Health-promoting properties of artichoke in preventing cardiovascular disease by its lipidic and glycemic-reducing action

The artichoke, Cynara scolymus, is one of the most ancient plants grown in the world, and its extracts, obtained from different parts of the plant (leaves, fruits and roots), have been used as medicaments from time immemorial. The pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the artichoke on the liver had already been well known in the 17th century. Modern studies started in the last century confirmed the stimulating properties of artichoke extracts on the liver and gallbladder. The ensuing wave of research was initially focused on the patent liver-stimulating, diuretic and choleretic effects exerted by artichoke preparations on both animals and man, then discovering such other therapeutic properties as the hypolipemizing activity, antioxidant activity and hypoglycemizing activity. This review enumerates the most significant studies that have highlighted these therapeutic properties. Complementary medicine information needs to be incorporated into clinical practice and patient and professional education, in addition to adequate education about proper nutrition. Awareness of the widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with metabolic disorders is crucial for healthcare professionals in order to prevent cardiovascular disease

Update on nutrients involved in maintaining healthy bone

Osteoporosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly and influences quality of life, as well as life expectancy. Currently, there is a growing interest among the medical scientists in search of specific nutrients and/or bioactive compounds of natural origin for the prevention of disease and maintenance of bone health. Although calcium and vitamin D have been the primary focus of nutritional prevention of osteoporosis, a recent research has clarified the importance of several additional nutrients and food constituents. Based on this review of the literature, supplementation with vitamins B, C, K, and silicon could be recommended for proper maintenance of bone health, although further clinical studies are needed. The results of studies on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and strontium are not conclusive, although studies in vitro and in animal models are interesting and promising

Impatto della pandemia di COVID-19 sullo stress lavoro-correlato in una coorte di operatori sanitari nelle strutture residenziali italiane: uno studio osservazionale retrospettivo

INTRODUZIONE Nonostante gli operatori delle strutture residenziali sanitarie siano già stati identificati come soggetti a rischio di stress cronico, solamente un numero esiguo di studi ha valutato l’impatto della pandemia di COVID-19 su essi. Inoltre, non vi sono studi specifici che indaghino la relazione fra lo stress cronico e lo stress lavoro-correlato in questa specifica popolazione. Questo studio osservazionale retrospettivo si pone gli obiettivi di misurare il livello di stress in una popolazione di operatori impiegati in strutture sanitarie residenziali italiane, di identificare i possibili predittori e fattori di vulnerabilità, e di misurare l’impatto della pandemia sullo stress lavoro-correlato. MATERIALI E METODI Sono stati analizzati due questionari, somministrati ai dipendenti di Anteo Impresa Sociale ONLUS rispettivamente all’esordio della pandemia e dopo un anno. È stata condotta un’analisi univariata per valutare eventuali differenze nelle caratteristiche dei soggetti affetti o meno da stress cronico. Inoltre, è stata eseguita una regressione lineare multipla per valutare l'associazione dello stress lavoro-correlato durante la pandemia con i fattori demografici, occupazionali, lo stress cronico e la resilienza preesistenti. Infine, è stata condotta una analisi delle componenti principali dei quesiti riguardanti lo stress lavoro-correlato, con l’obiettivo di identificare i principali fattori caratterizzanti. RISULTATI In totale, sono stati analizzati 505 questionari. I punteggi relativi allo stress lavoro correlato erano significativamente più alti nei soggetti con stress cronico (30.48 vs. 20.83), mentre quelli relativi alla resilienza più bassi (57.42 vs. 60.66). La regressione lineare ha evidenziato come lo stress lavoro-correlato presente durante la pandemia fosse associato allo stress cronico preesistente. L’analisi delle componenti principali dello ha evidenziato come, nonostante il punteggio complessivo non sia variato in maniera significativa, i fattori caratterizzanti siano differenti: se inizialmente lo stress lavoro-correlato era caratterizzato dall’impegno individuale nelle mansioni, durante la pandemia è stato determinato principalmente da esaurimento fisico e da sintomatologia riconducibile al burnout. CONCLUSIONI In maniera simile agli altri servizi sanitari, le strutture residenziali han dovuto gestire un incremento di richieste assistenziali, e gli operatori han dovuto affrontare un aumento del carico di lavoro e di fattori stressogeni. Lo stress lavoro-correlato, già elevato nel periodo pre-pandemico, è stato influenzato dall’esposizione alla pandemia, che ha comportato un cambiamento significativo dei suoi determinanti. I risultati di questo studio suggeriscono come una comprensione profonda delle componenti fondamentali dello stress lavoro-correlato negli operatori sanitari sia fondamentale per poter progettare ed implementare campagne di prevenzione e trattamento dello stress efficaci

Appetite Control and Glycaemia reduction in Overweight Subjects treated with a Combination of Two Highly Standardized Extracts from Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus

The management of overweight may include the use of dietary supplements targeted to favor the increase of the satiation associated with decrease in blood glucose and lipid levels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a dietary supplementation with an extract from Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus, on the satiation, the glucose and lipid pattern. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 39 overweight subjects (20 supplemented group, 19 placebo group) for 2 months. The modification of satiation, by Haber’s scale, was the primary end-point, and the variation of the glucose and lipid pattern, of the anthropometric parameters and of the psychodynamic tests score were the secondary end-points. At the end of treatment, the net change of the Haber’s mean score significantly increased in the intervention group. The net change of the glycemia and of the dietary restriction score of Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), were significantly reduced just in the intervention group. Moreover, in the supplemented group, the Homeostasis Model Assessment, the Body Mass Index and the susceptibility-to-hunger score of the TFEQ, decreased significantly after intervention; these parameters did not change in the controls. This treatment appears potentially useful in the management of overweight and dysglycemia

Focus on acid folic bebefits.

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, derives its name from the Latin word folium, which was used to indicate large-leafed plants rich in folic acid. Naturally occurring in spinach leaves, this complex acid was first synthesized in 1945. Since then, mounting scientific evidence has demonstrated its beneficial effects on the human body. An essential nutrient for well-being and health, folic acid intake during pregnancy is especially important for preventing neural tube defects. This focus highlights the importance of correct intake levels of folic acid, particularly in subjects at risk of vitamin B(9) deficiency

Health-promoting properties of artichoke in preventing cardiovascular disease by its lipidic and glycemic-reducing action

The artichoke, Cynara scolymus, is one of the most ancient plants grown in the world, and its extracts, obtained from different parts of the plant (leaves, fruits and roots), have been used as medicaments from time immemorial. The pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the artichoke on the liver had already been well known in the 17th century. Modern studies started in the last century confirmed the stimulating properties of artichoke extracts on the liver and gallbladder. The ensuing wave of research was initially focused on the patent liver-stimulating, diuretic and choleretic effects exerted by artichoke preparations on both animals and man, then discovering such other therapeutic properties as the hypolipemizing activity, antioxidant activity and hypoglycemizing activity. This review enumerates the most significant studies that have highlighted these therapeutic properties. Complementary medicine information needs to be incorporated into clinical practice and patient and professional education, in addition to adequate education about proper nutrition. Awareness of the widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with metabolic disorders is crucial for healthcare professionals in order to prevent cardiovascular disease

Evaluation of the Climate Impact and Nutritional Quality of Menus in an Italian Long-Term Care Facility

Global warming poses a significant threat to our planet, with the food sector contributing up to 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions. This study aimed to assess the climate change impact and healthiness of menus in a long-term care facility in Italy. We analyzed two 28-day cyclical menus using the carbon footprint (CF) and the Modified EAT-Lancet Diet Score (MELDS) to evaluate adherence to the Planetary Health Diet (PHD). Monte Carlo simulations were employed to explore 20,000 daily menu permutations. Results showed that the mean GHGEs of spring/summer and autumn/winter daily menus were 2.64 and 2.82 kg of CO2eq, respectively, with 99% of menus exceeding the 2.03 kg of CO2eq benchmark. Only 22% of menus were adherent to the PHD, with MELDSs ranging from 12 to 29. A strong inverse association between the CF and adherence to the PHD was observed. These findings suggest significant potential for reducing the CFs of meals served in nursing homes while promoting adherence to a planetary diet, presenting an opportunity to set new standards in caregiving and environmental sustainability

Work-Related Stress among a Cohort of Italian Long-Term Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Despite long-term care (LTC) workers having been identified as particularly subject to chronic stress, only a few studies evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress in this population. As far as the authors know, no studies have investigated the relationship between work-related stress and chronic stress in the LTC setting. This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the level of chronic stress in LTC workers, to identify some possible predictors and vulnerability factors, and to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work-related stress. The study was based on the information gathered from two different questionnaires administered before and one year after the beginning of the pandemic, to a cohort of Italian LTC workers. We found that chronic stress was associated with lower resilience to stress scores (57.42 vs. 60.66) and with higher work-related stress scores (30.48 vs. 20.83). Interestingly, the overall level of work-related stress did not differ between the two questionnaires (27.84 vs. 29.08). However, the main components of the questionnaires changed; fatigue and burnout symptoms became more relevant after the pandemic. Results of this study suggests deepening knowledge of the components of stress to develop and implement effective stress mitigation interventions