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Frontiers in Nutrition 2024L. (Lamiaceae), known in English as 'wild thyme', is primarily found in the Palearctic realm (Eurasia, North Africa) and has been utilized traditionally for culinary,...
L. (Lamiaceae), known in English as 'wild thyme', is primarily found in the Palearctic realm (Eurasia, North Africa) and has been utilized traditionally for culinary, nutritional, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. The essential oil extracted from wild thyme is particularly noteworthy, being used extensively in the food industry as a flavoring agent and preservative. The plant's aerial parts are commonly employed as an element of the diet (e.g., tea)/for culinary uses and in local/traditional medicine (primarily for managing respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions), similar to the use of common thyme. There is practically no information available on the species' nutritional benefits. Pharmacological studies, including and research, alongside a limited number of clinical trials, have investigated extracts of , although these extracts are often phytochemically poorly characterized in different experimental protocols and models. These studies have demonstrated a range of therapeutic effects, such as antimicrobial (notably the essential oil) and anti-inflammatory, as well as its preventative health benefits and nutritional value of wild thyme. Preclinical studies have corroborated the plant's anti-inflammatory potential, particularly in conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndromes (IBS). Additionally, evidence of hepatoprotective activities and benefits in managing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health issues, such as lipid metabolism regulation, cholesterol reduction, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immunomodulatory effects, have been observed predominantly in rodent models. Phytochemical analysis of wild thyme reveals an essential oil fraction below 1%, along with non-volatile compounds predominantly comprising phenolic acids (such as rosmarinic, salvianolic, and caffeic acids) and flavonoids (mainly glucosides of luteolin, apigenin, and their derivatives). These components are believed to contribute significantly to the plant's medicinal, nutritional, and preventive health properties. Despite promising findings, there is a need for more rigorously designed controlled clinical trials using phytochemically characterized wild thyme. The plant has an excellent safety and tolerability record. This review at the interface of nutritional/preventive health properties and as pharmacological activities highlights the current role of wild thyme in nutrition and general healthcare as well as its future potential, and also points to important gaps in the literature.
PubMed: 38846542
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1380962 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders Jun 2024There is equivocal evidence that psyllium can prevent or attenuate increases in fasting blood sugar. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis sought to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
There is equivocal evidence that psyllium can prevent or attenuate increases in fasting blood sugar. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis sought to investigate the influence of psyllium on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA IR). We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus for eligible publications, up to 15 July 2022, including randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the effect of psyllium on HbA1c, FBS, insulin, and HOMA IR levels in adults. Using a random effects model, we report the weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In this article, 19 RCT studies, consisting of 962 participants, were included. Psyllium significantly decreased FBS, HbA1c, and HOMA IR levels, but not insulin levels, as compared to placebo (FBS: WMD): -6.89; 95% CI: -10.62, -3.16; p < .001), HbA1c: (WMD: -0.75; 95% CI: -1.21, -0.29; p < .001), HOMA IR: (WMD: -1.17; 95% CI: -2.11, -0.23; p < .05), and insulin: (WMD: -2.08; 95% CI: -4.21, -0.035; p > .05)). Subgroup analyses illustrated differences in the effects of psyllium on FBS: dosages less than and more than 10 g/d showed significant differences (p value < 0.05). However, it was not significant in intervention durations less than 50 days (p value > 0.05). For HbA1c: psyllium consumption less than 10 g/d (p value > 0.05) was non-significant. For HOMA IR and insulin: no significant changes were noted with psyllium consumption less than vs. more than 10 g/d. In conclusion, we found that psyllium could significantly decrease FBS, HbA1c, and HOMA IR levels, but not insulin levels, as compared to placebo.
Topics: Humans; Psyllium; Insulin Resistance; Glycated Hemoglobin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Insulin; Blood Glucose; Fasting
PubMed: 38844885
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01608-2 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024We aimed to report the latest and largest pooled analyses and evidence updates to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for self-management (DSM) in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
We aimed to report the latest and largest pooled analyses and evidence updates to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for self-management (DSM) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science in December 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults (≥18 years of age) diagnosed with T2DM where the intervention was the application of telemedicine. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment was used to evaluate quality. The study's main outcome indicators were glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes self-management (DSM) capacity.
RESULTS
A total of 17 eligible articles, comprising 20 studies and 1,456 patients (734 in the intervention group and 722 in the control group), were included in the evidence synthesis. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar in all outcomes. Comprehensive analyses showed post-intervention decreases in HbA1c, 2-h postprandial glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increases in Diabetes Self- Care activities, DSM competencies based on dietary and medication adherence, and improvements in overall DSM scores, all of which were statistically significant. While no statistically significant differences were observed in body mass index, lipids, and other DSM dimensions. Based on subgroup analyses, app-based experimental interventions targeting under 60 years old populations in Asia and North America were found to be more effective and less heterogeneity in the short term (<6 months of intervention).
CONCLUSION
Telemedicine interventions may assist patients with T2DM in enhancing their DSM and improving their HbA1c levels. Clinician can use various telemedicine interventions to enhance DSM in T2DM patients, considering local circumstances.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42024508522.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glycated Hemoglobin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self-Management; Telemedicine
PubMed: 38835608
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1405770 -
BJA Open Jun 2024Group preoperative education is becoming standard care for patients preparing for surgery, alongside optimisation of exercise, diet, and wellbeing. Although patient... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Group preoperative education is becoming standard care for patients preparing for surgery, alongside optimisation of exercise, diet, and wellbeing. Although patient education is essential, the effectiveness of group education programmes or 'surgery schools' as a means of delivery is unclear. This review examines whether attending group preoperative education improves patient outcomes.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed studies of group perioperative education before major elective surgery. Observational or intervention studies with a baseline group or control arm were included. All outcomes reported were collected and, where possible, effect estimates were summarised using random effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies reported on 48 different outcomes after group education. Overall, there was a 0.7 (95% confidence interval 0.27-1.13) day reduction in mean length of stay. The odds ratio for postoperative complications after abdominal surgery was 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.36-0.85; nine studies). Patient-centred outcomes were grouped into themes. Most studies reported a benefit from group education, but only postoperative physical impairment, pain, knowledge, activation, preoperative anxiety, and some elements of quality of life were statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
This review presents a summary of published evidence available for group preoperative education. While these data lend support for such programmes, there is a need for adequately powered prospective studies to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative education on clinical outcomes and to evaluate whether behaviour change is sustained. Furthermore, the content, timing and mode of delivery, and evaluation measures of preoperative education require standardisation.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL
PROSPERO (166297).
PubMed: 38832071
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2024.100286 -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Jun 2024This review aims to identify and report epidemiological associations between modifiable lifestyle risk factors for overweight or obesity in children and adolescents with... (Review)
Review
This review aims to identify and report epidemiological associations between modifiable lifestyle risk factors for overweight or obesity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A systematic literature search of medical databases from 1990 to 2023 was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were observational studies reporting on associations between dietary factors, disordered eating, physical activity, sedentary and sleep behaviours and measures of adiposity in children and adolescents (<18 years) with T1D. Thirty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were mostly cross-sectional (89 %), and 13 studies included adolescents up to 19 years which were included in this analysis. In adolescents with T1D, higher adiposity was positively associated with disordered eating behaviours (DEB) and a higher than recommended total fat and lower carbohydrate intake. A small amount of evidence suggested a positive association with skipping meals, and negative associations with diet quality and sleep stage. There were no published associations between overweight and physical activity, sedentary behaviours and eating disorders. Overall, the findings infer relationships between DEB, fat and carbohydrate intake and adiposity outcomes in people with T1D. Prospective studies are needed to determine causal relationships and to investigate sleep stages. High quality studies objectively measuring physical activity and include body composition outcomes are needed.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Child; Risk Factors; Life Style; Exercise; Pediatric Obesity; Overweight; Feeding Behavior; Sedentary Behavior; Female
PubMed: 38821415
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111724 -
Systematic Reviews May 2024Currently, iodine deficiency has become a significant burden globally; where 2 billion people and 29.8% of school-age children are iodine deficient. It is a leading... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Currently, iodine deficiency has become a significant burden globally; where 2 billion people and 29.8% of school-age children are iodine deficient. It is a leading cause of preventable brain damage among children, resulting in impaired cognitive and motor development. Even though salt iodization was started to be implemented to alleviate this burden in Ethiopia, primary studies assessing iodine deficiency in the country show highly variable findings, and no systematic review was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of the problem which makes it difficult to assess the effect of the intervention as well as to design appropriate and timely measures. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency and the common factors affecting its occurrence among school-age children in Ethiopia.
METHOD
To obtain the eligible studies, databases (EMBASE, Scopus, Hinari, and PubMed), websites (Google and Google Scholar), and references of the eligible studies were searched systematically. Data were extracted using an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using the STATA 17 version. The I test was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. A DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to detect publication bias.
RESULT
A total of 15 eligible studies, representing 15,611 school-age children, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was found to be 58% (95%CI 44.00-77.00), while the highest prevalence was recorded in the Oromia Region, which was 64% (95% CI 49-79). Goitrogenic food consumption (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.93, 95% CI 1.60-5.35) and being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.87, 95% CI 1.43-2.44) showed a significant association with the prevalence of iodine deficiency.
CONCLUSION
Iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was noticeably high. Goitrogenic food consumption and the sex of the child were determinant factors for the occurrence of iodine deficiency among the children. Therefore, appropriate advice should be given to households to limit goitrogenic foods in the diet of their children by giving due attention to their female children.
Topics: Humans; Iodine; Ethiopia; Child; Prevalence; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Adolescent
PubMed: 38816755
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02567-4 -
Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular and... May 2024Neo-esophageal-airway fistula (NEAF) between gastric conduit and airway is a rare but life-threatening complication of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Optimal...
OBJECTIVES
Neo-esophageal-airway fistula (NEAF) between gastric conduit and airway is a rare but life-threatening complication of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Optimal treatment remains unknown. A meta-analysis of good-quality case series may help determine whether nonoperative management (NOM) only, upfront surgery (S), or NOM followed by surgery (NOM+S) is associated with better one-year post-treatment mortality, resumption of oral diet and fistula recurrence.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for publications in English reporting case series of management and survival in patients with NEAF. Of the 177 identified studies, 62 were duplicates and 95 were not relevant to our topic. Three studies were excluded after a full-text review, due to absence of reporting of 1-year survival. Exclusion criteria to identified publications were: abstract only, malignant NEAF, absence of esophagectomy and esogastric anastomosis, fewer than five patients, and NEAF not the main focus of the study. Data-extraction was conducted in accordance with MOOSE guidelines. Data were pooled using random-effects model.
RESULTS
17 studies (302 patients) were included. One-year post-treatment mortality was considerably lower with NOM+S (33%; 95%CI, 0.17-0.48) than with NOM (68%; 95%CI, 0.39-0.97) or S (67%; 95%CI, 0.36-0.98). Fistula location was not associated with 1-year mortality. Neither resumption of an oral diet nor fistula recurrence differed significantly across treatment strategies.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
NOM to prepare patients for surgery followed by surgical repair may provide the highest 1-year survival of patients with NEAF. However, patient selection criteria to each of three treatment strategies may have affected our findings.
PubMed: 38814807
DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivae110 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jul 2024Plant-based dietary patterns (PBDs) might protect against COVID-19 risk and reduce severity of infection. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to examine the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Plant-based dietary patterns (PBDs) might protect against COVID-19 risk and reduce severity of infection. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between PBDs and risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and/or mortality, in adults.
METHODS
Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for observational studies, published in English up to 3rd April 2023, comparing the highest with the lowest adherence to a specific PBD. Data were screened, extracted, and risk of bias assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, by independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Seven studies (one cross-sectional, three case-control, and three prospective cohort), reporting on 649,315 participants, were eligible. Across them, there were 8512 events of COVID-19 infection (six studies), and 206 events of COVID-19 hospitalization (four studies), in addition to one study reporting on a composite hospitalization outcome (740 events). The pooled analysis showed that PBDs are associated with a 59% (odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.23-0.59; two studies) and 18% (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.78-0.85; three studies) reduction in COVID-19 infection risk in case-control and cohort studies, respectively. The pooled analysis of one case-control and two cohort studies showed an inverse association between high adherence to a PBD and risk of COVID-19 hospitalization (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.04-0.72).
CONCLUSION
Findings suggest a protective role of PBDs against the risk of COVID-19 infection and severity. More studies are needed to establish the association between PBDs and risk of ICU admission and mortality due to COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Observational Studies as Topic; Hospitalization; Diet, Vegetarian; Adult; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Intensive Care Units; Male; Risk Factors; Middle Aged; Female; Dietary Patterns
PubMed: 38810425
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.033 -
BMJ Open May 2024Diet and physical activity are crucial for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to maintain good health. Digital health interventions can increase access to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Preferences of people with chronic kidney disease regarding digital health interventions that promote healthy lifestyle: qualitative systematic review with meta-ethnography.
OBJECTIVES
Diet and physical activity are crucial for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to maintain good health. Digital health interventions can increase access to lifestyle services. However, consumers' perspectives are unclear, which may reduce the capacity to develop interventions that align with specific needs and preferences. Therefore, this review aims to synthesise the preferences of people with CKD regarding digital health interventions that promote healthy lifestyle.
DESIGN
Qualitative systematic review with meta-ethnography.
DATA SOURCES
Databases Scopus, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were searched between 2000 and 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Primary research papers that used qualitative exploration methods to explore the preferences of adults with CKD (≥18 years) regarding digital health interventions that promoted diet, physical activity or a combination of these health behaviours.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers screened title, abstract and full text. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Consumers' quotes were extracted verbatim and synthesised into higher-order themes and subthemes.
RESULTS
Database search yielded 5761 records. One record was identified following communication with a primary author. 15 papers were included. These papers comprised 197 consumers (mean age 51.0±7.2), including 83 people with CKD 1-5; 61 kidney transplant recipients; 53 people on dialysis. Sex was reported in 182 people, including 53% male. Five themes were generated regarding consumers' preferences for digital lifestyle interventions. These included simple instruction and engaging design; individualised interventions; virtual communities of care; education and action plans; and timely reminders and automated behavioural monitoring.
CONCLUSION
Digital health interventions were considered an important mechanism to access lifestyle services. Consumers' preferences are important to ensure future interventions are tailored to specific needs and goals. Future research may consider applying the conceptual framework of consumers' preferences in this review to develop and evaluate the effect of a digital lifestyle intervention on health outcomes.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023411511.
Topics: Humans; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Healthy Lifestyle; Patient Preference; Anthropology, Cultural; Exercise; Qualitative Research; Health Promotion; Telemedicine; Digital Health
PubMed: 38802278
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082345 -
Appetite May 2024Parents' attempt to limit or restrict children's intake of 'unhealthy' or discretionary foods has been widely considered as a counterproductive feeding practice... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Parents' attempt to limit or restrict children's intake of 'unhealthy' or discretionary foods has been widely considered as a counterproductive feeding practice associated with poorer dietary outcomes, but empirical evidence is varied.
AIM
The present systematic literature review aimed to investigate the association between parental restriction and children's dietary intake.
METHOD
Studies were identified through PsycInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus databases on April 29th 2022. Included were peer-reviewed, English-language articles published between 2001 and 2022, with an effect size between restriction and children's intake of foods that are 'healthy' (i.e., fruit, vegetables, other general healthy foods) or 'discretionary' (i.e., sweet or savoury energy-dense/nutrient poor foods, high-sugar foods, high-salt/fat foods, and high-energy/sugar-sweetened beverages), or overall diet quality. Risk of bias was assessed using a quality assessment checklist designed to evaluate survey studies.
RESULTS
Included studies (n = 44) were most often conducted in the USA, cross-sectional, and participants were mothers. Effect sizes (k = 59) from 21 studies were used in nine meta-analyses investigating various healthy and discretionary dietary intake variables. No meta-analytic effects were statistically significant. Qualitative synthesis of effect sizes ineligible for meta-analysis (k = 91) identified patterns of associations between restriction and increased intake of healthy foods, and decreased intake of discretionary foods.
CONCLUSIONS
Studies used a diverse selection of measures of restriction and dietary intake, limiting the ability of this review to make accurate cross-study comparisons. However, results suggest that instead of restriction being detrimental for children's dietary outcomes, it may be unrelated, or associated with more beneficial dietary outcomes. Research that utilises validated measures of restriction and dietary outcomes and a longitudinal design is needed to clarify this association.
PubMed: 38795944
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107508