Telomeres shorten with age, partly due to oxidative stress and inflammation, and this process is linked to higher risk of chronic disease. Creatine supports cellular energy production and may reduce metabolic stress, while vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Together, they may help protect telomeres and support healthy aging. This exploratory, open-label pilot study examined the effects of daily creatine monohydrate (2.5 g) plus vitamin D3 (2000 IU) over 12 months in 30 healthy men aged 65 years and older. Telomere length in blood cells was assessed at the end of the study and compared with an age-matched reference group. Adherence to supplementation was high (81%), and no side effects were reported. After 12 months, participants receiving creatine and vitamin D had significantly longer telomeres than controls (0.90 ± 0.21 vs. 0.81 ± 0.17), corresponding to an approximately 11% difference (P = 0.004). These preliminary findings suggest that combined creatine and vitamin D supplementation may help preserve telomere length in older adults. This simple and well-tolerated strategy warrants further investigation in larger randomized controlled trials to confirm its potential role in promoting healthy aging.
Royal Jelly (RJ) is a secretion of the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker bees, and is the exclusive food of the queen bee during her larval stage, so that she reaches almost twice the size of the worker bee. Over the years, the use of RJ has been associated with longevity and improved health quality during aging, post-menopausal hormonal modulation, as an adjuvant in the treatment of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, different types of cancer, in dermatology, as an antimicrobial treatment, to enhance fertility, as a nephroprotector, neuroprotector, hepatoprotector, immunometabolism modulator, and cognitive improvement. Only at the beginning of the 21st century did research with RJ and exercise emerge, identifying anti-fatigue effects, decreased serum lactate and ammonia, reduced muscle glycogen depletion, improved athletic performance, attenuating oxidative stress induced by High Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE), to interrupt neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis, in the positive modulation of cannabinoid-1 receptors as therapeutic targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, for reducing sarcopenia, skeletal muscle loss and weakness, and inducing mitochondrial adaptation with resistance training by activating AMPK in muscles.
Background: Breast cancer has the highest mortality rate among women worldwide, and early detection through mammography is critical for reducing breast cancer mortality. Artificial intelligence (Al) has become a promising tool to support radiologists in mammography interpretation. However, the diagnostic accuracy of AI-assisted interpretation needs to be evaluated and compared with current methods. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of AI-assisted mammography interpretation versus radiologist-alone interpretation in detecting breast cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature search identified studies that compared AI-assisted mammography interpretation with radiologist-alone assessment. Twenty-five eligible studies were included, encompassing retrospective cohorts, prospective trials, and multi-reader studies across diverse healthcare settings and AI algorithms. Data were extracted for sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios. Pooled estimates were calculated using a bivariate I² statistic, and heterogeneity was assessed with variance measures, including median odds ratios. The risk of bias was evaluated using ROBINS-I and QUADAS-2 tools. Results: The pooled sensitivity of AI-assisted interpretation was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77–0.85), and specificity was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85–0.93). The area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88–0.93), demonstrating high overall diagnostic performance. The pooled Positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was 7.9 (95% CI: 5.2–11.8), the negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.16–0.26), and the diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were 38 (95% CI: 22–66). These findings suggest that AI significantly enhances the sensitivity of breast cancer detection while maintaining high specificity. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies, reflecting differences in populations, algorithms, and thresholds. Conclusion: AI-assisted mammography interpretation comparable to radiologists alone demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy, which may improve early detection rates and reduce false positives. It has the potential to augment radiologist performance in breast cancer screening and integrate into larger-scale breast cancer screening programs. While these results support integration of AI into clinical workflows, further prospective, real-world validation with standardized thresholds is required before widespread adoption.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been proposed as a nutritional strategy to improve metabolic health, although individual differences in endogenous hydrogen production may influence its effectiveness. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 40 adults with metabolic syndrome (mean age 51.2 ± 7.9 years; 27 women) were assigned to consume 1,000 mL/day of HRW or placebo for 12 weeks. Baseline breath hydrogen levels stratified participants into low (< 10 ppm) or high (≥ 10 ppm) hydrogen groups. Anthropometric, body composition, and metabolic biomarkers were assessed at baseline and post-intervention, with change in waist circumference as the primary outcome. HRW supplementation led to significant improvements in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, fat-free mass, muscle mass, and total body water compared with placebo (P ≤ 0.05), with large effect sizes observed for reductions in waist circumference. Significant improvements were also noted in fasting glucose, lipid profile, apolipoproteins A and B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P ≤ 0.05). Treatment effects were generally more pronounced in participants with lower baseline breath hydrogen levels. No major adverse events were reported. These findings indicate that HRW supplementation safely improves multiple components of metabolic syndrome, with greater benefits observed in individuals with lower endogenous hydrogen production, supporting its potential role as a personalized adjunctive intervention.
This research article studies building a Water Cascade Analysis (WCA) method that can rationalize multiple industrial environments that involve multiple pollutants. The method uses an integrated numerical targeting step and network redistribution to minimize freshwater usage as well as wastewater discharge. The method was, thus, applied using the case study by Hashemi et al. (2024) [1], where the analysis first identified a total of three units that accounted for most water consumption: these were the Desalter unit, the cooling tower, and the firewater system. Both Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were adopted as the two main contaminants. The results of the single-contaminant analysis showed that the minimum freshwater requirement was 44.62 m³/h when considering COD, while it decreased to 34.68 m³/h when considering TDS. This reduction amounts to between 19% and 25% of the refinery's total consumption (175 m³/h). The volume of wastewater produced was, therefore, identical to these figures, reflecting the accomplishment of the Pinch Point as evidenced by the cascade tables for each pollutant individually. Next, the sequential contaminant analysis (A→B) and (B→A) was performed. The results of the first scenario showed consumption rising to 44.87 m³/h owing to the need to dilute the concentrations of the second contaminant. On the other hand, the best performance was achieved in the second scenario (B→A) with freshwater requirements as low as 44.83 m³/h. As a result, TDS was identified as the Limiting Pollutant. A comparison between the methodology developed and the Water Pollutant Analysis (WPA) method employed in the reference study revealed that the use of freshwater was lowered from 99 m³/h to less than 45 m³/h in the proposed method, whereas wastewater discharge was reduced from 52 m³/h to about 44.8 m³/h. The findings verify that the proposed methodology serves as a simplified, efficient, and numerical means of water reuse network design in multi-contaminant industrial systems. Besides achieving considerable water savings, it also lessens the environmental impact, thus presenting itself as a suitable instrument for use in oil refineries and industrial facilities with complex water systems.
Brown rice is rich in bioactive compounds like gamma-oryzanol that offer nutritional advantages over white rice. This study aimed to investigate the potential of brown rice to enhance insulin sensitivity by increasing the expression of insulin-sensitive glucose transporters 4 and 12 in the adipose tissue of rats with diet-induced obesity. Rats were induced to develop obesity by being fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet. These obese rats were then divided into five treatment groups: (i) high-fat, high-fructose diet only; (ii) high-fat, high-fructose diet with brown rice; (iii) white rice; (iv) white rice + gamma-oryzanol; and (v) gamma-oryzanol only. The treatment was administered for 12 weeks. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the glucose tolerance test and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance calculation. The expression of glucose transporters 4 and 12 was assessed through immunofluorescence assays of adipose tissue. In obese rats, supplementation with brown rice or gamma-oryzanol in combination with the high-fat, high-fructose diet might improve fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance values. Brown rice additionally elevated the expression of not only glucose transporter-4 but also glucose transporter-12 in visceral adipose tissue (p < .05). Brown rice is preferable as a staple food alternative to white rice, particularly for obese individuals, because of its capacity to increase insulin sensitivity.
This systematic review paper analyzes the regulatory pathways of the Indian and European Union (EU) nutraceuticals to compare frameworks in these two regions. The regulatory framework of India is dominated by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, with health supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods having their specific regulations in the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purposes, Functional Food, and Novel Food) Regulations of 2016. In contrast, the EU’s approach is managed by many comprehensive regulations, such as the General Food Law Regulation 178/2002, the Food Supplements Directive 2002/46, and specific regulations on fortified foods, nutrition claims, and novel foods. This study emphasizes key regulations in both regions, particularly focusing on the respective legal requirements regarding registration, product approval, and labeling, and discusses registration procedures in India and the procedural complexities of nutraceuticals within the EU framework.
Sleep difficulty is relatively common among people, and those affected often resort to short-term use of herbal supplements to ease the symptoms. This randomized, single-blind trial investigated the effects of a novel composite product, NatureU Sleep, that contains sustained-release gamma-aminobutyric acid and alpha-s1 casein hydrolysate, on sleep quality compared to the commercially available drug melatonin. The exploratory clinical trial was designed to assess the deep sleep conditions, including 17 adult participants, with the expectation that 15 would complete the trial. Utilizing wearable monitoring devices, the study evaluates the impact of the test product on deep sleep duration and proportion. The results indicated a significant increase in deep sleep duration and proportion for participants consuming sustained-release gamma aminobutyric acid and alpha-s1 casein hydrolysate, suggesting its potential as an effective sleep aid without any observed adverse events.
Obesity is a global health issue with significant implications for individual well-being and healthcare systems. Enhancing the body’s satiety can effectively control obesity. The pursuit of effective weight management strategies has led to the investigation of natural supplements such as Irvingia gabonensis seed extract and inulin. A single-blind clinical trial shown in this work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a dietary supplement, NatureU Burn, containing these ingredients on weight control and satiety. The study enrolled 14 participants, with 12 completing the trial, and assessed satiety indicators over a 240-minute period post-ingestion. Results indicated that NatureU Burn significantly enhanced satiety and reduced food intake compared to a control group, without any reported adverse effects. The findings suggest that NatureU Burn has potential as a natural weight management aid, supporting health by improving satiety and reducing the desire to eat.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract, caused by the reflux of gastric or duodenal contents. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease, this condition does not necessarily present with typical symptoms such as heartburn or inflammation of the esophagus, making its diagnosis more complex. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment based on hyaluronic acid, Malva sylvestris, and sodium alginate in reducing the symptoms and clinical signs of the disease. A prospective study with a control group was conducted on 30 patients affected by this condition, randomly assigned either to a group receiving the combination of active ingredients or to a control group following only an anti-reflux diet. Clinical outcomes were assessed at the beginning of the study, after 1 month, and after 3 months. The treatment showed a significant improvement in symptoms compared to the control group, with no reported adverse effects. These findings suggest that this combination of active ingredients could represent a valuable complementary therapeutic option, although further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
This study evaluated the correlation between vitamin D levels and thyroid function in a diabetic population (HbA1c = 6.5%) from southern Saudi Arabia, involving 2918 participants (54.9% of females and 45.1% of males). The results indicated that 18% were vitamin D deficient, 69.4% were vitamin D insufficient, and 12.7% were vitamin D sufficient. Gender-specific analyses revealed that 10% of females and 8% of males were vitamin D deficient. Among those with primary hypothyroidism, 0.9% were vitamin D deficient, while for subclinical hypothyroidism, 7.2% were vitamin D deficient. For primary hyperthyroidism, only 0.3% were vitamin D deficient, with no deficiencies in subclinical hyperthyroidism. A partial correlation analysis, controlling for age and gender, showed a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels (r² = –0.328). Multinomial regression indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency had a 1.511 times higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism. Those with vitamin D insufficiency showed an increased risk for both primary (Exp(B) = 1.189) and subclinical hypothyroidism (Exp(B) = 0.719). In conclusion, this study highlights a significant link between vitamin D levels and thyroid function in diabetics, with deficiency and insufficiency associated with higher risks of specific thyroid disorders.
This comprehensive review examines the relationship between diet and cognitive function across life stages, from fetal development through advanced age. We examine how nutritional needs evolve through different life periods, supporting brain development and cognitive capabilities. The review analyzes the impact of key nutrients on cognitive function, including macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins B6, B12, folate, A, C, E, D, and minerals). We explore phytonutrients, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, which demonstrate neuroprotective properties. Dietary patterns, including Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diets, show consistent benefits for brain health, while the Western diet is associated with cognitive decline. The review explores biological mechanisms, including neurotransmitter synthesis, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and the gut-brain axis. Age-specific nutritional considerations are discussed, emphasizing tailored dietary interventions. This work provides foundation for future research in optimizing cognitive health through targeted nutritional strategies, including longitudinal studies and personalized nutrition.
This research explored the effects of continuing nursing based on the remote health service platform (RHSP) combined with probiotics on patients with schizophrenia. The control group (n = 40) received risperidone treatment plus routine discharge guidance. The experimental group (n = 40) adopted probiotics consisting of Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillusacidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis combined with risperidone treatment plus continuing nursing based on a remote health service platform. The positive and negative symptom scale scores and Schizophrenia Patients Quality of Life Scale scores were declined, the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale score was elevated at 1, 6, and 12 months after intervention, and the improvements of these scores were more obvious in the experimental group than the control group. After intervention, neuron-specific enolase declined while the serum levels of the nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neuregulin 1 were elevated, and the improvements in these proinflammatory cytokines were more obvious in the experimental group. After intervention, proinflammatory factors such as interleukin-4, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 levels declined, and those in the experimental group presented lower than the control group. Continuing nursing based on RHSP combined with probiotics can improve proinflammatory cytokines, reduce the inflammatory response, and also elevate the medication compliance and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.
This study examined the impact of a tailored nutritional education program on dietary compliance and clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients. The study included 440 participants who were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 220), which received a customized nutritional education program and a control group (n = 220), which received standard treatment without additional dietary supervision. The educational intervention, designed to address key dietary adjustments, was delivered through individual and group sessions, with monthly follow-ups and instructional materials in print and digital formats. Nutrient intake was closely monitored, particularly potassium, phosphate, and protein intake. Clinical outcomes such as serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels were measured at baseline and at six months after the intervention. Dietary compliance was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results indicated significant improvements in dietary compliance in the intervention group, with notable reductions in potassium and phosphate intake compared to the control group. The intervention group also demonstrated better protein regulation. These changes in nutrient intake were associated with improvements in clinical outcomes, including enhanced glomerular filtration rate, stabilized serum creatinine levels, and improved blood pressure control. These findings suggest that tailored nutritional education programs can significantly enhance dietary adherence and improve clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients, highlighting the importance of personalized dietary interventions in managing chronic conditions.
This study examined the possible advantages of using green tea extract supplementation to enhance postoperative outcomes after urological surgery. The study comprised a total of 280 patients who underwent different urological procedures. These patients were divided into two groups: the intervention group, which received green tea supplementation, and the control group, which received routine perioperative care without green tea supplementation. Postoperative outcomes, including pain scores, quality of life, complications, and inflammatory biomarker levels, were evaluated at various time intervals. The findings indicated that patients who received green tea supplementation experienced significantly reduced pain levels and improved quality of life scores compared to the control group, especially during the initial period following surgery and up to four weeks after that. Moreover, a subgroup analysis showed that green tea supplementation had varying impacts on different types of urological procedures. Notably, patients who underwent prostate surgery experienced the most significant advantages, with marked improvements in pain reduction, faster recovery times, and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers compared to those undergoing other types of urological surgeries. The intervention group exhibited lower levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha than the control group at all postoperative time points. These levels were compared to the preoperative levels, demonstrating a substantial decrease in the intervention group following the surgery. The data indicates that green tea extract may positively affect postoperative recovery and overall outcomes in urological surgery.
This study evaluated the effects of a well-organized nutrition education program on the dietary habits and clinical outcomes of patients with orthopedic conditions. A nutrition education program was implemented for 140 participants, focusing on the significance of proteins, calcium, vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory foods in the process of recovery. Food frequency questionnaires and 24-h dietary recalls were used to evaluate dietary habits, and routine orthopedic examinations were performed to determine clinical outcomes. The nutrition education program remarkably enhanced the consumption of proteins, calcium, and vitamin D (P < 0.05), with substantial effect sizes indicating significant benefits relevant to clinical practice. The clinical results showed a reduction in the bone healing time and enhancements in muscle strength and overall progress in recovery (P < 0.05) after the program. Importantly, there was a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge after the program, as seen by the 94% increase from low to moderate or high levels and the 98% increase from moderate to high levels (P < 0.05). Hence, implementing the nutrition education program resulted in significant improvements in dietary behaviors and treatment outcomes among orthopedic patients, suggesting that inclusion of nutrition education in orthopedic treatment has a substantial impact on the recovery process.
The present study assessed the impact of glycyrrhizin on the mechanisms of progression and metastasis in cervical cancer cells. To this end, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and protein/mRNA expression levels of protein kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase-3 β and β-catenin were measured in three groups of cells: normal cervical epithelial cell line End1/E6E7 (Group A), human cervical squamous cell carcinoma cell line C33a (group B), and human cervical squamous cell carcinoma cell line C33a treated with 50μmol/L glycyrrhizin (Group C). Results showed that glycyrrhizin treatment decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of C33a cells and increased apoptosis compared to the cervical cancer control cells. Expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis such as FS-7-associated surface antigen, Bcl-2-associated X protein and Fas ligand were higher, while protein kinase B pathway activity was attenuated in the glycyrrhizin-treated group compared to the cervical cancer control group. These results suggest that glycyrrhizin may impair cervical cancer cell viability and impede their progression and metastasis by modulating the protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.
This study examined the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet as a therapeutic intervention for cerebral hemorrhage recovery. This randomized controlled trial consisted of 108 patients, recruited for the study, 54 patients were assigned to the intervention group, which followed a ketogenic diet and 54 patients were assigned to the control group, which followed a regular diet. The intervention group followed a ketogenic diet while the control group followed a regular diet. We evaluated the effects of the ketogenic diet on neurological function, metabolic profile, cognitive function, depression levels, physical activity levels, and the occurrence of adverse events over a 6-month period. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group, with notable reductions in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and enhancements in Modified Rankin Scale scores at both 3 and 6 months, indicating improved neurological function and faster functional recovery. Ketogenic diet intervention also resulted in significant enhancements in cognitive performance and depression scores, indicating further advantages for mental health, and increased the level of physical activity compared to the control group. Overall, our results demonstrate that the ketogenic diet shows potential as an additional treatment for cerebral hemorrhage recovery. It provides notable advantages in terms of neurological and functional recovery, metabolic health, cognitive performance, and emotional well-being.
This observational study aimed to analyze the effects of rational dietary adjustment on the nutritional health status of patients with hypertension complicated by type 2 diabetes. This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 77 patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes treated at our hospital. Patients underwent a 6-week rational dietary adjustment intervention, comprising dietary guidance adjustment in weeks 1-2, concentrated implementation in weeks 3-4, and self-execution in weeks 5-6. Food frequency surveys and 24-h dietary recalls assessed pre- and post-intervention dietary structure and nutrient intake. Changes in body composition, blood glucose indicators, and blood pressure control were observed. Pos-intervention, patients showed decreased intake of soy nuts, pickled products, fried foods, and salt, while intake of fresh fruits, fresh milk, and dairy products increased (P < 0.05). Fat and sodium intake decreased, while intake of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium increased (P < 0.05). SBP, DBP, PBG, TC, and LDL-C levels decreased (P < 0.05), with improved PBG and blood pressure control rates (P < 0.05). Rational dietary adjustment intervention in patients with hypertension complicated by type 2 diabetes has ideal effects, helping patients change their irrational dietary structure and improve their nutritional status.
This prospective interventional study investigated the impact of individualized nutritional interventions on immune function and infection rates in burn patients. This study enrolled 120 burn patients between December 2022 and January 2024. The nutritional interventions focused on protein supplementation, micronutrient replenishment, and inclusion of anti-inflammatory nutrients, specifically omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. The nutrients were administered through oral, enteral, and parenteral routes based on dietary preferences and the medical condition of individuals. Protein was prioritized because of its role in leukocyte production; zinc and vitamin C were supplemented to optimize immune function; and omega-3 fatty acids were included to mitigate inflammation and enhance wound healing. The study assessed outcomes through changes in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, cytokine levels, infection rates, wound healing rates, and the length of hospital stays. Results indicated significant improvements in immune markers and reduced infection rates post-intervention (P < 0.05). Leukocyte count increased significantly, cytokine levels decreased, and the infection rate reduced from 30% to 14.2% (P < 0.05). These outcomes highlighted the efficacy of targeted nutritional interventions in supporting immune health and reducing infections in burn patients. The findings advocated for integrating comprehensive nutritional strategies in managing burn injuries to improve clinical outcomes.
