Association between age at diagnosis of diabetes and ocular disease: Insights from a recent article.

In this article, we discuss Ye 's recent article on the association between age at diabetes diagnosis and subsequent risk of age-related ocular diseases. The study, which utilized United Kingdom Biobank data, highlighted a strong link between early diabetes onset and major eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and vision loss, independent of glycemic control and disease duration. This finding challenges the previous belief that diabetic eye disease primarily correlates with hyperglycemia.

Field testing of recombinant subunit vaccines against in lambing ewes demonstrates a lack of efficacy in the face of a multi-species parasite challenge.

Introduction: We previously demonstrated efficacy of an 8-antigen recombinant subunit vaccine against a single species homologous challenge in lambs and in lambing ewes in pen trials. We subsequently demonstrated efficacy of a simplified, 2-antigen, version of this vaccine in lambs in pen trials. Here, we test both vaccines in lambing ewes in a field setting.

Transcriptome analysis reveals molecular targets of erythrocyte invasion phenotype diversity in natural isolates from Cameroon.

Further understanding of the molecular mediators of alternative RBC invasion phenotypes in endemic malaria parasites will support malaria blood-stage vaccine or drug development. This study investigated the prevalence of sialic acid (SA)-dependent and SA-independent RBC invasion pathways in endemic parasites from Cameroon and compared the schizont stage transcriptomes in these two groups to uncover the wider repertoire of transcriptional variation associated with the use of alternative RBC invasion pathway phenotypes. A two-color flow cytometry-based invasion-inhibition assay against RBCs treated with neuraminidase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin and deep RNA sequencing of schizont stages harvested in the first replication cycle in culture were employed in this investigation.

Understanding the species and their challenges to animal health and livestock species for informed development of new, specific treatment strategies.

species are parasitic organisms of vertebrates with a worldwide distribution. They have an important impact globally upon human and animal health, and livestock productivity. The life cycle of these species is complex and difficult to disrupt to improve human health, animal health, food security and economic growth.

From laboratory to clinical practice: an update of the immunological and molecular tools for neurocysticercosis diagnosis.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by the invasion of larvae in the central nervous system (CNS) and stands as the predominant cause of epilepsy and other neurological disorders in many developing nations. NCC diagnosis is challenging because it relies on brain imaging exams (CT or MRI), which are poorly available in endemic rural or resource-limited areas. Moreover, some NCC cases cannot be easily detected by imaging, leading to inconclusive results.

Unraveling the landscape of pediatric pancreatic tumors: Insights from Japan.

Pediatric pancreatic tumors, though rare, pose significant diagnostic and management challenges. The recent, 22-year nationwide survey on pediatric pancreatic tumors in Japan by Makita offers valuable insights into this uncommon entity, revealing striking geographical variations and questioning current treatment paradigms. This editorial commentary analyzes the study's key findings, including the predominance of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms and their younger age of onset, which contrast sharply with Western data.

Sub-Saharan Africa's Contribution to Clinical Trials in International Acute Coronary Syndromes and Heart Failure Guidelines.

Background: There is a growing burden of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and heart failure (HF) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet outcomes remain poor compared to high-income countries. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) international guidelines are pivotal to the delivery of evidence-based care; however, their representation of populations from SSA remains unclear.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the representation of populations from SSA in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that inform ESC ACS and HF guidelines.

Valvular Heart Disease-Related Mortality Between Middle- and High-Income Countries During 2000 to 2019.

Background: Valvular heart disease (VHD) management has evolved rapidly in recent decades, but disparities in health care access persist among countries with varying socioeconomic backgrounds.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate global mortality trends from VHD and assess the difference between middle- and high-income countries.

Methods: We obtained mortality data from the World Health Organization Mortality Database for VHD and its subgroups (rheumatic valvular disease [RVD], infective endocarditis [IE], aortic stenosis [AS], and mitral regurgitation [MR]) from 2000 to 2019.

Ethnic Differences in Atrial Fibrillation in the United Kingdom.

Background: Within the United States, White individuals experience a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) while exhibiting a lower AF-related stroke risk compared to other ethnic groups. It is possible that these observations stem from phenomena unique to the United States, such as differential health care access. The United Kingdom provides socialized medicine, which ostensibly promotes equitable health care access.

The Impact of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in African Populations: A Scoping Review.

Background: Air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but its impact on African populations is under-researched due to limited air quality data and health studies.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to synthesize available research on the effects of air pollution on CVDs outcomes in African populations, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest areas for research and policy intervention.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed was conducted using terms capturing criteria ambient air pollutants (for example particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide) and CVDs and countries in Africa.

Rheumatic Heart Disease Burden in Africa and the Need to Build Robust Infrastructure.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an important public health problem in Africa. Mapping the epidemiology of RHD involves elucidating its geographic distribution, temporal trends, and demographic characteristics. The prevalence of RHD in Africa varies widely, with estimates ranging from 2.

A Scoping Review of Electronic Health Records-Based Screening Algorithms for Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder that is strongly associated with premature cardiovascular disease. Effective diagnosis and appropriate treatment of FH can reduce cardiovascular disease risk; however, FH is underdiagnosed. Electronic health record (EHR)-based FH screening tools have been previously described to enhance the detection of FH.

Etiology and Phenotypes of Cardiomyopathy in Southern Africa: The IMHOTEP Multicenter Pilot Study.

Background: Cardiomyopathies are an important cause of heart failure in Africa yet there are limited data on etiology and clinical phenotypes.

Objectives: The IMHOTEP (African Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis Registry Program) was designed to systematically collect data on individuals diagnosed with cardiomyopathy living in Africa.

Methods: In this multicenter pilot study, patients (age ≥13 years) were eligible for inclusion if they had a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy or myocarditis.

Promotion of Cardiovascular Health in Africa: The Alliance for Medical Research in Africa (AMedRA) Expert Panel.

This proposed scientific statement is focused on providing new insights regarding challenges and opportunities for cardiovascular health (CVH) promotion in Africa. The statement includes an overview of the current state of CVH in Africa, with a particular interest in the cardiometabolic risk factors and their evaluation through metrics. The statement also explains the main principles of primordial prevention, its relevance in reducing noncommunicable disease and the different strategies that have been effective worldwide.

Incidence and Progression of Diastolic Dysfunction in People With HIV in Tanzania: A Comparative Cohort.

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal data are lacking, especially from Africa.

Objectives: The aim was to examine: 1) the incidence of diastolic dysfunction in PLWH compared to community controls in Tanzania; 2) the progression of diastolic function and LVH in PLWH after antiretroviral therapy initiation; and 3) traditional, endemic, and HIV-specific risk factors for diastolic function and LVH.

Antifouling Copper Surfaces Interfere with Wet Chemical Nitrate Sensors: Characterization and Mechanistic Investigation.

Wet chemical sensors autonomously sample and analyze water using chemical assays. Their internal fluidics are not susceptible to biofouling (the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, algae, and animals in natural waters) due to the harsh chemical environment and dark conditions; however, the sample intake and filter are potentially susceptible. This paper describes the use of copper intake filters, incorporated to prevent fouling, on two different wet chemical nitrate sensors that each use different variants of the Griess assay (in particular, different nitrate reduction steps) to quantify nitrate concentrations.

Echocardiography of the right heart in pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from the ULTRA RIGHT VALUE study.

Aims: Outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is determined by right ventricular (RV) function adaptation to increased afterload. Echocardiography is easily available to assist bedside evaluation of the RV. However, no agreement exists about the feasibility and most relevant measurements.

Gender differences in clinical presentations and sensory profiles in patients with fibromyalgia: implications of peripheral and central mechanisms.

Introduction: Fibromyalgia has a high female predominance and research work has been focussing mainly on women.

Objectives: We aimed to answer (1) gender differences in pain scores and quality of life, (2) any gender-specific subgroups defined by quantitative sensory testing (QST), and (3) correlations of QST parameters with pain intensity and questionnaire scores.

Methods: We evaluated clinical presentations and QST profiles from 38 male and 38 age-matched female patients.

Characterization of preclinical models to investigate spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite advancements in preclinical and clinical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) research, the mechanisms of SCS action remain unclear. This may result from challenges in translatability of findings between species. Our systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42023457443) aimed to comprehensively characterize the important translational components of preclinical SCS models, including stimulating elements and stimulation specifications.

Social contact patterns and their impact on the transmission of respiratory pathogens in rural China.

Introduction: Social contact patterns significantly influence the transmission dynamics of respiratory pathogens. Previous surveys have quantified human social contact patterns, yielding heterogeneous results across different locations. However, significant gaps remain in understanding social contact patterns in rural areas of China.

A lifestyle educational course as an adjunct to biologic administration in patients with severe asthma: A feasibility study.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of adapting a psychoeducation course (Body Reprogramming) for severe asthma and finding suggestions for improvement.

Methods: Severe asthma patients were recruited from a single centre and enrolled in an online group-based course. Each course consisted of four sessions: introduction to BR, stress, exercise, and diet.

A survey of Scottish Committee for Orthopaedics and Trauma members on lower limb joint replacement practices in morbidly obese patients.

Background: Scotland has one of the highest rates of obesity in the developed world which increases risk of lower limb osteoarthritis resulting in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This paper aimed to investigate (1) current practice of orthopaedic consultants in Scotland in managing end-stage hip and knee osteoarthritis in obese patients, (2) adherence to National guidelines, and (3) understanding of complication risks in lower limb TJA for BMI≥40.

Methods: A 15-question online survey was sent to all active members of Scottish Committee for Orthopaedics and Trauma (SCOT) between February and March 2023 to understand the current practices for managing obese patients with lower limb arthritis requiring joint replacement surgery.

Meaning making and fostering radical hope: applying positive psychology to eco-anxiety research in youth.

The consequences of human activity on climate change are increasingly apparent. For example, they are causing ecological degradation and affecting human and animal health. Rightly so, it is considered as the most important challenge of this century.

Helping parents to cope with infant regulatory disorders.

The term Regulatory Disorders (RDs) refers to infants and young children who cry a lot, have poorly organised sleep-waking, or whose feeding is impaired. The characteristic they share is a failure to acquire autonomous self-control of these key behaviours, which most children develop in the first postnatal year. The concept of RDs is helpful in highlighting this question of how infant self-regulation is, or isn't, accomplished, in drawing these characteristics together and distinguishing them from others, and in focusing research and clinical attention on a common, but relatively neglected, set of concerns for families.