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Journal of Agromedicine Jul 2023Lung disease is now recognized as an associated occupational hazard among farming and agricultural communities, however limited research surrounds lung health knowledge...
OBJECTIVE
Lung disease is now recognized as an associated occupational hazard among farming and agricultural communities, however limited research surrounds lung health knowledge within our farming population. It is clear from this limited lack of knowledge that farming practices, perceptions and ideas relating to lung health are yet to be uncovered. This scoping review was conducted to identify what is known about lung health within farming and agricultural communities globally and to map the available evidence relating to lung health and lung health decline within this population. The objectives of this review were (1) focus on available lung health research from a global perspective specific to farming and agriculture relating to occupational lung exposures and (2) consolidate current knowledge, clearly identifying gaps within the literature.
METHODS
This systematic scoping review of the literature is guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology framework. There were 22 studies eligible for inclusion within the scoping review, providing an up-to-date review of research conducted on lung health and lung disease in farming occupations.
RESULTS
Results were grouped into three categories emerging from included studies: (1) focused on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms/disease within farming and agricultural occupations, (2) measurements of dust and particulate matter and correlating these with respiratory conditions, (3) common respiratory conditions linked to a decline in lung health among farming and agricultural occupations. Results identified no study focused on or referred to lung health, lung health knowledge or lung health awareness as an outcome, with all studies focusing on respiratory symptoms, development of lung disease and the common occupational hazards this population are exposed to.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review demonstrates the lack of literature to specifically map available evidence relating to lung health and farming occupations. Many respiratory symptoms and conditions can arise directly and indirectly from agricultural environments, however many of these cases could be prevented by lung health knowledge within the farming population. The results of this scoping review will be used to inform knowledge, awareness, education, health promotion and future research within this population.
Topics: Humans; Agriculture; Farms; Occupational Exposure; Lung Diseases; Lung
PubMed: 36773027
DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2023.2178573 -
3 Biotech Oct 2023Drought stress remains one of the most detrimental environmental constraints that hampers plant growth and development resulting in reduced yield and leading to economic... (Review)
Review
Drought stress remains one of the most detrimental environmental constraints that hampers plant growth and development resulting in reduced yield and leading to economic losses. Studies have highlighted the beneficial role of carbon-based nanomaterials (NMs) such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), graphene, fullerene, and metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, Au, Cu, FeO, TiO, and ZnO) in plants under unfavorable conditions such as drought. NPs help plants cope with drought by improving plant growth indices and enhancing biomass. It improves water and nutrient uptake and utilization. It helps retain water by altering the cell walls and regulating stomatal closure. The photosynthetic parameters in NP-treated plants reportedly improved with the increase in pigment content and rate of photosynthesis. Due to NP exposure, the activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants has reportedly improved. These antioxidants play a significant role in the defense system against stress. Studies have reported the accumulation of osmolytes and secondary metabolites. Osmolytes scavenge reactive oxygen species, which can cause oxidative stress in plants. Secondary metabolites are involved in the water retention process, thus improving plant coping strategies with stress. The deleterious effects of drought stress are alleviated by reducing malondialdehyde resulting from lipid peroxidation. Reactive oxygen species accumulation is also controlled with NP treatment. Furthermore, NPs have been reported to regulate the expression of drought-responsive genes and the biosynthesis of phytohormones such as abscisic acid, auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin, which help plants defend against drought stress. This study reviewed 72 journal articles from 192 Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed papers. In this review, we have discussed the impact of NP treatment on morphological, physio-biochemical, and molecular responses in monocot and dicot plants under drought conditions with an emphasis on NP uptake, transportation, and localization.
PubMed: 37693636
DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03751-4 -
Nature Communications Sep 2023Plant disease resistance genes are widely used in agriculture to reduce disease outbreaks and epidemics and ensure global food security. In soybean, Rps (Resistance to...
Plant disease resistance genes are widely used in agriculture to reduce disease outbreaks and epidemics and ensure global food security. In soybean, Rps (Resistance to Phytophthora sojae) genes are used to manage Phytophthora sojae, a major oomycete pathogen that causes Phytophthora stem and root rot (PRR) worldwide. This study aims to identify temporal changes in P. sojae pathotype complexity, diversity, and Rps gene efficacy. Pathotype data was collected from 5121 isolates of P. sojae, derived from 29 surveys conducted between 1990 and 2019 across the United States, Argentina, Canada, and China. This systematic review shows a loss of efficacy of specific Rps genes utilized for disease management and a significant increase in the pathotype diversity of isolates over time. This study finds that the most widely deployed Rps genes used to manage PRR globally, Rps1a, Rps1c and Rps1k, are no longer effective for PRR management in the United States, Argentina, and Canada. This systematic review emphasizes the need to widely introduce new sources of resistance to P. sojae, such as Rps3a, Rps6, or Rps11, into commercial cultivars to effectively manage PRR going forward.
Topics: Phytophthora; Genes, Plant; Agriculture; Argentina; Canada
PubMed: 37758723
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41321-7 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Overweight and obesity are increasing global public health problems. Mazdutide is a new dual agonist drug that can potentially reduce weight and blood glucose levels... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Overweight and obesity are increasing global public health problems. Mazdutide is a new dual agonist drug that can potentially reduce weight and blood glucose levels simultaneously. However, the synthesis of evidence on the efficacy and safety of this drug is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize evidence on the efficacy and safety of Mazdutide compared to placebo on weight reduction among adults with and without diabetes.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were retrieved from six electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrial.gov, and Google Scholar, and manually searched from the included references. The data were synthesized using a random effect model. This analysis was performed in the R programming language using the Meta package.
RESULTS
A total of seven RCTs involving 680 participants were included in this study. Mazdutide was more effective in reducing body weight (mean difference [MD]= -6.22%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.02% to -4.41%, I = 90.0%), systolic blood pressure (MD = -7.57 mmHg, 95% CI: -11.17 to -3.98 mmHg, I = 46%), diastolic blood pressure (MD = -2.98 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.74 to -0.22 mmHg, I = 56%), total cholesterol (MD = -16.82%, 95% CI: -24.52 to -9.13%, I = 61%), triglycerides (MD = -43.29%, 95% CI: -61.57 to -25.01%, I = 68%), low-density lipoprotein (MD= -17.07%, 95% CI: -25.54 to -8.60%, I = 53%), and high-density lipoprotein (MD = -7.54%, 95% CI: -11.26 to -3.83%, I = 0%) than placebo. Mazdutide was associated with reduced hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose in participants with type 2 diabetes. In the subgroup and meta-regression analyses, weight reduction was more significant in non-diabetics compared to diabetics, and in those who received a longer treatment duration (24 weeks) than in those on shorter durations (12-20 weeks). Participants who received Mazdutide had a higher risk of transient mild or moderate gastrointestinal side effects.
CONCLUSION
Mazdutite appears to be effective in weight reduction among patients with and without diabetes, and it has an advantage over other associated comorbidities. However, it was associated with mild or moderate gastrointestinal side effects.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=403859, identifier CRD42023403859.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Fasting; Peptides; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38440786
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1309118 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Clarifying the relationship between soil microorganisms and the plant-soil system is crucial for encouraging the sustainable development of ecosystems, as soil... (Review)
Review
Clarifying the relationship between soil microorganisms and the plant-soil system is crucial for encouraging the sustainable development of ecosystems, as soil microorganisms serve a variety of functional roles in the plant-soil system. In this work, the influence mechanisms of significant soil microbial groups on the plant-soil system and their applications in environmental remediation over the previous 30 years were reviewed using a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. The findings demonstrated that: (1) There has been a general upward trend in the number of publications on significant microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. (2) Bacteria and fungi influence soil development and plant growth through organic matter decomposition, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium element dissolution, symbiotic relationships, plant growth hormone production, pathogen inhibition, and plant resistance induction. Archaea aid in the growth of plants by breaking down low-molecular-weight organic matter, participating in element cycles, producing plant growth hormones, and suppressing infections. (3) Microorganism principles are utilized in soil remediation, biofertilizer production, denitrification, and phosphorus removal, effectively reducing environmental pollution, preventing soil pathogen invasion, protecting vegetation health, and promoting plant growth. The three important microbial groups collectively regulate the plant-soil ecosystem and help maintain its relative stability. This work systematically summarizes the principles of important microbial groups influence plant-soil systems, providing a theoretical reference for how to control soil microbes in order to restore damaged ecosystems and enhance ecosystem resilience in the future.
PubMed: 38591030
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1347745 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2024Differentiation therapy, a highly regarded treatment method in tumor research, aims to induce tumor cells to differentiate back to normal cells, deviating from the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Differentiation therapy, a highly regarded treatment method in tumor research, aims to induce tumor cells to differentiate back to normal cells, deviating from the malignant pathway and returning to a benign state. Its development relies on the continuous discovery of efficient and low-toxic differentiation inducers, including plant-derived active components that offer significant biological utilization and therapeutic potential. For this reason, the exploration of plant-derived inducers, particularly in their application in differentiation therapy, holds great promise in advancing cancer treatment strategies toward more effective and safer alternatives.
PURPOSE
This paper aims to provide a valuable reference for researchers seeking to identify natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants and highlights a promising research direction for the application of differentiation therapy in malignant tumor treatment.
METHODS
For the collection of pertinent information, an extensive search was conducted across diverse literature and electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar. This comprehensive approach aimed to retrieve and include all relevant literature from 1985 to 2023. Primary keywords such as "Natural medicinal plant," "Differentiation therapy," and "Differentiation inducer" were utilized, supplemented by secondary search terms including "Cancer," "Tumor," "Herbal medicine," "Induced differentiation," and "Cancer treatment."
RESULTS
This study systematically evaluated the application of plant-derived inducers in tumor-induced differentiation therapy. Through extensive literature review, specific plant components with confirmed differentiation-inducing properties were identified. Furthermore, potential molecular mechanisms underlying this process were outlined, shedding light on the future development of differentiation therapy in cancer treatment.
CONCLUSION
Plant-derived active components exhibit substantial biological utility and therapeutic potential. Delving deeper into the research on these components as differentiation inducers holds promise for the selection of novel cancer drugs and the unveiling of novel pathways for cancer treatment. These results emphasize the importance of continued exploration and in-depth research into natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants, which could significantly advance cancer treatment strategies. Moreover, the highlighted research direction underscores the relevance of differentiation therapy in the context of malignant tumor treatment, indicating its potential as a safer and more effective alternative in cancer therapy.
Topics: Humans; Cell Differentiation; Plants, Medicinal; Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38763009
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155749 -
Heliyon Nov 2023Designing and manufacturing functional bioactive ingredients and pharmaceuticals have grown worldwide. Consumers demand for safe ingredients and concerns over harmful...
Designing and manufacturing functional bioactive ingredients and pharmaceuticals have grown worldwide. Consumers demand for safe ingredients and concerns over harmful synthetic additives have prompted food manufacturers to seek safer and sustainable alternative solutions. In recent years the preference by consumers to natural bioactive agents over synthetic compounds increased exponentially, and consequently, naturally derived phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, becoming essential in food packaging field. In response to societal needs, packaging needs to be developed based on sustainable manufacturing practices, marketing strategies, consumer behaviour, environmental concerns, and the emergence of new technologies, particularly bio- and nanotechnology. This critical systematic review assessed the role of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from natural resources in food packaging and consumer behaviour patterns in relation to phytochemical and biologically active substances used in the development of food packaging. The use of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds inside packaging materials used in food industry could generate unpleasant odours derived from the diffusion of the most volatile compounds from the packaging material to the food and food environment. These consumer concerns must be addressed to understand minimum concentrations that will not affect consumer sensory and aroma negative perceptions. The research articles were carefully chosen and selected by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines.
PubMed: 37954257
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21196 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have markedly increased worldwide. Among lifestyle factors introduced to lower the risk of MetS, healthy...
AIM/INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have markedly increased worldwide. Among lifestyle factors introduced to lower the risk of MetS, healthy dietary patterns have gained considerable attention. This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to plant-based diet indices including O-PDI (overall plant-based diet index), H-PDI (healthy plant-based diet index), U-PDI (unhealthy plant-based diet index), and risk of MetS development.
METHODS
To find related observational studies which assessed the association between Plant-based Diet indices and risk of MetS development, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from January 2016 to November 2023. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). To assess the heterogeneity of included studies, the index was used.
RESULTS
Nine studies including 34,953 participants from the initial 288 studies were recognized to include in this meta-analysis study. According to pooled analysis, there was a significant relationship between the adherence to H-PDI and the lower risk of MetS (ES: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.97; = 77.2%, < 0.001), while greater adherence to U-PDI was associated with 27% increases in the risk of MetS (ES: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.54; = 76.8%, < 0.001). According to our analysis of the association between adherence to PDIs and the risk of MetS components, greater adherence to O-PDI and H-PDI was significantly associated with a higher risk of elevated FBS and obesity, respectively. As well, greater adherence to U-PDI was significantly associated with a higher risk of obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C, and elevated FBS.
CONCLUSION
Our results highlighted the importance of food choices in the context of a plant-based dietary pattern, indicating that adherence to unhealthy plant-based dietary patterns rich in less healthful carbohydrates may induce the risk of MetS development.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42023428981.
PubMed: 38260063
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1305755 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Nov 2023Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates and low birth weight children in the United States. Current treatment... (Review)
Review
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates and low birth weight children in the United States. Current treatment options, such as antibiotics and intestinal resections, often result in complications related to pediatric nutrition and development. This systematic review aimed to identify alternative dietary bioactive compounds that have shown promising outcomes in ameliorating NEC studies conducted within the past six years. Following PRISMA guidelines and registering in PROSPERO (CRD42023330617), we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Our analysis included 19 studies, predominantly involving models of rats () and mice (). The findings revealed that various types of compounds have demonstrated successful amelioration of NEC symptoms. Specifically, six studies employed plant phenolics, seven utilized plant metabolites/cytotoxic chemicals, three explored the efficacy of vitamins, and three investigated the potential of whole food extracts. Importantly, all administered compounds exhibited positive effects in mitigating the disease. These results highlight the potential of natural cytotoxic chemicals derived from medicinal plants in identifying and implementing powerful alternative drugs and therapies for NEC. Such approaches have the capacity to impact multiple pathways involved in the development and progression of NEC symptoms.
PubMed: 37971890
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2281623 -
Journal of Reproductive Immunology Jun 2024Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Autoimmune Thyroiditis (AIT) are two prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women, often coexisting within the same patient... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Autoimmune Thyroiditis (AIT) are two prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women, often coexisting within the same patient population. This meta-analysis aims to systematically assess and synthesize the existing body of literature to elucidate the intricate relationship between PCOS and AIT. A systematic literature search for relevant observational studies was conducted in electronic databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus until March 2023. All Statistical analyses were performed using CMA Software v3.7 in a random-effects network meta-analysis. In addition, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were conducted to identify sources of Heterogeneity based on related risk factors. Our meta-analysis included eighteen studies with 3657 participants, which revealed significant differences between PCOS patients and control groups. In particular, a considerable association was detected between PCOS and the presence of AIT (OR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.63-3.49; P< 0.001) and elevated levels of TSH (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06-0.42; P= 0.01), anti-TPO (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.19-0.53; P< 0.001), anti-TG (SMD = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.37-2.10; P< 0.001), and other positive serum antibodies compared to the control groups. The findings from this meta-analysis may contribute to enhanced diagnostic strategies like complete thyroid function tests, more targeted interventions, and improved patient care for individuals presenting with both PCOS and AIT. Additionally, identifying commonalities between these conditions may pave the way for future research directions, guiding the development of novel therapeutic approaches that address the interconnected nature of PCOS and AIT.
Topics: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Humans; Female; Thyroiditis, Autoimmune; Autoantibodies; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 38402811
DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104215