The American journal of medicine
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Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for one-third of global cancer mortality, with nearly half being preventable. This study updates the global burden of GI cancers attributed to major risk factors: smoking, alcohol, and metabolic disturbances. ⋯ From 2000 to 2021, GI cancer mortality increased substantially, driven primarily by obesity and alcohol. Lower SDI countries are increasingly contributing to the global GI cancer mortality burden. Immediate interventions are necessary to mitigate this growing burden.
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A wide array of products in the category of complementary or alternative medicine products for cardiovascular disease and prevention are readily available on online retail platforms. However, a critical assessment of these products including their therapeutic claims has not been previously performed. ⋯ Given the popularity of and easy accessibility to online retailing of complementary and alternative medicine and the fact that prior studies suggest a minority of patients discuss use with their providers, further study is needed to evaluate the extent of use and the potential for both undiagnosed drug-drug interactions and/or replacement of guideline-directed medical treatment for heart failure with unapproved products.
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Review Comparative Study
Comparability of control and comparison groups in studies assessing long COVID.
Awareness of long coronavirus disease (COVID) began primarily through media and social media sources, which eventually led to the development of various definitions based on methodologies of varying quality. We sought to characterize comparison groups in long COVID studies and evaluate comparability of the different groups. ⋯ Long COVID studies in high-impact journals primarily examine symptoms and risk factors of long COVID; often lack an adequate comparison group and often do not control for potential confounders. Our results suggest that standardized definitions for long COVID, which are often based on data from uncontrolled and potentially biased studies, should be reviewed to ensure that they are based on objective data.
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An increased understanding of the predisposing genetics and complex pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease have facilitated delineation of the long preclinical course and re-invigorated the search for disease-modifying treatments. Establishment of accurate blood-based biomarkers has enabled preclinical identification of early disease and permits trials of preventative treatment and quantitative monitoring of therapeutic effects. The broad range of therapeutic possibilities encompasses gene editing, enzyme activators and inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, and antagonists of receptors for inflammatory mediators.