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The current systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of kiwifruit intake on anthropometric indices and key cardiometabolic parameters. Related articles were found by searching PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus to detect relevant Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) and novel systematic reviews relating to kiwi consumption in adults, up to August 2023. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were assessed and reported using standard methods. Six RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. Analyzing overall effect sizes demonstrated a significant reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels (WMD: −9.30 mg/dL; 95% CI: −17.56 to −1.04, p =.027), whereas no significant alterations of triglycerides (TG) (WMD: −12.91 mg/dL; 95% CI: −28.17 to 2.34, p =.097), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −7.66 mg/dL; 95% CI: −17.85 to 2.52, p =.141), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (WMD: 2.87 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.36 to 6.11, p =.141), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: 1.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: −1.43 to 3.56, p =.404), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: 0.15 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.40, 0.70, p =.0598), body weight (BW) (WMD: 0.85 kg; 95% CI: −1.34 to 3.04, p =.448), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: 0.04 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.75 to 0.83, p =.920), and waist circumference (WC) (WMD: 0.18 cm; 95% CI: −1.81 to 2.19, p =.855) were found. Our findings suggest that consuming kiwifruit does not have a significant impact on anthropometric indices and cardiometabolic factors, except for LDL‐C levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic acidosis (MA) may play a key role in the pathogenesis of protein‐energy wasting (PEW) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To present a comprehensive synthesis of the effect of oral sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on anthropometric measures in patients with CKD, a systematic review was undertaken in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar, of relevant articles published prior to September 2022. The summary statistics of effect size, nonstandardized weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to compare the effects of SB supplementation on anthropometric parameters vs. control group. To detect probable sources of heterogeneity, a series of predefined subgroup analyses were conducted. In total, 17 studies with 21 treatment arms, including 2203 participants (1149 cases, 1054 controls), met our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. SB supplementation had no significant effect on body weight (BW), midarm muscle circumference (MAMC), or lean body mass (LBM) in patients with CKD. There was a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) (MD: 0.59 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.93, p = 0.001) after SB supplementation in the overall analysis. In subgroup analysis, LBM was increased in studies that were ≥ 24‐week duration (MD: 1.81 kg, 95% CI: 0.81 to 2.81) and in participants with BMI lower than 27 kg/m2 (MD: 1.81 mg/L, 95% CI: 0.81 to 2.81). SB supplementation may yield increases in BMI in predialysis CKD patients. However, our findings did not support the beneficial effects of SB supplementation on other anthropometric outcomes. There is an evident need for long‐term high‐quality interventions to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent ovulation disorders is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). According to the anti‐inflammatory and beneficial effects of propolis, this triple‐blind controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of propolis on metabolic factors, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and testosterone in women with PCOS. Recruited patients from the gynecologist clinic were randomized based on a stratified permuted four‐block randomization procedure to supplement with propolis tablets, two tablets/day (500 mg propolis/day) (n = 30) or identical placebo tablets (n = 30) for 12 weeks in 2021 until 2022. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, blood samples, and a checklist to record the measured parameters. A total of 57 patients completed the trial. ANCOVA test showed that hip circumference (HC)) p = 0.03), fasting insulin (p = 0.007), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p = 0.004), testosterone (p = 0.004), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.02) were significantly decreased in the propolis versus the placebo group after adjustment for confounders. Although fasting blood glucose (p = 0.04) decreased significantly in the propolis group compared to the placebo, after adjusting for confounders, significance was lost (p = 0.09). Supplementation with propolis elicited positive effects on fasting insulin and insulin resistance, in addition to reducing the testosterone level, LDL/HDL, and HC, in PCOS women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet can affect the inflammatory state of the body. Accordingly, the dietary inflammatory index (DII) has been developed to quantify the inflammatory properties of food items. This study sought to investigate the association between dietary inflammation index (DII) and the odds ratio of elevated CRP (E‐CRP) through a systematic review and meta‐analysis study. The International electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), and Scopus were searched until May 2023 to find related articles. From 719 studies found in the initial search, 14 studies, with a total sample size of 59,941 individuals, were included in the meta‐analysis. The calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) of E‐CRP in the highest DII category was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.14, test for heterogeneity: p =.63, and I2 =.0%) in comparison with the lowest DII category. Also, the results of this study showed that each unit increase in DII as a continuous variable generally elicited a 10% increase in the odds of E‐CRP (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06, 1.14, test for heterogeneity: p =.63, and I2 =.0%). Subgroup meta‐analyses showed that there is a higher E‐CRP odds ratio for the articles that reported energy‐adjusted DII (E‐DII) instead of DII, the studies that measured CRP instead of hs‐CRP, and the studies that used 24‐h recall instead of FFQ as the instrument of dietary intake data collection. Individuals with a higher DII were estimated to have higher chances of developing elevated serum CRP. This value was influenced by factors such as the participants' nationality, instruments of data collection, methods used to measure inflammatory biomarkers, study design, and data adjustments. However, future well‐designed studies can help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the inflammatory properties of diet and inflammatory serum biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the effect of spirulina sauce on glycemic indices, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and anthropometric measurement in type 2 diabetic patients. Forty patients were randomly assigned to receive 20 g/day spirulina sauce (containing 2 g of spirulina) or placebo for 2 months. Anthropometric and biochemical indices were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Fasting blood glucose (mean difference (MD): −15.3 mg/dL, 95% confidence (CI): −44.2 to 13.60, p =.26), HbA1c (MD: 0.13%, 95% CI: −0.83 to 0.57, p =.75), insulin (MD: −1.46 μIU/mL, 95% CI: −4.0 to 1.09, p =.28), and HOMA‐IR (MD: −0.35, 95% CI: −2.0 to 1.32, p =.68) did not change significantly between groups. QUICKI increased significantly (MD: 0.025, 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.045, p =.03). Among the lipid profile, triglyceride (TG) (MD: −68.6 mg/dL, 95% CI: −107.21 to −29.98, p <.001), total cholesterol (MD: −29.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: −55.28 to −3.81, p =.02), and LDL (MD: −17.7 mg/dL, 95% CI: −33.24 to −2.15, p =.01) were significantly decreased in the spirulina group compared to the control; whereas, the change in HDL was non‐significant. No significant change was observed in body composition and anthropometric measurements, except waist circumference, which was reduced (MD: −2.65 cm, 95% CI: −3.91 to −1.38, p =.001). Hunger index significantly decreased and fullness increased marginally significantly. Although malondialdehyde was significantly reduced, no change was observed in total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Spirulina sauce was not effective for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes; however, could be useful for controlling appetite and ameliorating lipid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between different dietary micronutrient patterns and risk of DN in women. This was a case–control study. One hundred and five patients had DN (defined as urinary mg of albumin per gram of creatinine ≥30 mg/g) were chosen as the case and 105 women without DN were chosen as control. Dietary intakes were assessed by a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to derive the micronutrient patterns. Patterns were divided into two groups of lower and higher than median. Logistic regression was used to discern and find the odds ratio (ORs) of DN, and its 95% confidence interval (CI) based on the micronutrient patterns in crude and adjusted model. Three patterns which were included, (1) mineral patterns such as chromium, manganese, biotin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, copper, zinc, potassium, and iron, (2) water‐soluble vitamin patterns such as vitamin B5, B2, folate, B1, B3, B12, sodium and C, and (3) fat‐soluble vitamin patterns such as calcium, vitamin K, beta carotene, alpha tocopherol, alpha carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin A, were extracted. An inverse relationship was found between risk of DN and following mineral patterns and fat‐soluble vitamin patterns in adjusted model (ORs = 0.51 [95% CI 0.28–0.95], p =.03) and (ORs = 0.53 [95% CI 0.29–0.98], p =.04), respectively. No relationship was seen between water‐soluble vitamin patterns and risk of DN in crude and adjusted model but the significance was decreased in adjusted model. The risk of DN was 47% decreased after high adherence of fat‐soluble vitamin patterns. In addition, we saw a 49% decrease of risk of DN in high adherence group of mineral patterns. The findings confirm that renal‐protective dietary patterns can reduce risk of DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been numerous clinical trials that have investigated the effect of sodium intake on blood pressure in diabetic patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the clinical trial studies performed on the effect of low sodium diet (LSD) versus high sodium diet (HSD) on blood pressure in diabetic patients. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from database inception to July 10, 2021. Both type 1 and 2 diabetes was considered. Overall, there were 15 studies included in this meta‐analysis. The weighted (WMD) mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random‐effects model. Risk of bias in the studies was assessed based on the Cochrane collaboration tool and the quality of all the studies was considered as good. Overall, LSD significantly reduced SBP (systolic blood pressure) (WMD: −3.79 mmHg, 95% CI: −6.02, −1.56) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) (WMD: −1.62 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.84, −0.40), in comparison with HSD, in diabetics. However, LSD had no significant effect on MAP (mean arterial pressure) in comparison with HSD (WMD: −1.81, 95%CI: −5.49, 1.87). Although subgroup analysis could not attenuate heterogeneity in SBP, subgroup analysis in DBP based on duration (≤1 week: WMD: −2.35, 95%CI: −3.69, −1.00, I2 = 48.9%, p = 0.081, >1 week: WMD: −1.04, 95% CI: −2.83, 0.76, I2 = 74.7%, p = 0.003) and study design (cross‐over: WMD: −1.94, 95% CI: −2.71, −1.17, I2 = 32.1%, p = 0.183, parallel: WMD: −2.17, 95% CI: −6.48, 2.13, I2 = 82.4%, p = 0.001) successfully detected sources of heterogeneity. LSD significantly reduced SBP and DBP, however, had no effect on MAP, in comparison with HSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acorn is a nutritious fruit with the reported potential of ameliorating diseases, including diabetes. This research aimed to assess the effects of acorn muffin consumption on glycemic, lipid indices, and appetite in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sixty‐six subjects were dichotomized to receive either one muffin containing 10 grams of acorn flour or a placebo muffin containing white wheat flour (no bran), per day, for 8 weeks. Acorn muffin consumption improved glycated hemoglobin (p =.06, mean difference [MD] = −0.65), triglyceride (p =.06, MD = −36.38), and high‐density lipoprotein (p =.05, MD = 1.30), albeit only marginally significantly. Among appetite parameters, hunger, desire to eat, and prospective to eat were significantly lower, and satiety and fullness were significantly higher, in the acorn muffin group. In conclusion, acorn muffins could be utilized as an adjuvant therapy to control appetite and ameliorate glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, further investigations are required for a more comprehensive conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of micronutrient deficiency in the world. Adolescence represents a period of increased risk of iron deficiency. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of nutrition education by a digital game on markers of iron‐deficient anemia in adolescent girls. In this study, 176 adolescent girls were randomly dichotomized into the intervention and control groups. At the beginning and the end of the intervention, knowledge, attitude, and practice of both groups were assessed by a questionnaire. Girls in the intervention group received the necessary education through a digital game during a 14‐week period, while those in the control group received basic nutritional education through PowerPoint and pamphlets. Additionally, serum transferrin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, CBC difference, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) tests were checked. In this study, nutrition education significantly increased the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of adolescent girls regarding their diet (p ˂.05). Hemoglobin level was also significantly raised (p ˂.05). However, no significant effect was observed on other markers of iron‐deficient anemia, such as serum iron, TIBC, and hematocrit, in the intervention group compared with the control group (p ˃.05). The results of this study indicated the positive impact of nutrition education based on digital game on knowledge, attitude, and practice scores, as well as a significant difference in hemoglobin. It is recommended that educational games be designed for students in the future to promote health and nutrition information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common endocrine disorders in women, which causes numerous symptoms in women. The relationship of many micronutrients with this syndrome has been investigated. This study was conducted to examine the effects of magnesium supplementation on hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and sleep quality in women with PCOS. Methods: In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 64 women with PCOS were randomly assigned to the magnesium group (n = 32) or placebo group (n = 32) for 10 weeks. Patients in the magnesium group received one 250 mg magnesium oxide tablet, per day. Hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and sleep quality were measured at the beginning and end of the study. This randomized clinical trial was registered at https://www.IRCT.ir (IRCT20130903014551N8). Results: Magnesium supplementation had no significant effect on hyperandrogenism (p = 0.51 for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfates, p = 0.27 for testosterone), hirsutism (p = 0.23), and sleep quality (p = 0.85) compared with placebo. Conclusions: The present study showed that a single dose of magnesium supplementation elicited no beneficial effects on the mentioned symptoms in polycystic women. It is possible that the positive effects of magnesium observed in the former studies were due to the synergistic effects of other vitamins or minerals. More studies are needed in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The favorable influence of grape consumption on metabolic diseases has previously been shown in studies. We sought to assess the effects of grape intake on liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in adults. We performed literature search in online databases, to find eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). we considered RCTs that met the following criteria: RCTs consisted of use of grape products on ALT, AST, and ALP in adults (≥18 years) with at least 2 weeks intervention duration. Pooling data from 11 trials showed that grape products intake significantly reduced ALP (p =.010), without any significant changes in ALT (p =.234) and AST (p =.300). In subgroup analysis, we found a significant reduction in ALP, ALT, and AST when the duration of intervention was ≥12 weeks, and when grape seed extract (GSE) was administered. The variable duration and dosage of intervention was one of the sources of bias in our meta‐analysis. Additionally, participants involved in included studies had different physiological status and various age groups. Grape products administration may significantly improve ALT, AST, and ALP in adults in long‐term interventions and/or when GSE is administered. It should be noted that the favorable effects of grape consumption were small and may not reach clinical importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sparse data are available regarding the efficacy and safety of single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass surgery, where most available studies utilized short-term follow-ups. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the safety and outcomes of this procedure in three consecutive years after the surgery. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was carried out with 116 patients who underwent SASI from October 2016 to September 2021. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data were recorded before, 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. Results: The 1, 2, and 3-year percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were 87.37%, 90.7%, and 80.6%, respectively. Remission or improvement was recorded for diabetes mellitus in 90.9%, hypertension in 80.0%, hyperlipidemia in 100%, sleep apnea in 100%, and irregular menstruation in 58.06 at 3 years after surgery. No mortality and 5.1% early major postoperative complications were recorded. Eight patients (6.8%) had reversal surgery due to EWL > 100%. Conclusions: The SASI bypass is an effective bariatric surgery that achieved sequential weight loss and improvement in medical comorbidities three years after the surgery; however, standardization of SASI procedure technique is needed to ameliorate nutritional deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain is a globally prevalent problem, and a comprehension of its pathophysiology is important with respect to patient's health. Musculoskeletal pain conditions (MPs) may be associated with physical, lifestyle, and nutrition status, while dietary acid load (DAL) may be inversely associated with musculoskeletal health in adults. This cross‐sectional study consisted of 175 adults experiencing pain. Anthropometric measurements, physical activity (PA), and pain intensity were assessed via specific questionnaires. Dietary data were collected using a 7‐day 24‐h recall. Foods and beverages were analyzed with Nutritionist IV software for extracting the total energy and nutrients. Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) and potential renal acid load (PRAL) were evaluated for assessing the DAL. Linear regression and Spearman correlation were used to investigate the association of exposure and input variables. Linear regression showed a positive relationship between PRAL and NEAP and pain intensity in the crude model. This significant positive relationship remained after adjusting for all confounders. A lower consumption of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B9 and C, and fiber was seen in the following quartiles of PRAL and NEAP. In addition, MPs intensity and PRAL and NEAP had a weak, positive correlation. This study suggests that a higher DAL may be associated with MPs. However, further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantify the effects of curcumin supplementation on exercise‐induced muscle damage, muscle soreness, inflammatory biomarkers, muscle strength, and joint flexibility via assessment of creatine kinase (CK), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and range of motion (ROM), respectively. Online databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, were searched up to February 2021. RevMan® software (version 5.3) was used for assessing the risk of bias to assess the quality of studies. The mean differences (MD) and confidence intervals (95% CI) of CK activity (IU/L), VAS score, tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) (pg/ml), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (pg/ml), IL‐8 (pg/ml), MVC (nm) and ROM (degree) were pooled using a random‐ or fixed‐effect model. Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using χ‐square or I2 statistic. Ten trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in the pooled analysis. Meta‐analysis showed that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced serum CK activity [WMD = −65.98 IU/L, 95% CI (−99.53 to −32.44)], muscle soreness [WMD = −0.56, 95% CI (−0.84 to −0.27)], and TNF‐α concentration [WMD = −0.22 pg/ml, 95% CI (−0.33 to −0.10)]. Also, curcumin supplementation elicited significant improvements in MVC [WMD = 3.10 nm, 95% CI (1.45–4.75)] and ROM [WMD = 6.49°, 95% CI (3.91–9.07)], although no significant changes in IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were found. Dose–response analysis indicated that there is a significant non‐linear association between the daily dose and the final effect size regarding TNF‐α. Curcumin supplementation may improve some aspects of DOMS, including muscle damage, muscle soreness, inflammation, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. Further, well‐designed and high‐quality studies with larger sample sizes are needed to ascertain the long‐term effects and safety of curcumin supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to provide an accurate description of the effect of Ramadan observance on sleep duration, sleep quality, daily nap duration, and daytime sleepiness in athletes and physically active individuals. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley, and Taylor and Francis) were used to search for relevant studies conducted with athletes or physically active individuals during Ramadan, published in any language, and available before May 23, 2021. Studies that included assessments of sleep quantity and/or quality, and/or daytime sleepiness, and/or daily naps in athletes and physically active individuals were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using "QualSyst". Of the 18 papers included in this study (298 participants in total), 14 were of strong quality, two were moderate, and the remaining two were rated as weak. Individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration (number of studies, K = 17, number of participants, N = 289, g = −0.766, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.199 to −0.333, p = 0.001). Additionally, the global score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased from 4.053 (K = 5, N = 65, 95% CI 3.071–5.034) pre‐Ramadan, to 5.346 (95% CI 4.362–6.333) during Ramadan, indicating a decrease in sleep quality. The duration of daytime naps increased during compared to pre‐Ramadan (K = 2, N = 31, g = 1.020, 95% CI 0.595–1.445, p = 0.000), whereas Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores remained unchanged during versus pre‐Ramadan (K = 3, N = 31, g = 0.190, 95% CI −0.139–0.519, p = 0.257). In conclusion, individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration, impairment of sleep quality, and increase in daytime nap duration, with no change in daytime sleepiness levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accruing adequate daily amounts of time spent on movement behaviors (physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep) in childhood has been associated with positive short and long‐term health outcomes. Nonetheless, how waking time is distributed across PA and SB among preschoolers who are short and adequate sleepers at night is unknown. Aim: This study investigated: (1) if there are differences in a movement behaviors composition among adequate and short nocturnal sleepers; and (2) the association between preschoolers' time spent in PA, SB, and sleep among adequate and short nocturnal sleepers. Methods: A total of 270 preschoolers (132 boys; 3.97 ± 0.81 years old; 15.48 ± 1.62 kg/m2) participated in this study. PA and SB were assessed using accelerometry (model wGT3X). Sleep duration was assessed through a parental‐proxy interview, and preschoolers were stratified as short and adequate sleepers, according to attendance to international sleep duration guidelines. Compositional data analysis was used to explore the time‐use patterns of behaviors among adequate and short sleepers. Results: Short sleepers spent 64 min less time asleep, accumulated 32 min in more sedentary time (p =.005, Cohen's d = 0.36, Bayes Factor: 6.17), and 24 min more in light PA (p =.0005, Cohen's d = 0.44, Bayes Factor: 46.37) compared to adequate sleepers. Conclusions: Being a short sleeper was associated with greater time spent in SB and light PA during their waking hours. The health implications of movement behaviors composition among short sleep preschoolers should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study sought to investigate the effect of Spirulina on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, glycemic profile, and liver enzymes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Methods: This randomized, double‐blind clinical trial was performed on 46 NAFLD patients. Subjects were allocated to consume either Spirulina sauce or placebo, each 20 g/day for 8 weeks. Fatty liver grade, liver enzymes, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and serum lipids, glucose, insulin, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity were assessed pre‐ and postintervention. Results: Fatty liver grade was significantly different between the two groups. A significant change for ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) was seen between the two groups (p =.03 and.02, respectively), while ALP (alkaline phosphatase) serum levels were not significantly different within or between groups. Pertaining to glycemic profile, all variables, except HOMA‐IR, were not significantly different within or between groups. Finally, statistically significant changes were seen in both MDA (malondialdehyde) and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) among the groups (p =.04 and <.001, respectively). Conclusions: Spirulina may improve fatty liver grade by modifying liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and some lipid profiles; however, there was effect of Spirulina on anthropometric characteristics and blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have assessed the effect of red pepper on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) and reported controversial results. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials that evaluated the effect of red pepper/capsaicin consumption on BP and HR. Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched, from database inception to August 2020, to ascertain clinical trials that evaluated the effects of red pepper or capsaicin on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), or HR. Pooled effect size was calculated using a random‐effects method. We performed subgroup analyses to discern probable sources of between‐study heterogeneity. Meta‐analysis showed no significant effect of red pepper/capsaicin on SBP (0.43 mmHg, 95% CI: −1.15 to 2.01), DBP (−0.45 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.14 to 1.24), and HR (−0.60 bpm, 95% CI: −1.97 to 0.78). Although between‐study heterogeneity was high for SBP and DBP, we could not discern the potential sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, red pepper/capsaicin had no effect on BP and HR. The findings should be interpreted with caution because between‐study heterogeneity was high. Further well‐designed and high‐quality studies are required to investigate the efficacy and safety of red pepper/capsaicin supplement on BP and HR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study sought to evaluate the effect of resveratrol supplementation on mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα), p53, p21, p16, and serum levels of cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163) to TNF‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this double‐blind randomized controlled trial, 71 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1,000 mg of trans‐resveratrol or placebo (methyl cellulose) for 8 weeks. Expression levels of genes of interest, and serum levels of sCD163 and sTWEAK were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Resveratrol supplementation significantly increased mRNA expression levels of p53 and p21 genes, compared with the placebo group (fold change of p53 = 1.29, p =.04; fold change of p21 = 1.46, p =.006). However, no significant effect on expression levels of PPARα and p16 genes was observed after supplementation. In addition, resveratrol significantly reduced serum levels of sCD163/sTWEAK ratio compared with the placebo group (p =.003). Resveratrol supplementation resulted in significant changes in p53 and p21 genes expression, while serum levels of sCD163/sTWEAK ratio also improved in the resveratrol group, without any significant change in adjusted sCD163 levels. More research is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of resveratrol for patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperhomocysteinaemia is known to interfere with neurological functions; however, there is a controversy regarding the relationship between homocysteine and depression. Materials and methods: Science Direct, MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science were searched to find relevant articles, published up to August 2020. Studies were included if they compared homocysteine levels in healthy subjects with subjects with depression. Also, articles that reported the association between hyperhomocysteinaemia and risk of depression were included. Odds ratios of depression and means of homocysteine were used to ascertain the overall effect size. Results: Homocysteine level was higher in subjects with depression in comparison with healthy controls (weight mean difference = 2.53 µmol/L, 95% confidence interval: 1.77, 3.30), and the depression diagnostic tool was a source of heterogeneity. Homocysteine level was significantly higher in subjects with depression in studies that used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDRS) and Beck Depression Index II (BDI-II) as depression diagnostic tools. Also, participants with hyperhomocysteinaemia had a higher chance of depression (Pooled risk = 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 1.52), where the depression diagnostic tool was a source of heterogeneity. In contrast to ZDRS and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) subgroups, hyperhomocysteinaemia yielded a significantly higher risk of depression in DSM-IV, GDS and 'other' subgroups. Conclusion: Homocysteinemia level is higher in individuals with depression. However, the depression diagnostic tool used is instrumental in influencing their association, and thus, future studies should focus on the tools for depression assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical behaviors has been established, differences between countries are scarcely explored. The impact of the whole physical behavior composition, in relation to FMS, has yet to be investigated in 9‐11 y children. The aims were to investigate the associations of substitution of physical behaviors with FMS score and to compare traditional linear regression and compositional data analysis and compare between England and Iran. Measures included accelerometer‐derived activity (sleep (SL), sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and FMS, using the TGMD‐2, in 119 children (64 boys) from Iran (mean (±SD) age: 9.8 ± 0.3 y; BMI of 18.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2) and 139 (61 boys) children from England (mean (±SD) age: 9.5 ± 0.6 y; BMI of 17.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2). Isometric log‐ratio multiple linear regression models were used to discern the association between FMS and the mean activity composition, and for new compositions, where fixed durations of time were reallocated from one behavior to another, while the remaining behaviors were unchanged. In physical behaviors as a composition, FMS was significantly associated in both ethnicities. English children responded significantly positively to adding 5 or more minutes LPA at the expense of SB (FMS unit change from 0.05 [0.01, 0.09] at 5 minutes to 0.72 [0.01, 1.34] at 60 minutes). Adding 10 minutes or more of SL, at the expense of SB, was associated with a significant, positive change in FMS in all children. Investigation is needed to understand the composition of SB and its potential influence on FMS development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with hemophilia are an enhanced risk of modifiable cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. There is currently no nutritional guideline to prevent or manage cardiometabolic risk factors in these patients. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the effect of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors among children with hemophilia. In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 40 children (all male) with hemophilia were randomly allocated to the DASH group (n = 20) or control group (n = 20) for 10 weeks. The intervention group received the DASH diet (50%–55% of energy from carbohydrate, 27%–30% of energy from fat and 16%–18% energy from protein), and the control group received nutritional recommendations based on healthy eating practices. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Serum vitamin C was measured as a biomarker of compliance with the DASH diet. Study was registered at IRCT.ir (IRCT20130903014551N6). A significant increase in serum vitamin C in the DASH diet group was observed compared to the control group (p =.001), indicating good compliance with the DASH diet. There was a significant reduction in SBP (−0.48 mmHg), DBP (−0.48 mmHg), FBS (−5.86 mg/dl), TC (−16.07 mg/dl), TG (−17.21 mg/dl), and LDL‐C (−9.79 mg/dl), and a significant increase in HDL‐C (3.39 mg/dl), in the DASH diet group compared with the control group. Adherence to the DASH diet in children with hemophilia yielded beneficial effects in blood pressure, lipid profiles, and FBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of okra consumption on serum levels of lipid profiles and glycemic indices in Type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. The present study was a randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial, carried out in Kerman, Iran. Sixty T2D patients were randomized into intervention and control groups and received 10 g okra powder blended in 150 g conventional yogurt or conventional yogurt alone, along with dinner and lunch, for 8 weeks. Glycemic markers and lipid profile were assessed, as well as anthropometric measures, at the beginning and end of study. The findings showed that 8 weeks okra consumption resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (−15.61 ± 19.44 vs. −3.40 ± 24.78; p =.02), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (−1.17 ± 1.61 vs. −0.14 ± 1.64; p =.01), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.01 ± 0.007 vs. 0.00 ± 0.01; p =.004), triacylglycerol (−22.30 ± 32.46 vs. −3.86 ± 30.57; p =.001), total cholesterol (−10.23 ± 10.36 vs. −2.03 ± 13.94; p =.004), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C; −8.15 ± 10.01 vs. −2.31 ± 9.37; p =.02), and LDL‐C/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio (−0.28 ± 0.37 vs. −0.08 ± 0.24; p =.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in HDL‐C, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin levels, and anthropometric measures. The present study suggests that okra consumption can elicit improvements in lipid profile, as well as glycemic markers, among T2D patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies regarding the influence of green coffee extract (GCE) on blood glucose levels are conflicting. Thus, we sought to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to quantify the effects of GCE and CGA intervention on blood glucose and insulin levels. We performed systematic online searches in Scopus, Web of science, and PubMed databases, from inception to July 2019. Data were combined analyzed using a random effects model (Der Simonian-Laird method) and reported as weighted mean differences (WMD). Ten trials reported the influences of GCE on FBS and insulin and were subsequently entered into the meta-analysis. Combined results highlighted that FBS was significantly altered after GCE consumption (WMD: -1.791 mg/dl, 95% CI -3.404, -0.177), with no significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 35.0%, p = .128). However, overall results demonstrated that GCE administration did not result in any significant alteration in insulin levels (WMD: -0.925 μU/ml, 95% CI:-1.915, 0.064), with significant heterogeneity found across studies (I2 = 87.9%). In sub-group analysis, insulin levels were significantly reduced when GCE was supplemented in dosages of ≥400 mg/day (WMD:-1.942 mg/dl, 95% CI:-1.184, -0.975; I2 = 0.0%). The results of present study support the use of GCE for the enhancement of blood glucose, while subgroup analysis highlighted significant improvements in insulin levels when GCE is supplemented in doses ≥400 mg/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study sought to investigate the effect of micronized resveratrol supplementation on serum levels of asymmetric de-methyl-arginine (ADMA) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this double-blinded randomized trial, 76 patients with T2D were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to consume 1,000 mg resveratrol or placebo capsules (methylcellulose) per day, for 8 weeks. Serum levels of ADMA and PON1 enzyme activity were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In total, 71 participants completed the study. Our results showed that resveratrol significantly decreased serum levels of ADMA (-0.16 ± 0.11, p < .001) and improved PON1 enzyme activity (15.39 ± 13.99, p < .001) compared with placebo, after adjusting for confounding factors (age, sex, and baseline body mass index). Our findings suggest that 8-week resveratrol supplementation may produce beneficial effects on serum levels of ADMA and PON1 enzyme activity in patients with T2DM. However, further research is needed to confirm the veracity of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moisture content of vital and endodontically treated teeth was compared in matched pairs of contralateral human teeth extracted for prosthodontic reasons. Samples from each tooth were weighed then placed in an oven to remove the unbound water from the dentin. Weighing was carried out daily until a constant weight was achieved for three days. The moisture content was then calculated and expressed as a percentage of the initial sample weight. It was found that vital dentin had a moisture content of 12.35% whilst dentin from endodontically treated teeth had a moisture content of 12. 10%. These results indicated that there was no significant difference in the moisture content between endodontically treated teeth and vital teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined whether once-weekly D-cycloserine in patients with schizophrenia will augment neuroplasticity induced by an 8-week cognitive remediation program using auditory discrimination exercises.

Background Human relaxin-2 is a peptide hormone capable of pleiotropic effects in several organ systems. Its recombinant formulation (serelaxin) has been demonstrated to reduce infarct size and prevent excessive scar formation in animal models of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. B7-33, a synthetically designed peptide analogous to B-chain of relaxin-2, invokes signaling at relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (cognate receptor for relaxin-2) by preferentially phosphorylating the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. We sought to investigate the effects of B7-33 treatment post ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. Methods and Results Adult male CD1 mice were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion via ligation of left anterior descending artery for 30 minutes, followed by 24 hours or 7 days of reperfusion. Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function, and cardiac tissue was stained to determine infarct size at 24 hours. B7-33 significantly reduced infarct size (21.99% versus 45.32%; P =0.02) and preserved fractional shortening (29% versus 23%; P =0.02) compared with vehicle. The difference in fractional shortening further increased at 7 days post myocardial infarction (29% versus 20% for B7-33 and vehicle groups, respectively). In vitro , primary cardiomyocytes were isolated from adult hearts and subjected to simulated ischemia-reperfusion injury (simulated ischemia reoxygenation). B7-33 (50 and 100 nmol/L) improved cell survival and reduced the expression of GRP78 (glucose regulated protein), an endoplasmic reticulum stress marker. Subsequently, B7-33 (100 nmol/L) reduced tunicamycin (2.5 μg/mL) induced upregulation of GRP78 in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent manner. Conclusions B7-33 confers acute cardioprotection and limits myocardial infarction-related adverse remodeling in mice by attenuating cardiomyocyte death and endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as preserving cardiac function.

Arterial medial calcification (AMC) is associated with crystallization of hydroxyapatite in the extracellular matrix and arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) leading to reduced arterial compliance. The study was performed to test whether lysosomal acid sphingomyelinase (murine gene code: Smpd1)-derived ceramide contributes to the small extracellular vesicle (sEV) secretion from SMCs and consequently leads to AMC. In Smpd1 trg /SM cre mice with SMC-specific overexpression of Smpd1 gene, a high dose of Vit D (500 000 IU/kg/d) resulted in increased aortic and coronary AMC, associated with augmented expression of RUNX2 and osteopontin in the coronary and aortic media compared with their littermates (Smpd1 trg /SM wt and WT/WT mice), indicating phenotypic switch. However, amitriptyline, an acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) inhibitor, reduced calcification and reversed phenotypic switch. Smpd1 trg /SM cre mice showed increased CD63, AnX2 and ALP levels in the arterial wall, accompanied by reduced co-localization of lysosome marker (Lamp-1) with multivesicular body (MVB) marker (VPS16), a parameter for lysosome-MVB interaction. All these changes related to lysosome fusion and sEV release were substantially attenuated by amitriptyline. Increased arterial stiffness and elastin disorganization were found in Smpd1 trg /SM cre mice as compared to their littermates. In cultured coronary arterial SMCs (CASMCs) from Smpd1 trg /SM cre mice, increased P i concentrations led to markedly increased calcium deposition, phenotypic change and sEV secretion compared with WT CASMCs, accompanied by reduced lysosome-MVB interaction. However, amitriptyline prevented these changes in P i -treated CASMCs. These data indicate that lysosomal ceramide plays a critical role in phenotype change and sEV release in SMCs, which may contribute to the arterial stiffness during the development of AMC., (© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.)

Mosaic trisomy 8, also known as Warkany syndrome, has a well-characterized constellation of phenotypic findings. Partial trisomy 8, including mosaic cases, has also been reported, with outcome and counseling dependent on the chromosomal segment involved and whether accompanied by partial aneuploidy for other chromosomes. We present a case of a fetus mosaic for trisomy of the entire long arm (q) of chromosome 8 without additional chromosomal aberrations. The diagnosis was made by amniocentesis performed following an 18 week sonogram that showed multiple fetal anomalies. Mosaicism for trisomy 8q was confirmed by routine karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. The case proved useful for testing the sensitivity of array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) with respect to segmental trisomy in the presence of chromosomal mosaicism. The phenotype of this fetus, which appears to be the first reported case involving mosaic trisomy 8 for the entire q arm of the chromosome, is described and compared to previously reported cases involving partial trisomy 8q., ((c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)