Publications by authors named "G N Mercer"

Introduction: Early detection of neurodegeneration is essential for optimizing interventions. The highly reproducible progression of neurodegeneration in the decrepit () mouse allows investigation of early biomarkers and mechanisms of brain injury.

Methods: Using high-frequency ultrasound, the common carotid arteries of female and male and control mice were imaged longitudinally at time points bracketing the disease progression (50, 75, and 125 days of age) ( = 6 mice/group/sex).

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Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of compounds with uses in industry and many consumer products. Concerns about the potential health effects of these compounds resulted in regulation by the Stockholm Convention on the use of three of the most common PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thousands of PFAS remain in production that are unregulated and for which their toxicity is unknown.

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Age-related lens opacification (cataract) remains the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries, utilization of cataract surgical services is often limited despite community-based outreach programmes. Community-led research, whereby researchers and community members collaboratively co-design intervention is an approach that ensures the interventions are locally relevant and that their implementation is feasible and socially accepted in the targeted contexts.

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Background: Lower doses of irradiation (≤ 5 Mrad) during the manufacture of highly crosslinked polyethylene acetabular liners may result in less crosslinking and an increased wear rate. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) studies have found that wear of more highly irradiated highly crosslinked polyethylene liners (7 to 10 Mrad) decreases at longer-term follow-up compared with earlier reports of the same cohorts. Although wear of 5-Mrad irradiated liners appears to increase at midterm follow-up, it is unclear whether that remains true at longer follow-up.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates how exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics in pregnant mice affects fetal brain metabolism, particularly during gestation and lactation.
  • Pregnant mice were given drinking water containing nanoplastics and researchers found significant decreases in important metabolites like GABA, creatine, and glucose in the fetal brain.
  • The findings suggest that maternal nanoplastic exposure disrupts normal brain development in fetuses, highlighting potential risks for human pregnancies and the need for further research.
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