The Environmental Sustainability of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: A large part of the existential threat associated with climate change is the result of current human feeding patterns. Over the last decade, research evaluating the diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based diets has emerged, and a synthesis of the available data is now due. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were as follows: 1) to compile and summarize the literature on diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based dietary patterns; 2) to assess the nature of the data on impacts of plant-based dietary patterns on both environmental parameters and health (e.g., if land use is reduced for a particular diet, is cancer risk also reduced?); and 3) to determine where sufficient data exist for meta-analyses, in addition to identifying gaps within the literature. METHODS: Global peer-reviewed studies on the environmental impacts of plant-based diets were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. After removing duplicates, the screening identified 1553 records. After 2 stages of independent review by 2 reviewers, 65 records met the inclusion criteria and were eligible to be used in synthesis. RESULTS: Evidence suggests that plant-based diets may offer lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), land use, and biodiversity loss than offered by standard diets; however, the impact on water and energy use may depend on the types of plant-based foods consumed. Further, the studies were consistent in demonstrating that plant-based dietary patterns that reduce diet-related mortality also promote environmental sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was agreement across the studies regarding the impact of plant-based dietary patterns on GHGE, land used, and biodiversity loss despite varied plant-based diets assessed.

Systematic review and meta-analysis examining the relationship between postprandial hypotension, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality.

BACKGROUND: Postprandial hypotension (PPH) has been reported to be associated with syncope, falls, adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and increased all-cause mortality. It has been reported to have an incidence as high as 30% in the elderly and persons with diabetes. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to determine the relation of PPH with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and cross-sectional studies to determine the association of PPH with CVD and all-cause mortality. METHODS: We searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library up to 13 April 2022 for prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies that examined the association of PPH with CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality. Data were analyzed using the generic inverse variance method with a random-effects model. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach assessed the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Seven studies that included 2389 participants met our inclusion criteria. PPH was associated with each outcome individually, including increased all-cause mortality, total CVD, CVD mortality, and stroke. CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality combined were also associated with PPH (RR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.18; P = 0.03; I2 = 77%). The certainty of evidence was graded as very low due to significant heterogeneity and the limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: This assessment indicates an association of PPH with CVD and all-cause mortality. Further studies are required to improve CVD and mortality estimates, but the potential seriousness of CVD and all-cause mortality as outcomes of PPH justifies more screening, diagnosis, and research.

Targeting cell adhesion molecules with nanoparticles using in vivo and flow-based in vitro models of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death worldwide; in addition to lipid dysfunction, chronic arterial wall inflammation is a key component of atherosclerosis. Techniques that target cell adhesion molecules, which are overexpressed during inflammation, are effective methods to detect and treat atherosclerosis. Specifically, research groups have identified vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, and selectins (E-selectin and P-selectin) as correlated to atherogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent strategies both in vivo and in vitro that target cell adhesion molecules. First, we discuss peptide-based and antibody (Ab)-based nanoparticles utilized in vivo for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications. Second, we discuss flow-based in vitro models that serve to reduce the traditional disadvantages of in vivo studies such as variability, time to develop the disease, and ethical burden, but preserve physiological relevance. The knowledge gained from these targeting studies can be translated into clinical solutions for improved detection, prevention, and treatment of atherosclerosis. Impact statement As atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death, there is an urgent need to develop better tools for treatment of the disease. The ability to improve current treatments relies on enhancing the accuracy of in vitro and in vivo atherosclerotic models. While in vivo models provide all the relevant testing parameters, variability between animals and among models used is a barrier to reproducible results and comparability of NP efficacy. In vitro cultures isolate cells into microenvironments that fail to take into account flow separation and shear stress, which are characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions. Flow-based in vitro models provide more physiologically relevant platforms, bridging the gap between in vivo and 2D in vitro models. This is the first review that presents recent advances regarding endothelial cell-targeting using adhesion molecules in light of in vivo and flow-based in vitro models, providing insights for future development of optimal strategies against atherosclerosis.

Particles for Local Delivery of Proteins Using Intra-Articular Route.

Designing a vehicle for local delivery of proteins using intra-articular route is an attractive option to minimize the adverse effects associated with systemic exposure and to maximize the efficacy. Slowly dissolving silylated microparticles are designed with specific size and shape that are capable of extending the retention time of a model protein (bovine serum albumin) in the murine knee joint. No cytotoxicity is observed for the reconstituted formulation when tested against synovial fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Silylated precision particles for controlled release of proteins.

With the recent advances in the development of novel protein based therapeutics, controlled delivery of these biologics is an important area of research. Herein, we report the synthesis of microparticles from bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein using Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates (PRINT) with specific size and shape. These particles were functionalized at room temperature using multifunctional chlorosilane that cross-link the particles to render them to slowly-dissolving in aqueous media. Mass spectrometric study of the reaction products of diisopropyldichlorosilane with individual components of the particles revealed that they are capable of reacting and forming cross-links. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were also used to confirm the functionalization of the particles. Cross sectional analysis using focused ion beam (FIB) and EDS proved that the functionalization occurs throughout the bulk of the particles and is not just limited to the surface. Circular dichroism data confirmed that the fraction of BSA molecules released from the particles retains its secondary structure thereby indicating that the system can be used for delivering protein based formulations while controlling the dissolution kinetics.