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Oxidative stress (OS) is associated with several chronic complications and diseases. The use of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an adjuvant treatment with routine clinical therapy against metabolic diseases has shown to be beneficial. However, the impact of CoQ10 as a preventive agent against OS has not been systematically investigated. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation on OS parameters. Standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for net changes in OS parameters using a random-effects model. Seventeen randomized clinical trials met the eligibility criteria to be included in the meta-analysis. Overall, CoQ10 supplementation was associated with a statistically significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD − 0.94; 95% CI − 1.46, − 0.41; I2 = 87.7%) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD 0.67; 95% CI 0.28, 1.07; I2 = 74.9%) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (SMD 0.40; 95% CI 1.12, 0.67; I2 = 9.6%). The meta-analysis found no statistically significant impact of CoQ10 supplementation on nitric oxide (NO) (SMD − 1.40; 95% CI − 0.12, 1.93; I2 = 92.6%), glutathione (GSH) levels (SMD 0.41; 95% CI − 0.09, 0.91; I2 = 70.0%), catalase (CAT) activity (SMD 0.36; 95% CI − 0.46, 1.18; I2 = 90.0%), or glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities (SMD − 1.40; 95% CI: − 0.12, 1.93; I2 = 92.6%). CoQ10 supplementation, in the tested range of doses, was shown to reduce MDA concentrations, and increase TAC and antioxidant defense system enzymes. However, there were no significant effects of CoQ10 on NO, GSH concentrations, or CAT activity.

Recent evidence indicates a beneficial effect of Melissa officinalis (MO) intake on several chronic diseases. However, the effects of MO intake have not yet been systematically reviewed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of MO intake and focused on several cardiometabolic outcomes. MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for MO-RCTs evaluating cardiometabolic outcomes. Random-effects meta-analyses estimated the pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) between intervention and control groups. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in RCTs. Seven RCTs were finally deemed eligible. MO intake was associated with a reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: -0.26; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.01; I2 = 13.7%; k = 6) and a reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD: -0.56; 95% CI: -0.85, -0.27; I2 = 00.0%; k = 3). MO intake was not associated with statistically significant changes in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, diastolic blood pressure, high sensitivity c-reactive protein levels, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin or high-density lipoprotein levels. No serious adverse events were reported. The risk of bias was high in a considerable amount of studies. Our study suggests that MO is a safe supplement with beneficial effects on TC and SBP. However, the findings of our study must be seen in the light of major limitations such as a low number of included studies and a serious risk of bias. High-quality RCTs are needed for firm conclusions concerning the effects of MO on cardiometabolic outcomes.

Nuts are one of the dietary components which appear to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease biomarkers. Studies demonstrate beneficial effects of cash-ews on serum lipids concentration, but results in the literature remain inconclusive. We conducted a review to examine the effects of cashew nut supplementation on serum lipid profile.Two reviewers independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE electronic databases from inception until June 2019 without language limitation. Random- and fixed-effects models were used to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CI) for studies.Six randomized clinical trials comprising 531 participants were included in this systematic review. Three studies were included in the meta-analysis model. There were no significant changes for total cholesterol (TC) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.32, 0.28), triglycerides (TG) (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.22, 0.20), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (SMD: 0.09, 95% CI: -0.16, 0.34), or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (SMD: -0.18, 95% CI: -0.75, 0.39).The results of this analysis demonstrate that treatment with cashew nut supplementation alone did not significantly change serum levels of LDL, HDL, TC, or TG.Einleitung: Nüsse zählen zu den Nahrungsbestandteilen, die günstige Auswirkungen auf Biomarker für kardiovaskuläre Krankheiten zu haben scheinen. Es gibt Studien, die Cashewnüssen günstige Effekte auf Serumlipidwerte bescheinigen, doch insgesamt ist die Ergebnislage in der Literatur nicht schlüssig. Daher führten wir eine Literaturanalyse durch, um die Auswirkungen einer Supplementierung von Cashewnüssen auf das Serumlipidprofil zu untersuchen. Methoden: Zwei Reviewer durchsuchten unabhängig die elektronischen Datenbanken PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus und EMBASE von deren jeweiligem Anfang bis Juni 2019 ohne Sprachenbeschränkung. Mit Random- und Fixed-Effect-Modellen wurden 95%-Konfidenzintervalle (KI) für die Studien berechnet. Ergebnisse: Sechs randomisierte klinische Studien mit insgesamt 531 Teilnehmern wurden in die ­systematische Übersichtsarbeit eingeschlossen. Drei Studien wurden in das Metaanalysemodell eingeschlossen. Es gab keine signifikanten Veränderungen beim Gesamtcholesterin (TC) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: –0,02, 95%-KI: –0,32, 0,28), bei den Triglyzeriden (TG) (SMD: –0,01, 95%-KI: –0,22, 0,20), dem an Lipoproteine hoher Dichte gebundenen Cholesterin (HDL-Cholesterin) (SMD: 0,09, 95%-KI: –0,16, 0,34) oder dem an Lipoproteine geringer Dichte gebundenen Cholesterin (LDL-Cholesterin) (SMD: –0,18, 95%-KI: –0,75, 0,39). Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse dieser Analyse belegen, dass die Supplementierung von Cashewnüssen als alleinige Maßnahme keine signifikante Veränderung der Serumkonzentrationen von LDL-Cholesterin, HDL-Cholesterin, TC oder TG bewirkt.

The free linear vibration of an adaptive sandwich beam consisting of a frequency and field-dependent magnetorheological fluid core and an axially functionally graded constraining layer is investigated. The Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories are utilized for defining the longitudinal and lateral deformation of the sandwich beam. The Rayleigh-Ritz method is used to derive the frequency-dependent eigenvalue problem through the kinetic and strain energy expressions of the sandwich beam. In order to deal with the frequency dependency of the core, the approached complex eigenmodes method is implemented. The validity of the formulation and solution method is confirmed through comparison with the results available in the literature. Finally, the effects of the magnetic field, axially functionally graded material power-law index, constraining, and core layers thickness on the free vibration behavior of the sandwich beam are studied thoroughly for clamped–clamped, simply supported, and clamped-free boundary conditions. It is shown that any change in each of these parameters would have significant effects on the beam's free vibration properties.

Weight loss in the form of cachexia is a comorbid condition which is associated with delayed recovery, especially in cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients. Arginine (Arg), Glutamine (Gln), and the Leucine metabolite, Hydroxy methyl butyrate (HMB) are substrates which have been investigated due to their potential role in ameliorating muscle mass. We conducted a systematic review to appraise available studies assessing the effect of Arg, Gln, and HMB supplementation on improving body weight and muscle mass in those with pathological conditions. A comprehensive search for studies published between January 1990 and November 2017 was performed. The interested primary outcome of this systematic review was weight. Two reviewers independently searched databases and 125 papers were identified from the initial search, overall, we selected five studies that were suitable for our systematic review. The results of the studies shows that this combination can improve fat free mass, weight and immune function in cachexia and morbid weight loss patients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cachexia is one of the main problems in many chronic diseases. Providing a nutritional support is usually the main concern in patients with severe weight loss due to the impaired appetite and gastrointestinal tract irritation. Among nutrition interventions, Protein and amino acid supplementation receive much attention due to the loss of muscle tissue and the negative balance of protein and nitrogen in patients with severe weight loss. Arg, Gln, and HMB (Arg/Gln/HMB) supplementation can improve weight gain and prevent weight loss in chronic diseases.