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Background Obesity has detrimental personal, societal, and economic consequences and raises the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Diet and exercise behaviors are frequently the focus of weight loss programs. Effective nutrition education is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and body weight management. Individualized lifestyle and counseling sessions with follow-ups reduce weight loss compared to single combined sessions Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education intervention on weight loss among adults aged 18-40 years in Lahore through an interventional study. Methods This study was conducted in Lahore. According to the inclusion criteria, overweight/obese (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m²), young (18-40 years old) men and women were part of this study. A total of 50 participants were randomized into two groups, one as the control group and the other one as the intervention group. Group counseling was provided to the control group. The intervention group was assessed individually through follow-ups for 3 months of online and on-campus sessions. Data was collected at four intervals at baseline, month 1, month 2, and month 3 through a self-administered assessment form. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social science, SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Results Out of the 50 participants, 54% (27) were women while 46% (23) were men (mean age 29.90, SD = 6.26, BMI at baseline 32.18 kg/m², 26. 49 kg/m²), and randomized by a blinded researcher. At three months, the mean differences in BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage between the groups were 3 kg (23.44 ± 0.58, 95% CI 22.86-24.02), 33.90 cm (95% CI 32.50-35.30), 0.86 (95% CI 0.74-0.98), and 24.79% (95% CI 18.00-31.58), respectively, in favor of the intervention group (p < 0.005).  Conclusion This study demonstrates that a structured dietary intervention combined with physical activity guidance leads to significant weight loss and improved body composition in obese adults. These findings support the effectiveness of comprehensive weight loss strategies for managing obesity.

Homozygosity mapping has facilitated the identification of the genetic causes underlying inherited diseases, particularly in consanguineous families with multiple affected individuals. This knowledge has also resulted in a mutation dataset that can be used in a cost and time effective manner to screen frequent population-specific genetic variations associated with diseases such as inherited retinal disease (IRD). We genetically screened 13 families from a cohort of 81 Pakistani IRD families diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), or cone dystrophy (CD). We employed genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis to identify homozygous regions shared by affected individuals and performed Sanger sequencing of IRD-associated genes located in the sizeable homozygous regions. In addition, based on population specific mutation data we performed targeted Sanger sequencing (TSS) of frequent variants in AIPL1, CEP290, CRB1, GUCY2D, LCA5, RPGRIP1 and TULP1, in probands from 28 LCA families. Homozygosity mapping and Sanger sequencing of IRD-associated genes revealed the underlying mutations in 10 families. TSS revealed causative variants in three families. In these 13 families four novel mutations were identified in CNGA1, CNGB1, GUCY2D, and RPGRIP1. Homozygosity mapping and TSS revealed the underlying genetic cause in 13 IRD families, which is useful for genetic counseling as well as therapeutic interventions that are likely to become available in the near future.

The use of proteinaceous material is desired as it forms a protective gelation around the active core, making it safe through temperature, pH, and O2 in the stomach and intestinal environment. During the boom of functional food utilization in this era of advancement in drug delivery systems, there is a dire need to find more protein sources that could be explored for the potential of being used as encapsulation materials, especially vegetable proteins. This review covers certain examples which need to be explored to form an encapsulation coating material, including soybeans (conglycinin and glycinin), peas (vicilin and convicilin), sunflower (helianthins and albumins), legumes (glutenins and albumins), and proteins from oats, rice, and wheat. This review covers recent interventions exploring the mentioned vegetable protein encapsulation and imminent projections in the shifting paradigm from conventional process to environmentally friendly green process technologies and the sensitivity of methods used for encapsulation. Vegetable proteins are easily biodegradable and so are the procedures of spray drying and coacervation, which have been discussed to prepare the desired encapsulated functional food. Coacervation processes are yet more promising in the case of particle size formation ranging from nano to several hundred microns. The present review emphasizes the significance of using vegetable proteins as capsule material, as well as the specificity of encapsulation methods in relation to vegetable protein sensitivity and the purpose of encapsulation accompanying recent interventions. During the boom of functional food utilization in this era of advancement in drug delivery systems, there is a dire need to find more protein sources that could be explored for the potential of being used as encapsulation materials, especially vegetable proteins. This review covers certain examples which need to be explored to form an encapsulation coating material, including soy beans (conglycin and glycinin), peas (vicilin, convicilin), sunflower (helianthinins, albumins), legumes (glutenins, albumins), and proteins from oats, rice and wheat.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids may be derived from a variety of sources and could be incorporated into a balanced diet. They protect against a wide range of illnesses, including cancer osteoarthritis and autoimmune problems. The PUFAs, ω‐6, and ω‐3 fatty acids, which are found in both the marine and terrestrial environments, are given special attention. The primary goal is to evaluate the significant research papers in relation to the human health risks and benefits of ω‐6 and ω‐3 fatty acid dietary resources. This review article highlights the types of fatty acids, factors affecting the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids, methods used for the mitigation of oxidative stability, health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and future perspectives in detail. This review article highlights the types of fatty acids, factors affecting the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids, methods used for the mitigation of oxidative stability, and the health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds are oilseeds, often known as pseudo-cereals, which contain a variety of nutrients, including macro and micronutrients, as well as health aids; consequently, they could be classified as a nutraceuticals food. The seeds are a wonderful source of phenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acids, quercetin, and myricetin. According to studies, chia seeds have a high nutritious content of protein (18-24%), fiber (30-34%), and a variety of fatty acids. Chia seeds also have a variety of minerals and vitamins and shown to have beneficial effects in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia, as well as acting as an antioxidant, anti-anxiety, laxative, anti-depressant, analgesic, and strengthen the immune system. Due to its presence of minerals, lipids (omega-3), fibers, proteins, and antioxidants in chia seed and its health benefits, it has now grabbed the attention of many food industries and educators. The present review article highlights the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, and therapeutic potentials like cardio-protective, diabetes-controlling, immune boosting, and antioxidant action in detail.

Afghan refugees are the world's densely populated community, with 2.6 million registered Afghan refugees living globally, of whom about 2.2 million are in Iran and Pakistan. Pakistan is a densely populated country, and due to its low socioeconomic status, food insecurity, unhygienic conditions, and inadequate access to health care, the Afghan refugees have high chances of being malnourished; the chances of death for these Afghans are 25 times more every year from undernourishment and poverty than those from violence. This study aimed to assess anthropometric and biochemical analyses, their health complications, and the socioeconomic status of Afghan refugee women living in Islamabad Punjab as women are the most vulnerable and highly malnourished group in any community. This cross‐sectional study involved 150 Afghan women aged 15–30 years; they were assessed for their nutritional status using Anthropometric, Biochemical, Clinical and Diet (ABCD). The results indicate the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, and overweight at 74.7%, 16.7%, and 8.7%, respectively. Majority of the women have extremely low hemoglobin (Hb) level, which indicates iron deficiency as well as low body mass index for their age. As the results indicate that there are high chances of severe malnutrition among this most vulnerable segment of the population, this situation must be addressed immediately; the main aim of this study is to highlight the current situation of these Afghan refugees in Pakistan. More research is needed to determine how normal body weight women with low hemoglobin levels are compared to women with ideal body mass index ratios. A majority of the women have extremely low Hb level, which indicates iron deficiency as well as low body mass index with regard to their age. The results indicate that there are high chances of severe malnutrition among this most vulnerable segment of the population, and this situation must be addressed immediately.

Nanotechnology is a critical emerging technology that enables contributions, innovation and long-term impact in food, medicine and agriculture. Nanomaterials can improve the quantitative and qualitative development of safer, healthier and higher-quality semi-perishable or perishable functional foods. Nanotechnologies outperform traditional food manufacturing techniques in extending the shelf life of the food product, reducing contamination and producing higher-quality food. Nanotechnology applications improve the bioavailability, flavor, texture and stability of food by altering the particle diameter, potential clustering and charge density of food nanoparticles. The present review article highlights the role of nanotechnology in product development and quality maintenance as well as its potential role in agriculture.

Testicular adrenal rest tumor (TART) is a known complication of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) that simulates testicular germ cell tumors to the extent that they can pose a diagnostic challenge to treating physicians. In this case series, we have presented four patients with different clinical scenarios but all of them presented with a common symptom of bilateral testicular masses. Their clinical histories were strongly suggestive of CAH. Most of them were treated initially as cases of germ cell tumor (Leydig) as their clinical features were overlapping, posing a diagnostic challenge. The histopathological features of CAH and Leydig cell tumors overlap considerably. Diagnosis of CAH must always be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with bilateral testicular swellings. Timely diagnosis of TARTs and CAH can help preserve testicular functions. Careful histopathological analysis can add to the clinical features of CAH and Leydig tumors to correctly diagnose these patients. Here, we discuss this diagnostic challenge in our four patients.

Objective: To analyze the hormonal and metabolic parameters in subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) among women of reproductive age. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Jan 2024 to Dec 2024. Methodology: Total 114 participants were enrolled and their blood samples analyzed by dividing into three groups: hypothyroidism without PCOS, subclinical hypothyroidism without PCOS, and PCOS. Blood samples were drawn into gel tubes and centrifuged at 3000 RPM for 5 minutes. The serum was then analyzed using chemiluminescence immunoassay to measure hormonal and metabolic parameters of women of reproductive age. A standardized proforma was used to collect data on demographics, clinical history, and biochemical evaluations. Results: A total of 114 participants were included in this study. A significant difference was observed in serum follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) level across the group (p=0.007). However, all the other parameters showed no significant difference across the groups with p>0.05. For age and Body Mass Index (BMI), a weak negative correlation with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and FSH, respectively was statistically significant while other hormones showed no significant correlation with age and BMI (p>0.05). Conclusion: TSH level showed statistically significant difference among females with hypothyroidism, sub-clinical hypothyroidism and PCOS while other hormonal parameters showed no statistically significant difference among groups.

Improving the storage life of food products is a major problem for manufacturers, and the food sector needs an \"ecofriendly\" alternative to present technology. As a disinfectant, ozone has been utilized in waste-water purification systems since the beginning of the century. Recently, ozone has been utilized to handle a wide variety of agricultural products because of its qualities, including fast disintegration and low residual consequences during food preservation. Ozone is an interesting substitute preservative that the food industry demands and a suitable decontaminator for guaranteeing the microbiological hygiene and safety of food products. Ozone treatment has been demonstrated to be a potential strategy for lowering pollutants in dairy effluents. This review comprehensively highlights ozonation as a preservative in dairy, fruits and vegetables, poultry, cereals, and fresh produce in depth for save and effective use of ozone, whereas other published articles only discuss one of these categories. Overall, ozone has proven to be a viable technique, despite its high food-preservation efficacy, and market certification requires extensive information on the applicability of ozone-based technologies and their potential benefits