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Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Jun 2024Evidence regarding perinatal low-calorie (or artificial) sweetener (LCS) consumption and its effect on maternal health outcomes is limited and inconclusive. The primary...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Evidence regarding perinatal low-calorie (or artificial) sweetener (LCS) consumption and its effect on maternal health outcomes is limited and inconclusive. The primary outcomes of our systematic review and meta-analysis were the effect of preconception and pregnancy LCS exposure on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. Secondary outcomes included long-term maternal health.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest Health and Medical, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar, was conducted up to 20 November 2023. Primary studies, including clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, which reported any LCS consumption during perinatal period and pregnancy and maternal health outcomes were eligible. A random effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation was used for the meta-analysis. We appraised the quality of the included studies using the National Institute of Health study quality appraisal tool and the overall quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool.
RESULTS
A total of 19 eligible studies with 203,706 participants were included. LCS consumption during pregnancy was associated with 11% increased risk of preterm birth (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.16, I = 0.01%) and 42% increased risk of gestational diabetes (RR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.98-2.04, I = 67.60%) compared with no consumption, however, the effect size for gestational diabetes was not precise as the 95% CI indicated that the effect estimate could range from 2% lower risk to 204% (or 2.04 times) higher risk. We found no association between LCS consumption during pregnancy and gestational weight gain (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.17 - 0.24, I = 41.31%) or gestational age at birth (SMD = 0.00; 95% CI: -0.13 - 0.14, I = 80.13%). The effect of LCS consumption on reproductive treatment outcomes were inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the evidence available, LCS consumption in pregnancy was associated with increased risk of preterm birth and gestational diabetes. Robust research, such as well-designed randomized trials and large prospective cohort studies, is required to confirm the causal effect of LCS consumption during perinatal period on adverse maternal health outcomes.
PubMed: 38954514
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.06.029 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the estimates of the prevalence and infection rates of natural and experimental infections of...
The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the estimates of the prevalence and infection rates of natural and experimental infections of amphistome species in intermediate host snails (IHs) across different continents. A search of peer-reviewed literature on natural and experimental infections of freshwater snails with amphistome species was conducted from four electronic databases from 1984 to 2023. The estimates of the prevalence and/or infection rates were based on 36 eligible peer-reviewed articles, which met the inclusion criteria and reported on natural and experimental infections of amphistome species in freshwater snails. The results showed that a total of 1,67,081 snail species from the peer-reviewed articles were examined for natural infections and 7,659 snail species for experimental infections. The overall pooled prevalence of amphistome infections from naturally infected snails was 2% (95% CI: 0-4), while the overall pooled prevalence of amphistome infections from infections was 40% (95% CI: 18-64). The highest pooled prevalence of natural infection was 3%, which was recorded in Europe (95% CI: 1-7%). The highest overall prevalence of naturally infected amphistome was 6% (95% CI: 0-20%) for . The Americas had the highest pooled prevalence of experimental amphistome infection among freshwater snails (66%; 95% CI: 26-96%). The highest pooled infection rate of 65% (95% CI: 12-100%) was recorded for in experimental infections. was the only snail that qualified for meta-analysis for natural infection with with a pooled prevalence of 3% (95% CI: 1-8%). infected with and infected with in the experimental infection qualified for the meta-analysis, with an overall infection rate of 66% (95% CI: 34-92%) and 30% (95% CI: 0-74%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of amphistome species infection in the intermediate host (IH) snails based on detection techniques was higher with PCR compared to the dissection and shedding of cercariae. The results from the quality effects model revealed a high heterogeneity and publication bias between studies. This meta-analysis provided valuable insights into the prevalence and infection rates of amphistome species in snail IHs across different geographical regions.
PubMed: 38952801
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1418979 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The topic of consumer food choice has received much attention among researchers and stakeholders within the food industry. However, in order to better facilitate food... (Review)
Review
The topic of consumer food choice has received much attention among researchers and stakeholders within the food industry. However, in order to better facilitate food consumption towards a more sustainable direction, we need increased knowledge and understanding of factors that influence consumers' food choice. This study is a systematic review of reviews conducted between 2017 and 2021, summarising and synthesising reviews on food choice. The aim is to provide an update of the current knowledge on consumer food choice, point out what is already known, and identify knowledge gaps to enable a prioritisation for future research. The analysis highlights decisive factors in food choice, i.e. product, available information, price, context, personal and group influences and sensory perceptions. The synthesis of findings follows a socioecological model, integrating four different levels of the social and environmental systems: the physical food environment, the social and community level, interpersonal relations and, finally, individual characteristics such as psychological and behavioural factors. Results show that behavioural patterns, influenced by strong informal institutions, such as culture and norms, can be difficult to break; for example, changing into more sustainable food behaviour. The findings suggest that more interdisciplinary research and studies in real-life settings are needed to grasp the complexity of food choice. This would allow for us to better understand consumers as social beings shaped by, among other things, the physical environment, social interactions, and culture.
PubMed: 38952383
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32492 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2024Lablab Semen Album (lablab), the white and dried mature fruit of Lablab purpureus in the Lablab genus of the Fabaceae family, is a renowned traditional medicinal herb... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Lablab Semen Album (lablab), the white and dried mature fruit of Lablab purpureus in the Lablab genus of the Fabaceae family, is a renowned traditional medicinal herb with a long history of use in China. In Chinese medicine, lablab is often combined with other drugs to treat conditions such as weak spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, loose stools, excessive leucorrhoea, summer dampness and diarrhea, chest tightness, and abdominal distension.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Comprehensive information on lablab was gathered from databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and ancient materia medica.
RESULTS
Lablab, a member of the lentil family, thrives in warm and humid climates, and is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Traditionally, lablab is used to treat various ailments, such as spleen and stomach weakness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Phytochemical analyses reveal that lablab is a rich source of triterpenoid saponins, glucosides, volatile oils, polysaccharides, and amino acids. Lablab extracts exhibit diverse biological activities, including hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitumoral, antiviral properties, and more. Besides its medicinal applications, lablab is extensively used in the food industry due to its high nutrient content. Additionally, the quality of lablab can be regulated by determining the levels of key chemical components pivotal to its medicinal effects, ensuring the herb's overall quality.
CONCLUSION
Lablab is a promising medicinal and edible plant ingredient with diverse pharmacological effects, making it a valuable ingredient for food, pharmaceuticals, and animal husbandry. However, it has inherent toxicity if not properly prepared. Additionally, some traditional uses and pharmacological activities lack scientific validation due to incomplete methods, unclear results, and insufficient clinical data. Thus, further in vivo and in vitro studies on its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology, along with clinical efficacy evaluations, are needed to ensure lablab's safety and effectiveness. As an important traditional Chinese medicine, lablab deserves more attention.
PubMed: 38945467
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118507 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024In the last decades, several studies have highlighted the significant impacts of the food sector. Therefore, enhancing sustainability within this sector has become of... (Review)
Review
In the last decades, several studies have highlighted the significant impacts of the food sector. Therefore, enhancing sustainability within this sector has become of paramount importance. A crucial step towards achieving this goal involves the definition and implementation of effective sustainability metric and measurements. In this regard, the adoption of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods can be seen as one of the most suitable and promising approach to comprehensively capture the complex and broad-ranging effects of agricultural practices and food supply chains. In such context, a systematic review of the scientific literature on multi-criteria approaches and tools for measuring the sustainability of food supply chains (harvest and post-harvest stages) has been carried out, resulting in the selection and analysis of 42 articles. To delve into the selected articles, three main areas of focus have been identified. The first about MCDA methods and their features, revealing the most adopted methods for sustainability assessments of food supply chains. The second, focusing on the participatory approach, led to the definition of a stakeholder's engagement map, highlighting the typology of stakeholders involved, the reasons of their involvement and engagement methods. Lastly, the third focus is related to the analysis and classification of indicators adopted in each study and the sustainability dimensions to which they refer to. The results of the present review study provide a comprehensive overview of the essential aspects to be considered when developing a MCDA for sustainability assessment in the food sector, serving as a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners.
PubMed: 38944301
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174235 -
Frontiers in Genome Editing 2024With scientific progress and the development of new genomic techniques (NGTs), the spectrum of organisms modified for various purposes is rapidly expanding and includes...
Horizon scanning of potential environmental applications of terrestrial animals, fish, algae and microorganisms produced by genetic modification, including the use of new genomic techniques.
With scientific progress and the development of new genomic techniques (NGTs), the spectrum of organisms modified for various purposes is rapidly expanding and includes a wide range of taxonomic groups. An improved understanding of which newly developed products may be introduced into the market and released into the environment in the near and more distant future is of particular interest for policymakers, regulatory authorities, and risk assessors. To address this information need, we conducted a horizon scanning (HS) of potential environmental applications in four groups of organisms: terrestrial animals (excluding insects and applications with gene drives), fish, algae and microorganisms. We applied a formal scoping review methodology comprising a structured search of the scientific literature followed by eligibility screening, complemented by a survey of grey literature, and regulatory websites and databases. In all four groups of organisms we identified a broad range of potential applications in stages of basic as well as advanced research, and a limited number of applications which are on, or ready to be placed on, the market. Research on GM animals including fish is focused on farmed animals and primarily targets traits which increase performance, influence reproduction, or convey resistance against diseases. GM algae identified in the HS were all unicellular, with more than half of the articles concerning biofuel production. GM algae applications for use in the environment include biocontrol and bioremediation, which are also the main applications identified for GM microorganisms. From a risk assessor's perspective these potential applications entail a multitude of possible pathways to harm. The current limited level of experience and limited amount of available scientific information could constitute a significant challenge in the near future, for which risk assessors and competent authorities urgently need to prepare.
PubMed: 38938511
DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1376927 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024The proliferation of water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes), recognized as one of the most invasive aquatic plants worldwide, presents profound ecological and... (Review)
Review
The proliferation of water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes), recognized as one of the most invasive aquatic plants worldwide, presents profound ecological and socioeconomic challenges across diverse ecosystems, particularly in rural communities. This systematic review examines the extensive global impacts and explores various mitigation strategies to manage and utilize this pervasive species. Ecologically, water hyacinth disrupts aquatic ecosystems by depleting oxygen levels, obstructing sunlight, and displacing native species, which in turn compromises water quality and biodiversity. Economically, its rapid spread affects agriculture, fishing, and navigation, imposing significant costs on local economies and livelihoods. In response, this review assesses integrated management approaches combining mechanical, chemical, and biological controls that have been implemented to curb its growth. Moreover, innovative strategies that repurpose the biomass for bioenergy, handicrafts, and bio-remediation are discussed, highlighting their potential to transform an ecological menace into an economic resource. These strategies not only mitigate the plant's negative impacts but also contribute to sustainable development by providing economic opportunities and enhancing ecosystem services. This review stresses the necessity for a holistic approach to water hyacinth management that is adaptive, sustainable, and beneficial to affected communities.
PubMed: 38937356
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33905-7 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In the light of growing concerns faced by Western societies due to aging, natality decline, and epidemic of cardio-metabolic diseases, both preventable and treatable,... (Review)
Review
In the light of growing concerns faced by Western societies due to aging, natality decline, and epidemic of cardio-metabolic diseases, both preventable and treatable, new and effective strategical interventions are urgently needed in order to decrease their socio-economical encumbrance. The recent focus of research has been redirected towards investigating the potential of haskap ( L.) as a novel functional food or superfruit. Therefore, our present review aims to highlight the latest scientific proofs regarding the potential of L. (LC), a perennial fruit-bearing plant rich in polyphenols, in reversing cardio-metabolic dysfunctions. In this regard, a systematic search on two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 1 January 2016 to 1 December 2023 was performed, the keyword combination being L. AND the searched pharmacological action, with the inclusion criteria consisting of in extenso original articles, written in English. The health-enhancing characteristics of haskap berries have been examined through in vitro and in vivo studies from the 35 included original papers. Positive effects regarding cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome have been assigned to the antioxidant activity, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, as well as to the hepatoprotective and vasoprotective potential. Latest advances regarding LCF mechanisms of action are detailed within this review as well. All these cutting-edge data suggest that this vegetal product would be a good candidate for further clinical studies.
PubMed: 38929133
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060694 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jun 2024Uncertainties still existed about the effect of high-quality protein supplementation on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, although high-quality proteins such as...
Effects of high-quality protein supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Uncertainties still existed about the effect of high-quality protein supplementation on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, although high-quality proteins such as soy and milk proteins have proposed to be beneficial for cardiometabolic health.
METHODS
A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase was conducted to quantify the impact of high-quality protein on CVD risk factors.
RESULTS
63 RCTs on 4 types of high-quality protein including soy protein, milk protein, whey, and casein were evaluated. Soy protein supplementation decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP, -1.42 [-2.68, -0.17] mmHg), total cholesterol (TC, -0.18 [-0.30, -0.07] mmol/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, -0.16 [-0.27, -0.05] mmol/L). Milk protein supplementation decreased SBP (-2.30 [-3.45, -1.15] mmHg) and total cholesterol (-0.27 [-0.51, -0.03] mmol/L). Whey supplementation decreased SBP (-2.20 [-3.89, -0.51] mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, -1.07 [-1.98, -0.16] mmHg), triglycerides (-0.10 [-0.17, -0.03] mmol/L), TC (-0.18 [-0.35, -0.01] mmol/L), LDL-C (-0.09 [-0.16, -0.01] mmol/L) and fasting blood insulin (FBI, -2.02 [-3.75, -0.29] pmol/L). Casein supplementation decreased SBP (-4.10 [-8.05, -0.14] mmHg). In the pooled analysis of four high-quality proteins, differential effects were seen in individuals with different health status. In hypertensive individuals, high-quality proteins decreased both SBP (-2.69 [-3.50, -1.87] mmHg) and DBP (-1.34 [-2.09, -0.60] mmHg). In overweight/obese individuals, high-quality proteins improved SBP (-1.40 [-2.22, -0.59] mmHg), DBP (-2.59 [-3.20, -1.98] mmHg), triglycerides (-0.09 [-0.15, -0.02] mmol/L), TC (-0.14 [-0.22, -0.05] mmol/L), LDL-C (-0.12 [-0.16, -0.07] mmol/L), and HDL-C levels (0.02 [0.01, 0.04] mmol/L). According to the benefits on CVD risks factors, whey ranked top for improving cardiometabolic health in hypertensive or overweight/obese individuals.
CONCLUSION
Our study supports a beneficial role of high-quality protein supplementation to reduce CVD risk factors. Further studies are still warranted to investigate the effects of different high-quality proteins on CVD risks in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders.
PubMed: 38924998
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.06.013 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024The purpose of this research is to examine; Ecosystem Services Based Mangrove Forest with Management Model Strategies, Sustainability of Coastal Natural Resources. This...
The purpose of this research is to examine; Ecosystem Services Based Mangrove Forest with Management Model Strategies, Sustainability of Coastal Natural Resources. This research design uses systematic review namely library research that examines quality and critical journals, which have been filtered with inclusion criteria and uses several Google Scholar, Pubmed, Science Direct and Research gate databases as literacy in this study. A search of 2018-2023 articles returned 17,000 keyword results. Ecosystem Services Based Mangrove Forest with Management Strategies, which were filtered into 10 journals according to the theme and analyzed by reviewing them. Ecosystem Services Based Mangrove Forest with Management Strategies. The research results show that mangrove ecosystem services with an area of 88,556 ha was Rp 6,961,126,186,194 year-1 (US$ 467,974,555.06 year-1) or Rp 78,607,444 ha-1-1 (US$ 5,284.5 ha-1year-1). Ecosystem Services Based Mangrove Forest with Management Strategies, that there are three main components that must be considered in efforts to manage and utilize mangrove ecosystems and coastal natural resources, namely; 1) social activity(social processes) provide socialization or understanding to the community about the importance of protecting mangrove forests and the benefits that the community will receive 2) the economy(economic processes) take advantage of the existing potential by planting mangrove trees, and 3) the natural resources themselves(natural processes) Mangrove forest management includes establishing protected forest areas for mangrove forest conservation so that they are well maintained and sustainable. From the socio-economic, cultural and human aspects, natural resources are needed to be able to continue their lives, on the other hand, the existence or sustainability of coastal natural resources is very dependent on human activities as the main users of natural resources.
Topics: Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Wetlands
PubMed: 38922191
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.280083