High Adherence to COVID-19 Public Health Preventive Measures in Indigenous Communities in the Canadian Northwest Territories.

The aim of this project is to explore perceptions towards and adherence to COVID-19 public health preventive measures in Indigenous communities within Northwest Territories, Canada. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design the project took place within ten Northwest Territories communities between 1st April and 30th November 2021. Convenience sampling methods were utilized and adhered to public health restrictions. Self-identifying Indigenous adults (≥ 18 years old) were invited to complete a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Participants (n = 287; 33.1% men, 66.6% women) had a mean age of 41.6 years (SD ± 13.5). Preventive measures were practiced by 98.6% of participants. Most participants reported often or always practicing three measures: avoiding gatherings (67.2%), avoiding usual greetings (63.3%), and limiting contact with high-risk individuals (71.4%). Most participants reported rarely/never practicing self-isolation (67.5%) and self-quarantining (76.5%) measures. Significant associations existed between the August 2021 COVID-19 outbreak and self-quarantining (p = 0.0023), self-isolating (p = 0.0023), and going onto the land (p = 0.0001). Participants found masking and travel restrictions challenging. Sadness and loneliness resulted from limited access to Elders. Kinship and community safety were important to Indigenous community members and influenced COVID-19 preventive measure utilization. The findings can inform culturally specific COVID-19 public health policy development.

Indigenous Mothers' Perspective on Sexual Health in Northwest Territories, Canada: Results from the Maternal and Infant Health Project.

PURPOSE: In Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, infection rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are three to ten times higher than the national averages and have been steadily increasing. However, data are scarce on the socioeconomic, psychological, and behavioural factors associated with the proliferation of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in NWT. To this extent, this study explores Indigenous mothers' perspectives on sexual health, STI risk factors and healthcare-seeking behaviours in NWT. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Participants consisted of Indigenous mothers who were pregnant or had given birth within three years. RESULTS: Of the 161 participants, with a mean age of 29.61 years, 70.81% lived with a partner, and 93.17% had given birth within the previous three years. Participants felt STIs were a concern (68.32%) and felt comfortable asking a male partner for safe sexual relations (67.70%). The healthcare system was the main source of STI information for most participants (83.85%). The main STI risk factors participants mentioned were young age, unsafe sexual relations, and substance use. Participants reported embarrassment, protecting personal and familial well-being, and confidentiality as factors affecting STI healthcare-seeking behaviour. CONCLUSION: STIs result from an interaction between age, sexual behaviour, substance use, health literacy, and the historical and sociocultural contexts stigmatizing STIs and impacting women's abilities to demand safe sexual relations. Understanding these factors in a remote Indigenous context is vital to designing and implementing effective health and social interventions to reduce the prevalence of STIs in NWT.

Dietary Adequacy among Multi-Ethnic Urban Youth in Edmonton: Findings from the Wellness and Health in Youth - Aboriginal and All Communities in Transition NOW (WHY ACT NOW) Project.

OBJECTIVE: The development of obesity and chronic diseases in adulthood often results from a childhood pattern of dietary excesses. This study aimed to identify dietary inadequacies and excesses of multiethnic youth in Edmonton. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 473 multiethnic youth between 11 and 18 years was conducted in 12 schools in Edmonton between October 2013 and March 2014. Data were analyzed to determine for each participant mean daily energy and nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, and nutrient densities. Participants were divided by self-identified ethnicity (Indigenous, European, African and Middle Eastern, and Asian). RESULTS: For all nutrients examined, the mean percentage of calories from fat was higher among European (31.7%) and Indigenous youth (31.8%) compared to African and Middle Eastern (28.3%) and Asian youth (29.0%), while Asian youth had the highest percentage of calories from protein (17.7%) compared to other ethnic groups (Indigenous = 15.5%; African & Middle Eastern = 16.5%; European = 16.2%). The majority of youth fell below the recommended values for dietary fiber (83.3-92.0%), vitamins D (84.4-90.2%), and E (89.5-92.0%). More than 50% fell below the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin A, vitamin B5, calcium, and magnesium; >30% were below the DRI for folate, zinc, and vitamins B6, and C. The diet of girls contained a greater density of fiber compared to boys (9.3 vs. 8.0 g/1000 kcal; p-value = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate dietary intake is evident among the majority of multiethnic youth in Edmonton. There is a need to develop strategies to reduce the burden of poor nutrition status for youth.

A multi-level, multi-component obesity intervention (Obesity Prevention and Evaluation of InterVention Effectiveness in NaTive North Americans) decreases soda intake in Native American adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a multi-level, multi-component (MLMC) adult obesity intervention on beverage intake in Native American adults living in five geographically and culturally diverse tribal communities. DESIGN: A 14-month, community-randomised, MLMC design was utilised, with three communities randomised to Intervention and two communities randomised to Comparison. FFQ were administered pre- and post-interventions, and difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis was used to assess intervention impact on beverage intake. SETTING: The intervention took place within food stores, worksites, schools and selected media outlets located in the five communities. Key activities included working with store owners to stock healthy beverages, display and dispersal of educational materials, support of policies that discouraged unhealthy beverage consumption at worksites and schools and taste tests. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from 422 respondents between the ages of 18 and 75 living in the five communities pre-intervention; of those, 299 completed post-intervention surveys. Only respondents completing both pre- and post-intervention surveys were included in the current analysis. RESULTS: The DiD for daily servings of regular, sugar-sweetened soda from pre- to post-intervention was significant, indicating a significant decrease in Intervention communities (P < 0·05). No other changes to beverage intake were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Large, MLMC obesity interventions can successfully reduce the intake of regular, sugar-sweetened soda in Native American adults. This is important within modern food environments where sugar-sweetened beverages are a primary source of added sugars in Native American diets.

The effects of catechin on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The findings of trials investigating the effect of catechin on endothelial function are controversial. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the existing evidence and determine the effects of catechin supplementation on endothelial function. Two authors independently searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until March 2019, in order to find relevant RCTs. The quality of selected RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I 2) statistic were used to determine the heterogeneity of included trials. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. A total of 16 studies with 22 effect sizes were included in this meta-analysis. A significant increase in flow mediated dilation (FMD) in 10 studies was found after catechin supplementation including 13 effect sizes (WMD: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.93, 2.14). The pooled analysis of 7 effect sizes from 4 studies showed a significant reduction in pulse wave velocity (PWV) after catechin supplementation (WMD: -0.32; 95% CI: -0.44, -0.20) and combining 5 effect sizes from 3 studies in augmentation index (AI) (WMD: -3.57; 95% CI: -6.40, -0.74). Catechin supplementation significantly increased FMD, and significantly reduced PWV and AI, but did not affect other markers of endothelial function.

Effects of resistant starch on glycemic control, serum lipoproteins and systemic inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of resistant starch (RS) on glycemic status, serum lipoproteins and inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. Two independent authors systematically searched online database including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until 30 April 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Nineteen trials were included in this meta-analysis. Administration of RS resulted in significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (14 studies) (WMD: -4.28; 95% CI: -7.01, -1.55), insulin (12 studies) (WMD: -1.95; 95% CI: -3.22, -0.68), and HbA1C (8 studies) (WMD: -0.60; 95% CI: -0.95, -0.24). When pooling data from 13 studies, a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels (WMD: -8.19; 95% CI: -15.38, -1.00) and LDL-cholesterol (WMD: -8.57; 95% CI: -13.48, -3.66) were found as well. Finally, RS administration was associated with a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (WMD: -2.02; 95% CI: -3.14, -0.90). This meta-analysis showed beneficial effects of RS on improving FPG, insulin, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TNF-α levels in patients with MetS and related disorders, but it did not affect HOMA-IR, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, CRP and IL-6 levels.

The effects of resveratrol intake on weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of resveratrol intake on weight loss. We searched the following databases until July 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Out of 831 reports, 36 RCTs were eligible for including to our meta-analysis. The pooled results, using random-effects model showed that resveratrol supplementation significantly decreased body weight (SMD = -0.17; 95% CI, -0.33, -0.01; P = 0.03; I2: 62.6), body mass index (BMI) (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.35, -0.05; P = 0.01; I2: 60.6), fat mass (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI, -0.62, -0.03; P = 0.03; I2: 77.9) and waist circumference (WC) (SMD = -0.42; 95% CI, -0.68, -0.16; P = 0.001; I2: 75.2), and significantly increased lean mass (SMD = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.75, 1.67; P < 0.001; I2: 87.6). We found no significant effect of resveratrol administration on leptin (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.68, 0.27; P = 0.40; I2: 85.3) and adiponectin levels (SMD = 0.08; 95% CI, -0.39, 0.55; P = 0.74; I2: 91.0). Resveratrol supplementation significantly decreased body weight in obese patients (SMD -0.43; 95% CI, -0.60, -0.26) compared with other diseases (SMD 0.02; 95% CI, -0.29, 0.33), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (SMD -0.17; 95% CI, -0.37, 0.02). Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that resveratrol intake significantly reduced weight, BMI, WC and fat mass, and significantly increased lean mass, but did not affect leptin and adiponectin levels.

The effects of resveratrol on lipid profiles and liver enzymes in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: There are current trials investigating the effect of resveratrol supplementation on lipid profiles and liver enzymes among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders; however, their findings are controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis were aimed to determine the effects of resveratrol supplementation on lipid profiles and liver enzymes among patients with MetS and related disorders. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search of the following online databases up to November 2018: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The relevant articles were assessed for quality of studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Out of 2459 citations, 31 articles were appropriate for including to the current meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that resveratrol use significantly decreased total cholesterol [weighted mean difference (WMD) = - 7.65 mg/dL; 95% CI, - 12.93, - 2.37; P < 0.01; I2: 83.4%] and increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations (WMD = 1.76 U/l; 95% CI, 0.58, 2.94; P < 0.01; I2: 20.1%). We found no significant effect of resveratrol supplementation on triglycerides (WMD = - 5.84 mg/dL; 95% CI, - 12.68, 1.00; P = 0.09; I2: 66.8%), LDL- (WMD = -2.90 mg/dL; 95% CI, - 10.88, 5.09; P = 0.47; I2: 96.0%), HDL-cholesterol (WMD = 0.49 mg/dL; 95% CI, - 0.80, 1.78; P = 0.45; I2: 74.0%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (WMD = -0.14 U/l; 95% CI, - 3.69, 3.41; P = 0.93; I2: 79.6%), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (WMD = -0.34 U/l; 95% CI, - 2.94, 2.27; P = 0.80; I2: 88.0%) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrated that resveratrol supplementation among patients with MetS and related disorders significantly reduced total cholesterol and increased GGT concentrations, but did not affect triglycerides, LDL-, HDL-cholesterol, ALT, and AST concentrations. This data suggests that resveratrol may have a potential cardio-protective effect in patients with MetS and related disorders.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Intake Modifies Asthma Severity and Response to Indoor Air Pollution in Children.

Rationale: Higher indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations are linked with increased asthma morbidity. Dietary intake of fatty acids, also linked with asthma outcomes, may influence this relationship. Objectives: To determine the relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake and pediatric asthma morbidity, and the association between fatty acid intake and strength of indoor, PM-related asthma symptoms, albuterol use, and systemic inflammation. Methods: Analyses included 135 children with asthma enrolled in the AsthmaDIET Study. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, data included: week-long average home indoor concentration of PM ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter and PM ≤10 µm in aerodynamic diameter, dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, daily symptoms, and peripheral blood leukocytes. Asthma severity and lung function were assessed at baseline. Multivariable regression models, adjusted for known confounders, were used to determine associations between each fatty acid and outcomes of interest, with interaction terms (fatty acids × PM) in longitudinal analyses. Measurements and Main Results: Higher omega-6 intake associated with increased odds of increased asthma severity (P = 0.02), and lower FEV1/FVC ratio (P = 0.01). Higher omega-3 intake associated with reduced effect of indoor PM ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter on symptoms (P < 0.01), whereas higher omega-6 intake associated with amplified effect of indoor PM ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter on symptoms and circulating neutrophil percentage (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Omega-3 and omega-6 intake are associated with pediatric asthma morbidity and may modify the asthmatic response to indoor PM.

The effects of grape seed extract on glycemic control, serum lipoproteins, inflammation, and body weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins, inflammation and body weight. Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until May 30, 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2 ) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Fifty trials were included in this meta-analysis. Pooling effect sizes from studies demonstrated a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD): -2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.14, -0.86), total cholesterol (TC; WMD: -6.03; 95% CI: -9.71, -2.35), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (WMD: -4.97; 95% CI: -8.37, -1.57), triglycerides (WMD: -6.55; 95% CI: -9.28, -3.83), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (WMD: -0.81; 95% CI: -1.25, -0.38) following GSE therapy. Grape seed did not influence HbA1c, HDL cholesterol levels, and anthropometric measurements. This meta-analysis demonstrated that GSE intake significantly reduced FPG, TC, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP levels.

The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effect of ginger intake on weight loss, glycemic control and lipid profiles among overweight and obese subjects. We searched the following databases through November 2017: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and assessed for quality of the studies according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and I-squared tests (I2). Overall, 14 studies were included in the meta-analyses. Fourteen RCTs with 473 subjects were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that the supplementation with ginger significantly decreased body weight (BW) (SMD -0.66; 95% CI, -1.31, -0.01; P = 0.04), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (SMD -0.49; 95% CI, -0.82, -0.17; P = 0.003), hip ratio (HR) (SMD -0.42; 95% CI, -0.77, -0.08; P = 0.01), fasting glucose (SMD -0.68; 95% CI, -1.23, -0.05; P = 0.03) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (SMD -1.67; 95% CI, -2.86, -0.48; P = 0.006), and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol levels (SMD 0.40; 95% CI, 0.10, 0.70; P = 0.009). We found no detrimental effect of ginger on body mass index (BMI) (SMD -0.65; 95% CI, -1.36, 0.06; P = 0.074), insulin (SMD -0.54; 95% CI, -1.43, 0.35; P = 0.23), triglycerides (SMD -0.27; 95% CI, -0.71, 0.18; P = 0.24), total- (SMD -0.20; 95% CI, -0.58, 0.18; P = 0.30) and LDL-cholesterol (SMD -0.13; 95% CI, -0.51, 0.24; P = 0.48). Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ginger intake reduced BW, WHR, HR, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR, and increased HDL-cholesterol, but did not affect insulin, BMI, triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels.

The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effect of caffeine intake on weight loss. We searched the following databases until November 2017: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and assessed for quality of the studies according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We estimated an intake-status regression coefficient (Beta) for each primary study and estimated the overall pooled Beta and SE using random effects meta-analysis on a double-log scale. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and I-squared tests (I2). Thirteen RCTs with 606 participants were included in the meta-analyses. The overall pooled Beta for the effect of caffeine intake was 0.29 (95%CI: 0.19, 0.40; Q = 124.5, I2 = 91.2%) for weigh, 0.23 (95%CI: 0.09, 0.36; Q = 71.0, I2 = 93.0%) for BMI, and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.48; Q = 167.36, I2 = 94.0%) for fat mass. For every doubling in caffeine intake, the mean reduction in weight, BMI, and fat mass increased 2 Beta-fold (20.29 = 1.22, 20.23 = 1.17, and 20.36 = 1.28), which corresponding to 22, 17, and 28 percent, respectively. Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that caffeine intake might promote weight, BMI and body fat reduction.

Effects of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to determine the effect of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until August 30, 2018. Nine studies with 10 effect sizes out of 357 selected reports were identified eligible to be included in current meta-analysis. The pooled findings indicated that quercetin supplementation did not affect fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1c levels. In subgroup analysis, quercetin supplementation significantly reduced FPG in studies with a duration of ≥8 weeks (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI; -1.81, -0.07]) and used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day (WMD: -1.08; 95% CI [-2.08, -0.07]). In addition, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in insulin concentrations following supplementation with quercetin in studies that enrolled individuals aged <45 years (WMD: -1.36; 95% CI [-1.76, -0.97]) and that used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day (WMD: -1.57; 95% CI [-1.98, -1.16]). In summary, subgroup analysis based on duration of ≥8 weeks and used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day significantly reduced FPG levels.

The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. Two independent authors systematically searched online database including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until April 30, 2019. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2 ) statistic. Pooling effect sizes from studies showed a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG; weighted mean difference [WMD]: -10.31; 95% confidence interval, CI [-16.21, -4.42]) and insulin concentrations (WMD: -0.53; 95% CI [-0.62, -0.44]) following the administration of spirulina. Pooled analysis showed also a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: -20.50; 95% CI [-38.25, -2.74]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD: -19.02; 95% CI [-36.27, -1.78]), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations (WMD: -6.72; 95% CI [-9.19, -4.26]) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD: 1.42; 95% CI [0.16, 2.68]) following spirulina therapy. This meta-analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of spirulina supplementation on improving FPG, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and HDL-C levels in patients with MetS and related disorders.

The effects of curcumin supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Impaired endothelial function is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Curcumin supplementation might be an appropriate approach to decrease the complications of CVD. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of curcumin supplementation on endothelial function were included. Two independent authors systematically searched online database including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science with no time restriction. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. Between-study heterogeneities were estimated using the Cochran's Q test and I-square (I2 ) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and weighted mean differences (WMDs) were considered as the overall effect sizes. Ten studies with 11 effect sizes were included. We found a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) following curcumin supplementation (WMD: 1.49; 95% CI [0.16, 2.82]). There was no effect of curcumin supplement on pulse wave velocity (PWV; WMD: -41.59; 95% CI [-86.59, 3.42]), augmentation index (Aix; WMD: 0.71; 95% CI [-1.37, 2.79]), endothelin-1 (ET-1; WMD: -0.30; 95% CI [-0.96, 0.37]), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1; WMD: -10.11; 95% CI [-33.67, 13.46]). This meta-analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of curcumin supplementation on improving FMD, though it did not influence PWV, Aix, Et-1, and sICAM-1.

Validation of a Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for a Japanese Population in Hawaii.

Objective: To measure the validity of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ). Design: A cross-sectional validation study of the QFFQ against a four-day food record (4DR) using Spearman correlation, cross-classification, kappa statistics, and Bland-Altman plotting. Setting: The Gastroenterology Department of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Subjects: 76 healthy Japanese American men and women, aged 40-75 years. Results: Somewhat stronger average correlations were observed between the QFFQ and the 4DR for macronutrients compared to micronutrients (Spearman rho of 0.47 vs. 0.35). Moderate correlations between the two tools were observed for macronutrients (including saturated fatty acids and dietary fibre), iron, ß-carotene, vitamin C, and ethanol (rho: 0.38-0.58). Overall, stronger correlations were found among men than women between the two tools (mean rho 0.41 vs. 0.26). In a cross classification analysis, for more than 75% of the observations, a complete to relative agreement between the two methods was observed for fat, α-carotene, folate, vitamin D, and ethanol. Sex difference in agreement was minimal in cross-classification (overall extreme misclassification of 9.80% for men and 12.40% for women). Bland-Altman plots showed over-estimations of dietary fibre and α-carotene intake and an under-estimation of cholesterol intake by the QFFQ at high levels of consumption. However, the QFFQ estimation for fat, dietary fibre, folate, cholesterol, α-carotene, vitamins D and C, and ethanol intake was less than 7% different compared to the 4DR. Conclusions: The QFFQ has an adequate validity for fat, folate, vitamin D, and ethanol and can correctly categorize participants for intakes of cholesterol, dietary fibre, α-carotene, and zinc.

The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in among coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress significantly contribute in developing coronary artery disease (CAD). This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among patients with CAD. METHODS: The electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until Oct 2018. The quality assessment and heterogeneity of the selected randomized clinical Trials (RCTs) were examined using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool, and Q and I2 tests, respectively. Given the presence of heterogeneity, random-effects model or fixed-effect model were used to pool standardized mean differences (SMDs) as summary effect sizes. RESULTS: A total of 13 clinical RCTs of 912 potential citations were found to be eligible for the current meta-analysis. The pooled findings for biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress demonstrated that CoQ10 supplementation significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 2.63; 95% CI, 1.17, 4.09, P < 0.001; I2 = 94.5%) and catalase (CAT) levels (SMD 1.00; 95% CI, 0.57, 1.43, P < 0.001; I2 = 24.5%), and significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD - 4.29; 95% CI - 6.72, - 1.86, P = 0.001; I2 = 97.6%) and diene levels (SMD - 2.40; 95% CI - 3.11, - 1.68, P < 0.001; I2 = 72.6%). We did not observe any significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD - 0.62; 95% CI - 1.31, 0.08, P = 0.08; I2 = 87.9%), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (SMD 0.22; 95% CI - 1.07, 1.51, P = 0.73; I2 = 89.7%), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD - 1.63; 95% CI - 3.43, 0.17, P = 0.07; I2 = 95.2%), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels (SMD 0.14; 95% CI - 0.77, 1.04, P = 0.76; I2 = 78.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrated CoQ10 supplementation increased SOD and CAT, and decreased MDA and diene levels, but did not affect CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and GPx levels among patients with CAD.

The Effects of Folate Supplementation on Diabetes Biomarkers Among Patients with Metabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of folate supplementation on diabetes biomarkers among patients with metabolic diseases, findings are inconsistent. This review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the evidence on the effects of folate supplementation on diabetes biomarkers among patients with metabolic diseases. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) published in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases up to 1 September 2017 were searched. Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias of included studies. Heterogeneity was measured with a Q-test and with I2 statistics. Data were pooled by using the fix or random-effect model based on the heterogeneity test results and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of sixteen randomized controlled trials involving 763 participants were included in the final analysis. The current meta-analysis showed folate supplementation among patients with metabolic diseases significantly decreased insulin (SMD -1.28; 95% CI, -1.99, -0.56) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD -1.28; 95% CI, -1.99, -0.56). However, folate supplementation did not affect fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (SMD -0.30; 95% CI, -0.63, 0.02) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (SMD -0.29; 95% CI, -0.61, 0.03). The results of this meta-analysis study demonstrated that folate supplementation may result in significant decreases in insulin levels and HOMA-IR score, but does not affect FPG and HbA1c levels among patients with metabolic diseases.

The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The current systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of vitamin D supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science database were searched to identify related randomized-controlled articles (RCTs) published up to November 2017. Two researchers assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias of included RCTs, independently. To check heterogeneity Q-test and I2 statistics were used. Data were pooled by using the random-effect model and standardized mean difference (SMD) was considered as summary effect size. Seven RCTs were included into our meta-analysis. The findings showed that vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (SMD -1.03; 95% CI, -1.58, -0.49; p <0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD -1.64, 95% CI -2.26 to -1.02, p <0.001), and significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.64, p=0.03). Vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on nitric oxide (NO) (SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.66, p=0.69) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (SMD 0.54, 95% CI -0.20 to 1.28, p=0.15). Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation to women with PCOS resulted in an improvement in hs-CRP, MDA and TAC, but did not affect NO and GSH levels.

The effects of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have evaluated the effect of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles among population with metabolic diseases; however, the findings are controversial. This review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the evidence of the effects of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles among population with metabolic diseases. METHODS: Relevant RCTs studies were searched in Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science until October 2017. Two researchers assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias of included primary studies, independently. To check for the heterogeneity among included studies Q-test and I2 statistics were used. Data were pooled by using the random-effect model and standardized mean difference (SMD) was considered as summary of the effect size. RESULTS: Overall, 14 RCTs were included into meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that inositol supplementation among patients with metabolic diseases significantly decreased triglycerides (SMD - 1.24; 95% CI, - 1.84, - 0.64; P < 0.001), total- (SMD - 1.09; 95% CI, - 1.83, - 0.55; P < 0.001), and LDL-cholesterol levels (SMD - 1.31; 95% CI, - 2.23, - 0.39; P = 0.005). There was no effect of inositol supplementation on HDL-cholesterol levels (SMD 0.20; 95% CI, - 0.27, 0.67; P = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Inositol supplementation may result in reduction in triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, but did not affect HDL-cholesterol levels among patients with metabolic diseases. Additional prospective studies regarding the effect of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles in patients with metabolic diseases are necessary.