High Incidence Of Disease Research Articles

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome: A Case Report with a Novel Congenital Heart Disease Association

Introduction: Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare non-hereditary syndrome. The key diagnosis is unique facial features, limb anomalies, and growth retardation. Cardiac defects with gastrointestinal and genitourinary anomalies may be associated. Case Presentation: This is a case of neonatal CdLS that we think is interesting due to its association with a novel congenital heart complex. Conclusions: Patients with CdLS have a high incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD), so a cardiologic study of all of these patients is suggested.

Development and assessment of diabetic nephropathy prediction model using hub genes identified by weighted correlation network analysis

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one microvascular complication of diabetes. About 30% of diabetic patients can develop DN, which is closely related to the high incidence and mortality of heart diseases, and then develop end-stage renal diseases. Therefore, early detection and screening of high-risk patients with DN is important. Herein, we explored the differences of serum transcriptomics between DN and non-DN in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. We obtained 110 target genes using weighted correlation network analysis. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicates these target genes are mainly related to membrane adhesion, alpha-amino acid biosynthesis, metabolism, and binding, terminus, inhibitory synapse, clathrinid-sculpted vesicle, kinase activity, hormone binding, receptor activity, and transporter activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicates the process of DN in diabetic patients can involve synaptic vesicle cycle, cysteine and methionine metabolism, N-Glycan biosynthesis, osteoclast differentiation, and cAMP signaling pathway. Next, we detected the expression levels of hub genes in a retrospective cohort. Then, we developed a risk score tool included in the prediction model for early DN in T2DM patients. The prediction model was well applied into clinical practice, as confirmed by internal validation and several other methods. A novel DN risk model with relatively high prediction accuracy was established based on clinical characteristics and hub genes of serum detection. The estimated risk score can help clinicians develop individualized intervention programs for DN in T2DM. External validation data are required before individualized intervention measures.

Agro-ecological factors influencing geographic distribution and epidemic development of hot pepper wilt complex disease in Northwestern Ethiopia

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production is seriously affected by the wilt complex disease. A study was executed in Northwestern Ethiopia during the 2020 and 2021 main cropping seasons to assess the geographic distribution of the hot pepper wilt complex disease and the association of agro-ecological factors influencing epidemic development. In total, 304 fields were assessed in 11 districts and four zones. The associations among disease variables and biophysical factors were determined using logistic regression analyses. Major pathogens associated with wilt complex disease that exhibited 100% occurrence in all the surveyed districts were Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici, F. solani and Rhizoctonia solani. Out of the 304 hot pepper fields assessed, 233 fields (76.6%) were affected by the wilt complex disease. The highest mean disease incidence (72.4%) and severity (70.1%) were recorded in the Jabi Tehena district, while the lowest incidence (17.1%) and severity (14.9%) were recorded in the Guagusa Shekudad district. District, year, altitude, plant growth stage, weeding frequency, previous crop, wilt management practice, cropping system, and disease-aggravating factor revealed highly significant (p < 0.001) associations with disease incidence and severity. These predictor variables influenced the disease development either positively or negatively in the surveyed areas. The high (≥50%) incidence and severity of wilt complex disease in hot pepper were positively and strongly associated with Bure, Dembecha, Jabi Tehena and Wenberma districts in the 2020 cropping season, where the altitude was <2000 m a.s.l., wilting began at the seedling growth stage, weeding frequency was 1–3 times, and the previous crop was a vegetable. Hence, proper crop husbandry practices and cultural wilt management techniques should be employed by growers to minimize wilt complex disease epidemic development and to sustain hot pepper production and productivity in the survey areas and other locations with similar agro-ecologies.

Cancer care beyond the clinic: An analysis of participation at The Gathering Place, a stand-alone cancer support community.

214 Background: A wealth of published data exists highlighting the benefits of alternative and supportive therapies when used in combination with traditional medical approaches for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Many physical and emotional symptoms, along with quality of life, can be improved through exercise, artistic expression, mind-body practices and support group participation. While many of these services are offered through healthcare systems or large national foundations, fewer community-run organizations exist. The Gather Place (TGP) uniquely serves the Greater Cleveland area at two stand-alone locations. A wide variety of programs and services are offered, free-of-charge, to those affected by cancer. Since spring of 2020, most services have been provided virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While few studies have evaluated predictors of support group utilization, there is limited data on the demographics of participants at individual support communities. Methods: De-identified, retrospective data was gathered from 04/01/2021 to 03/31/2022. Participant data including age, gender, ethnicity, residential zip code, cancer type, treatment center, date of first attendance, programs attended, and frequency of program attendance were collected and analyzed. Results: 1,494 participants with cancer utilized services at TGP with varying rates of unknown data among each category. Educational opportunities, support groups and one-on-one emotional support sessions were most frequently attended. Female involvement was greater than males (83.9% v. 15.7%), with higher participation among Caucasians compared to African Americans (79.5% v. 16.2%). 67.1% of participants resided in zip codes above the median household income of Cuyahoga County. Participants with breast and gynecologic cancers made up the majority (44.3% &amp; 10.1%), while those with cutaneous, head/neck and hepatobiliary malignancies comprised the smallest distribution (1.6%, 1.7% &amp; 1.8%). Conclusions: TGP is a unique organization unaffiliated with a major healthcare system providing nutrition, fitness, healing arts, education and individual/group support programs. Despite a high incidence of prostate and lung cancer diagnoses in Northeast Ohio, participants with these malignancies were a small percentage of total attendees, differing from the high disease incidence and program participation seen in patients with breast cancer. As information was gathered solely during the COVID-19 pandemic when program delivery shifted to the virtual setting, racial or income disparities reported here may reflect similar disparities seen in tele-health during the pandemic. The gaps in utilization we identified highlight opportunities for targeted areas of improved education and referral.

Orientia tsutsugamushi in Chiggers and Small Mammals in Laos.

Background: Scrub typhus is a leading cause of febrile illness in Laos and accounts for a high burden of disease. There have been no previous studies on the causative agent, Orientia tsutsugamushi, in vector mites ("chiggers") or their small mammal hosts in Laos. Materials and Methods: Small mammals and free-living chiggers were trapped in districts of Vientiane Province and Capital. Tissues were tested for O. tsutsugamushi by PCR and serum for IgG to O. tsutsugamushi by immunofluorescence assays (IFAs). Chiggers removed from small mammals and collected in their free-living stage using black plates were identified and tested for O. tsutsugamushi by PCR. Results: Over an 18-month period, 131 small mammals of 14 species were collected in 5 districts. Seventy-eight of 131 small mammals were infested with chiggers, but all tissues were O. tsutsugamushi PCR negative. Eighteen species of chigger were identified and 1,609 were tested by PCR. A single pool of chiggers tested O. tsutsugamushi positive. Sera from 52 small mammals were tested by IFA, with 16 testing positive. Conclusions: These are the first molecular and serological data on O. tsutsugamushi in chiggers and small mammals in Laos. Further studies are needed to better understand the key vector species and ecology of scrub typhus in areas with high disease incidence in Laos.

Effectiveness of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centres for improving physical fitness for community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionThe increasing ageing population has become a substantial challenge for both healthcare and social services in many Asian countries. There is a high incidence of chronic diseases and comorbidities in...

Price volatility spillovers among major wheat markets in the world

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) yield is characterized by low productivity but may be increased through the adoption of new technology or the efficient allocation of existing resources. In addition, improving the level of resource allocation is important for improving productivity. This study investigated resource use efficiency in small-scale okra production. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 100 respondents. The primary data generated through the survey of 100 okra farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the ordinary least squares regression model, and marginal value analysis. The average age of the respondents was 45 years, with 7 members in the household, and 2.8ha being farmed. The ordinary least squares regression estimate indicated age, labor, farm size, and herbicide and insecticide use that influenced okra production. Returns to scale was 2.09; resource use efficiency indicated the following values: farm size 0.343, herbicide application 0.857, insecticide application 0.75, and labor 4.80. The high cost of inputs (1.93), low numbers of extension contact with farmers (1.82), high incidence of pests and disease (1.49), non-access to credit (1.39), difficulty in obtaining labor (1.23), drought (1.15), and marketing problems (1.09) are constraints negatively affecting okra production. Although the positive and statistically significant effect of pesticides, farm size, and labor indicate these inputs can effectively improve okra production, small-scale okra production is inefficient because farmers use too many pesticides and farmland and less labor than is needed. The marginal product of inputs is not enough to offset the corresponding marginal cost. Therefore, small-scale farmers should operate on smaller farms than they currently do, apply pesticides at recommended rates, and spend more on labor. So, training should be organized through extension workers and agricultural research stations to improve scientific knowledge of farmers for efficient use of productive resources.

Assessing resource use efficiency and investment in small-scale okra production in Osun State, Nigeria

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) yield is characterized by low productivity but may be increased through the adoption of new technology or the efficient allocation of existing resources. In addition, improving the level of resource allocation is important for improving productivity. This study investigated resource use efficiency in small-scale okra production. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 100 respondents. The primary data generated through the survey of 100 okra farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the ordinary least squares regression model, and marginal value analysis. The average age of the respondents was 45 years, with 7 members in the household, and 2.8ha being farmed. The ordinary least squares regression estimate indicated age, labor, farm size, and herbicide and insecticide use that influenced okra production. Returns to scale was 2.09; resource use efficiency indicated the following values: farm size 0.343, herbicide application 0.857, insecticide application 0.75, and labor 4.80. The high cost of inputs (1.93), low numbers of extension contact with farmers (1.82), high incidence of pests and disease (1.49), non-access to credit (1.39), difficulty in obtaining labor (1.23), drought (1.15), and marketing problems (1.09) are constraints negatively affecting okra production. Although the positive and statistically significant effect of pesticides, farm size, and labor indicate these inputs can effectively improve okra production, small-scale okra production is inefficient because farmers use too many pesticides and farmland and less labor than is needed. The marginal product of inputs is not enough to offset the corresponding marginal cost. Therefore, small-scale farmers should operate on smaller farms than they currently do, apply pesticides at recommended rates, and spend more on labor. So, training should be organized through extension workers and agricultural research stations to improve scientific knowledge of farmers for efficient use of productive resources.

Enhancement of molecular characterization for antitumor activity on HepG2 cell lines by using some nano-polyphenolic compounds with gamma radiation

Polyphenolic compounds are a natural compounds found in some plants such as fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, nuts, chocolate, and spices. Curcumin, quercetin, and hesperidin belonging to the polyphenols are characterized by their ability to act as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-oxidants. On the other hand, nanoparticles may significantly increase the bioavailability of natural products against cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence of cancer diseases, and a high level of mortality. The current study aims to study the possibility of inhibiting the viability of HepG2 cancer cells by using some nano-polyphenolic compounds combined with (or without) small doses of gamma rays. HepG2 cell lines were treated with different doses of nano-curcumin, nano-quercetin, and nano-hesperidin together with2 doses γ-radiations., 2and 5Gy. The viability of the cell line was examined by MTT assay.Real-timetime PCR was used to evaluate the expression of p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes. The nano-polyphenolic compounds decreased cell viability in all groups when compared with the control group. Furthermore, nano-compounds increased the expression of p53, and Bax genes, but in Bcl-2 gene expression decreased.The data obtained from the current study revealed that the use of curcumin, hesperidin and quercetin in appropriate doses in their nanoform with gamma rays has an effective effect in killing cancer cells.

Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Bacillusamyloliquefaciens and B. velezensis and Characterization of the Bioactive Secondary Metabolites Produced against Plant Pathogenic Fungi.

Simple SummaryPlant pathogenic fungi cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in major losses in the yield and the quality of different economic crops. Chemical fungicides are dangerous to human health and the environment. They have many harmful side effects on non-target organisms. Moreover, their residues have been found in human food. Endophytic bacteria could be a valuable and safe alternative method for the biological control of phytopathogenic fungus. The endophyte Bacillus amyloliquefaciens provides a strong prospect as a biocontrol agent against Alternaria sp. on pepper plants.Endophytic bacteria are plant-beneficial bacteria with a broad host range. They provide numerous benefits to their hosts, helping them tolerate several biotic and abiotic stresses. An interest has recently been developed in endophytic bacteria which are producing bioactive compounds that contribute to the biological control of various phytopathogens. This research paper aimed to investigate the potentiality of new local strains of endophytic bacteria such as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. velezensis and the production of several antimicrobial metabolites associated with the biocontrol of Alternaria sp., which cause serious diseases and affect important vegetable crops in Egypt. Twenty-five endophytic bacteria isolates were obtained from different plants cultivated in El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Dual culture technique was used to evaluate the bacterial isolates’ antagonistic potentiality against Alternaria sp. and Helminthosporium sp. The most active bacterial isolates obtained were selected for further screening. The antifungal activity of the most active endophytic bacterial isolate was assessed in vivo on pepper seedlings as a biocontrol agent against Alternaria sp. A significant antifungal activity was recorded with isolates C1 and T5 against Alternaria sp. and Helminthosporium sp. The bacterial endophyte discs of C1 and T5 showed the highest inhibitory effect against Alternaria sp. at 4.7 and 3.1 cm, respectively, and Helminthosporium sp. at 3.9 and 4.0 cm, respectively. The most active endophytic isolates C1 and T5 were identified and the 16S rRNA sequence was submitted to the NCBI GenBank database with accession numbers: MZ945930 and MZ945929 for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus velezensis, respectively. The deformity of pathogenic fungal mycelia of Alternaria sp. and Helminthosporium sp. was studied under the biotic stress of bacteria. The culture filtrates of B. amyloliquefaciens and B. velezensis were extracted with different solvents, and the results indicated that hexane was the most efficient. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry revealed that Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester, and N,N-Dimethyldodecylamine were major constituents of the endophytic crude extracts obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens and B. velezensis. The in vivo results showed that Alternaria sp. infection caused the highest disease incidence, leading to a high reduction in plant height and in the fresh and dry weights of pepper plants. With B. amyloliquefaciens application, DI significantly diminished compared to Alternaria sp. infected pepper plants, resulting in an increase in their morphological parameters. Our findings allow for a reduction of chemical pesticide use and the control of some important plant diseases.

Saliva Abh Secretor Status in Kano, Nigeria

: Background: A study to obtain reference data that would be useful in comparative and analytical studies on ABH secretor status in Kano, North Western Nigeria. Method: A total of 256 subjects made up of 129 consecutive blood donors and 127 women attending Antenatal Clinic in AKTH were recruited for the study. Their secretor status was determined using saliva samples. Results: One hundred and eighty (70.31%) of the subjects studied secretors while Non- secretors were 76 (29.69%). Conclusion: There is high rate of non-secretors in Kano metropolis compared to various studies carried out in different parts of the Nigeria though similar to other climes like Dhaka in Bangladesh and Karachi in Pakistan which may be associated with the high incidence of duodenal Ulcer disease in the locality of this study.

Comorbidities in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, affecting 85% of men and 40% of women. Androgenetic alopecia is a disease caused by multiple factors, such as genetics, hormones, and systemic diseases; however, the exact cause remains undetermined. Recent studies have found that it is associated with a high incidence of endocrine diseases and other comorbidities. It may not only be a skin disease but also an early signal of underlying systemic diseases. Effective management requires timely diagnosis and treatment initiation. However, in current clinical practice, androgenetic alopecia is still not fully understood or treated. Recognizing the true physical, social, and emotional burden of androgenic alopecia, as well as its associated comorbidities, is the first step in improving the prognosis of affected patients. This review aimed to gather the known pathological factors and provide a reference for clinical physicians to understand androgenetic alopecia and its comorbidities in depth, thereby enabling early recognition of the underlying systemic diseases and providing timely treatment.

The necessity of improving cardiovascular health in commercial motor vehicle drivers

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have an increased risk for cardiometabolic risk factors and higher rates of cardiovascular disease relative to the general population. Lifestyle factors, including the sedentary nature of driving and lack of access to healthy foods, contribute to the disproportionately high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among commercial vehicle (CMV) drivers. Occupational physicals represent an important opportunity to reach populations with a high prevalence and incidence of coronary artery disease who may not otherwise seek preventive care. These visits are an opportunity to discuss primary and secondary prevention, including lifestyle topics such as diet and exercise, and potentially recommend or implement preventive medical therapy when indicated. Future iterations of licensing guidelines for drivers should seek to incorporate updated recommendations regarding diet, physical activity, and preventive pharmacologic therapies.

Clinical report: Chronic liver dysfunction in an individual with an AMOTL1 variant

AMOTL1 is a member of the Motin protein family and localizes to tight junctions and is involved in cell polarity and paracellular permeability. Pathological variants have been reported in three patients from two separate families in recent years. The clinical spectrum includes cleft lip and palate along with a high incidence of congenital cardiac disease and ear malformations. We report a case of AMOTL1 pathogenic variant in a 11-year-old male patient with nonspecific and chronic liver dysfunction accompanied by persistently elevated liver enzymes since early infancy. Liver biopsy at 8 years of age revealed a mildly dilated central vein and sinusoid with no specific etiology. Liver dysfunction is not a known clinical feature of AMOTL1 malfunction. However, given that the protein is known to be involved in angiogenesis, it may be inferred that abnormalities in this process may lead to liver dysfunction. This is the first report of liver dysfunction identified in a patient with AMOTL1 malfunction, which will shed light on other putative functions of the protein.

Epidemiological characteristics of notifiable infectious diseases in Beijing, 2021

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of notifiable infectious diseases reported in Beijing in 2021 under the influence of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic prevention and control policy, and provide reference evidence for the prevention and control of notifiable infectious diseases. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the morbidity of notifiable infectious diseases reported in Beijing in 2021, with software R 4.1.2 for data process and ArcGIS 10.8 for visualization. Results: The morbidity of notifiable infectious diseases in Beijing in 2021 was 290.51/100 000, a decrease of 43.29% compared with 2020 and a decrease of 71.45% compared with the average during 2017-2019. The top 5 reported diseases with high morbidity were other infectious diarrhea, influenza, hand foot and mouth disease, pulmonary tuberculosis and syphilis. From the perspective of transmission route, intestinal infectious diseases were the main diseases, accounting for 50.15% (31 898/63 601) of the total cases. From the perspective of pathogens, viral infectious diseases were the main diseases, accounting for 59.63% (25 259/42 356) of the total cases. The laboratory diagnosis rate of notifiable infectious diseases reported in Beijing increased from the average of 16.47% (36 289/220 371) during 2017-2019 to 35.36% (22 490/63 601) in 2021. The laboratory diagnosis rate of parasitic infectious diseases was 83.33%. The districts with high incidence of intestinal infectious diseases were Pinggu, Miyun and Fengtai; Natural foci and insect borne infectious diseases were mainly reported in Yanqing, Mentougou, Fangshan and Daxing. Conclusion: The morbidity of notifiable infectious diseases in Beijing in 2021 showed a decrease trend. The laboratory confirmation rate of reported notifiable infectious disease cases increased, and there were great differences in the laboratory confirmation rate among different diseases. It is very necessary to improve the laboratory confirmation rate of the cases. The diseases with different transmission routes showed different geographical distributions. It is necessary to conduct the targeted prevention and control of infectious diseases in different areas.

The mechanism of colon tissue damage mediated by HIF-1α/NF-κB/STAT1 in high-altitude environment.

The high-altitude environment damages the intestinal mucosal barrier, leading to a high incidence of intestinal diseases and seriously affects the working ability of people at high altitude. However, how high altitude induces intestinal mucosal barrier injury has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of colonic tissue injury induced by the influence of the high-altitude environment on the colonic microenvironment. Forty-eight SPF C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group and three other that were high-altitude exposure groups (Yushu, Qinghai; elevation: 4,010 m; 12 h, 24 h, 48 h). First, HE staining was used to observe the effect of the high-altitude environment on colon histomorphology of mice. The protein expression levels of claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 were analyzed by molecular biological methods. We found that altitude caused inflammatory damage to colon tissue. Intestinal hypoxia was measured with the hypoxic probe pimonidazole (PMDZ). Interestingly, we observed a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the microenvironment in the colonic lumen. We sought to explore the mechanism of colonic mucosal barrier damage at different times when entering high altitude. The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factors: HIF-1α, STAT1, and NF-κB and of inflammatory factors: IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly increased. This work highlights that the high-altitude environment leads to a reduction in the concentration of oxygen in the microenvironment of the colonic lumen, which disrupts the colonic mucosal barrier and ultimately induces and exacerbates intestinal injury.

Conjunctival microbiota of newborns: Current state of the problem and clinical perspectives

The species composition of the conjunctival microbiota of newborns and first-year infants informs the selection of an optimal management tactics for the prevention of inflammatory responses. The effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy depends on the availability of susceptibility testing. The most common types of bacteria found in first-year infants include Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. These bacterium types are most sensitive to fluoroquinolones. The bacterial culture of neonates born naturally most frequently contain coagulase-negative staphylococci, Propionibacterium spp, and Corynebacterium spp., while that in neonates born by caesarean section feature coagulasenegative staphylococci, Propionibacterium spp, and Staphylococcus aureus. An examination of infants with neonatal dacryocystitis revealed a high incidence of inflammatory, fungal, and infectious diseases of the genital tract in their mothers. A correlation was established between the bacterial species obtained from conjunctival and cervicovaginal fluid samples. The microflora composition in older infants is characterized by higher complexity compared to that in younger infants. No significant environmental impact is observed in the group of infants under 6 months old. A more complex ocular surface microbiome in childhood is consistent with alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiome. No alterations in the ocular surface microbiome were observed in infants that underwent ophthalmic surgery. The abundance and composition of microflora was found to depend on the geographical location and individual specifics. The conducted research supports the development of a system for monitoring the conjunctival microbiota composition of newborns in obstetric and maternity hospitals.

Incidence of Coronary Artery Disease in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2019-2020: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant cause of death and morbidity in people globally despite advances in treatment. Prevention of CAD risk factors is crucial to reducing its prevalence. We conducted this study to determine the incidence of CAD from 2019 to 2020 in King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and its major risk factors among this population.MethodThis retrospective study involved all patients diagnosed with CAD at KAUH in 2019 and 2020. We analyzed validated hospital data to determine the incidence of CAD and identify the risk factors among participants. The incidence of CAD was calculated based on the total number of patients admitted to KAUH by gender, age group, and nationality (Saudi/non-Saudi).ResultThe study included 1,364 patients with a mean age of 49 years. Most patients were men (n=1,050; 77%), with fewer women (n=314; 23%), and 71.2% were non-Saudi. The incidence of CAD in 2019 was 220.98 per 10,000, and the incidence in 2020 was 3,030.52 per 10,000. However, the incidence for 2020 was confounded by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic-related restrictions affecting hospital admissions. The most common diagnosis was acute transmural myocardial infarction, and patients aged <60 years had a significantly high incidence of hypertension, high total cholesterol levels, low low-density lipoprotein levels, and high triglyceride levels. Patients ≥60 years had a significantly high incidence of chronic kidney disease, low hemoglobin levels, history of ischemic heart disease, and intensive care unit or critical care unit admission.ConclusionThe study demonstrated a significant rise in CAD incidence associated with advanced age and male sex. Further prevention and control of these risk factors would be essential to decrease the incidence of CAD. A national community-based prevention effort should be implemented to avoid the expected CAD epidemic in KSA.

Potential of propolis antifungal activity for clinical applications.

The high incidence of skin diseases of microbial origin along with the widespread increase of microbial resistance demand for therapeutic alternatives. Research on natural compounds has been opening new perspectives for the development of new therapies with health-positive impacts. Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees from plant exudates, is widely used as a natural medicine since ancient times, mainly due to its antimicrobial properties. More recently, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory activities were also reported for this natural product, highlighting its high potential pharmacological interest. In the present work, an extensive review of the main fungi causing skin diseases as well as the effects of natural compounds, particularly propolis, against such disease-causing micro-organisms was organized and compiled in concise handy tables. This information allows to conclude that propolis is a highly effective antimicrobial agent suggesting that it could be used as an alternative skin treatment against pathogenic micro-organisms and also as a cosmeceutical component or as a source of bioactive ingredients.

Chronic Systemic Low-Grade Inflammation and Modern Lifestyle: The Dark Role of Gut Microbiota on Related Diseases with a Focus on COVID-19 Pandemic.

Inflammation is a physiological, beneficial, and auto-limiting response of the host to alarming stimuli. Conversely, a chronic systemic low-grade inflammation (CSLGI), known as a long-time persisting condition, causes damage to the organs and host tissues, representing a major risk for chronic diseases. Currently, a high global incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases is observed, often linked to the lifestyle-related changes that occurred in the last decade. The main lifestyle-related factors are proinflammatory diet, psychological stress, tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, and indoor living and working with its related consequences such as indoor pollution, artificial light exposure, and low vitamin D production. Recent scientific evidence found that gut microbiota (GM) has a main role in shaping the host's health, particularly as CSLGI mediator. Based on the lastest discoveries regarding the remarkable GM activity, in this manuscript we focus on the elements of actual lifestyle that influence the composition and function of the intestinal microbial community in order to elicit the CSLGI and its correlated pathologies. In this scenario, we provide a broad review of the interplay between modern lifestyle, GM, and CSLGI with a special focus on the COVID symptoms and emerging long-COVID syndrome.