The effects of physical inactivity

Physical inactivity constitutes the basis of diseases that reduce life duration and quality and rank first among the causes of death in the world. Worldwide, it has been determined that 23 % of adults aged 18 and over are not active enough. According to the World Health Organization, sedentary life is among the main risk factors for deaths from non-communicable diseases worldwide and causes approximately 3.2 million deaths per year. For this reason, the issue of reducing inactivity has gained importance in the world today. As a solution, it is thought that increasing physical activity requires not only individual but also community-specific, multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary and culturally appropriate approaches.

Expanding Arsenal Against Diabetes Mellitus Through Nanoformulations Loaded With Glimepiride and Simvastatin: A Comparative Study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common and life-threatening diseases found across the globe. It occurs due to insulin resistance (IR). Major causes of IR include obesity, sedentary life style and hyperlipidemia. Glimepiride (GLM) is one of the most common oral sulphonyl ureas that is being used to treat diabetes and Simvastatin (SIM) is one of the most common statins that is used to treat hyperlipidaemia. However, both the drugs suffer from dissolution rate limited oral bioavailability. In the present study two such drugs, GLM and SIM were co-formulated into nanosuspension (NS) as well as self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (L-SNEDDS). Both formulations were spray dried for solidification and evaluated for their antidiabetic potential against high fat diet and streptozotocin induced rat model. The study showed significant (p< 0.05) decrease in lipid/cholesterol and blood glucose levels and significant increase in antioxidant levels in the rats treated with NS and SNEDDS containing the drugs alone as well as their combination as compared to their unprocessed forms. However, the efficacy was more prominent in case of combination possibly due to dual benefits i.e., decrease in IR due to statin and control of blood glucose level. Among NS and SNEDDS, NS was found more efficacious than that of the SNEDDS possibly due to higher enhancement of oral bioavailability in case of NS.

Undiagnosed Hypertension and Its Associated Factors Among Adult People Living in Southern Ethiopia: Discovery From Gunchire Woreda of Gurage Zone

Background: Hypertension is defined as two or more readings of systolic blood pressure measurement of 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic blood pressure measurement of 80 mm Hg or higher. Symptoms of hypertension (HTN) are often not detectable at early stages and because of this many people with the disease are mostly left undiagnosed. Undiagnosed HTN is the one that increases the risk of complications such as renal failure, heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke and premature death. There is no report concerning undiagnosed hypertension in the area. This study is aimed to assess prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors among adult peoples.Method: Community based Cross-sectional study design was conducted. English version questionnaire was used to collect data from 574 households. The data was collected and analyzed by SPSS version.23. The association between dependent and independent variables was tested by using multivariate regression at P-value less than 0.05 and 95% CI.Result: Out of 590 participants, 108 (18.8%) respondents were cigarette smokers and 143 (24.9%) were khat chewers. About 106 (18.5%) of respondents have sedentary lifestyle. A total of 260 (45.3%) of respondents were identified as having undiagnosed hypertension. Respondents having sedentary life style had about 2.24 time’s higher risk of undiagnosed HTN than those who didn’t have sedentary life style. BMI, sedentary life style, cigarettes smoking, health seeking behavior, dietary habit and monthly income were significant predictors of undiagnosed HTN.Conclusion: Based on the identified high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension, the finding suggests awareness creation for community members about undiagnosed hypertension, its symptoms and ways of managing it.

Examination of Acceleration and Speed Performances According to Different Foot Sole Sizes in Sedentary Women

In this study, it was aimed to examine the acceleration and speed performances of sedentary women according to their different foot sole length. 60 women that recide in Gaziantep and live sedentary life has participated voluntarily. The subjects were divided into 4 groups in terms of foot sole length and metatarsus width. The average age of the subjects that are participated in the study is determined as 15.8±0.76 for the 1st group, 16.1±1.13 for the 2nd group, 15.9±1.12 for the 3rd group and 15.7±1.33 for the 4th group. Foot sole, metatarsus measurements, acceleration and speed performance values of the subjects were taken in accordance with the measurement technique. All data that is obtained in the study were compared with each other and analyzed in terms of groups while using the SPSS 20.0 software package. When we evaluate the results of the analysis; it can be seen that there are significant differences that is detected between the 1st, 3rd and 4th groups in terms of acceleration performance in terms of foot sole length and metatarsus width; however, no significant difference was found between the 2nd group and the other groups. Although small differences were detected between the groups when it comes to sprint performance, these differences were not statistically significant. As a result, it was observed that there were differences between the groups in terms of acceleration performance, but there was no significant difference in terms of speed performance.

Psychological Understanding of Hypertension- Ayurvedic Perspective

Hypertension is the condition where blood pressure is elevated chronically. It has multiple factors such as genetic, environmental and life style. The Stress which is usually having a role in the scenario, usually is left unaddressed and the condition is managed only with the anti-hypertensives. Discussion of hypertension in the perspective of Ayurveda is a debatable area till now. Hṛdaya considered to be the root place of hypertension, has its origin from Rakta and Kapha in the normal state of development. Being abode for consciousness, senses, mind, soul etc. it is to be taken as a conglomeration of somatic, psychic as well as spiritual entities. Śṛama, Mōha, Mūṛchā which is exhibited in the circumstances of alteration of ojus such as Ōjakṣaya/ Ōjōvyāpath, can be observed in elevated blood pressure situations. Tridōṣa also contributes a major role in the development of hypertension through their dysfunctions. While considering the Nidāna paṉcaka of stress associated hypertension, negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger and excessive thoughts are always going in parallel to the unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary life style. A multidisciplinary approach may be ideal and quite useful in such situations. Ayurvedic principles along with the practices of yoga can improve positive health in this intricate scenario.

The Influence of Recreational Aerobics on Subjective Assessment of Psychosomatic Status of Women

Sedentary life significantly affects the working abilities and health status of middle-aged women. On the other hand, appropriate systematic exercise can have a preventive effect on reducing symptoms and the appearance of some diseases, and thus have a positive effect on improving psychosomatic status. The research aimed to determine the subjective assessment of the psychosomatic status of women under the influence of recreational aerobics. The population from which the sample was drawn is a population of healthy women, age from 35 to 45 years, who dominantly live a sedentary lifestyle. For this study, a scale of subjective psychosomatic status assessment (SPPPS) was applied. The scale consists of 32 characteristic discomforts (disorders) which are divided into eight groups: shoulder and arm pain; back pain; leg pain; fatigue and sensorial discomfort; indigestion; cardiovascular disorders; neuropsychiatric disorders, symptoms of general fatigue. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test revealed statistically significant changes (p = 0.000) in all analyzed variables between initial and final measurements. Based on this finding, it can be concluded that recreational aerobics has a positive effect on improving the psychosomatic status of sedentary middle-aged women.

Epidemiological and Biochemical Factors (Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D) Associated with Premature Graying Of Hair

Background Premature graying of hair (PHG) is defined as graying of hair before the age of 20 years in Caucasians and before 30 years in Blacks. Several factors contribute to development of hair graying as genetics, environmental factors, life style and stressful events. Also, many biological markers were associated with development of hair graying as vitamin D, ferritin, vitamin B12 and many other electrolytes as calcium and magnesium. Aim of the study assess various epidemiological factors and biochemical variables (serum ferritin and vitamin D) associated with premature graying of hair. Patients and methods The current study included 75 premature hair graying patients, and 75 apparently healthy controls of matched age and sex. Assessment of epidemiological, clinical characteristics, estimation of serum levels of vitamin D and ferritin was done for included subjects. Results We detected positive correlation of sedentary life style, stress perception and family history with PHG development. No significant difference of vitamin D between the two groups, while low serum ferritin was significantly associated with PHG patients.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experiences of Children Aged 11-14 Years in Turkey

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many countries imposed curfews, suspended classes, and switched to distance learning applications. In line with these developments, this study explored the daily life experiences, thoughts and feelings, support needs, and metaphors about staying home during this time of children aged 11-14 years in Turkey. The phenomenological method, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. Categories and themes were formed from the data obtained through interviews with a total of 14 children, eight male and six female, from different cities in Turkey using an online application during April and May 2020. The themes formed from the children’s statements were “daily life experience during the Corona period”, “thoughts and feelings about staying home”, “support needs” and “metaphors about the pandemic process”. Children indicated academic and leisure activities for their daily life on Corona days. They indicated that they felt it was necessary to stay home, but feelings such as longing, anxiety, and fear were intense, and some of the children needed emotional, academic, and economic support. In assessing their metaphors, the categories of space, animal, property, and situation, and these metaphors the children emphasized staying at home involuntarily, protection from the illness, and sedentary life.

Biochemical Markers of Ovarian Reserve in Females, Effect of Exercise on Such Reserves

Background: Female who are in fertile period of their life and prefer a sedentary life style rather than performing regular physical exercise, whether light or heavy exercise show different hormonal pattern which effect their physical health. Such hormonal changes are directly related to the level of ovarian reserve of hormones which are negatively affected by lack of exercise. The ovarian pool of hormones decline with age and also lack of physical exercise. Among the large pool of biochemical markers AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) appears to be the most important and helpful indicator of ovarian reserve. Inclusion criteria: Healthy females between 25 to 35 years of age were included in the study. Exclusion criteria: Females below 25 years and above 35 years of age were excluded from the study, in addition those females having some medical problem or using some medication were also excluded from the study. Material and Methods: 20 females consented to participate in the study who were divided in two groups. These females were living a sedentary life before they joined the gymnasium. One group was subjected to light aerobic exercise and other group to heavy physical exercise. Tests before the start of study were conducted and were repeated after 08 weeks of study to observe the effect of both exercises on the ovarian reserves of different hormones. Results: The comparison between both groups were observed, the values before and after exercise has a remarkable difference, a decrease in values were observed in body weight, BMI, waist and hip ratio after exercise. Slight reduction in E2 and FSH level after aerobic exercises was observed. Whereas in heavy exercise group significant difference i.e. increase in level of FSH was observed at the same time, significant decrease in AMH level was also observed. The difference between E2 and LH had no significance in heavy exercise group. Conclusion: Those females who were living sedentary life and performed light aerobic exercise, even for a longer time period did not showed significant change in the E2, LH, FSH and AMH level of hormones. However, heavy exercise reduces the level of AMH and increases the level of FSH. These finding suggest heavy exercise may affect fertility in a negative way especially in females with low ovarian reserves. Keywords: Exercise, spinning, ovarian reserve, AMHh anti-mullerian hormone

Impaired immune response mediated by prostaglandin E2 promotes severe COVID-19 disease

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has led to a pandemic with millions of people affected. The present study finds that risk-factors for severe COVID-19 disease courses, i.e. male sex, older age and sedentary life style are associated with higher prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) serum levels in blood samples from unaffected subjects. In COVID-19 patients, PGE2 blood levels are markedly elevated and correlate positively with disease severity. SARS-CoV-2 induces PGE2 generation and secretion in infected lung epithelial cells by upregulating cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and reducing the PG-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin-dehydrogenase. Also living human precision cut lung slices (PCLS) infected with SARS-CoV-2 display upregulated COX-2. Regular exercise in aged individuals lowers PGE2 serum levels, which leads to increased Paired-Box-Protein-Pax-5 (PAX5) expression, a master regulator of B-cell survival, proliferation and differentiation also towards long lived memory B-cells, in human pre-B-cell lines. Moreover, PGE2 levels in serum of COVID-19 patients lowers the expression of PAX5 in human pre-B-cell lines. The PGE2 inhibitor Taxifolin reduces SARS-CoV-2-induced PGE2 production. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2, male sex, old age, and sedentary life style increase PGE2 levels, which may reduce the early anti-viral defense as well as the development of immunity promoting severe disease courses and multiple infections. Regular exercise and Taxifolin treatment may reduce these risks and prevent severe disease courses.