The Impact of Physiotherapy Interventions on the Elderly Population with Mental Health Conditions at Chainama Hills College Hospital in Zambia. A Pre-Post Single Sample Study Design

Background: Physical functional decline is common among elderly individuals with mental disorders, worsening their symptoms. Physiotherapy interventions have shown some evidence in improving physical function and mental health outcomes in this population. This study aimed to assess the impact of physiotherapy interventions on the elderly with mental health conditions at Chainama Hills College Hospital in Zambia. Methods: A pre-post single sample design was used to track patient progress over six weeks, with 10 physiotherapy sessions. The study population (N = 30) comprised of all elderly individuals with mental health conditions, encompassing both men and women, who were hospitalized during the research period. The Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living and the six-minute walk test were evaluated before and after the intervention. The IBM SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data and results were presented as mean ± SD with a 95% confidence interval. The variables were described in terms of their mean, SD, and range. A significance level of 0.05 was used for a paired T-test to detect changes and multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mental health. Results: Following the intervention, the percentage of participants achieving full function and independence increased significantly to 96.7% from the initial 73.3%, supported by a 95% CI = [0.82 - 0.99]. There was also a notable decrease in the proportion of individuals experiencing moderate impairment, dropping from 26.7% to just 3.3%, with a corresponding 95% CI = [0.00 - 0.17]. Conclusion: The findings derived from this study illustrate an enhancement in the aspects of participants’ overall health and functional condition, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Consequently, physiotherapy exercises can be employed as a tactic to ameliorate the functional status and physical well-being of older individuals afflicted with mental disorders in Zambia.

Mitigating the Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the United States: Utilization of the Chronic Care Model as a Public Health Framework

As the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy continues to be on the rise, the Chronic Care Model (CCM) offers a transformative, patient-focused approach for efficient diabetic retinopathy care, emphasizing the need for urgent and innovative strategies in the United States. The model integrates community resources, healthcare organizations, self-management support, delivery system design, decision support, and clinical information systems. Addressing challenges and solutions, the model emphasizes proactive and preventive measures, collaborative multidisciplinary care, technological integration, and overcoming resistance to change. This paper proposes the utilization of the Chronic Care Model (CCM) as a possible public health framework for comprehensive management of diabetic retinopathy in the United States. Implementing the CCM offers a comprehensive approach to diabetic retinopathy care, addressing both individual and systemic factors, essential for improving public health outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health-promoting lifestyle behaviors:A cross-sectional study

Objective:To explore health-improving behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic and to reveal the impact of the risk perception of COVID-19 on these behaviors.Methods:We recruited a total of 510 participants for this cross-sectional study.The data were collected online using a questionnaire booklet covering a form inquiring about the participants’demographic,physical,and mental characteristics,the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale,and the COVID-19 Perceived Risk Scale.Results:The mean age of the participants was(28.7±10.1)years,and 76.1%were females.Of the participants,31.8%were overweight and obese.While 35.1%experienced negative alterations in their dietary patterns,23.9%reported positive changes to their diet during the pandemic.Besides,47.8%reported their sleep to be negatively affected during the pandemic.While the rate of those with extended screen time was 72.5%,it was 44.3%for the participants engaging in regular exercise.More than one-third of the participants(35.9%)had high and severe anxiety.We also found increased risk perception of COVID-19 among females,obese,those with disturbed eating and sleep quality,healthcare workers,and those with severe anxiety.Conclusions:Overall,the pandemic has appeared to have brought both positive and negative impacts on maintaining and improving eating,sleep,physical activity,and mental health.

Perceptions of Nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards Sexual Health Needs of People with Mental Health Problems

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is among the fundamental packages of health care, which all clients seeking health care should receive. However, it is unclear how healthcare providers, in particular, nurses perceive the issue of people with mental problems having sexual health needs. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards sexual health needs of people with mental health problems. A general descriptive qualitative study design was utilized and data were collected using three focus group discussions (FGDs) that were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Purposive sampling was used to select 21 nurses who participated in the study. Nine were male, while 12 were female. Each FGD comprised seven participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and six major themes: 1) physiological interplay among different body systems, 2) disease process and effects of psychotropic, 3) participant differences in age, gender, educational level, and cultural backgrounds, 4) staff shortages in mental health units, 5) deficient record keeping, and 6) Social stereotypes and labelling theories emerged. Despite acknowledging the existence of sexual activity among people with mental health problems;participants had both positive and negative perceptions. It is, therefore, recommended that interventions aimed at strengthening implementation of SRH guidelines among nurses caring for people with mental health problems should be put in place.

Associated Factors of Dental Caries among Intellectually Disabled Persons in Specialized Centers of Ouagadougou

Introduction: Several studies have reported a high prevalence of dental caries among the people with intellectual disabilities. In order to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral factors associated with it, we conducted a study in specialized centers welcoming subjects with intellectual disabilities in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with it among intellectually disabled in the specialized centers of Ouagadougou. Methods: The study was cross-sectional analytical. The survey took place between November 2020 and January 2021 among people with intellectual disabilities in reception centers receiving a grant from the Ministry of Women, National Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Action. Data collection was done with a questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) and dental caries was recorded according to WHO criteria in decayed, missing or filled teeth generating a DMF index. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the presence of dental caries. Results: A total of 193 participants were included in the study with an average age of 12.4 years ± 7.9. The overall prevalence of caries measured with the DMF index was 58.6% 95% CI [51.2 - 65.8]. It was significantly associated with female gender (OR = 4.2;95% CI [1.4 - 12.5], p = 0,01), the clinical form of mental illness (epilepsy OR = 3.8 95%;CI [1.2 - 12.7], p = 0,02, trisomy OR = 5.0;95% CI [1.1 - 22.9], p = 0,03, motor autonomy OR = 0.2 95%;CI [0.1 - 0.7], p = 0,01) and at use of toothpaste OR = 9.33;95% CI [1.05 - 82.7], p = 0,04. Conclusion: Dental caries remains a very present pathology in most people living with an intellectual disability. Also, it is necessary to put in place prevention strategies to reduce its prevalence and improve access to oral care for these people.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Contrast Agents for Clinical Research: Limitations and Alternatives

Introduction: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging is a technique that will establish itself in the short term at the international level because it is recognized for its potential to improve the performance of surgical interventions, its moderate investment and operating costs and its portability. Although the technology is now mature, there is currently the problem of the availability of contrast agents to be injected IV. The aim of this methodology article is to propose an alternative solution to the need for contrast agents for clinical research, particularly in oncology. Methodology: They consist of coupling a fluorescent marker in the form of an NHS derivative, such as IR DYE manufactured in compliance with GMP, with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies having marketing authorization for molecular imaging. For a given antibody, the marking procedure must be the subject of a validation file on the final preparation filtered on a sterilizing membrane at 0.22 μm. Once the procedure has been validated, it would be unnecessary to repeat the tests before each clinical research examination. A check of the marking by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and place it in a sample bank at +4˚C for 1 month of each injected formulation would be sufficient for additional tests if necessary. Conclusion: Molecular near-infrared fluorescence imaging is experiencing development, the process of which could be accelerated by greater availability of clinical contrast agents. Alternative solutions are therefore necessary to promote clinical research in this area. These methods must be shared to make it easier for researchers.

Markers of Oocyte Quality to Enhance Human IVF Outcomes: A Bibliographic Review

The markers of oocyte quality have remained a major controversy in the field of embryology due to the subjectivity of the different methods of oocyte assessment. Various scholars use oocyte quality and oocyte competence interchangeably. Oocyte quality can be defined as the overall health of an oocyte whereas oocyte competence refers to the ability of an oocyte to be fertilized and develop into a healthy embryo. Diminished oocyte quality is believed to be a result of alterations in oocyte growth and maturation processes that stem from several pelvic and systemic factors before and after oocyte retrieval. In this review, we focus on the morphological and nonmorphological markers of oocyte quality. Strict restrictions that limit the number of oocytes fertilized in various countries have triggered researchers around the world to come up with the most appropriate and noninvasive markers that enhance oocyte selection and optimize IVF outcomes. PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for peer-reviewed, original articles about oocyte quality markers. The review was written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Morphological markers are commonly used, but they are subjective, and no single marker can be used exclusively to predict oocyte competence and subsequent embryonic development potential. Furthermore, transcriptomics of differentially expressed genes in cumulus cells and assessment of metabolomics and other contents of follicular fluid have shown greater precision. However, their specificity to the different quality determinants needs further research.

Oral Health Behaviors in a Sample of Portuguese Adolescents: An Educational Issue

Introduction: Oral health education is an important issue that should be given to children and adolescents, allowing the acquisition of correct oral health behaviors. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral health behaviors among a sample of portuguese adolescents and verify the association with socio-demographic factors, in order to analyze the main needs related with oral health education to improve oral health status among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed with a sample of 447 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old, attending a public school in Sátão, Portugal. A self-administered questionnaire was applied questioning about socio-demographic factors and oral health behaviors to each adolescent in the classroom. Prevalence was expressed in proportions and crude odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to measure the strength of association between oral health behaviors and socio-demographic factors. Results: The prevalence of tooth brushing (twice-a-day or more) was 90.6%. Five point eight percent of adolescents reported daily flossing, more frequent among female gender (female, OR = 2.03, 95% CI = (1.35 to 3.05)) and adolescents older than 15 years (>15 years, OR = 1.90, 95% CI = (1.24 to 2.92)). Sixty-seven percent had at least one dental appointment in the previous twelve months. The prevalence of dental appointments was associated with the father’s professional situation (unemployed, OR = 0.33, 95% CI = (0.17 to 0.65)) and crowding index (>1, OR = 0.4, 95% CI = (0.16 to 0.98)). Thirty-two point nine percent of adolescents referred having at least one episode of dental pain during their lives. Conclusion: Considering the results of the present study that show the need of improvement of some aspects related with oral health among adolescents, oral health community programs and primary preventive strategies, such as improvement of oral health education in schools should be considered in order to reduce the risk level of oral diseases and develop better oral health behaviors.

Youth’s Perspectives on a Sustainable Model for the Provision of Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Kenya: A Quantitative Approach

Nearly half of the world’s population comprise youths. However, addressing their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) remains a challenge. Globally countries are mandated to continually provide Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health services (YFSRHs) to the youth. The objective of this study was to assess and describe youth’s perspectives on a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs in Kenya. Data was collected among 400 youths aged 18 - 24 years in Embu and Kirinyaga counties, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was utilized as the data collection tool. Collected data was analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9.4. Statistical threshold of P ≤ 0.05 was used. Overall the mean age of the study participants was ±standard deviation (SD) 21.2 ± 1.86 years. Majority of the participants’ perspective on the health care system sustainability was that the waiting time at the facility should be less than an hour, accessible geographically (less than a kilometre), affordable (≤20 Ksh.), and convenient working hours (weekday and weekends ratio 1:1). Advocacy was on health care provider’s attributes of politeness, welcoming, confidential and non-judgmental. The most preferred locations for the youth friendly centres by the participants were community and school based locations. Similarly, parental and community support was reported to highly contribute to sustained utilization and provision of the YFSRHs (P < 0.001). Unlike popular belief, 99.8% did not see the need for recreational facilities at the youth centres to ensure sustainability of the model. To ensure a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs, there is need for a multi-sectoral and stakeholder involvement that is;youth, health care system structure, health care service providers, parents and community. Further research is needed on parents and health care service provider’s perspectives on how to sustain the provision of YFSRH services.

Utilization of Primary Health Care and Its Associated Factors among Women of Childbearing Age Living in Mogadishu-Somalia

Background: The Somali people have some of the worst health indicators in the world, with women and children most affected. Despite modest improvements in maternal and child mortality rates in the last five years, inequities amongst communities meant that some children and mothers are disproportionately exposed to otherwise avoidable and treatable diseases. The broad aim of this study is to assess utilization of Primary Health Care (PHC) and Its associated factors among Women of Childbearing age living In Mogadishu Somalia. Methodology: Descriptive and Analytical cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among Women of Childbearing age that were living in two districts (Hodan and Abdul-Aziz Districts)-Mogadishu-Somalia-From May 2019 to September 2019. A total of 395 of Women of Childbearing age were targeted during the study period. Descriptive and analytical statistics was used using Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 statistical software. The data were showed tables, figures and graphs for describing the data. Results: The study found that Most of respondents were between 15 to 25 years 41.5% (395 sample sizes), while the age of group of >45 to 55 was only 6% (395 sample size). According to the district 76.5% of respondents were from Hodan, while 23.5% (395 sample size) of respondents were from Abdul-Aziz district. According to awareness to the need of a pregnant mother to be vaccinated at the Mother and child health (MCH) Most respondents 48.2% (395 Sample size) said that pregnant women may or may not need to be vaccinated. According to health-seeking decisions only 3% of ever married respondents were made by themselves whilst 97% of them were made by their husband. Age group was not significantly associated with the level of utilization of Primary Health Care (PHC);this is different from study in Kenya showing that age is an important factor in determining the use of skilled assistance, early antenatal care visits and more than four antenatal visits. Conclusion: The study concluded and recommended that the level of utilization of primary health care is poor and lower than other studies around Somalia as well as World Health Organization (WHO). recommendation And the study recommended that enhancing awareness importance of primary health care (PHC) utilization and empowering women Health care-seeking behavior and their husbands.

The Shift of the Ischial Region during Maneuvering the Standard Wheelchair and the Electric Wheelchair in Healthy Adults

Pressure injuries are frequent secondary complications that occur in patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), and the recurrence rate of ischial pressure injury is highest in SCI patients. Most SCI patients use wheelchairs, and some studies have shown a relationship between buttock pressure and sitting posture. However, the pressure distribution during wheelchair maneuvering is unclear. We measured and compared the shift of the ischial region when maneuvering a standard wheelchair or electric wheelchair in healthy adults. The subjects drove wheelchairs on a flat ground of 10 m and the shift of ischial region was measured with a pressure distribution-measuring device. The ischial region shifted forward or backward while maneuvering both the standard wheelchair and the electric wheelchair, and the shift rate of the ischial region was not significantly different between the standard wheelchair and the electric wheelchair. The ischial region shift occurred when the forward head moved by the video while maneuvering both a standard wheelchair and an electric wheelchair. Therefore, the shift might occurred because the pelvis shifted forward in conjunction with head movement during maneuvering of both the standard wheelchair and the electric wheelchair. This result showed that it is important to reduce head and trunk movements when maneuvering a wheelchair to reduce the shear force on the buttocks and prevent pressure injuries.

Oral Cancer:Health Promotion and Visual Screening—A Study Report

Background: Oral cancer presents a heterogeneous geographic incidence. Annually, more than 275,000 new cases are diagnosed worldwide. In spite of the easy accessibility of oral cavity during physical examination, most malignancies are not diagnosed until late stages of disease. Methods: Oral health promotion was our main objective, risk factors were identified and oral cavity self-examination was promoted. The population considered (n = 1117) was divided in two main age groups—a youngest (individuals under 25 years old) mostly targeted for oral cancer awareness and oral cavity self examination promotion, and an older group having accumulated potential risk exposure. Results: The results obtained revealed smoking habits and fruits-vegetables consumption deficit as the highest risks factors found. Considering a Risk Factor Exposure Index analysis, individuals with secondary level of instruction and living in sub-urban areas assumed the highest risk exposure. Alcohol consumption had also contributed as a significant risk exposure. Conclusions: Some of these risk factors work as biological reward of quality of life deficit. A wide comprehension of the problem requires a multidisciplinary approach necessarily involving Health and Social Sciences in order to target the core of oral cancer health promotion. An effective epidemiological strategy must thus support three major aspects: population knowledge, sensitization and visual screening.

Patient Safety Culture Change over Time-Health Care Staffs’Perceptions

Rationale and Aim: Patient safety is of great interest in health care organisations, worldwide. In Sweden, a national patient safety initiative was launched in 2011. The aim of this study was to examine and compare patient safety culture change over time from health care staffs’ perspective. A further aim was to examine factors that have had an effect on patient safety culture. Methods: Patient safety culture was assessed in 2009, 2011 and 2013 using the Swedish version of the Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture. Respondents in this study were registered nurses (n = 2149), enrolled nurses (n = 959), physicians (n = 355) and managers (n = 159) working in three health care divisions in a Swedish county council. Results: Patient safety culture decreased significantly over time for all but two dimensions. The dimension “Information to Patients/Relatives” was the only dimension to increase significantly over time. Health care staffs’ profession and health care division belonging had significant main effects on 14 and 8 dimensions, respectively. Managers and enrolled nurses scored patient safety culture significantly higher than registered nurses and physicians. Health care staff working in a mixed medical-surgical health care division scored significantly higher than those working in medical or surgical divisions did. Conclusions: Despite efforts for patient safety work in the county council, health care staffs’ perceptions of patient safety culture decreased over time. To improve hospital patient safety culture, managers and staff groups must meet and communicate with each other in order to create a common view of patient safety.

Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea in hypertensive outpatients in primary care—Associations with sleep complaints, depressive symptoms and global perceived health

Objective: 1) To describe the prevalence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depressive symptoms in hypertensive men and women below 65 years of age, and 2) to describe the association of OSA to subjective sleep complaints, depressive symptoms and global perceived health. Design: Cross-sectional design focusing on nursing care outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea. Setting: Four primary care health centres in Sweden. PATIENTS: 411 consecutive patients (52% women), mean age 57.9 years (SD 5.9 years), with diagnosed hypertension (BP > 140/90). Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of OSA and depressive symptoms, and association of OSA to sleep complaints, depressive symptoms and global perceived health. RESULTS: Mild, moderate and severe OSA was seen among 29%, 16% and 14% of patients, respectively. Depressive symptoms were seen in 16% of the total group, with a higher prevalence among men, compared to women, 21% vs. 12%. No differences were found regarding blood pressure, estimated sleep need, sleep sufficiency index, insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness or depressive symptoms with respect to different degrees of OSA. Apnea-hypopnea index was significantly associated to perceived health after adjustment for gender and comorbidities, but when depressive symptoms and non-restorative sleep were added to the model, 33% of the variance in global perceived health was explained. Conclusion: OSA is highly prevalent among patients with hypertension in primary care and does together with sleep complaints and depressive symptoms have a negative impact on global perceived health. Hypertensive patients without subjective sleep complaints or depressive symptoms may still have OSA.

The effect of caloric restriction on genetical pathways

Energy restriction is defined as reducing nutrient intake without dragging the organism into malnutrition. Energy restriction is preferred because it is a non-genetic intervention that increases life expectancy. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD~+)and adenosine monophosphate(AMP)levels, which are the indicators of intracellular energy deficiency, increase with energy restriction. The increase in NAD~+ level stimulates sirtuin(SIRT)enzymes, and the increase in AMP level stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK). Various mechanisms are regulated by stimulating these enzymes. By Forkhead box O(FoxO)transcription factors, the ability of resistance to oxidative stress increases, and antioxidant genes, DNA repair, and autophagy genes are stimulated. Apoptosis is induced by stimulation of the p53 protein, and tumor growth is suppressed by the disruption of aging cells. The suppression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)-/-Akt, and therefore mTOR signal stimulates autophagy and mitophagia, and cleanses damaged cells and organelles. Mitochondrial biogenesis is stimulated, antioxidant capacity increases, and inflammatory response decreases. Adipose tissue and lipid metabolism are regulated by the regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation. As a consequence, the effects of caloric restriction on cellular metabolism are regulated through the genetic pathways.

A combined treatment for patients with dry eye and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux:a real-life approach

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.

Investigation of hearing aid users'speech understanding in noise and their spectral-temporal resolution skills

Purpose:Our study aims to compare speech understanding in noise and spectral-temporal resolution skills with regard to the degree of hearing loss,age,hearing aid use experience and gender of hearing aid users.Methods:Our study included sixty-eight hearing aid users aged between 40-70 years,with bilateral mild and moderate symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss.Random gap detection test,Turkish matrix test and spectral-temporally modulated ripple test were implemented on the participants with bilateral hearing aids.The test results acquired were compared statistically according to different variables and the correlations were examined.Results:No statistically significant differences were observed for speech-in-noise recognition,spectraltemporal resolution among older and younger adults in hearing aid users(p>0.05).There wasn’t found a statistically significant difference among test outcomes as regards different hearing loss degrees(p>0.05).Higher performances were obtained in terms of temporal resolution in male participants and participants with more hearing aid use experience(p<0.05).Significant correlations were obtained between the results of speech-in-noise recognition,temporal resolution and spectral resolution tests performed with hearing aids(p<0.05).Conclusion:Our study findings emphasized the importance of regular hearing aid use and it showed that some auditory skills can be improved with hearing aids.Observation of correlations among the speechin-noise recognition,temporal resolution and spectral resolution tests have revealed that these skills should be evaluated as a whole to maximize the patient’s communication abilities.

国际护理教育中改进的双语翻转教学

芬兰存在护理人员短缺现象,因此开始招聘接受过国际教育的护士(internationally educated nurses,IENs)。芬兰教育系统的目标是吸引更多的国际学生,包括护理专业学生。由于语言障碍和文化差异,国际护理学生(international nursing students,INS)面临挑战。本文介绍了改进的双语翻转教学(bilingual modified flipped learning,BMFL)方法来解决这些问题。BMFL以建构主义学习理论为基础,结合了翻转学习和学习站,以促进INS的融入。它强调自主性和协作性,让学生参与课前内容和课上互动活动。该策略提高了学生的语言技能、临床决策和沟通能力。文章提出了支持实施BMFL的政策和实践建议,以解决护士短缺问题并帮助INS融入芬兰医疗保健工作队伍。

Do PON1-Q192R and PON1-L55M polymorphisms modify the effects of hypoxic training on paraoxonase and arylesterase activity?

Background:Low levels of antioxidant paraoxonase 1(PON 1)enzyme activity,PON1-Q192R polymorphism(a glutamine(Q)to arginine(R)substitution at position 192),PON1-L55M polymorphism(a leucine(L)to methionine(M)substitution at position 55),and oxidized low-density lipoprotein(oxLDL)are risk factors for coronary heart disease.Aerobic exercise improves PON1 activity,but the effects of hypoxic exercise are yet unclear.The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hypoxic underwater rugby training on PON1 activity and oxLDL levels and the role of the mentioned polymorphisms.Methods:Serum PON1 and arylesterase activities(ARE),PON1,PON3,and oxLDL protein levels(by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays)were determined in an athletic group(42 trained male underwater rugby players;age=21.7±4.2 years,mean±SD)and a control group(43 sedentary men;age=23.9±3.2 years).The polymorphisms were determined from genomic DNA samples.Results:PON1 activity(25.1%,p=0.052),PON3(p<0.001),and oxLDL(p<0.001)of the athletic group,including most genotype groups,were higher than those of the control group.In comparison to the controls,PON1 activity levels(p=0.005)of the PON1-Q192R homozygote QQ genotype group and PON1 activity levels(30%,p=0.116)of the PON1-L55M homozygote LL genotype group were higher,whereas ARE activity values of athletic R allele carrier(Rc=QR+RR)(p=0.005)and LL group(p=0.002)were lower than the control genotype groups related to their polymorphisms.Conclusion:Hypoxic training can cause(1)significant oxidative stress,including oxLDL,and an antioxidant response(increase in PON1 activity and PON3),(2)differences in the activity of PON1 and ARE,which are modified by PON1-Q192R and PON1-L55M polymorphisms,respectively,and(3)improvements in PON1 activity of QQ and LL groups.However,hypoxic training can cause a disadvantage of LL and Rc groups for ARE.

Evaluation of Plasma Malondialdehyde among Sudanese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background and objectives: Diabetes is a chronic multifactorial disease which requires a variety of strategies to reduce its epidemic. Type 2 diabetes (T2MD) is the most common form of diabetes which results from inefficiency of insulin secretion or resistance to insulin action, both of which lead to chronic hyperglycemia. Lipid peroxidation is an oxidative stress process that involve in T2DM complications. This study aimed to 1) determine plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a biomarker for lipid peroxidation in Sudanese patients with T2DM, and 2) assess the associations between MDA and diabetes-related variables. Material and Methods: This case-control study was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 at the National University, Sudan. It included 100 participants, of whom 50 were T2DM patients and 50 were healthy controls. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and biochemical markers (FBS, HbA1c, and MDA) were collected. The NycoCard HbA1c method and the GOD-POD Method were used for HbA1c and glucose measurement, respectively. MDA was determined by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version. Results: Significant differences were observed between T2DM patients and healthy controls in FBS (P = 0.000), HbA1c (P = 0.000), and MDA (P = 0.010), with T2DM patients exhibiting higher levels. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between MDA levels and the duration of diabetes (r = 0.69, P = 0.00), while other variables, including age, BMI, and glucose control, did not significantly correlate with MDA levels. Conclusion: Findings revealed elevated MDA levels in Sudanese T2DM patients, with a positive correlation between MDA and diabetes duration. These findings emphasize the importance of oxidative stress in T2DM pathogenesis and call for the need for targeted strategies to mitigate oxidative damage and improve diabetes care.