-
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 -
Appetite Jun 2024The aim of this review is to provide an overview of parental communication patterns during mealtimes, with a special emphasis being placed on the differences between...
Parental verbal communication and modeling behavior during mealtimes shape offspring eating behavior - A systematic review with a focus on clinical implications for eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of parental communication patterns during mealtimes, with a special emphasis being placed on the differences between families with and without a history of eating disorders.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, PubPsych and PsycINFO and the results were assessed for eligibility by two independent raters using the PICOS criteria. Only studies that included a mealtime observation were considered suitable for analysis of both explicit and implicit parental communication.
RESULTS
The results of the review suggest that mothers communicate more, with more complexity, and with a greater variety of words with their children during mealtimes compared to fathers. The intention and type of communication is diverse and heterogeneous. In general, parents often tried to encourage their children to eat. Verbal modeling and co-eating appeared to be common behaviors. Mothers with a history of eating disorders expressed more negative emotions during eating than mothers without eating disorders. Findings regarding the use of positive comments and controlling speech are contradicting.
DISCUSSION
The review outlines major fields of parent-child communication and modeling behavior around family meals which might be relevant to investigate and integrate into models of intergenerational transmission of eating behavior and disordered eating.
PubMed: 38944057
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107584 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a refractory disease for which achieving satisfactory outcomes remains challenging with current surgical interventions. Antibody-drug...
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a refractory disease for which achieving satisfactory outcomes remains challenging with current surgical interventions. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a novel class of targeted therapeutics that have demonstrated encouraging results for UC. Although there is a limited number of high-quality randomized control trials (RCTs) examining the use of ADCs in patients with UC, some prospective non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) provide valuable insights and pertinent information. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of ADCs in patients with UC, particularly those with locally advanced and metastatic diseases. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to identify pertinent studies. Outcomes, such as the overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), adverse events (AEs), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), were extracted for further analyses. Twelve studies involving 1,311 patients were included in this meta-analysis. In terms of tumor responses, the pooled ORR and DCR were 40% and 74%, respectively. Regarding survival analysis, the pooled median PFS and OS were 5.66 months and 12.63 months, respectively. The pooled 6-month PFS and OS were 47% and 80%, while the pooled 1-year PFS and OS were 22% and 55%, respectively. The most common TRAEs of the ADCs were alopecia (all grades: 45%, grades ≥ III: 0%), decreased appetite (all grades: 34%, grades ≥ III: 3%), dysgeusia (all grades: 40%, grades ≥ III: 0%), fatigue (all grades: 39%, grades ≥ III: 5%), nausea (all grades: 45%, grades ≥ III: 2%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (all grades: 37%, grades ≥ III: 2%), and pruritus (all grades: 32%, grades ≥ III: 1%). The meta-analysis in this study demonstrates that ADCs have promising efficacies and safety for patients with advanced or metastatic UC. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42023460232.
PubMed: 38933670
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1377924 -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging Jun 2024Anorexia of aging (AoA) is a prevalent geriatric syndrome characterized by a multifactorial decline in appetite and reduced food intake associated with the aging... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Anorexia of aging (AoA) is a prevalent geriatric syndrome characterized by a multifactorial decline in appetite and reduced food intake associated with the aging process. This systematic review aims to investigate the use and outcomes of cannabinoids in addressing AoA, with the goal of providing a comprehensive understanding and discussing their potential integration into daily clinical practice.
METHODS
A thorough search of databases (Embase Ovid, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) identified 6100 studies. After eliminating duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 25 studies underwent full appraisal. Two reviewers assessed inclusion suitability, and study methodologies were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies and the modified Jadad Scoring Scale for randomized controlled trials. Ultimately, six studies published between 2002 and 2019, involving 869 participants, were included in the review.
RESULTS
Out of the 6 fin. l papers selected, 5 were randomized trials, and 1 was a prospective study. Megestrol acetate (800 mg/d) proved to be more effective than dronabinol 2.5 mg twice a day in increasing appetite. Nabilone (at a dosage of 0.5 mg per day) did not show superiority over placebo in alleviating symptoms such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight. However, with a double dosage followed by 1.0 mg/6 weeks, after eight weeks of treatment, patients recorded a significant increase in calorie intake and carbohydrate consumption compared to the placebo group, with some patients also experiencing substantial weight gain. Regarding delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a weight increase of ≥10% was observed in 17.6% of patients with doses of 5 mg or 10 mg capsules daily, without significant side effects. Additionally, patients treated with THC 2.5 mg reported improved chemosensory perception and increased appetite before meals compared to placebo. No significant side effects were reported in older adults taking cannabinoids.
CONCLUSIONS
Cannabinoids offer promise in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals with active neoplastic disease. However, to establish comprehensive guidelines, further research with larger sample sizes is essential. Only through this approach can we fully grasp the potential and application of cannabinoids in addressing the nutritional concerns associated with neoplastic diseases.
PubMed: 38917597
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100299 -
Psychiatry Research Jun 20243,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is one of the most widely used illicit substances worldwide. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has become...
The efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials.
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is one of the most widely used illicit substances worldwide. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has become a novel treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed over the past decade. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review and demonstrate the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to October 27, 2023, selected RCTs assessing the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD, and evaluated their quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Seven RCTs were selected from the retrieved references. The results revealed that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy effectively reduced the change from baseline score in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale in patients with PTSD compared with either placebo or active controls. However, MDMA causes a series of adverse events, including muscle tightness, nausea, and decreased appetite. To a certain extent, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may improve symptoms in patients with PTSD. However, side effects and abuse issues still seriously hinder clinical application of MDMA.
PubMed: 38896930
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116043 -
Journal of the American Medical... Jun 2024The objective of this review was to explore the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology in symptom management of patients at the end of life. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to explore the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology in symptom management of patients at the end of life.
DESIGN
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis, which has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022344679).
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
Patients at the end of life.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, JBI, EBSCO, CNKI, Wanfang, and SinoMed were searched from inception to July 31, 2023. Search terms included "virtual reality" and "end-of-life." Articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The random effects model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD), and the fixed effects model was used to calculate the mean difference (MD). The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 and JBI Evaluation tool were used to assess the risk of bias. The I statistic was used to measure heterogeneity between studies. Forest plots were used for analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 234 patients at the end of life from 3 randomized controlled trials and 6 quasi-experimental studies were included. Compared with pre-VR intervention, the pain [standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.89, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.48, P < .05], shortness of breath [mean difference (MD) -0.98, 95% CI -0.98-0.51, P < .05], depression (MD -0.62, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.40, P < .05), and anxiety (SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.50 to 0.36, P < .05) of patients at the end of life was significantly improved after VR intervention. However, there were no significant differences observed in tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, and lack of appetite.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
VR technology can be effective in improving pain, shortness of breath, depression, and anxiety in patients at the end of life. For tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, and lack of appetite, further research is required.
PubMed: 38880120
DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105086 -
Nutrition Reviews Jun 2024The melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R) is associated with a higher risk of obesity by the presence of the C allele in rs17782313, but the mechanisms are not clear.
CONTEXT
The melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R) is associated with a higher risk of obesity by the presence of the C allele in rs17782313, but the mechanisms are not clear.
OBJECTIVE
The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between the different genotypes of MC4R rs17782313 and energy intake and appetite.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search was conducted up to June 2023 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Collaboration databases, following PRISMA guidelines.
DATA EXTRACTION
Inclusion criteria were studies in humans measuring energy intake, appetite, or satiety in all ages and physiological conditions. Studies dealing solely with body mass index were excluded. Twenty-one articles representing 48 560 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
DATA ANALYSIS
According to the NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) quality-assessment criteria, all case-control studies and 6 out of 17 cohort and cross-sectional studies were classified as "good," while the rest scored as "fair." Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a (CT+CC) vs TT dominant model, and both random-effects and fixed-effects models were used. A statistically significant association between the presence of the C allele and increased appetite was found (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01-1.49; P = .038) using the fixed-effects model, but the random-effects model proved nonsignificant. However, no association with energy intake was found. None of the variables considered (sample size, year of publication, sex, age group, type of population, origin, and quality) were identified as effect modifiers, and no publication biases were found after subgroup and meta-regression analyses.
CONCLUSION
To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis that has analyzed the association between rs17782313 of MC4R and energy intake and appetite. Identifying people genetically predisposed to increased appetite may be of great interest, not only to prevent obesity in younger populations but also to avoid malnutrition in elderly persons. This paper is part of the Nutrition Reviews Special Collection on Precision Nutrition.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023417916.
PubMed: 38879444
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae075 -
Cureus May 2024Appendicitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions a person can develop. Throughout the years of assessing the different focuses of appendicitis, such as... (Review)
Review
Appendicitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions a person can develop. Throughout the years of assessing the different focuses of appendicitis, such as origin, symptoms, labs, diagnosis, treatment, and complications, there have been mere mentions of sex differences. One of the most known sex differences in appendicitis is the fact that males are significantly more likely to develop appendicitis compared to females. Another postulated difference is that males may be more likely to develop a perforated appendix. These differences significantly affect the various aspects of diagnosing and treating appendicitis and may even influence the outcome of appendicitis. Sex difference analysis of conditions has been widely researched over the last two decades, and sex can influence and impact conditions from initial presentation to the outcome of treatment. This paper evaluates the sex differences in appendicitis concerning incidence, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis technique, treatment, and outcomes across ages. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review reviewed PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases for articles pertaining to sex differences in appendicitis. The original article count was 21,121, which was narrowed down to 28 publications. It was found that, as previously described, males had a significantly higher rate of appendicitis, as well as were at significant risk of perforated appendicitis. No official risk factors were found to differ between the sexes, but males were more likely to complain of symptoms like right lower quadrant cramps/tenderness/pain and loss of appetite. Scores such as the pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) and Ohmann have been used to diagnose appendicitis, but the PAS was significantly more accurate for females, and the Ohmann resulted in significantly fewer negative appendectomies in females as well. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) are still the gold standards for diagnosis; however, while time to CT was significantly delayed in females, they were more likely to undergo extensive imaging, possibly to rule out other conditions. Males were more likely to undergo open appendectomies compared to females, who more frequently underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, yet females were more likely to experience complications. Further research should evaluate the influences that can predict postoperative outcomes following appendectomies between sexes and how to prevent/reduce their occurrence.
PubMed: 38854248
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60055 -
Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.) May 2024Gut peptides play a role in signaling appetite control in the hypothalamus. Limited knowledge exists regarding the release of these peptides in individuals with obesity... (Review)
Review
Gut peptides play a role in signaling appetite control in the hypothalamus. Limited knowledge exists regarding the release of these peptides in individuals with obesity before and during external stimuli. We hypothesize that the expression of gut peptides is different in the fasting and postprandial states in the scenario of obesity. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Science Direct electronic databases were searched. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Software. Randomized controlled trials that measured gut peptides in both obese and lean subjects were included in the analysis. A total of 552 subjects with obesity were enrolled in 25 trials. The gut peptide profile did not show any significant difference between obese and lean subjects for glucagon-like peptide 1 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.21 to 0.38; P = .30), peptide YY (95% CI, -1.47 to 0.18; P = .13), and cholecystokinin (95% CI, -1.25 to 1.28; P = .98). Gut peptides are decreased by an increased high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and by decreased chewing. There is no statistically significant difference in gut peptides between individuals with obesity and leanness in a fasting state. However, the release of gut peptides is affected in individuals with obesity following external stimuli, such as dietary interventions and chewing. Further studies are necessary to investigate the relationship between various stimuli and the release of gut peptides, as well as their impact on appetite regulation in subjects with obesity.
PubMed: 38843565
DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.04.007 -
Nutrition & Dietetics: the Journal of... May 2024Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy used for lung cancer has significantly changed response and survival rates, however, the impact on patients' nutritional status... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy used for lung cancer has significantly changed response and survival rates, however, the impact on patients' nutritional status remains largely unexplored. This review aims to identify common adverse events that increase nutrition risk induced in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and assess impact on nutritional status.
METHODS
PubMed, Medline and CINAHL were systematically searched in September 2023 for randomised controlled trials comparing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment of non-small cell lung cancer to a control group. Treatment-related adverse events that increased nutrition impact symptoms identified in the patient-generated subjective global assessment and clinical guidelines were extracted and qualitatively analysed. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.
RESULTS
Eleven eligible randomised controlled trial studies were identified and analysed. The data demonstrated immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment was associated with a lower percentage of reported nutrition impact symptoms, for example, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, compared to chemotherapy treatment. Conversely, immune checkpoint inhibitor treated patients recorded a greater percentage of immune-related adverse events that alter metabolism or nutrient absorption.
CONCLUSION
Non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors still experience nutrition impact symptoms but less frequently than patients treated with chemotherapy. This combined with unique nutrition-related consequences from colitis and thyroid disorders induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy indicates patients should be screened, assessed and interventions implemented to improve nutrition.
PubMed: 38804022
DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12879