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BMJ Military Health Jun 2024Soldiers must achieve high-level mission-preparedness to endure extended periods of physical and cognitive activity, with unpredictable recovery, in all environments.... (Review)
Review
Soldiers must achieve high-level mission-preparedness to endure extended periods of physical and cognitive activity, with unpredictable recovery, in all environments. Nutrition provides the foundation for health and performance. Militaries have not maximised the strategic and financial value that considering nutrition as a military capability could deliver. A whole system approach to military nutrition, based on the prepare-perform-recover human capability cycle phases, is presented. Trainee nutrition requirements, through to very-high-readiness forces undertaking arduous roles at reach, must be specifically addressed. Promoting military performance diets in the prepare phase, through practitioner-supported nutrition education and food provision, will ensure mission readiness and mitigate ill health. Delivering nutrition in field settings in the perform phase-through smaller/lighter, nutritionally optimised rations and smart packaging technologies-will improve utility and minimise waste. Strategic dietary supplement use can provide a mission performance-enhancing adjunct to a food-first philosophy. Impact value chain analysis of military nutrition capability investments could support cost-benefit measurement.
PubMed: 38942432
DOI: 10.1136/military-2024-002738 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024The prevalence and impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health problem. The treatment process of T2DM is long and difficult to cure. Therefore, it... (Review)
Review
The prevalence and impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health problem. The treatment process of T2DM is long and difficult to cure. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative or complementary methods to deal with the various challenges brought by T2DM. Natural plant polysaccharides (NPPs) have certain potential in the treatment of T2DM. However, many studies have not considered the relationship between the structure of NPPs and their anti-T2DM activity. This paper reviews the relevant anti-T2DM mechanisms of NPPs, including modulation of insulin action, promotion of glucose metabolism and modulation of postprandial glucose levels, anti-inflammation and modulation of gut microbiota (GM) and metabolism. This paper provides an in-depth study of the conformational relationships of NPPs and facilitates the development of anti-T2DM drugs or dietary supplements with NPPs.
PubMed: 38942411
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133466 -
JMIR Research Protocols Jun 2024Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling condition that affects more than one-third of people older than 65 years. Currently, 80% of these patients report movement...
Assessment of the Feasibility of Objective Parameters as Primary End Points for Patients Affected by Knee Osteoarthritis: Protocol for a Pilot, Open Noncontrolled Trial (:SMILE:).
BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling condition that affects more than one-third of people older than 65 years. Currently, 80% of these patients report movement limitations, 20% are unable to perform major activities of daily living, and approximately 11% require personal care. In 2014, the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) recommended, as the first step in the pharmacological treatment of knee osteoarthritis, a background therapy with chronic symptomatic slow-acting osteoarthritic drugs such as glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. The latter has been extensively evaluated in clinical trials as intra-articular and oral administration. Recent reviews have shown that studies on oral hyaluronic acid generally measure symptoms using only subjective parameters, such as visual analog scales or quality of life questionnaires. As a result, objective measures are lacking, and data validity is generally impaired.
OBJECTIVE
The main goal of this pilot study with oral hyaluronic acid is to evaluate the feasibility of using objective tools as outcomes to evaluate improvements in knee mobility. We propose ultrasound and range of motion measurements with a goniometer that could objectively correlate changes in joint mobility with pain reduction, as assessed by the visual analog scale. The secondary objective is to collect data to estimate the time and budget for the main double-blind study randomized trial. These data may be quantitative (such as enrollment rate per month, number of screening failures, and new potential outcomes) and qualitative (such as site logistical issues, patient reluctance to enroll, and interpersonal difficulties for investigators).
METHODS
This open-label pilot and feasibility study is conducted in an orthopedic clinic (Timisoara, Romania). The study includes male and female participants, aged 50-70 years, who have been diagnosed with symptomatic knee OA and have experienced mild joint discomfort for at least 6 months. Eight patients must be enrolled and treated with Syalox 300 Plus (River Pharma) for 8 weeks. It is a dietary supplement containing high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, which has already been marketed in several European countries. Assessments are made at the baseline and final visits.
RESULTS
Recruitment and treatment of the 8 patients began on February 15, 2018, and was completed on May 25, 2018. Data analysis was planned to be completed by the end of 2018. The study was funded in February 2019. We expect the results to be published in a peer-reviewed clinical journal in the last quarter of 2024.
CONCLUSIONS
The data from this pilot study will be used to assess the feasibility of a future randomized clinical trial in OA. In particular, the planned outcomes (eg, ultrasound and range of motion), safety, and quantitative and qualitative data must be evaluated to estimate in advance the time and budget required for the future main study. Finally, the pilot study should provide preliminary information on the efficacy of the investigational product.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03421054; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03421054.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
RR1-10.2196/13642.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pilot Projects; Feasibility Studies; Hyaluronic Acid; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Endpoint Determination
PubMed: 38941599
DOI: 10.2196/13642 -
Annual Review of Food Science and... Jun 2024Many physical, social, and psychological changes occur during aging that raise the risk of developing chronic diseases, frailty, and dependency. These changes adversely... (Review)
Review
Many physical, social, and psychological changes occur during aging that raise the risk of developing chronic diseases, frailty, and dependency. These changes adversely affect the gut microbiota, a phenomenon known as microbe-aging. Those microbiota alterations are, in turn, associated with the development of age-related diseases. The gut microbiota is highly responsive to lifestyle and dietary changes, displaying a flexibility that also provides anactionable tool by which healthy aging can be promoted. This review covers, firstly, the main lifestyle and socioeconomic factors that modify the gut microbiota composition and function during healthy or unhealthy aging and, secondly, the advances being made in defining and promoting healthy aging, including microbiome-informed artificial intelligence tools, personalized dietary patterns, and food probiotic systems.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Life Style; Diet; Healthy Aging; Probiotics; Aging
PubMed: 38941492
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034458 -
Medicine Jun 2024The effects and mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on the incidence, recurrence, and prevention of breast cancer (BC) have been extensively investigated since the... (Review)
Review
The effects and mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on the incidence, recurrence, and prevention of breast cancer (BC) have been extensively investigated since the 1990s. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in understanding the relationship between the components of the MD and BC, particularly in terms of their role and adherence. This comprehensive review focuses on several key aspects: the influence of the adherence of MD in cohort studies conducted across different regions on BC, the effects and mechanisms of individual component or main components as well as the supplementation of vitamins, drugs, exercise, and other factors of MD on BC; the variations in the impact of the MD on premenopausal and postmenopausal women, as well as different types in BC cases; the possible mechanisms underlying the development, recurrence, and prevention of BC in relation to the MD; and the interaction effects of individual genetic polymorphisms with the MD. Based on current research findings, this review highlights the key issues and identifies future research directions in investigating the relationship between the MD and BC. Furthermore, it suggests that healthy women of various ages and BC patients should adhere to MD in order to prevent BC or improve the prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Mediterranean; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38941369
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038743 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Jun 2024Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) modalities are widely employed. However, TCIM, specifically herbal and non-herbal dietary supplements, can... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) modalities are widely employed. However, TCIM, specifically herbal and non-herbal dietary supplements, can pose challenges in the context of organ transplantation. In this review, we discuss common supplements used for psychiatric purposes and highlight important considerations for candidates and recipients of liver transplants.
RECENT FINDINGS
Ashwagandha, kava kava, green tea extract, skullcap, turmeric, and valerian have known idiosyncratic hepatotoxic potential and may complicate the liver transplantation course. Multiple supplements reportedly carry a lower risk of hepatotoxicity, though evidence for widespread use in those at risk for or with hepatic impairment is limited. Psychiatrists caring for candidates and recipients of liver transplants must recognize that patients may find supplements helpful in alleviating psychiatric symptoms, despite an overall limited evidence base. Evaluating benefit versus risk ratios and reviewing drug-drug interactions is essential to promote transplant candidacy and mitigate the possibility of native or graft liver dysfunction.
PubMed: 38941032
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01517-0 -
Clinical Cardiology Jul 2024Chronic heart failure (CHF) has always posed a significant threat to human survival and health. The efficacy of thiamine supplementation in CHF patients remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic heart failure (CHF) has always posed a significant threat to human survival and health. The efficacy of thiamine supplementation in CHF patients remains uncertain.
HYPOTHESIS
Receiving supplementary thiamine may not confer benefits to patients with CHF.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science databases up until May 2023 to identify articles investigating the effects of thiamine supplementation in CHF patients. Predefined criteria were utilized for selecting data on study characteristics and results.
RESULTS
Seven randomized, double-blind, controlled trials (five parallel trials and two crossover trials) involving a total of 274 patients were enrolled. The results of the meta-analysis pooling these studies did not reveal any significant effect of thiamine treatment compared with placebo on left ventricular ejection fraction (WMD = 1.653%, 95% CI: -1.098 to 4.405, p = 0.239, I = 61.8%), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (WMD = -6.831 mL, 95% CI: -26.367 to 12.704, p = 0.493, I = 0.0%), 6-min walking test (WMD = 16.526 m, 95% CI: -36.582 to 69.634, p = 0.542, I = 66.3%), N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (WMD = 258.150 pg/mL, 95% CI: -236.406 to 752.707, p = 0.306, I = 21.6%), or New York Heart Association class (WMD = -0.223, 95% CI: -0.781 to 0.335, p = 0.434, I = 87.1%). However, it effectively improved the status of thiamine deficiency (TD).
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis indicates that thiamine supplementation does not have a direct therapeutic effect on CHF, except for correcting TD.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Thiamine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Chronic Disease; Ventricular Function, Left; Stroke Volume; Vitamin B Complex; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38940395
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24309 -
Polski Przeglad Chirurgiczny Jun 2024<b>Introduction:</b> Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common disease treated in proctology ambulatories. Conservative treatment is the basic form of...
<b>Introduction:</b> Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common disease treated in proctology ambulatories. Conservative treatment is the basic form of treatment for this disease. One of the elements of treatment may be preparations with myoand phlebotropic effects.<b>Aim:</b> To assess the effect of a multi-ingredient myophlebotropic dietary supplement used as an adjunct on the rate and effectiveness of symptom relief in patients with stage II and III hemorrhoidal disease.<b>Material and method:</b> Patients with stage II and III hemorrhoidal disease with clinical symptoms such as pain, burning, itching and bleeding were qualified for the study. The patients were divided into two groups. The control group (Group I) of 29 patients receiving standard local treatment plus placebo and the study group (Group II) of 32 patients receiving the same local treatment and a six-component myophlebotropic product. Symptoms were analyzed at the time of inclusion in the study (day 0), after 4 and 10 days of therapy. The severity of hemorrhoidal disease and the feeling of relief were assessed on the day of inclusion (W0) and after 30 days of therapy.<b>Results:</b> There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of disease advancement, age, gender, and duration of symptoms. Compared to the moment of inclusion in the study (W0), after 4 days (W1), after 10 days (W2) of taking the multi- -component product, there was a statistically significant improvement in the VAS scale: spontaneous pain and pain during defecation. In the qualitative assessment (yes/no), there were statistically significantly fewer cases of burning in the anus and itching. The treatment did not affect the rate of spontaneous bleeding, which was low at the beginning of the study, but significantly reduced the rate of bleeding during defecation. After 30 days of observation, it was found that the improvement in the severity of hemorrhoidal disease symptoms was significantly higher in the group using the tested preparation. Relief after a month of the study (one-question method) was noted in the group of patients receiving the tested product.<b>Conclusions:</b> The tested six-component myophlebotropic product proved to be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms such as spontaneous pain, pain during defecation, burning/burning in the anus and bleeding during defecation. Statistical significance was demonstrated in the symptom's relief and reduction in the severity of hemorrhoidal disease.
Topics: Humans; Hemorrhoids; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Dietary Supplements; Aged
PubMed: 38940246
DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0054.6443 -
Journal of Complementary & Integrative... Jul 2024The study provides a thorough examination of the rhizomes of Roxb., which is a medicinal substance sometimes referred to as black turmeric and has not been well studied.
OBJECTIVES
The study provides a thorough examination of the rhizomes of Roxb., which is a medicinal substance sometimes referred to as black turmeric and has not been well studied.
METHODS
The study examines the pharmacognostical characteristics, GC-MS profiling, and elemental analysis of the substance to determine its potential for use in medicine. The presence of heavy metal contamination in herbal products is a significant issue, which necessitates the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry to quantitatively analyze eight elements.
RESULTS
The investigation validates the existence of crucial trace elements while guaranteeing that the levels of heavy metals are within the toxicity limits set by the World Health Organization. This indicates that the rhizome is safe for medicinal purposes. The selection of a solvent has a substantial impact on the efficiency of extraction. Acetone has the highest extraction yield, followed by ethanol and ethyl acetate. The GC-MS analysis uncovers a wide range of phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, and proteins. Additionally, particular solvents exclusively detect specific molecules. Epicurzerenone and zederone are chemicals that show promise for use in reducing inflammation and fighting cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of results it can be concluded that rhizome's quality based on acceptable physicochemical characteristics and provides a strong basis for future pharmacological research. The research has potential for the development of novel organic drugs, utilizing the abundant phytochemical composition of Roxb. rhizomes.
PubMed: 38940214
DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0151 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) May 2024Adverse intestinal microbiome profiles described as a dysbiotic gut are a complicit etiological operative factor that can progress and maintain inflammatory sequelae in... (Review)
Review
Adverse intestinal microbiome profiles described as a dysbiotic gut are a complicit etiological operative factor that can progress and maintain inflammatory sequelae in the intestines. The disruption of the gut microbiome that ensues with intestinal dysbiosis is, for example, posited by decreases in the alpha-diversity of the gut microbiome, which is characterized by significant reductions in the abundance of bacterial members from the and phyla. Proteobacteria have often been recognized as gut microbial signatures of disease. For example, this happens with observed increases in abundance of the phyla and , such as the adherent-invasive strain, which has been significantly linked with maintaining inflammatory bowel diseases. Research on the administration of probiotics, often identified as gut-functional foods, has demonstrated safety, tolerability, and efficacy issues in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In this narrative review, we explore the efficacy of probiotics in treating IBDs with bacterial strain- and dose-specific characteristics and the association with multi-strain administration.
Topics: Probiotics; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Functional Food
PubMed: 38939911
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1602013