The relations between symptoms, somatic and psychiatric conditions, life satisfaction and perceived health. A primary care based study

BACKGROUND: In spite of the fact that self-rated health is such an important factor, little is known about the aetiological background to poor perceived health and also less is known about the impact of life satisfaction on health in a primary care practice population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, symptoms, somatic and psychiatric conditions as well as health status measures and life satisfaction on perceived health in a multi-ethnic Swedish health practice population. METHODS: Four-hundred and seventy adult patients, who visited the Jordbro Health Care Centre District (JHC), Haninge Municipality, participated in this study. A general questionnaire with questions about socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health status and chronic disease were used. In addition to that, the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) was used. Furthermore, physical examinations were conducted. Unconditional logistic regression in successive models was used, adjusted for socio-demographic variables and other confounders. RESULTS: Life satisfaction is the strongest predictor of poor perceived health in addition to country of birth, number of symptoms and depression. Being born in Sweden or other Nordic countries were related to lower OR as compared to those born outside Europe. The OR for non-depressed vs. depressed was 0.29 (0.17–0.48) and for non-symptomatic vs. symptomatic (1–3 symptoms) 0.25 (0.46–0.48). The OR and 95% CI for low satisfaction with life was 15.40 (5.28–44.97) in comparison to those who are satisfied with life. CONCLUSION: Country of birth, depression, number of symptoms and life satisfaction are factors related significantly and independently to perceived health. Life satisfaction is the strongest predictor of perceived poor health

Comparison of Several Indonesian Medicinal Plants Effects on LDL-C and IL-6 Levels in Wistar Rats After High Fat Feeding

High-fat diet habits lead to an increase in LDL-C levels that eventually influence the atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression, causing coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that releases various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6. Indonesians often use medicinal plants to decrease cholesterol levels. This study aimed to compare the LDL-C and IL-6 levels after treatments of ethanol extracts from Java ginger (EEJG), turmeric (EET), garlic (EEG), and pomegranate flowers (EEPF) in a hypercholesterolemia animal model. This study was conducted at the Maranatha Biomedical Research Laboratory from June–December 2020. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=5 per group) and received high-fat feeding and 0.01% propylthiouracil. The following treatments were given for 28 days: oral carboxymethylcellulose 1% for negative control; 35 mg/200g of oral  EEJG, EET, EEG, EEPF for respective treatment groups (n=5 groups); and 0.36 mg/200 g of oral Rosuvastatin for positive control. It was demonstrated that the mean  LDL-C levels were 65.75 mg/dL, 55.25 mg/dL, 56.75 mg/dL, and 59.60 mg/dL for EEJG, EET, EEG, EEPF groups, respectively, which were significantly different from that of the negative control (81.73 mg/dL). The IL-6 levels of the EEJG (27.55 pg./mL) and EEG (27.54 pg./mL) group were significantly different from the EEPF group (24.5 pg./mL) but not significantly different from the negative control (25.58 pg./mL), EET (25.60 pg./mL), and rosuvastatin (26.09 pg./mL) groups. The administration of ethanol extracts of Java ginger, turmeric, garlic, and pomegranate flower decreases the C-LDL levels; however, only the ethanol extract of pomegranate flowers administered for 28 days decreases the IL-6 levels of Wistar rat hypercholesterolemia model, albeit insignificantly

Suboptimal health: a new health dimension for translational medicine

Background One critical premise of disease-related biomarkers is the definition of the counterpart normality. Contrary to pre-clinical models that can be carefully tailored according to scientific need, heterogeneity and uncontrollability is the essence of humans in health studies. Fully characterization of consistent parameters that define the normal population is the basis to individual differences normalization irrelevant to a given disease process. Self claimed normal status may not represent health because asymptomatic subjects may carry chronic diseases or diseases at their early stage such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Methods This paper exemplifies the characterization of the suboptimal health status (SHS) which represents a new public health problem in a population with ambiguous health complaints such as general weakness, unexplained medical syndrome and chronic fatigue. We applied clinical informatics approaches and developed a questionnaire for measuring SHS. The validity and reliability of this approach were evaluated in a small pilot study and then in a cross-sectional study of 3,405 individuals. Results The final questionnaire congregated into a score (SHSQ-25) which could significantly distinguish among several abnormal conditions. Conclusion SHSQ-25 could be used as a translational medicine instrument for health measuring in the general population

Analisis Multivariat pada Struktur Komunitas Mangrove di Kecamatan Rupat Utara Kabupaten Bengkalis Provinsi Riau

Increasing human activity in all aspects of life has contributed to the decline of mangrove forests, a multivariate analysis study on the structure of the mangrove community was conducted in July 2018 in North Rupat District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province with the objective of estimating or assessing the condition of the mangrove community structure. Data on the condition of mangrove vegetation was collected in six observations using line transects and plots measuring 10 x 10 m. Mangrove diversity was analyzed using the Shannon-Weaver and Simpson indexes, and variations in mangrove community the structure was analyzed using clusters, non-metric MDS, ANOSIM, and SIMPER. The study discovered 12 mangrove species in North Rupat District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province, which was classified into 6 families based on diversity analysis (H') Shannon Weaver indexes ranging from 01.34 to 01.72 and Simpson indexes ranging from 02.43 to 02.81. Furthermore, the results of the mangrove diversity analysis using multivariate clusters and non-metric MDS were divided into four groups, and while the cluster analysis based on the value of the mangrove density had a similarity of 60%, the variation in the significance of mangrove density was significantly different (R = 0.689, p = 0.000), and the mangrove species that compose varies between stations. Moreover, the trunk diameter of mangrove vegetation in North Rupat District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province is dominated by mangrove stands with a trunk diameter of 01.00 - 20.00 cm, with the mangrove vegetation that grows and develops at Stations 2 and 6 being relatively younger than the other stations. Stations 3 and 4 are considered more mature in terms of growth and development.  Peningkatan aktivitas manusia di segala setor kehidupan telah mendorong penurunan hutan mangrove, sehingga kajian analisis multivariat pada struktur komunitas mangrove di Kecamatan Rupat Utara Kabupaten Bengkalis Provinsi Riau telah dilakukan pada bulan Juli 2018 dengan tujuan untuk mengestimasi atau menilai kondisi struktur komunitas mangrovenya. Data kondisi vegetasi mangrove dikumpulkan pada enam stasiun pengamatan dengan membuat transek garis dan plot yang berukuran 10 x 10 m, kemudian keanekaragaman mangrovenya dianalisis menggunakan indeks Shannon-Weaver dan Simpson, sedangkan variasi struktur komunitas mangrovenya dianalisis berdasarkan cluster, non-metric MDS, ANOSIM dan SIMPER. Hasil kajian menemukan 12 spesies mangrove di Kecamatan Rupat Utara Kabupaten Bengkalis Provinsi Riau yang tergolong ke dalam 6 famili dengan analisis keanekaragaman (H’) indeks Shannon Weaver berkisar antara 01.34 – 01.72 dan indeks Simpson berkisar antara 02.43–02.81, kemudian hasil analisis keanekaragaman mangrovenya dengan multivariat cluster dan non-metric MDS terbagi atas empat kelompok, sedangkan analisis cluster berdasarkan nilai kerapatan mangrovenya memiliki kemiripan ± 60%, variasi signifikansi kerapatan mangrovenya berbeda nyata (R = 0.689, p = 0.000) serta spesies mangrove penyusun antar stasiun pengamatannya bervariasi. Selain itu, diameter batang vegetasi mangrove di Kecamatan Rupat Utara Kabupaten Bengkalis Provinsi Riau didominasi oleh tegakan mangrove berdiameter batang 01.00 – 20.00 cm, dimana vegetasi mangrove yang tumbuh dan berkembang di Stasiun 2 maupun 6 tergolong lebih muda dibandingkan stasiun yang lainnya, sedangkan vegetasi mangrove yang tumbuh dan berkembang di Stasiun 3 maupun 4 tergolong lebih matang

Denkmäler und Denkmalveränderungen in heterogenen Gesellschaften: Transkription der Podiumsdiskussion an der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel am 28.10.2021

Transkription der Podiumsdiskussion zum Thema ›Denkmäler und Denkmalveränderungen in heterogenen Gesellschaften‹ am 28.10.2021 im Rahmen der im Wintersemester 2021/2022 veranstalteten Ringvorlesung erinnern_zerstören_gestalten: Interdisziplinäre Perspektiven zum Umgang mit Denkmalveränderungen in heterogenen Gesellschaften der Abteilung Didaktik der Geschichte an der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel.Transcription of the panel discussion on the topic ›Denkmäler und Denkmalveränderungen in heterogenen Gesellschaften‹ (monuments and monument changes in heterogeneous societies) on October 28, 2021 as part of the lecture series erinnern_zerstören_gestalten: Interdisziplinäre Perspektiven zum Umgang mit Denkmalveränderungen in heterogenen Gesellschaften (remember_destroy_design: interdisciplinary perspectives on dealing with monument changes in heterogeneous societies) of the Department of Didactics of History at Kiel University

Pendampingan Pembuatan Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) Sebagai Legalitas Usaha Dan Syarat Pendaftaran Sertifikat Halal Produk Bagi UMKM Di Desa Cijaku

Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM) memberikan kontribusi untuk meningkatkan pendapatan daerah namun permasalahan yang banyak dijumpai adalah pengurusan Nomor Identitas Berusaha (NIB). Desa Cijaku, Kabupaten Lebak selaku mitra yaitu usaha emping melinjo Mak Edol juga memiliki permasalahan terkait legalitas usaha. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut Tim Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa membantu memberikan solusi agar pelaku usaha untuk mendapatkan izin usaha dan izin komersial atau operasional. Tujuan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini adalah meningkatkan pemaham mitra terkait legalitas usaha dan memberikan pendampingan dalam pembuatan Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) melalui sistem online Single Submission dan Sertifikasi Halal melalui sistem SiHalal. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif dengan teknik observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi, dan substansi Iptek. Berdasarkan kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat yang telah dilakukan bahwa usaha emping melinjo Mak Edol telah berhasil memperoleh Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) dan sertifikat halal.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine products in preceding two days among Finnish parents - a population survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) has been extensively studied globally among adult and paediatric populations. Parents, as a group, had not been studied to assess their knowledge and attitude to CAM and general medicine use. This study is necessary since parents' attitude to medicine use is known to influence their child's attitude to medicine use later in life. We therefore aim to assess the extent and types of CAM use among Finnish parents, and to determine the factors that promote the CAM use. Also, we aim to determine parents' attitude to general medicine use.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Children less than 12 years old, as of spring 2007, were identified from the database of the Finnish Population Register Centre and were selected by random sampling. The parents of these children were identified and a questionnaire was sent to them. Only the parent who regularly takes care of the child's medicine was requested to fill the questionnaire. Cross-tabulations and Chi-square test were used to determine the associations between categorical variables. CAMs were defined as natural products that are not registered as medicines, such as homeopathic preparations, dietary food supplements, and traditional medicinal products.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The response rate of the survey was 67% (n = 4032). The use of CAM was 31% in the preceding two days. The most commonly used CAM products were vitamins and minerals, followed by fish oils and fatty acids. Prescription and OTC medicines were used concomitantly with CAM by one-third of the parents. CAM was frequently used by parents over 30 years (33%), female parents (32%), highly educated parents (35%), and parents with high monthly net income (3000-3999 euros, 34%). The users of CAM had more negative attitudes towards medicines than non-users of CAM.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our findings are in accordance with those of previous studies that women over 30 years of age with a high education and income typically use CAMs. Finnish parents seem to use CAMs as complementary rather than alternative to medicines. Health care professionals should take into consideration both the concomitant use as well as the negative attitudes among CAM users in encounters with the parents.</p

Ethnic differences in dissatisfaction with sexual life in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Swedish town

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The first aim of this study was to analyze whether self-reported satisfaction with one's sexual life was associated with ethnicity (Swedish and Assyrian/Syrian) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The second was to study whether the association between satisfaction with one's sexual life and ethnicity remained after controlling for possible confounders such as marital status, HbA1c, medication, and presence of other diseases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at four primary health care centers in the Swedish town of Södertälje. A total of 354 persons (173 ethnic Assyrians/Syrians and 181 ethnic Swedes) participated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The total prevalence of self-reported dissatisfaction with one's sexual life in both groups was 49%. No significant ethnic differences were found in the outcome. In the final model, regardless of ethnicity, the odds ratio (OR) for self-reported dissatisfaction with one's sexual life in those ≥ 70 years old was 2.52 (95% CI 1.33-4.80). Among those living alone or with children, the OR was more than three times higher than for married or cohabiting individuals (OR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.60-6.00). Those with other diseases had an OR 1.89 times (95% CI 1.10-3.40) higher than those without other diseases.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The findings demonstrate that almost half of participants were dissatisfied with their sexual life and highlight the importance of sexual life to people with type 2 diabetes. This factor should not be ignored in clinical evaluations. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that it is possible to include questions on sexual life in investigations of patients with type 2 diabetes and even in other health-related, questionnaire studies, despite the sensitivity of the issue of sexuality.</p