Soy,Soy Isoflavones,and Protein Intake in Relation to Mortality from All Causes,Cancers, and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

ObjectiveWe conducted a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies to summarize findings on the associations between intakes of soy, soy isoflavones, and soy protein and risk of mortality from all causes, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.MethodsOnline databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published earlier than May 2018. We applied restricted cubic splines using random-effects analysis to assess dose–response associations. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed by I² value and Cochrane Q test. Potential publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and Begg regression test.ResultsIn total, 23 prospective studies with an overall sample size of 330,826 participants were included in the current systematic review and the meta-analysis. Soy/soy products consumption was inversely associated with deaths from cancers (pooled relative risk 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99; P=0.03; I²=47.1%, 95% CI 0.0% to 75.4%) and cardiovascular diseases (pooled effect size: 0.85, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99; P=0.04; I²=50.0%, 95% CI 0.0% to 77.6%). Such significant associations were also observed for all-cause mortality in some subgroups of the included studies, particularly those with higher quality. In addition, higher intake of soy was associated with decreased risk of mortality from gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers as well as ischemic cardiovascular diseases. Participants in the highest category of dietary soy isoflavones intake had a 10% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with those in the lowest category. We also found that a 10-mg/day increase in intake of soy isoflavones was associated with 7% and 9% decreased risk of mortality from all cancers and also breast cancer respectively. Furthermore, a 12% reduction in breast cancer death was indicated for each 5-g/day increase in consumption of soy protein. However, intake of soy protein was not significantly associated with all-cause and cardiovascular diseases mortality.ConclusionsSoy and its isoflavones may favorably influence risk of mortality. In addition, soy protein intake was associated with a decreased risk in the mortality of breast cancer. Our findings may support the current recommendations to increase intake of soy for greater longevity.     

The application of technology acceptance and diffusion of innovation models in healthcare informatics

There have been many attempts to apply previously developed models of technology acceptance and the diffusion of innovations; however the models have weaknesses in predicting the behaviour of individuals and organisations, particularly within the complex health domain. The insights recent work on these models offer is relevant to health informatics development and innovation and need to be considered in the development of organisational strategies. This paper analyses the merits of several relevant models and explores their potential significance for the success or otherwise of health related Information Technology projects, highlighting their weaknesses in relation to the lack of differentiation between technological and human factors which limit their applicability in practice.     

Food Addiction: An Evolving Nonlinear Science

The purpose of this review is to familiarize readers with the role that addiction plays in the formation and treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and disorders of eating. We will outline several useful models that integrate metabolism, addiction, and human relationship adaptations to eating. A special effort will be made to demonstrate how the use of simple and straightforward nonlinear models can and are being used to improve our knowledge and treatment of patients suffering from nutritional pathology. Moving forward, the reader should be able to incorporate some of the findings in this review into their own practice, research, teaching efforts or other interests in the fields of nutrition, diabetes, and/or bariatric (weight) management.     

Steps required to inclusion in commercial ECG analysis systems — the new ECG indices for quantitating extent,acuteness and severity of acute myocardial ischemia for facilitating emergency triage decisions

Clinically useful diagnostic methods for chest pain triage often fail to reach everyday practice where they can improve patient outcomes. One means to bridge the gap is through adoption of ECG interpretive algorithms with enhanced accuracy or expanded features into established commercial products. The transition from innovation to industry can be facilitated if researchers consider three factors aiding a successful handoff to companies. First, they should assess their algorithm to assure that it meets a real market need and can be easily assimilated by commercial partners. Second, their design documentation and databases should support the regulated development processes required of manufacturers. Finally, they should hold appropriate expectations for the structure of commercial partnerships that lead to release of a marketed product.