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AimsLifestyle modifications and healthy behavioural regimens are critical in preventing coronary artery disease (CAD) and other important health conditions. Little is known about the risk for CAD and health behaviour among older adults (>60 years) living in rural areas in the Philippines. Compare risk profiles and health behaviours of Filipinos at low- vs. moderate-to-high-risk for CAD and examine the association between demographic variables, risk profiles, and health behaviours.Methods and resultsA comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sample of 427 Filipinos (≥60 years old). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, risk profiles, and health behaviours (e.g. diet, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol use) were collected. Ten-year CAD risk was estimated using the non-laboratory-based Framingham algorithm. Of the 427 participants [mean age was 69.2 ± 6.7 years, primarily women (65%), married (52.8%)], 319 (75%) were at low risk, and 108 (25%) were at moderate-to-high-risk for CAD. Filipinos at moderate to high risk were more likely to have cardiometabolic diseases (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and obesity, all P's < 0.001). Health behaviours did not differ between the two groups except for the consumption of ≥5 servings of fruit, higher in the low-risk group.ConclusionData showed highly consistent and convergent evidence among older Filipinos living in rural areas at high risk for CAD and other health conditions. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive guidance to improve CAD outcomes for moderate to high-risk older adults living in rural areas, including education and counselling on risk and risk-reducing strategies.

AimsThe intermediate-term effects of dietary protein on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese patients with heart failure and diabetes mellitus are unknown. We compared the effect of two calorie-restricted diets on cardiometabolic risk factors in this population.Methods and resultsIn this randomized controlled study, 76 overweight and obese (mean weight, 107.8 ± 20.8 kg) patients aged 57.7 ± 9.7 years, 72.4% male, were randomized to a high-protein (30% protein, 40% carbohydrates, and 30% fat) or standard-protein diet (15% protein, 55% carbohydrates, and 30% fat) for 3 months. Reductions in weight and cardiometabolic risks were evaluated at 3 months. Both diets were equally effective in reducing weight (3.6 vs. 2.9 kg) and waist circumference (1.9 vs. 1.3 cm), but the high-protein diet decreased to a greater extent glycosylated haemoglobin levels (0.7% vs. 0.1%, P = 0.002), cholesterol (16.8 vs. 0.9 mg/dL, P = 0.031), and triglyceride (25.7 vs. 5.7 mg/dL, P = 0.032), when compared with the standard-protein diet. The high-protein diet also significantly improved both systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the standard-protein diet (P

Ronnie Thomas,1 Quincy Mariam Jacob,1 Sharon Raj Eliza,2 Malathi Mini,1 Jobinse Jose,3 Sobha A1 1Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala, India; 2Department of Community Medicine, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India; 3Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, IndiaCorrespondence: Ronnie Thomas, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala, India, Tel +91 9947014747, Email ronpauloc@gmail.comIntroduction: Catastrophic health expenditure during COVID-19 hospitalization has altered the economic picture of households, especially in low resource settings with high rates of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to estimate the out of pocket (OOP) expenditure and the proportion of households that incurred catastrophic health expenditure due to COVID-19 hospitalization in Kerala, South India.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of 155 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Kottayam district over four months, using a pretested interview schedule. The direct medical and non-medical costs incurred by the study participants during hospitalization and the total monthly household expenditure were obtained from the respective COVID-19 affected households. Catastrophic health expenditure was defined as direct medical expenditure exceeding 40% of the household’s capacity to pay.Results: From the study, median and mean OOP expenditure was obtained as USD 93.57 and USD 502.60 respectively. The study revealed that 49.7% of households had catastrophic health expenditure, with 32.9% having incurred distress financing. Multivariate analysis revealed being below poverty line, hospitalization in private healthcare facility, and presence of co-morbid conditions as significant determinants of catastrophic health expenditure.Conclusion: High levels of catastrophic health expenditure and distress financing revealed by the study have unveiled major unaddressed challenges in the road to universal health coverage.Keywords: COVID-19, financial burden, catastrophic health expenditure, distress financing, Kerala

Abstract Aims The intermediate‐term effects of dietary protein on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese patients with heart failure and diabetes mellitus are unknown. We compared the effect of two calorie‐restricted diets on cardiometabolic risk factors in this population. Methods and results In this randomized controlled study, 76 overweight and obese (mean weight, 107.8 ± 20.8 kg) patients aged 57.7 ± 9.7 years, 72.4% male, were randomized to a high‐protein (30% protein, 40% carbohydrates, and 30% fat) or standard‐protein diet (15% protein, 55% carbohydrates, and 30% fat) for 3 months. Reductions in weight and cardiometabolic risks were evaluated at 3 months. Both diets were equally effective in reducing weight (3.6 vs. 2.9 kg) and waist circumference (1.9 vs. 1.3 cm), but the high‐protein diet decreased to a greater extent glycosylated haemoglobin levels (0.7% vs. 0.1%, P = 0.002), cholesterol (16.8 vs. 0.9 mg/dL, P = 0.031), and triglyceride (25.7 vs. 5.7 mg/dL, P = 0.032), when compared with the standard‐protein diet. The high‐protein diet also significantly improved both systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the standard‐protein diet (P

The present study evaluates the effect of host plant resistance by antixenosis (trichomes) in 40 brinjal entries to the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch, an important pest of brinjal. The maximum trichome density was observed (719.15/0.5cm2 leaf area) with the variety Namakkal local and minimum (276.82/0.5cm2 leaf area) was with Tiruppur local. Stellate type of trichomes were observed on all the entries, with maximum length on the upper surface of the leaves being 200.18 µm on Namakkal local, and on lower surface of leaves (269.36 µm) on Chinthapalli local-2. Manapparai local measured 247.40 µm long on midrib and 206.84 µm on veins. The correlation coefficients between the trichome density, length and T. urticae incidence revealed a significant negative correlation. Arka Nidhi was found to be resistant (2.07/cm2 leaf area) with low trichome density (427.50 µm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]