Emerging Health Challenges Research Articles

The stress-responsive gene ATF3 drives fibroblast activation and collagen production through transcriptionally activating TGF-β receptor Ⅱ in skin wound healing.

Skin wound is an emerging health challenge on account of the high-frequency trauma, surgery and chronic refractory ulcer. Further study on the disease biology will help to develop new effective approaches for wound healing. Here, we identified a wound-stress responsive gene, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and then investigated its biological action and mechanism in wound healing. In the full-thickness skin wound model, ATF3 was found to promote fibroblast activation and collagen production, resulted in accelerated wound healing. Mechanically, ATF3 transcriptionally activated TGF-β receptor Ⅱ via directly binding to its specific promoter motif, followed by the enhanced TGF-β/Smad pathway in fibroblasts. Moreover, the increased ATF3 upon skin injury was partly resulted from hypoxia stimulation with Hif-1α dependent manner. Altogether, this work gives novel insights into the biology and mechanism of stress-responsive gene ATF3 in wound healing, and provides a potential therapeutic target for treatment.

Developments and Trends of Immunization in India: A Narrative Review.

Immunization is a critical component of public health, and it undergoes various trends and developments over time. Immunization is considered one of humanity's most remarkable journeys. It has helped save countless lives and will help save more if the goals of the 2030 Immunization Agenda (IA2030)are achieved. India is home to one of the largest global immunization programs. Immunization trends refer to the patterns and changes in the development of vaccines, the use of vaccines, and vaccination programs within a nation. There have been various trends in vaccine development and immunization in India. Trends can be influenced by various factors, including vaccine coverage, new vaccines, vaccine hesitancy, advances in medical science, technological innovations, public-private partnerships, public health policies, and public awareness. India has the world's largest immunization program regarding the number of vaccinations delivered, the recipients, the geographic spread, and the human resources required. In this review, we give an overview of various trends in immunization in India dating from the ancient era. A search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from 1945 to February 2024was done to conduct a narrative review. This review includes English-language publications. This narrative review was conducted to summarize the government of India's actions and strategies for immunization and vaccine development and also to trace the trends in immunization in India. It covers various vaccination programs of the Indian government and measures that were made to fight vaccine hesitancy and to enhance vaccination coverage such as developing vaccination roadmaps, scheduling vaccinations, utilizing digital health technology, monitoring vaccinations, and developing creative techniques.India has the world's largest Universal Immunization Program,vaccinatingaround 29 million pregnant women and 26.5 million infants annually.These trends reflect India's ongoing commitment to immunization as a component of public health policy and efforts to address existing and emerging health challenges.

Implementation of Nigeria’s surgical plan: leveraging media engagement for cleft lip and palate to drive advocacy for access to surgical healthcare

Background Global health advocacy plays a crucial role in addressing emerging health challenges, including the provision of surgical healthcare care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nigeria launched its national surgical, obstetrics, anaesthesia, and nursing plan (NSOANP) in 2019 to improve access to surgical services, including cleft lip and palate. This report examines the potential of media engagement as a catalyst for advocacy initiatives to strengthen surgical systems. # Methods The study conducted media and advocacy workshops targeting journalists from various media outlets across Nigeria. Workshops included didactic lectures, presentations, role plays, and group discussions. Participants were evaluated through pre- and post-tests. Follow-up activities tracked participants’ reporting and awarded prizes for outstanding reporting on cleft and surgical care. # Results One hundred and three journalists, including 61 (59.2%) males and 42 (39.8%) females participated, showing significant improvement in knowledge about cleft lip and palate anomalies and access to surgical care (p = 0.03). Post-workshop outputs included public enlightenment programmes, radio dramas, and published reports. The initiative awarded prizes to 9 journalists for quality reporting. # Conclusions Media engagement is a potent tool for advocating for surgical care access. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and the need for sustained efforts to support advocacy for access to surgical healthcare.

Mapping the Evolution of Nutrition Education: A Scientometric Review from 1970 to 2023, Unveiling Insights Over Half a Century

This scientometric review aims to systematically analyse and document the development and transformation of nutrition education research over more than fifty years. The study seeks to identify key themes, trends, and shifts in the field, offering a comprehensive overview of its historical trajectory and current state. A thorough visual analysis of the Web of Science Core Collection literature, including publication, institution, country/region, author, journal, keywords, and reference in nutrition education from 1970 to 2023, was carried out using Citespace 5.8.R1 (64-bit). The study employs advanced data mining techniques and network analysis to identify citation bursts, major research themes, and influential works in the field. The analysis reveals several significant trends and shifts in nutrition education research. Key themes such as obesity, nutrition literacy, evidence-based strategies, and localised interventions emerged as focal points of academic discourse. The study noted increasing citation bursts related to these themes, indicating a field responsive to emerging health challenges and societal needs. The research landscape evolved from foundational principles in the early years to an era of interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of advanced technologies. The review concludes that nutrition education research has undergone substantial growth and transformation over the past fifty years. It has evolved to address complex nutritional challenges through informed, evidence-based strategies, reflecting its adaptability and responsiveness to changing public health concerns and scientific evidence. This scientometric review maps the field's historical development. It serves as a guidepost for future research directions, underscoring the ongoing importance of nutrition education in enhancing global health and well-being.

Revolutionizing Health Management: Developing a Wearable Device for Real-time Heart Rate Measurement and Prediction of Hypertension Risks

This research paper introduces SyncFit, a wearable gadget coupled with a web platform for instant heart rate monitoring and hypertension risk forecasting. The gadget employs a Python-based random forest algorithm to scrutinize heart rate data and anticipate abnormal rates signaling hypertension risk. The web platform, constructed with Streamlit and Firebase, grants users access to their heart rate analysis and hypertension risk evaluation. The research showcases SyncFit's capability to transform health management by enabling individuals to proactively monitor their health and predict risks, thereby facilitating optimization of their wellness journey. SyncFit enhances user experience with a range of features beyond its core functions, ensuring effortless integration into daily routines. Its sleek, ergonomic design prioritizes comfort, enabling seamless wear throughout the day. Additionally, its intuitive interface and user-friendly controls facilitate easy navigation and customization, catering to diverse user preferences. SyncFit's robust construction and advanced tech establish a new benchmark for wearable health monitors, blending style and functionality to empower users in their wellness journey. SyncFit commits to constant improvement and innovation, with ongoing R&D aimed at expanding capabilities and addressing emerging health challenges. Future versions will integrate more sensors and advanced analytics, offering a deeper understanding of health. Integration with AI and cloud tech will revolutionize personalized health management, making preventive care proactive, empowering individuals to optimize well-being. Key Words: wearable device, heart rate, hypertension risk, web application, machine learning, artificial intelligence, streamlit.

Research Note: A Novel Sullivan Method Projection Framework With Application to Long COVID

Originally developed for estimating healthy life expectancy, the traditional Sullivan method continues to be a popular tool for obtaining point-in-time estimates of the population impacts of a wide range of health and social conditions. However, except in rare data-intensive cases, the method is subject to stringent stationarity assumptions, which often do not align with real-world conditions and restrict its resulting estimates and applications. In this research note, we present an expansion of the original method to apply within a population projection framework. The Sullivan method projection framework produces estimates that offer new insights about future trends in population health and social arrangements under various demographic and epidemiologic scenarios, such as the percentage of life years that population members can expect to spend with a condition of interest in a time interval under different assumptions. We demonstrate the utility of this framework using the case of long COVID, illustrating both its operation and potential to reveal insights about emergent population health challenges under various theoretically informed scenarios. The traditional Sullivan method provides a summary measure of the present, while its incorporation into a projection framework enables preparation for a variety of potential futures.

Understanding the training, mentorship, and professional development priorities of early career embedded researchers.

Health systems are constantly evolving in response to existing and emerging health challenges and are increasingly adopting the Quintuple Aim to guide transformation and improvement efforts. Addressing health challenges and achieving the Quintuple Aim (enhancing patient experience, improving healthcare provider experience, promoting population health, optimising the value of healthcare services, and advancing health equity) may be enhanced with the use of a Learning Health Systems approach that fosters the real-time use of data and evidence to inform improvement efforts and harnesses embedded researchers to co-produce timely, relevant evidence to address priorities. Training programs have emerged to build embedded research capacity within health system organisations and have focused predominantly on the postdoctoral career stage, with little attention paid to the early career researcher (ECR) stage. The objective of this study was to understand ECR training and mentorship needs in the embedded research context to inform the creation new or adaptation of existing programs to build embedded ECR capacity. This study used a qualitative approach to garner insight from embedded and applied scholars and health systems leaders in Canada from various professional backgrounds and at various career stages using a combination of focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and an online survey. Thematic content analysis was used to examine the responses of study participants within the interview themes. Twenty-six (26) participants were included in the study. Results were organised according to four key themes: (1) key competencies and skills needed by embedded ECRs; (2) additional training and capacity development needs; (3) training delivery approaches; and (4) enablers and challenges faced by embedded ECRs. Results highlight the importance of supporting ECRs to develop their leadership and organisational management capabilities; their knowledge of and ability to use research approaches that are well-suited to real-world, complex, evolving environments; and their opportunities to learn with and from each other and mentors. Results underscore the perceived importance of context, including being embedded in a supportive environment that values research and evidence and of academic incentives that recognise and value real-world research impact. The challenges of responding to shifting organisational and system priorities were identified. Additional insights from health systems leaders were also highlighted. This study identified the multifaceted needs of embedded ECRs and the challenges they face within healthcare systems. Designing new programs or tailoring existing ones to address these needs would build their capacity, foster career progression, and ensure their impact as leaders of evidence-informed health system improvement which is crucial for achieving the Quintuple Aim.

Exploring the In Vitro Antidiabetic Potential of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lemongrass and Mint Formulation.

Aim This study aimed to compare the antidiabetic effect of metal oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs and ZnONPs)prepared using lemongrass and mint herbal formulations. Introduction The study explores green-synthesized nanoparticles for potential applications in diabetes management, emphasizing sustainable synthesis methods, particularly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) produced from lemongrass and mint herbal formulations. The study was prompted by the increasing importance of innovative therapeutic strategies, responding to emerging health challenges, and leveraging advancements in nanotechnology and eco-friendly practices to explore the potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles in diabetes management. Methods The methods involve herbal formulation preparation, CuONPs and ZnONPs synthesis, and UV-visible spectrophotometry for characterization. In vitro antidiabetic activity is assessed through α-amylase and β-glucosidase enzyme assays using varied nanoparticle concentrations (10-50 µL). Results Visual observations confirm successful synthesis, with distinct color changes observed in both CuONPs and ZnONPs after 24 hours. UV-visible spectrophotometry reveals absorption peaks at 440 nm and 380 nm for CuONPs and ZnONPs, respectively. In the α-amylase assay, both nanoparticles exhibit concentration-dependent inhibition, with CuONPs ranging from 40% to 77% and ZnONPs ranging from 36% to 80%. The β-glucosidase assay demonstrates similar concentration-dependent inhibition patterns, highlighting significant differences. Conclusion The study concludes that CuONPs and ZnONPs synthesis using lemongrass and mint herbal formulations show concentration-dependent antidiabetic activity. The comparative analysis underscores the need for tailored approaches based on nanoparticle composition. These findings contribute valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles, paving the way for future nanomedicine research and development in diabetes management.

Emerging technologies in public health campaigns: Artificial intelligence and big data

This research explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data into public health campaigns, envisioning a future where precision, personalization, and proactive interventions redefine healthcare. Analyzing the transformative potential and challenges, the study examines AI's role in disease surveillance, diagnostics, and predictive modeling, alongside Big Data's contributions to personalized interventions and comprehensive health understanding. Ethical considerations, the digital divide, and regulatory frameworks are central challenges, necessitating a delicate balance between innovation and responsibility. The conclusion foresees a healthcare landscape where AI and Big Data enhance the effectiveness of public health campaigns, promising a future characterized by equitable, data-driven, and resilient approaches to address emerging health challenges.

A Multi-Objective Approach Optimizing Pharmacy Industry Decisions through MOORA Method

The pharmacy industry, a crucial pillar of the healthcare sector, encompasses the discovery, development, production, distribution, and sale of pharmaceutical drugs and medications. With an intricate interplay of scientific innovation, medical expertise, and commercial activities, this industry plays an indispensable role in safeguarding and improving human health. From the inception of groundbreaking drugs to their widespread distribution, the pharmacy industry integrates various stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, researchers, healthcare professionals, regulators, and consumers. It strives to address a wide spectrum of health conditions, from acute ailments to chronic diseases, by developing innovative treatments, generic medicines, and over-the-counter drugs. The pharmacy industry's evolution has been marked by technological advancements, research breakthroughs, and regulatory frameworks to ensure drug safety and efficacy. As the global population continues to grow and age, the industry faces the challenges of maintaining affordability, accessibility, and quality of medications. Furthermore, the pharmacy industry is a catalyst for economic growth, creating jobs, fostering research collaborations, and contributing to national and international healthcare systems. Its multifaceted nature, ranging from drug research to patient care, underscores its significance in the broader landscape of healthcare and public well-being. Research within the pharmacy industry holds immense significance due to its pivotal role in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. Pharmaceutical research drives the development of new medications, innovative therapies, and treatment protocols, enhancing the efficacy and safety of drugs. It also uncovers insights into disease mechanisms, fostering a deeper understanding of health conditions. Furthermore, research guides regulatory decisions, ensuring drugs' quality, and promotes evidence-based medical practices. Through ongoing investigation, the pharmacy industry continually evolves, addressing emerging health challenges, optimizing drug utilization, and ultimately contributing to the overall enhancement of global healthcare standards. MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis) is a decision-making method used to evaluate and prioritize alternatives based on multiple conflicting criteria. It involves comparing alternatives' performance ratios against reference alternatives, considering both benefits and drawbacks. By assigning weights to criteria, MOORA quantifies their importance and ranks alternatives accordingly. This technique assists in complex decision scenarios where various factors must be balanced. MOORA's systematic approach aids in reaching well-informed decisions by quantifying trade-offs and providing a structured framework for considering multiple objectives simultaneously. Product Innovation, Market Share (%), Research Investment ($ billion), Patient Satisfaction, Drug Efficacy (%), Global Reach (countries). Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Rite Aid.From the result it is seen that Novartisis got the first rank where as is the Rite Aidis having the lowest rank.

Evolution of HIV Health Care Workforce Needs in the U.S. Mountain West During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Method Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected health care delivery for vulnerable populations. Many facilities shifted services to telemedicine, and people with HIV or at risk of acquiring HIV experienced interruptions in care. Simultaneously, traditional training approaches to help providers adapt were disrupted. Using a mixed method approach to examine changes over time, we integrated data on trainee needs collected by the Mountain West AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC): a 10-state needs assessment survey in 2020; feedback from a 2020 community of practice; aggregate training data from 2000 to 2022; and a second survey in 2022. HIV care providers' training needs evolved from wanting support on telemedicine and COVID-19 patient care issues, to a later focus on mental health and substance use, social determinants of health, and care coordination. This integrative analysis demonstrates the vital role that AETCs can play in addressing evolving and emergent public health challenges for the HIV workforce.

COVID-19 and Patient Safety—Lessons From 2 Efforts to Keep People Safe

This Viewpoint examines the similarities between medical errors and COVID-19 and discusses lessons applicable to ongoing and emerging health challenges.

The leading global health challenges in the artificial intelligence era.

Millions of people's health is at risk because of several factors and multiple overlapping crises, all of which hit the vulnerable the most. These challenges are dynamic and evolve in response to emerging health challenges and concerns, which need effective collaboration among countries working toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and securing global health. Mental Health, the Impact of climate change, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, Infectious diseases, health system, and population aging are examples of challenges known to pose a vast burden worldwide. We are at a point known as the "digital revolution," characterized by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and a fusion of technology types. AI has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing various health challenges, and the last ten years have been influential due to the rapid expansion in the production and accessibility of health-related data. The computational models and algorithms can understand complicated health and medical data to perform various functions and deep-learning strategies. This narrative mini-review summarizes the most current AI applications to address the leading global health challenges. Harnessing its capabilities can ultimately mitigate the Impact of these challenges and revolutionize the field. It has the ability to strengthen global health through personalized health care and improved preparedness and response to future challenges. However, ethical and legal concerns about individual or community privacy and autonomy must be addressed for effective implementation.

Global Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution: A Call for More Integrated Approaches to Address Inequities in Emerging Health Challenges

The advent of the COVID-19 vaccine signified a historic milestone in the field of vaccinology, showcasing remarkable scientific collaboration and global solidarity. However, the most prominent hurdle in maximizing the global public health impact of vaccines remains the absence of comprehensive and inclusive health systems in both high- and low-resource settings. Our discussion centers around the major contributing factors that played a key role in formulating the rapid and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines. Simultaneously, we illuminate the disparities that have marred the vaccine delivery process throughout the pandemic. In particular, we highlight the case scenarios of two minority and vulnerable communities from the Global South and North—the undocumented migrants in Thailand and the Roma community in Europe—who continue to experience inequitable vaccine access regardless of their location. We note that a crucial programmatic solution that is rooted in inclusive and equitable global public health policy, characterized by empathy and trust and bolstered by digital innovation, is lacking. These examples underscore the significance of establishing a comprehensive and integrated health system at multiple levels across countries and the entire world. Furthermore, we highlight the need for both local and global actors to collaboratively engage in vaccine distribution efforts. By gaining a concise grasp of these intricacies, the global community will be better poised to effectively combat future pandemics and emerging health challenges.

Identifying the Gaps Between Public Health Training and Practice: A Workforce Competencies Analysis

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the critical needs for a well-qualified and proficient workforce to provide comprehensive, high-quality health services, reach minorities, reduce health inequalities, and confront emerging health challenges. We aimed to generate insights on how best to enhance the compatibility between Public Health (PH) training program competencies and the implementation of competencies required by employers in addressing emerging public health needs. Methods We conducted an online survey, adapted from the WHO-ASPHER Competency Framework for the PH Workforce, among Israeli PH managers from August to November 2021. The survey was pretested using a modified Delphi method process. The final survey comprised 44 PH competencies divided into ten categories and was formulated to mirror Essential Public Health Operations (EPHOs). Reliability of items ranged from Cronbach's α = 0.56 to α = 0.86. Forty-nine managers participated (37.6% response rate) in the assessment of PH competencies and the core organizational PH health operations. Participants were employed at regional health departments or governmental offices (51%), followed by Ministry of Health headquarters and other governmental offices (29%). Results Analysis of the EPHOs revealed a high deficiency in Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization for health competencies. Collaborations & Partnership and, Leadership & System Thinking were the most reported insufficient competencies, particularly in health departments and research institutes. Governmental offices reported Organizational Literacy & Adaptability competencies being deficient. Deficiencies were more impactful as the level of expertise increased. Conclusions There is an urgent need for PH professionals to acquire versatile and innovative competencies in response to ever-changing health threats. Using a validated survey backed by an expert consensus, our analyses profiled the work needs of many PH workforce employers. Key messages • Leaders of PH services and PH higher education programs should discuss actionable ways to collaborate, redesign and better adapt educational programs to the evolving and demanding field needs. • Continuous evaluation of PH competencies can prepare a competent PH workforce ready to confront new health challenges and adapt to the changing population health.

Complex Coacervates as a Promising Vehicle for mRNA Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances and Challenges.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies have gained significant attention, following the successful deployment of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Compared with traditional methods of genetic modification, mRNA-based therapies offer several advantages, including a lower risk of genetic mutations, temporary and controlled therapeutic gene expression, and a shorter production time, which facilitates rapid responses to emerging health challenges. Moreover, mRNA-based therapies have shown immense potential in treating a wide range of diseases including cancers, immune diseases, and neurological disorders. However, the current limitations of non-viral vectors for efficient and safe delivery of mRNA therapies, such as low encapsulation efficiency, potential toxicity, and limited stability, necessitate the exploration of novel strategies to overcome these challenges and fully realize the potential of mRNA-based therapeutics. Coacervate-based delivery systems have recently emerged as promising strategies for enhancing mRNA delivery. Coacervates, which are formed by the aggregation of two or more macromolecules, have shown great potential in delivering a wide range of therapeutics due to their ability to form a separated macromolecular-rich fluid phase in an aqueous environment. This phase separation enables the entrapment and protection of therapeutic agents from degradation as well as efficient cellular uptake and controlled release. Additionally, the natural affinity of coacervates for mRNA molecules presents an excellent opportunity for enhancing mRNA delivery to targeted cells and tissues, making coacervate-based delivery systems an attractive option for mRNA-based therapies. This review highlights the limitations of current strategies for mRNA delivery and the advantages of coacervate-based delivery systems to enable mRNA therapeutics. Coacervates protect mRNA from enzymatic degradation and enhance cellular uptake, leading to sustained and controlled gene expression. Despite their promising properties, the specific use of coacervates as mRNA delivery vehicles remains underexplored. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of coacervate-mediated delivery of mRNA, exploring the properties and applications of different coacervating agents as well as the challenges and optimization strategies involved in mRNA encapsulation, release, stability, and translation via coacervate-mediated delivery. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements and recommended future directions, our review sheds light on the promising role of coacervate-mediated delivery for RNA therapeutics, highlighting its potential to enable groundbreaking applications in drug delivery and gene therapy.

Experiences, barriers, and facilitators of health data use among performance monitoring teams (PMT) of health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia: A qualitative study.

Routine health data is crucial in decision-making and improved health outcomes. Despite the significant investments in improving Ethiopia's Performance Monitoring Team (PMT), there is limited evidence on the involvement, implementation strategies, and facilitators and barriers to data utilization by these teams responding to present and emerging health challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the PMT experiences, facilitators, and barriers to information use in healthcare facilities in Eastern Ethiopia. This study employed a phenomenological study design using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify the most relevant constructs, aiming to describe the data use approaches at six facilities in Dire Dawa and Harari regions in July 2021. Key informant interviews were conducted among 18 purposively selected experts using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic coding analysis was applied using a partially deductive approach informed by previous studies and an inductive technique with the creation of new emerging themes. Data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti. Study participants felt the primary function of PMT was improving health service delivery. This study also revealed that data quality, performance, service quality, and improvement strategies were among the major focus areas of the PMT. Data use by the PMT was affected by poor data quality, absence of accountability, and lack of recognition for outstanding performance. In addition, the engagement of PMT members on multiple committees negatively impacted data use leading to inadequate follow-up of PMT activities, weariness, and insufficient time to complete responsibilities. Performance monitoring teams in the health facilities were established and functioning according to the national standard. However, barriers to operative data use included PMT engagement with multiple committees, poor data quality, lack of accountability, and poor documentation practices. Addressing the potential barriers by leveraging the PMT and existing structures have the potential to improve data use and health service performance.

Podcasting as a Tool for Crisis Communications: The Story of Public Health On Call.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health created Public Health On Call, a podcast that features interviews with health experts about urgent issues in the response. After the initial episodes were downloaded tens of thousands of times, the Bloomberg School of Public Health established a podcast team. Episodes included interviews with health officers, elected leaders, foreign officials, physicians, patients, and community leaders. By the end of 2022, episodes of the podcast had been downloaded more than 9.6 million times. The Public Health On Call podcast became an important adjunct to other methods of information dissemination, with greater detail than news interviews and less formality than published articles. The podcast represents a successful rapid response to an emerging health challenge in a new world of media, and serves as a platform for direct engagement of academic health experts with the public.

Antimicrobial peptides against polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: a patent review

The spread of polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains represents an emerging health challenge, limiting treatment options for the patients. Thus, the development of new antimicrobials is an urgent requirement. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a large class of compounds that are part of innate immune response; these peptides are promising compounds in the field of antimicrobial resistance and are present in all organisms. The present review evaluated patents on antimicrobial peptides tested against polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae, available on Espacenet as of September 2022. A total of 1313 patents were examined and 1197 excluded as they were out of focus for this review; 104 patents of peptides tested against K. pneumoniae were included; of which only 14 were tested against polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. The results indicated that all AMPs evaluated were in the experimental or pre-clinical phase; the clinical phase is pending. Furthermore, a few peptides were tested effectively against polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae. Although, the research and patent filing alone are not enough to develop a suitable antimicrobial therapy, they can represent good starting point upon which to develop new antimicrobials. More investment is required to push these pharmaceuticals through the stages of development to introduce them into the market.

Sarcopenic Obesity as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: An Underrecognized Clinical Entity.

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a chronic condition and an emerging health challenge, in view of the growing elderly population and the obesity epidemic. Due to a lack of awareness among treating doctors and the non-specific nauture of the associated symptoms, SO remains grossly underdiagnosed. There is no consensus yet on a standard definition or diagnostic criteria for SO, which limits the estimation of the global prevalence of this condition. It has been linked to numerous metabolic derangements, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. The treatment of SO is multimodal and requires expertise across multiple specialties. While dietary modifications and exercise regimens have shown a potential therapeutic benefit, there is currently no proven pharmacological management for SO. However, numerous drugs and the role of bariatric surgery are still under trial, and have great scope for further research. This article covers the available literature regarding the definition, diagnostic criteria, and prevalence of SO, with available evidence linking it to CVD, metabolic disease and mortality, and an overview of current directives on management.