplementation with and without vitamin C toward Hemoglobin level in mother pregnant With Gestational Age Of 16-32 Weeks In Desa Keniten Kecamatan Mojo Kabupaten Kediri. This research method using comparative analytical.  Research design type of Quasy Eksperiment that have treatment group and control group. Treatment group will giving by Iron tablet and 100 mg vitamin C, and control group just giving by iron tablet during 21 days. Population in this research are all of mother pregnant with Gestational Age Of 16-32 Weeks with Sampling technique is  cluster random sampling is 29 mother pregnant. Comparison analysis of  iron tablet suplementation effect with and without vitamin C toward Hemoglobin level in mother pregnant With Gestational Age Of 16-32 Weeks, data analysis using Mann Whitney U-test and the calculated U value (44,5) less than U-table (51). So there was difference of iron tablet suplementation effect with and without vitamin C toward Hemoglobin level in mother pregnant With Gestational Age Of 16-32 Weeks Therefore, the addition of vitamin C on iron intake is needed to increase the uptake of iron tablets. When the amount of iron uptake increases, the reserves of iron in the body will also increase, so as to prevent anemia in pregnant women; Keywords : Iron Tablet (Fe), Vitamin C, Hemoglobin level, Mother Pregnant


Author(s):  
Pavani C H

Hyperlipidemia is the immediate results of the excessive fat intake in food. This results in the elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This leads to heart conditions like CAD, hypertension, congestive heart failure as risk factors which can be lethal. There are many drugs to treat and control the lipids levels in the body. These drugs are either designed to prevent LDL accumulation and VLDL synthesis. Some drugs also lower the elevated levels of saturated lipids in the body. But many drugs are known to cause side effects and adverse effects; therefore, alternatives to the drugs are the subjects for current investigations. Herbs and medicinal plants are used as treatment sources for many years. They have been used in the Indian medical systems like Ayurveda, Siddha etc. As the application of herbs in the treatment is growing, there is an urgent need for the establishment of Pharmacological reasoning and standardization of the activity of the medicinal plants. Chloris paraguaiensis Steud. is Poyaceae member that is called locally as Uppugaddi. Traditionally it is used to treat Rheumatism, Diabetes, fever and diarrhoea. The chemical constituents are known to have anti-oxidant properties and most of the anti-oxidants have anti-hyperlipidemic activity too. Since the plant has abundant flavonoid and phenol content, the current research focusses on the investigation of the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of the plant Chloris extracts. Extracts of Chloris at 200mg/kg showed a comparably similar anti hyperlipidemia activity to that of the standard drug. The extracts showed a dose based increase in the activity at 100 and 200mg/kg body weight.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 716-722
Author(s):  
Sneha Dhakite ◽  
Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi

The “Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” is caused by “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, a newly discovered member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses which is a highly communicable. There is no effective medical treatment till date for Coronavirus disease hence prevention is the best way to keep disease away. Rasayana proved to be highly efficacious and cost effective for the Prevention and Control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are lacking. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda which helps to maintain healthy life style. Rasayana improves immunity and performs many vital functions of human body. Vyadhikshamatva that is immune mechanism of the body is involved in Prevention of the occurrence of a new disease and it also decreases the virulence and progression of an existing disease. In COVID-19 the Respiratory system mainly get affected which is evident from its symptoms like cold, cough and breathlessness. Here the drugs help in enhancing immune system and strengthening functions of Respiratory system can be useful. For this purpose, the Rasayana like Chyavanprasha, Agastya Haritaki, Pippali Rasayana, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Ashwagandha, Tulsi are used. Rasayana working on Respiratory system are best for Prevention of Coronavirus and boosting immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in the Prevention as well as reducing symptoms of COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105971232199468
Author(s):  
Paolo Pagliuca ◽  
Stefano Nolfi

We introduce a method that permits to co-evolve the body and the control properties of robots. It can be used to adapt the morphological traits of robots with a hand-designed morphological bauplan or to evolve the morphological bauplan as well. Our results indicate that robots with co-adapted body and control traits outperform robots with fixed hand-designed morphologies. Interestingly, the advantage is not due to the selection of better morphologies but rather to the mutual scaffolding process that results from the possibility to co-adapt the morphological traits to the control traits and vice versa. Our results also demonstrate that morphological variations do not necessarily have destructive effects on robots’ skills.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 976.2-976
Author(s):  
M. Novella-Navarro ◽  
B. Hernández-Breijo ◽  
F. Genre ◽  
L. Lera-Gómez ◽  
V. Pulito-Cueto ◽  
...  

Background:In recent years, the relationship between obesity and autoimmune diseases has taken interest, since adipose tissue has been identified as an endocrine organ that secretes cytokines (adipokines), among which leptin stands out as a soluble pro-inflammatory mediator associated with the body mass index (BMI).Objectives:The main objectives of this study are: i) to analyse the influence of BMI on clinical response in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients who initiate TNF-inhibitor (TNFi) therapy; ii) to analyse the differences in the serum profile of adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) according to BMI and their association with response to treatment.Methods:Observational study of a prospective cohort of 73 RA patients who initiated biological treatment with TNFi from the Complex Therapy Unit (CTU) of our Hospital. Patients were classified according to their BMI in normal-weight (BMI<25) and overweight/obesity (O/O) (IMC≥25). Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were collected at baseline and at 6 months. Our outcome measures were DAS28-VSG remission (DAS28<2.6) at 6 months after TNFi initiation. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) at baseline and 6 months. A descriptive sample analysis comparing the characteristics of both patient subgroups was performed using Chi-square, T-test for independent samples and U-Mann Whitney. Likewise, a bivariate analysis was carried out by means of binary logistic regression to assess the probable association of the parameters studied with remission.Results:Of the 73 patients studied, 51% were classified in O/O group. The O/O patients presented higher levels of baseline CRP (16.69±6.16 vs 8.74±3.81, p=0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in the remaining variables (sex, age at the beginning of the TNFi, disease duration, baseline DAS-28), as well as therapeutic variables (use of previous DMARDs and doses of methotrexate and/or steroids). Patients with overweight/obesity presented higher DAS28-ESR values at 6 months of treatment (3.59±1.14 vs 2.93±1.27, p=0.02) and achieved remission less frequently (18.9% vs 48.6%, p=0.007). Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in O/O patients, both baseline (29.39±21.50 vs 13.49±8.78, p<0.001) and 6 months (33.06±22.03 vs 14.77±9.50, p<0.001) after TNFi initiation. In addition, O/O patients were less likely to reach remission at 6 months than normal-weight patients. [OR= 4.04 IC95% (1.40-11.64); p=0.009]. Lower frequency of remission was associated to greater leptin levels at 6 months [OR=0.94 CI95% (0.90-098); p=0.012]. No differences in serum adiponectin were found between both subgroups of patients.Conclusion:In this RA patient cohort, overweight/obesity is associated with i) a reduced response to TNFi therapy and ii) a lower short-term remission rate. Within the adipokine profile, leptin seems to play a relevant role in the maintenance of pro-inflammatory activity with a negative influence on the response to TNFi therapy in O/O patients.References:[1] Versini M. et al. Autoimmun Rev. 2014; 13, 981-1000[2] Toussirot E et al. Life Sci. 2015;140: 29-36.Disclosure of Interests:Marta Novella-Navarro: None declared, Borja Hernández-Breijo: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Laura Nuño: None declared, Alejandro Villalba: None declared, Alejandro Balsa Grant/research support from: BMS, Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead, Lilly, Pfizer, UCB, Sanofi, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Lilly, Sanofi, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Roche, Nordic, Sandoz, Chamaida Plasencia: None declared


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1952.2-1952
Author(s):  
B. A. Esbensen ◽  
I. K. Roelsgaard ◽  
S. K. Larsen ◽  
T. Thomsen

Background:Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable exosomes risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1). Studies suggest that 25-30% of people with RA in Denmark smoke (2). This is almost twice as many as in the background population in Denmark. People with RA have a significant increased risk of severe comorbidity including cardiovascular disease. In addition, there are indications that smokers with RA have a poorer effect of the medical inflammatory treatment compared to non-smokers, and consequently more difficult to achieve remission of the disease activity (3). Tobacco addiction is complex and can be a challenge in smoking cessation. In addition to physiological dependence, habits and social and environmental factors may influence addiction. Tobacco smoking is associated with an addiction to nicotine and it is unexplored how this addiction appears in people with RA.Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine from the patient’s perspective how tobacco addiction appears in people with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods:We conducted a qualitative study based on a hermeneutics approach. People with RA who previously had participated in a randomized controlled study (4) about smoking cessation conducted at the Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases at Rigshospitalet, Denmark were recruited for semi-structured interviews.Results:In total, 12 people with RA (50% female) were included in the study. The median age was 62 years and median RA disease duration was 12 years. The degree of physical dependence measured by Fagerströms Test for Nicotine dependence (FTND) was on average: 4.9 (score: 0-10, 0=nonphysical dependence).Three categories of how tobacco addiction appeared emerged during the analysis: 1)It develops into ingrown habitsreferring to the fact that smoking already in adolescence contributes to the development of specific physical, mental and social smoking behavior. Not all individuals considered themselves addicted to nicotine as they did not necessarily connect the nicotine to the ingrown habits. 2)The body craves for nicotinereferring to nicotine proved calming, while a lacking or insufficient dose caused withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, smoking became a habit where a craving for smoking occurred in certain situations. 3)Ambivalence – for and againstreferring to the physical dependence and smoking habits making a smoking cessation difficult. Dependency to nicotine and challenges to quit smoking led to a feeling of ambivalence and a lack of control.Conclusion:Tobacco addiction appeared as a physical dependence and a habit, which, during a smoking cessation, led to ambivalent feelings. Therefore, based on this study, there is still a need for health professionals to talk to patients about smoking. But also, a need to articulate the complexity of addiction in order to support for smoking cessations. Information should be strengthened in the clinical practice in relation to nicotine’s implication in tobacco addiction as well as the consequences of tobacco smoking for individuals with RA.References:[1]Scott DL, Wolfe F, Huizinga TW. Lancet. 2010 ###[2]Loppenthin K, Esbensen BA, Jennum P, Ostergaard M, Tolver A, Thomsen T, et al. Clin Rheumatol. 2015. ###[3]Roelsgaard IK, Ikdahl E, Rollefstad S, Wibetoe G, Esbensen BA, Kitas GD, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2019. ###[4]Roelsgaard IK, Thomsen T, Ostergaard M, Christensen R, Hetland ML, Jacobsen S, et al. Trials. 2017;18(1):570.###Disclosure of Interests:None declared


1983 ◽  
Vol 76 (10) ◽  
pp. 833-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
A K House ◽  
M A L Maley

Two cohorts of rats, 240 with colon cancer and 150 controls, were assessed clinically and immunologically for their response to tumour and its management which was either by surgical excision alone or by surgical excision combined with either adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The histology and invasion characteristics were observed for similarity with those of human lesions. Metastases were found in liver, lymph nodes, the peritoneum or lungs in 27% of animals during follow up. Significantly fewer adjuvant-treated rats had metastases than those receiving surgery alone ( P < 0.05), and less total tumour weight was found in the adjuvant-treated rats at four ( P < 0.03) and six ( P < 0.001) weeks postoperatively. Animals in the adjuvant immunotherapy group survived longer than in either other group ( P < 0.001). The crude parameters of host response to tumour, body, spleen and mesenteric lymph node weight were recorded and the latter two indexed to body weight. The body weight of tumour and control rats increased significantly with time ( P < 0.04). The spleen and mesenteric node indices were significantly ( P < 0.04) greater in tumour than control rats and were varied by recurrent tumour growth and by the adjuvant treatment administered postoperatively.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (143) ◽  
pp. 20170937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Cheney ◽  
Josh Bongard ◽  
Vytas SunSpiral ◽  
Hod Lipson

Evolution sculpts both the body plans and nervous systems of agents together over time. By contrast, in artificial intelligence and robotics, a robot's body plan is usually designed by hand, and control policies are then optimized for that fixed design. The task of simultaneously co-optimizing the morphology and controller of an embodied robot has remained a challenge. In psychology, the theory of embodied cognition posits that behaviour arises from a close coupling between body plan and sensorimotor control, which suggests why co-optimizing these two subsystems is so difficult: most evolutionary changes to morphology tend to adversely impact sensorimotor control, leading to an overall decrease in behavioural performance. Here, we further examine this hypothesis and demonstrate a technique for ‘morphological innovation protection’, which temporarily reduces selection pressure on recently morphologically changed individuals, thus enabling evolution some time to ‘readapt’ to the new morphology with subsequent control policy mutations. We show the potential for this method to avoid local optima and converge to similar highly fit morphologies across widely varying initial conditions, while sustaining fitness improvements further into optimization. While this technique is admittedly only the first of many steps that must be taken to achieve scalable optimization of embodied machines, we hope that theoretical insight into the cause of evolutionary stagnation in current methods will help to enable the automation of robot design and behavioural training—while simultaneously providing a test bed to investigate the theory of embodied cognition.


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