Antibiotic use is a risk factor for development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs are characterized by a damaged mucus layer, which does not separate the intestinal epithelium from the microbiota. Here, we hypothesized that antibiotics affect the integrity of the mucus barrier, which allows bacterial penetrance and predisposes to intestinal inflammation. We found that… Continue reading #Antibiotics damage the #colonic mucus barrier in a #microbiota-independent manner
Effects of interventions to combat #tobacco addiction: #Cochrane update of 2021 to 2023 reviews
To summarise systematic reviews on tobacco addiction published by the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group (CTAG) from 2021 to 2023.MethodsWe identified all new and updated Cochrane Reviews published by CTAG between 2021 and 2023. We present key results from these reviews and discuss promising avenues for future research.ResultsCTAG published five new reviews and one overview of… Continue reading Effects of interventions to combat #tobacco addiction: #Cochrane update of 2021 to 2023 reviews
Upper #Gastrointestinal Mucosal Damage and Subsequent Risk of #Parkinson Disease
Importance The gut-first hypothesis of Parkinson disease (PD) has gained traction, yet potential inciting events triggering Parkinson pathology from gut-related factors remain unclear. While Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to mucosal damage (MD) and PD, it is unknown how upper gastrointestinal MD from any source increases PD risk.Objective To evaluate any association between upper endoscopy findings of MD and… Continue reading Upper #Gastrointestinal Mucosal Damage and Subsequent Risk of #Parkinson Disease
#Vision Impairment and the Population Attributable Fraction of #Dementia in Older Adults
Importance Vision impairment is a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Although few prior studies have estimated the contribution of vision impairments to dementia, none have reported on multiple objectively measured vision impairments (eg, distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) in a nationally representative sample of older adults.Objective To quantify population attributable fractions of dementia… Continue reading #Vision Impairment and the Population Attributable Fraction of #Dementia in Older Adults
#Inflammation, #Cholesterol, #Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year #Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) levels contribute to 5-year and 10-year predictions of cardiovascular risk and represent distinct pathways for pharmacologic intervention. More information about the usefulness of these biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular risk over longer periods of time in women is needed because early-life intervention represents an important risk-reduction… Continue reading #Inflammation, #Cholesterol, #Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year #Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women
#Spike Protein Impairs #Mitochondrial Function in Human Cardiomyocytes: Mechanisms Underlying #Cardiac Injury in COVID-19
Background: COVID-19 has a major impact on cardiovascular diseases and may lead to myocarditis or cardiac failure. The clove-like spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 facilitates its transmission and pathogenesis. Cardiac mitochondria produce energy for key heart functions. We hypothesized that S1 would directly impair the functions of cardiomyocyte mitochondria, thus causing cardiac dysfunction.Methods: Through the Seahorse Mito… Continue reading #Spike Protein Impairs #Mitochondrial Function in Human Cardiomyocytes: Mechanisms Underlying #Cardiac Injury in COVID-19
#Vision Impairment and the Population Attributable Fraction of #Dementia in Older #Adults
Importance Vision impairment is a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Although few prior studies have estimated the contribution of vision impairments to dementia, none have reported on multiple objectively measured vision impairments (eg, distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) in a nationally representative sample of older adults.Objective To quantify population attributable fractions of dementia… Continue reading #Vision Impairment and the Population Attributable Fraction of #Dementia in Older #Adults
Adaptive #cognitive control circuit changes associated with problem-solving ability and #depression symptom outcomes over 24 months
Behavioral intervention therapies can improve symptoms of depression but do not work for all patients. To identify brain circuit changes that might underlie treatment response, Zhang et al. performed a longitudinal fMRI imaging study on patients with depression and comorbid obesity who received either problem-solving therapy (I-CARE) or usual care (U-CARE). They found that decreased cognitive… Continue reading Adaptive #cognitive control circuit changes associated with problem-solving ability and #depression symptom outcomes over 24 months
Low-Dose Triple-Pill vs Standard-Care Protocols for #Hypertension Treatment in NigeriaA Randomized Clinical Trial
Importance With the high burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a need for effective, safe and scalable treatment strategies.Objective To compare, among Black African adults, the effectiveness and safety of a novel low-dose triple-pill protocol compared with a standard-care protocol for blood pressure lowering.Design and Setting Randomized, parallel-group, open-label, multicenter trial conducted in public hospital–based family medicine… Continue reading Low-Dose Triple-Pill vs Standard-Care Protocols for #Hypertension Treatment in NigeriaA Randomized Clinical Trial
2 Medical News 