This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the physiological mechanisms responsible for lower peak exercise leg oxygen uptake (V̇o₂) in patients with chronic disease. Studies measuring peak leg V̇o₂ (primary outcome) and its physiological determinants during large (cycle) or small muscle mass exercise (single-leg knee extension, SLKE) in patients with chronic diseas...

A combination of four ultra-low-dose blood pressure (BP) medications lowered office BP more effectively than initial monotherapy in the QUARTET trial. The effects on average ambulatory BP changes at 12 weeks have not yet been reported in detail. Adults with hypertension who were untreated or on monotherapy were eligible for participation. Overall, 591 participants were randomized to either the ...

Monitoring antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and understanding the effects of antimicrobial drugs on the human microbiome and resistome are crucial for public health. However, no study has investigated the association between antimicrobial treatment and the microbiome-resistome relationship in long-term care facilities, where residents act as reservoirs of ARB but are not included in the nati...

The hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is linked to obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, which are characterized by elevated norepinephrine (NE) levels. Previous research has shown increased sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) protein levels in kidneys of hypertensive rodents, prompting investigation into the expression of SGLT1 in various tissues, such ...

Patterns of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post catheter ablation for persistent AF are not well described. This study aimed to describe the pattern of AF recurrence seen following catheter ablation for persistent AF (PsAF) and the implications for healthcare utilisation and quality of life. This was a post-hoc analysis of the CAPLA study, an international, multi-centre study that randomis...

Introduction: Robust predictive measures for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) vascular complications to facilitate early intervention strategies are needed. Methods: Fasting plasma from 363 Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) trial participants (mean±SD) age: 61.3±6.4 yrs, 5.6±5.4 yrs T2D, HbA1c: 6.7±1.2% (49.7±13.4 mmol/mol), were collected at baseline and stored (-80°C) unti...

Scaling up interventions targeting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a global health priority, and implementation research can contribute to that effort. In 2019, the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases funded 27 implementation research studies to improve evidence for scaling up interventions targeting prevention and/or control of hypertension and/or diabetes in low-resource settings. We exa...

The Mediterranean diet well known for its beneficial health effects, including mood enhancement, is characterised by the relatively high consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. Over 200 phenolic compounds have been associated with <i>Olea europaea</i>, and of these, only a relatively small fraction have been characterised. Utilising the Olive...

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities affecting ~25% of adults and is linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key drivers of MetS. Hesperidin, a citrus bioflavonoid, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on MetS are not fully ...

This communication defines and describes the novel concept of endocrine entropy. The authors share insights regarding the various facets of entropy in endocrine epidemiology, physiology, clinical presentation and management. The discussion opens up a new way of approaching endocrinology. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, assessment and addressal of entropy may become integral part of ...

In this communication, we discuss the concept of psychological first aid, as relevant to diabetes management. Psychological first aid, in the diabetes care context, is defined as "the empathic support, counselling and education to improve coping skills, and optimize selfcare of persons living with diabetes, so that psychological well-being can be optimized." Various models can help provide stru...

Oneirotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that is based on visual imagery and symbolism. In this communication. We discuss the role of oneirotherapy, or using vivid imagery, as adjuvant therapy in obesity care. Oneirotherapy can be used to promote acceptance of, and adherence to, prescribed therapy. It may also help improve quality of life and enhance self-esteem. However, oneirotherapy alone, w...

Heart failure (HF) with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a growing global concern. This study evaluated myocardial oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) levels in human systolic and diastolic HF and in a murine model of HF with preserved ejection fraction, exploring NAD⁺ repletion as therapy. We quantified myocardial NAD⁺ and nicotinamide ph...

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and heart failure, are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests a crucial role for immune cell dysfunction and inflammation in the progression of this complex set of diseases. Recent advances demonstrate that immune cells, tightly linked to CVD pathogenesis, are sensitive ...

Walking for transport may prolong survival in younger and middle-aged adults; however, evidence for older adults is scarce. We examined a prospective relationship between transport-related walking and all-cause mortality among adults aged 70 years and over. Community-dwelling, apparently healthy older adults (n=11 539; mean age 75.1 years, 53.1% females), participants of the ASPirin in Reducing...

Intense androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) before radical prostatectomy (RP) produced favorable pathologic responses in approximately 20% of patients. The molecular reason for the low rate of response remains unclear. Lipid metabolism is known to influence androgen receptor signaling and ARPI efficacy. The aim of the study was to identify circul...

Polygenic scores (PGS) have transformed human genetic research and have multiple potential clinical applications, including risk stratification for disease prevention and prediction of treatment response. Here, we present a series of recent enhancements to the PGS Catalog (www.PGSCatalog.org), the largest findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) repository of PGS. These include ...