Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Medical nutrition treatment can manage diabetes and slow or prevent its complications. The comparative effects of micronutrient supplements, however, have not yet been well established. We aimed at evaluating the comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements on managing glycemic control and lipid metabolism for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to inform clinical practice. Electronic and hand searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed until June 1, 2022. We selected RCTs enrolling patients with T2DM who were treated with vitamin supplements, mineral supplements, or placebo/no treatment. Data were pooled via frequentist random-effects network meta-analyses. A total of 170 eligible trials and 14223 participants were included. Low to very low certainty evidence established chromium supplements as the most effective in reducing fasting blood glucose levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SUCRAs: 90.4% and 78.3%, respectively). Vitamin K supplements ranked best in reducing glycated hemoglobin A1c and fasting insulin levels (SUCRAs: 97.0% and 82.3%, respectively), with moderate to very low certainty evidence. Vanadium supplements ranked best in lowering total cholesterol levels with very low evidence certainty (SUCRAs:100%). Niacin supplements ranked best in triglyceride reductions and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with low to very low evidence certainty (SUCRAs:93.7% and 94.6%, respectively). Vitamin E supplements ranked best in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with very low evidence certainty (SUCRAs:80.0%). Our analyses indicated that micronutrient supplements, especially chromium, vitamin E, vitamin K, vanadium, and niacin supplements, may be more efficacious in managing T2DM than other micronutrients. Considering the clinical importance of these findings, new research is needed to get better insight into this issue.

Enhancing harvest of biodiesel-promising microalgae using Daphnia domesticated by amino acids.

Mass production of microalgal biodiesel is hindered by microalgae harvesting efficiency and costs. In this study, Daphnia domesticated by amino acids were used to harvest microalgae via ingesting. The main factors (density of Daphnia, salinity, pH, light-environment, temperature and algal concentration) that were conducive to Daphnia feeding were optimized. Under the optimal condition, Microalgae-feeding Daphnia were domesticated by adding D-glutamic acid and L-cysteine as stimulating factors. After that, the ingestion rate of domesticated Daphnia increased by 24.93%. The presence of Daphnia as a predator can induce microalgae to mass into clusters. Combining Daphnia feeding and the inductive defense flocculation of microalgae, the harvesting rate of mixed algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus obliquus) reached over 95% after 9 h. Overall, this work suggested that Daphnia feeding process is a green and economical approach for microalgae harvesting.

Effects of fish oil-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on body composition, muscle strength and physical performance in older people: a secondary analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: the effects regarding n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation on sarcopenia have been explored by several clinical trials. Nonetheless, the use of n-3 PUFA for improving body composition, muscle strength and physical performance in older people is conflicting. OBJECTIVES: our aim was to perform a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial to evaluate the effects of 6-month n-3 PUFA supplementation on body composition, muscle strength and physical performance in older Chinese people. METHODS: in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 200 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to receive 4 g/day fish oil capsules (1.34 g eicosapentaenoic [EPA] + 1.07 docosahexaenoic [DHA]) or 4 g/day corn oil capsules (EPA + DHA <0.05 g) for 6 months. The primary outcomes were the changes of body composition, muscle strength (hand grip strength) and physical performance (Timed Up and Go time). Secondary outcomes were the changes in serum lipid profiles. RESULTS: compared with control group, fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation resulted in significant increases in thigh circumference (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001), total skeletal muscle mass (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001); the differences were still significant even after height correction. Muscle strength and physical performance including hand grip strength (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001) and Timed Up and Go time (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001) were also improved after a 6-month fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA intervention. In terms of serum lipid profiles, fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation could significantly reduce serum level of triglyceride (interaction time × group effect P = 0.012) and increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001); while no significant improvement was found in serum concentrations of total cholesterol (interaction time × group effect P = 0.413) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (interaction time × group effect P = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS: our present trial demonstrated that a 6-month fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation could beneficially affect the body composition, muscle strength, physical performance and serum lipid profiles in older people, which could be into considerations when making strategies aiming to the primary prevention of sarcopenia.

Tocotrienol-Rich Fractions Offer Potential to Suppress Pulmonary Fibrosis Progression.

Although pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is considered a rare disease, the incidence thereof has increased steadily in recent years, while a safe and effective cure remains beyond reach. In this study, the potential of tocotrienol-rich fractions (TRF) and carotene to alleviate PF was explored. PF was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats via a single intratracheal bleomycin (BLM) (5 mg/kg) instillation. These rats were subsequently treated with TRF, carotene, pirfenidone (Pir) and nintedanib (Nin) for 28 days via gavage administration, whereafter histopathological performance, biochemical functions and molecular alterations were studied in the lung tissues. Our results showed that TRF, carotene, Nin and Pir all ameliorated PF by reducing inflammation and resisting oxidative stress to varying degrees. The related mechanisms involved the TGF-ß1/Smad, PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. Ultimately, our findings revealed that, when combined with TRF, the therapeutic effects of Nin and Pir on PF were enhanced, indicating that TRF may, indeed, provide promising potential for use in combination therapy in the treatment of PF.

Greater Bioaccessibility of Silver Nanoparticles in Earthworm than in Soils.

The buildup of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in soil has raised mounting concerns on their impact on human health. Human are exposed to AgNPs in soils via hand-to-mouth activities (direct exposure) and food consumption (indirect exposure). However, the bioaccessibility of AgNPs under these exposure scenarios remains largely unknown. We used a physiologically based extraction test (PBET) to assess Ag bioaccessibility in AgNP-containing soils and in earthworms (Pheretima guillemi) cultured in these soils. Silver bioaccessibility was 1.2 - 8.4% and 8.1 - 78.7% upon direct exposure and indirect exposure, respectively. These results indicated greater Ag bioaccessibility in earthworms than in soils. Moreover, particle size decreased upon direct exposure, but remained constant upon indirect exposure in wetland soil, as revealed by single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) analysis. Our results highlight the importance of indirect exposure to NPs.

[Role and mechanism of Cortex Moutan components in inhibiting production of toxic advanced glycation end products (AGEs)].

Advanced glycation end products(AGEs) can lead to many diseases such as diabetes and its complications. In this study, an in vitro non-enzymatic glycosylation reaction model-bovine serum albumin/methylglyoxal(BSA/MGO) reaction system was constructed and incubated with Cortex Moutan extract. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) were used to detect and identify the active components that inhibited the formation of AGEs in the co-incubation solution of Cortex Moutan extract and MGO, and differential components such as salvianan, paeoniside, benzoylpaeoniflorin, mudanpioside J, galloyloxypaeoniflorin, benzoyloxy-paeoniflorin, 5-hydroxy-3 s-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro benzofuran, and galloylpaeoniflorin were screened out, which were inferred to be the potential active components of Cortex Moutan extract to capture MGO. In addition, BSA-glucose reaction system was performed to investigate the influence of different concentrations of Cortex Moutan extract(decoction concentrations: 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 mg·mL~(-1)) on inhibiting the production of AGEs in vitro. The inhibitory effects of Cortex Moutan extract and the differential components galloylpaeoniflorin and benzoyl paeoniflorin on the production of AGEs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) induced by high glucose was further evaluated. Cell apoptosis was observed by acridine orange and ethidium bromide(AO/EB) double fluorescence staining. The results showed that Cortex Moutan Cortex extract and its differential components had certain inhibitory effects on the formation of AGEs, and could reduce cell apoptosis. This study provided reference for the treatment of diabetic vascular complications by Cortex Moutan inhibiting the toxic AGEs.

Difference of coagulation features between severe pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV2 and non-SARS-CoV2.

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is commonly complicated with coagulopathy, the difference of coagulation features between severe pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV2 and non-SARS-CoV2 has not been analyzed. Coagulation results and clinical features of consecutive patients with severe pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV2 (COVID group) and non-SARS-CoV2 (non-COVID group) in Tongji hospital were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Whether patients with elevated D-dimer could benefit from anticoagulant treatment was evaluated. There were 449 COVID patients and 104 non-COVID patients enrolled into the study. The 28-day mortality in COVID group was approximately twofold of mortality in non-COVID group (29.8% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.003), COVID group were older (65.1 ± 12.0 vs. 58.4 ± 18.0, years, P < 0.001) and with higher platelet count (215 ± 100 vs. 188 ± 98, ×109/L, P = 0.015), comparing to non-COVID group. The 28-day mortality of heparin users were lower than nonusers In COVID group with D-dimer > 3.0 µg/mL (32.8% vs. 52.4%, P = 0.017). Patients with severe pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV2 had higher platelet count than those induced by non-SARS-CoV2, and only the former with markedly elevated D-dimer may benefit from anticoagulant treatment.

Combined measurement of factor XIII and D-dimer is helpful for differential diagnosis in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: D-dimer has been used to rule out pulmonary embolism (PE). Based on previous reports of decreased concentrations of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) in venous thromboembolism, and no change in FXIII concentration in patients with acute cardiovascular disease, we evaluated the benefit of simultaneously measuring D-dimer and FXIII concentrations for diagnosing PE. METHODS: In this prospective single-center study, we enrolled 209 patients initially suspected of having PE, and measured their D-dimer and FXIII concentrations. Forty-one patients were diagnosed with PE and 168 with other final diagnoses, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS); aortic dissection (AD); spontaneous pneumothorax (SP); other respiratory, heart, digestive and nervous diseases; and uncertain diagnoses. RESULTS: Patients with PE had significantly higher D-dimer and lower FXIII concentrations than did patients without PE. Combined D-dimer and FXIII measurements provided a higher positive predictive value (76.6%) for PE than single tests, especially in patients with Wells score >4.0 (89.3%). Specifically, patients with AD or ACS showed higher FXIII concentrations and mean platelet volumes than did patients with PE or SP, and patients with PE and AD had higher D-dimer concentrations than did other patients. At the thresholds of 69.0% for FXIII and 1.10 µg/mL for D-dimer, 123/151 patients (81.5%) with serious diseases (PE, AD, ACS and SP) were correctly distinguished. CONCLUSIONS: Combined measurement of D-dimer and FXIII helps distinguish PE from serious diseases with similar symptoms and appears to relate to increased FXIII release from active platelets in cardiovascular disease.

Characteristics of Chinese patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and the ability of lupus anticoagulant assays to identify them.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the work was to study the manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in the Chinese population, and evaluate the ability of lupus anticoagulant (LAC) assays to identify APS. METHODS: Consecutive patients with APS from 2012 to 2015 in our hospital were recruited, strictly following the Sydney revised Sapporo criteria for APS classification. Meanwhile, in the LAC-positive population, LAC normalized ratios obtained from diluted Russell viper venom time (DRVVT) and silica clotting time (SCT) assays were compared between patients with and without APS. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients with defined APS comprised 86 women and 31 men with a mean age of 38 years (range 9-78 years), 38 (32.5%) of them had systemic lupus erythematosus. The prevalence of arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis and obstetric complications were 46.2%, 25.6% and 30.8%, respectively. LAC was detected in 105 patients (89.7%), anti-ß2-glycoprotein I antibodies (aß2GPI) in 88 (75.2%) and anticardiolipin antibodies in 41 (35.0%). In 353 patients with persistent LAC, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for APS prediction defined the best cut-off value for DRVVT normalized ratio as 1.61 with 73.7% specificity and 72.6% sensitivity. For SCT, the normalized ratio was 1.91 with 70.8% specificity and 56.5% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of arterial thrombosis and LAC-positive result was noted in Chinese patients with APS, and an appropriate threshold for LAC normalized ratios could help to discriminate APS from non-APS patients in the LAC-positive population.

An Easy Method to Eliminate the Effect of Lupus Anticoagulants in the Coagulation Factor Assay.

BACKGROUND: To build and evaluate intrinsic coagulation factor assays which can eliminate the effect of lupus anticoagulants (LAC). METHODS: Commercial silica clotting time confirmatory (SCT-C) reagent containing sufficient synthetic phospholipid and routine activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) reagent were each used for one-stage detection of FVIII, FIX, and FXI activities, in samples with or without LAC, and the results were compared. RESULTS: For samples without LAC, consistent results of FVIII, FIX, and FXI using both SCT-C reagent and APTT reagent were obtained. For samples with LAC, the assays with SCT-C reagent not only could eliminate the effect of strong lupus anticoagulants but also needed fewer dilutions than that with routine APTT reagent. CONCLUSIONS: The intrinsic factor detections by SCT-C reagent are credible and convenient to be used for samples with LAC.

The relationship between on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity, genotype, and post-percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND: High on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity reflects a poor response to clopidogrel and is associated with ischemic events, which has been attributed to several factors such as demographic, clinical characteristics and a polymorphism of CYP2C19. Some new platelet assays monitoring on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity are currently available in China, but their relevance to the CYP2C19 genotype and post-percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes remain to be elucidated. METHODS: Patients were prospectively included if they had a successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and received clopidogrel and aspirin. CYP2C19 loss-of function genotype, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced maximum platelet aggregation rate (MPA ADP) measured by light transmittance aggregometry, ADP-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength (MA ADP) measured by thrombelastography, platelet reactivity index (PRI) measured by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP), and the occurrence of 6-month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were assessed in 178 patients. RESULTS: High on-treatment platelet reactivity prevalence defined by MPA ADP > 46.0%, MA ADP > 47 mm and PRI > 50.0% was 27.0%, 24.2%, and 61.2%, respectively. ADP-specific assays (VASP PRI) differed according to CYP2C19 genotype, with a significant gene-dose effect (PMs > IMs > EMs, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed MPA ADP > 46.0% and MA ADP > 47 mm to be independent predictors of MACE at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: CYP2C19 loss-of function genotypes with the *2 and/or *3 allele are highly prevalent in the Chinese population and are associated with higher residual platelet reactivity. High on-treatment platelet reactivity defined by MPA ADP or MA ADP predicts an increased risk of MACE for ACS patients undergoing PCI.

The promoting effects of soil microplastics on alien plant invasion depend on microplastic shape and concentration.

Both alien plant invasions and soil microplastic pollution have become a concerning threat for terrestrial ecosystems, with consequences on the human well-being. However, our current knowledge of microplastic effects on the successful invasion of plants remains limited, despite numerous studies demonstrating the direct and indirect impacts of microplastics on plant performance. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a greenhouse experiment involving the mixtures of soil and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastic pellets and fragments at the concentrations of 0, 0.5 % and 2.0 %. Additionally, we included Solidago decurrens (native plant) and S. canadensis (alien invasive plant) as the target plants. Each pot contained an individual of either species, after six-month cultivation, plant biomass and antioxidant enzymes, as well as soil properties including soil moisture, pH, available nutrient, and microbial biomass were measured. Our results indicated that microplastic effects on soil properties and plant growth indices depended on the Solidago species, microplastic shapes and concentrations. For example, microplastics exerted positive effects on soil moisture of the soil with native species but negative effects with invasive species, which were impacted by microplastic shapes and concentrations, respectively. Microplastics significantly impacted catalase (P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01), aboveground biomass (P < 0.01), and belowground/aboveground biomass (P < 0.01) of the native species depending on microplastic shapes, but no significant effects on those of the invasive species. Furthermore, microplastics effects on soil properties, nutrient, nutrient ratio, and plant antioxidant enzyme activities contributed to plant biomass differently among these two species. These results suggested that the microplastics exerted a more pronounced impact on native Solidago plants than the invasive ones. This implies that the alien invasive species displays greater resistance to microplastic pollution, potentially promoting their invasion. Overall, our study contributes to a better understanding of the promoting effects of microplastic pollution on plant invasion.

Effects of long-term intake of carotenoid-enriched eggs on healthy people: a randomized controlled study.

Red palm oil, a natural repository abundant in tocotrienols, tocopherols and carotenoids, is frequently employed as a pigment and nutritional enhancer in food products. The principal aim of this study is to explore the disparities in vitamin A levels, fatty acid profiles and gut microbiota among healthy adults who consume carotenoid-enriched eggs compared to those who consume normal eggs. A total of 200 hens were randomly assigned to either the red palm oil group or the soybean oil group, with the objective of producing carotenoid-enriched eggs and normal eggs. Throughout a six-month, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, participants were instructed to consume one carotenoid-enriched or normal egg daily at a fixed time. Fecal and blood samples were collected from the participants at the start and conclusion of the six-month intervention period for further analysis. Our findings indicated that there was no significant change in the vitamin A level for daily supplementation with one carotenoid-enriched egg, but there were significant changes in some indicators of fatty acid profiles and gut microbiota compared to the control group of the population. Nonetheless, the consumption of eggs, regardless of carotenoid-enriched eggs or normal eggs, positively influenced dietary habits by reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids and enhancing the intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids of the population.

Magnetic-driven hydrogel microrobots for promoting osteosarcoma chemo-therapy with synthetic lethality strategy.

The advancements in the field of micro-robots for drug delivery systems have garnered considerable attention. In contrast to traditional drug delivery systems, which are dependent on blood circulation to reach their target, these engineered micro/nano robots possess the unique ability to navigate autonomously, thereby enabling the delivery of drugs to otherwise inaccessible regions. Precise drug delivery systems can improve the effectiveness and safety of synthetic lethality strategies, which are used for targeted therapy of solid tumors. MYC-overexpressing tumors show sensitivity to CDK1 inhibition. This study delves into the potential of Ro-3306 loaded magnetic-driven hydrogel micro-robots in the treatment of MYC-dependent osteosarcoma. Ro-3306, a specific inhibitor of CDK1, has been demonstrated to suppress tumor growth across various types of cancer. We have designed and fabricated this micro-robot, capable of delivering Ro-3306 precisely to tumor cells under the influence of a magnetic field, and evaluated its chemosensitizing effects, thereby augmenting the therapeutic efficacy and introducing a novel possibility for osteosarcoma treatment. The clinical translation of this method necessitates further investigation and validation. In summary, the Ro-3306-loaded magnetic-driven hydrogel micro-robots present a novel strategy for enhancing the chemosensitivity of MYC-dependent osteosarcoma, paving the way for new possibilities in future clinical applications.

Molecular characterization of influenza B viruses isolated in east-central China in 2009-2010.

The current circulating influenza B viruses can be divided into two major phylogenetic lineages: the Victoria and Yamagata lineages. We conducted a survey of influenza B viruses in Hubei and Zhejiang provinces during 2009-2010. Out of 341 throat swabs, 18 influenza B viruses were isolated. Five isolates were selected for genetic and phylogenetic analysis. The molecular analyses revealed that all the isolates had similar antigenic characteristics to B/Brisbane/60/2008. However, in the three viruses isolated from Zhejiang, a single asparagine to aspartic acid substitution in position 197 was observed, thereby eliminating the glycosylation at that site and possibly causing an antigenic change. None of the viruses had amino acid mutations at positions 116, 149, 152, 198, 222, 250, 291, and 402 of the neuraminidase (NA) gene, predicting that the viruses would still be sensitive to NA inhibitors. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all five isolates were closely related to B/Brisbane/60/2008-the 2010 vaccine strain-and contained Victoria-like hemagglutinin and Yamagata-like NA genes, suggesting that reassortment may had occurred. In addition, similar phylogenetic patterns among the acidic polymerase, nucleoprotein and matrix protein genes, as well as between the basic polymerase 1 and basic polymerase 2 genes, were observed, suggesting possible functional interactions among these proteins. All the results highlighted the importance of molecular monitoring of influenza B viruses for reassortment and antigenic drift.

Effect of skipping breakfast on cardiovascular risk factors: a grade-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies.

Skipping breakfast is one of the most prevalent irregular eating habits. Several pieces of evidence have reported the association between breakfast omission and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous publications have focused on the impact of skipping breakfast on various cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess this impact, especially with regard to anthropometric measurements, serum lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glycemic control indicators. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 1 April 2023. A total of 11 eligible trials were identified to evaluate the combined effects of skipping breakfast. Final integrated results demonstrated that breakfast omission significantly decreased the body weight (mean difference = -0.66, 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.24, p = 0.002, I2 = 0.0) and increased the level of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference = 9.89, 95% CI: 5.14 to 14.63, p = 0.000, I2 = 17.3). Subgroup analysis also revealed potential factors that may affect the outcomes, for example, the physiological condition of participants, duration, gender, and type of breakfast. In conclusion, skipping breakfast may reduce body weight while increasing the level of serum LDL-C at the same time. In view of the limited trials, further studies are needed to expound the role of breakfast omission in cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Alpha-Linolenic Acid Supplementation on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile in Individuals with Obesity or Overweight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent worldwide and are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including systematic inflammation, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-based essential polyunsaturated fatty acid associated with reduced CVD risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation with ALA compared with the placebo on CVD risk factors in people with obesity or overweight (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registration No. CRD42023429563). This review included studies with adults using oral supplementation or food or combined interventions containing vegetable sources of ALA. All studies were randomly assigned trials with parallel or crossover designs. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used for assessing the risk of bias (Version 1). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched from inception to April 2023. Nineteen eligible randomized controlled trials, including 1183 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, dietary ALA supplementation significantly reduced C-reactive protein concentration (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.38 mg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.72, -0.04), tumor necrosis factor-α concentration (SMD = -0.45 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.73, -0.17), triglyceride in serum (SMD = -4.41 mg/dL; 95% CI: -5.99, -2.82), and systolic blood pressure (SMD = -0.37 mm Hg; 95% CI: -0.66, -0.08); but led to a significant increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (SMD = 1.32 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.05, 2.59). ALA supplementation had no significant effect on interleukin-6, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P ≥ 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that ALA supplementation at a dose of ≥3 g/d from flaxseed and flaxseed oil had a more prominent effect on improving CVD risk profiles, particularly where the intervention duration was ≥12 wk and where the baseline CVD profile was poor.

Study on Radiation Shielding Properties of New Barium-Doped Zinc Tellurite Glass.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of BaF2 on the radiation-shielding ability of lead telluride glass. A physical radioactive source was used to estimate the mass attenuation coefficient (µm) of the 60TeO2-20PbO-(20-x)ZnO-xBaF2 glass system (where x = 1,2,3,5,6,7,9 mol%). We tested the µm values at seven energies (0.059, 0.081, 0.122, 0.356, 0.662, 1.173, 1.332 MeV). To determine the accuracy of the obtained results, we compared the experimental data with the data calculated using the XCOM software. The experimental values obtained for the selected lead telluride glasses at different concentrations of BaF2 are in good agreement with the results of XCOM at all energies. The addition of BaF2 increased the µm value of the sample. At the same time, the half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), and fast neutron removal cross-section (RCS) of the glass were studied. With the increase in the BaF2 content, the HVL value and MFP value of the glass decreased, and the Zeff value and RCS increased, indicating that the addition of BaF2 enhanced the radiation-shielding performance of the glass.

Effect of High Ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs on Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association between high ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and depression. Methods: The authors conducted a meta-analysis of research articles on the association of high ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs with the risk of depression published in the online article database on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library as of December 2021. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using random effects models. Publication bias was assessed visually by funnel plots and statistically by the Egger's and Begg's tests. Results: Finally, 12 studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 66,317 participants (including 4,173 individuals with depression condition). The pooled results showed that high ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs might be positively associated with depression [OR = 1.21, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.04∼1.41]. The I2 test indicated that there was a substantial statistical heterogeneity across the included studies (I 2 = 54.38%, P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that high ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs in blood had no significant association with depression (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 0.88∼1.50), while high ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs in dietary supplements was positively associated with depression (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.16∼1.51). Conclusion: This meta-analysis confirmed the association between high ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs and the risk of depression. High ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs in dietary supplementation was positively associated with depression, but had no significant association in the blood. This study suggested that lowering the dietary intake of the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs would be beneficial in the prevention of depression.