Association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and risk of diabetes and its complications: A systematic review & updated meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: Recent epidemiologic studies on the association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and risk of incident diabetes have reported conflicting results in populations worldwide. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the magnitude of this association.

Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched (from 2009 to November 14, 2024) for prospective cohort studies reporting data on the association between UPF intake (defined by the NOVA classification) and the risk of incident diabetes or its complications in adults (>18 years).

Unveiling remarkable bacterial diversity trapped by cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) nodules inoculated with soils from indigenous lands in Central-Western Brazil.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is recognized as a promiscuous legume in its symbiotic relationships with rhizobia, capable of forming associations with a wide range of bacterial species. Our study focused on assessing the diversity of bacterial strains present in cowpea nodules when inoculated with soils from six indigenous lands of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Central-Western Brazil, comprising the Cerrado and the Pantanal biomes, which are known for their rich diversity. The DNA profiles (BOX-PCR) of 89 strains indicated great genetic diversity, with 20 groups and 23 strains occupying single positions, and all strains grouped at a final similarity level of only 25%.

A Bayesian Interpretation of CABANA and Other Randomized Controlled Trials for Catheter Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Catheter ablation improves symptoms and quality of life in atrial fibrillation patients, but its effect on adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality remains uncertain. Bayesian analysis of randomized controlled trials offers a deeper understanding of treatment effects beyond conventional p-value thresholds.

Methods: We conducted a post hoc Bayesian reanalysis of CABANA and four similar trials to estimate catheter ablation's effect on cardiovascular and survival outcomes.

Skeletal muscle adiposity, coronary microvascular dysfunction, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Background And Aims: Skeletal muscle (SM) fat infiltration, or intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), reflects muscle quality and is associated with inflammation, a key determinant in cardiometabolic disease. Coronary flow reserve (CFR), a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), is independently associated with body mass index (BMI), inflammation and risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and death. The relationship between SM quality, CMD, and cardiovascular outcomes is not known.

Gut-liver axis in sepsis-associated liver injury: Epidemiology, challenges and clinical practice.

Although the liver has a remarkable regenerative capacity, sepsis-associated liver injury (SLI) is a complication often seen in intensive care units. Due to its role in immune and inflammatory regulation, the liver is particularly vulnerable during severe infections. Understanding the global prevalence, causes, and management of SLI is essential to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.