Investigating the association between human brainstem microstructural integrity and hypertension using magnetic resonance relaxometry.

The brainstem plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure, and disruptions to its neural pathways have been linked to hypertension. However, it remains unclear whether subtle microstructural changes in the brainstem are associated with an individual's blood pressure status. This exploratory, cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between brainstem microstructure, myelination, and hypertensive status in 116 cognitively unimpaired adults (aged 22-94 years).

Prevalence of complications and comorbidities associated with obesity: a health insurance claims analysis.

Background: Despite the substantial burden of obesity in the United States (US), data on the comprehensive range of comorbidities in different age groups is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of various comorbidities among people diagnosed with obesity (as per ICD-10 diagnosis code) across age cohorts and compared how they differ from people without obesity.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed individuals from all four regions (Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) of the US who had continuous insurance coverage from 2018 to 2020, using a large health insurance claims database (Merative™ MarketScan).

Vitamin D deficiency may accelerate cognitive decline in female apolipoprotein E ε4 non-carriers.

Background & Aims: The impact of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) on cognition remains controversial. Evidences suggest that variability based on apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status and gender, given APOE ε4's influence on vitamin D metabolism and women's heightened vitamin D sensitivity. We investigated the interplay between APOE ε4, gender, and VDD in cognitive decline among older adults.

Acid sphingomyelinase activity suggests a new antipsychotic pharmaco-treatment strategy for schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder. It is currently treated with antipsychotic drugs (APD). However, APD's work only in a limited number of patients and may have cognition impairing side effects.

Korean Gastric Cancer Association-Led Nationwide Survey on Surgically Treated Gastric Cancers in 2023.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023.

Materials And Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form.