Nutrition
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The outbreak of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that has created huge trepidation worldwide, has a mortality rate of 0.5% to 1% and is growing incessantly. There are currently no therapies and/or vaccines that may help abate this viral disease, but the use of masks and social distancing can limit the spread. Boosting immunity has been a simple way to resist viral infection and limit fatalities. ⋯ The presence of these molecules indicates its potential role in resisting infection and COVID-19 disease progression. This review focuses on the potential role of algal nutraceuticals as immune boosters to combat the human coronavirus and other viral diseases. The potential use of Spirulina-based nutraceuticals for combating COVID-19, its mechanism, and future directions have also been discussed.
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Skeletal muscle mass with function decline indicated as sarcopenia, which may cause disability in elderly adults. Studies regarding fat composition in sarcopenia have gained attraction recently; however, different fat indexes have yielded different findings. It is necessary to explore the association between muscle mass, muscle function, and fat indexes among elderly adults. ⋯ Individuals in the presarcopenia group had lower fat indexes than those in the sarcopenia group. Gait speed in men and hand grip strength in women-but not muscle mass for either- were negatively associated with body-fat percentage and fat-to-muscle ratio.
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Observational Study
Effects of malnutrition on long-term survival in adult patients after elective cardiac surgery.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and long-term survival in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). ⋯ Preoperative malnutrition is not associated with 8-y mortality in a mixed cardiac surgery cohort. However, it may be associated with worse 3-y outcomes in patients with heart valve disease.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Eating habits, sleep, and a proxy for circadian disruption are correlated with dyslipidemia in overweight night workers.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between proxy for circadian disruption, eating habits, sleep characteristics, and dyslipidemic parameters. ⋯ Short duration of nighttime sleep and high social jetlag are risk factors for dyslipidemia, whereas the late type and the longer time interval between the last meal and sleep onset appear to be protective factors for dyslipidemia.
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Review Meta Analysis
The impact of silymarin in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease affecting a significant proportion of the general population. Recently, randomized clinical trials have been conducted examining the efficacy of silymarin in individuals with NAFLD, with conflicting results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of silymarin in the treatment of NAFLD by examining changes in liver biochemistry, body mass index, and liver histology. ⋯ Silymarin seems to be effective in reducing transaminase levels in individuals with NAFLD. Despite the statistical benefits, we call attention to potential flaws related to the quality of the included studies. Further well-designed studies should be carried out to examine whether this reduction in transaminase levels corresponds to histologic improvement.