ABSTRACT
Stroke, a major cause of disability worldwide, necessitates comprehensive rehabilitation, with nutrition playing a pivotal role in recovery. Our systematic review assesses the impact of nutritional interventions on stroke survivors' rehabilitation. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, using keywords related to stroke rehabilitation and nutrition. Studies were selected based on criteria emphasizing dietary interventions and their effect on functional recovery in stroke patients. The review involved detailed data extraction and synthesis, covering study design, participant characteristics, interventions, and outcomes. Five studies met our inclusion criteria, encompassing longitudinal and prospective studies, retrospective cohorts, and randomized controlled trials. These studies highlighted the importance of early nutritional assessment, particularly for sarcopenic patients, and the role of energy and protein intake soon after a stroke. Findings indicated high nutritional risk correlated with poorer functional outcomes and increased inflammation. Tailored dietary support appeared beneficial for muscle mass maintenance and overall functional recovery, especially in older patients. Our review emphasizes the critical role of nutritional interventions in stroke rehabilitation. It suggests that personalized nutritional strategies can positively impact functional recovery, notably in older and nutritionally vulnerable stroke survivors. These insights underscore the necessity of integrating dietary assessments and interventions into standard stroke rehabilitation protocols, advocating a holistic approach to patient care.
ABSTRACT
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a formidable global health concern with a dire prognosis, highlighting the critical need for early detection strategies. This systematic review delves into the potential of salivary biomarkers as a non-invasive means for identifying PDAC at its incipient stages. Saliva's proximity to the circulatory system enables the detection of tumor-derived biomolecules, making it an ideal candidate for mass screening. The analysis of three selected studies reveals promising candidates such as Neisseria mucosa, Fusobacterium periodonticum, polyamines, and specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Notably, polyamines like spermine show potential in distinguishing PDAC, while lncRNAs HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) and plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) exhibit superior sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional serum markers. However, challenges, including small sample sizes and a lack of validation, underscore the need for standardized diagnostic panels and large-scale collaborative studies. Advancements in nanotechnology, machine learning, and ethical considerations are crucial for harnessing the diagnostic potential of saliva. The review emphasizes the imperative for extensive clinical trials to validate salivary biomarkers, ensuring not only diagnostic accuracy but also cost-effectiveness, patient compliance, and long-term benefits in the realm of PDAC screening. Longitudinal studies are recommended to unravel temporal changes in salivary biomarkers, shedding light on disease progression and treatment response.
