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Current Pharmaceutical Design Jun 2024Rhus coriaria L., commonly known as Sumac, is a plant from the Anacardiaceae family that is known for its high phytochemical content. These phytochemicals have the...
BACKGROUND
Rhus coriaria L., commonly known as Sumac, is a plant from the Anacardiaceae family that is known for its high phytochemical content. These phytochemicals have the potential to effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. To explore the existing evidence on the impact of Sumac consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress, we conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to August 2023 to identify relevant studies examining the effects of Sumac on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. The selected studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane tool.
RESULTS
A total of seven trials were included in this review. Among these trials, three focused on diabetes patients, while the remaining four involved individuals with fatty liver, overweight individuals with depression, and those with polycystic ovary or metabolic syndrome. Five studies reported the effects of Sumac on oxidative stress, with four of them demonstrating a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and an increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1). Regarding inflammation, one study reported no significant difference in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels between the intervention and control groups. The results for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, reported in five trials, were inconsistent.
CONCLUSION
Sumac consumption over time may positively affect oxidative stress, although short-term use shows minimal impact. While one study found no significant effect on IL-6 and TNF-α, hs-CRP levels could decrease or remain unchanged. Further meta-analyses are needed to fully understand Sumac's potential benefits in managing metabolic diseases.
PubMed: 38920072
DOI: 10.2174/0113816128305609240529114411 -
Journal of Hypertension Jun 2024Hypertension development is predominantly influenced by inflammation, excessive fat deposition, and metabolic irregularities. Among these factors, liver fat accumulation...
BACKGROUND
Hypertension development is predominantly influenced by inflammation, excessive fat deposition, and metabolic irregularities. Among these factors, liver fat accumulation is a critical metabolic disorder. However, the quantification of liver fat levels and its associated risk for hypertension incidence remain ambiguous. This project is designed to explore the association between liver fat levels and the risk of hypertension in a healthy population.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study involved 4955 participants from the Health Management Center at Henan Provincial People's Hospital who were surveyed between February 2020 and February 2023. Participants were categorized into four groups based on liver fat quartiles. Subgroup analyses, restricted cubic spline regression models, and logistic regression were utilized to assess the association between liver fat levels and hypertension risk. The relationships between liver fat levels and inflammatory markers were examined using multiple linear regression models. Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of inflammatory factors in the relationship between liver fat and hypertension risk.
RESULTS
Participants with hypertension exhibited greater liver fat levels than did those without hypertension. An increased risk of hypertension was associated with elevated liver fat levels, even after adjusting for other covariates [Q4 vs. Q1 in model II: odds ratio (OR = 1.28), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.59, P = 0.022; P for trend = 0.039]. A nonlinear relationship was observed between liver fat level and hypertension risk, with a notable increase in hypertension risk occurring at liver fat levels greater than 8.65%. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between inflammatory markers and liver fat levels. A mediation effect of 4.76% was noted, linking hypertension risk and liver fat levels through neutrophils.
CONCLUSION
Liver fat levels exceeding 8.65% significantly elevated the risk of hypertension. Inflammatory factors serve as crucial mediators of the relationship between liver fat and hypertension.
PubMed: 38920061
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003803 -
Stroke Jun 2024Asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis is an important therapeutic target for stroke prevention. For decades, the ACAS (Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study) and... (Review)
Review
Asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis is an important therapeutic target for stroke prevention. For decades, the ACAS (Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study) and ACST (Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial) trials provided most of the evidence supporting endarterectomy for patients with asymptomatic high-grade stenosis who were otherwise good candidates for surgery. Since then, transfemoral/transradial carotid stenting and transcarotid artery revascularization have emerged as alternatives to endarterectomy for revascularization. Advances in treatments against atherosclerosis have driven down the rates of stroke in patients managed without revascularization. SPACE-2 (Stent-Protected Angioplasty Versus Carotid Endarterectomy-2), a trial that included endarterectomy, stenting, and medical arms, failed to detect significant differences in stroke rates among treatment groups, but the study was stopped well short of its recruitment goal. CREST-2 (Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial) will be able to clarify whether revascularization by stenting or endarterectomy remains efficacious under conditions of intensive medical management. Transcarotid artery revascularization has a favorable periprocedural risk profile, but randomized trials comparing it to intensive medical management are lacking. Features like intraplaque hemorrhage on MRI and echolucency on B-mode ultrasonography can identify patients at higher risk of stroke with asymptomatic stenosis. High-grade stenosis with poor collaterals can cause hemispheric hypoperfusion, and unstable plaque can cause microemboli, both of which may be treatable risk factors for cognitive impairment. Evidence that there are patients with carotid stenosis who benefit cognitively from revascularization is presently lacking. New risk factors are emerging, like exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics. Strategies to limit exposure will be important without specific medical therapies.
PubMed: 38920049
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.124.046956 -
Health Sociology Review : the Journal... Jun 2024This article aims to explore pharmaceuticalisation processes in professional work contexts. The approach focuses on identifying patterns of medicine and dietary...
This article aims to explore pharmaceuticalisation processes in professional work contexts. The approach focuses on identifying patterns of medicine and dietary supplement use for managing work performance, and on discussing the relationship between these consumption practices and work-related pressure factors. This analysis adapts the notions of 'normalisation' to understand the extent of cultural acceptability of these practices, and the notion of 'differentiated normalisation' to capture the tension between the trend towards normalisation of such consumption and its partial social (in)visibility within work settings. Empirical support for this analysis is based on a sociological study conducted in Portugal on professions under high performance pressures. The study involved three professional groups - nurses, journalists and police officers. A mixed methods approach was used, including focus groups, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Overall, the results show a trend towards the use of medicines and supplements for performance management, which reveals itself as a cultural response to work-related social pressures. Such consumption coexists with irregular patterns of either occasional or long-term use, as well as heterogeneous processes of 'normalisation' and 'hidden' consumption. Conclusions point to a social interconnection between the intensification of work pressures and the pharmaceuticalisation of work performance.
PubMed: 38919993
DOI: 10.1080/14461242.2024.2362174 -
Health Affairs Scholar Jun 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) relies on public comments submitted in response to proposed national coverage determinations to assist the agency in...
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) relies on public comments submitted in response to proposed national coverage determinations to assist the agency in determining the coverage of items and services for Medicare beneficiaries. In a cross-sectional study, we characterized the cited evidence and what funding supported the cited evidence submitted in public comments to CMS for all therapeutic medical device national coverage determinations finalized between June 2019 and June 2022. Of 681 public comments, 159 (23%) cited at least 1 identifiable published scientific journal article. Within these 159 public comments, 198 unique articles were cited, 170 (86%) of which included funding statements or author disclosures. Among these, 96 (56%) disclosed funding from manufacturers that would benefit from Medicare coverage and/or were written by author(s) who received funding from these manufacturers. In summary, most public commenters for national coverage determinations did not cite published scientific journal articles to support their positions. Among those who did, more than half of articles were directly funded by manufacturers that would benefit from coverage. Greater funding of independent, non-industry-supported research may help provide unbiased evaluations of benefits and harms to support Medicare coverage decisions.
PubMed: 38919964
DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae064 -
Visualising Medical Research: Exploring the Influence of Infographics on Professional Dissemination.TheScientificWorldJournal 2024This study explores the impact of infographics on the professional dissemination of medical research. Recognising the burgeoning volume of data in the medical domain,...
OBJECTIVE
This study explores the impact of infographics on the professional dissemination of medical research. Recognising the burgeoning volume of data in the medical domain, this research aims to bridge the gap by investigating the efficacy of infographics in rendering complex medical concepts understandable to diverse audiences, including policymakers, patients, and the public.
DESIGN
The study uses a cross-sectional survey to assess medical professionals' familiarity with infographic design and data visualisation principles. . The research targets medical professionals with published articles across various subfields, including Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Healthcare Management, Medical Imaging, and Public Health.
METHOD
Data collection involves an online survey distributed to potential participants through professional networks and research institutions. The survey encompasses Likert-scale questions and demographic variables. Ethical considerations include obtaining approval from the institutional review board, ensuring participant consent, and maintaining data anonymity and confidentiality.
RESULTS
Demographic analysis reveals a diverse participant profile, with 58.7% male and 41.3% female respondents, spanning various age groups, professional experiences, and geographic locations. Assessing familiarity with infographic design and data visualisation principles demonstrates respondents' proficiency in certain areas while highlighting potential areas for improvement.
CONCLUSION
The study underscores the multifaceted benefits of infographics in research dissemination, as medical professionals perceive. Infographics can effectively convey various kinds of medical research information across diverse platforms and channels.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Biomedical Research; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Information Dissemination; Surveys and Questionnaires; Aged; Young Adult
PubMed: 38919961
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5422121 -
Neurology. Clinical Practice Oct 2024To summarize the literature on neurologic care for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people and provide implications for clinical practice. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To summarize the literature on neurologic care for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people and provide implications for clinical practice.
RECENT FINDINGS
There are limited data on the frequency and management of neurologic conditions among TGD people. TGD people have a higher prevalence of various neurologic conditions compared with cisgender or general population cohorts, including migraine, subjective cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, functional disorders, and cerebrovascular disease. Gender-affirming hormone therapy interacts with commonly prescribed neurologic medications and increases stroke risk among transfeminine people. Sex hormones and sex chromosomes may play a role in neurodegeneration and disability progression in neuroimmunologic diseases. Clitoral reduction surgeries on intersex children can cause neurologic disability and sexual dysfunction in adulthood. Socioeconomic disparities among TGD people contribute to health care barriers.
SUMMARY
Neurologists should consider the unique experiences and health care needs of TGD people in their clinical practice and research protocols.
PubMed: 38919931
DOI: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200332 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Considering recent earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic, disaster preparedness has come to the forefront of the public health agenda in Nepal. To strengthen the...
Considering recent earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic, disaster preparedness has come to the forefront of the public health agenda in Nepal. To strengthen the developing health system, many initiatives are being implemented at different levels of society to build resiliency, one of which is through training and education. The first International Conference on Disaster Preparedness and Management convened in Dhulikhel, Nepal on December 1-3, 2023. It brought together international teaching faculty to help deliver didactic and simulation-based sessions on various topics pertaining to disaster preparedness and management for over 140 Nepali healthcare professionals. This paper focuses on the tabletop exercise-based longitudinal workshop portion of the conference on disaster leadership and communication, delivered by United States-based faculty. It delves into the educational program and curriculum, delivery method, Nepali organizer and US facilitator reflections, and provides recommendations for such future conferences, and adaptation to other settings.
Topics: Nepal; Humans; Disaster Planning; Congresses as Topic; COVID-19; Civil Defense; Curriculum
PubMed: 38919924
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1400588 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable...
BACKGROUND
Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable burden with food handlers serving as potential carriers. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of these parasites varies across regions, and accurate data in the study area is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study collected stool samples from food handlers alongside a structured questionnaire gathering socio-demographic and hygiene practice information. Stool specimens were screened for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The collected data were checked for completeness, entered into EpiData software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was deemed statistically significant if the -value was less than 0.05.
RESULTS
A total of 257 food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City participated in the study. Of these, 33.5% (86/257) were found positive for one or more intestinal parasites, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 28.0-39.5%. The study identified nine types of intestinal parasites, with (8.2%, 21/257) and Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%, 17/257) being the predominant parasites, followed by hookworm (3.5%, 9/257) and (2.3%, 6/257). The prevalence of mixed infections was 9.3% (24/257). A significant association was observed between intestinal parasitic infection and the educational level of food handlers.
CONCLUSION
In this study, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites was detected indicating poor hygiene practices of the food handlers at the study site. Even the prevalence of mixed infections was high. Regular training, strict adherence to personal hygiene and food-handling practices, and routine inspections and medical checkups for food handlers are crucial.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Adult; Food Handling; Prevalence; Middle Aged; Feces; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Young Adult; Adolescent; Restaurants; Animals
PubMed: 38919920
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1362086 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Analyzing the differences in caregiving models for disabled older adult individuals after stroke and the influencing factors, to provide a basis for addressing relevant...
BACKGROUND
Analyzing the differences in caregiving models for disabled older adult individuals after stroke and the influencing factors, to provide a basis for addressing relevant social demographic issues.
METHODS
The older adult diagnosed with stroke were screened from the Chinese Geriatric Health Survey (CLHLS), and were further divided into subgroups of disability, which was based on their ability of or whether they need help in performing activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, toileting or bowel and bladder control using the international common Katz scale. The care model was divided into formal care, informal care and home care. Multivariate logistic regression was used to screen the influencing factors of the choice of care model for the disabled older adult after stroke.
RESULTS
The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistical differences in the choice of care mode among different ages, household registration types, number of children, years of education, degree of disability, community services, retirement pension, marital status and medical insurance. Multiple logistic regression showed that, The rural older adult with more children, shorter education years, living with spouse and no help from community tend to choose informal care. Older adult people with higher levels of education, urban household registration, and access to community services are more likely to choose formal care. Older adult women with multiple children are more likely to receive care from their children.
CONCLUSION
In the future, vigorous support for the development of formal caregiving institutions and the improvement of the management system of formal caregiving will help enhance the subjective initiative of disabled older adult individuals in choosing caregiving models and alleviate the burden of family caregiving.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Male; Disabled Persons; Caregivers; China; Aged, 80 and over; Middle Aged; Stroke; Survivors; Logistic Models; Health Surveys
PubMed: 38919919
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1404537