Non-linear Mendelian randomization analyses support a role for vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular disease risk

Low vitamin D status is associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although most existing linear Mendelian randomization (MR) studies reported a null effect of vitamin D on CVD risk, a non-linear effect cannot be excluded. Our aim was to apply the non-linear MR design to investigate the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D… Continue reading Non-linear Mendelian randomization analyses support a role for vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular disease risk

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC Transmission in Danish Households

The Omicron variant of concern (VOC) is a rapidly spreading variant of SARS-CoV-2 that is likely to overtake the previously dominant Delta VOC in many countries by the end of 2021. We estimated the transmission dynamics following the spread of Omicron VOC within Danish households during December 2021. We used data from Danish registers to… Continue reading SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC Transmission in Danish Households

Evaluating the number of unvaccinated people needed to exclude to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmissions

Vaccine mandates and vaccine passports (VMVP) for SARS-CoV-2 are thought to be a path out of the pandemic by increasing vaccination through coercion and excluding unvaccinated people from different settings because they are viewed as being at significant risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2. While variants and waning efficacy are relevant, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines reduce the risk of… Continue reading Evaluating the number of unvaccinated people needed to exclude to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmissions

FGF1 and insulin control lipolysis by convergent pathways

Highlights•FGF1-FGFR1 signaling suppresses adipose lipolysis to curb hepatic glucose production•FGF1 suppresses lipolysis by inhibiting cAMP/PKA axis via PDE4D-S44 phosphorylation•Overexpression of PDE4D in the adipose tissue of diabetic mice corrects hyperglycemia•FGF1/PDE4D antilipolytic pathway is responsive to fed/fast states SummaryInexorable increases in insulin resistance, lipolysis, and hepatic glucose production (HGP) are hallmarks of type 2 diabetes. Previously,… Continue reading FGF1 and insulin control lipolysis by convergent pathways

Impact of changing school start times on parent sleep

To examine the impact of changing school start times on sleep in parents of students in elementary, middle, and high school. MethodsAnnual surveys were completed by parents of K-12 students (n = 8190-10,592 per year) before (pre-change) and for 2 years (post-change, follow-up) after implementation of new school start times (elementary school [ES]: 60 minutes… Continue reading Impact of changing school start times on parent sleep

Therapies to Prevent Progression of COVID-19, Including Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Zinc, and Vitamin D3 With or Without Intravenous Vitamin C: An International, Multicenter, Randomized Trial

Therapies to Prevent Progression of COVID-19, Including Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Zinc, and Vitamin D3 With or Without Intravenous Vitamin C: An International, Multicenter, Randomized TrialKarin Ried, Taufiq BinJemain, Avni Sali Published: November 25, 2021 (see history) DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19902 Cite this article as: Ried K, BinJemain T, Sali A (November 25, 2021) Therapies to Prevent Progression of… Continue reading Therapies to Prevent Progression of COVID-19, Including Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Zinc, and Vitamin D3 With or Without Intravenous Vitamin C: An International, Multicenter, Randomized Trial

Aerobic exercise alters brain function and structure in Parkinson’s disease a randomized controlled trial

Randomized clinical trials have shown that aerobic exercise attenuates motor symptom progression in Parkinson's disease, but the underlying neural mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated how aerobic exercise influences disease-related functional and structural changes in the cortico-striatal sensorimotor network, which is involved in the emergence of motor deficits in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, we explored effects… Continue reading Aerobic exercise alters brain function and structure in Parkinson’s disease a randomized controlled trial

Early estimates of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant severity based on a matched cohort study, Ontario, Canada

While it is now evident that Omicron is rapidly replacing Delta, largely due to immune escape, it is less clear how the severity of Omicron compares to Delta. In Ontario, we sought to examine hospitalization and death associated with Omicron, as compared to cases infected with Delta. We conducted a matched cohort study, considering time… Continue reading Early estimates of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant severity based on a matched cohort study, Ontario, Canada

A novel peripheral biomarker for depression and antidepressant response

In contrast to healthy controls, the heterotrimeric G protein, Gsalpha (Gsα) is ensconced predominantly in lipid rafts in subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) resulting in impaired stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. In this small proof-of-concept study, we examined the hypothesis that translocation of Gsα from lipid rafts toward a more facile activation of adenylyl cyclase… Continue reading A novel peripheral biomarker for depression and antidepressant response