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Journal of General Internal Medicine Jun 2024South Asian immigrants in the United States face an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This phenomenon has been linked to lifestyle factors and social...
South Asian immigrants in the United States face an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This phenomenon has been linked to lifestyle factors and social determinants of health (SDOH) such as high-carbohydrate diet, limited physical activity, and stress from assimilation and other life challenges. Unfortunately, barriers stemming from language discordance, low health literacy, and certain cultural practices can hinder effective clinical management of T2DM among South Asian immigrants. In this perspective, we address these sociocultural barriers and propose culturally informed recommendations to improve healthcare delivery for South Asian groups and empower South Asian patients to self-manage T2DM. Our recommendations include (1) considerations and support for SDOH in South Asian communities, (2) culturally tailored healthcare delivery for South Asians, (3) mHealth technologies for T2DM education and self-management; and (4) enhanced epidemiological and South Asian-centric research.
PubMed: 38943015
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08902-8 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Plekhm2 is a protein regulating endosomal trafficking and lysosomal distribution. We recently linked a recessive inherited mutation in PLEKHM2 to a familial form of...
Plekhm2 is a protein regulating endosomal trafficking and lysosomal distribution. We recently linked a recessive inherited mutation in PLEKHM2 to a familial form of dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricular non-compaction. These patients' primary fibroblasts exhibited abnormal lysosomal distribution and autophagy impairment. We therefore hypothesized that loss of PLEKHM2 impairs cardiac function via autophagy derangement. Here, we characterized the roles of Plekhm2 in the heart using global Plekhm2 knockout (PLK2-KO) mice and cultured cardiac cells. Compared to littermate controls (WT), young PLK2-KO mice exhibited no difference in heart function or autophagy markers but demonstrated higher basal AKT phosphorylation. Older PLK2-KO mice had body and heart growth retardation and increased LC3II protein levels. PLK2-KO mice were more vulnerable to fasting and, interestingly, impaired autophagy was noted in vitro, in Plekhm2-deficient cardiofibroblasts but not in cardiomyocytes. PLK2-KO hearts appeared to be less sensitive to pathological hypertrophy induced by angiotensin-II compared to WT. Our findings suggest a role of Plekhm2 in murine cardiac autophagy. Plekhm2 deficiency impaired autophagy in cardiofibroblasts, but the autophagy in cardiomyocytes is not critically dependent on Plekhm2. The absence of Plekhm2 in mice appears to promote compensatory mechanism(s) enabling the heart to manage angiotensin-II-induced stress without detrimental consequences.
Topics: Animals; Autophagy; Mice, Knockout; Fibroblasts; Mice; Myocytes, Cardiac; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Myocardium; Cells, Cultured; Phosphorylation
PubMed: 38942823
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65670-5 -
Evidence-based Nursing Jun 2024
PubMed: 38942464
DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2024-103986 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Jun 2024Thoracic endovascular aortic surgery (TEVAR) is the modern standard of treatment for patients with Type B aortic dissection, however it is unclear how the initial length...
INTRODUCTION
Thoracic endovascular aortic surgery (TEVAR) is the modern standard of treatment for patients with Type B aortic dissection, however it is unclear how the initial length of treated aorta affects long-term outcomes. This study aims to elucidate risk factors for secondary intervention after TEVAR for aortic dissection, focusing on length of aortic treatment at index operation.
METHODS
A retrospective multihospital chart review was completed for patients treated between 2011 and 2022 who underwent TEVAR for aortic dissection with at least one year of post-TEVAR imaging and follow-up. Patient demographics and characteristics were analyzed. In this study, aortic zones treated only included those managed with a covered stent graft. The primary outcome measure was any need for secondary intervention.
RESULTS
A total of 151 patients were identified. Demographics included a mean age of 57 years, with 31.8% of the patients being female. Forty-three patients (28.5%) underwent secondary intervention after TEVAR, with a mean follow-up of 1.6 years. The most common indication for secondary intervention was aneurysmal degeneration of the residual false lumen (76%). There was a significant difference in the number of aortic zones treated in patients who did and did not require secondary intervention (2.3 ± 1 vs. 2.7 ± 1, p = 0.04). Additionally, patients with three or more aortic zones of treatment had a significant difference in the need for reintervention (32% secondary intervention vs 52% no secondary intervention, p = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
At least three zones of aortic treatment at index TEVAR is associated with a decreased need for overall reintervention. Modern treatment of acute and subacute type B dissection should stress an aggressive initial repair, balanced by the potential increased risk of spinal cord ischemia.
PubMed: 38942367
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.05.009 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Microplastics (MPs) have found extensive application globally due to their low cost, flexibility and light weight. Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental... (Review)
Review
Microplastics (MPs) have found extensive application globally due to their low cost, flexibility and light weight. Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern that poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems worldwide, including African freshwater systems. Nevertheless, although Africa houses some of the deepest and largest freshwater rivers and lakes in the world such as Lake Tanganyika and Victoria, River Congo and the Nile, there is limited information available regarding the presence of MPs in these inland waters. Selected published data on MPs in African freshwater systems, including sediments, biota, rivers, and lakes, were incorporated in this review. The study discovered that the sampling technique employed has a major impact on the morphological characteristics and abundance of MPs in African freshwater systems. Fibers and fragments were the most common shapes; black, white, and transparent were the most prevalent colors; and polyethene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polypropylene were the frequently dominant polymers. As the distance between the sampling sites increased geographically, the polymer similarities declined. MPs have been found to translocate into body cells and tissues where they are capable of causing genetic mutations, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. In Africa, MPs are poorly managed and monitored, and there has been insufficient research done on the possibility that they could be present in drinking water. Considering the fact that humans in the continent are exposed to freshwater and aquatic organisms, the risk assessment routes are currently unvalidated, therefore it was recommended that African nations should strengthen their capacity for plastic management and environmental monitoring. This review provides up to date information on the occurrence, prevalence, ecotoxicity and management of MPs across African freshwater systems.
PubMed: 38942312
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174092 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in driving the economy of many developing countries. Any dent in this economical structure may have a severe impact on a... (Review)
Review
The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in driving the economy of many developing countries. Any dent in this economical structure may have a severe impact on a country's population. With rising climate change and increasing pollution, the agricultural sector is experiencing significant damage. Over time this cumulative damage will affect the integrity of food crops and create food security issues around the world. Therefore, an early warning system is needed to detect possible stress on food crops. Here we present a review of the recent developments in nanomaterial-based Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates which could be utilized to monitor agricultural crop responses to natural and anthropogenic stress. Initially, our review delves into diverse and cost-effective strategies for fabricating SERS substrates, emphasizing their intelligent utilization across various agricultural scenarios. In the second phase of our review, we spotlight the specific application of SERS in addressing critical food security issues. By detecting nutrients, hormones, and effector molecules in plants, SERS provides valuable insights into plant health. Furthermore, our exploration extends to the detection of contaminants, chemicals, and foodborne pathogens within plants, showcasing the versatility of SERS in ensuring food safety. The cumulative knowledge derived from these discussions illustrates the transformative potential of SERS in bolstering the agricultural economy. By enhancing precision in nutrient management, monitoring plant health, and enabling rapid detection of harmful substances, SERS emerges as a pivotal tool in promoting sustainable and secure agricultural practices. Its integration into agricultural processes not only augments productivity but also establishes a robust defence against potential threats to crop yield and food quality. As SERS continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of agriculture becomes increasingly pronounced, promising a paradigm shift in how we approach and address challenges in food production and safety.
PubMed: 38942304
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174252 -
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease Jun 2024By examining 2018-2023 data, this study explored the intricate impact of the Russian invasion, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental disruptions on communicable...
BACKGROUND
By examining 2018-2023 data, this study explored the intricate impact of the Russian invasion, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental disruptions on communicable diseases in Ukraine. This conflict exacerbates challenges in disease surveillance and healthcare, compounding stress among the population.
METHODS
Leveraging the Centers for Disease Prevention Control's surveillance system, the study employs active and passive surveillance, utilizing medical records and laboratory reports. Notification rates gauge the incidence of communicable diseases, offering insights into trends during the study period.
RESULTS
While salmonellosis, shigellosis, and rotavirus incidence are decreasing overall, there is a surge in viral hepatitis A, chronic hepatitis B, and C. This conflict hampers hepatitis C management, as evidenced by decreased numbers of treatment centers and patient enrollment. The prevalence of cough cases will increase in 2023, emphasizing the importance of sustained vaccination. The incidence of tuberculosis will increase in 2023 despite a general decrease.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts and adequate resources, infrastructure, and international support to mitigate public health challenges in conflict-ridden Ukraine. Prioritizing vaccination programmes and enhancing healthcare accessibility in affected regions are crucial.
PubMed: 38942160
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2024.102733 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2024The traditional medicinal formulation, Qifu-yin (QFY), has been widely prescribed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment in China, yet the comprehensive mechanisms...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
The traditional medicinal formulation, Qifu-yin (QFY), has been widely prescribed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment in China, yet the comprehensive mechanisms through which QFY mitigates AD pathology remain to be fully delineated.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic implications of QFY on the synaptic injury and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice, with a concerted effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms related to synaptic preservation and memory improvement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The components of QFY were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The neuroprotective effects of QFY was evaluated using six-month-old male APP/PS1 mice. Subsequent to a 15 days of QFY regimen, spatial memory was assessed utilizing the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation was detected via immunostaining, while the quantification of Aβ and Aβ was achieved through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate the synaptic structure and mitochondrial morphology. Golgi staining was applied to examine dendritic spine density. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4-HNE) assays were employed to assess oxidative stress. The expression profiles of Aβ metabolism-associated enzymes and the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway were determined by Western blot.
RESULTS
A total of 20 principal compounds in QFY were identified. QFY mitigated memory deficits of APP/PS1 mice, including reducing escape latency and search distance and increasing the time and distance spent in the target quadrant. In addition, QFY increased platform crossings of APP/PS1 mice in the probe trial of MWM tests. TEM analysis showed that QFY increased synapse number in the CA1 region of APP/PS1 mice. Further studies indicated that QFY elevated the expression levels of Post synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin, and mitigated the loss of dendritic spine density in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. QFY has been shown to ameliorated the structural abnormalities of mitochondria, including mitochondrial dissolution and degradation, up-regulate ATP synthesis and membrane potential in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, QFY activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, which might contribute to the neuroprotective effects of QFY.
CONCLUSION
QFY activates the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling, and protects against synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice, proposing a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for AD management.
PubMed: 38942156
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118497 -
Journal of Environmental Management Jun 2024Oyster populations within the Chesapeake Bay have been drastically reduced over the last century mainly due to unregulated human activities and diseases. Regulations and...
Oyster populations within the Chesapeake Bay have been drastically reduced over the last century mainly due to unregulated human activities and diseases. Regulations and restoration efforts have focused on restoring oyster populations while also considering their ability to provide ecosystem services, such as coastal protection and water quality improvement, among others. To promote oyster growth and the settlement of new populations, a recent technique adopted along the east coast of the US is the use of oyster castles (OCs). OCs have proven effective in recruiting and retaining oysters and in promoting both vertical growth and horizontal expansion of oyster habitats. OCs are widely used in coastal protection as greener alternative to common engineering solutions. We quantified hydrodynamic differences that occur around these OCs during their early stage (i.e. castles without oysters), and with fully developed oysters covering the surface of the castles through a series of laboratory experiments. The experiments were conducted in a recirculating Odell-Kovasznay type channel at the Ecohydraulics and Ecomorphodynamics Laboratory (EEL) at the University of Illinois. OCs (both with and without oysters) were 3D printed at 1:7 scale to fit the canal, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used for 2D flow characterization. Data showed noticeable differences in flow acceleration atop the castles when covered with oysters, as well as an increase in the generation and distribution of turbulent kinetic energy atop and around the oyster-covered castles. Magnitudes and spatial distribution of Reynolds stresses were also affected by the presence of oysters in both submerged and near-emergent conditions. Challenges associated with the estimation of the drag coefficient for both gray and oyster-covered OCs highlighted the need for more data besides the centerline 2D PIV output. Further research involving the whole three-dimensional structure of the flow, in both unidirectional and oscillatory conditions, will allow us to provide relevant guidelines on the design and use of oyster-populated breakwaters as a viable nature-based solution for coastal protection within low-energy environments.
PubMed: 38941852
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121574 -
Journal of Thermal Biology Jun 2024Heat stress poses a significant challenge to sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions, impacting growth performance, health, and physiological responses. While sheep...
Effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on performance, biological responses, and thermal stress resilience in heat-stressed fattening lambs across varying temperature-humidity index conditions: Implications for climate change.
Heat stress poses a significant challenge to sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions, impacting growth performance, health, and physiological responses. While sheep have innate mechanisms to manage heat stress, prolonged exposure impairs their performance and health. This study evaluated the influence of varying doses of Curcumin Nano-Micelle (CNM) on heat-stressed fattening lambs in northeastern Iran over three months, examining the relationship between CNM doses and growth performance, feeding behavior, physiological responses, immune function, and antioxidant status. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs were included in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) CTRL: No dietary inclusion of CNM, (control group); 2) T20: Dietary inclusion of 20 mg of CNM per head per day; 3) T40: Dietary inclusion of 40 mg of CNM per head per day; and 4) T80: Dietary inclusion of 80 mg of CNM per head per day. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with 20 and 40 mg of CNM significantly improved live body weight, weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment. Regression analysis demonstrated quadratic models between growth performance parameters and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), indicating a correlation between CNM doses and the animals' responses to heat stress. Regarding eating behavior, CNM doses of 40 and 80 mg/day significantly reduced eating time while increasing ruminating time. Blood analysis indicated significant reductions in glucose levels across all treatments, with T40 significantly reducing both cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, CNM supplementation decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, indicating enhanced antioxidant status. Physiological responses were influenced by CNM, notably reducing rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), while pulse rate (PR) increased across various time intervals, particularly in the T80 group. This study demonstrates that CNM supplementation can enhance performance, physiological responses, and antioxidant status in heat-stressed fattening lambs, highlighting its potential to mitigate heat stress effects in sheep farming.
PubMed: 38941825
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103905