Health Care Workers Online YouTube Content Compared to AUA Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women Guidelines: An Integrative Review of Quality and Comprehensiveness Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: We document the quality, veracity, and comprehensiveness of recurrent UTI information on YouTube to increase health care workers' (HCWs') awareness of UTI-related content online, and to identify deficits in understanding, clarify misconceptions, and reduce stigmatization risk. METHODS: High-traffic topic search terms were curated by Google Trends to extract 200 videos, of which 45 met inclusion criteria. Five independent reviewers used a standardized questionnaire based on the AUA recurrent UTI guidelines to assess the definition of UTI, marketing content, prophylaxis/prevention strategies, and antibiotic use/stewardship. RESULTS: Incongruent or incomplete guideline UTI definitions were found in 78% (35/45) of videos (K = 0.40), despite 80% (36/45) being authored by HCWs. Forty-two percent (19/45) promoted nonguideline-based hygiene practices; 25% (11/45) advocated front-to-back wiping (K = 0.71). Descriptors identified within the videos included the mention of women with UTI as unclean. Only 55% (25/45) discussed increasing fluid intake (K = 0.59), while 33% (15/45) discussed the use of cranberry supplementation (K = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Discussion of hygiene practices which lack a specific guideline statement is particularly evident. Descriptors that characterize women with UTI as "unclean" may create a health equity concern for women experiencing UTIs. These findings should alert HCWs to the scope and emphasis in online education that patients may view to self-educate; both the errors and the issues of equity are problematic. Educational materials on UTI should be based on evidence-based guidelines, such as those by the AUA.

Nephroprotective effect of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) in streptozocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in mice.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic nephropathy is a chief reason of mortality particularly in individuals with renal dysfunction. The current research was aimed to assess the nephroprotective portion of Vaccinium oxycoccos toward mice diabetic nephropathy induced by streptozotocin (STZ). V. oxycoccos was purchased and used for hydroalcoholic extraction. METHODS: Sixty male mice were subjected to STZ-intraperitoneal injection (45 mg/kg). After diabetes induction, mice were divided into five groups of diabetic control (received only STZ), non-diabetic control (received only citrate buffer), two V. oxycoccos treatment (received V. oxycoccos extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) oral daily by gavage), and metformin treatment (received metformin (500 mg/kg) oral daily by gavage). Glucose and weight of mice were checked weekly. RESULTS: After 28 days, the effect of V. oxycoccos extract on serum and urine parameters were assessed. STZ caused significant decreased in the mice body weight. Mice treated with the V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) harbored the lowest weight loss at day 28 (70.2±1.38 g). STZ caused significant increase in the mice FBS. Mice treated with the V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) harbored the lowest FBS at day 28 (189.2±1.20 mg/dL). Treatment of mice with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) caused the lowest increase in the levels of cholesterol, HbA1c and triglycerides compared to the diabetic control mice. Compared to the diabetic control group, mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) had the highest HDL, insulin, SOD, and GSH (p<0.05). The lowest serum BUN, CR, and UR were found in mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg). Anti-inflammatory effects of V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) was shown by the lowest TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-ß1 concentration in mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: The current study disclosed that treatment with V. oxycoccos resulted in substantial development in the serum and urine parameters and also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response of STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Short term supplementation with cranberry extract modulates gut microbiota in human and displays a bifidogenic effect.

Cranberry is associated with multiple health benefits, which are mostly attributed to its high content of (poly)phenols, particularly flavan-3-ols. However, clinical trials attempting to demonstrate these positive effects have yielded heterogeneous results, partly due to the high inter-individual variability associated with gut microbiota interaction with these molecules. In fact, several studies have demonstrated the ability of these molecules to modulate the gut microbiota in animal and in vitro models, but there is a scarcity of information in human subjects. In addition, it has been recently reported that cranberry also contains high concentrations of oligosaccharides, which could contribute to its bioactivity. Hence, the aim of this study was to fully characterize the (poly)phenolic and oligosaccharidic contents of a commercially available cranberry extract and evaluate its capacity to positively modulate the gut microbiota of 28 human subjects. After only four days, the (poly)phenols and oligosaccharides-rich cranberry extract, induced a strong bifidogenic effect, along with an increase in the abundance of several butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Clostridium and Anaerobutyricum. Plasmatic and fecal short-chain fatty acids profiles were also altered by the cranberry extract with a decrease in acetate ratio and an increase in butyrate ratio. Finally, to characterize the inter-individual variability, we stratified the participants according to the alterations observed in the fecal microbiota following supplementation. Interestingly, individuals having a microbiota characterized by the presence of Prevotella benefited from an increase in Faecalibacterium with the cranberry extract supplementation.

The Effects of Cranberry Consumption on Glycemic and Lipid Profiles in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study aims to update the evidence and clarify whether cranberry possesses lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties in humans. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant articles published up to December 2023. In total, 3145 publications were reviewed and 16 of them were included for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 were applied for statistical analyses. The results revealed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) (MD = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.04; peffect = 0.02) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.14; peffect = 0.01) with cranberry consumption. However, it did not influence total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin. In subgroup analysis, cranberry consumption in dried form (capsules, powder, and tablets) was found to significantly decrease the fasting insulin level (three studies, one hundred sixty-five participants, MD = -2.16; 95% CI: -4.24, -0.07; peffect = 0.04), while intervention duration, health conditions, and dosage of polyphenols and anthocyanins had no impact on blood lipid and glycemic parameters. In summary, cranberry might have potential benefits in regulating lipid and glucose profiles.

Assessing the Gut Microbiota's Ability to Metabolize Oligomeric and Polymeric Flavan-3-ols from Aronia and Cranberry.

Clinical trials investigating the health effects of flavan-3-ols yield heterogeneous results due to interindividual variability in the gut microbiota metabolism. In fact, different groups in the population have similar metabolic profiles following (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin gut microbial metabolism and can be regrouped into so-called metabotypes. In this study, the capacity of 34 donors to metabolize polymeric B-type flavan-3-ols from aronia and oligomeric A-type flavan-3-ols from cranberry is investigated by in vitro fecal batch fermentations. Less than 1% of the flavan-3-ols from both sources are converted into microbial metabolites, such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones (PVLs). To further confirm this result, gut microbial metabolites from flavan-3-ols are quantified in urine samples collected from participants, before and after a 4-day supplementation of cranberry extract providing 82.3 mg of flavan-3-ols per day. No significant difference is observed in the urinary excretion of flavan-3-ols microbial metabolites. Hence, it demonstrates by both in vitro and in vivo approaches that flavan-3-ols from aronia and cranberry are poorly degraded by the gut microbiota. The beneficial health impacts of these molecules likely stem from their capacity to affect gut microbiota and their interactions with the gut epithelium, rather than from their breakdown into smaller metabolites.

Intestinal Microbiome Metabolism of Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Proanthocyanidin Dimers, but Not Trimers, Is Altered by Dysbiosis in Ulcerative Colitis Ex Vivo.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins with different interflavan bond types and degrees of polymerization. These chemical differences may impact the metabolism of proanthocyanidins by the intestinal microbiome. In our previous study, we found that healthy microbiomes produced higher concentrations of the phenolic acid metabolites 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-g-valerolactone and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid from the cranberry extract in comparison to ulcerative colitis (UC) microbiomes ex vivo. To understand this difference, LC-ESI-MS/MS was utilized to characterize the metabolism of the precursor proanthocyanidins. Healthy microbiomes metabolized procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, and procyanidin dimeric intermediates but not A-type trimers, to a greater extent than UC microbiomes. The metabolism of procyanidin A2 and procyanidin B2 by fecal microorganisms was then compared to identify their derived phenolic acid metabolites. 5-(3',4'-Dihydroxyphenyl)-g-valerolactone and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid were identified as unique metabolites of procyanidin B2. Based on these results, the metabolism of procyanidin B2 contributed to the differential metabolism observed between healthy and UC microbiomes.

Effects of Vaccinium berries (blueberries, cranberries and bilberries) on oxidative stress, inflammation, exercise performance, and recovery - a systematic review.

Exercise-induced muscle damage is common in athletes and recreational exercisers and can lead to muscle soreness, weakness, and impaired muscle function. The precise mechanisms are unclear but oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to play a role. (Poly)phenols are substances abundant in Vaccinium berries that have been suggested to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could help improve exercise performance and/or recovery from exercise. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits of Vaccinium berry supplementation on exercise performance and recovery, as well as on exercise-induced oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy individuals. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, ProQuest Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Studies were included if the participants were healthy individuals who were supplemented with any Vaccinium berry or Vaccinium berry-based products in comparison to a control group. Of the 13 articles included in this review, no significant differences in the exercise performance were found and only one study reported benefits for markers of recovery. Interleukins and c-reactive protein were the most frequently reported biomarkers, but there was limited evidence that Vaccinium berry supplementation impacted them post-exercise. Most studies were of high quality and showed a low risk of bias. Vaccinium berry supplementation is not effective in modulating markers of exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative distress in healthy individuals; nevertheless, more studies are required to evaluate their effects on exercise performance and recovery in this population.

Blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry as modulators of the gut microbiota: target for treatment of gut dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease? From current evidence to future possibilities.

Gut dysbiosis is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with uremic toxin production, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease development. Therefore, healthy dietary patterns are essential modulators of gut microbiota. In this context, studies suggest that consuming berry fruits, rich in polyphenols and nutrients, may positively affect the gut microbiota, promoting the selective growth of beneficial bacteria and improving clinical status. However, studies on the effects of berry fruits on gut microbiota in CKD are scarce, and a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of berry fruits on gut microbiota is needed to guide future clinical studies and clinical practice in CKD. The objective was to discuss how berry fruits (blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry) could be a therapeutic strategy to modulate the gut microbiota and possibly reverse the dysbiosis in CKD. Overall, available evidence shows that berry fruits can promote an increase in diversity by affecting the abundance of mucus-producing bacteria and short-chain fatty acids. Moreover, these fruits can increase the expression of mRNA involved in tight junctions in the gut such as occludin, tight junction protein 1 (TJP1), and mucin. Studies on the exact amount of berries leading to these effects show heterogeneous findings. However, it is known that, with 5 mg/day, it is already possible to observe some effects in animal models. Wild berries could possibly improve the uremic condition by reducing the levels of uremic toxins via modulation of the gut microbiota. In the long term, this could be an excellent strategy for patients with CKD. Therefore, clinical studies are encouraged to evaluate better these effects on CKD as well as the safe amount of these fruits in order to promote a better quality of life or even the survival of these patients.

The effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation on blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Blueberries and cranberries are berry fruits with the highest number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) focusing on blood pressure (BP). This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs analyzed the effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation alone and in concert with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. The searches were performed until August 2023 in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase. Studies that examined the effects of blueberry or cranberry intake/supplementation were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Rob 2 scale. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation on BP levels in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. A total of 17 articles were included, from which two found significant results from blueberry and/or cranberry supplementation in reducing BP. Pooled results revealed statistically non-significant reductions of -0.81 mm Hg for SBP (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.26, 0.63; I2 = 0%) and -0.15 mm Hg for DBP (95% CI: -1.36, 1.05; I2 = 27%). Blueberry and/or cranberry supplementation had neutral effects on SBP and DBP in patients with cardiometabolic diseases, regardless of duration or age. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish clinical efficacy.

Cranberries for treating urinary tract infections.

BACKGROUND: Cranberries (particularly in the form of cranberry juice) have been used widely for several decades for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The aim of this review is to assess the effectiveness of cranberries in treating such infections. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of cranberries for the treatment of UTIs. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 1 August 2023 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Portal (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of cranberry juice or cranberry products for the treatment of UTIs. Studies of men, women or children were to be included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Titles and abstracts of studies that were potentially relevant to the review were screened and studies that were clearly ineligible were discarded. Further information was sought from the authors where papers contained insufficient information to make a decision about eligibility. MAIN RESULTS: No studies were found that fulfilled all of our inclusion criteria. Seven studies were excluded because they were the wrong study design, mixed interventions or did not report any relevant outcomes. One study is ongoing; however, its current status is unknown. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: After a thorough search, no RCTs which assessed the effectiveness of cranberry juice for the treatment of UTIs were found. Therefore, at the present time, there is no good quality evidence to suggest that it is effective for the treatment of UTIs. Well-designed parallel-group, double-blind studies comparing cranberry juice and other cranberry products versus placebo to assess the effectiveness of cranberry juice in treating UTIs are needed. Outcomes should include a reduction in symptoms, sterilisation of the urine, side effects and adherence to therapy. The dosage (amount and concentration) and duration of therapy should also be assessed. Consumers and clinicians will welcome the evidence from these studies.

In Vitro Analysis of Selected Antioxidant and Biological Properties of the Extract from Large-Fruited Cranberry Fruits.

This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant and biological properties of ethanol extracts obtained from the fruits of the highbush cranberry. The produced extracts exhibited a high content of polyphenols (1041.9 mg 100 g d.m.-1) and a high antioxidant activity (2271.2 mg TE g 100 d.m.-1 using the DPPH method, 1781.5 mg TE g 100 d.m.-1 using the ABTS method), as well as a substantial amount of vitamin C (418.2 mg 100 g d.m.-1). These extracts also demonstrated significant in vitro biological activity. Studies conducted on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cellular model revealed the strong antioxidant effects of the extract, attributed to a significant reduction in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells, confirming the utility of the extracts in mitigating oxidative stress. Moreover, inhibitory properties were demonstrated against factors activating metabolic processes characteristic of inflammatory conditions. It was observed that the cranberry extract inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) non-selectively. Additionally, the extract was found to be a highly active inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), potentially suggesting the applicability of this extract in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Antibiotic versus cranberry in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary infection: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the effect of cranberry extract used in patients with single urinary tract infections. METHODS: Patients with simple-type urinary tract infections were divided into two groups. Treatment with fosfomycin or cranberry tablet was started. On days 1, 3, and 7 of the treatment, whether there was a decrease in the complaints was evaluated with a Likert-type scale. The recovery status of urinary tract infections and the well-being of patients were compared via antibiotic and cranberry groups. RESULTS: After the treatment, the leukocyte levels of the cranberry users were at the same level as those of the other group, and the rate of well-being and the portion of patients that reported to be "very well" on days 3 and 7 in the cranberry group was significantly higher compared with the fosfomycin group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this study, it was determined that the patient's complaints decreased from day 3 and their well-being increased with the use of cranberry only. Specifically, on day 7, the well-being of the cranberry group was higher than that of the fosfomycin group. For this reason, cranberry is a favorable alternative to antibiotics in uncomplicated and simple urinary tract infections.

Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections.

BACKGROUND: Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which inhibit the adherence of p-fimbriated Escherichia coli to the urothelial cells lining the bladder. Cranberry products have been used widely for several decades to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is the fifth update of a review first published in 1998 and updated in 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2012. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of cranberry products in preventing UTIs in susceptible populations. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register up to 13 March 2023 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of cranberry products compared with placebo, no specific treatment or other intervention (antibiotics, probiotics) for the prevention of UTIs were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two authors independently assessed and extracted data. Information was collected on methods, participants, interventions and outcomes (incidence of symptomatic UTIs, positive culture results, side effects, adherence to therapy). Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated where appropriate. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. MAIN RESULTS: For this update, 26 new studies were added, bringing the total number of included studies to 50 (8857 randomised participants). The risk of bias for sequence generation and allocation concealment was low for 29 and 28 studies, respectively. Thirty-six studies were at low risk of performance bias, and 23 studies were at low risk of detection bias. Twenty-seven, 41, and 17 studies were at low risk of attrition bias, reporting bias and other bias, respectively. Forty-five studies compared cranberry products with placebo, water or no specific treatment in six different groups of participants. Twenty-six of these 45 studies could be meta-analysed for the outcome of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs. In moderate certainty evidence, cranberry products reduced the risk of UTIs (6211 participants: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.84; I² = 69%). When studies were divided into groups according to the treatment indication, cranberry products probably reduced the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs (8 studies, 1555 participants: RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.99; I² = 54%), in children (5 studies, 504 participants: RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.68; I² = 21%) and in people with a susceptibility to UTIs due to an intervention (6 studies, 1434 participants: RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.61; I² = 0%). However, there may be little or no benefit in elderly institutionalised men and women (3 studies, 1489 participants: RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.30; I² = 9%; moderate certainty evidence), pregnant women (3 studies, 765 participants: RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.50; I² = 3%; moderate certainty evidence), or adults with neuromuscular bladder dysfunction with incomplete bladder emptying (3 studies, 464 participants: RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.19; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence). Other comparisons were cranberry products with probiotics (three studies) or antibiotics (six studies), cranberry tablets with cranberry liquid (one study), and different doses of PACs (two studies). Compared to antibiotics, cranberry products may make little or no difference to the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs (2 studies, 385 participants: RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.33; I² = 0%) or the risk of clinical symptoms without culture (2 studies, 336 participants: RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.14; I² = 68%). Compared to probiotics, cranberry products may reduce the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs (3 studies, 215 participants: RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.56; I = 0%). It is unclear whether efficacy differs between cranberry juice and tablets or between different doses of PACs, as the certainty of the evidence was very low. The number of participants with gastrointestinal side effects probably does not differ between those taking cranberry products and those receiving a placebo or no specific treatment (10 studies, 2166 participants: RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.77; I² = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). There was no clear relationship between compliance with therapy and the risk for repeat UTIs. No difference in the risk for UTIs could be demonstrated between low, moderate and high doses of PACs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This update adds a further 26 studies, taking the total number of studies to 50 with 8857 participants. These data support the use of cranberry products to reduce the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, in children, and in people susceptible to UTIs following interventions. The evidence currently available does not support its use in the elderly, patients with bladder emptying problems, or pregnant women.

Unravelling phenolic metabotypes in the frame of the COMBAT study, a randomized, controlled trial with cranberry supplementation.

Cranberry (poly)phenols may have potential health benefits. Circulating (poly)phenol metabolites can act as mediators of these effects, but they are subjected to an extensive inter-individual variability. This study aimed to quantify both plasma and urine (poly)phenol metabolites following a 12-week intake of a cranberry powder in healthy older adults, and to investigate inter-individual differences by considering the existence of urinary metabotypes related to dietary (poly)phenols. Up to 13 and 67 metabolites were quantified in plasma and urine respectively. Cranberry consumption led to changes in plasma metabolites, mainly hydroxycinnamates and hippuric acid. Individual variability in urinary metabolites was assessed using different data sets and a combination of statistical models. Three phenolic metabotypes were identified, colonic metabolism being the main driver for subject clustering. Metabotypes were characterized by quali-quantitative differences in the excretion of some metabolites such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones, hydroxycinnamic acids, and phenylpropanoic acids. Metabotypes were further confirmed when applying a model only focused on flavan-3-ol colonic metabolites. 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone derivatives were the most relevant metabolites for metabotyping. Metabotype allocation was well preserved after 12-week intervention. This metabotyping approach for cranberry metabolites represents an innovative step to handle the complexity of (poly)phenol metabolism in free-living conditions, deciphering the existence of metabotypes derived from the simultaneous consumption of different classes of (poly)phenols. These results will help contribute to studying the health effects of cranberries and other (poly)phenol-rich foods, mainly considering gut microbiota-driven individual differences.

Peculiarities of the Variation of Biologically Active Compounds in Fruit of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Growing in the Cepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve.

This study was carried out to analyze the accumulation patterns of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid, and triterpene compounds in fruit samples of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. berries growing in the Cepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve in Lithuania. Studies were carried out on the phytochemical composition of cranberry fruit samples during the period of 2020-2022. Anthocyanins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid and triterpene compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-DAD methods, and proanthocyanins were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The content of identified compounds varied, as reflected in the total amounts of anthocyanins (710.3 ± 40 µg/g to 6993.8 ± 119 µg/g), proanthocyanidins (378.4 ± 10 µg EE/g to 3557. 3 ± 75 µg EE/g), flavonols (479.6 ± 9 µg/g to 7291.2 ± 226 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (68.0 ± 1 µg/g to 3858.2 ± 119 µg/g), and triterpenoids (3780.8 ± 98 µg/g to 7226.9 ± 224 µg/g). Cranberry fruit samples harvested from open oligotrophic wetland habitats contained higher levels of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonol glycosides, and proanthocyanidins. The highest levels of triterpene compounds were found in the cranberry fruits harvested in the spring of the following year after the snowmelt. The use of principal component analysis showed that cranberry plant material harvested in October and November had higher levels of bioactive compounds.

Literature Review of Ascorbic Acid, Cranberry, and D-mannose for Urinary Tract Infection Prophylaxis in Older People.

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent infections in older patients with the potential for morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics are not generally recommended for UTI prophylaxis in this population. There is interest among the public and health providers to try over-the-counter products, such as cranberry, D-mannose, and vitamin C. The objective of this analysis was to review the literature for the efficacy and tolerability of these supplements in older individuals. Methods A literature review was conducted on PubMed using the search terms urinary tract infection or UTI, prevention/prophylaxis, cranberry, D-mannose, vitamin C/ascorbic acid. Few studies were conducted among older people; therefore, the authors included studies of all adults who had recurrent UTIs or were at increased risk of UTIs. Level (quality) of evidence were determined using the ACC/AHA Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendation Classification System. Results A total of 24 studies were included. This review captured all studies in previous reviews as well as recent publications. The authors determined that there were limited data for D-mannose and vitamin C, and randomized data for cranberry as defined by the classification system. Conclusions The three supplements reviewed appear not to be strongly supported by clinical data. For those who are interested in trying these products despite the lack of robust evidence for clinical efficacy, it may be helpful to know that the studies included in this review did not identify any clinically important signs of harm, to the extent that safety data were documented and reported.

1H-13C HSQC-NMR Analysis of Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) Juice Defines the Chemical Composition of Juice Precipitate.

Shelf-stable cranberry juice precipitate has not been well characterized. Here, we describe using 1H-13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence-nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC-NMR) spectroscopy for cranberry juice analysis, focusing on proanthocyanidins and the precipitate. HSQC-NMR cross-peaks from juices were categorized as aliphatic, olefinic, aromatic, carbohydrate backbone, or anomeric signals. An average cranberry juice precipitate had significantly more aromatic and significantly less carbohydrate backbone signals than an average supernatant. The precipitate was a collection of biomolecules held together by a mix of weak and strong intermolecular forces. Proanthocyanidin signals from precipitates of juices showed 22 ± 2 to 29.9 ± 0.7% A-type interflavan linkages and 34 ± 2 to 48 ± 3% of flavan-3-ol units with trans stereochemistry between the C2 and C3 positions. Based on this work, 1H-13C HSQC-NMR is useful to analyze cranberry juice and reveals the complex chemical nature of components in the soluble and insoluble phases.

The effect of ascorbic acid and cranberry on the bond strength, surface roughness, and surface hardness of bleached enamel with hydrogen peroxide and zinc phthalocyanine activated by photodynamic therapy.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of different bleaching methods 40% (hydrogen peroxide) HP and Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZP) activated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the utilization of diverse procedures of reversal (10% ascorbic acid and 6% cranberry solution) on bond values, surface microhardness and surface roughness of bleached enamel surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An aggregate of 60 extracted human mandibular molars was gathered and the buccal surface of each specimen was exposed to 2 mm of enamel surface for bleaching with chemical and photoactivated agents with the use of reversal solutions. Specimens were divided into six groups (n = 10) at random- Group 1: samples bleached with 40% HP with 10% ascorbic acid (reversal agent), group 2: ZP activated by PDT with 10% ascorbic acid (reversal agent), group 3: 40% HP with 6% cranberry solution as a reversal agent, group 4: ZP activated by PDT with 6% cranberry solution, group 5: 40% HP and group 6: ZP activated by PDT with no reversal agents. Resin cement restoration was performed via etch and rinse technique and SBS was estimated by using the universal testing machine, SMH by using Vickers hardness tester, and Ra by stylus profilometer. Statistical analysis was executed using the ANOVA test and the Tukey multiple tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Enamel surface bleached with 40% HP reversed with 10% ascorbic acid displayed the highest SBS while 40% HP with no reversal agent use showed the least SBS. For SMH, ZP activated by PDT when applied on the enamel surface and reversed with 10% ascorbic acid showed the highest SMH while when bleached with 40% HP and reversed with 6% cranberry solution showed the least SMH value. For Ra, Group 3: samples bleached with 40% HP with 6% cranberry solution as reversal agent showed the highest Ra value while bleaching of enamel surface with ZP activated by PDT with 6% cranberry displayed the least Ra value. CONCLUSION: Bleached enamel surface with Zinc Phthalocyanine activated by PDT with the application of 10% ascorbic acid as reversal solution has demonstrated the highest SBS and SMH with acceptable surface roughness for bonding adhesive resin to the enamel surface.