Effects of Anthocyanin on Intestinal Health: A Systematic Review

Intestinal health relies on the association between the mucosal immune system, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. Bioactive components that affect the gut microbiota composition, epithelial physical barrier and intestinal morphology were previously studied. The current systematic review evaluated evidence of anthocyanin effects and the ability to improve gut microbiota composition, their metabolites and parameters of the physical barrier; this was conducted in order to answer the question: “Does food source or extract of anthocyanin promote changes on intestinal parameters?”. The data analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines with the search performed at PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases for experimental studies, and the risk of bias was assessed by the SYRCLE tool. Twenty-seven studies performed in animal models were included, and evaluated for limitations in heterogeneity, methodologies, absence of information regarding allocation process and investigators’ blinding. The data were analyzed, and the anthocyanin supplementation demonstrated positive effects on intestinal health. The main results identified were an increase of Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Firmicutes, an increase of short chain fatty acids production, a decrease of intestinal pH and intestinal permeability, an increase of the number of goblet cells and tight junction proteins and villi improvement in length or height. Thus, the anthocyanin supplementation has a potential effect to improve the intestinal health. PROSPERO (CRD42020204835).     

Analytical Assessment and Nutritional Adequacy of School Lunches in Sintra’s Public Primary Schools

School meals present several cost benefits overtime at the short, medium, and long term for individuals and society. This cross-sectional study aims to analyse the nutritional composition and evaluate the adequacy of school lunches. One hundred and fifty-eight samples were collected and analysed from 10 primary schools in Sintra’s municipality, served during one week. On average, energy (27.7% daily energetic requirements) and carbohydrate (48.1%) contents did not reach the reference values, and the content of protein (19.5%) exceeded the reference value (p < 0.05). The mean total fat (28.8%) and saturated fatty acids (5.4%) content complied with the recommendations. The mean salt (1.7 g) and dietary fibre (8.3 g) content exceeded the reference value but did not differ significantly from the recommendations. Addressing school canteens is crucial, not only in a nutritional approach, but also as an opportunity to achieve healthier, sustainable, and accessible food systems, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We highlighted the importance of evaluating evidence-based practices and disseminated practice-based evidence regarding the adequacy of school lunches.     

Machine learning and national health data to improve evidence: Finding segmentation in individuals without private insurance

ObjectiveIndividuals without private health insurance have less access to healthcare, therefore are more prone to experience poor health when compared to those who have. Segmentation is an approach to find homogenous groups of people with the purpose of tailoring services and products. In public policy, segmentation might be used to identify characteristics and needs of specific groups and deliver targeted programs and spare costs. We aim to identify and describe segments within the uninsured population to aid targeted policy actions and improve health.MethodsWe used secondary data collected from a representative, nationwide health survey (n=18,204). For the purpose of our analysis, we included data from individuals who answered “no” to the question: “Do you have private health insurance?” (n=12,134). Variables pertaining information on socio-demographic, health status, access and care were used. A multiple correspondence analysis was performed to find principal components followed by a hierarchical cluster.ResultsWe found three clusters. The first (54.12% of our sample) composed by a group of young, middle aged and professionally active individuals without health problems. The second (36.70%), a cluster of aging individuals composed especially by elderly women, either retired or fulfilling domestic tasks, with a long-term health problem. The last (9.17%) composed by elder people, with long-term health problem and scoring low in mental health related questions.ConclusionOur study found three clusters (profiles of individuals) among the uninsured. Ultimately, our findings aim to support policy makers to deliver customized actions to improve health and provide cost-effective policies.     

Photobiomodulation therapy on expression of HSP70 protein and tissue repair in experimental acute Achilles tendinitis

Lasers in Medical Science - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and tissue repair in...     

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Propionibacterium acnes biofilms using hypericin (Hypericum perforatum) photosensitizer: in vitro study

Lasers in Medical Science - Acne vulgaris is the most recurring skin condition in the world, causing great harm to the physical and psychological well-being of many patients. Antimicrobial...     

Surgical management of symptomatic cavum septum pellucidum cysts: systematic review of the literature

Neurosurgical Review - Cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and cavum vergae (CV) cysts are commonly found incidentally. They are usually asymptomatic but may present with symptoms related to obstructive...