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This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effect of caffeine intake on weight loss. We searched the following databases until November 2017: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and assessed for quality of the studies according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We estimated an intake-status regression coefficient (Beta) for each primary study and estimated the overall pooled Beta and SE using random effects meta-analysis on a double-log scale. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and I-squared tests (I

One of the major reasons for mortality throughout the world is cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, bio-markers of cardiovascular disease are of high importance to diagnose and manage procedure. Detecting biomarkers provided a promising procedure in developing bio-sensors. Fast, selective, portable, accurate, inexpensive, and sensitive biomarker sensing instruments will be necessary for detecting and predicting diseases. One of the cardiac biomarkers may be ordered as C-reactive proteins, lipoprotein-linked phospho-lipase, troponin I or T, myoglobin, interleukin-6, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, LDL and myeloperoxidase. The biomarkers are applied to anticipate cardio-vascular illnesses. Initial diagnoses of these diseases are possible by several techniques; however, they are laborious and need costly apparatus. Current researches designed various bio-sensors for resolving the respective issues. Electrochemical instruments and the proposed bio-sensors are preferred over other methods due to its inexpensiveness, mobility, reliability, repeatability. The present review comprehensively dealt with detecting biomarkers of cardiovascular disease through electro-chemical techniques.

Background and objective Although several studies have assessed the effect of folate supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases, findings are inconsistent. This review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the evidence on the effects of folate supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases. Methods Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) published in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases up to until 20 August 2017 were searched. Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias of included studies. Heterogeneity was measured with a Q-test and with I2 statistics. Data were pooled by using the fix or random-effect model based on the heterogeneity test results and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results A total of thirteen randomized controlled trials were included. Folate supplementation did not affect systolic blood pressure (SMD −0.87; 95% CI, −1.83, 0.09) and diastolic blood pressure (SMD −0.59; 95% CI, −1.55, 0.37), and lipid profiles including triglycerides (SMD 0.10; 95% CI, −0.42, 0.63), total- (SMD 0.06; 95% CI, −0.31, 0.43), HDL- (SMD 0.04; 95% CI, −0.36, 0.44), VLDL- (SMD 0.08; 95% CI, −0.24, 0.41), and LDL-cholesterol (SMD −0.14; 95% CI, −0.55, 0.28). Conclusions Folate supplementation did not affect blood pressures and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases. Additional prospective studies regarding the impact of folate supplementation on blood pressures and lipid profiles in patients with metabolic diseases are necessary.

Sir, Which method has the most accurate measurement of daily salt intake? The recently published paper by Hasandokht et al., entitled “Life style interventions for hypertension treatment among Iranian women in primary health-care settings: Results of a randomized controlled trial,” had this advantage that it was done in Iran[1] that emphasized on the importance of preventive medicine in Iranian population. As the authors mentioned in their study and because the positive correlation between daily salt intake and hypertension is an essential risk factor,[1] it is important to estimate nearly accurate daily sodium intake. However, in their study the amount of dietary salt Intake is based on self-reported food record questionnaires, and this is one of the limitations of their study.[1] We suggested to obtain a morning fasting midstream urine sample from each patient and after freezing, and to send it to the laboratory in an ambient packaging with special boxes for biologic materials.[2] After that the Kawasaki formula is used to calculate 24 h urinary sodium excretion and this estimate is used as equivalent for most accurate salt intake.[2,3] Thus, by this procedure nearly accurate daily sodium intake is achieved and the validity of the studies would be increased. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: This research was to examine the effects of synbiotic intake on minerals, liver enzymes, and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This randomized, cross-over clinical trial was performed among 62 diabetic patients. Persons were randomly assigned to intake either a synbiotic (n = 62) or a control food (n = 62) for 6 weeks. A 3-week washout period was applied following which persons were crossed over to the alternate intervention arm for an additional 6 weeks. The synbiotic was consisted of Lactobacillus sporogenes (1 × 107 CFU), 0.04 g inulin (HPX) as prebiotic. Persons were asked to consume the synbiotic and control foods 27 g a day. Blood pressure was measured, and blood samples were taken at baseline and after 6-week intervention to assess calcium, magnesium, iron, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin. Results: The consumption of a synbiotic food, compared to the control food, resulted in a significant rise of calcium (0.66 vs. −0.14 mg/dL, P = 0.03) and iron (5.06 vs. −9.98 mg/dL, P = 0.03). The decrease of total bilirubin (0.08 vs. −0.04 mg/dL; P = 0.009) was also seen in the synbiotic group compared with the control group. Conclusions: Overall, synbiotic in T2D patients had beneficial effects on calcium, iron, and total bilirubin concentrations.