Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Megan Fay, Joelle K. Salazar, Padmini Ramachandran, Diana Stewart
Summary: Metagenomic analysis of pine nuts and sesame seeds revealed that these products are dominated by environmental bacterial genera and commensal organisms, which can aid in the risk assessment of these products by identifying food spoilage potential and community members which may co-enrich with foodborne bacterial pathogens.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Petra Loznjak Svarc, Jette Jakobsen
Summary: The study investigated the stability of folate during household cooking and exposure to different light conditions. The results showed that light had no significant effect on folate stability, while cooking affected the retention of certain forms of folate. These findings provide valuable information for understanding folate intake from thermally processed nuts and seeds.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Meghan Den Bakker, Henk C. den Bakker, Francisco Diez-Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigated the thermal inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes on pecans, macadamia nuts, and sunflower seeds. The results showed that L. monocytogenes has relatively high thermal tolerance, and the findings will contribute to controlling this pathogen on nuts and seeds. Understanding Listeria's ability to survive heat treatments in low-water activity foods is important for the food industry.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Margarita Dodevska, Jelena Kukic Markovic, Ivana Sofrenic, Vele Tesevic, Milica Jankovic, Brizita Djordjevic, Nevena Dj. Ivanovic
Summary: This study examined the similarities and differences in the nutritional composition of nuts and seeds, highlighting seeds as a better source of nutrients compared to nuts. Combining nuts and seeds as part of a healthy dietary pattern would be beneficial.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Armaghan Shafaei, Hayley Abbiss, Sophie Coutts, Mark Bannister, Janine Bruemmer, Mary C. Boyce
Summary: This article describes a student experiment that uses QuEChERS methodology for extraction and HPLC for quantitative determination of tocopherols. The experiment provides students with the opportunity to gain laboratory skills and consolidate their understanding of theoretical concepts.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hossein Motahari-Nezhad, Hana Al-Abdulkarim, Meriem Fgaier, Mohamed Mahdi Abid, Marta Pentek, Laszlo Gulacsi, Zsombor Zrubka
Summary: This study evaluated the methodological quality and evidence quality of meta-analyses of digital biomarker-based interventions, finding high-quality evidence in improvements in mortality, transplant risk, cardiac arrhythmia detection, and stroke incidence. Researchers are recommended to consider the AMSTAR-2 criteria and GRADE for producing high-quality studies in the future, and patients, clinicians, and policymakers are advised to take the results of this study into consideration before making clinical decisions regarding digital biomarkers.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Patrick Chien, Steven Witkin
Summary: In this issue's audio podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Dr. Patrick Chien discusses his top articles.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Guy Faulkner, Matthew James Fagan, Jacqueline Lee
Summary: The need to synthesize existing research to inform policy, practice, and research is increasingly recognized. Umbrella reviews, using explicit and systematic methods, are effective in comparing and contrasting findings of individual reviews and providing an overall picture of research findings. While many methodological components of umbrella reviews are well executed, there are specific methodological issues that require further attention in future reviews to ensure best practice.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Caio Fabio Schlechta Portella, Ricardo Ghelman, Veronica Abdala, Mariana Cabral Schveitzer, Rui Ferreira Afonso
Summary: This study presents a summary of research on the effects of meditation on various clinical and health conditions, including 191 studies. Most results indicate positive impacts of meditation on health, especially in the areas of mental health and quality of life.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Alexander Schniedermann
Summary: The question of how citation impact relates to academic quality is a recurring theme in bibliometric research. While experts have used more complex conceptions of research quality for evaluation, detailed analyses of how impact relates to dimensions like methodological rigor are lacking. Increasing formal guidelines for biomedical research not only provide insight into the social dynamics of standardization, but also their relationships to scientific rewards.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eva Tseng, Kwai Y. Lam, Kayla A. Meza, Matthew J. O'Brien, Nisa M. Maruthur
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the effectiveness of lower-intensity lifestyle interventions for prediabetes and found limited evidence due to the small number and methodologic weaknesses of previous trials. Future research is needed in this area.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tat-Thang Vo, Aidan Cashin, Cecilia Superchi, Pham Hien Trang Tu, Thanh Binh Nguyen, Isabelle Boutron, David MacKinnon, Tyler Vanderweele, Hopin Lee, Stijn Vansteelandt
Summary: The bias assessment practice in recently published systematic reviews of mediation studies is found to be suboptimal, with a lack of consensus, rigorous development, and validation of assessment tools. A consensus-based bias assessment tool specifically designed for mediation studies is needed to improve the quality and consistency of assessments.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Musa Ado Bashir, Anas Ibrahim Yahaya, Mukhtar Muhammad, Ashiru Hassan Yusuf, Isyaku Gwarzo Mukhtar
Summary: The prevalence of prediabetes in Nigeria is high, with similar rates between men and women and urban and rural settlements, potentially leading to a higher burden of cardiovascular disease in the future.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Trang H. D. Nguyen, Danh C. Vu, Sophie Alvarez, Khoa D. Nguyen, Thuong L. T. Nguyen, Nguyen N. Tuan, Nguyen T. Minh-Nguyet, Le N. Tam, Thi L. Ho, Xuyen T. Vo
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the nutrients and antioxidant activity of nuts and seeds grown in Vietnam. Carotenoid and B-vitamin concentrations varied among different types of nuts and seeds. Watermelon seed had the highest level of lutein, while pumpkin seed had the highest beta-carotene content. Sachi inchi and sunflower seeds contained significant levels of vitamin B1, B6, and B9. Cashew had the highest amount of flavonoids, while sunflower seed had the highest amount of phenolic acids. Walnut exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. These findings are important for improving nutrient databases and promoting the consumption of nut and seed products in Vietnam.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lesley Uttley, Daniel S. Quintana, Paul Montgomery, Christopher Carroll, Matthew J. Page, Louise Falzon, Anthea Sutton, David Moher
Summary: We conducted a comprehensive assessment of published systematic reviews and identified 67 discrete problems that can potentially undermine their reliability or validity. These issues include flaws in conduct, methods, and reporting, despite the existence of guidelines.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Dimitrios Sagris, George Ntaios, Georgios Georgiopoulos, Nikolaos Kakaletsis, Moses Elisaf, Niki Katsiki, Eleni Korompoki, Kyriakos E. Kypreos, Chrysoula Boutari, Helen Bilianou, Konstantinos Makaritsis, Tzortzis Nomikos, Vasileios Papavasileiou, Christos Pitsavos, Androniki Plomaritoglou, Konstantinos Spengos, Konstantinos Tziomalos, Alexandros Tselepis, Konstantinos Vemmos, Evangelos Liberopoulos, Haralampos Milionis
Summary: This document provides consensus recommendations from the Hellenic Stroke Organization and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society on lipid modification in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. The clinical guide summarizes the current literature on lipid management and aims to assist physicians in treating stroke patients in clinical practice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. Fragopoulou, P. Detopoulou, E. Alepoudea, T. Nomikos, N. Kalogeropoulos, S. Antonopoulou
Summary: The study found that SFA were related to increased PAF biosynthesis and decreased Lp-PLA2 only in women, while MUFA were inversely associated with PAF biosynthesis and positively with Lp-PLA2. The pattern of high MUFA and low n6 was associated with reduced PAF biosynthesis and/or increased catabolism, suggesting that fatty acids play a role in amplifying or reducing inflammation.
PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Agathi Ntzouvani, Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Elizabeth Fragopoulou, Meropi D. Kontogianni, Tzortzis Nomikos, Anastasia Mikellidi, Marianna Xanthopoulou, Nick Kalogeropoulos, Demosthenes Panagiotakos
Summary: This study found that consumption of enriched farmed gilthead sea bream did not have a greater effect on coagulation markers in adults compared to conventionally fed fish.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Spyridon Methenitis, Ioanna Stergiou, Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Tzortzis Nomikos
Summary: Subclinical, low-grade inflammation is a key factor in many chronic diseases, and understanding the anti-inflammatory properties of diet is challenging. Exercise-induced muscle damage may serve as a useful model for evaluating the effects of diet on inflammation in humans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elizabeth Fragopoulou, Chrysa Argyrou, Maria Detopoulou, Sofia Tsitsou, Sotiria Seremeti, Mary Yannakoulia, Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Genovefa Kolovou, Petros Kalogeropoulos
Summary: The study aimed to compare the effects of wine consumption and alcohol intake on the inflammatory response in cardiovascular disease patients. Results showed that light to moderate wine consumption can attenuate the effect of alcohol on cytokine secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Filio Petsini, Maria Detopoulou, Theoharis C. Theoharides, Constantinos A. Demopoulos
Summary: This study found that mRNA vaccination for COVID-19 affects human platelet aggregation response and the Spike protein modulates PAF production and activity. This finding may provide new directions for treating patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Filio Petsini, Agathi Ntzouvani, Maria Detopoulou, Vasiliki D. Papakonstantinou, Nick Kalogeropoulos, Elizabeth Fragopoulou, Tzortzis Nomikos, Meropi D. Kontogianni, Smaragdi Antonopoulou
Summary: Eating farmed fish fed with an olive-pomace enriched diet affects PAF metabolism and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, but has similar effects to conventionally fed farmed fish.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theoharis C. Theoharides, Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Constantinos A. Demopoulos
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Constantinos A. Demopoulos
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a progressive vascular disease caused by inflammation and oxidation. The Mediterranean diet, especially olive oil, has been recognized as a healthy dietary pattern. This review focuses on the effects of olive oil microconstituents in atherosclerosis, particularly their inhibitory activity against Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF) actions. The anti-atherogenic effect of olive oil is attributed to the synergistic action of its microconstituents, including polar lipids, polyphenols, and alpha-tocopherol. Daily moderate intake of olive oil in a balanced diet is significant for healthy adults.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paraskevi Detopoulou, Sophia Letsiou, Tzortzis Nomikos, Alexandros Karagiannis, Spiros A. Pergantis, Christos Pitsavos, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, Smaragdi Antonopoulou
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between selenium distribution in plasma and cardiovascular disease. The results showed an inconclusive relationship between selenium and cardiovascular disease, especially in terms of different selenospecies. Total selenium in selenoproteins was positively associated with a 10-year relative risk of cardiovascular disease. Individuals with high selenium but low glutathione peroxidase 3 had a higher cardiovascular risk.
CURRENT VASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Paraskevi Detopoulou, Evangelia Damigou, Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Elizabeth Fragopoulou, Christina Chysohoou, Christos Pitsavos, Demosthenes Panagiotakos
Summary: This study assessed the relationship between Food Compass Score (FCS) and inflammatory and lipid markers in cardiovascular disease-free volunteers. The results showed that FCS was inversely correlated with CRP, Amyloid A, and homocysteine. This suggests that a diet high in FCS may have a protective effect against inflammation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Evangelia Damigou, Paraskevi Detopoulou, Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Christina Chrysohoou, Fotios Barkas, Elpiniki Vlachopoulou, Christina Vafia, Costas Tsioufis, Evangelos Liberopoulos, Petros P. Sfikakis, Christos Pitsavos, Demosthenes Panagiotakos
Summary: Food Compass Score (FCS), a useful tool for assessing overall diet quality, was shown to be useful in identifying potential cardiovascular disease candidates in a long-term period, even in populations with good background dietary habits, such as those following a Mediterranean diet.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Paraskevi Detopoulou, Elizabeth Fragopoulou, Tzortzis Nomikos, Smaragdi Antonopoulou
Summary: The study found that there is an association between PA and PAF levels as well as Lp-PLA(2) activity, and this association is influenced by gender, indicating the involvement of PAF in cell membrane impairment. Additionally, PA is positively correlated with DAC, suggesting a protective effect of antioxidants on cellular health.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Maria Detopoulou, Elizabeth Fragopoulou, Tzortzis Nomikos, Nastasia Mikellidi, Mary Yannakoulia, Adamantini Kyriacou, Evdokia Mitsou, Demosthenes Panagiotakos, Costas Anastasiou
Summary: This study investigated the effects of OOPLE-enriched low-fat yogurt on metabolic profile, platelet aggregation, and inflammation markers in healthy individuals. The enriched yogurt intake resulted in reduced IL-10 levels and platelet sensitivity against PAF, with no impact on energy intake, body weight, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Lower IL-6 levels were observed after 4 weeks of enriched yogurt intake compared to plain yogurt.
HUMAN NUTRITION & METABOLISM
(2022)