Experience with sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in adult patients with Fontan circulation.

Background: We still know little about the effective pharmacological treatment of heart failure (HF) associated with the Fontan circulation. One of the new options may be sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), which have been proven effective in classic forms of left ventricular HF.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect and safety of SGLT2i inclusion in adults with Fontan circulation.

Biallelic variants in AGRN with recurrent pregnancy losses in a family with a fetal akinesia deformation sequence.

Introduction: Agrin, encoded by AGRN, plays a vital role in the acetylcholine receptor clustering pathway, and any defects in this pathway are known to cause congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) 8 in early childhood with variable fatigable muscle weakness. The most severe or lethal form of CMS manifests as a fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS). To date, only one family has been reported with an association of null variants in AGRN and a lethal FADS.

Impact of Frailty on Antihypertensive Treatment in Older Adults.

Background: The association between systolic blood pressure and all-cause mortality differs between frail and nonfrail individuals, highlighting uncertainties about the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatments in frail populations.

Methods: Using data from the SHEP trial (Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program), a baseline frailty index (FI), including 55 variables, was constructed. Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard models and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to explore the association between baseline FI and the risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause death, as well as to examine whether the impact of antihypertensive treatment on these outcomes was modified by baseline FI.

Determinants of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Maternal Cardiovascular Health in Early Pregnancy.

Background: Suboptimal cardiovascular health (CVH) in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. To guide public health efforts to reduce disparities in maternal CVH, we determined the contribution of individual- and neighborhood-level factors to racial and ethnic differences in early pregnancy CVH.

Methods: We included nulliparous individuals with singleton pregnancies who self-identified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black (NHB), or non-Hispanic White (NHW) and participated in the nuMoM2b cohort study (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be).

Validation Status of Electronic Sphygmomanometers in China: A National Survey.

Background: Although the information on the validation status of electronic sphygmomanometer (ES) devices in use in health care institutions and households is much more clinically relevant than that of ES models available on the market, it remains insufficient.

Methods: A national survey was conducted across all administrative regions of mainland China to assess the validation status of ESs. Fifty-eight cities were selected with stratification by municipality, provincial capital, and other cities, and health care institutions and households in each city were chosen by convenience to identify ES devices in use according to the study protocol.

Early Versus Delayed Antihypertensive Treatment After Acute Ischemic Stroke by Hypertension History.

Background: We performed a prespecified subgroup analysis of the CATIS-2 trial (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke II) to compare the effect of early versus delayed antihypertensive treatment on death and disability in patients with and without medical history of hypertension.

Methods: CATIS-2 is a multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted in 106 hospitals in China. The trial randomized 4810 patients with acute ischemic stroke within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset and elevated systolic blood pressure between 140 and <220 mm Hg to receive antihypertensive treatment immediately after randomization or to discontinue antihypertensive medications for 7 days and then receive treatment on day 8.

HIV OctaScanner: A Machine Learning Approach to Unveil Proteolytic Cleavage Dynamics in HIV-1 Protease Substrates.

The rise of resistance to antiretroviral drugs due to mutations in human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) protease is a major obstacle to effective treatment. These mutations alter the drug-binding pocket of the protease and reduce the drug efficacy by disrupting interactions with inhibitors. Traditional methods, such as biochemical assays and structural biology, are crucial for studying enzyme function but are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the pharmacognostic mechanism of the metabolism of flavonoids in different parts of Polygonum capitatum.

The plant Polygonum capitatum (P. capitatum) contains a variety of flavonoids that are distributed differently among different parts. Nevertheless, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with this heterogeneous distribution have not been identified.

Exploring public support for novel tobacco and alcohol control policies in Great Britain 2021-2023: A population-based cross-sectional survey.

Objective And Rationale: This study assessed support for novel tobacco compared with alcohol control policies among adults in Great Britain in 2021-2023. Objectives were to assess 1) overall level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies; 2) level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies among people who smoke tobacco or who consume alcohol at increasing and higher risk levels, or who do both; 3) level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies among different sociodemographic groups?

Methods: Data were collected in September/October 2021-2023 in a monthly population-based survey on smoking and drinking behaviour of adults across Great Britain (N = 6311), weighted to match the overall population. Outcome measure was level of support for each seven tobacco and alcohol control policies.

Emerging trends in nano-sensors: A new frontier in food safety and quality assurance.

The rapid evolution of nanotechnology has catalyzed significant advancements in the design and application of nano-sensors, particularly within the food industry, where ensuring safety and quality is of paramount concern. This review explores the multifaceted role of nano-sensors constructed from diverse nanomaterials in detecting foodborne pathogens and toxins, offering a comprehensive analysis of their operational principles, sensitivity, and specificity. Nano-sensors leverage unique physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale to enhance the detection of microbial contamination, actively contributing to food safety protocols.

"Time to Be Young?" - A Qualitative Study Exploring the Impact of Attending a Course for Young Carers Who Have a Parent with Dementia.

Purpose: Being a young carer of a parent with dementia can be challenging, with many carers undertaking various practical and caring tasks. The weekend course Time to be young? gathers young carers, aiming to support them to cope with their challenges in everyday life. The aim of this study was to explore their role as a caregiver and the experienced impact of the course on their strategies of coping in their everyday life.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections Among Hemodialysis Patients in Northern Tanzania: Insights From a Single-Centre Retrospective Study.

Background And Aims: A catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a life-threatening complication of hemodialysis. It is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and a costly long hospital stay. Despite its burden, little is known about the factors associated with it and the antibiogram of its responsible causative bacteria.

Prevalence and Postpartum Screening Practice for Type 2 Diabetes Following Gestational Diabetes (GDM) in a Tertiary Care Center in Western Saudi Arabia: A Three-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives This study analyzed the practices and findings on postpartum type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) screening among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Western Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. It involved 642 nondiabetic women with a confirmed diagnosis of GDM, who were followed until delivery.

Association Between Preoperative Radiological Findings and Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Introduction Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely accepted surgical intervention for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis, aimed at reducing pain and improving functional mobility. Preoperative radiological evaluations, including assessments of joint space narrowing, osteophytes, varus/valgus deformities, and subchondral sclerosis, are essential for planning the surgery and predicting postoperative outcomes. Although extensive research has been conducted internationally, data focusing on populations in Saudi Arabia remain limited.

Cardiovascular health and risks of atrial fibrillation and its prognosis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia around the world with an increased risk of a broad spectrum of adverse comorbidities and death. Whether cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with AF development remains unclear.

Methods: 238,420 participants without cardiovascular disease at baseline were selected from the UK Biobank study cohort from 2006 to 2010.

Role of Seed Therapy on Estrous and Non-Estrous Cycle in Healthy Female Rats.

Seed cycling therapy (SCT) involves the consumption of specific seeds during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle to help balance reproductive hormones. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SCT on healthy female Wistar albino rats to prevent hormonal imbalances. For SCT, a seed mixture (SM1) consisting of flax, pumpkin, and soybeans (estrogenic seeds) was administered at doses of 5.

Celiac Crisis: A Life-Threatening Complication of Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy with varied systemic involvement and association with increased morbidity and mortality. Strong clinical suspicion is the key, and diagnosis is made using histopathology and serology. Though the consumption of a strict gluten-free diet can improve symptoms and limit mucosal damage, curative therapy is still lacking.

Human milk whey proteins: Constituents, influencing factors, detection methods, and comparative analysis with other sources.

Whey proteins, the most abundant proteins in human milk (HM), play a vital role in the growth and development of infants. This review first elaborates on the main components of HM whey proteins, including various proteins with specific functions, and details the functions of these proteins in terms of infant nutrition, immunity, as well as growth and development. Secondly, it analyzes factors that affect HM whey proteins, such as maternal differences, dietary habits, and geographical differences.

Comparison of chemical constituents in species and their antimicrobial activity for extending the shelf life of foods.

Food spoilage causes significant economic losses and endangers human health. Developing novel antimicrobial agents and preservatives is urgently needed for anti-foodborne diseases and improving food storage. Zhen Zhu Cai () species are well-known edible plants among the East Asian populace that clear heat and anti-aging.

Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Responses Vary Between Blood Flow Restriction Cuff Type.

The purpose of the study was to compare heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) following high load resistance exercise (HLRE) and blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) with a knee wrap (kBFRE) and pneumatic cuff (pBFRE). Eleven men (N = 9) and women (N = 2) participated. HR, SBP, and DBP were collected at Rest, immediately post exercise (IP), 10-, 30-, and 45-minutes post exercise.

Corrigendum: Factor structure and psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, short form (IGDS-SF9).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.

Small mammals and associated infections in China: a systematic review and spatial modelling analysis.

Background: As natural reservoirs of diverse pathogens, small mammals are considered a key interface for guarding public health due to their wide geographic distribution, high density and frequent interaction with humans.

Methods: All formally recorded natural occurrences of small mammals (Order: Rodentia, Eulipotyphla, Lagomorpha, and Scandentia) and their associated microbial infections in China were searched in the English and Chinese literature spanning from 1950 to 2021 and geolocated. Machine learning models were applied to determine ecological drivers for the distributions of 45 major small mammal species and two common rodent-borne diseases (RBDs), and model-predicted potential risk locations were mapped.

A pectic polysaccharide from Murray alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) can lead to severe complications like perforation, bleeding, and colon cancer, posing life-threatening risks. Murray ( Murr.), rich in polysaccharides, has been utilized in traditional diets for thousands of years.

Paradoxical Inflammatory Bowel Disease Induced by Golimumab in a Patient With Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

Paradoxical reactions (PRs) to biologic medications, such as psoriasis, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have been increasingly recognized. The aim of reporting this case is to establish an association between golimumab and exacerbation or new (de novo) IBD in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Our case involves a young patient with juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who developed de novo IBD following golimumab therapy for active spinal disease.

Intestinal epithelial cell NCoR deficiency ameliorates obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR1) interacts with various nuclear receptors and regulates the anabolism and catabolism of lipids. An imbalance in lipid/energy homeostasis is also an important factor in obesity and metabolic syndrome development. In this study, we found that the deletion of NCoR1 in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) mainly activated the nuclear receptor PPAR and attenuated metabolic syndrome by stimulating thermogenesis.