The Immune Mind: Linking Dietary Patterns, Microbiota, and Psychological Health.

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) has been a matter of debate for many years. A number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have been conducted, but outcomes have been varied. This makes it challenging to determine the benefit of using MET as an adjunct in patients with expectantly managed ureteric stones. This article aimed to summarize both the historic and the more contemporary literature in this area by focusing on published meta-analyses and recent RCTs. Studies of interest were those comparing either an α-blocker or a calcium channel blocker with a control. Outcome measures of interest were expulsion rates, expulsion times, and medication-related side effects. All systematic reviews included are in favour of MET versus controls. However, many of the component RCTs had limitations such as a high risk of bias, incomplete blinding and heterogeneous inclusion criteria. A recent well-powered RCT found no benefit of MET for the purpose of conservatively managed ureteric stones. This study had some limitations that stimulated further research in the area, adding to the uncertainty. The most recent RCT and meta-analysis indicates MET is more beneficial in both larger (>5mm) and distal stones. Uncertainty remains in this arena, and there is a need for a robust multi-institution study to assess MET in a cohort of patients who are expectantly managed with ureteric stones. This should serve to counter the marked heterogeneity and limitations of existing trials and meta-analyses.

Cerclage placement in twin pregnancies with short or dilated cervix does not prevent preterm birth: a fragility index assessment

Meta-analyses frequently include old trials that are associated with a larger intervention effect: a meta-epidemiological study

Ultra-processed foods are associated with chronic diseases, cardiometabolic factors and obesity. According to the NOVA system, foods are classified into four categories (from 1 = unprocessed to 4 = ultra-processed foods). The purpose of the present study was to assess the consumption of minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in university students and their relationship with obesity, Mediterranean diet adherence and meal patterns. In total, 346 students (269 women) of the University of Peloponnese participated. A food frequency questionnaire was used, and the MedDietScore was calculated. The % energy contribution of MPF and UPF was calculated. The identification of meal patterns was performed via principal component analysis. Both multivariate regression and Spearman’s correlations were used to measure the association of UPF/MPF consumption with anthropometric indices (body mass index, BMI and waist circumference, WC), Mediterranean diet adherence and early/late meal patterns. UPF and MPF provided 40.7 ± 13.6% and 44.3 ± 11.9% (mean ± standard deviation) of energy intake, respectively. In multi-adjusted linear regression models UPF consumption (% energy) was positively associated with WC in men but it was not related to BMI (total sample, men, women). UPF consumption was negatively related to the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = −0.214, p < 0.001) and an “early eating” pattern (Spearman rho = −0.120, p = 0.029) and positively associated with a “late eating” meal pattern (Spearman rho = 0.190, p = 0.001). MPF consumption was positively associated with the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = 0.309, p < 0.001) and an “early eating” pattern (Spearman rho = 0.240, p < 0.001). In conclusion, UPF consumption was positively related to WC in male university students. Nutritional and sociodemographic correlates of UPF consumption, such as low Mediterranean diet adherence and having a “late eating” pattern serve as a basis to better understand the UPF consumption-central obesity relation in young adults and should be considered in nutrition education programs for young adults.

Secular Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Efficacy and Neurobiology.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary patterns on depressive disorders. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were systematically searched until 30 April 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of different dietary patterns on depressive symptoms in adults with depressive disorders. Secondary outcomes included remission rates, quality of life, and safety. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were aggregated using a random-effects model. Study quality was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB)-2 tool, and certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: Five RCTs (n = 952) were included, all investigating the Mediterranean diet (MD) in individuals with major depressive disorder or elevated depression levels. The analysis found no significant effect of short-term MD intervention on depression severity compared to active (SMD = -1.25 [95% CI: -5.11 to 2.61]) or passive (SMD = -0.22 [95% CI: -0.74 to 0.29]) controls. There was no effect on quality of life compared to active controls (SMD = 0.71 [95% CI = -3.38 to 4.79]). Intermediate and long-term results were similar. The overall risk of bias was "some concerns", and the certainty of evidence was "very low" for most of the results. Conclusions: The MD appears to have no potential influence on major depressive disorder. However, this finding should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of RCTs. Further studies on dietary patterns and depressive disorders are needed for more robust conclusions. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024541885.

Dietary acid load is associated with waist circumference in university students with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet: The potential role of ultra-processed foods

Influence of culinary skills on ultraprocessed food consumption and Mediterranean diet adherence: An integrative review

Background/Objectives: Male infertility is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors. Recent research has underscored the influence of lifestyle choices, such as dietary habits, smoking, alcohol abuse, and metabolic disturbances, on sperm quality. In this context, nutrition plays a pivotal role: adherence to a healthy diet like the Mediterranean Diet (MD), which emphasizes seasonal, fresh, and whole foods, has been linked to improved sperm performance. Conversely, a high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), characterized by additives, high levels of sugars, fats, and salt, and a nutrient-poor profile, may impair sperm quality. Methods: Based on data supporting the reproductive health benefits of the MD, this observational cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the possible relationship between MD adherence, assessed using the 14-point a priori Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), based on the NOVA classification, and sperm quality in 358 individuals (mean age 34.6 ± 9.3 years) who spontaneously referred to our center of reproductive medicine. Semen analyses were performed according to the WHO 2021 criteria. Hormonal profiles (FSH, LH, testosterone, SHBG, bioavailable testosterone, and calculated free testosterone) were also determined. Results: MD adherence score was significantly and positively correlated with semen parameters, whilst negatively correlated with FSH and LH levels. In contrast, UPF intake was correlated with poor semen parameters, whilst no association was observed with hormonal levels. Multivariate analyses confirmed these associations and showed the independency from age and BMI. Notably, among men with FSH levels < 8 IU/mL, higher quartiles of UPF intake had lower markers of sperm quality, particularly for viability and typical morphology. Differently, high MD adherence scores were associated with high quality sperm parameters even when FSH levels were >8 IU/mL. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the adherence to MD, and conversely reduced intake of ultra-processed foods, is associates with a better semen profile. These findings suggest the possible role of dietary interventions as a modifiable factor in the management of male infertility.

Evidence on the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in adults with celiac disease (CD) and its impact on Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence is still limited. Our aim was to determine UPF consumption and its relationship with MD adherence in a group of adults, according to the presence of CD. This case-control study included 103 adults with CD and 312 without CD. UPF intake was assessed using the NOVA Food Frequency Questionnaire (NFFQ), while MD adherence was assessed using the Medi-Lite score. UPF represented 14.5% of the diet of participants with CD (246 g/day) and came mainly from cereals-based products (29%) and sweets (24.2%). UPF consumption did not differ with the presence of CD, but participants with CD had significantly (p < 0.05) higher consumption of precooked pasta and pre-packaged breads. Participants with CD also reported a significantly lower MD adherence than participants without CD (9.4 vs. 10.4), with higher intake of meat and dairy products, and lower consumption of vegetables and fish. An inverse trend was found between UPF consumption and MD adherence in adults with CD, although not statistically significant. These findings highlight the importance of improving nutrition education for subjects with CD, which should not only focus on gluten exclusion.

Previous studies have examined the relationships between some eating distractions and diet quality in the young population. However, to our knowledge, no study has analyzed the associations between multiple eating distractions (e.g., using a mobile phone, watching television [TV], eating while standing) and diet quality, particularly in terms of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among adolescents. The objective of the current study was to analyze the relationships of eating distractions with UPF consumption and adherence to the MedDiet in a sample of Spanish adolescents. This cross-sectional study used data from 826 adolescents aged 12–17 years from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities study in Spain. The following eating distractions were assessed via a self-report questionnaire: “(1) eating while talking on the phone/sending short message service [SMS]/emails or using social networks”, (2) watching TV while dinner, and (3) eating while standing”. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED) was utilized to evaluate adherence to the MedDiet. A self-administered food frequency questionnaire, previously validated for the Spanish population, was used to assess UPF consumption. The associations of eating distractions with UPF consumption and MedDiet adherence were analyzed via generalized linear models. The models were adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status, body mass index, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration. A significant association was found, with a higher eating distraction score corresponding to greater UPF consumption (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = 71.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 34.69–107.82; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a higher eating distraction score was associated with a lower KIDMED score (B − 0.29; 95% CI − 0.39 to − 0.18; p < 0.001). Individually, for grams of UPFs consumed, a significant association was observed for eating while using a phone or social network, which was linked to higher UPF consumption (B = 120.70; 95% CI 57.83–183.57; p < 0.001). However, the associations for eating while watching TV (B = 49.60; 95% CI − 9.01 to 108.21; p = 0.098) and eating while standing (B = 63.66; 95% CI − 37.92 to 165.25; p = 0.220) did not reach statistical significance. For KIDMED score, all the eating distractions were associated with a significant decrease, with the largest effect observed for phone or social network use (B = − 0.44; 95% CI − 0.62 to − 0.26). Watching TV (B = − 0.18; 95% CI − 0.35 to − 0.01; p = 0.037) and eating while standing (B = − 0.42; 95% CI − 0.71 to − 0.13; p = 0.004) also showed significant negative associations. Although diet quality is influenced by multiple factors, eating distractions may negatively impact adolescents by increasing UPF consumption and reducing adherence to the MedDiet. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the role of the eating environment in shaping healthy dietary habits.

A strong controversy has emerged about the reality of safety and efficacy of statins as stated by company-sponsored reports. However, physicians need credible data to make medical decisions, in particular about the benefit/harm balance of any prescription. This study aimed to test the validity of data on the company-sponsored statin trial by comparing them over time and then comparing statins with each other. Around the years 2005/2006, new stricter Regulations were introduced in the conduct and publication of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This would imply that RCTs were less reliable before 2006 than they were later on. To evaluate this, we first reviewed RCTs testing the efficacy of statins versus placebo in preventing cardiovascular complications and published after 2006. Our systematic review thereby identified four major RCTs, all testingrosuvastatin. They unambiguously showed that rosuvastatin is not effective in secondary prevention, while the results are highly debatable in primary prevention. Because of the striking clinical heterogeneity and the inconsistency of the published data in certain RCTs, meta-analysis was not feasible. We then examined the most recent RCTs comparing statins to each other: all showed that no statin is more effective than any other, including rosuvastatin. Furthermore, recent RCTs clearly indicate that intense cholesterol-lowering (including those with statins) does not protect high-risk patients any better than less-intense statin regimens. As for specific patient subgroups, statins appear ineffective in chronic heart failure and chronic kidney failure patients. We also conducted a MEDLINE search to identify all the RCTs testing a statin against a placebo in diabetic patients, and we found that once secondary analyses and subgroup analyses are excluded, statins do not appear to protect diabetics. As for the safety of statin treatment – a major issue for medical doctors – it is quite worrisome to realize that it took 30 years to bring to light the triggering effect of statins on new-onset diabetes, manifestly reflecting a high level of bias in reporting harmful outcomes in commercial trials, as has been admitted by the recent confession of prominent experts in statin treatment. In conclusion, this review strongly suggests that statins are not effective for cardiovascular prevention. The studies published before 2005/2006 were probably flawed, and this concerned in particular the safety issue. A complete reassessment is mandatory. Until then, physicians should be aware that the present claims about the efficacy and safety of statins are not evidence based.

Aims: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading global health concern, significantly impacting quality of life. Conventional treatments like antidepressants are effective but not universally successful, prompting interest in adjunctive therapies. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are thought to offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits that may help manage MDD. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms, improving remission rates, and enhancing overall treatment outcomes in adults with MDD.Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published up to March 2024. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that investigated omega-3 supplementation in MDD. Studies were selected based on their focus on depressive symptom reduction, remission rates, or relapse prevention. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers, and statistical analysis was performed using random-effects models for meta-analysis.Results: Twenty studies, including 15 RCTs and 5 observational studies with 2,300 participants, met inclusion criteria. Omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared with placebo, with a pooled effect size of Hedge’s g = −0.45 (p&lt;0.01). The most pronounced effects were observed in individuals with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that EPA supplementation was more effective when combined with antidepressants. Omega-3 supplementation was generally well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal side effects.Conclusion: Omega-3 supplementation, particularly EPA and DHA, is effective in reducing depressive symptoms in adults with MDD. Its favourable safety profile makes it a promising adjunctive treatment, especially for patients who do not respond fully to antidepressants. Further research is needed to optimize dosage and identify patient characteristics that predict the best outcomes.

Background The effects of Mediterranean diets (MED) on various health parameters suggest potential cardiovascular (CV) health benefits. Purpose We evaluated the effects of MED for primary prevention of CV risk factors and disease in overweight or obese adults. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and clinicaltrialsregister.eu were searched until January 2020. RCTs evaluating any type of MED compared to other diets or advice in adults were included. Predefined CV risk factors were lipid, liver, glucose, anthropometric, and blood pressure outcomes. Clinical outcomes were all cause mortality, CV mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes. Meta-analyses of random effects models were performed and effects were described as mean difference (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses by weight, type of MED, type of control, and trial duration were performed when heterogeneity was high (I2&amp;gt;60%). Results Eighteen RCTs (n=915) were included. Two RCTs evaluated only obese patients, 13 evaluated overweight and obese patients, and three did not specify. Fifteen RCTs evaluated MED alone while three evaluated MED combined with another diet. Thirteen RCTs evaluated effects of another diet while five evaluated diet advice or no treatment as controls. The median time to follow up was 6 months (range 6 weeks to 24 months). Clinical outcomes were only described in the revised 2018 PREDIMED trial where MED were associated with 35% lower risk of MI, stroke, and CV death vs advice (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.85). MED were significantly associated with lower levels of triglycerides (TG) (MD −12.70 mg/dL, 95% CI −18.58 to −6.82), waist circumference (WC) (MD −1.92 cm, 95% CI −3.59 to −0.24), weight (MD −1.75 kg, 95% CI −2.82 to −0.69), and body mass index (BMI) (MD −0.69 kg/m2, 95% CI −1.11 to −0.27), and higher levels of HDL (MD 2.03 mg/dL, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.92) compared to other diets or advice. MED did not significantly change any other CV risk factors. Subgroup analyses showed some differences vs main analyses, but were based on a small set of RCTs in most of cases. Excluding five high risk of bias RCTs showed significant reductions in total cholesterol (MD −6.57 mg/dL, 95% CI −12.22 to −0.93), Fatty Liver Index (MD −23.30, 95% CI −30.20 to −16.40), HOMA-IR (MD −0.53, 95% CI −1.02 to −0.05), and SBP (MD −2.35 mmHg, 95% CI −4.02 to −0.68). Conclusion MED significantly decreased TG and anthropometric outcomes, and increased HDL when compared to other diets or advice. There was no significant association between MED and the other predefined CV risk factors. Newer RCTs without the flaws of PREDIMED are needed to further evaluate clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background: Altered gut microbiota and gut-derived inflammation impair glucose regulation and promote metabolic endotoxemia, yet evidence on probiotic effects across combined glycaemic, inflammatory and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) outcomes remains limited. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week multi-species probiotic on glucose homeostasis, incretin hormones, inflammatory biomarkers and circulating SCFAs in adults with subthreshold depression. Methods: In a 12-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, 39 adults with subthreshold depression were allocated to either a probiotic supplement containing Limosilactobacillus fermentum LF16, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR06, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium longum 04 (n = 19) or placebo (n = 20). Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and SCFAs were evaluated at three time points: baseline, week 6 and week 12. Between-group and treatment × time effects were analysed using general linear models. Results: Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced fasting glucose at 12 weeks compared with placebo (−1.8 vs. 0.1 mmol/L; p = 0.036). In the probiotic group, greater reductions in GIP (p = 0.012; p = 0.037), LBP (p < 0.001), sCD14 (p = 0.002; p = 0.001) and hs-CRP (p = 0.047) were also observed compared with placebo. Plasma SCFA concentrations remained largely unchanged, with no significant treatment × time interactions, except for higher valerate levels at 12 weeks in the probiotic group (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Twelve weeks of multi-species probiotic supplementation improved fasting glucose, reduced incretin and inflammatory biomarkers and attenuated metabolic endotoxemia, without alterations in circulating SCFAs. These findings support beneficial modulation of metabolic–immune pathways and highlight the promising role of probiotics to enhance glucose regulation and systemic inflammatory tone in adults with subthreshold depression.