Nutrition
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of phase angle (PhA) as a severity indicator of chronic liver diseases. ⋯ PhA was shown to be an independent prognostic indicator for cirrhosis and may be related to survival in these patients.
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a condition characterized by an increased resistance of pulmonary vasculature, culminating in an increase in pulmonary pressure. This process involves disturbances in lung redox homeostasis, causing progressive right heart failure. In this context, the use of natural antioxidants, such as those found in blueberries, may represent a therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blueberry extract (BB) on functional parameters and oxidative stress levels in rat lungs with induced PAH. ⋯ Intervention with BB mitigated functional PAH outcomes through improvement of the pulmonary redox state. Our results provide a basis for future research on natural antioxidant interventions as a novel treatment strategy in PAH.
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Review Meta Analysis
Is olive oil good for you? A systematic review and meta-analysis on anti-inflammatory benefits from regular dietary intake.
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is rapidly increasing, and evidence shows that diet and lifestyle are key areas of intervention to decrease their burden. Olive oil is considered one of the key nutritional components responsible for the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by the use of olive oil in meals as the main source of fat; a high consumption of water, fruits, nuts, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, spices, and herbs; a moderate consumption of dairy products (mainly cheese and yogurt), fish, poultry, and red wine; and a reduced consumption of red meat and processed foods. The aim of this review was to summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effect of regular dietary intake of olive oil on three inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. ⋯ Olive oil taken on a regular basis can be a good dietary fat alternative, especially to manage IL-6. However, further research is required to clarify the effects of olive oil consumption on inflammation, comparing to other fats. Moreover, olive oil daily dosage, different time-lenght intervention and follow-up periods should be taken into consideration.
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Review Meta Analysis
Dietary energy density and appetite: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Studies have suggested that dietary energy density (DED) may affect weight gain by altering appetite. Although many studies have investigated the effect of DED on appetite, findings are inconsistent and, to our knowledge, there are no systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this topic. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the effect of DED on appetite. ⋯ Compared with a LED diet, consumption of HED increased fullness (weighed mean difference [WMD] 2.95 mm; 95% CI 0.07-5.82, P = 0.044, I2 98.1%) but had no significant effect on hunger (WMD 1.31 mm; 95% CI -7.20 to 9.82, P = 0.763, I2 99.1%). The current meta-analysis revealed changing the DED had no significant effect on hunger but increased fullness. More high-quality RCTs are needed to investigate the effects of DED on appetite components.