Annals of medicine
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Background: As a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson's disease (PD) still lacks effective and safe targeted drug therapy. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a new method to stimulate the brain and open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), has been widely concerned by PD researchers due to its non-invasive characteristics. Methods: PubMed was searched for the past 10 years using the terms 'focused ultrasound', 'transcranial ultrasound', 'pulse ultrasound', and 'Parkinson's disease'. ⋯ Results: Current preclinical studies have shown that LIFU could improve PD motor symptoms by regulating microglia activation, increasing neurotrophic factors, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting nerve repair and regeneration, while LIFU combined with microbubbles (MBs) can promote drugs to cross the BBB, which may become a new direction of PD treatment. Therefore, finding an efficient drug carrier system is the top priority of applying LIFU with MBs to deliver drugs. Conclusions: This article aims to review neuro-modulatory effect of LIFU and the possible biophysical mechanism in the treatment of PD, summarize the latest progress in delivering vehicles with MBs, and discuss its advantages and limitations.
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Review
The effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on markers of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Despite the widespread use of classical cholesterol-lowering drugs to mitigate the adverse impacts of dyslipidaemia on atherosclerosis, many patients still face a substantial residual risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). This risk is partially attributed to non-traditional pathophysiological pathways. Latest evidence suggests that sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are beneficial for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or established CVD by reducing morbidity and mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms of this benefit have not been clearly elucidated. It has been hypothesized that one possible mechanism could be the attenuation of subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) progression. ⋯ Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and the possible beneficial impact of SGLT2i on primary and secondary CVD prevention through attenuation of premature atherosclerosis progression.
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Introduction: Poor oral hygiene is linked to high risks of many systemic diseases, including cancers. Oral dysbiosis is closely associated with poor oral hygiene, causing tooth loss, gingivitis, and periodontitis. We provide a summary of studies and discuss the risk factors for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) from a microbial perspective in this review. ⋯ We also briefly explore the potential mechanisms underlying the tumor-promoting role of dysregulated microbiota for the development of therapeutic targeting strategies. Conclusion: Poor oral health is an established risk indicator of ESCC. The dysbiosis of microbiota in upper gastrointestinal tract that highly resembles the oral microbial ecosystem but with distinct features at individual sites contributes to the development and progression of ESCC.
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To propose a comprehensive multidimensional model of activity pacing that improves health-related quality of life and promotes sustained physical activity engagement among adults with chronic conditions. ⋯ The model offers guidance to researchers and clinicians in effectively educating patients on activity pacing acquisition and in developing effective interventions to enhance physical activity engagement and health outcomes among adults with chronic conditions. Additionally, it serves as a tool towards facilitating discussions on sustained physical activity and a healthy lifestyle for patients, which can eventually lead to improved quality of life.
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This study aims to compare artificial intelligence (AI) systems applied in diabetic retinopathy (DR) teleophthalmology screening, currently deployed systems, fairness initiatives and the challenges for implementation. ⋯ Telemedicine and AI hold great promise for augmenting decision-making in medical care, expanding patient access and enhancing cost-effectiveness. Economic studies and social science analysis are crucial to support the implementation of AI in teleophthalmology screening programs. Promoting fairness and generalizability in automated systems combined with telemedicine screening programs is not straightforward. Improving data representativeness, reducing biases and promoting equity in deployment and post-deployment studies are all critical steps in model development.