Comparison of Novel Biomarkers with Conventional #HBV Markers among Untreated Adults with Chronic #Hepatitis B in North America

The clinical utility of two novel biomarkers, hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), as compared to conventional markers of HBV replication and disease activity is unclear. Untreated participants in the North American Hepatitis B Research Network Adult Cohort Study were categorized by chronic hepatitis B (CHB) phases based on HBsAg… Continue reading Comparison of Novel Biomarkers with Conventional #HBV Markers among Untreated Adults with Chronic #Hepatitis B in North America

#Homocysteine predicts vascular target organ damage in #hypertension and may serve as guidance for first-line antihypertensive therapy

Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and has been proposed to contribute to vascular dysfunction. We sought to determine in a real-world clinical setting whether homocysteine levels were associated with hypertension mediated organ damage (HMOD) and could guide treatment choices in hypertension. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of prospectively collected… Continue reading #Homocysteine predicts vascular target organ damage in #hypertension and may serve as guidance for first-line antihypertensive therapy

Multiple #SARS-CoV-2 variants escape neutralization by #vaccine-induced humoral immunity

Vaccination elicits immune responses capable of potently neutralizing SARS-CoV-2. However, ongoing surveillance has revealed the emergence of variants harboring mutations in spike, the main target of neutralizing antibodies. To understand the impact of these variants, we evaluated the neutralization potency of 99 individuals that received one or two doses of either BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines… Continue reading Multiple #SARS-CoV-2 variants escape neutralization by #vaccine-induced humoral immunity

A phase 2 trial of inhaled #nitrous oxide for treatment-resistant major #depression

Laughing gas improves depressionAbout one-third of individuals suffering from depression are at risk for treatment resistance. Whereas inhaled 50% nitrous oxide has early antidepressant effects on individuals with treatment-resistant major depression (TRMD), adverse effects can occur at this concentration. In this phase 2 clinical trial, Nagele et al. studied the effects of a single 1-hour… Continue reading A phase 2 trial of inhaled #nitrous oxide for treatment-resistant major #depression

#Mineralocorticoid receptors dampen glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity to #stress via regulation of FKBP5

Responding to different dynamic levels of stress is critical for mammalian survival. Disruption of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is proposed to underlie hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation observed in stress-related psychiatric disorders. In this study, we show that FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5) plays a critical role in fine-tuning MR:GR balance in the… Continue reading #Mineralocorticoid receptors dampen glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity to #stress via regulation of FKBP5

#Thyroid Hormone Therapy and Incident #Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and there is a need to identify modifiable risk factors. ObjectiveDetermine the relationship between thyroid hormone treatment intensity and incidence of atrial fibrillation and stroke. DesignRetrospective cohort study using data from the Veterans Health Administration between 2004 and 2017, with a median follow-up of 59 months.… Continue reading #Thyroid Hormone Therapy and Incident #Stroke

Effect of #bariatric surgery on ischemic #stroke risk

Bariatric surgery has demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular health. The effect on ischemic stroke risk remains unclear. The goal of this study was to compare the risk of stroke among bariatric surgery patients versus controls. MethodsUsing Mariner, a national all-payer claims database, we identified patients with BMI > 40, or BMI > 35 with qualifying comorbidities… Continue reading Effect of #bariatric surgery on ischemic #stroke risk

Factors associated with #eating performance in older adults with #dementia in long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing eating performance in older adults with dementia (OAWDs) in long-term care (LTC) facilities. MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined risk factors for compromised eating performance by comparing both independent and dependent older adults with dementia. The study participants were 117 OAWDs in LTC facilities in South Korea.… Continue reading Factors associated with #eating performance in older adults with #dementia in long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study

Peroxidation of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated #fatty acids in the acidic #tumor environment leads to ferroptosis-mediated anticancer effects

Highlights•n-3 and n-6 PUFAs preferentially accumulate in lipid droplets of acidic cancer cells •Excess LC-PUFAs undergo peroxidation and induce ferroptosis in acidic cancer cells •DGAT inhibitors prevent the formation of lipid droplets and promote ferroptosis •DGATi enhance the tumor growth inhibitory effects of dietary n-3 LC-PUFAs in mice SummaryTumor acidosis promotes disease progression through a… Continue reading Peroxidation of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated #fatty acids in the acidic #tumor environment leads to ferroptosis-mediated anticancer effects