2nd World Congress on Public Health and Nutrition March 22-23, 2017 Rome, Italy

Biography:

Lyndall Warton is a Masters by Research student at the Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University. Following a ten year career as a registered nurse, Lyndall qualified as a librarian working in a variety of roles in libraries, research support and as a database manager. Her interest in health research stems from working in disability services, aged care, public health and working in the hospital environment with people with chronic medical conditions. Lyndall also worked as a health liaison librarian and is a volunteer member of the Top End Health Service Health Literacy Committee. She was also a sub-editor for the Health Libraries Australia ‘News’ and ‘Alerts’ publications.

Recent Publications

1. Warton, L. (2014). APProved and APPropriate Health Apps. HLA News.
2. CDU Library Liaison Team (2014). The Tyranny of Distance.  Incite, 35(8), 17.
3. Ford, L., Prior, J., Coat, B. & Warton, L. (2014). The Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge LibGuide: Charles Darwin University Embedding Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge, Culture and Language. Australian Academic and Research Libraries, 45(2), 111-120.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The direct link between childhood obesity and poor nutrition is well documented. Research provides evidence that parents can have a significant influence on children’s eating patterns. It is still unclear how and at what level family involvement yields the largest impact on children’s behaviors. The purpose of this systematic review is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of school-based nutrition education studies undertaken with low-income populations to identify effective strategies to engage parents in school-based nutrition education interventions.
Method: In September and October 2016, relevant databases were systematically searched and 4672 references were retrieved. Titles and abstracts have been scanned independently by three review authors. Full-text copies of 223 of those articles deemed eligible for further review have been retrieved for closer examination. The diagram shows the number of articles identified in each step so far. Articles were included if: participants included school children aged 5 to 12 years old; were aimed at obesity prevention; had family or parent involvement, and the intervention included any health promotion activity including nutrition education or nutrition promotion programs by itself or combined with other interventions. Physical activity interventions without a nutrition component were excluded. Ninety-two reviews were also identified and their reference lists examined to identify relevant studies that may not have been captured in the initial search. Data will be extracted by one review author and verified by a second review author. Subgroup analysis will include: program duration; the degree of parental involvement; study design; theory base; age of the children; and obesity levels.
Significance: The systematic review will provide information on effective ways to engage parents in school-based nutrition education interventions to encourage healthful eating and drinking behaviors in low-income populations. This evidence may help to inform policy and practice to design effective obesity prevention initiatives.

Biography:

Eleni-Anna Karali is a research associate in private dermatological Polyclinic SKIN–BODY. She has also worked as Medical Officer of skin laser at private polyclinics, oversight and application of Laser treatments. In 2012, she has successfully acquiesced a certificate specialty in Dermatology-Venereology. She is a graduate of National School of Public Health and qualified hygienist.

Abstract:

Homocysteine level in the blood plasma is a risk factor and predictor of Alzheimer’s Disease and Heart Disease. Homocysteine is a specific type of amino acid that’s created in the body during metabolic processes, as opposed to consumed in food. It’s produced in the body as a byproduel of methylation, the process of producing an essential protein called methionine. In healthy people, homocysteine is transformed into a benign product that keeps levels maintained, but when homocysteine isn’t properly metabolized it builds up inside the body and acts similarly to a toxin. This causes inflammation to rise and creates more byproducts that cause changes in cardio vascular neurological and endocrine systems. There are natural and pharmacological treatments for those who suffer of high homocysteine levels. Homocysteine high levels are necessary to be controlled for a better life.

Biography:

Turkan Kopac received her B.Sc and M.Sc degrees in Chemical Engineering from the Middle East Technical University, and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. She has her expertise in adsorption, adsorbent development/characterization, nanostructures, protein adsorption/surface interactions with nanomaterials, dye adsorption, activated carbon from coal, environmental applications, MOF structures, hydrogen storage, metan, carbondioxide absorption.

Recent Publications

1. Piccin JS.,  Vieira MLG.,  Gonçalves JO,  Dotto GL, Pinto, LAA (2009) Adsorption of FD&C Red No. 40 by chitosan: Isotherms analysis.  Journal of Food Engineeering 95:  16-20.
2. Yener J, Kopac T, Dogu G, Dogu T (2006) Batch adsorber rate analysis of Methylene Blue on Amberlite and Clinoptilolite. Separation Science and Technology 41:1857-1879.
3. Yener J, Kopac T, Dogu G, Dogu T (2006) Adsorption of Basic Yellow 28 dye from aqueous solutions with  Clinoptilolite and Amberlite XAD-4. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 294:255-264.
4. Yener J, Kopac T, Dogu G, Dogu T (2008) Dynamic analysis of sorption of Methylene Blue dye on granular and powdered activated carbon. Chemical Engineering Journal  144:400-406.
5. Kopac T., Sulu E., Toprak A (2016) Effect of KOH treatment on bituminous coal for the effective removal of Basic Blue 41 dye from aqueous solutions. Desalination and Water Treatment, 57: 29007-29018.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Food dye is a member of food additive used for the purpose of changing the color of food so as to attract the consumers. Food dyes are widely used as colorants in food, drug and cosmetic industries, to produce many types of foods including drinks, juices, sweets, cosmetics and drugs. Types of food dyes can be classified as: natural colors, synthetic colors, and lakes and dyes. Dyes that contain an azo-structure can be reduced to aromatic amines by the intestinal microflora are reported to be carcinogenic. Such kind of dyes has also been reported to cause hyperactivity and urticaria in children, asthma, purpura and eczema. The additives used to change the color are required to be pre-approved by various organizations around the world and listed in the regulations as color additives before they can be used in food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. Most countries have their own regulations and list of food colors that can be used in various applications. Natural dyes are unstable and easily undergo degradation during the food processing. The disposal of effluents containing dyes to the environment leads to the coloration, limitation of the reoxygenation capacity of water, decrease in photosynthetic activities in the aquatic system as a result of sunlight  penetration decrease, chronic and acute toxicities. The purpose of this study is to describe the studies reported in the literature on the adsorptive removal of food dyes from aqueous solutions.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Numerous conventional treatment techniques including precipitation, coagulation, oxidation membrane filtration, photodegradation and adsorption have been utilized for the removal of dyes from wastewaters. Particularly, adsorption process is considered to be an effective and economical procedure to remove dyes from industrial effluents. It can be applied in removing dyestuffs from industrial wastewaters.

Findings: The development of adsorbents from various sources, their comparison in terms of operating conditions and their adsorption capacities are reported. In the presentation, adsorption of food dyes from aqueous solutions, specific adsorbents developed, optimum conditions, adsorption capacities, isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamic analysis of adsorption are reviewed.

Conclusion & Significance: Medium pH, adsorbent dose, dye concentration, temperature are the important factors that influence the adsorption of dyes.

Biography:

Augustina Ewere Ayogbe completed her Masters of Science from the Bern University of applied sciences Switzerland specializing in Food, Nutrition and Health. She is a registered Dietitian and Nutritionist with the Dietitians Association of Nigeria. Currently, she is a research assistant in Bern University of Applied Sciences. She has also worked as a Head dietitian at Reddington Multi – specialist hospital Lagos Nigeria.

Abstract:

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects many pregnancies and ethnicity appears to be a risk factor. Data indicate that approximately 18% of the Tamil population is diagnosed with gestational diabetes, while the general prevalence worldwide is between 5 and 10%. Today, approximately 50,000 of Tamils live in Switzerland. To date there is no official available tool that considers the eating and physical habit of the migrant Tamil population living in Switzerland, while offering a quick overview of gestational diabetes and standard dietetics management procedures. The NutriGeD project led by Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland aimed at closing the gap. A series of tools were developed to ease the consultation process, increase transcultural competence, sensitize nutritionists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to the special needs to Tamil population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the implementation potential of this dietetic transcultural before its wide scale launch in Swiss hospitals, clinics and private practices.

Method: A survey was developed online and the final version was distributed to 50 recruited healthcare professionals (dietitians, diabetic experts, medical doctors, midwives and nurses) from the German speaking region of Switzerland (response rate was approximately 32%). The transcultural tool was sent to participants together with the link to the online survey to evaluate the implementation potential of the tool and provide feed -back. Results: Data analysis is undergoing and so far, among 36 out of the 50 respondents, 97% are convinced of transcultural tool’s potential and 94 % recommend its availability in healthcare settings.

Conclusion: The study is still on going and more results are expected. Thus, far, the results are pointing towards a general interest for and approval of the tool among Swiss healthcare practitioners. If results are confirmed, this tool would offer a novel approach for optimized transcultural dietetics counseling and might be part of a promising strategy to be used in clinical practice. The developed materials will be made available for clinical visits, in hospital or private and further folders will be developed for other migrant groups following a similar approach.

Biography:

Francesco Landi is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (Catholic University of Rome, School of Medicine, Italy). He has the Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine. Main research interests are in geriatric assessment, nutritional problems, sarcopenia, health services for older and geriatric epidemiology. Landi serves on the Scientific Committee of Italian Geriatric Society, on the Editorial Board of international geriatric journals, and as a peer reviewer for medical journals. He has acted as the Principal Investigator in many multicenter national and international trials. Landi has over 250 peer-reviewed original papers, many of which are in the area of frailty and epidemiology.

Recent Publications

1. Vetrano DL (2013). Prevalence of the seven cardiovascular health metrics in a Mediterranean country: results from a cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 23:858-62.
2. Landi F (2014). Calf circumference, frailty and physical performance among older adults living in the community. Clin Nutr 33:539-44.
3. Cesari M (2009). C-reactive protein and lipid parameters in older persons aged 80 years and older. J Nutr Health Aging 13:587-93.
4. Landi F (2008). Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and mortality in frail, community-living elderly. Gerontology 54:71-8.
5. Landi F (2007). HDL-cholesterol and physical performance: results from the ageing and longevity study in the sirente geographic area (ilSIRENTE Study). Age Ageing 36:514-20.

Abstract:

Aim: Primary prevention is essential for reaching cardiovascular (CV) health. This is defined by seven ideal health metrics identified by the American Heart Association, with the cholesterol level as one of the major domains. The aims of the present study are to assess the prevalence of high cholesterol level and to evaluate how a healthy diet and physical activity correlates with cholesterol within a large unselected population.

Methods: All the 16.307 consecutive individuals (mean age 57.0±11.1 years; 48.4% women) who agreed to participate the Italian national campaign (Mese del Cuore, 2016) of CV prevention were included. The participants completed an online self-reported questionnaire created in the context of a CV health educational platform (www.viaggioalcuoredelproblema.it). The following health metrics have been considered: never/former smoker, regular physical activity (at least two hours per week), body mass index lower than 25.0 Kg/m2, healthy diet (consumption of at least three portions of fruit and/or vegetables per day), cholesterol lower than 200mg/dl, diabetes absence and a blood pressure lower than 120/80mmHg.

Results: Participants presented, on average, 4.1±1.3 of the seven ideal CV health metrics (4.3±1.3 and 3.9±1.3 in women and men, respectively, p<0.001). Finally, in Figure 1 the synergistic effect of a healthy diet and physical activity on cholesterol levels is shown.

Conclusion: Prevalence of the seven Cardiovascular health metrics was low in our population, in particular the uncontrolled cholesterol level. Social initiatives and awareness policies from health care agencies to improve the adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity programs are mandatory to promote CV health.

Biography:

Emanuele Marzetti is a board certified Geriatrician and Clinical Assistant Professor in Geriatrics at the Teaching Hospital "Agostino Gemelli" (Rome, Italy). He has a Ph.D. degree in Geriatric Preventive Medicine. His research focuses on frailty and disability in older people. He has authored and co-authored over 150 scientific publications and serves as associate editor and editorial board member for several biomedical.

Recent Publications

1. Vetrano DL (2013). Prevalence of the seven cardiovascular health metrics in a Mediterranean country: results from a cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 23:858-62.
2. Marzetti E (2016). Integrated control of brown adipose tissue. Heart Metab 69:9-14.
3. Cesari M (2009). C-reactive protein and lipid parameters in older persons aged 80 years and older. J Nutr Health Aging 13:587-93.
4. Landi F (2008). Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and mortality in frail, community-living elderly. Gerontology 54:71-8.
5. Marzetti E (2016).  Brand New Medicine for an Older Society. J Am Med Dir Assoc 17:558-9.

Abstract:

Aim: Primary prevention is essential for reaching cardiovascular (CV) health. This is defined by seven ideal health metrics identified by the American Heart Association. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence and the distribution of these seven ideal CV health metrics within an unselected population.

Methods: All the 1206 consecutive individuals (mean age 58.8±14.1 years; 55.6% women) who agreed to be “face-to-face” screened at the outpatient clinic of Catholic University of Rome, within the context of a national campaign (Mese del Cuore, 2016) of CV prevention, were included (www.viaggioalcuoredelproblema.it). The following health metrics have been considered as an ideal: never/former smoker, regular physical activity (at least two hours per week), body mass index lower than 25.0 Kg/m2, healthy diet (consumption of at least three portions of fruit and/or vegetables per day), cholesterol lower than 200mg/dl, diabetes absence and a blood pressure lower than 120/80mmHg.

Results: Participants presented, on average, 4.1±1.3 ideal CV health metrics (4.3±1.3 and 3.9±1.3 in women and men, respectively, p<0.001). Only 37.3% covered more than five ideal CV health metrics and 10.0% covered less than three ideal health metrics. Only 4.3% of the study population met all the seven ideal metrics. In particular, only 36.9% (431 subjects) presented normal cholesterol. The mean cholesterol levels were 206.7 mg/dl and 202.9 mg/dl in women and men, respectively (p=0.08). Interestingly, among those who thought to have normal cholesterol (n=492), 50% (n=246) had a cholesterol level more than 200mg/dl. Similarly, among those who did not know their cholesterol level (n=143), 55% (n=79) had an abnormal value. Finally, 451 subjects (37.4%) had not measured the cholesterol during the last year. Among these subjects, the mean cholesterol level was 203.5±32.3 mg/dl. The figure shows the percentages of normal and higher cholesterol among subjects who had not previously measured the cholesterol.

Conclusion: Prevalence of the seven CV health metrics was low in our population, in particular the uncontrolled cholesterol level. Social initiatives and awareness policies from health care agencies are mandated to promote CV health.

Biography:

Madhu B. Singh has her expertise in Micronutrient Deficiency Disorders and Nutrition & Growth. She is mainly involved for last 32 years in research work pertaining to different aspects mainly MDDs, Malnutrition, Nutrition Intervention and Dietary in the desert and non-desert parts of Rajasthan. She persuaded 30 research projects funded by various agencies of International and National repute namely, HarvestPlus, Wasington, DRDO, UNICEF and ICMR etc. Awarded WHO Fellowship for undergoing training in ‘Food Safety and MDDs’ at Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Adjudged for the first best paper award, Fellowship of Indian Public Health Association; Recognized as Ph.D. supervisor by JNV University and Life Member of 07 National professional societies and 10 Honors as well. She has Published 53 research papers in International/National journals. Delivered 50 research papers in 69 scientific conferences/workshops.

Recent Publications:

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Anemia and malnutrition are burning problems in developing countries, especially in young children. In desert areas, children are in constant state of nutritional stress. The food-based approach needs promotion for reduction of anemia besides Iron supplementation strategy. Pearl millet is the staple diet of the desert area, which is also important dietary source of Iron and Zinc. With this aim, pearl millet products were prepared and supplemented to observe its impact on Anemia, Malnutrition and Psychological attributes in school age children.

Methodology: 311 School children of 6-11 years of Jodhpur tehsil were registered and examined for Socio-demography, nutritional deficiency signs, hemoglobin estimation, anthropometry, four Psychological Tests for IQ level, before and after supplementation of Pearl Millet products daily for 180 days.

Findings: Supplementation of pearl millet products reduced anemia (hemoglobin estimation), from 79.4 to 61.8%. The overall nonanemic children increased significantly from 20.6 to 38.2% (p<0.01). Knox Cubes Test  (Intelligence level and short term memory) revealed that supplementation increased the percentage of children (6.1%) in average IQ level. Digit Span Test points used for short term memory revealed that overall 68.7 percent children showed an increase in DST points scale after supplementation. SD
classification for weight for age showed a decline of moderate malnutrition from 26.2 to 14.3%.

Conclusion & Significance: Significant increase in non-anemic children along with significant positive effect on malnutrition and on
psychological tests performed on learning attributes in terms of memory, intelligence, and cognition after supplementation.

Recommendation: Pearl Millet products can be included, in ongoing national programs in arid areas.

Biography:

Cassandra is currently a Ph.D. candidate studying Indigenous health and public policy at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy in Regina, SK Canada. She is the recipient of a national Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Doctoral Research Award worth $108,000 over three years for her dissertation entitled “The Indian Solution to the Policy Problem: Developing an Indigenous Policymaking Model to Address First Nations Health Disparities". Cassandra is working with Indigenous health organizations in Saskatchewan and Hawaii to examine how self-determined Indigenous health policymaking models are more effective at improving the health of Indigenous people than Western colonial models.

Abstract:

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples around the globe have had their own approaches, methodologies, and systems for administering healthcare in their communities based on their own conceptions of health and healthy living. Though it differed from community to community and there is no “pan-Indigenous” approach to healthcare, many Indigenous communities had policymaking processes in place that accounted for gender, age, citizenship, etc. Though Western colonial public health policymaking structures are in place in countries like Canada and the United States, these policies have repeatedly failed to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous people residing in those countries. However, through community-based health interventions built on traditional knowledge, some Indigenous groups have been able to influence the policy process and create their own mechanisms for delivering effective public healthcare to their populations, including the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) who owns and operates the All Nations Healing Hospital in Canada, and the Papa Ola Lokahi created by the Native Hawaiians in the United States which provides healthcare and programming throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Using an Indigenous research methodology, this study examines how Indigenous approaches to public health better meet the needs of Indigenous people and hypothesizes about
how these approaches could also provide best practices for the administration of public health in general.

Biography:

Shuo Wang is majored in public health and pursuing her Ph.D. degree at Institute of Child and Adolescent Health at Peking University since 2013. She studies at University of Notre Dame as a joint Ph.D. student from Oct 2015 to Sep 2016. Her research focuses on the genetic risk factors of obesity in children and adolescents, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, gene-behavior interaction and DNA methylation. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals including PLoS One, Chinese Journal of Child Health Care and Chinese Journal of Epidemiology.

Recent Publications

1. Wang S, Song J, Yang Y, et al. HIF3A DNA Methylation Is Associated with Childhood Obesity and ALT. PLoS One, 2015,10(12):e0145944.
2. Wang S, Meng X, Zou Z, et al. Core-pedigree study on abdominal obesity indicators of overweight/obese children in Beijing. CJCHC, 2014, 22(11):1126-9.
3. Fu L, Sun L, Yang Y, et al. Analysis of differences in anthropometric measurements between Mongolia and Han girls in China. Chin J Prev Med, 2015, 49(4): 347-349.
4. Fu L, Wang H, Sun L, et al. Analysis on influence factors of body image dissatisfaction among children and adolescents with normal weight. Chin J Prev Med, 2015, 49(5):37-45.
5. Yang Y, Fu L, Wang Z, et al. Mediating effect of blood lipids on correlation between body fat and blood pressure among overweight adults. Chin J Epidemiol, 2015, 36(7):691-694.

Abstract:

Background: Recent studies indicated that eating behaviors are under genetic influence, and the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene polymorphisms can affect the total energy intake and the consumption of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Our study aims at investigating the association of the MC4R polymorphism with appetite and food intake among Chinese children.

Methods: A family-based association study was conducted among 151 Chinese trios whose offspring’s were overweight/obese children aged 9-15 years. The MC4R rs12970134 polymorphism was genotyped, the Children Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) and a self-designed questionnaire measuring food intake were performed. The FBAT and PBAT software packages were used.

Results: The family-based association analysis showed that there was a significant association between rs12970134 and obesity (Z=2.449, P=0.014). After adjusting for age, gender and standardized BMI, the MC4R rs12970134 polymorphism was significantly associated with food responsiveness (FR) among children (β'=0.077, P=0.028), and with satiety responsiveness (SR) in trios (P=-0.026). The polymorphism was associated with beverage intake (β'=0.331, P<0.001 in children; P=0.043 in trios), but not significantly associated with vegetable, fruit or meat intake (P>0.050). We further found a significant mediation effect among the MC4R polymorphism, FR and beverage intake (b=0.177, P=0.047).

Conclusions: Our study is the first to report that the MC4R rs12970134 polymorphism was associated with appetite and beverage intake, and food responsiveness could mediate the effect of rs12970134 on beverage intake in Chinese children population. Further studies are needed to uncover the genetic basis for eating behaviors, which could lead to develop and implement effective interventional strategies early in life.

Biography:

Md. Tarek Hossain is a Social Researcher, having graduated from Jahangirnagar University with a BSS and MSS in Anthropology. Later he did Master in Public Health in Epidemiology from American International University-Bangladesh. Hossain is working as a Senior Research Associate for the Centre of Excellence for Universal Health Coverage (CoE-UHC) at the James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University. With over five years of experience, he has his expertise in research, evaluation, project management and passion in improving the health and wellbeing of the people. He is particularly interested in the field of health system, HRH, nutrition, NCDs, HIV/AIDS, climate change and adaptation.

Recent Publications

1. Rahman S, Islam MT, Alam DS (2014) Obesity and overweight in Bangladeshi children and adolescents: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 14:70.
2. Das SK, Chisti MJ, Huq S, Malek MA, Vanderlee L, Salam MA, Ahmed T, Faruque ASG, Mamun AA (2013) Changing trend of overweight and obesity and their associated factors in an urban population of Bangladesh. Food and Nutrition Sciences 4, 678-689.
3. Bhuiyan MU, Zaman S, Ahmed T (2013) Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among urban school children and adolescents in Bangladesh: a case–control study. BMC Pediatrics 13:72.
4. Kumah DB, Akuffo KO, Abaka-Cann JE, Affram DE, Osae EA (2015) Prevalence of overweight and obesity among students in the Kumasi Metropolis. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism 613207.
5. Watharkar A, Nigam S, Martolia DS, Varma P, Barman5 SK, Sharma RP (2015) Assessment of risk factors for overweight and obesity among school going children in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Indian J Comm Health 27, 2:216-222.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The rising trend of overweight and obesity has become one of the most prevalent nutritional problems in Bangladesh. The context of overweight and obesity has been underexplored, more so amongst younger age groups. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in primary school children in Dhaka and determine its association with their dietary habits and physical activities.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted, involving 150 children aged 9-14 years by following simple random sampling technique drawn from purposively selected four primary schools (2 public, 2 private). Data were collected from children through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, ensuring approval from guardian and school authority. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the International Obesity Task Force BMI cut off-points. Data were analysed using SPSS, BMI (CDC) calculator, and Chi square (χ2) test was done to determine the association.

Findings: It is found that the magnitude of overweight 32.0% (95% CI: 23.5-39.3) and obesity 20.7% (95% CI: 15.2-39.3) is very alarming. The rate was higher for children attending private schools; it is more prevalent among boys (38.8% and 32.7%) in private schools and among girls (35.7% and 17.9%) in public schools. Food preference to junk foods was significantly correlated with (p=0.01) overweight/obesity. Sex, age, watching television, playing video games was not associated but duration of playing in school is positively associated (P=0.02) with overweight and obesity. Parents’ education was influential in development of overweight/obesity with the highest rate found among children who belong to parents with low level of education.

Conclusion & Significance: It was found that less active lifestyle with dietary habit was related to overweight/obesity among school children. Nutritional education in promoting healthy dietary practices and a variety of physically active recreational activities should be encouraged through family and school authorities.

Biography:

Tanmoy Sana is a student of Masters of Public Health in Daffodil International University, Bangladesh. He has done his MS in Pharmaceutical Science from Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka.

Abstract:

Background: While smoking prevalence is generally higher among males, the rate of increase among female smokers is a cause for concern. In developed countries more young women than young men smoke. Up till now, very little is known about the pattern and prevalence of smoking in general and specifically among the young adults in Bangladesh who are the target of the expanding tobacco market.

Objective: This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing smoking among young female students in five universities in Dhaka city.

Method: Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted for this study. A total of 1,003 representative female students were interviewed from five selected universities using a semi-structured questionnaire for quantitative approach and also five in-depth interviews were conducted in the same area. All the respondents were full-time students of the five selected educational institutions. Univariate analysis was done to find out the proportion of variables and bivariate analysis was done to find out the association between dependent and independent variables.

Results: The prevalence of female smoking was 10.1%, and a majority (92.1%) was daily smokers. Curiosity (57.4 %), frustration (41.6%) and desire to fit in with friends (13.9%) were the factors influencing female smoking. Among the smokers, a majority started their smoking after enrolling into the university while a little over one-quarter of smokers started before university enrollment. Almost all the female respondents have knowledge about harmful effects of smoking. It was also found that smoking among female students was significantly associated with their age group, type of institution, and educational level (p<0.001) were significantly associated with their practice of smoking.

Conclusion: The study results suggest that the number of female smokers at the university level is increasing as compared to studies documented elsewhere although the students claim to have a sound knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking. Factors associated with smoking are the age group, type of university, monthly family and personal income, the presence of smoker family member and friends. Successful public health approach toward tobacco control should be concurrent to control of smoke with female smoking is necessary to reduce tobacco use among female students.

Biography:

David Salas-Vargas has completed his Ph.D. at the age of 35 years at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), Mexico. He was the Dean of the School of Health Sciences for almost eight years. He is currently the Coordinator of Postgraduate and Research Studies at the School of Health Sciences at UABC and lecture Epidemiology to undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has published his reasearch works in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Records in the Emergency Department at the General Hospital in Ensenada, Mexico, indicate that there are ways to improve waiting time at the Emergency Room.

Objective: To identify the factors that interferes with waiting time, in order to get medical attention at the Emergency Department at General Hospital in Ensenada, Mexico.

Methods: Retrospective descriptive statistical analysis of waiting times as a quality indicator were performed based on records of patients that attended the Emergency Department from January 2011 to December 2012.

Results: Average wait times in 2011 were 37 min and it decreased to 33 min in 2012, even if there was an increase of 2,838 in the number of patients in 2012 compared to the year before. The sex related factor didn’t have an influence in wait time. The type of emergency and the way that patients arrived at the hospital did have influence in waiting time.

Conclusion: Urgency services require a Triage attendance process by qualified personnel in the Emergency Department at the General Hospital in Ensenada, Mexico to establish well-identified priorities, waiting time in order to act efficiently as well as to determine strategies for continual improvement processes to be in agreement with Mexico’s official standard norm: NOM-027-SSA-2013. Now that we know real factors that have partial influence in waiting time there will be applied action strategies that could benefit patient attendance.

Biography:

Natasha Shaukat is doing her fellowship from the department of Community Health Sciences. Her areas of interest within Public Health are Environmental and Occupational Health. Currently she is involved in an interventional study which aims at improving respiratory health of textile workers. She is also doing her dissertation in estimating the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers in Karachi, Pakistan. She had previously worked in Multicentre study, which aimed at determining the prevalence of COPD in Karachi, Pakistan.

Abstract:

Methods: This cross-sectional study involving 300 male workers, from seven textile mills in Karachi, was conducted from September–December 2015. A 55-item structured questionnaire was developed and pretested, to determine knowledge (31 items), attitude (10 items) and practice (14 items) scores. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA tests were applied to calculate mean differences in KAP scores for categorical variables; while Pearson correlation was used for continuous variables.

Results: Mean age of the participants was 31(±9.5) years with majority belonging to Urdu-speaking ethnicity (39%; n=118). About 90% (n=269) of the workers had secondary or less education. Mean percentage scores for KAP was found to be (33.3%), (32%), and (20.4%) for K, A, P respectively. Higher educational status, dyeing and spinning sections of the mill and type of mill were found to be strong predictors of high KAP scores (p<0.01). We also found significant differences in KAP scores related to job designation and ethnicity (p<0.01). The increase in working hours per day (r=-0.18 for K, -0.14 for A, and -0.27 for P; and p<0.01) and working days per week (r= -0.13 for K, -0.14 for A and -0.09 for P; and p<0.05) were negatively associated with the KAP scores.

Conclusion: We found higher KAP scores with better education and those working in dyeing or spinning section. However, increased working hours and days per week had a negative effect on KAP scores. This study documents the poor KAP of textile workers and calls for provision of occupational health and safety trainings.

Biography:

Jarrod Eaton is a senior undergraduate student who will be graduating from Saginaw Valley State University located in Michigan this upcoming May of 2017. Eaton has been a part of several research projects during his undergraduate career. Meanwhile, he has also served a term as the student body president at SVSU. Eaton plans to attend graduate school in the Fall of 2017 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Global Health Epidemiology. He will then go on to pursue a career working as an epidemiologist with organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Abstract:

A majority of college students receive the influenza vaccination at a significantly lower rate than do other demographic groups. Due to highly populated environments on college campuses, college students are more susceptible to contracting influenza and participating in the spread of disease. Influenza vaccination is an effective method to minimizing this increase in risk. However, in spite of this, low rates of college students receive yearly vaccination. Therefore, understanding the correlation between determinants and influenza vaccination rate disparities among college students is necessary in order to determine future methods of addressing such rates in order to help prevent future spread of disease within a particular population. A literature review will be conducted to identify potential determinants that may play a role in influenza vaccination rate disparities among college students such as level of
parental education, household income, and employment status. A questionnaire will then be compiled to include basic demographical information, as well as questions related to the determinants identified in the literature review. A random sample of college students (n=400) will then be recruited to participate and complete the questionnaire. It will be dispersed using the following methods:

1. University resources such as email lists
2. Online forums of communication
3. In person contacts

Findings will then be analyzed to distinguish the level correlation among determinants related to influenza vaccination rates among college students.

Biography:

Nasrin Fazel is a Ph.D. student in the Medical University of Vienna Public Health Department, is a graduate of Masshad Medical University in Iran. She trained in midwifery and midwifery education at the faculty of Jorjani Midwifery and nursing in Mashad Medical University, Iran. She is Academic Member at the Medical University of Sabzevar. Fazel worked as Student Research Committee Member at Medical University of Sabzevar, and Research Council. Also, is traditional medicine Committee Member. She got selected two times as a superior researcher and four times selected as a superior midwife. She wrote the following books protocol of midwifery (essay and translate), obstetrics and Gynecology (translate to Farsi with their colleague). She had published articles like The effect of spearmint oil on pain severity after cesarean Prevalence and risk factors urogenital symptoms in women of menopausal symptoms in Sabzevar, Comparative effect alone honey and mix with chlotrimazol on vaginitis Candidacies, The effect of cumin oil on flatulence severity cesarean.

Abstract:

Background: Allergens are one of the causes of asthma, i.e. an atypical immune reaction which is prompted by environmental allergens and mediated by IgE antibodies. The present study aims to identify the prevalence of inhalation and food allergens among pregnant Iranian asthmatics.

Methods: Euroimmun tests were performed to identify the prevalence of sensitivity towards allergens among pregnant asthmatics. A total of 1,603 women were selected from those who had visited Mobini Hospital in Iran August 2014-April 2015. We drew blood samples from these women and, postpartum, from their infants. These were used to measure IgE and RAST to inhalation and food allergens. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: A total of 1,603 pregnant women referred to Mobini Hospital –Iran were included in the analysis. Thirty-four pregnant asthmatics were confirmed as having asthma. The place of residence showed a statistically significant correlation with asthma status in two groups of cohorts, (p = 0.008). There was a statistically significant association between atopy and wheeze in special place and wheeze exercise following Fischer exact p=0.04, p=0.004. The seafood mix 3 was the most frequent allergen 10(29.4%) detected in asthmatic maternal blood samples, followed by peanut 6(17.6%), and rough pigweed 5 (14.7%), respectively. All other allergens varied from 1(2.9%) to 4(11.8%).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is no association of some inhalation and food allergens with maternal and fetal IgE. Forthcoming studies should take this into account, i.e. trying to detect different local allergens that perhaps have a potential maternofetal transfer.

Biography:

Gruzdkov Nikita is student of the Faculty of the Info communication Technologies in the St. Petersburg University ITMO (third year). At present he undergoes training in the Laboratory of Nutrition Physiology in Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS. He gets experience in development of mathematical approaches for analyzing kinetic characteristics of mechanisms (active transport and facilitative diffusion) of glucose absorption in the small intestine in vivo. This approach may provide new important data for the theory and practice.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Glucose is a key substance that involved in energy metabolism. Understanding of mechanisms of its absorption in the small intestine is important for health. In recently, a remarkable progress has been achieved in this field, however the question about relative contributions of the active transport via SGLT1 and the facilitative diffusion via GLUT2 in glucose transfer across the apical membrane of enterocytes, remains debatable. To solve it, adequate analytical approaches are needed to assess the contribution of each of these mechanisms in the in vivo experiments.

The purpose of this study: To develop mathematical approaches for assessing the contributions of different mechanisms of glucose absorption in the in vivo experiments.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: These approaches are based on the mathematical models, developed by us earlier, that simulate absorption of monosaccharide’s in the isolated part the small intestine in vivo. The approaches include an analysis of kinetics of glucose and galactose absorption from their mono and two-component solutions, at various concentrations of the substrates.

Results: In the experiments on rats it has been shown that at glucose concentration of 75 mm in the intestinal lumen, a ratio of the active transport via SGLT1 to the facilitative diffusion via GLUT2 was 2.5 - 3.5 at the normal (low) regular carbohydrate load on the small intestine, and was increased to 7.0 in the case of the high load.

Conclusion and significance: In the case of normal and high glucose concentrations in the lumen of the intestine, its absorption is mainly due to active transport through SGLT1. The results may be useful in developing new therapeutic strategies aimed to reduce the negative effects on the body of widespread pathological conditions in the world such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Biography:

Polozov Alexandr S. graduated in 2016 from the St. Petersburg State Academy of Veterinary Medicine in the specialty veterinarian. Currently enrolled in graduate school (first year) and performs a thesis on "The influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus on glucose absorption and membrane enzymes involved in the digestive and protective function in the small intestine." He has experience in veterinary clinics: observation of animal behavior under stress and after the introduction of glucocorticoids for therapeutic purposes, assessment of functional parameters of the animal organism. He can use the method for assessing intestinal glucose absorption ability in vivo (in the absence of anesthesia and surgical trauma), as well as biochemical methods for determining the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and blood cell polarization.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Carbohydrates, particularly glucose, play a key role in energy metabolism. Despite the importance of intestinal carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption for health, the impact of glucocorticoids (endogenous or exogenous released during stress) on these processes has been poorly documented. The purpose of this study is to examine on rats the effect of corticosterone on activities of intestinal carbohydrases, glucose absorption and levels of the glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2 in the apical membrane of the enterocytes, depending on dose of the hormone and on the duration of its administration.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The rats were daily administered corticosterone (4 and 12 mg/kg) or solvent of the hormone (control). Five hours or three weeks after administration of the substances, activities of the intestinal enzymes were determined. Glucose absorption was regularly assessed using the test, based on measurements of the rate of free consumption of concentrated glucose solution by fasted rats. Levels of glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2 in the apical membrane of the enterocytes were determined using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy.

Findings: Corticosterone administration has enhanced absorption of glucose in the small intestine. The effect has depended on dose of the hormone, but not on duration of its administration. At 12 mg/kg, there was an increase in activities of glucoamylase and maltase in the intestinal mucosa and in the level of transporter GLUT2 (but not SGLT1) in the apical membrane of the enterocytes.
Conclusion & Significance: The state of hydrolytic and transport systems of the small intestine depends on the dose and the duration of administration of glucocorticoids. The data obtained are important for assessment of functional status of the small intestine after the short and long injections of glucocorticoids at various doses in clinic or in the case of stress of varying severity and duration.

Biography:

Savochkina Elizabeth V was graduated in 2016 from the Faculty of Biology in the St. Petersburg State University with the specialization in biology. During undergraduate and graduate studies she gained research experience in the field of histology at the Department of Histology, Cytology and Immunology. In addition, she attended a one-year course of "Bioinformatics for Biologists" in the St. Petersburg National Research University of RAS. She is currently working as a junior researcher of Laboratory of Nutrition Physiology in the Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS. She has experience of scientific work with laboratory animals, in techniques of immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy in identification of the presence of glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2 in the apical membrane of the rat enterocytes.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The interplay between the intestinal microbiota and epithelium is an important determinant of host health and nutritional status. Although probiotic bacteria are widely used to prevent and treat the intestinal dysbiosis, their effects on the microbiota and the digestive system compared with indigenous (autoprobiotic) strains have not been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the condition of microbiota and the activity of intestinal enzymes after correction of experimental dysbiosis in rats using probiotic (Enterococcus faecium L3) and autoprobiotic (12 strains of E. faecium).

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The experimental dysbiosis in rats induced by administration of ampicillin and metronidazole. Then rats were getting probiotic, autoprobiotic or phosphate buffer (PBS, control-2). In control-1, after administration of water, rats obtained PBS. At the end of the experiment, samples of epithelium and chyme were analyzed biochemically. Fecal samples were studied bacteriologically and by real time PCR.

Findings: After using probiotic or autoprobiotic, dyspeptic symptoms and microbiota disorders disappeared faster than in control-2. Autoprobiotic, but not probiotic, promoted bifidogenic effect and increased populations of E. coli and Fecalobacterium sp. in feces. Aminopeptidase N activity decreased in the epithelium or tended to decrease in the chyme after use autoprobiotic. Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity, separated from the total activity by inhibiting levamisole, tended to decrease in the epithelium after use autoprobiotic, and Intestinal alkaline phosphatase – in the epithelium and the chyme after use autoprobiotic or probiotic. Maltase activity in the chyme tended to increase after use autoprobiotic, but tended to decrease after use probiotic.

Conclusion & Significance: Specific effects of probiotic and autoprobiotic enterococci on intestinal microbiota and digestion have been demonstrated. The results may be useful for development of a new therapeutic strategy based on autoprobiotic usage in the correction of intestinal dysbiosis. The work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation Number: 16-15-10085.

Biography:

Galina Semikova graduated in 2015 from the First Pavlov State Medical University of Saint Petersburg, Russia, with the specialization in endocrinology. Area of interests is metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cardioprotection, system of incretins, bariatric surgery. She actively uses as pathological conditions experimental approaches to ischemia and reperfusion on in vivo and ex vivo models, on the isolated heart and has experience in the evaluation of cardioprotective effects of gastrointestinal peptides. In addition, in the course of training in the Laboratory of Nutrition Physiology in Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS, she got experience in the use of the method for assessing intestinal glucose absorption ability in vivo (in the absence of anesthesia and surgical trauma).

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2 are the most common pathological states in the world. Although bariatric surgery is widely used to reduce the adverse effects, caused by these states, its effects on cardiovascular system remain in question. To solve this problem, studies in animals are needed to evaluate the effects of various bariatric procedures on hemodynamic in normal and pathological states. The aim of this study is to compare in experiments on rats the impact of various bariatric procedures on myocardial resistance to ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The rats were subjected to the surgeries for proximal stomach resection, ileal interposition and laparotomy. 5-6 Months after the surgeries, isolated hearts of the animals were perfused by Crebs-Henseleit solution in vitro according to Langendorff. Coronary flow, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and contractile function were measured before ischemia period and during perfusion period. To identify areas of necrosis following ischemia, the hearts were incubated with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. The necrosis area was evaluated on digital photographs by manually contouring the differentially colored left ventricle subsets.

Findings: 5-6 Months after the surgeries, the proximal gastrectomy, but not the ileal interposition, contributed to the increase of necrosis area in the heart after ischemia. Specific changes in the dynamics of coronary flow, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and contractile function during perfusion period were observed after the proximal stomach resection and the ileal interposition.

Conclusion & Significance: In normal conditions, the effects of bariatric procedures on myocardial resistance to ischemia and reperfusion injury depend on the type of surgery. The data obtained are important to assess the impact of different bariatric procedures on cardiovascular system and to develop the effective surgical approaches for the treatment of Type II diabetes in patients with heart disease.