ABSTRACT
Hidden hunger, characterized by a deficiency in essential micronutrients, persists as a critical global issue, undermining human health and well-being. Despite advancements in food production, millions suffer from the consequences of inadequate access to vital nutrients. To address this multifaceted challenge and fortify nutritional security, millets have emerged as a compelling solution. These small-seeded grains, known for their climate resilience, offer a potent means to mitigate hidden hunger while ensuring sustainable food systems. Millets have garnered attention for their exceptional adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, including drought and high temperatures. Their deep root systems enable them to thrive even in water-stressed regions, making them a reliable source of sustenance in a changing climate. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the ability of millets to maintain food production under challenging conditions is of paramount importance. Beyond their adaptability, millets are nutritional powerhouses. They are replete with essential nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, B-complex vitamins, and crucial minerals such as iron and zinc. This nutritional profile positions millets as a valuable resource in addressing malnutrition and hidden hunger, which plague populations across the globe. Moreover, millets are gluten-free, offering an inclusive dietary option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This aspect contributes to their accessibility and relevance in diverse dietary regimes, aligning with the principles of equitable food security.The cultivation of millets is also aligned with broader sustainability goals. Millet farming practices encourage biodiversity conservation, reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and protect fragile ecosystems. Additionally, the economic and social benefits of millet production are significant, providing diversified income sources for smallholder farmers and rejuvenating rural communities. Governments and policymakers worldwide are increasingly recognizing the potential of millets in sustainable agriculture. Policies, subsidies, and initiatives are being introduced to support millet production, market development, and nutritional programs, fostering food security, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods. As the global community seeks sustainable solutions to hidden hunger and nutritional insecurity, millets stand as a resilient and nourishing ally. Harnessing their potential, along with continued research, investment, policy support, and heightened consumer awareness, is pivotal to securing a sustainable, nourished, and equitable future for all. In conclusion, the integration of millets into global food systems offers a pathway to enhance nutritional security, combat hidden hunger, and advance broader sustainability objectives.
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between 25 (OH) vit D3 level and psoriasis, in our city with long sunny weather, in an attempt to clarify the controversies. Methods: The 100 patients with psoriasis including 29 with psoriatic arthritis were taken randomly as cases from medicine outpatient department of KPCMCH. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was calculated for all patients with psoriasis and disease activity score (DAS28-CRP) in all arthritis patients. The control group had 150 age and sex-matched participants without any symptoms related to psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The 25 (OH) vit D3 serum level was estimated for both groups. This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Results: Out of total 100 patients, 55% were male and 45% female, with mean age and disease duration 49.7±6.7 years and 11.4±3.5 years, respectively. The control group had 150 subjects (86 males, 64 females). The 25 (OH) vit D3 levels of both patients and controls were 19.2±8.5 ng/ml and 29.9±6.7 ng/ml, respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The 25(OH) vit D3 levels were 21.9±4.1 ng/ml in patients with disease duration <10 years, and 15.9±4.2 ng/ml in patients with disease duration ? 10 years and difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). It was 18.9±7.8 ng/ml and 20.1±8.4 ng/ml respectively in psoriasis patients with and without arthritis but the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). The 25(OH) vit D3 level was lower in psoriasis with high PASI compared to psoriasis with low-moderate PASI and lower in psoriatic arthritis with high disease activity compared to arthritis with low-moderate disease activity. Conclusions: Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients had lower 25 (OH) vit D3 levels. The disease durations were directly related to 25 (OH) vit D3 insufficiency. Lower levels were associated with higher active diseases.
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between 25 (OH) vit D3 level and psoriasis, in our city with long sunny weather, in an attempt to clarify the controversies. Methods: The 100 patients with psoriasis including 29 with psoriatic arthritis were taken randomly as cases from medicine outpatient department of KPCMCH. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was calculated for all patients with psoriasis and disease activity score (DAS28-CRP) in all arthritis patients. The control group had 150 age and sex-matched participants without any symptoms related to psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The 25 (OH) vit D3 serum level was estimated for both groups. This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Results: Out of total 100 patients, 55% were male and 45% female, with mean age and disease duration 49.7±6.7 years and 11.4±3.5 years, respectively. The control group had 150 subjects (86 males, 64 females). The 25 (OH) vit D3 levels of both patients and controls were 19.2±8.5 ng/ml and 29.9±6.7 ng/ml, respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The 25(OH) vit D3 levels were 21.9±4.1 ng/ml in patients with disease duration <10 years, and 15.9±4.2 ng/ml in patients with disease duration ? 10 years and difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). It was 18.9±7.8 ng/ml and 20.1±8.4 ng/ml respectively in psoriasis patients with and without arthritis but the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). The 25(OH) vit D3 level was lower in psoriasis with high PASI compared to psoriasis with low-moderate PASI and lower in psoriatic arthritis with high disease activity compared to arthritis with low-moderate disease activity. Conclusions: Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients had lower 25 (OH) vit D3 levels. The disease durations were directly related to 25 (OH) vit D3 insufficiency. Lower levels were associated with higher active diseases.
ABSTRACT
Background: Medical education can impose a significant amount of psychological stress and strain on undergraduates. In India, there are limited shreds of evidence regarding the magnitude of different psychological morbidities (i.e. stress, anxiety and depression) among medical undergraduates.
ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis is a very common disease in the Indian subcontinent. Though it can affect any system of the body, primary involvement of the breast is relatively rare even in India. Involvement of the axillary tail is even rarer. Bilateral involvement is also a rare phenomenon (3%). Moreover the disease is often overlooked and misdiagnosed as carcinoma or pyogenic abscess. Here we report a case of bilateral tubercular abscess of breast in the axillary tail in a 21 year old puerperal lady diagnosed by FNAC and AFB stains and further confirmed retrospectively by response to anti-tubercular drugs.