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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023species have been widely used in traditional medicine, and recently, researchers' attention has focused on galls of the genus as a source of health-promoting... (Review)
Review
species have been widely used in traditional medicine, and recently, researchers' attention has focused on galls of the genus as a source of health-promoting phytochemicals. This review presents a summary of the most recent findings on the phytochemistry and bioactivity of oak galls, following the screening of scientific papers published in two relevant databases, PubMed and Embase, between January 2018 and June 2023. The oak galls are rich in active compounds, mostly gallotannins and phenolic acids. Due to these secondary metabolites, the reviewed studies have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, antimicrobial properties, tissue-protective effects, and antitumor, anti-aging, and hypoglycemic potential. Thus, oak galls are a promising natural matrix, to be considered in obtaining pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations used in anti-aging strategies and, together with medications, in the management of age-related diseases. In further evaluations, the valuable functional properties of oak galls, reported mostly in preclinical studies, should be confirmed with clinical studies that would also take into account the potential health risks of their use.
PubMed: 38005770
DOI: 10.3390/plants12223873 -
Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi... Dec 2023Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a plant species known for its rich pharmacological and phytochemical properties. This systematic review aims to...
Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a plant species known for its rich pharmacological and phytochemical properties. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential of Madagascar periwinkle as a dietary supplement. A thorough search of relevant databases yielded studies focusing on the pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of Madagascar periwinkle. The review highlights the diverse pharmacological effects of Madagascar periwinkle, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, among others. Furthermore, the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics, which contribute to its medicinal properties. Despite the promising findings, further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action, safety profile, and potential interactions of Madagascar periwinkle as a dietary supplement. Overall, this systematic review provides valuable insights into the pharmacological and phytochemical profiles of Madagascar periwinkle, suggesting its potential as a natural dietary supplement with diverse health benefits.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Phytochemicals; Catharanthus; Plant Extracts; Humans; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Flavonoids; Anti-Infective Agents; Hypoglycemic Agents; Madagascar
PubMed: 38651238
DOI: 10.62958/j.cjap.2023.002 -
Clinical Psychology Review Jun 2024Perception has been conceptualised as an active and adaptive process, based upon incoming sensory inputs, which are modified by top-down factors such as cognitions.... (Review)
Review
Perception has been conceptualised as an active and adaptive process, based upon incoming sensory inputs, which are modified by top-down factors such as cognitions. Visuospatial perception is thought to be scaled based on threat, with highly threatening objects or contexts visually inflated to promote escape or avoidance behaviours. This meta-analytical systematic review quantified the effect and evidence quality of threat-evoked visuospatial scaling, as well as how visuospatial scaling relates to affordances (perceived action capabilities) and behavioural avoidance/escape outcomes. Databases and grey literature were systematically searched inclusive to 10/04/24. Studies were assessed with a customised Risk of Bias form and meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. 12,354 records were identified. Of these, 49 experiments (n = 3027) were included in the review. There was consistent evidence that threat the of height influenced contextual perception (g = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88) and affordances (g = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.03). Threatening objects were viewed as larger (g = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.26, 1.26) and as closer (g = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.42). Bodily threat (pain) yielded conflicting effects on visuospatial perception/affordances. We conclude that threat may influence visuospatial perception and affordances. However, since behavioural measures were poorly reported, their relationship with visuospatial perception/affordances remains elusive.
PubMed: 38901066
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102449 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a promising noninvasive therapy to restore the excitability of the cortex, and subsequently improve the function of the...
The effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation for upper limb motor recovery after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a promising noninvasive therapy to restore the excitability of the cortex, and subsequently improve the function of the upper extremities. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of iTBS in restoring upper limb function and modulating cortical excitability. We aimed to evaluate the effects of iTBS on upper limb motor recovery after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of intermittent theta-burst stimulation on upper limb motor recovery and improve the quality of life.
METHOD
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CBM, including only English studies, to identify studies that investigated the effects of iTBS on upper limb recovery, compared with sham iTBS used in control groups. Effect size was reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD).
RESULTS
Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that when compared to the control group, the iTBS group had a significant difference in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) (WMD: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.42 to 4.97; WMD: 3.72, 95% CI: 2.13 to 5.30, respectively). In addition, there was also a significant improvement in the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) compared to the sham group (WMD: -0.56; 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.28). More evidence is still needed to confirm the effect of Barthel Index (BI) scores after interventions. However, no significant effect was found for the assessment of Motor Evoked Potential (MEP) amplitude and MEP latency (SMD: 0.35; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.90; SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.87; SMD: 0.03, 95% CI: -0.49 to 0.55; respectively).
CONCLUSION
Our results showed that iTBS significantly improved motor impairment, functional activities, and reduced muscle tone of upper limbs, thereby increasing the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in stroke patients, while there were no significant differences in MEPs. In conclusion, iTBS is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation as an adjunct to therapy and enhances the therapeutic effect of conventional physical therapy. In the future, more randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes, high quality, and follow-up are necessary to explore the neurophysiological effects.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023392739.
PubMed: 37901439
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1272003 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Oct 2023Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been used widely to elucidate transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in acute healthcare settings, and to guide infection, prevention, and control... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been used widely to elucidate transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in acute healthcare settings, and to guide infection, prevention, and control (IPC) responses.
AIM
To systematically appraise available literature, published between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022, describing the implementation of WGS in acute healthcare settings to characterize nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
METHODS
Searches of the PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCO MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases identified studies in English reporting the use of WGS to investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in acute healthcare environments. Publications involved data collected up to December 31, 2021, and findings were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.
FINDINGS
In all, 3088 non-duplicate records were retrieved; 97 met inclusion criteria, involving 62 outbreak analyses and 35 genomic surveillance studies. No publications from low-income countries were identified. In 87/97 (90%), WGS supported hypotheses for nosocomial transmission, while in 46 out of 97 (47%) suspected transmission events were excluded. An IPC intervention was attributed to the use of WGS in 18 out of 97 (18%); however, only three (3%) studies reported turnaround times ≤7 days facilitating near real-time IPC action, and none reported an impact on the incidence of nosocomial COVID-19 attributable to WGS.
CONCLUSION
WGS can elucidate transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in acute healthcare settings to enhance epidemiological investigations. However, evidence was not identified to support sequencing as an intervention to reduce the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital or to alter the trajectory of active outbreaks.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Disease Outbreaks; Cross Infection; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37562592
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.002 -
International Journal of Nursing... Dec 2023Recognizing safety risks and promoting safe care is essential for care dependent people and should be an integral part of the overall preventive endeavors while... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recognizing safety risks and promoting safe care is essential for care dependent people and should be an integral part of the overall preventive endeavors while providing care. The term 'safety culture' describes efforts regarding the acknowledgement and reduction of safety risks. Enhanced safety culture in health care organizations can be associated with a lower incidence of missed nursing care and adverse events.
OBJECTIVE
Identify strategies to enhance safety culture in long-term care settings and describe factors facilitating or inhibiting the process from the available evidence.
DESIGN
This systematic review is a narrative description of intervention studies.
METHODS
CINAHL and MEDLINE were searched in May 2020 using terms such as safety culture, safety climate, intervention development. Gray literature was searched between May and September 2020. An additional search in Cochrane Library was conducted in September 2022. Only intervention studies feasible to enhance the safety culture were included. Intervention study criteria were met when an organized, planned action to prevent or change a specific behavior took place and when this action was transparently and systematically evaluated. The screening, data extraction, and rating processes were conducted by two researchers independently. The ROBINS-I tool was utilized to assess the risk of bias of the studies.
RESULTS
Seven intervention studies were included, all evaluated with a critical risk of bias. Strategies found to enhance the safety culture in care settings include collegial exchange of experiences and learnings, integration of staff's perceptions, external facilitation, staff training, and a structured, multi-step procedure of the intervention process. Some studies were unable to show statistically significant enhancement in safety culture from the interventions implemented. Factors facilitating the implementation of interventions include good connections and trust between staff and managers, and the manager's active support of the project goals, as well as targeting achievable ideas considering time and resources. Time pressure, heavy workloads and high staff turnover may inhibit the process.
CONCLUSIONS
All included studies had a high risk of bias, and possible effects must be considered accordingly. Overall, there was considerable heterogeneity in interventions aiming to enhance safety culture. Despite these aspects, promising approaches are training staff's knowledge and competencies regarding open communication and teamwork as part of a multifaceted program. Future research would benefit from participative, carefully developed, comprehensively evaluated interventions for enhancing safety culture, specifically within in-home care settings.
REGISTRATION
The review was not pre-registered but described on the website of the Center for Quality in Care.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
Participatory change management & staff training help ensure momentum & trust in endeavours to enhance safety culture in long-term care.
PubMed: 38746586
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2023.100119 -
JAMA Network Open Feb 2024It is unclear whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity are lower among youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
It is unclear whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity are lower among youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with youths without diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the magnitude, precision, and constancy of the differences in CRF and physical activity among youths with and without diabetes.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were searched from January 1, 2000, to May 1, 2022, for eligible studies.
STUDY SELECTION
Observational studies with measures of CRF and physical activity in children and adolescents aged 18 years or younger with T1D or T2D and a control group were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data extraction was completed by 2 independent reviewers. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate differences in main outcomes. The pooled effect estimate was measured as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guideline was followed.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The main outcomes were objectively measured CRF obtained from a graded maximal exercise test and subjective or objective measures of physical activity. Subgroup analyses were performed for weight status and measurement type for outcome measures.
RESULTS
Of 7857 unique citations retrieved, 9 studies (755 participants) with measures of CRF and 9 studies (1233 participants) with measures of physical activity for youths with T2D were included; for youths with T1D, 23 studies with measures of CRF (2082 participants) and 36 studies with measures of PA (12 196 participants) were included. Random-effects models revealed that directly measured CRF was lower in youths with T2D (SMD, -1.06; 95% CI, -1.57 to -0.56; I2 = 84%; 9 studies; 755 participants) and in youths with T1D (SMD, -0.39; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.09; I2 = 89%; 22 studies; 2082 participants) compared with controls. Random-effects models revealed that daily physical activity was marginally lower in youths with T1D (SMD, -0.29; 95% CI, -0.46 to -0.11; I2 = 89%; 31 studies; 12 196 participants) but not different among youths with T2D (SMD, -0.56; 95% CI, -1.28 to 0.16; I2 = 91%; 9 studies; 1233 participants) compared with controls. When analyses were restricted to studies with objective measures, physical activity was significantly lower in youths with T2D (SMD, -0.71; 95% CI, -1.36 to -0.05; I2 = 23%; 3 studies; 332 participants) and T1D (SMD, -0.67; 95% CI, -1.17 to -0.17; I2 = 93%; 12 studies; 1357 participants) compared with controls.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings suggest that deficits in CRF may be larger and more consistent in youths with T2D compared with youths with T1D, suggesting an increased risk for cardiovascular disease-related morbidity in adolescents with diabetes, particularly among those with T2D. The findings reinforce calls for novel interventions to empower youths living with diabetes to engage in regular physical activity and increase their CRF.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Exercise; Exercise Test; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38393727
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0235 -
Heliyon Sep 2023Geniposide, as a pharmacologically bioactive component, is derived from a classic and common Chinese herb, Ellis. Geniposide has been shown to be effective for treating...
Protective effect and possible mechanisms of geniposide for ischemia-reperfusion injury: A systematic review with meta-analysis and network pharmacology of preclinical evidence.
BACKGROUND
Geniposide, as a pharmacologically bioactive component, is derived from a classic and common Chinese herb, Ellis. Geniposide has been shown to be effective for treating I/R injury in recent studies. Current effectively pharmaceutical treatments are scarce, and treatment based on geniposide may become a novel option. As far as we know, this research is the initial systematic evaluation of the protective effects of geniposide in I/R injury.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This study is engrossed in evaluating the mechanism of action of geniposide in I/R injury through a preclinical systematic review with meta-analysis and network pharmacology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We built a systematic review which provided a view of effect and mechanism of geniposide for I/R injury. Based on seven databases, an open-ended search from their inception to August 31st, 2022, was conducted. Animal studies on the effects of geniposide in I/R injury were considered. The data was analyzed using Review Manager 5.3, and bias was assessed using the CAMARADES 10-item scale. 13 articles including 279 animals were selected finally. And network pharmacology was joined to elucidate the mechanism.
RESULTS
According to the meta-analysis, in I/R injury, geniposide can attenuate cardiomyocytes viability and the size of MI, decrease the volume of cerebral infraction and neurological score, decrease serum ALT and AST activity, and downregulated serum Cr and BUN. The review found that geniposide protects against I/R injury by inhibiting apoptosis, oxidation, inflammation and improvement of autophagy and mitochondrial respiration, which is consistent with the results of the network pharmacology screening.
CONCLUSION
This preclinical systematic review including meta-analysis and network pharmacology, which was the first one summarizing the relationship between geniposide and ischemia diseases, shows a novel therapy for I/R injury and appears an enticing implication of geniposide in I/R injury, and further research is looked forward. Given the restricted quantity of included researches and the unclear risk of bias of the studies, we should interpret the results with caution.
PubMed: 37809705
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20114 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a type of polyphenol compound found in rich concentrations in many plants such as green coffee beans. As an active natural substance, CGA... (Review)
Review
Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a type of polyphenol compound found in rich concentrations in many plants such as green coffee beans. As an active natural substance, CGA exerts diverse therapeutic effects in response to a variety of pathological challenges, particularly conditions associated with chronic metabolic diseases and age-related disorders. It shows multidimensional functions, including neuroprotection for neurodegenerative disorders and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-pathogens, mitigation of cardiovascular disorders, skin diseases, diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney injuries, and anti-tumor activities. Mechanistically, its integrative functions act through the modulation of anti-inflammation/oxidation and metabolic homeostasis. It can thwart inflammatory constituents at multiple levels such as curtailing NF-kB pathways to neutralize primitive inflammatory factors, hindering inflammatory propagation, and alleviating inflammation-related tissue injury. It concurrently raises pivotal antioxidants by activating the Nrf2 pathway, thus scavenging excessive cellular free radicals. It elevates AMPK pathways for the maintenance and restoration of metabolic homeostasis of glucose and lipids. Additionally, CGA shows functions of neuromodulation by targeting neuroreceptors and ion channels. In this review, we systematically recapitulate CGA's pharmacological activities, medicinal properties, and mechanistic actions as a potential therapeutic agent. Further studies for defining its specific targeting molecules, improving its bioavailability, and validating its clinical efficacy are required to corroborate the therapeutic effects of CGA.
Topics: Chlorogenic Acid; Polyphenols; Homeostasis; Antioxidants; Biological Availability
PubMed: 38612964
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070924 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023Exercise therapy as part of the clinical management of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) is complicated by the limited insights into its efficacy. There is an... (Review)
Review
Exercise therapy as part of the clinical management of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) is complicated by the limited insights into its efficacy. There is an urgent need for sensitive and non-invasive quantitative muscle biomarkers to monitor the effects of exercise training. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to critically appraise and summarize the current evidence for the sensitivity of quantitative, non-invasive biomarkers, based on imaging and electrophysiological techniques, for measuring the effects of physical exercise training. We identified a wide variety of biomarkers, including imaging techniques, i.e., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, surface electromyography (sEMG), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Imaging biomarkers, such as muscle maximum area and muscle thickness, and EMG biomarkers, such as compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, detected significant changes in muscle morphology and neural adaptations following resistance training. MRS and NIRS biomarkers, such as initial phosphocreatine recovery rate (V), mitochondrial capacity (Q), adenosine phosphate recovery half-time (ADP t), and micromolar changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin and myoglobin concentrations (Δ[deoxy(Hb + Mb)]), detected significant adaptations in oxidative metabolism after endurance training. We also identified biomarkers whose clinical relevance has not yet been assessed due to lack of sufficient study.
PubMed: 37959299
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216834