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Inverse association of dietary consumption of n3 and n6 fatty acids with hyperuricemia among adults

Background The precise link between dietary consumption of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and hyperuricemia remains equivocal. Accordingly, the purpose of the current investigation is to clarify any possible associations between the consumption of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and hyperuricemia in the context of American adults. Materials and methods The present investigation employed a cross-sectional design, comprising a sample of 21,120 American adults above the age of 20 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) waves between 2007 and 2016. The dietary consumption of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids was measured through two 24-h dietary recall interviews. To assess the relationships of dietary consumption of n3 and n6 fatty acids with hyperuricemia, we applied multivariable logistic regression, t tests, chi-square tests, and restricted cubic spline. To determine the robustness of our findings, sensitivity analyses were also carried out. Results The results of the multivariable logistic regression models indicated a significant correlation between dietary consumption of n3 and n6 fatty acids and hyperuricemia. The ORs with 95% CIs of hyperuricemia for the highest tertile versus lowest tertile of dietary consumption of n3 and n6 fatty acids were 0.76 (0.66, 0.88) (p < 0.001) and 0.72 (0.64, 0.82) (p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, dose‒response analyses revealed a linear relationship between n-3 and n-6 fatty acid consumption and the risk of hyperuricemia. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate a significant inverse correlation between the dietary consumption of n3 and n6 fatty acids and hyperuricemia in the US adult population. Notably, there was no significant relationship between the n6:n3 ratio and hyperuricemia.

Causal effect of the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D concentration on ocular diseases: A Mendelian randomization study

COP30 must deliver binding mechanisms to address climate change, not empty promises

Diagnostic accuracy of multiplex real-time PCR for detecting viruses associated with encephalitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Background Encephalitis is the most common infectious disease of the central nervous system and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Therefore, rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial to provide patients with timely and appropriate therapeutic intervention. In this study, a comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis will be conducted to summarize the available data and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of viral encephalitis. Methods We will search PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of encephalitis caused by viruses from January 2014 to December 2024. Observational study designs with full text will be exported and included. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Analyses will be performed using the “mada” package of R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), and the Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) will be calculated using the “midas” package of STATA version 15.0 (Stata Corp., College Station, TX, USA). Certainty of evidence will be performed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) software. Results The results will provide clinical evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of the multiplex PCR assay for the detection of viruses that cause encephalitis, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-). Finally, we intent to submit this systematic review and meta-analysis to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Conclusion This systematic review aims to provide current evidence for multiplex PCR assay for the diagnosis of viruses causing encephalitis. Importantly, this study focuses on the use of multiplex PCR for viral diagnosis and helps clinicians and patients to better understand its role in the diagnosis of CNS diseases. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023485942

Association between TyG-BMI and BPH in a national prospective cohort study

Fate of pistachio production in Iran holds lessons for the world

Retraction: L-Plastin Nanobodies Perturb Matrix Degradation, Podosome Formation, Stability and Lifetime in THP-1 Macrophages

Application of green pomelo peel essential oil-based carboxymethylcellulose coatings reinforced with nano chitosan and nano cellulose fibers during the drying process on dried silkworms

Abstract The application of edible coatings to dried products such as silkworms (Bombyx mori) is an innovative method for preserving nutrients during drying process. These coatings are made from safe, natural ingredients such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), nano cellulose fibre (NCF), nano chitosan (N-Ch), and varying concentrations of green pomelo peel essential oil (GPO). The results revealed that the addition of GPO into coating/film significantly changed the pH, viscosity, and TSS values of the coating solutions while reducing film weight loss, particularly in the CCG3 film (61.93%). CCG3 also showed the strongest antibacterial effect against “Staphylococcus aureus” and maintained lower silkworm moisture content compared to other samples. Metabolic analysis revealed that certain compounds, such as 2-Hydroxyglutaric acid-3TMS and malic acid-3TMS, were more robust in CCG3. X-ray CT image analysis using image processing technology showed high accuracy, with the porosity area in the CCG3 sample being greater. These findings highlighted the potential application of edible coating in drying process to protect the nutrients of dried products.

Public-health experts should be more political, not less

A public health community health worker-delivered intervention to reduce human trafficking among Denotified Tribes in India: A protocol paper

The objective of this study is to evaluate an intervention designed to reduce human trafficking among Denotified Tribes (DNTs) in two regions of India. We will conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial utilizing a participatory-designed, community health worker (CHW)- delivered public health intervention. CHWs will be trained to conduct anti-human-trafficking advocacy and psychological first aid (humane, supportive and practical assistance to people who are distressed) to DNT community members, and mobilize resources to ensure access to health and mental health services, education, livelihoods, and government benefits. This project leverages known effective, systemic, and sustainable approaches to reducing vulnerabilities to trafficking among DNT communities, through increased economic alternatives, health and mental health services guided by the trafficking-survivor-informed treatment protocols.

Multi-domain Urdu fake news detection using pre-trained ensemble model

Continuous-variable multipartite entanglement in an integrated microcomb

Assessment of the diagnostic performance of the SD Bioline Malaria antigen test for the diagnosis of malaria in the Tombel health district, Southwest region of Cameroon

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) are commonly used for the diagnosis of malaria in resource-limited settings. However, the sensitivity of RDTs may vary depending on the brand. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance the SD Bioline Malaria Plasmodium falciparum antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag P.f RDT) for the diagnosis of malaria in the Tombel Health District (THD). This was a cross-sectional community-based study targeting persons living within the THD from 30th April to 20th June 2023. A consecutive sampling technique was used to collect blood samples among 250 symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and tested using the SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f RDT and microscopy. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the RDT. Microscopy identified 133 (53.2%) symptomatic and asymptomatic participants with malaria and the mRDT identified 60 (24%) cases with 52 (20.8%) low parasites density and 8 (3.2%) moderate parasites density. The sensitivity of Malaria Ag P.f RDT was 45.0%, the test correctly identified 60 (45%) of true positive P. falciparium cases. The specificity of 100% showed that the test correctly identified all negative cases. PPV was 100%, there is a very high likelihood that all the positive cases are truly infected. The lower NPV of 61.5%, there is still a chance the negative cases might be infected. The Area Under the Curver (AUC) = 0.78 with moderate diagnostic suggesting that there is 22% chance that the test can produce a false positive result. The overall accuracy of mRDT in the THA is moderate. This level of accuracy may be acceptable in some contexts, but it is not ideal for a screening test, particularly for a disease like malaria that can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

Association between dietary protein intake and bone mineral density based on NHANES 2011–2018

Science diplomacy can help to heal global rifts — if research is respected

Tumour-wide RNA splicing aberrations generate actionable public neoantigens

Abstract T cell-based immunotherapies hold promise in treating cancer by leveraging the immune system’s recognition of cancer-specific antigens 1 . However, their efficacy is limited in tumours with few somatic mutations and substantial intratumoural heterogeneity 2–4 . Here we introduce a previously uncharacterized class of tumour-wide public neoantigens originating from RNA splicing aberrations in diverse cancer types. We identified T cell receptor clones capable of recognizing and targeting neoantigens derived from aberrant splicing in GNAS and RPL22 . In cases with multi-site biopsies, we detected the tumour-wide expression of the GNAS neojunction in glioma, mesothelioma, prostate cancer and liver cancer. These neoantigens are endogenously generated and presented by tumour cells under physiologic conditions and are sufficient to trigger cancer cell eradication by neoantigen-specific CD8 + T cells. Moreover, our study highlights a role for dysregulated splicing factor expression in specific cancer types, leading to recurrent patterns of neojunction upregulation. These findings establish a molecular basis for T cell-based immunotherapies addressing the challenges of intratumoural heterogeneity.

Assessment of the intensive phase ‘Shakti Divas’ initiative to combatting anemia in Rajasthan, India

Introduction Anemia is a global health concern, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide. Rajasthan state of India launched an intensive phase initiative to combat anemia comprehensively. Objectives To assess the intensive phase anemia control “Shakti Divas” initiative of Rajasthan government through process and outcome valuation, while understanding the challenges and barriers in the implementation. Methods A state-wide mixed methods cross-sectional survey was conducted. Process evaluation was done through data collection in seven identified districts of Rajasthan. This included surveys in Anganwadi centers and government schools, and home visits for out-of-school children, pregnant and lactating women not coming to Anganwadi centres. For outcome evaluation, IFA coverage data was obtained from government web portals one-month before and six-months after the launch of initiative. 38 in-depth interviews were conducted to assess the challenges and barriers. Results Process evaluation - cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1100 Anganwadi centers serving 68,651 beneficiaries, and 1240 government schools serving 1,30,114 students, and home visits to survey 29,960 children and 18,632 pregnant women. 843 Anganwadi centers (76.6%), benefitting 68,651 people and 916 schools (73.8%) with 97,247 beneficiaries, were actively engaged in the initiative. Outcome evaluation - an overall increase in IFA coverage amongst beneficiary groups as well individual districts seen, with maximum increase amongst adolescent girls category (68.6%). Challenges were enlisted as knowledge, budgetary, supply, reporting, compliance, resource, coverage and monitoring constrains. Conclusion The paper discussed the reach and challenges of an intensified initiative to combat anemia. Similar intensified and targeted strategies may serve as the key to achieve the goal of anemia reduction thus creating a healthier future for population with similar socio-demographics in LMICs.

Circulating IL6 is involved in the infiltration of M2 macrophages and CD8+ T cells

I create buildings from mushroom components

Examining perinatal health inequities: The role of disability and risk of adverse outcomes through the U.S. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Objective To examine pre-pregnancy characteristics, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes among respondents with self-reported disability compared to those without disability. Methods A cross-sectional weighted sample of 2,006,700 respondents with singleton live births who participated in the United States Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) between 2018 and 2021 provided data on disability, including difficulty in vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, communication, and self-care. We estimated covariate-adjusted odds of differences in pre-pregnancy chronic health conditions, pregnancy intention, intimate partner violence (IPV), depression, adequacy of prenatal care, pregnancy-related health conditions, and birth outcomes by disability status. Results Of the 2,006,700 respondents included, 59.5% reported no disability, 33.9% had moderate disability, and 6.6% had severe disability. Across most outcomes, there was a graded pattern with those with severe disability having the worst outcomes compared to the other two groups. Respondents with severe disability were more likely to report diabetes and hypertension before becoming pregnant than respondents without disabilities. Those respondents with severe disability or moderate disability had an increased odds of reporting IPV and depression than those with no disability. During pregnancy, respondents with severe disability had an increased odds of gestational diabetes (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18, 1.80) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.43, 2.02) as compared to respondents with no disability. Respondents with moderate disability also had an increased odds of both gestational diabetes (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06, 1.34) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17, 1.42) as compared to those with no disability. The odds of reporting an unintended pregnancy were highest in respondents with a severe disability (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.43, 1.94) and were also increased in respondents with moderate disability (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.36, 1.62) as compared to those reporting no disability. Across most birth outcomes, respondents with severe disabilities had worse outcomes with an increased odds of low birth weight infants (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.08, 1.52), preterm birth (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11, 1.57), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02, 2.06) as compared to respondents with no disability. There were not differences in being classified as small for gestational age or infants’ length of hospital stay by disability status. Conclusions Across the perinatal period, respondents with moderate or severe disability experienced worse outcomes than those without disability. There is a critical need to improve pre-conception health in an effort to reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, health care providers and systems must provide equitable access to care to persons with disabilities to reduce inequities in outcomes.