Nutrition and health

Objectives:
Is hypertension a risk factor in adults with cerebral palsy?

Study design:
This review article included data from 11 international cohort studies representing 444 adults with cerebral palsy [median (IQR) age of the sample was 29.0 (23.0-38.0), 51% men, 89% spastic type, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-V].

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found overall mean systolic blood pressure was 124.9 mmHg [95% CI = 121.7 to 128.1] and overall mean diastolic blood pressure was 79.9 mmHg [95% CI = 77.2 to 82.5].

The investigators found overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.7% [95% CI = 18.8 to 39.8%].

The investigators found subgroup analysis indicated higher blood pressure levels or higher prevalence of hypertension in adults with cerebral palsy above 40 years of age, men, those with spastic cerebral palsy or those who lived in Africa.

The investigators concluded that the findings in this review article underscore the importance of clinical screening for blood pressure in individuals with cerebral palsy beginning in young adulthood.

Original title:
Blood pressure in adults with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data by Noten S, van den Berg-Emons RJG, [...], Van Der Slot WMA.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34102658/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on lowering blood pressure and cardiovascular disease right here.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children.
 

Objectives:
Does spirulina supplementation improve glycemic related markers (like, fasting blood glucose, post prandial blood sugar and HbA1c levels) and lipid profile (like, triglyceride and cholesterol levels) among type 2 diabetes patients?

Study design:
This review article included 8 RCTs (9 arms).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found, spirulina supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels [-17.88 mg/dL, 95% CI = -26.99 to -8.78, I2 = 25%] among type 2 diabetes patients.

The investigators found, spirulina supplementation significantly reduced triglyceride levels [-30.99 mg/dL, 95% CI = -45.20 to -16.77, I2 = 50%] among type 2 diabetes patients.

The investigators found, spirulina supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol levels [-18.47 mg/dL, 95% CI = -33.54 to -3.39, I2 = 73%] among type 2 diabetes patients.

The investigators found, spirulina supplementation significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels [-20.04 mg/dL, 95% CI = -34.06 to -6.02, I2 = 75%] among type 2 diabetes patients.

The investigators found, spirulina supplementation significantly reduced VLDL cholesterol levels [-6.96 mg/dL, 95% CI = -9.71 to -4.22, I2 = 33%] among type 2 diabetes patients.

The investigators found, spirulina supplementation significantly increased HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels among type 2 diabetes patients.

The investigators found no significant effect on HbA1C or post prandial blood sugar among type 2 diabetes patients following spirulina supplementation.

The investigators concluded that spirulina supplementation has beneficial effects on fasting blood glucose and blood lipid profiles among type 2 diabetes patients.

Original title:
The effect of spirulina on type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Hatami E, Ghalishourani SS, […], Mansour-Ghanaei F.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34178867/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on lowering cholesterol levels and diabetes right here.

Objectives:
Does guarana supplementation reduce cancer-related fatigue?

Study design:
This review article included 7 RCTs with a total of 427 cancer patients.
Some studies presented a low risk of bias for all the categories.
Meta-analysis was conducted for 3 studies about breast cancer, which presented sufficient data.

The instruments used to analyze fatigue were the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), the Chalder Fatigue Scale, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-FATIGUE) and the Piper Scale.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found guarana supplementation did not reduce cancer-related fatigue compared with placebo groups [mean = -0.02, 95% CI = -1.54 to 1.50, p = 0.98] and the quality of evidence according to GRADE was very low.

The investigators concluded that guarana supplementation did not reduce cancer-related fatigue. However, further studies with better methodological quality are needed.

Original title:
The use of guarana (Paullinia cupana) as a dietary supplement for fatigue in cancer patients: a systematic review with a meta-analysis by de Araujo DP, Pereira PTVM, […], Garcia JBS.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146166/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on fruit and cancer right here.

 

Objectives:
Undernutrition, defined as stunting, wasting and underweight, still implicates millions of infants and children worldwide. Micronutrients have pivotal effects on growth rate. The outcomes of vitamin D deficiency on undernutrition indices have stayed controversial. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does a low vitamin D status/level increase risk of wasting, stunting and underweight in children?

Study design:
This review article included 7 observational studies (4 cohorts and 3 cross-sectional) with a total number of 7,624 children, some of who were stunted (n = 1,349), wasted (n = 505) and underweight (n = 417).

Evidence of publication bias was not recognized in both the egger test and funnel plot for wasting [p = 0.93], stunting [p = 0.20] and underweight [p = 0.97].

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that low vs. high serum level of vitamin D was directly significantly associated with a 30% higher risk of wasting [Summary Risk Estimate = 1.30, 95% CI =1.04 to 1.62, I2 = 0%].
However, there is no significant association between vitamin status and risk of stunting [Summary Risk Estimate = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.72 to 1.70, I2 = 81.6%] and underweight [Summary Risk Estimate = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.56, I2 = 49.2%].

The investigators found, according to the sensitivity analysis test results, any studies could not significantly influence summary risk regarding the association of low vs. high serum concentrations of vitamin D and risk of wasting, stunting and underweight.

The investigators concluded that when comparing low and high serum vitamin D concentration categories, there is an inverse link between vitamin D status and wasting, but no relationship with stunting as well as underweight. These findings propose that strategies to enhance vitamin D status in children by food fortification or supplementation could help the Ministry of Health's efforts to decrease undernutrition, especially wasting.

Original title:
Association Between Vitamin D Status and Undernutrition Indices in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies by Song C, Sun H, […],Lu H.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8211725/

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Find more information/studies on RCTs/cohort/significantly/review article, vitamin D and food fortification/malnutrition right here.
 

Objectives:
Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are associated with breast cancer. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an adjuvant treatment with conventional anti-cancer chemotherapy has been demonstrated to help in the inflammatory process and oxidative stress. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduce levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters and matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (MMPs/TIMPs) in patients with breast cancer?

Study design:
This review article included 9 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that coenzyme Q10 supplementation (100 mg/day for 45-90 days) significantly decreased the levels of
-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [SMD = -1.88, 95% CI = -2. 62 to -1.13, I2 = 93.1%, p 0.001];
-IL-8 [SMD = -2.24, 95% CI = -2.68 to -1.8, I2 = 79.6%, p = 0.001];
-matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) [SMD = -1.49, 95% CI = -1.85 to -1.14, I2 = 76.3%, p = 0.005] and
-matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) [SMD = -1.58, 95% CI = -1.97 to -1.19, I2 = 79.6%, p = 0.002].

The investigators concluded that 100 mg/day coenzyme Q10 supplementation for 45-90 days reduces some of the important markers of inflammation and matrix metalloproteinases in patients with breast cancer. However, further studies with controlled trials for other types of cancer are needed to better understand and confirm the effect of coenzyme Q10 on tumor therapy.

Original title:
Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammation, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Alimohammadi M, Rahimi A, […], Rafiei A.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34008150/

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Find more information/studies on coenzyme Q10 and breast cancer right here.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in promoting angiogenesis and is over-expressed in breast cancer.

IL-8 is a marker of ER-negative and/or HER2-positive breast cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-containing, calcium dependent endopeptidases which play a substantial role in breast carcinogenesis through several mechanisms. These mechanisms include remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM), cell proliferation and angiogenesis which promote metastasis and result in tumor progression.

Objectives:
Does a high BMI increase liver cancer mortality and occurrence of primary liver cancer?

Study design:
This review article included 28 prospective cohort studies with 8,135,906 subjects, of which 6,059,561 subjects (persons) with primary liver cancer occurrence and 2,077,425 subjects with liver cancer-related mortality.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in the meta-analysis, that an increase in BMI significantly increased the occurrence of primary liver cancer with 69% [HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.50 to 1.90, I2 = 56%].
Significant means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found that a BMI>25 (overweight) significantly increased the occurrence of primary liver cancer with 36% [HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.81].
Significant because HR of 1 was not found in the 95% CI of 1.02 to 1.81. HR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found that a BMI>30 (obesity) significantly increased the occurrence of primary liver cancer with 77% [HR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.56 to 2.01].
Significantly means it can be said with a 95% confidence that a BMI>30 really increased the occurrence of primary liver cancer with 77%.

The investigators found that a BMI>35 significantly increased the occurrence of primary liver cancer with 208% [HR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.21 to 7.86].

The investigators found that an increase in BMI significantly increased liver cancer-related mortality with 61% [HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.27].

The investigators concluded that high BMI increases liver cancer mortality and occurrence of primary liver cancer. Obesity (BMI>30) is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of and mortality from primary liver cancer.

Original title:
Obesity and the risk of primary liver cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Sohn W, Lee S, [...], Yoon SK.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7820201/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on cancer and obesity/overweight right here.

Am I overweight?

Which products are suitable for persons with overweight?

Use the 7-points nutritional profile app to see if your daily eaten products are suitable for you if you are overweight.

Objectives:
Catechins are a part of the chemical family of flavonoids, a naturally occurring antioxidant, and a secondary metabolite in certain plants. Green tea catechins are well recognized for their essential anti-inflammatory, photo-protective, antioxidant and chemo-preventive functions. Ultraviolet radiation is a principal cause of damage to the skin. Studies observed that regular intake of green tea catechins increased the minimal dose of radiation required to induce erythema. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the impact of oral supplementation with green tea catechins on ultraviolet radiation-induced skin inflammation in human subjects. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Is green tea catechin supplementation associated with protection against UV-induced damage due to erythema inflammation in humans?

Study design:
This review article included 6 randomized controlled studies with a total of 100 healthy volunteers. The intervention duration of administrated green tea catechins orally varied from 6 to 12 weeks.

All studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis measured the erythema index using solar simulator techniques, wherein the blue-light (mimicking sunlight) solar simulator was used to irradiate the skin and skin color was evaluated by chromameter before and 24 h after irradiation at baseline and post-supplementation of green tea catechins.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found meta-analysis results confirmed oral supplementation of green tea catechins was highly effective at low-intensity ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema response [MED range = 1.25 to 1.30] compared to placebo, showing a significant pooling difference in erythema index [SMD = -0.35, 95% CI = -0.57 to -0.13, p = 0.002, I2 = 4%, p = 0.40] in the random-effects model.

The investigators concluded that regular green tea catechin supplementation (as low as 540 mg of green tea catechins per day) is associated with protection against UV-induced damage due to erythema inflammation in humans, wherein green tea catechin metabolites are bioavailable at the dermis and epidermis levels of the skin and thus increase the minimal dose of radiation (MED) required to induce erythema. This in turn suggests that green tea catechins can strengthen the skin’s tolerance to ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage from radiation through the prevention of the ultraviolet radiation-induced perturbation of epidermal barrier functions.

Original title:
Green Tea Catechin Association with Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Erythema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Kapoor MP, Sugita M, [...], Okubo T.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8233826/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies about review article/significant and green tea.

Sunburn, also called UV-induced or solar erythema, is characterized by painful blistering and sometimes second degree burn.

Objectives:
Essential amino acids (EAAs) promote the process of regulating muscle synthesis. Thus, whey protein that contains higher amounts of essential amino acids can have a considerable effect on modifying muscle synthesis. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effect of soya and whey protein supplementation on body composition. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does whey protein or soya protein supplementation improve body composition parameters (like lean body mass, body mass, fat mass and body fat percentage) in adults?

Study design:
This review article included 10 RCTs with 596 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significant increase in lean body mass after whey protein supplementation [WMD = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.15 to 1.67, p = 0.019].
This significant increase was not found for soya protein supplementation.

The investigators found no significant change between whey protein supplementation and body mass, fat mass and body fat percentage.

The investigators found no significant change between soya protein supplementation and body mass, fat mass and body fat percentage.

The investigators concluded that whey protein supplementation improves body composition via increases in lean body mass, without influencing fat mass, body mass and body fat percentage in adults.

Original title:
Comparison of the effect of soya protein and whey protein on body composition: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials by Damaghi MP, Mirzababaei A, […], Mirzaei K.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33971994/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies on protein and sport nutrition. 

Objectives:
To overcome the limitations of conventional malaria rapid diagnostic tests (cRDTs) in diagnosing malaria in patients with low parasitaemia, ultrasensitive malaria rapid diagnostic tests (uRDTs) have recently been developed, with promising results under laboratory conditions. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

What is the overall sensitivity and specificity of newly developed ultrasensitive Plasmodium falciparum malaria RDT (Alere™ Ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT (uRDT)), when compared with the conventional malaria rapid diagnostic tests (cRDT) conducted in the same field conditions?

Study design:
This review article included 14 cross sectional studies with 15 data sets.
Studies were published between 2018 and 2021, with 9 out of 14 conducted in sub-Saharan African countries.
The mean/median age of the study population ranged from 4 to 36 years as reported by 7 studies.
The risk of bias in studies included in the review ranged from low to moderate.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the overall sensitivity of the Alere™ ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants, was 55.5% [95% CI = 45.5 to 65.0], while the sensitivity regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants, was 42.9% [95% CI = 31.5 to 55.2] for the cRDT performed in the same field conditions.

The investigators found when PCR was used as reference test, the sensitivity of uRDT was 60.4% [95% CI = 50.8 to 69.2], while the sensitivity was 49.4% [95% CI = 38.2 to 60.6] for the cRDT.

The investigators found the pooled specificity of uRDT regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants was 98.6% [95% CI = 97.1 to 99.4] and the pooled specificity of cRDT regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants was 99.3% [95% CI = 98.1 to 99.7].

The investigators found when PCR was used as reference test the specificity of uRDT and cRDT was 97.5% [95% CI = 94.1 to 98.9] and 98.2% [95% CI = 95.5 to 99.3].

The investigators found regardless of the reference test used, the sensitivity of Alere™ Ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT in symptomatic patients was 72.1% [95% CI = 67.4 to 76.4], while sensitivity of cRDT was 67.4% [95% CI = 57.6 to 75.9].

The investigators concluded that Alere™ Ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT (uRDT) compared to conventional malaria rapid diagnostic tests (cRDT) performed in the same field conditions has higher sensitivity but lower specificity although the difference is not statistically significant.

Original title:
Assessing field performance of ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic tests for malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis and Danwang C, Kirakoya-Samadoulougou F and Samadoulougou S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8176703/

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Find more information/studies on RCTs/cohort/significantly/review article, malaria and food fortification/malnutrition right here.

In a diagnostic test, sensitivity is a measure of how well a test can identify true positives.
In a diagnostic test, specificity is a measure of how well a test can identify true negatives.

 

Objectives:
Does grapes/grape products supplementation improve glycemic indices (like HOMA-IR, Hb1Ac and fasting insulin level) in adults or in other words, does eating grapes or grape products causally improve glycemic indices in adults?

Study design:
This review article included 29 RCTs with a total of 1,297 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found, overall, the grapes/grape products supplementation significantly reduced homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [WMD = -0.54, 95% CI = -0.91 to -0.17, p = 0.004] in adults.   
Significantly because the calculated p-value of = 0.004 was less than the p-value of 0.05.

The investigators found, however, the grapes/grape products supplementation did not affect fasting insulin levels [WMD = -0.90 μIU/mL, 95% CI = -1.04 to 2.84, p = 0.362] and hemoglobin A1c (Hb1Ac) percentage [WMD = 0.00%, 95% CI = -0.10 to 0.11, p = 0.916] in the main analyses.
Did not affect because the calculated p-value of 0.916 was larger than the p-value of 0.05.

The investigators concluded that the grapes/grape products supplementation reduces homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in adults. Further, large-scale RCTs with longer duration are required to confirm these results.

Original title:
The effect of grapes/grape products on glycemic response: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Moodi V, Abedi S, […], Miraghajani M.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33893683/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on fruit and diabetes right here.

Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is a method for assessing β-cell function and insulin resistance (IR) from basal (fasting) glucose and insulin or C-peptide concentrations. HOMA-IR is an indicator of insulin resistance in diabetic patients. The higher the value, the more resistant you are to insulin. Diabetic patients often have a high HOMA-IR value.

Objectives:
Despite growing evidence that type 2 diabetes is associated with dementia, the question of whether intensive glucose control can prevent or arrest cognitive decline remains unanswered. Therefore, this review articles (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does intensive glucose control slow down cognitive decline in persons with type 2 diabetes?

Study design:
This review article included 5 cohort studies with 16,584 participants.
The mean follow-up duration ranged from 3.5 to 10 years.
The mean age of participants in the studies included in the current meta-analysis was 65.6 years at the initiation of the studies and the proportion of women was 40.8%.
All quality assessment scores fell in the range of 8 or 9, indicating high quality.
There was no publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significantly poorer decline in cognitive function in the intensive glucose control group [β = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.05 to -0.02] than in the conventional glucose control group.

The investigators found, subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in the change in cognitive performance in composite cognitive function [β = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.05 to -0.01] and memory [β = -0.13, 95% CI = -0.25 to -0.02].

The investigators concluded that intensive glucose control in persons with type 2 diabetes slows down cognitive decline, especially the decline in composite and memory function. The impact of intensive glucose control on the brain structural abnormalities and risk of dementia needs further rigorously designed studies to validate these findings. Also, replicating and validating these findings is warranted.

Original title:
Impact of Intensive Glucose Control on Brain Health: Meta-Analysis of Cumulative Data from 16,584 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Tang X, Cardoso MA, […], Simó R.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7947088/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on glucose, dementia and diabetes right here.

Objectives:
There is much debate regarding the source/quality of dietary proteins in supporting indices of skeletal muscle anabolism. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

What is the effect of protein source/quality on acute muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and changes in lean body mass (LBM) and strength, when combined with resistance exercise (RE)?  

Study design:
This review article included 27 studies that compared the effects of ≥2 dose-matched, predominantly isolated protein sources of varying "quality”, in young (18-35 y) and older (≥60 y) adults.

3 separate models were employed as follows: 1) protein feeding alone on muscle protein synthesis, 2) protein feeding combined with a bout of resistance exercise on muscle protein synthesis and 3) protein feeding combined with longer-term resistance exercise training (RET) on lean body mass and strength.  

The mean age for the young groups across all 3 models ranged between 20 and 29 y and the older groups were between 61 and 75 y.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found analysis revealed an effect favoring higher-quality protein for postprandial muscle protein synthesis at rest [mean difference (MD) = 0.014%/h, 95% CI = 0.006 to 0.021, p 0.001] and following resistance exercise [MD = 0.022%/h, 95% CI = 0.014 to 0.030, p 0.00001] in young [model 1 = 0.016%/h, 95% CI = -0.004 to 0.036, p = 0.12. Model 2 = 0.030%/h, 95% CI = 0.015 to 0.045, p 0.0001] and older [model 1 = 0.012%/h, 95% CI = 0.006 to 0.018, p 0.001. Model 2 = 0.014%/h, 95% CI = 0.007 to 0.021, p 0.001] adults.  

The investigators found, however, although higher protein quality was significantly associated with superior strength gains with resistance exercise training [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.24 kg, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.45, p = 0.03], no effect was observed on changes to lean body mass [SMD = 0.05 kg, 95% CI = -0.16 to 0.25, p = 0.65].

The investigators concluded that protein quality provides a small but significant impact on indices of muscle protein anabolism in young and older adults. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the importance of protein source/quality on musculoskeletal aging, particularly in situations of low protein intake.

Original title:
Protein Source and Quality for Skeletal Muscle Anabolism in Young and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Morgan PT, Harris DO, […], Breen L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8245874/

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Objectives:
Which disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs improve knee and hip osteoarthritis among adults?

Study design:
This review article included 28 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 11,890 patients.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found glucosamine supplements significantly improved both structure [minimum joint width or cartilage volume: network results: SMD = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.28] and symptoms [pain = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.25 to -0.05 and function = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.28 to -0.07] of knee and hip osteoarthritis among adults.

The investigators found chondroitin supplements significantly improved both structure [minimum joint width or cartilage volume: network results: SMD = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.32] and symptoms [pain = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.15 to -0.03 and function = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.26 to -0.03] of knee and hip osteoarthritis among adults.

The investigators found strontium supplements significantly improved structure [minimum joint width or cartilage volume: SMD = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.38] of knee and hip osteoarthritis among adults.

The investigators found vitamin D supplements significantly improved symptoms [pain = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.27 to -0.03 and function = -0.18, 95% CI = -0.31 to -0.06] of knee and hip osteoarthritis among adults.  

The investigators found, although doxycycline also demonstrated a favorable efficacy ranking, its safety profile was poor [withdrawal: network relative risk = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.03 to 2.75].

The investigators concluded glucosamine and chondroitin supplements yield statistically significant but clinically questionable long-term benefit on structure and symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis among adults, though both have favorable safety profiles.
Strontium supplements improve structure and vitamin D supplements improve symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis among adults. Although doxycycline has a favorable efficacy ranking, its safety profile is poor.
None of the 12 classes of drugs appears to have long-term clinically significant benefit.

Original title:
The Efficacy and Safety of Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs for Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis-a Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis by Yang W, Sun C, […], Zhuo Q.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33846938/

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Objectives:
Patients with kidney failure often present with reduced cardiovascular functional reserve and exercise tolerance. Previous studies on cardiorespiratory fitness examined with cardiopulmonary-exercise-testing (CPET) in kidney-transplant-recipients (KTR) had variable results. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does cardiovascular functional reserve improve after kidney-transplantation?

Study design:
This review article included 8 studies with 461 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found kidney-transplant-recipients had significantly higher oxygen consumption at peak/max exercise (VO2 peak/VO2 max) compared to patients with kidney failure [SMD = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.31 to 1.10, I2 = 70%, p = 0.002]. 

The investigators found, in subgroup analyses, similar differences were evident among 7 studies comparing kidney-transplant-recipients and hemodialysis patients [SMD = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.16 to 1.12, I2 = 65%, p = 0.009] and 2 studies comparing kidney-transplant-recipients with peritoneal dialysis subjects [SMD = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.19 to 2.09, I2 = 50%, p = 0.16]. 

The investigators found across 4 studies with relevant data, oxygen consumption during peak/max exercise showed significant improvement after kidney-transplantation compared to pre-transplantation values [WMD = 2.43, 95% CI = 0.01 to 4.85, I2 = 68%, p = 0.02].

The investigators concluded kidney-transplant-recipients exhibit higher cardiovascular functional reserve during cardiopulmonary-exercise-testing compared to patients with kidney failure. Cardiovascular reserve is also improved after kidney-transplantation in relation to pre-surgery levels.

Original title:
Cardiorespiratory fitness in kidney transplant recipients compared to patients with kidney failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Theodorakopoulou MP, Boutou AK, […], Sarafidis P.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34170572/

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Find here more information/studies about review article/significant and kidney disease.

Cardiac reserve or cardiovascular reserve refers to the difference between the rate at which the heart pumps blood and its maximum capacity for pumping blood at any given time. A measurement of the cardiovascular reserve may be a health indicator for some medical conditions, like patients with kidney failure.

Objectives:
Does supplementation of thiamine (vitamin B1) combined vitamin C reduce mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock?

Study design:
This review article included 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 868 patients.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found there was no statistical difference between the thiamine combined vitamin C intervention group and the control group for in-hospital mortality [OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.56, p = 0.55].
No statistical because OR of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.79 to 1.56. OR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found significant improvements of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score during the first 72 h after enrollment and duration of vasopressor use for the thiamine combined vitamin C intervention group.
However, no other significant associations were found.

The investigators concluded despite widespread enthusiasm for thiamine (vitamin B1) combined with vitamin C for sepsis and septic shock, this meta-analysis only shows an association with reduced sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and time of vasopressor use. There is no association with in-hospital mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock.

Original title:
Thiamine combined with vitamin C in sepsis or septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Ge Z, Huang J, [...], Li Y.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33709993/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies about review article/significant, vitamin B1 and vitamin C.

Vasopressors are a group of medicines that contract (tighten) blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
 

Objectives:
The association of meat consumption with mortality and morbidity for non-communicable diseases has been extensively studied. However, the relation of white meat consumption with health outcomes remains controversial. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does consumption of white meat reduce mortality and morbidity rate?

Study design:
This review article included 22 prospective cohort studies with 3,132,149 subjects.
11 studies (14 data-sets) reported data on all-cause mortality, 10 studies (15 datasets) on cardiovascular mortality and 10 studies (11 datasets) on non-fatal cardiovascular events.
The evaluation of methodological quality of each study showed a median NOS score of 6.

Funnel plot examination suggested the absence of publication bias and of small-study effect, confirmed by the Egger’s test for all-cause mortality.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the analysis of the 11 studies (14 datasets) on all-cause mortality showed a statistically significant lower mortality rate of 6% for subjects in the highest vs. lowest unprocessed white meat consumption category [OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90 to 0.97, p 0.001, I2 = 95.6%, p 0.001].

The investigators found an overall neutral association between high unprocessed white meat consumption and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

The investigators concluded that consumption of unprocessed white meat reduces all-cause mortality.

Original title:
White Meat Consumption, All-Cause Mortality, and Cardiovascular Events: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies by Lupoli R, Vitale M, […], Vaccaro O.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7924043/

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Objectives:
Does spina bifida increase risk of neonatal and infant mortality?

Study design:
This review article included 20 population-based cohort studies conducted in high-income countries.
These studies included a total study population of over 30 million liveborn infants (median study sample size: 1,178,452 (251,699-14 million)) in which approximately 12,000 (median: 231 (27-3,903)) were affected by spina bifida.
All infants included were born at ≥20 weeks gestational age with a birthweight ≥500g.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found significant declines in spina bifida associated infant and neonatal mortality rates [e.g. 4.76% decrease in IMR per 100, 000 live births per year] and case fatality [e.g. 2.70% decrease in infant case fatality per year] were consistently observed over time.

The investigators found preterm birth [RR = 4.45, 95% CI = 2.30 to 8.60] and low birthweight [RR = 4.77, 95% CI = 2.67 to 8.55] were the strongest risk factors associated with increased spina bifida infant case fatality.

The investigators concluded that a decline in spina bifida associated infant/neonatal mortality and case fatality are consistently observed, in which advances in medical and surgical treatment and mandatory folic acid food fortification likely to play an important role. Preterm birth and low birthweight are strongest risk factors associated with increased case fatality of infants with spina bifida, which warrant particular attention from clinicians caring for these vulnerable babies.

Original title:
Neonatal and infant mortality associated with spina bifida: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Ho P, Quigley M, […], Kurinczuk JJ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8115829/

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Find more information/studies on RCTs/cohort/significantly/review article, folic acid, pregnancy and food fortification/malnutrition right here.

Taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of certain birth defects. These include spina bifida, anencephaly and some heart defects. Birth defects occur within the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy.
 

Objectives:
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; leucine, isoleucine and valine) are essential amino acids involved in immune responses and may have roles in protein malnutrition and sarcopenia (a type of muscle loss (muscle atrophy) that occurs with aging and/​or immobility). Furthermore, certain liver diseases have been associated with a decreased Fischer's ratio (BCAAs to aromatic amino acids; phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan). However, a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence from human controlled studies on the supplemental use of BCAAs during the oncology peri-operative period has not been published. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) supplementation during the oncological surgical period reduce post-operative morbidity from infections and ascites?

Study design:
This review article included 13 RCTs and 6 cohort studies with 2,019 participants.
Mean (or median) ages of the RCTs populations were from 53 to 67 years old and all of the RCTs had a predominantly male population.
9 RCTs (69%) evaluated oral intake of BCAAs and 4 (31%) administered (parenteral) BCAAs intravenously in hospital.
Duration of treatment use in the RCTs ranged from intra-operatively (single intravenous administration) up to a maximum duration of 13 months (oral administration).

Among 13 RCTs, 77% involved liver cancer. Methodological study quality scored substantial risk-of-bias across most RCTs.

Overall, 6 cohort studies were of low methodological quality.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found meta-analysis of RCTs showed a 38% significantly decreased risk of post-operative infections in BCAAs group compared to controls [RR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.87, p= 0.006, I2 = 0%, number of RCTs, k = 6, total sample size, n = 389].

The investigators found BCAAs supplementation was also beneficial for ascites [RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.86, p = 0.008, I2 = 0%, k = 4, n = 296], body weight [MD = 3.24 kg, 95% CI = 0.44 to 6.04, p = 0.02, I2 = 24%, k = 3, n = 196] and hospitalization length [MD = -2.07 days, 95% CI = -3.97 to -0.17, p = 0.03, I2 = 59%, k = 5, n = 362].

The investigators found no differences between BCAAs and controls for mortality, recurrence, other post-operative complications (liver failure, edema, pleural effusion), blood loss, quality of life, ammonia level and prothrombin time.

The investigators found no serious adverse events were related to BCAAs; however, serious adverse events were reported due to intravenous catheters. No safety concerns from observational studies were identified.

The investigators concluded that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) supplementation during the oncological surgical period may reduce important post-operative morbidity from infections and ascites compared to controls. May reduce because the included studies were of low methodological quality. Therefore, blinded, placebo-controlled confirmatory trials of higher methodological quality are warranted, especially using oral, short-term BCAAs-enriched supplements within the context of recent ERAS programs.

Original title:
Are Supplemental Branched-Chain Amino Acids Beneficial During the Oncological Peri-Operative Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Cogo E, Elsayed  M, […], Papadogianis P.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7930658/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on protein and cancer right here.

Ascites is the buildup of fluid in the space around the organs in the abdomen. When ascites is caused by cancer, it is called malignant ascites.
 

Objectives:
Excess body weight, including overweight and obesity, is one of the major factors influencing human health and plays an important role in the global burden of disease. Carotenoids serve as precursors of vitamin A-related retinoids and are considered to have potential effects on many diseases. However, the influence of carotenoids on people with excess body weight is unclear. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does carotenoid supplementation reduce risk of overweight and obesity in overweight or obese subjects?

Study design:
This review article included 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 8 observational studies with 28,944 subjects and data on multiple carotenoid subgroups, including lycopene, astaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and β-carotene.

In all included RCTs, the intervention duration was 20 days at the shortest and 16 weeks at the longest and the range of intervention doses was 1.2-60 mg/d.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that the insufficiency of serum carotenoids significantly increased risk of overweight and obesity with 73% [OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.57 to 1.91, p 0.001].

The investigators found, moreover, carotenoid supplementation was significantly associated with body weight reductions [SMD = -2.34 kg, 95% CI = -3.80 to -0.87 kg, p 0.001], body mass index decrease [SMD = -0.95 kg/cm², 95% CI = -1.88 to -0.01 kg/cm², p 0.001] and waist circumference losses [SMD = -1.84 cm, 95% CI = -3.14 to -0.54 cm, p 0.001].

The investigators concluded that 1.2-60 mg/d carotenoid supplementation reduces risk of overweight and obesity in overweight or obese subjects. Furthermore, an insufficiency of serum carotenoids is a risk factor for overweight and obesity. Additional data from large clinical trials are needed.

Original title:
The association between carotenoids and subjects with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Yao N, Yan S, […], Cui W.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33977977/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on carotenoid consumption and obesity/overweight right here.

Am I overweight?
 

Objectives:
The literature showed that grape products containing polyphenols (GPCP) had anti-oxidant activity. However, the effects of GPCP on different biomarkers of oxidative stress are still controversial. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does supplementation of grape products containing polyphenols improve status of oxidative stress (like TAC, ORAC and SOD)?

Study design:
This review article included 17 eligible RCTs with a total of 633 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found supplementation of grape products containing polyphenols significantly increase total antioxidant capacity (TAC) [WMD = 1.524 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.83 to 2.21].

The investigators found supplementation of grape products containing polyphenols significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) [WMD = 0.450 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.66], total antioxidant capacity (TAC) [WMD = 2.829 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.13 to 5.52] and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) [WMD = 0.524 μmol/L, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.62] among healthy participants. 

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, that higher grape products containing polyphenols doses significantly increased SOD [WMD = 0.539 U/mgHb, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.82] and ORAC [WMD = 0.377 μmol/L, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.67], whereas longer intervention periods significantly enhanced ORAC [WMD = 0.543 μmol/L, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.64].

The investigators concluded that supplementation of grape products containing polyphenols partly improves status of oxidative stress, but further well-designed trials are required to confirm these results.

Original title:
The effect of grape products containing polyphenols on oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials by Sarkhosh-Khorasani S, Sangsefidi ZS, […], Hosseinzadeh M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7971097/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies about review article/significant, grape and oxidative stress.

Polyphenols are divived into 2 general classes, one is flavonoids and other is phenolic acids. Flavonoids are divided into flavones, flavononse, flavonols, flavanols, isoflavones, while phenolic acids are generally classified into hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids.

Objectives:
Due to the rapid increase of primary liver cancer incidence and the poor prognosis, it is imperative to identify new modifiable factors such as diet and nutrition for the prevention of liver cancer. Diet high in saturated fatty acids (SFA) has been hypothesized to be associated with increased risk of cancers. However, the associations between dietary fatty acids and liver cancer are not consistent. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does a diet high in saturated fatty acids or cholesterol increase risk of liver cancer?

Study design:
This review article included 14 prospective cohort studies with 15,890 liver cancer cases.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found for the highest dietary saturated fat versus lowest intake, a significantly increased risk of 34% [RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.69, I2 = 16.9%, n = 5] for liver cancer.

The investigators found for every increase with 1 En% saturated fat, a significantly increased risk of 4% [RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.07, I2 = 16.8%, n = 5] for liver cancer.

The investigators found per 0.1-unit increase in ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA): saturated fat (SFA), a significantly decreased risk of 9% [RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86 to 0.95] for liver cancer.

The investigators found per 0.1-unit increase in ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA):saturated fat (SFA), a significantly decreased risk of 6% [RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90 to 0.97] for liver cancer.

The investigators found for every increase with 100 mg dietary cholesterol intake per day, a significantly increased risk of 16% [RR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.07, I2 = 0%, n = 2] for liver cancer.

The investigators found for the highest serum total cholesterol levels versus lowest levels, a significantly decreased risk of 58% [RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.54, I2 = 90.7%, n = 7] for liver cancer.

The investigators found for the highest serum total cholesterol levels versus lowest levels, a significantly decreased risk of 61% [RR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.57] for liver cancer among men. 

The investigators found for the highest serum total cholesterol levels versus lowest levels, a significantly decreased risk of 69% [RR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.38] for liver cancer among women. 

The investigators found for every increase with 1 mmol/L in serum cholesterol level, a significantly decreased risk of 28% [RR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.75, I2 = 75.3%, n = 7] for liver cancer.

The investigators found for every increase with 1 mmol/L in serum HDL cholesterol level, a significantly decreased risk of 58% [RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.64, I2 = 0%, n = 2] for liver cancer.

The investigators found these findings were generally robust and stable in sensitivity analyses.

The investigators concluded there is an increased risk for dietary saturated fat with liver cancer using both category and dose-response analyses. Higher ratios of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA):saturated fat (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA):saturated fat (SFA) are associated with a lower risk of developing liver cancer. Higher serum total and HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of liver cancer with high between-studies variability.

Original title:
Dietary Fats, Serum Cholesterol and Liver Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies by Zhao L, Deng C, [...], Zhang X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8037522/

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Find more information/studies on fat and cholesterol consumption and cancer right here.

A diet high in saturated fat (unhealthy fat) is a diet with more than 10 En% saturated fat.

The easiest way to follow a diet with more than 10 En% saturated fat is to choose only products/meals that also contain more than 10 En% saturated fat. Check here which products contain more than 10 En% saturated fat.

More than 10% saturated fat means that the total amounts of saturated fat make up more than 10% of the total kcal of the diet. So a 2000 kcal diet with more than 10 En% saturated fat contains more than 22 grams of saturated fat. 22 grams of saturated fat provides 22x9 kcal = 198 kcal. 198 kcal is 10% of 2000 kcal.

However, products with more than 10 En% saturated fat are unhealthy products.

Objectives:
Does vitamin B supplementation have positive effects on patients with mouth ulcers?

Study design:
This review article included 16 RCTs with 1,534 patients (767 in the treatment group and 767 in the control group).
Patients who did not receive treatment were taken as controls, while those who were treated with vitamin B alone or vitamin B combined with pantothenic acid were included in the treatment group.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found, in comparison with the control group, the effective rate was higher [OR = 5.24, 95% CI = 3.72 to 7.37, p 0.001] while the recurrence rate was lower [OR = 0.194, 95% CI = 0.128 to 0.295, p 0.001] in the treatment group.
Sensitivity analysis revealed that the results did not change significantly after pooling, suggesting that the result was stable and less likely to be affected by heterogeneit

The investigators found, additionally, both the ulcer healing time [SMD = -2.15, 95% CI = -2.80 to -1.50, p 0.001] and treatment time [SMD = -2.31, 95% CI = -2.67 to -1.96, p 0.001] in the treatment group were shorter than those of the control group.  
Additionally, the low sensitivity was also supported by the above results and indicated the robustness of the above results.

The investigators concluded that vitamin B supplementation (both vitamin B alone or vitamin B combined with pantothenic acid) enables a higher effective rate and lower recurrence rate, accelerates ulcer healing and shortens the course of treatment. Collectively, vitamin B has a high clinical value in treating patients with mouth ulcers.

Original title:
Clinical efficacy of vitamin B in the treatment of mouth ulcer: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Shi J, Wang L, [...], Zhi D.

Link:
https://apm.amegroups.com/article/view/72221/html

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Find here more information/studies about review article/significant and vitamin B.

Objectives:
L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that is thought to be helpful for treating renal anemia in hemodialysis patients. However, the mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does L-carnitine supplementation/therapy have positive effects on renal anemia in hemodialysis patients?

Study design:
This review article included 18 RCTs with 1,090 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased plasma free L-carnitine levels [MD = 140.53, 95% CI = 102.22 to 178.85, p 0.00001]. 

The investigators found L-carnitine supplementation significantly decreased the erythropoietin responsiveness index (ERI) [MD = -2.72, 95% CI = -3.20 to -2.24, p 0.00001] and the required erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) doses [MD = -1.70, 95% CI = -2.04 to -1.36, p 0.00001].

The investigators found, however, the use of L-carnitine was not associated with a higher hemoglobin level [MD = 0.18, 95% CI = -0.20 to 0.55, p = 0.35] and hematocrit level [MD = 1.07, 95% CI = -0.73 to 2.87, p = 0.24].

The investigators found, in subgroup analyses, the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on renal anemia in patients on hemodialysis were independent of the treatment duration and intervention routes. 

The investigators concluded that L-carnitine supplementation/therapy increases plasma L-carnitine concentrations, improves the response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, decreases the required erythropoiesis-stimulating agent doses in patients receiving hemodialysis and maintains hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. L-carnitine supplementation should be supported in hemodialysis patients. However, the relationship between L-carnitine treatment and long-term outcomes is still unclear. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to verify these findings.

Original title:
Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on renal anemia in patients on hemodialysis: a meta-analysis by Zhu Y, Xue C, […], Deng J.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33713287/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies on review article/significant, L-carnitine and chronic kidney disease.

Erythropoietin responsiveness index (ERI) is defined as average weekly erythropoietin (EPO) dose per kg body weight (wt) per average hemoglobin (Hgb), over a 3-month period (ERI = (EPO/wt)/Hgb).

Epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa are erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), approved for the treatment of anemia (low red blood cells) resulting from chronic kidney disease.
 

Objectives:
Does chromium supplementation improve lipid profile (serum levels of triglyceride and cholesterol) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)?

Study design:
This review article included  24 RCTs (with 28 effect sizes).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that chromium supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in serum levels of triglyceride (TG) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [MD = -6.54 mg/dL, 95 % CI = -13.08 to -0.00, p = 0.050].
Significant means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found that chromium supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [WMD = -7.77 mg/dL, 95 % CI = -11.35 to -4.18, p 0.001].

The investigators found that chromium supplementation significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [WMD = 2.23 mg/dL, 95 % CI = 0.07 to 4.40, p = 0.043] level.

The investigators found, however, chromium supplementation did not have significant effects on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [WMD = -8.54 mg/dL, 95 % CI = -19.58 to 2.49, p = 0.129] level.

The investigators concluded that chromium supplementation decreases serum levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) and increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It should be noted that the lipid-lowering properties of chromium supplementation are small and may not reach clinical importance.

Original title:
Effects of chromium supplementation on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Asbaghi O, Naeini F, […], Naeini AA.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33813266/

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Find more information/studies on chromium, cholesterol and diabetes right here.

Objectives:
Do rotavirus vaccines reduce risk of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in children younger than 5 years?

Study design:
This review article included 20 RCTs and 38 case-control studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a meta-analysis of 20 RCTs and 38 case-control studies revealed that Rotarix (RV1) vaccines significantly reduced rotavirus gastroenteritis risk with 68.4% [RR = 0.316, 95% CI = 0.224 to 0.345] and rotavirus gastroenteritis hospitalization risk with 65.3% [OR = 0.347, 95% CI = 0.279 to 0.432] among children fully vaccinated.

The investigators found a meta-analysis of 20 RCTs and 38 case-control studies revealed that RotaTeq (RV5) vaccines significantly reduced rotavirus gastroenteritis risk with 65% [RR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.275 to 0.445] and rotavirus gastroenteritis hospitalization risk with 72.8% [OR = 0.272, 95% CI = 0.197 to 0.376] among children fully vaccinated.

The investigators found rotavirus vaccines also demonstrated higher protection against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis.

The investigators found no significant differences in the protection of RV1 and RV5 against rotavirus disease were noted in adjusted indirect comparisons.

The investigators found moderate associations were seen between reduced rotavirus gastroenteritis risk and Rotavac [RR = 0.664, 95% CI = 0.548 to 0.804], Rotasiil [RR = 0.705, 95% CI = 0.605 to 0.821] and Lanzhou lamb rotavirus vaccine [RR = 0.407, 95% CI = 0.332 to 0.499].

The investigators found all rotavirus vaccines demonstrated no risk of serious adverse events.

The investigators found a positive correlation was also seen between immunogenicity and vaccine protection [e.g., association of rotavirus gastroenteritis with RV1: coefficient = -1.599, adjusted R2 = 99.7%].

The investigators concluded that the high protection and low risk of serious adverse events for rotavirus vaccines in children who were fully vaccinated emphasize the importance of worldwide introduction of rotavirus vaccination in children younger than 5 years. Similar protection provided by Rotarix and RotaTeq relieves the pressure of vaccines selection for health care authorities.

Original title:
Association of Rotavirus Vaccines With Reduction in Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Children Younger Than 5 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials and Observational Studies by Sun ZW, Fu Y, […], Xu HG.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33970192/

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Find more information/studies on RCTs/cohort/significantly/review article, vaccination and food fortification/malnutrition right here.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in children under the age of 5. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is caused by rotavirus. It’s highly contagious and easily transmittable.